In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond Podcast I interview Victoria White, founder of Neurodivergent Birth, about the challenges and needs faced by neurodivergent people navigating pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Victoria shares her personal journey, the motivation behind creating a social enterprise to support neurodivergent families, and the development of training and resources for both professionals and expectant parents. We dive into topics like the lack of tailored support in maternity care, the importance of intersectionality, the four pillars of neurodivergent birth (sensory processing, communication, executive functioning, and mental health), and the need for accessible, evidence-based information. Our conversation also highlights the significance of partner support, the impact of privilege and systemic issues, and the value of individualised care plans and resources.
In this conversation, Kayleigh recounts her two contrasting birth experiences: the first, during the Covid pandemic, was marked by medical pressure to induce labor due to a prolonged pregnancy, leading to interventions she felt were unnecessary and disempowering; the second, after extensive research and support, allowed her to trust her body, decline interventions, and have a positive, empowering home birth. She discusses the impact of coercive language from healthcare professionals, the role of her supportive partner, the significance of being informed, and the importance of listening to one’s body. The discussion also touches on the societal lack of postpartum support, the challenges of parenting multiple children, and the value of open communication and emotional intelligence in family life.
In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast, host Candy Elsbeth and guest Amy explore the topic of bed sharing with children. They discuss the practicalities of creating a family bed, the emotional and physical benefits of co-sleeping, and the societal pressures and misconceptions surrounding it. They also share personal experiences, highlighting the importance of safe sleeping practices and the impact of parenting choices on family dynamics.
In this episode of the Nourishing Birth and Beyond podcast I discuss the challenges new parents face in balancing self-care with caring for a newborn. It stresses the importance of taking small breaks, ensuring adequate rest, and maintaining nutrition to support mental health. The speaker advises parents to prioritize their needs, such as having undisturbed moments for relaxation and sharing household responsibilities with partners. Practical tips include preparing easy meals, asking for help, and finding ways to decompress. By embedding these habits early, parents can better manage the demands of parenting and maintain their well-being.