The Midwife Memos

Lauretta Hamilton
The Midwife Memos

 Welcome to the midwife memos, raw educational and inspiring chats. Exploring all things, conception, pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Each week, we'll dive into a memo on a particular topic, tap into the brains of birthing experts and share stories. I'm your host, Lauretta birth educator, midwife and mum, and I'm on a mission to support women and their partners to build a strong mindset, connect with their body and give birth their way. So come along with me as I overshare the real and vulnerable talent like it is, and guide you through how to feel confident and capable for your birth & beyond.

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    The Memo on: How to Use a TENS Machine for Labour – Myths, Tips & What You Need to Know

    In this episode, I’m joined by Midwife Tayla, who shares her experiences as a midwife, mum, and business owner of Hatchling Store where she supports women through birth prep, education and TENS machine hire. We chat about: Tayla’s birth stories – including her husband missing the birth of their second baby What a TENS machine is and how it works for pain relief in labour How to use a TENS for all types of births, including inductions Common myths & misconceptions about TENS machines Essential items for your hospital or birth bag Tayla’s ‘Memo Moment’ – her biggest lesson for birth preparation If you’re wondering whether a TENS machine could be helpful for your birth, this episode is packed with practical tips, real-life insights, and expert advice to help you decide. Guest info: Find Tayla on Instagram @hatchlingstore & via her website ⁠Hatchling Store⁠ Discount Code: Use code memo10 for 10% off site wide Join my newsletter, The Birth Buzz – Get midwife-approved insights, birth prep tips & all the resources mentioned in each episode straight to your inbox. Sign up here  Or Grab one of my free resources: Freebies  ✨ Ready to take charge of your birth, your way? Your Birth Class – My midwife-created, holistic birth class (online or in-person) Birth Bites – Short, bite-sized video lessons on specific topics Find everything in one place: Midwife Lauretta  This season of The Midwife Memos is sponsored by Sleepybelly—my go-to for better pregnancy sleep - check them out here Sleepybelly Check out the beautiful Seasons of Mama products we mentioned https://seasonsofmama.com.au/ Disclaimer The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

    52 min
  2. 4D AGO

    The Memo on: Why Where & Who You Birth With Matters

    One of the biggest decisions you’ll make in pregnancy is one you might not even realise you’re making early on—who will care for you and where you’ll give birth. Your care provider and birth setting have a huge impact on your labour and birth experience, but many women make this choice without knowing how different care models can impact the type of birth they have and the likelihood of birth interventions Key topics in this episode: The different models of maternity care in Australia How birth outcomes vary depending on care provider & birth setting What Hannah Dahlen’s study found about birth outcomes in private vs public hospitals Why continuity of care is considered the gold standard (Cochrane Review findings) Ask a Midwife segment: What to do if you can’t access a continuity model in your area 💡 Want to learn more about your options? Grab my free guide Choosing the Right Pregnancy Care for You to help you navigate your choices with confidence! 👉 Download here This season of The Midwife Memos is sponsored by Sleepybelly—my go-to for better pregnancy sleep - check them out here Sleepybelly Resources & Citations: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Australia’s Mothers and Babies 2023 (data from 2021). Read the full report here Dahlen H. et al. (2012). Birth outcomes in Australian private vs. public hospitals. Sandall J. et al. (2016). Midwife-led continuity models vs. other models of care for childbearing women (Cochrane Review). Dahlen, H. G., Schmid, H., Bisits, A., et al. (2020). Women’s experiences of maternity care in Australia. La Trobe University. Evidence Based Birth - Evidence for Doulas Article Evidence for Doulas Join my newsletter, The Birth Buzz – Get midwife-approved insights, birth prep tips & all the resources mentioned in each episode straight to your inbox. The Birth Buzz  ✨ Ready to take charge of your birth, your way? Your Birth Class – My midwife-created, holistic birth class (online or in-person) Birth Bites – Short, bite-sized video lessons on specific topics Find everything in one place: My Website  Disclaimer: The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

    25 min
  3. MAR 18

    Welcome to The Midwife Memos: A Coffee Date to Get to Know Me

    Welcome to The Midwife Memos! In this first episode, we’re having a little coffee date so you can get to know me— Lauretta, midwife, mum & birth educator… I’ll be sharing: How I found my way into midwifery and independent birth education My own pregnancy and birth experiences (including hyperemesis, self-doubt, and two powerful births) Why I’m so passionate about informed choices in birth What you can expect from this podcast each week Plus, I’m introducing my Memorable & Messy segment, where I reflect on the bittersweet transition of my youngest starting school and the lessons I’ve learned about change. Next week, we’re diving into one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make  in pregnancy—choosing your care provider and place of birth.  Join my newsletter, The Birth Buzz – Get midwife-approved insights, birth prep tips & all the resources mentioned in each episode straight to your inbox. https://midwifelauretta.com.au/newsletter  Or Grab one of my free resources: https://midwifelauretta.com.au/freebies  ✨ Ready to take charge of your birth, your way? Your Birth Class – My midwife-created, holistic birth class (online or in-person) Birth Bites – Short, bite-sized video lessons on specific topics Find everything in one place: https://midwifelauretta.com.au/home  This season of The Midwife Memos is sponsored by Sleepybelly—my go-to for better pregnancy sleep - check them out here https://sleepybelly.com.au/discount/LAURETTA10?sca_ref=7665650.xTpPbn99pcJ&utm_source=uppromote&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=midwives,-physio's-and-pregnancy-experts-program&utm_term=Lauretta-Hamilton Disclaimer The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

    17 min
  4. TRAILER

    The Memo On What To Expect

    Hi, I’m Lauretta—midwife, birth educator, and your guide through the wild, beautiful ride of pregnancy, birth, and beyond. And yes, I’m currently recording in a cupboard, surrounded by towels and pillows (because, well…acoustics).  But imposter syndrome aside, this podcast has been a dream of mine for years. Why? Because I believe that when it comes to birth, you have choices. You have options. There’s no one right way—only the way that’s right for you.  In The Midwife Memos, I’ll be sharing my insights from years of working with women, birthing people, and families, as well as my studies in birth education, anatomy and Acuneedling. Each episode will bring you:  ✨ Midwife memos on key topics  Conversations with experts, fellow midwives & those with lived birth experiences. Practical, evidence-based guidance to help you feel confident & in control  This is a limited-season podcast, with new episodes dropping weekly. My goal? That you leave each episode feeling informed, empowered, and excited about your birth.  So, if this sounds like something you need in your life, hit subscribe and join me next week for the very first episode!  Want more support?  Join my newsletter, The Birth Buzz – Get midwife-approved insights, birth prep tips & all the resources mentioned in each episode straight to your inbox.  https://midwifelauretta.com.au/newsletter  Or Grab one of my free resources: https://midwifelauretta.com.au/freebies  ● Choose the Right Care Provider for You – One of the MOST impactful choices on how you birth is who you choose to care for you - learn about your options and make sure it aligns with the birth you want  ● Pregnancy Map – A simple guide to tests & scans in pregnancy  ● Birth Prep Guide – Key steps to prepare your body & mind for labor  ● Plan Like a Pro – A midwife’s guide to writing your birth plan  ✨ Ready to take charge of your birth, your way?  Your Birth Class – My midwife-created, holistic birth class (online or in-person) Birth Bites – Short, bite-sized video lessons on specific topics  Find everything in one place: https://midwifelauretta.com.au/home Disclaimer: The information and resources shared in this podcast are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical or midwifery advice. Any decisions about your care should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider. If you’re a health professional, we encourage you to use this information as a discussion point within your workplace or professional practice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or relevance to your specific situation. The Midwife Memos podcast is not liable for any outcomes resulting from the use or interpretation of this content. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional for any medical or midwifery concerns.

    5 min

Trailer

About

 Welcome to the midwife memos, raw educational and inspiring chats. Exploring all things, conception, pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Each week, we'll dive into a memo on a particular topic, tap into the brains of birthing experts and share stories. I'm your host, Lauretta birth educator, midwife and mum, and I'm on a mission to support women and their partners to build a strong mindset, connect with their body and give birth their way. So come along with me as I overshare the real and vulnerable talent like it is, and guide you through how to feel confident and capable for your birth & beyond.

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