How to Speed Up Labour Naturally with Midwife Beth

In this episode I’m joined by midwife and mum of four Beth from The Bump to Baby Chapter to talk about one of the most common questions I get asked: how to speed up labour.We explore what can slow labour down, what can help it progress, baby positioning, biomechanics, oxytocin, cervical dilation and the difference between trying to force labour and creating the right conditions for it to flow.A really practical and reassuring conversation for anyone preparing for birth.A big thank you to Take Five Aromatherapy for making this episode possible! Check out the wide range of ⁠pregnancy blends⁠ and use the code POPTHAT15 for 15% off the full range (including Poppy's favourite candle, the ⁠Calming Anchor⁠!!) Follow Beth on Instagram: ⁠@thebumptobabychapterFollow Poppy on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@popthatmumma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Birth Box⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Oxytocin Bubble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab⁠ Sonic Rooms

I’m joined by Catrin Kemp from New Mothers Circle to talk about the power of writing in motherhood and how putting words to your experience can help you process what you’re feeling.We explore journalling, reflection, identity shifts and why writing can be such a grounding tool during pregnancy, postpartum and early motherhood. This is a gentle, thoughtful conversation for any mother wanting to feel more connected to herself through the changes motherhood brings.A big thank you to Take Five Aromatherapy for making this episode possible! Check out the wide range of ⁠pregnancy blends⁠ and use the code POPTHAT15 for 15% off the full range (including Poppy's favourite candle, the ⁠Calming Anchor⁠!!) Follow Catrin on Instagram: ⁠@newmumswritingSubscribe to Catrin's Substack hereFollow Poppy on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@popthatmumma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Birth Box⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Oxytocin Bubble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Grab⁠ Sonic Rooms

🎙️ This week on the podcast, I speak with Charley about her incredible birth experience—and how she used the Birth Box™ Hypnobirthing course to prepare.It was surreal meeting someone in person who had done Birth Box!We talk about fear, mindset, labour prep, and what really helped on the day.If you’re curious about the course that supported Charley through her labour, you can check it out here:https://www.hypnobirthing-positive-birth.com/birthbox#hypnobirthing #birthpreparation #birthbox #positivebirth #labourtools #childbirtheducation #birthstory #physiologicalbirthPlease note: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are for entertainment and general information only. They do not constitute medical, clinical, or professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have.

What role does a birth partner REALLY play during labour?In this episode, I’m joined by Gordon from MANtenatal to talk about advocacy, oxytocin, men’s mental health and why birth partners can completely change a woman’s birth experience when they feel informed, confident and prepared.We unpack:- Why birth isn’t a “spectator sport”- How birth partners can advocate calmly in labour- The BRAIN tool for making informed decisions- Protecting oxytocin during birth- Practical ways to support women through contractions- Men’s mental health in the postpartum period- Why better birth education for dads is SO neededThis is such a powerful conversation and honestly one I’d really recommend listening to WITH your birth partner A big thank you to Take Five Aromatherapy for making this episode possible! Check out the wide range of ⁠⁠pregnancy blends⁠⁠ and use the code POPTHAT15 for 15% off the full range (including Poppy's favourite candle, the ⁠⁠Calming Anchor⁠⁠!!) Follow MANtenatal:Instagram: @mantenatalWebsite: www.mantenatal.comFollow Poppy on Instagram: @popthatmumma

What happens when you start questioning everything you've been taught and trained as an obstetrician inside one of the busiest hospitals in the world?This is a really powerful conversation with Dr Stuart Fishbein and Midwife Blyss Young where we unpack the harsh realities of the modern maternity system, and why so many women leave birth feeling traumatised, disconnected and disempowered.You'll especially love this if you've been told your baby is in the breech position! A big thank you to Take Five Aromatherapy for making this episode possible! Check out the wide range of ⁠⁠pregnancy blends⁠⁠ and use the code POPTHAT15 for 15% off the full range (including Poppy's favourite candle, the ⁠⁠Calming Anchor⁠⁠!!) Follow Dr Stu on Instagram: ⁠⁠@birthinginstinctsVisit Birthing Instincts online hereListen to the Birthing Instincts podcastFollow Midwife Blyss: @wovenmoon_Join the Patreon hereFollow Poppy on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@popthatmumma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Birth Box⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Oxytocin Bubble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get⁠⁠ Sonic Rooms

I coach you through exactly how to melt into a surge instead of fighting it.We'll practise this together in real time, dropping all that tension in your body and leaning into the experience. Because when you overcome any resistance and learn how to melt into the feeling, the effect on your experience is profound. Get the full hypnobirthing course Just after the Oxytocin Bubble Tracks? Get them HERE. Get my FREE Third Trimester Routine HERE

In this episode, I’m joined by somatic therapist Charlotte Mindel to talk about why being a more present parent is not just about trying harder.We explore what really pulls us out of the moment, how stress and stored tension live in the body, why motherhood can bring so much to the surface, and what it means to come back to yourself.If you’ve ever felt distracted, agitated, emotionally elsewhere or guilty that you cannot fully switch off with your child, this conversation will help you feel understood.A big thank you to Tommee Tippee for making this episode possible! Check out the wide range of soothers ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ and use the code POPTHAT15 for 15% off until the end of June 2026.Follow Charlotte on Instagram: @the_embodied_motherFollow Poppy on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@popthatmumma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Birth Box⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Oxytocin Bubble⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Sonic Rooms

In this episode I’m joined by Nikki Wilson from the Maternal Mental Health Alliance to talk about postpartum mental health, the early weeks after birth, and the signs that a new mum might need more support.We talk about baby blues, postnatal depression, intrusive thoughts, bonding, identity shifts and why so many women feel shame in silence. This is an important, reassuring conversation for anyone navigating pregnancy, postpartum or new motherhood.A big thank you to Tommee Tippee for making this episode possible! Check out the wide range of soothers ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ and use the code POPTHAT15 for 15% off until the end of June 2026.Follow The Maternal Mental Health Alliance on Instagram @mmhallianceFollow Poppy on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@popthatmumma⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab ⁠⁠⁠⁠Birth Box⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Oxytocin Bubble⁠⁠⁠⁠ Need support?If you are in crisis, despairing or suicidal, please talk to a healthcare professional immediately. This could be a GP, midwife or health visitor, for example.Or, you can:Call 111Go to A&E at your nearest hospitalCall Samaritans on 116 123 or email [email protected] support options as mentioned by Nikki:- NHS Talking Therapies- PANDAS foundation- Maternal OCD- Pregnancy Sickness Support- Make Birth Better- Birth Trauma Association

Three weeks ago I birthed my third baby, Adam.I can't fully put into words how positive and empowering it was. After Olivia's intense, painful birth - this one was my healing.All courses: https://popthatmumma.carrd.co/My free third trimester routine guide: https://pop-that-mumma.kit.com/thirdtrimesterroutine

Today, I’m joined by Lindsey Simcik from Almost 30 to talk about intuition, embodiment, nervous system safety and the transformation that happens when you become a mother.We explore self trust, mum rage, regulation, presence and what it really looks like to stay connected to yourself through motherhood. This is a beautiful, honest conversation for any woman moving through pregnancy, postpartum or early motherhood.A big thank you to Tommee Tippee for making this episode possible! Check out the wide range of soothers ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ and use the code POPTHAT15 for 15% off until the end of June 2026.Follow Lindsey on Instagram: ⁠⁠@lindseysimcikSubscribe to the Momplex Substack: hereFollow Poppy on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@popthatmumma⁠⁠⁠⁠Grab ⁠⁠⁠⁠Birth Box⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Oxytocin Bubble⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get Sonic Rooms