Life Behind the Sirens with Joel and Mariya

Learning to Breathe Again - Yoga, Grief and the Healing Body

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff is joined by trauma-informed yoga instructor Ileana for a grounding and insightful chat about the healing potential of yin yoga—especially for midwives and healthcare workers carrying the emotional weight of their work. Ileana shares her own path into yoga, what makes yin so uniquely powerful, and why slowing down is often the first step to processing grief, burnout, and trauma. Together, they explore the importance of presence, emotional release, and creating support systems that hold space for the carers as much as the cared-for. This episode is a gentle, practical invitation to reconnect with your body, your breath, and your boundaries—especially if you’ve been pouring from an empty cup.   (04:26) Understanding Yin Yoga (10:03) The Window of Tolerance and Trauma (19:16) Self-Care Practices for Healthcare Workers (22:01) Finding Joy in Small Moments (23:16) The Power of Presence (24:59) Advice for Healthcare Workers (25:22) Understanding Hope Theory (27:48) The Importance of Forgiveness (31:19) Investing in Support Systems (32:45) Healing Through Joy and Creativity For more information and links to Iliana's work, check out these links: Website: www.ilianacontos.com [www.ilianacontos.com] 'Take A Break' Guided Meditation with Iliana Contos [https://soundcloud.com/ilianacontos/take-a-break-guided-meditation] Linktree [https://linktr.ee/iliana.contos] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iliana.contos/] Substack [https://substack.com/@ilianacontos] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilianacontos/] Click here [https://linktr.ee/iliana.contos?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=ec25357a-7594-46cc-a019-0a51855aa93e] to learn more about Yin Yoga and other therapies offered by Iliana. Follow Iliana on Instagram. [https://www.instagram.com/iliana.contos] Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links: https://www.collectivebeing.org/ [https://www.collectivebeing.org/] https://blueknot.org.au/ [https://blueknot.org.au/] https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/ [https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/] https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained [https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained] https://www.nmsupport.org.au [https://www.nmsupport.org.au] https://www.anmf.org.au/ [https://www.anmf.org.au/] https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process [https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process] https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma [https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma] https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/ [https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/]   Griefline 1300 845 745   Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636   Lifeline Australia Hours: Available 24 hours Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14   Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife  [https://www.jessthemidwife.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafU-KDH6t0OeuPCwvwACo5V0vAE_4YU9tRQlcRucPLRNk4QfmoAozDfe40Y0w_aem_Ja6qnPuiFTyB-j1La2lyEw] Instagram - @jess.themidwife [https://www.instagram.com/jess.themidwife/]   To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au [https://midwifecrisis.com.au/] Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak [https://www.instagram.com/kellizak/]

Eight Babies, Countless Midwives: One Woman’s Global Journey Through Birth

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff speaks with Steph—a mother of eight whose birth experiences stretch across continents and care models. From hospitals in the U.S. to birth centres and home births here in Australia, Steph’s story weaves together moments of trauma, empowerment, and deep resilience. They talk through what it’s really like to give birth eight times under vastly different systems, how care providers can shape an experience for better or worse, and the incredible responsibility midwives carry in holding space for families. It’s an emotional, powerful conversation that highlights just how critical compassionate, individualised care is in the world of birth. (01:30) Steph's First Pregnancy Experience (03:38) Discovering Birth Centres and Midwifery (05:40) First Birth: A Natural Water Birth (08:00) Challenges with the Medical System (13:55) Transition to Australian Midwifery (15:14) Settling in Australia and Finding a Midwife (18:01) Navigating the Canberra Birth Centre (18:34) Navigating Birth Centre Challenges (19:01) Hiring a Doula for Support (19:25) Meeting the OB and Facing Induction Pressure (20:16) Overdue and Under Pressure (21:02) Labor and Delivery at the Birth Center (23:07) Midwife's Indifference and Its Impact (25:10) Reflecting on Birth Experiences (26:09) Qualities of a Good Midwife (28:22) Challenges Faced by Modern Midwives (32:27) Empowering Women in Birth Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links: https://www.collectivebeing.org/ [https://www.collectivebeing.org/] https://blueknot.org.au/ [https://blueknot.org.au/] https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/ [https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/] https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained [https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained] https://www.nmsupport.org.au [https://www.nmsupport.org.au] https://www.anmf.org.au/ [https://www.anmf.org.au/] https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process [https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process] https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma [https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma] https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/ [https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/]   Griefline 1300 845 745   Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636   Lifeline Australia Hours: Available 24 hours Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14   Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife  [https://www.jessthemidwife.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafU-KDH6t0OeuPCwvwACo5V0vAE_4YU9tRQlcRucPLRNk4QfmoAozDfe40Y0w_aem_Ja6qnPuiFTyB-j1La2lyEw] Instagram - @jess.themidwife [https://www.instagram.com/jess.themidwife/]   To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au [https://midwifecrisis.com.au/] Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak [https://www.instagram.com/kellizak/]

Walking on Eggshells – Leaving Private Practice to Find Safety

In this moving episode of Midwife Crisis, host Kelli Zakharoff speaks with midwife Ally, who made the difficult decision to leave private practice and return to the hospital system. Through a candid and emotional conversation, Ally opens up about the challenges that led to her departure—chronic isolation, emotional exhaustion, and the immense weight of responsibility that often comes with working independently. The episode explores the deep fulfilment private practice can bring, alongside the quiet heartbreak it can leave behind. Ally shares how COVID-19 intensified the pressures, the moment she realised something had to change, and how she’s redefining her relationship with midwifery while prioritising her own wellbeing. This is a story of honesty, strength, and the bravery it takes to walk away in order to heal. (01:14) The Challenges of Private Practice (04:30) Rewards and Realities of Private Practice (07:40) The Impact of COVID-19 (13:41) The Final Tipping Point (16:42) Exploring New Career Paths (16:57) The Addiction to Midwifery (17:12) The Knowledge and Experience of Midwifery (18:03) The Emotional Toll of Midwifery (19:25) Transitioning Out of Midwifery (20:43) Support Systems for Midwives (22:48) Advice for Aspiring Private Midwives (24:04) Systemic Issues in Midwifery (26:24) Finding Fulfillment Beyond Midwifery (28:33) Gratitude and Reflections Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links: https://www.collectivebeing.org/ [https://www.collectivebeing.org/] https://blueknot.org.au/ [https://blueknot.org.au/] https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/ [https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/] https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained [https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained] https://www.nmsupport.org.au [https://www.nmsupport.org.au] https://www.anmf.org.au/ [https://www.anmf.org.au/] https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process [https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process] https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma [https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma] https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/ [https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/]   Griefline 1300 845 745   Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636   Lifeline Australia Hours: Available 24 hours Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14   Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife  [https://www.jessthemidwife.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafU-KDH6t0OeuPCwvwACo5V0vAE_4YU9tRQlcRucPLRNk4QfmoAozDfe40Y0w_aem_Ja6qnPuiFTyB-j1La2lyEw] Instagram - @jess.themidwife [https://www.instagram.com/jess.themidwife/]   To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au [https://midwifecrisis.com.au/] Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak [https://www.instagram.com/kellizak/]

Life Behind the Sirens with Joel and Mariya

In today’s episode, Kelli sits down with Mariya and Joel, a couple who’ve spent years working on the frontline as paramedics. While Joel is still out on the road, Mariya has stepped into new roles as a mother and business owner. Together, they share the highs and lows of navigating life behind the sirens and how they’ve managed the emotional weight of emergency care, both individually and as a couple. We talk about trauma, identity shifts, conscious parenting, and how their businesses are now focused on empowering others through first aid education and emotional support. It’s a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation about resilience, connection, and finding purpose beyond the uniform. Check out Nurture Safe here: www.nurturesafe.com.au [http://www.nurturesafe.com.au] (01:16) Meeting Mariya and Joel (01:23) Journey into Paramedicine (02:53) Working Together as Paramedics (08:08) Memorable Experiences on the Job (12:09) Coping with Trauma and Seeking Support (19:19) Balancing Family and Career (22:56) Navigating Post-Paramedic Life (24:57) Discussing Trauma Bonding (27:02) Transition from Paramedic to Postnatal Work (29:56) Balancing Work and Family Life (33:19) Creating and Merging Businesses (36:02) Importance of First Aid Training (42:23) Advice for Healthcare Workers Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links: https://www.collectivebeing.org/ [https://www.collectivebeing.org/] https://blueknot.org.au/ [https://blueknot.org.au/] https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/ [https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/] https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained [https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained] https://www.nmsupport.org.au [https://www.nmsupport.org.au] https://www.anmf.org.au/ [https://www.anmf.org.au/] https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process [https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process] https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma [https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma] https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/ [https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/]   Griefline 1300 845 745   Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636   Lifeline Australia Hours: Available 24 hours Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14   Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife  [https://www.jessthemidwife.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafU-KDH6t0OeuPCwvwACo5V0vAE_4YU9tRQlcRucPLRNk4QfmoAozDfe40Y0w_aem_Ja6qnPuiFTyB-j1La2lyEw] Instagram - @jess.themidwife [https://www.instagram.com/jess.themidwife/]   To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au [https://midwifecrisis.com.au/] Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak [https://www.instagram.com/kellizak/]

The Ones Who Stayed, and the Ones Who Couldn't – Midwife’s Grief, Vulnerability & Reckoning with Amy Garrett

In this heartfelt episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff sits down with the thoughtful and passionate Amy Garrett—registered midwife and perinatal counsellor—to talk about the emotional weight midwives carry, and why it’s time we start acknowledging it. You might remember Amy’s moving post on the International Day of the Midwife—it resonated deeply with many in the birth world. In this conversation, she shares the story behind it and reflects on the grief, trauma, and moral tension that often go unspoken in midwifery care—especially within systems that don’t always make space for emotional honesty. Kelli and Amy explore the signs of vicarious trauma, the emotional cost of bearing witness, and the need for better support structures like clinical supervision.   (00:44) Meet Amy Garrett: A Midwife's Journey (01:55) The Emotional Impact of Maternity Care (03:16) Amy's Viral Post: Honouring Midwives (05:57) Understanding Vicarious Trauma (10:52) The Weight of Grief and Guilt (12:56) Creating Safe Spaces for Midwives (13:46) The Importance of Speaking Up (15:15) Supporting Midwives: A Call to Action (17:00) Amy's Personal Reflections and Advice (22:25) The Need for Systemic Change Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links: https://www.collectivebeing.org/ [https://www.collectivebeing.org/] https://blueknot.org.au/ [https://blueknot.org.au/] https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/ [https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/] https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained [https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained] https://www.nmsupport.org.au [https://www.nmsupport.org.au] https://www.anmf.org.au/ [https://www.anmf.org.au/] https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process [https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process] https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma [https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma] https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/ [https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/]   Griefline 1300 845 745   Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636   Lifeline Australia Hours: Available 24 hours Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14   Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife  [https://www.jessthemidwife.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafU-KDH6t0OeuPCwvwACo5V0vAE_4YU9tRQlcRucPLRNk4QfmoAozDfe40Y0w_aem_Ja6qnPuiFTyB-j1La2lyEw] Instagram - @jess.themidwife [https://www.instagram.com/jess.themidwife/]   To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au [https://midwifecrisis.com.au/] Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak [https://www.instagram.com/kellizak/]