Fear Free Childbirth Podcast With Alexia Leachman | Childbirth | Pregnancy

In today's episode, I am joined by Heather to dive into her incredible journey from a fear-filled first birth to two positive and empowering experiences. Heather shares her deep emotional work in overcoming the negative feelings from her traumatic first birth and the steps she took to prepare herself mentally and emotionally for her second pregnancy. From therapy to Emotion Code, to Head Trash Clearance and hypnobirthing, Heather explores the various tools she used to transform her mindset and approach childbirth with a newfound sense of confidence. Key Points Discussed: Traumatic First Birth Experience: Heather opens up about her initial birth experience, which left her feeling fearful and exhausted. She realised that her emotional baggage and negative energy had a significant impact on her birth. This realisation became the catalyst for her transformative journey towards healing and empowerment. Emotional Work and Preparation for Second Birth: Heather undertook various methods to prepare for her seco

Join Celeste on a transformative journey to overcome fears and find peace with childbirth in this emotional and empowering episode.

In today's episode, I have a thought-provoking conversation with Elizabeth Tidwell, a menstrual cycle coach, as she shares her journey of healing and embracing the power of her menstrual cycle. I wanted to talk about periods because even though they're not front and centre of the pregnancy and birth experience - they are! We obsess over when they stop - are we pregnant??? - and then we obsess over when they start again. They are a HUGE part of this. And, more importantly, I wanted to talk about them because I don't think that we appreciate our periods much. There's lots of negativity around them and so I wanted to flip the script and help you to LOVE your period and tap into their power. Here are some of the things you can hear as part of this conversation: Resolving Childhood Trauma: Elizabeth opens up about her personal experience with childhood trauma and how it impacted her menstrual cycle. Through healing this trauma, she discovered that it had a profound effect not only on her cycle but on variou

In this episode, we dive into a powerful and inspiring conversation with my guest, Steph Bennet, as she shares her experience of choosing to solo parent. Finding Balance in Work and Motherhood Steph's story is a testament to the strength and resilience of women who navigate both career success and motherhood on their own terms. Join us as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and joys of Steph's unique journey into motherhood. Steph made the decision to prioritise a career that allowed her to have control over her work without judgment. She is a strong advocate for not compromising but optimising her life to create a balanced and fear-free environment for herself and her daughter. As a managing director, Steph initially faced challenges in balancing work and parenting, but she gradually found strategies to create flexibility and adapt to hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Her story highlights the ongoing need for better support and understanding in the workplace for working mothers. Here are some of

Birth is a profound and transformative experience, but unfortunately, conflicts and disagreements within the birth space can sometimes overshadow the joy and empowerment that should be at the forefront. Navigating Conflict in the Birth Space In this episode of the Fear Free Childbirth podcast, Jenny Koslow, a perinatal educator with four decades of experience, sheds light on the issues of conflict and tension within the birth world. Understanding the Birth Space: Jenny begins by sharing her wealth of knowledge and stories gathered from birth workers around the globe. She highlights the conflicting views and struggles that exist between different professions within the birth world, such as midwives, lactation consultants, and doulas. These conflicts often arise from differing ideologies stemming from the biomedical and naturalistic sides of childbirth. From home births to highly medicalized hospital births, the spectrum of choices and opinions can be quite divisive. The Influence of Birth Settings: The c

In this episode, I have an incredible story of transformation to share with you. My guest, Jessica, was once plagued with fear when it came to pregnancy and childbirth. However, she conquered her fears and had a positive birth experience that inspired her to make a bold career change. From Fearful Mama to Confident Midwife Jessica talks about her journey from fear to becoming a midwife. It's a remarkable turnaround that showcases the power of overcoming our deepest fears and embracing new paths in life. But before we delve into Jessica's inspiring story, I want to share with you a tale that highlights what can happen if we leave our pregnancy and birth fears unchecked. Learn about the fears commonly faced by women during pregnancy, birth, and even those struggling with tokophobia. While some may assume these fears revolve around pain and tearing, they often stem from deeper conflicts and anxieties. These fears include the fear of losing control, feeling trapped or lacking choices, making the wrong decisio

In this episode, my special guest is Emma Moon, a cosmic fertility guide and a spirit baby medium. Emma's unique background includes a Bachelor of Science in nursing and expertise as an integrative health practitioner. She blends both science and spirituality in her work, supporting women through their fertility journey, pregnancy, and conscious birth. Emma's approach involves connecting with the energy and spirit of her clients, helping them navigate emotional and spiritual blocks that may affect their fertility. Through a combination of nutrition, lifestyle changes, and intuitive guidance, she provides comprehensive support for women and couples. Conversations with Spirit Babies: Exploring Fertility and Conscious Conception In this episode, we delved into a wide array of thought-provoking questions with Emma. How does Emma Moon blend science and spirituality in her work as a cosmic fertility guide and spirit baby medium? Can emotional and spiritual blocks affect a person's fertility? How does Emma a

Welcome back to Fear Free Childbirth! In today's episode, I want to explore how we can measure healing progress when we're undertaking personal development work, or healing. And in doing so I'd like to share a tool that I think can help you with this called the Map of Consciousness. How to Measure Healing Progress in Pregnancy and Birth Have you ever invested time and energy into courses, therapy or retreats to bring about a change in how you feel, only to wonder if they're really making a difference? We all have, right? Today, I want share a powerful tool that you can use to measure the effectiveness of these activities in overcoming fear, anxiety, and finding calm and peace. Once I discovered this method of measuring healing progress I decided to revisit my own healing journey around overcoming tokophobia, and my pregnancy fears and anxieties; I wanted to see what it would tell me. And it's fascinating! In today's episode, we'll explore the concept of consciousness and how understanding your own stat

In today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Lauren Cook, who will be diving into a topic that affects many parents in the modern era – anxiety in Gen Z. Gen Z Anxiety: Navigating Parenthood in Uncertain Times Dr. Cook, a therapist and author, brings her expertise and insights from her book "Generation Anxiety," which provides a guide for millennials and Gen Z to navigate an uncertain world. We'll be exploring how anxiety manifests in young people, particularly as they contemplate starting a family or becoming parents. Plus, we'll discuss strategies for overcoming fear, managing anxiety, and finding empowerment in the midst of uncertainty. During our conversation, we chat about the fears and anxieties surrounding starting a family and becoming parents, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about climate change. Lauren offers invaluable insights on how to tackle these challenges and find a sense of community and connection even in uncertain times. If you've ever experienced anxiety, wor

In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of perimenopause and how it intersects with the postnatal period. With so many women waiting until later in life to have children, this is an important topic for women to get their heads around. Postnatal meets Perimenopause To help us do that, I am joined by my guest, Linda Stephens, who brings her expertise and insights on women's health to help you navigate this transitional stage in your life. We explore the hormonal changes, physical symptoms, and emotional challenges that can arise during this time. Together, we discover how understanding and nurturing our bodies can lead to a graceful transition and a renewed sense of self. Some of the key questions we explore include: What are some common symptoms experienced by women during the perimenopause stage? How do these symptoms compare to those experienced after childbirth? How can understanding the natural hormonal cycle of women help them navigate their energy levels and productivity throughout the

In today's episode, I am joined by the incredible Susie Hamilton as she shares her spine-tingling story of transformation from someone who wrestled with tokophobia, the fear of pregnancy and birth, to becoming a surrogate. When Susie discovered this podcast when she was preparing for pregnancy, she went on to use my fear clearance method to clear her fears of pregnancy and birth. This led to an incredible transformation in her. Not only did she have two wonderful births of her own children, but she has since embarked on the surrogacy journey, and she is currently pregnant with her second surrogate baby. Susie's story exemplifies the activation of inner power, self-advocacy, and the incredible impact that facing fears can have not only during childbirth but also in other aspects of life. As we delve into her experiences, we will explore the importance of feeling comfortable, making informed decisions, advocating for oneself, and embracing the journey with all its emotions. Overcoming Fear: Susie's Transf

Fear of Vomit and Pregnancy: How to Navigate the Emetophobia in Preparation for Pregnancy and Parenthood Today I am diving into a topic that affects more people than you might imagine - the fear of vomit and pregnancy. The fear of being sick is also known as emetophobia and while it may not be the number one fear for everyone, it ranks high on the list of most common phobias. During this episode I explore the seriousness of this fear, and its impact on those contemplating pregnancy or dealing with a fear of pregnancy or giving birth. I'll also be sharing insights and strategies to help you overcome this fear and create a fearless mindset. Emetophobia is the fear of vomiting or being sick, and it can have a profound impact on pregnancy. A fear of vomit or a fear of being sick is particularly tricky when coupled with the challenges of morning sickness or for those who suffer with tokophobia, the fear of pregnancy or giving birth. When your phobias start to stack on top of each other, things can quickly fe

The Power of Healing Your Hidden Pregnancy and Birth Trauma In this episode I explore hidden pregnancy and birth trauma. Discover how ancestral trauma can fuel fears and anxieties about pregnancy and birth, even if you've never been pregnant. I also share my personal healing journey, transforming my perspective on childbirth. Join me in addressing any hidden pregnancy and birth trauma for a fearless pregnancy and birth. I'd like to dive into a topic that often gets overshadowed by nursery décor and baby names: the importance of healing your emotional wounds and traumas around pregnancy and birth. Pregnancy and childbirth are undoubtedly transformative experiences, and while they can be filled with joy and excitement, they can also bring forth a surge of emotions, some of which may be deeply rooted in our past. So, let's chat about why taking care of your emotional well-being during this time is not just a good idea – it's crucial. 1. Emotions and Pregnancy: A Deep Connection Pregnancy is a powerful jour

Welcome to another episode of Fear Free Childbirth podcast, where we delve into the incredible realm of childbirth and explore unconventional yet empowering practices. In this episode, I am joined by special guest Sophie Messager, a doula who has integrated drumming into her work with expecting mothers. Together, we explore the profound effects of drumming during pregnancy and birth, while highlighting the lost wisdom of traditional women's practices. Drumming during Pregnancy and Birth We touch upon several thought-provoking topics and intriguing questions related to drumming for pregnancy and birth. 1. Uncovering the Healing Power: Sophie emphasises the importance of healing oneself before guiding others on their journey. By attuning to their own energetic patterns and addressing any emotional blocks, practitioners can hold space more effectively and transmit the transformational power of their method. 2. Training and Specialisation: Our discussion sheds light on the availability of training options fo

In this week's episode, Alexia chats to Ramona, who shares her powerful story of triumphing over tokophobia and body dysmorphia to embrace and enjoy pregnancy. Throughout our conversation, Ramona imparts wisdom on communicating with healthcare providers, finding the right support, and illuminating challenging experiences. She candidly shares her transformation from body dysmorphia to embracing pregnancy joyfully, revealing how her perspective changed with the help of a personal trainer and a comprehensive program of healing and self-care. Conquering Tokophobia & Body Dysmorphia: Ramona's Story Ramona's journey traces a path to acceptance and empowerment, from initial anxiety about her pregnancy to a resolute decision to embrace it. We explore how her past experiences parallel her approach to pregnancy and childbirth, as she confronts longstanding fears and anxieties head-on. Here are just some of the questions we explore in this episode How did Ramona's initial doubts about the effectiveness of mantras

In this episode of Fear Free Childbirth, I delve into the topic of anxiety and how it affects pregnancy. As someone who has personally experienced anxiety during my own pregnancy journey, I understand the importance of addressing and overcoming these fears and anxieties. Anxiety and Pregnancy Fear and control are significant themes in anxiety and tokophobia, which can intensify during pregnancy due to the numerous unknowns and changes that occur. The fear of uncertainty and the feeling of things spiralling out of control can be overwhelming. I discuss how this fear primarily exists in our minds, until a real threat is encountered. During labour, fear can arise if things are not going well, while anxiety is present before that point. Our fear radar can be influenced by society's fear messaging, making it challenging to distinguish between real threats and imagined ones. The past few years have been filled with fear messaging, but not all of it has been based on reality. In addition to the fear of pregnancy

In this episode, I'm am joined by the incredible Mars Lord, doula and activist dedicated to improving the birthing experiences of black and brown-bodied women. Ethnicity scans for women of colour Mars will shine a light on a pressing issue: ethnicity scans. We'll delve into the controversy surrounding ethnicity scans, their potential risks and benefits, and the systemic racism that underlies their implementation. We dive deep into the challenges faced by black and brown-bodied women within the healthcare system and explore ways to navigate these hurdles and ensure a fear-free childbirth. Here are some key questions that we explore during our conversation: How does systemic racism contribute to poor healthcare outcomes for black and brown-bodied people, specifically during the perinatal period? What are some specific examples of discrimination and mistreatment experienced by black and brown-bodied pregnant women within the healthcare system? How does chronic stress and anxiety, along with systemic i

In this episode of the Fear Free Childbirth podcast, I chat to Heather, who shares her inspiring journey from being tokophobic to becoming a mother of two. Heather never expected to have children but decided to confront her fears for the sake of her relationship. She initially came across my work in her search for information about tokophobia and Heather ended up finding a supportive community* that understood her struggle to support her on her journey. *Heather took part in one of my tokophobia group programs that runs a few times a year. Find out more about my programs here. Heather shares her experience of going from fearful to fearless. She was someone who suffered with terrible tokophobia and not only went on to becoming a mother and now expecting her second, but also quit her therapy practice to set up on her own. Truly fearless! . But not only that, on As part of this chat. we discuss the need to take women's fears seriously and explore their specific concerns, rather than dismissing them. Heathe

Welcome back to the Fear Free Childbirth podcast! After a long break, I'm bringing the podcast back. Fear of birth and pregnancy is a common experience for up to 85% of women, but it is not something to be ashamed of. The way I see it, there are two main types of fear when it comes to pregnancy and birth; Mild or Moderate Fear - this is usually due to misinformation or lack of education. Deep-rooted Fears  - typically stemming from conflicts in personal values. Addressing these fears is crucial not only for having a fear free childbirth but also for setting women up for success in motherhood. ‌In this episode, I explore the multifaceted nature of fear and how it goes beyond simple anxieties. I talk about the importance of addressing fears early on, preferably before getting pregnant, to ensure a more enjoyable and prepared pregnancy journey. I also dive into my plans for the new season, which include expert interviews, covering new topics, and exploring the mental and emotional aspects of the journe

The one idea that inspired and motivated me when I started working in the birth and pregnancy space was this: the birth moment is a sacred one that has ripple effects that impacts so many people. The moment of birth creates a ripple that affects many Birth doesn't just affect the mother and the baby being born, it affects the father and/or the mother's partner too. And it affects the professionals present; the midwives, the doctors or OB-GYNs, the consultants, the doulas, and the nurses. But it doesn't stop there. Depending on how the birth goes, it will will also affect the baby's siblings, and other family members. Then there's the life of the baby as he or she grows up. Our births create an emotional blueprint that we carry with us our whole lives. Our fears, our patterns of behaviour, our stresses and our anxieties are all rooted in our birth experience. If we experienced a traumatic birth, then this will affect in all sorts of mysterious ways as our fears and traumas play out. I say 'mysterious' becau