Join Augustine on the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast as she welcomes Ashley from Michigan, who shares her transformative journey from birth trauma to healing and empowerment. Ashley, a former ICU nurse, candidly discusses the importance of recognizing and honoring birth trauma, advocating for co-care and collaborative care, and the revolutionary experience of having a maternal assisted C-section. Together, they delve into the significance of patient rights, the balance between medical intervention and natural processes, and the profound impact compassionate, dignified care can have on the birthing experience. This episode is a powerful testament to the possibility of change and hope within the birthing community.

Links:
For more information about the Turnkey Birth Centre for Sale in Abilene, Texas, write to amy@midwiferywisdom.com
Follow Ashley's Instagram @birthonherterms

00:00 Introduction and Special Announcement
01:26 Meet Ashley: A Journey of Change
03:32 Balancing Art and Science in Birth
04:08 Challenges in Community-Based Midwifery
08:48 Ashley’s Personal Birth Experiences
21:40 The Maternal Assisted C-Section
37:41 Standing Firm on Informed Decisions
38:21 The Importance of Family Inclusion
39:52 Advocating for Support During Birth
41:16 The Impact of Birth Experiences on Mental Health
42:28 The Need for Patient Rights and Advocacy
44:14 The Role of Communication in Healing
48:36 Transforming Pain into Power
49:11 Balancing Passion and Parenthood
54:12 The Value of Midwives and Postpartum Support
01:04:20 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care
01:12:58 Advocating for Change in Healthcare
01:16:54 Sharing the Journey and Future Plans

Today’s rerun episode features the incredible Professor Hannah Dahlen, an Australian midwife, researcher, and international leader in maternity care. Hannah has published over 100 papers, spoken at more than 100 conferences, and appeared in documentaries and major media worldwide.

In this conversation, Hannah shares:

• Her powerful journey into midwifery, growing up in Yemen alongside her mother, a practicing midwife.
• The art of holding space in birth, and why it’s often misunderstood as “doing nothing.”
• Stories of humility, intuition, and the delicate balance between action and inaction in midwifery.
• Her vision for shifting the global understanding of midwifery alongside obstetrics.

We're also thrilled to announce the launch of the Midwifery Wisdom Fellowship. Christie Davis and I created this mentorship to help future leaders step into advanced practice with confidence, build sustainable careers, and truly change the culture of midwifery for good.

And here’s the best part — to celebrate, we’re hosting a giveaway! One lucky midwife will win a complete starter kit valued at over $500 — everything from a Doppler and neonatal stethoscope, to a scale, instruments, NRP kit, blood pressure cuff and more. PLUS, a gorgeous handmade Patchwork Carpet Bag from St. Clair Designs to carry it all in.

More details on our website www.midwiferywisdom.com

In this rerun of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast, Augustine sits down with Elke and Charlotte to tackle a timely question: how does technology help—or hinder—midwifery practice? From cybersecurity risks and data privacy to the practical tools shaping daily care, the conversation dives deep into both the promises and pitfalls of modern tech.

You’ll hear candid stories about electronic charting, breaches, and the financial risks small practices face, balanced with a hopeful look at innovations like handheld ultrasounds, continuous glucose monitors, and integrated lab tools. The trio also explores how midwives can harness social media and AI—like ChatGPT—to expand influence, streamline documentation, and amplify their voices in a system that too often silences them.

Whether you’re tech-curious, tech-cautious, or somewhere in between, this discussion reminds us that while technology can never replace the human essence of midwifery, it can support us in practicing more safely, efficiently, and visibly.

Interested in learning more? Augustine will be teaching a course on AI and Midwives at this year's WARM conference. Sign up on our website www.midwiferywisdom.com