The Good, The Bad and The Vagina

Mimi - Kismattu Yoga and Birth

Navigating Life and Motherhood: Mimi's Inspiring Journey Through Yoga and Birth.  In this episode of "The Good, The Bad and The Vagina," hosts Tess Lovely and Mimi dive deep into the multifaceted experiences of motherhood, yoga, and overcoming personal challenges. Mimi, a yoga instructor and single mother, shares her unique journey, providing insights into how she has navigated life’s hurdles with resilience and grace. Mimi’s story begins in India, where she spent four years immersed in yoga, meditation, and healing. It was during this transformative time that she became a mother. Mimi reflects on how her experience as a single parent has shaped her approach to teaching yoga. "I really want to just teach yoga. That's what I want to do. But sometimes, you know, when you're self-employed, some months you'll have a great month, and some months will be completely empty," she explains. This uncertainty has motivated her to learn more about business and navigate the challenges of being a single mom in the wellness industry. Born with a limb difference, Mimi initially doubted her ability to practice and teach yoga. "I didn't think I could ever do yoga, let alone teach it," she admits. However, her journey in India helped her realize that yoga is adaptable. "It was not me trying to fit into yoga; she taught me how yoga can fit into me." This perspective is crucial as she encourages her students to embrace their unique bodies. Mimi emphasizes, "You don't have to be perfect; you can just show up how you are, and we can make yoga work for you." The conversation shifts to the influence of social media on self-perception. Tess and Mimi discuss how social media can be both inspiring and detrimental. "Social media is a bit of a double-edged sword," Tess points out, highlighting the pressure of perfection that can weigh heavily on young women. Mimi agrees, noting that while it can motivate, it can also lead to negativity. "I get a lot of negativity in comments, usually from profiles that are anonymous. It’s sad that some people feel the need to project their pain onto others," she reflects. Mimi shares her incredible birthing journey, which occurred during the pandemic in India. "I got pregnant in India very quickly with my son's dad in the summer of 2020," she recalls. Faced with the challenges of COVID-19, she decided to stay in India for the birth, despite the chaos surrounding her. "My pregnancy wasn't nice; I was vomiting pretty much the whole way through," she says, detailing the difficulties she faced. Mimi aimed for a home birth but struggled to find a midwife willing to support her. Ultimately, she had to navigate the complex Indian healthcare system, which often favours C-section. Mimi describes the cultural and language barriers that added stress to her pregnancy. "Every time I had to go with someone to talk to them, I was just getting lost in it all," she admits. Despite these challenges, her determination to have a natural birth pushed her to advocate for herself. "I was just like, this is insanity," she recalls, highlighting her resilience throughout the process. Conclusion: Mimi's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of embracing one's unique journey. From overcoming personal challenges to navigating the complexities of motherhood and healthcare, her experiences offer valuable insights for anyone facing adversity. Key takeaways include the importance of adaptability, the impact of community support, and the need for self-advocacy in unfamiliar environment

Yvette - Birth With Love

In this engaging episode of "The Good, The Bad and The Vagina," host Tess Lovely welcomes Yvette from Birthing With Love for a heartfelt discussion about the transformative journey of childbirth. The conversation begins with Yvette sharing her background as a hypnobirthing teacher and doula, emphasizing the importance of empowering women to trust their bodies during birth. Both Tess and Yvette reflect on their personal experiences and the societal shifts in perceptions of childbirth, highlighting how the medical model has often disempowered women. They discuss the need for women to reclaim their birth stories and the role of doulas in providing support and reassurance during labour. As the dialogue unfolds, Yvette recounts her own birthing experiences, including the challenges she faced during her first birth in a hospital setting, which led her to explore hypnobirthing. The episode delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of childbirth, emphasizing the significance of creating a supportive environment for mothers. Tess and Yvette also touch on the misconceptions surrounding doulas and the importance of having a supportive birth partner. This episode is a rich exploration of the complexities of childbirth, the need for community support, and the empowerment of women in their birthing journeys. In this engaging conversation, Tess Lovely and Yvette from Birthing With Love share their personal and professional experiences surrounding childbirth, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment for mothers. They discuss the unique circumstances of their own births, including unexpected moments like giving birth on the toilet, and how the size and position of the baby can significantly impact the birthing process. The dialogue highlights the need for women to feel safe and empowered during labour, as well as the role of doulas in creating a nurturing atmosphere that allows for a more positive birth experience. The discussion also delves into the emotional aspects of childbirth, with both speakers noting that a mother's mental state can influence the labour process. They advocate for a holistic approach to childbirth, where women are encouraged to trust their instincts and make informed decisions about their care. The conversation wraps up with a focus on the importance of community support and the need to celebrate the journey of motherhood, rather than just the end result of childbirth.

Jeanette Faulkner - Doula By The Sea

In this episode of "The Good, The Bad and The Vagina," host Tess Lovely welcomes Jeanette Faulkner, known as Doula by the Sea, to discuss the evolving landscape of maternity care and the role of doulas. Jeanette shares her extensive background as a nurse midwife, detailing her experiences in community midwifery and the significant changes she has observed over the years, particularly the shift towards a more medicalized approach to childbirth. The conversation delves into the impact of COVID-19 on maternity services, the erosion of midwifery autonomy, and the increasing fear surrounding childbirth, which has led to a disempowerment of women during their birthing experiences.     As they explore the nuances of modern maternity care, Tess and Jeanette highlight the importance of supporting women in reclaiming their sovereignty during childbirth. They discuss the significance of intuition in midwifery, the natural rhythms of birth, and the need for a more holistic approach to maternity care. The episode emphasizes the beauty and power of physiological birth, advocating for a return to practices that honor women's instincts and experiences, while also addressing the challenges posed by current healthcare systems. In this engaging conversation, Jeanette and Tess delve into the intricacies of childbirth, emphasizing the importance of understanding physiological processes and the emotional aspects of birthing experiences. Jeanette shares a gripping story about a birth where she had to act quickly to resuscitate a newborn, highlighting the resilience of babies and the critical role of doulas in supporting mothers during emergencies. They discuss the instinctive nature of mothers in crisis situations and the varying responses to adrenaline during labor, illustrating how each woman's experience is unique.   The dialogue transitions into a broader discussion about the challenges faced by midwives and doulas in the current healthcare system, particularly the fear-driven practices that often overshadow the natural process of childbirth. They advocate for a return to a more holistic approach, where the focus is on the mother’s well-being and empowerment rather than solely on the baby. The conversation culminates in a reflection on the emotional toll of traumatic births and the importance of support systems for both mothers and fathers, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in the birthing process.

Claire Horn - Atomic Wellness - Menopause Queen

In this engaging conversation, Tess Lovely and Claire Horn explore the multifaceted journey of women through menopause, emphasising the importance of nutrition, education, and community support. Claire shares her personal experiences as a menopause advocate and the founder of the Atomic Wellness Company, highlighting how small dietary changes can lead to significant improvements in wellbeing. The discussion also touches on the challenges of motherhood, the impact of hormonal changes, and the need for a supportive community to empower women during these transformative stages of life.