In this heartfelt episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff sits down with the thoughtful and passionate Amy Garrett—registered midwife and perinatal counsellor—to talk about the emotional weight midwives carry, and why it’s time we start acknowledging it.

You might remember Amy’s moving post on the International Day of the Midwife—it resonated deeply with many in the birth world. In this conversation, she shares the story behind it and reflects on the grief, trauma, and moral tension that often go unspoken in midwifery care—especially within systems that don’t always make space for emotional honesty.

Kelli and Amy explore the signs of vicarious trauma, the emotional cost of bearing witness, and the need for better support structures like clinical supervision.

(00:44) Meet Amy Garrett: A Midwife's Journey

(01:55) The Emotional Impact of Maternity Care

(03:16) Amy's Viral Post: Honouring Midwives

(05:57) Understanding Vicarious Trauma

(10:52) The Weight of Grief and Guilt

(12:56) Creating Safe Spaces for Midwives

(13:46) The Importance of Speaking Up

(15:15) Supporting Midwives: A Call to Action

(17:00) Amy's Personal Reflections and Advice

(22:25) The Need for Systemic Change

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff is joined by the incredible Jess—a midwife, lactation consultant, hypnobirthing practitioner, and Australia’s first certified birth trauma resolution therapist. You’re going to want to lean into this one.

Jess shares her personal and professional journey into the complex world of birth trauma, and what it means not just for birthing families, but for the midwives and professionals who witness it day in and day out. From recognising the signs of secondary trauma to practical healing tools like the Rewind Technique, this conversation is equal parts grounding and transformative.

Together, Jess and Kelly explore how we can create safer, more trauma-informed spaces for caregivers and why the system urgently needs to shift to better support the people holding the space. It’s raw, wise, and deeply moving—an essential listen for anyone working in perinatal care.

(00:29) Meet Jess: A Journey in Perinatal Care

(01:54) Reading from 'Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma'

(03:05) Jess's Professional Journey and Birth Trauma Work

(06:06) The Rewind Technique: Healing Birth Trauma

(10:52) Recognising and Addressing Trauma in Midwives

(18:42) Balancing Professional and Personal Well-being

(24:56) The Importance of Support and Debriefing

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

Welcome to episode 15 of Midwife Crisis! This week, Kelli sits down with the incredible Melanie Jackson to tackle one of the most pressing issues in maternity care right now: rising induction rates. With 43% of first-time mums in Australia being induced, this isn’t just a blip—it’s reshaping the whole birth landscape.

Melanie brings her usual fire and wisdom as a midwife, educator, and advocate, breaking down what’s really driving these numbers, the impact on women, and the pressure midwives are under to toe the line. This one’s all about informed choice, pushing back against fear-based care, and standing up for what matters.

Oh—and if you’ve been curious about the Great Birth Rebellion Convergence, Melanie’s got all the juicy details. Don’t miss it.

(00:28) The Rising Rate of Induction

(01:06) Impact on Midwives and Mothers

(02:58) Exploring the Reasons Behind Inductions

(03:44) Interview with Melanie Jackson

(04:17) Melanie's Bold Statement: Just Stop It

(07:38) Midwives' Role and Challenges

(11:29) Empowering Women with Information

(25:45) The Rise in Inductions: Causes and Consequences

(28:07) Accuracy of Growth Scans in the Third Trimester

(29:48) Navigating Informed Decision to Decline

(30:44) Challenges for Private Midwives

(31:41) Importance of Thorough Documentation

(37:39) Midwives Managing Induction Epidemic

(40:21) Advice for Midwives: Practical Tips and Mindset

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

In this powerful episode of Midwife Crisis, host Kelli Zakharoff speaks with an anonymous midwife, 'Sarah', about the emotional and professional challenges that come with being reported to regulatory authorities. Set against the backdrop of a small community and independent practice, Sarah shares the aftermath of an adverse event that changed everything.

The episode explores the realities of isolation, financial strain, and the ripple effects on mental health and family life. It also highlights the strength required to keep going in a system that can feel punishing and unsupportive. Sarah’s story is a rare, honest look into the burden midwives can carry—and the resilience that keeps them standing.

In this powerful episode of Midwife Crisis, host Kelli Zakharoff speaks with an anonymous midwife, 'Sarah', about the emotional and professional challenges that come with being reported to regulatory authorities. Set against the backdrop of a small community and independent practice, Sarah shares the aftermath of an adverse event that changed everything.

The episode explores the realities of isolation, financial strain, and the ripple effects on mental health and family life. It also highlights the strength required to keep going in a system that can feel punishing and unsupportive. Sarah’s story is a rare, honest look into the burden midwives can carry—and the resilience that keeps them standing.

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli is back with another brilliant conversation—this time with Victoria, a midwife of over 20 years and mum of seven (yes, seven!), including one through surrogacy. Many of you will love this one: Victoria takes us right back to where her midwifery journey began (spoiler: it started in childhood), and walks us through the highs, lows, and absolute chaos of life as both a midwife and a mother.

She gets real about dealing with hyperemesis in her pregnancies, the realities of working across different models of care, and why informed choice and truly meeting women where they are is everything. It’s warm, funny, and full of the kind of wisdom only years on the job can bring.

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, host Kelli Zakharoff sits down with Catherine Isaac — a clinical nurse and founder of Two Souls Co — to share a conversation that is both deeply personal and powerfully important. Catherine opens up about her own experience of multiple pregnancy losses and the emotional toll they took, not just as a parent, but as a healthcare professional.

Out of her pain, she created the Soul Collection Kit — a gentle, practical resource designed to help families and healthcare providers navigate early pregnancy loss with care, compassion, and dignity. Together, Kelly and Catherine explore what it means to grieve while still showing up in a demanding healthcare environment, and why the system needs to do more to support both patients and the people who care for them.

This is an honest and heartfelt episode about loss, resilience, and the power of turning personal grief into meaningful change.

(00:39) Meet Catherine Isaac: A Journey Through Loss

(02:17) The Day That Changed Everything

(03:04) Navigating the Healthcare System

(04:41) The Emotional and Physical Toll of Miscarriage

(13:39) Returning to Work After Loss

(17:19) Creating the Soul Collection Kit

(21:10) Impact and Future of the Soul Collection Kit

To learn more about Catherine’s work and the Soul Collection Kit, visit twosoulsco.com.au, follow @two.soulsco on Instagram, or reach out directly at hello@twosoulsco.com.au.

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

Welcome back to Season 2 of Midwife Crisis. In this episode, Kelli reflects on the profound and often invisible labour of midwives. Through personal stories and raw truths, Kelli highlights the emotional and clinical challenges faced by midwives, the undervaluation of their work, and their unwavering dedication to women and families.

Join the conversation and honour the incredible strength and resilience of midwives everywhere.

This episode sets the stage for a season filled with inspiring voices from the birth space. Reach out and share your own stories to be part of this vital dialogue.

(00:00) Welcome to Season Two

(00:38) Reflecting on the Work of Midwives

(01:21) Reading from 'Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma'

(02:51) The Invisible Labour of Midwifery

(03:39) The Emotional Toll and Resilience of Midwives

(05:16) A Call to Recognise and Support Midwives

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak

In the final episode of Season 1 of Midwife Crisis, Kelli talks about the theme of 'Transparency is the New Trauma.' The episode explores how transparency in healthcare, while essential, can become an additional layer of trauma for midwives, nurses, and health professionals. Kelli shares a powerful personal story about a patient named Anita who experienced a violation of her bodily autonomy, emphasising the importance of consent and the traumatic repercussions when it's disregarded.

The episode tackles how the push for transparency has cultivated a culture of fear, leading to a lack of support, defensive documentation, and emotional isolation among healthcare workers. Tune in to hear critical insights and share your own experiences anonymously to keep the conversation alive.

(00:24) Transparency: A Double-Edged Sword

(01:15) Speaking Up for Safety

(02:25) The Importance of Consent

(04:14) Anita's Story: A Case Study

(08:03) The Aftermath and Systemic Issues

(11:58) The Culture of Fear in Healthcare

(14:27) Balancing Accountability with Humanity

(15:58) Solutions and Moving Forward

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak