The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast
Everything a pregnant woman and her partner need to know to support them in preparation for labour, birth, and the early days with a new baby. This podcast gives both you and your partner the confidence and knowledge about the role they play throughout your birth, so they don't undermine or ruin the birth for you. Throughout these episodes, my guests and I will share with you our experience of being a birth keeper and advocate for women across the globe. This podcast is inclusive and invites guests from all backgrounds to enable you to hear a wide range of experiences.
The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast
Episode 171 - Safety: Why Continuity of Carer Changes Everything
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Last week I talked about hypervigilance — what happens when a woman’s nervous system doesn’t feel safe in pregnancy, birth or postpartum.
This week, I explore one of the most evidence-based ways to reduce it: continuity of carer.
Continuity is not just about seeing the same service. It’s about being known. It’s about relationship. And decades of research show that when women receive continuity of midwifery care, outcomes improve across the board — including lower rates of preterm birth, fewer interventions, and better mental health outcomes.
But this conversation goes beyond statistics.
I look at why birth is relational and hormonal, why oxytocin depends on safety, and how familiarity in the room — whether from a midwife, a prepared partner, or a doula — can change the entire physiological landscape of labour.
I also ask the uncomfortable question: if continuity is so well evidenced, why is it still treated as optional?
Because safety in birth is often framed as machines and monitoring.
Yet the evidence is clear.
Safety is relationship.
Safety is familiarity.
Safety is being known.
And continuity changes everything.
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Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove
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Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
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Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
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Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable fo...