Spaghetti Face: The Parents’ Podcast
Welcome to Spaghetti Face, a safe space filled with real, open, and honest conversations for parents navigating their unique journeys – the good bits and the not-so-good bits. Each week, we’ll hear from midwives, academics, third sector professionals, mental health and developmental specialists, employment experts, and more.
This podcast isn’t about lecturing or prescribing what’s best for you. We understand that every parent’s experience is unique, and we’re all just doing the very best we can. And that is more than enough.
Whether you’re in the fertility and family planning stages or already a parent, Spaghetti Face offers insights and stories that speak to your experiences. Join us on this journey, and find comfort and camaraderie in the shared adventure of parenthood.
Spaghetti Face: The Parents’ Podcast
Empowering birth: How to get birth right, support choices and prevent trauma | Prof Soo Downe OBE
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Welcome to the first episode of Spaghetti Face.
In this episode, we’re joined by Professor Soo Downe OBE (UCLan) to explore how to improve birth experiences through evidence-based care, informed choice, and truly listening to women and their families.
We discuss what it means to “get birth right”, and why flexibility, preparation, and respectful maternity care are essential in reducing trauma and improving outcomes.
Topics covered:
• How to prepare for birth in a realistic and informed way.
• Why birth plans need flexibility rather than rigidity.
• The importance of listening to women and families during pregnancy and labour.
• What respectful, empowering maternity care actually looks like.
• How poor communication and dismissal of women’s voices can contribute to birth trauma.
• Ways to support positive, safe, and empowering birth experiences.
This episode is ideal for anyone navigating pregnancy, preparing for labour, or supporting someone through childbirth. It offers practical insight into maternity care, birth choices, and how to approach birth with confidence and awareness.