Welcome to Birth Untethered. A sanctuary for truth-tellers, change-makers & advocates of physiological birth. We’re Shellie Poulter & Kemi Johnson: educators & rebels with decades of combined experience in pregnancy, birth & beyond. With backgrounds in osteopathy, naturopathy, biomechanics, midwifer
This episode is a detailed look at caesarean birth covering what happens in theatre and recovery to the potential short- and long-term effects for parent and baby. Shellie and Kemi discuss informed consent, advocacy and doula support, rising intervention rates, differences in care models, and evidence on risks including complications, NICU admission, PTSD, and future pregnancies.Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi:…
Shellie and Kemi explore the history of caesarean birth and the changes that have made the surgery safer. From antisepsis and anesthesia to antibiotics, checklists, and modern monitoring. They also examine what “safer” means in practice, discuss risks including infection and blood clots, and question how informed choice and respectful care shape birth outcomes.A candid, evidence-focused conversation for pregnant people, birth workers, partners, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of caesarean birth and maternity care. Become an Untethered Rebel:…
Dr. Stuart Fischbein joins Shellie and Kemi Birthjoy Johnson to discuss instrumental birth, including when forceps or ventouse may be genuinely helpful, the different risks involved, and why essential obstetric skills are disappearing.Together, they explore consent, intervention cascades, medicalised birth, fear-based protocols, and the importance of collaboration between obstetricians, midwives, doulas, and parents. This episode offers an honest look at assisted vaginal birth and why skilled, individualised care matters.Become an Untethered…
Shellie, Kemi and Dr Stuart Fischbein examine the forces shaping modern maternity care and what happens when we look beyond the intervention itself to the system that created the circumstances for it. We explore how birth care can be shaped by institutional incentives, liability and throughput as much as by evidence , and how time limits, induction, defensive caesareans, routine scanning and licensing can become mechanisms of control rather than genuinely individualised care. We look at how poor outcomes are often the end of a cascade rather than a single event . Instrumental birth,…
In this episode, join Shellie, Kemi and Dr Stuart Fischbein as we explore how birth outcomes can be shaped by system design, not just clinical skill, or lack thereof . We discuss how time pressure, immobility, fear, monitoring and routine intervention can create the very problems they are then used to solve. Epidurals, coached pushing, early admission and continuous monitoring can influence labour, malposition and intervention rates, while evidence is often focused on short-term outcomes and hospital-based measures rather than longer-term effects on bonding, breastfeeding, the microbiome,…
This episode continues the episiotomy discussion, focusing on what it is, why it’s used, the evidence against routine use, the risks and complications, and the importance of informed consent. Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi: https://kemibirthjoyjohnson.com/work-with-me Website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Spotify:…
Shellie and Simon break down what this surgical cut actually does to the perineum, why it was normalised for decades, and why the evidence now strongly supports restrictive use instead of routine intervention.Shellie, joined by her husband and co-host Simon, takes you inside the anatomy, history, and real-world consequences of episiotomy. From the pressure of crowning to the structures that can be cut, torn, or damaged, this episode exposes the gap between what birthing people are often told and what the research shows.You'll discover:What an episiotomy is, how it differs from a natural…
In this episode Shellie and Kemi discuss the side effects of epidurals and how frequently they occur to give you evidence based information upon which to make your own informed choices. They also explore the impacts of epidural on physiology and how these cause effects to the mother and baby. If you are wanting to make a more informed decision about whether you would like to accept an epidural in your labour, or you are a birthworker wanting to have a more in depth knowledge about epidurals to help support the families you are serving, this episode has you covered. Become an Untethered…
On this week's episode Shellie and Kemi discuss what actually happens when an epidural is placed, why the consent process is far too rushed and how the medications involved can affect the mother and baby. From the surprising chemistry behind the medications like bupivicaine, to the real-world consequences of reduced mobility with epidural. We also discuss some different kinds of epidurals and what benefits they can provide. If you are interested in Shellie's Birthing Biomechanics course you can find it here: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/b-irthing-biomechanics-online-lectu If you…
In this episode, Kemi and Shellie trace the history of epidural anaesthesia in childbirth, exploring how pain relief evolved from early general anaesthesia to modern epidural techniques. They break down the anatomy and physiology behind how epidurals work, why they can affect movement, blood pressure, bladder function, and pushing, and what that means for mothers and babies. Along the way, they discuss informed choice, the impact of culture and medicine on birth, and why understanding the whole picture matters for anyone supporting or preparing for birth. Become an Untethered Rebel:…
In this powerful conversation, Katie shares her deeply moving birth stories, the life-changing consequences of medical negligence, and how she’s turned her experience into advocacy for other mothers. Honest, urgent, and unforgettable, this episode explores consent, induction, maternal care, and the fight to be heard.Please give generously to Katie and her family here: https://linktr.ee/kspinks06 Become an Untethered Rebel: https://birthuntethered.kit.com/products/untethered-rebel-subscription Book time with Shellie: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/bookachatwithshellie Book time with Kemi:…
Unlock the uncomfortable truth behind synthetic oxytocin in childbirth. This episode exposes how this powerful hormone, often hailed as a lifesaver, can secretly cause harm, influence outcomes, and fuel systemic issues in maternity care, all while women remain in the dark. If you've ever felt unsure about the interventions you're offered or want to truly understand your options, this episode is your urgent wake-up call.Join us as we dive into the myths, risks, and real-world stories that reveal how routine use of synthetic oxytocin extends far beyond medical necessity. Discover the startling…
Shellie and Kemi further discuss the impacts of synthetic oxytocin on mothers and babies. They reveal how widespread use, overuse, and misuse of this drug are fueling rising cesarean rates, severe postpartum hemorrhage, and lifelong trauma in hospitals worldwide.You'll discover the shattering truths behind the cascade of interventions triggered by synthetic oxytocin, how it increases the risk of fetal hypoxia, brain injury, and lifelong disabilities. The duo breaks down startling statistics: how augmentation doubles, triples, or even quadruples the chances of complications like uterine…
Most women aren’t told that synthetic oxytocin; marketed as Pitocin or Synto, is fundamentally different from the natural hormone produced in your body. In fact, this common medical intervention may be quietly altering your birth experience, your bonding, and even your mental health long after your baby arrives. If you’re pregnant, a birth worker, or simply curious about what’s really happening behind hospital walls, this episode is your eye-opener. Shellie and Kemi take an unflinching look at the history, science, and shocking truths about synthetic oxytocin. You’ll discover how this drug,…
Most women aren’t told just how profoundly synthetic oxytocin, commonly known as Pitocin or Synto, disrupts the natural birth process. Shellie and Kemi reveal how this widely used drug impacts everything from labour physiology to postpartum mental health and breastfeeding success, often without women realising the long-term consequences. The reality is glaring: while synthetic oxytocin mimics contractions, it does not and cannot facilitate the body’s innate hormonal orchestra, leading to more intense, relentless contractions, reduced responsiveness, and a cascade of interventions that can…
What You Need to Know Before Agreeing to ARM or Amniotomy When your healthcare provider suggests breaking your waters or using artificial rupture of membranes (ARM), do you truly understand the risks involved? This episode reveals the shocking realities behind one of the most common yet controversial obstetric interventions. If you're pregnant, planning a home birth, or simply want to advocate confidently for your body, listen now because this knowledge could change your entire birth story. The myth that ARM speeds up labor is dissected and debunked. Despite widespread belief, research shows…
Unlock the truth about common obstetric interventions with Caz's powerful birth stories. See how choices around procedures like artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) and amniotomy truly impact your labor, your confidence, and your lifelong bond with your baby.In this episode, Caz recounts her first birth, where interventions like ARM were routine but led to overwhelming pain, loss of control, and feelings of being a 'caged animal.' She reveals how these experiences deeply affected her confidence and her relationship with her newborn. You'll discover specific details about how and why…
Most women are told that induction is a lifesaver, but what if everything you’ve been led to believe is misleading? Shellie and Kemi untether the complex truths behind common induction practices, revealing how often interventions are unnecessary and the true risks you face. This eye-opening conversation exposes the real impact of medical procedures that are presented as safety measures but often lead to cascades of intervention like more c-sections, NICU admissions, long-term health issues, and compromised birth experiences.You’ll discover:The astonishing disconnect between perceived and…
Shellie Poulter and Kemi Johnson reveal the shocking realities behind common induction methods, their risks, and the patriarchal forces shaping our maternity care system.Did you know that many induction medications can cause severe side effects like uterine rupture, fetal distress, and even catastrophic conditions like DIC? Or that the actual risk of stillbirth at full term isn't nearly as high as hospitals make it seem? Shellie breaks down the confusing, often misleading language in medical leaflets, exposing the lies and fear tactics used to coerce women into unnecessary procedures. Yet…
Most women are told induction is the safest way to start labour, but what if it's often the very thing that increases risks instead? In this eye-opening episode, Shellie and Kemi cut through the medical jargon to reveal the true risks behind mechanical induction methods like balloons and rods, and question whether waiting naturally might be the safer, smarter choice. You’ll discover: Why balloon catheters and dilapan rods often lead to longer, more complicated labors rather than a quick, straightforward birth. The astonishing statistics on cesarean rates, forceful interventions, and the…
Shellie and Kemi discuss mechanical induction methods. If you're facing induction and want to know more or are questioning its necessity, this eye-opening episode exposes the myths, risks, and emotional toll of these interventions, not just on your labor but on your baby's lifelong health. Most women are unaware that procedures like balloon catheters, osmotic rods, and cervical ripening devices come with significant pain, unspoken risks, and often lead to a cascade of interventions; cesareans, instrumental births, and early NICU admissions, far more frequently than spontaneous labor. We dive…
When routine cervical sweeps are actually invasive, coerced interventions, are we doing more harm than good?If you're pregnant or supporting someone through birth, understanding the truth about cervical sweeps could change your entire perspective on labor and medical intervention. This episode exposes the often-hidden reality: cervical sweeps are not just gentle, routine procedures, they're invasive, often coercive, and rooted more in tradition than evidence. Kemi Johnson and Shellie Poulter share the unfiltered truth, backed by the latest research and your own stories, about why these…
This comprehensive discussion explores the limitations and realities of fetal monitoring techniques like CTG, Doppler scans, and fetal movement assessments. It emphasizes informed decision-making, the importance of understanding medical interventions, and advocating for respectful, evidence-based maternity care.Most women are often pushed into a cycle of unnecessary interventions, believing they're safeguarding their baby's safety, when in reality, many of these tests and procedures offer little long-term benefit. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the array of monitoring tools in pregnancy,…
Most pregnant women encounter intrusive interventions and fear-mongering around late pregnancy, yet they often have no idea what’s really happening inside their bodies or whether these tests are necessary. In this eye-opening episode, Shellie and Kemi expose the truth behind fetal surveillance, revealing why so much of this routine testing is unnecessary, and sometimes even harmful. Discover how hormonal changes in the final weeks of pregnancy, like skyrocketing cortisol and CRH levels, make women and their babies more reactive to fear and stress. Shellie and Kemi break down the manipulation…
In this episode Shellie and Kemi continue thier discussion about the many reasons given to people to end their pregnancies before their bodies and babies are ready. They go through the reasons and discuss the available research on the outcomes comparing induction to not inducing. If you are being offered an induction, this episode and the previous episode will be very helpful for you in understanding if it is actually likely to improve outcomes, save you or your baby's life or not.Website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join…
In this Episode Kemi and Shellie begin a two part discussion about common reasons given to people as to why they should end their pregnancy early via induction or cesarean. We look at the available evidence comparing outcomes for watchful waiting or ending the pregnancy early to see if when you are being told your baby's life is at risk if you continue your pregnancy compared to waiting, if that is actually shown to be the case with evidence. Spoiler alert, there really aren't many reasons where induction actually improves outcomes for you and/or your baby.Website:…
In this Episode Kemi and Shellie discuss the history of induction and we explore the current obstetric narrative that women are getting older, fatter and more complex and this is why outcomes are getting worse. But is is really the reason?The truth about induction may shock you! We dive deep into the world of labor induction and the myths surrounding it. Many expectant parents are pushed toward induction as if it’s the only option, but that’s not always the case. We explore how the narrative often painted by medical professionals can lead to fear-driven decisions. Are you aware that…
In this episode Shellie and Kemi continue their overview discussion of induction of labour. Beginning with at home methods, covering the impacts of induction on maternal and infant physiology and the psychology of why so many people choose induction, even if they don't really believe it is the right course of action for them. Website: https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntethered Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/14193903/join Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjB Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/birth-untethered/id1836371735 Youtube:…
Shellie and Kemi continue their discussion about induction of labour. We circle back to stone babies, cover that you will not be pregnant forever and share an overview of what the induction process may look like if choosing a medical model.Remember, everything is your choice. Website:https://www.theserenitydoula.co.uk/birthuntetheredPatreon:https://www.patreon.com/14193903/joinSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1kKvf6pjLGDJ5nDBMKPCjBApple…
Kemi and I delve into induction, why you really need to think seriously about the impacts before making the decision to have an induction because remember you always have a choice. We begin an overview of what an induction may look like, how long it may take and the effects on you and your baby. This episode is best watched as there are props to help demonstrate what assessing your bishop score involves, what your cervix may look like. This is a big subject so join us again next week for a continuation of this discussion in part 2.…
About Birth Untethered
Welcome to Birth Untethered. A sanctuary for truth-tellers, change-makers & advocates of physiological birth. We’re Shellie Poulter & Kemi Johnson: educators & rebels with decades of combined experience in pregnancy, birth & beyond. With backgrounds in osteopathy, naturopathy, biomechanics, midwifer
Birth Untethered is a English kids & family podcast from Birth Untethered. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
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