In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Anna from @HackneyHypnobirthing, and we’re digging deep into the realities of giving birth in today’s NHS.

We talk about the systemic challenges in maternity care, the rise in trauma and inequality, and how you can advocate for yourself in a system that often isn’t set up to support individualised care.

We also explore the impact of media, institutional pressure, and why understanding birth physiology and your rights is more crucial than ever.

We discuss:

👉 The worsening state of maternity services and rising birth trauma

👉 Why personalised care is essential and often missing

👉 What your rights are as an NHS service user

👉 How media and hospital culture shape our expectations

👉 Why preparation, confidence, and the right support can change your experience

👉 The importance of understanding risk and what it actually means

This is the episode to listen to if you want to feel empowered, informed, and ready to take control of your birth experience in 2025.

You can follow Anna on Instagram at: @hackneyhypnobirthing

Or check out her website here:

https://www.hackneyhypnobirthing.com

Resources recommended by Anna:

Book: In Your Own Time by Sara Wickham

Book: Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage by Rachel Reed

Kirsten Small at @birthsmalltalk

And check out Anna's brilliant post on risk here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHnW1e2oOL4/?hl=en

💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions

🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:
www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables

📱 Watch us on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising

📷 Join us on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising

Are you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:
www.riotbirthnetwork.com

Find RBN on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork

In this episode, Jade and Alix are chatting all things birth prep, but not in a way that overwhelms or pressures you.

We're talking real, practical ways to support your body and mind in the lead-up to labour.

From movement and hydration to mental health and rest, we explore what actually helps and what’s just unnecessary noise (spoiler: perineal massage might not be the miracle you’ve been told it is).

We discuss:
👉 Why physical preparation matters—but doesn’t need to be extreme
👉 How hydration, nutrition and rest support your body in late pregnancy
👉 The truth about perineal massage (and why you can skip it if it’s not for you)
👉 Listening to your body and focusing on what feels right
👉 The power of tuning out the pressure and tuning in to yourself

This one’s perfect if you want to feel prepared—but not panicked—as your birth approaches.

💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions

🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:
www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:
https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables

📱 Watch us on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising

📷 Join us on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising

Are you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:
www.riotbirthnetwork.com

Find RBN on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork

In this episode, Jade and Alix are back with some BIG updates including the launch of their brand new Birth Essentials shop and the expansion of TBU HQ! 🎉

They’re chatting through the tools that can genuinely change the game during labour and birth...no fluff, no gimmicks, just the stuff that makes a real difference when it matters most.

We cover:👉 How to use a labour comb to manage sensations👉 Why focus balls, earplugs, and vibrators can totally shift your birth experience👉 What makes birth balls and peanut balls a total must-have👉 How a portable peri bottle will save your life postpartum👉 Why the new TBU pregnancy journal is your go-to birth prep companion

If you’re wondering what to pack or how to feel more in control during birth, this episode is for you.

You can find our products here:

https://thebirthuprising.com/product-category/essential-birth-kit/

Get the Aura Orbs we mentioned here:

https://www.yuula.co.uk/?ref=THEBIRTHUPRISING

💡 If you’re pregnant and want to know more about The Birth Uprising and what we do, join us for one of our free sessions:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-hypnobirthing-sessions

🎓 Ready to prepare for your birth with us? Check out our No Nonsense Hypnobirthing Course and use code PODCAST for 15% off:www.thebirthuprising.com/the-digital-hypnobirthing-pack

📩 Want some free downloadables straight to your inbox? Get yours here:https://thebirthuprising.com/free-downloadables

📱 Watch us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thebirthuprising

📷 Join us on Instagram:www.instagram.com/thebirthuprising

Are you a birth worker wanting more freedom in your work? Join our amazing gang as a hypnobirthing instructor or doula at Riot Birth Network:www.riotbirthnetwork.com

Find RBN on Instagram:www.instagram.com/riotbirthnetwork