My 6 Favourite Podcasts to help you Prepare for Birth: A North London Doula’s guide
Welcome to my new blog series “A North London Doula’s Guide”. In this series I’ve set out my favourite podcasts and websites to help you with your pregnancy, birth and postpartum life. Just like I do in my work as a North London based birth and postnatal doula and as an ante/postnatal educator!
The first two blogs in this series are all about my favourite podcasts for birth & newborn life. This is part 1 and you can find part 2 here!
The Best Pregnancy & Birth Preparation Podcasts for Expecting Mums
Pregnancy and birth are transformative experiences, and the more informed and prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel as you approach your baby’s arrival. There’s so much to consider—from birth choices and labour techniques to overcoming fears and hearing real-life birth stories. Podcasts are a fantastic way to explore these topics while fitting seamlessly into your day, whether you’re commuting, exercising, or relaxing at home.
Here are some of my favourite pregnancy and birth preparation podcasts, packed with expert advice, evidence-based information, and inspiring birth stories.
The Better Birth Podcast with Erin Fung
Hosted by hypnobirthing teacher Erin Fung, this podcast explores everything from birth rights to pain relief options, home births, and positive birth stories. Erin interviews midwives, doulas, and birth workers to provide balanced and empowering information for expectant parents.
Birthing Instincts with Dr Stuart Fischbein & Midwife Blyss Young
This podcast is a great listen for those who want a mix of medical and midwifery perspectives. Dr. Stuart Fischbein, an obstetrician known for supporting natural birth, and midwife Blyss Young discuss home birth, breech birth, VBACs, and the challenges of mainstream maternity care.
The Midwives’ Cauldron with Katie James & Dr Rachel Reed
Hosted by lactation consultant Katie James and midwife Dr. Rachel Reed, this podcast takes a deep dive into evidence-based birth practices, birth physiology, and the role of midwifery. They challenge common myths about pregnancy and birth and explore how to support physiological birth in today’s maternity system.
Welcome to the Womb with Midwife Em
Australian midwife Em takes listeners on a journey through pregnancy, labour, and birth with an informative and reassuring approach. This podcast covers common pregnancy concerns, preparing for birth, and understanding labour and postpartum recovery.
VBAC Birth Stories
For those considering a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC), this podcast is an invaluable resource. It shares real-life VBAC experiences, expert insights on VBAC preparation, and discussions about birth rights and advocacy for those seeking a vaginal birth after a previous caesarean.
Fear Free Childbirth with Alexia Leachman
This podcast is ideal for those who feel anxious about birth. Host Alexia Leachman, a coach specialising in fear release, provides tools and techniques to overcome birth fears. She covers topics like birth trauma, tokophobia (fear of childbirth), and mindset shifts for a positive birth experience.
How I Can Support You
While these podcasts provide excellent insights, every pregnancy and birth journey is unique. As a birth doula and antenatal educator, I offer personalised guidance to help you navigate your birth choices, prepare mentally and physically for labour, and feel confident in your decisions.
Whether you need support with birth planning, understanding your options, or preparing for a VBAC or home birth, I’m here to help. If you live in North London and you’d like one-to-one support for your pregnancy and birth preparation, feel free to get in touch—I’d love to support you on this journey!