Episode 2. Pushing for Birth Choices

Breastfeeding is often presented as natural and simple, but the reality can be far more complex. Speakers discuss preparation, practical support, pressure, pain, feeding choices and what respectful, evidence-based care should offer. Guests:Maeve Anne O’Connell — Midwifery Lecturer and Perinatal Mental Health Researcher Laia Casadevall-Castañé — Independent Midwife and Breastfeeding Specialist Edythe L. Mangindin — Midwife, Lactation Consultant and Doctoral Researcher Hosted by Liselotte Kweekel and Kimberly Durdin Download related resources at: https://www.pushcampaign.org/beyond-the-push

TW: Infertility and pregnancy loss can be isolating, confusing and difficult to talk about. This conversation explores diagnosis, treatment, grief, support and how care can better respond to the realities of trying, losing and trying again. Guests: Helen Ingoe — Dignity Care Network Neha Mankani -  Midwife, Humanitarian Engagement and Climate AdvisorEmily Maclean — Midwife, Public Health Specialist and Global Health Communicator Hosted by:Aigul Kasymova and Kimberly Durdin Download related resources at: https://www.pushcampaign.org/beyond-the-push

From contraception and abortion care to deciding if, when and how to become a parent, reproductive choice depends on access, information and autonomy. This episode asks what it takes for people to make decisions about their own bodies and lives. Guests: Maura Daly — Midwife and Humanitarian Health Specialist Ritah Niwamanya — Midwife and Treasurer, National Midwives Association of Uganda Mia Kolak — Midwife, Public Health Researcher and Lecturer Hosted by: Anna af Ugglas and Kimberly Durdin Download related resources at: https://www.pushcampaign.org/beyond-the-push

What is obstetric violence, and why is it so often normalised or dismissed? Speakers unpack the many forms it can take, the systems that enable it and what safe, respectful care should look and feel like. Guests: Inderjeet Kaur — Midwife and Founder of Fernandez Foundation’s First Midwife-led Unit Aparajita Gogoi — Executive Director, Centre for Catalysing Change, and Women’s Health Advocate Carolina Combria — Co-founder of Associação SaMaNe and Maternal Health Equity Advocate Hosted by: Merette Khalil and Kimberly Durdin Download the related resources at: https://www.pushcampaign.org/beyond-the-push

Midwives are often misunderstood. This episode separates fact from fiction, explores the full scope of midwifery beyond birth and explains how midwives differ from nurses, doulas and doctors. Guests: Sheetal Samson — Midwife, Leader and Educator Eunice Atsali — Midwife, Lecturer and Maternal Health Researcher Melanie Jackson — Midwife, Researcher and Host of The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast Hosted by: Ana Gutiérrez and Kimberly Durdin Download related resources at: ⁠https://www.pushcampaign.org/beyond-the-push

How much choice do women really have in pregnancy and birth? A conversation about informed consent, birth settings, interventions, shared decision-making and supporting people to make the choices that are right for them. Guests: Dianne Garland — Waterbirth Specialist and Midwifery Consultant Priyanka Idicula — Midwife, Co-founder of Birthvillage and Birth Educator Eugenia Montesinos — Director of Midwifery Services, Tisch Hospital, NYU Langone Health Download related resources at: https://www.pushcampaign.org/beyond-the-push

What does good healthcare actually look and feel like? Midwives, advocates and women explore respectful, person-centred care and how listeners can recognise, expect and ask for the care they deserve. Guest: Sheena Byrom — Midwife, Author and Director of All4Maternity Martha Abornyementy — Midwife and Founder of the For Mom and Baby Foundation Margreet Barnadt — Midwife, Founder of Healthy Mom and Baby Clinic, and Antenatal Educator Download related resources at: https://www.pushcampaign.org/beyond-the-push

What does it take to get the care we deserve?Through candid conversations with midwives, advocates and women, we explore birth choices, reproductive rights, breastfeeding, obstetric violence and the inequalities that shape care. No conversation is too uncomfortable, and nothing is off limits.The first two episodes launch on 8 October 2026, with a new episode every Thursday. Follow Beyond the PUSH wherever you listen to podcasts.