In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the enduring partnership of Desiree LeFave and Petra Prostrednik, the co-founders of Bella Vie Gentle Birth Center, as they reflect on 17 years of working together to create and nurture their dream of a peaceful, natural birth center.

Through candid conversation, Desiree and Petra share the secrets to making their midwifery partnership not only last but thrive. From navigating the challenges of building a birth center to maintaining a deep, trusting professional relationship, they explore what has kept their collaboration strong over nearly two decades.

Petra’s journey to midwifery began with her own transformative birth experiences, while Desiree’s path was sparked by the powerful experience of birthing her first child at home. Together, they laid the foundation for Bella Vie in 2007, creating a space that has supported hundreds of families in the serene beauty of Oregon’s countryside.

If you’ve ever wondered how long-lasting professional partnerships succeed, this episode offers a blueprint from two women who have made it work with love, respect, and shared vision for nearly two decades.

Find out more about Bella Vie Gentle Birth Centre here: https://www.gentlebirthcenter.com/
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellavie_gentlebirthcenter/

Exploring Placenta Remedies with Dr. Sophia Johnson

In this episode, Dr. Sophia Johnson joins Augustine Colebrook to dive deep into her groundbreaking research on placenta remedies and her new book, Placenta Power. Dr. Johnson shares insights into the benefits, composition, and clinical potential of placenta in postpartum care.

Resources Mentioned:

• Placenta Power Book: Stadelmann Verlag - Placenta Power
• Dr. Johnson’s Instagram: @placenta.universe
• Book Instagram: @plazentapower
• Placenta Artwork: Placenta Prints - Underwater
• Crowdfunding and Research Project: Experiment - A Scientific Approach to Placenta Remedies

Call to Action for Midwives: Dr. Johnson is conducting an international survey to learn more about midwives’ perspectives on placenta remedies. Midwives of all backgrounds, including those unfamiliar with placenta remedies, are encouraged to participate. The survey takes just 3-5 minutes and will help expand knowledge on women’s health and placenta research.

Take the survey here: Placenta Remedies Survey

Tune in to hear how Dr. Johnson’s research could shape the future of postpartum care!

Show Notes:

Email Suzannebirthing@gmail.com

Join us at this years online conference midwiferywisdom.com

Welcome back to the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast!

In this episode, Augustine sits down with rising social media star, Dr. K, to dive into her inspiring journey and the impact of her family’s legacy on her career.

Dr. K shares how she got started on social media and the pivotal role her grandfather’s career in naturopathy played in shaping her path.

Together, they explore the barriers within obstetrics that hinder midwifery from gaining the exposure it deserves and discuss the importance of informed consent and autonomy in childbirth. The conversation also touches on the history of obstetrics and examines why the increase of women in the field hasn’t brought about the transformative change hoped for.

This episode is a deep dive into the intersections of tradition, modern medicine, and the ongoing struggle for progress in maternal care.

Show Resources
-IG: @drk_pregnancyspecialist
-TikTok: drk_pregnancyspecialist

Welcome back to the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast! This week we are joined by two wonderful guest hosts, student midwives Shiphrah Sarai Israel and Susanna Israel. They share their passion for helping aspiring and new student midwives navigate the "rollercoaster" that is the pathway to midwifery.

In this episode they share their paths into midwifery, how difficult the pathways are, a little about each different pathway, tips for aspiring midwives, and so much more. Both students and seasoned midwives, there is something in this episode for all of you!

Show Resources
-Midwifery Wisdom Student Handbook
-Midwifery Wisdom Experience 2024

Welcome back to the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast!

This week, Augustine is joined by two incredible guests: Chemin Perez, a dedicated midwife from Washington State, and Julie Miller, an expert in Applied Clinical Nutrition. Together, they explore the fascinating topic of the MTHFR gene.

In this episode, they unravel what MTHFR is and delve into the epigenetics behind it. They discuss its various manifestations, such as long-term anemia, depression, anxiety, and thyroid issues, and its significant impact on pregnancy and childbirth. Plus, they explain how midwives can test for this gene in their clients.

Julie and Chemin also reveal the specific protocol they've used with their clients carrying this gene. Spoiler alert: they have successfully turned off the gene in patients who followed this protocol for two years!

Augustine adds her insights from her studies on iron and its crucial role in this context.

Get ready for an information-packed episode that you won't want to miss!

Show Resources
-Get in touch with Julie
-Solving Iron Deficiency Course

*A special thanks to this week's sponsor, Lodwar Bookkeeping!*

Welcome to another episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast! This week, Augustine is joined by her long-time friend, Professor, practicing midwife, preceptor, mother, and midwifery wisdom mentor, Mary Harris.

Augustine and Mary engage in a refreshing and authentic conversation about the sacred and safe nature of community births. They discuss how midwives can embrace modern technology while honoring ancient practices, share insights on the emerging generation of midwives, and express their concerns for the future of the profession.

Mary also opens up about her previous profession, its connection to her current midwifery practice, and the story behind her renowned birth tattoos.

Show Resources
-Midwifery Wisdom Skillz&Drillz
-Lodwar Bookkeeping
-Inquire with Lodwar Bookkeep

*A special thanks to this week's sponsor, Lodwar Bookkeeping!*

Welcome to another episode of the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast!

This week, we are delighted to have CNM Ebony Simpson with us. Together, Augustine and Ebony engage in a beautiful and insightful conversation about the essential role of midwifery care.

Ebony opens up about her journey to becoming a midwife and her experiences working as a hospital CNM. She offers personal recommendations for new CNMs, shares how she cares for herself in a high-trauma environment, and discusses her aspirations for changing the broader cultural perceptions around birth.

This episode is filled with meaningful aha moments from both Ebony and Augustine. You won't want to miss it.

Show Resources
-IG @ebony_m_simpson_cnm

-Midwifery Wisdom Experience 2024

-Lodwar Bookkeeping
-Inquire with Lodwar Bookkeep