Now more than ever we are seeing a return of empowered women, birthing their children in the way that THEY want to… and it’s thanks to powerhouse women like Genevieve, who are blazing the trail and lighting the way for all of us. For full show notes and episode resources, head to https://melissaambrosini.com/34 Whatever your dream birth may look like, Genevieve believes that preparation and knowledge is key to set yourself up for your ideal birthing experience. And after giving birth to two children (in a birthing centre, supported by a midwife and doula) she knows her shizzle, and wanted to share everything she knows with YOU! That’s why she wrote her incredible book, The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth. It’s a modern (yet ancient) approach to this sacred journey, which recognises that childbirth is a miraculous process... not a medical condition or illness. There’s so much juicy, empowering knowledge in this conversation, I know your mind is going to be blown wide open. So whether you are thinking about having a baby, are still years off, or aren’t interested at all, if you are a female this podcast is for you! In this episode we chat about: How she went from being a junk food-eating, soft drink-guzzling smoker to Mama Natural (05:19) Why a scary, fearful birth doesn't have to be your reality (and how to shift your mindset and perception) (13:56) Vaginal birth vs Cesarean — the facts, the myths, and what every woman NEEDS to know (19:48) The key to natural birth (seriously — why aren’t we taught this stuff at school?!) (24:04) The ‘gentle’ intervention option (that many women don’t know about) (25:13) How to make a Cesarean as similar to a natural birth as possible (the answer lies in your vagina!) (26:55) Home birth vs Hospital birth — which is right for you? (27:58) How to reduce your risk of interventions (29:36) The difference between a midwife and doula (and why you want both!) (36:49) How to find your dream birth team (I absolutely loved her ideas here… take notes!) (38:40) Why you should eat your placenta… yes, really! (43:58) Why presence and surrender are essential for a blissful birth (57:24) The 3 things you must do for healthy, humming hormones (59:20) Why you must avoid stressful exercise when pregnant (01:05:24) Plus so much more! For full show notes, episode resources and quick links to the above timestamps, head to https://melissaambrosini.com/34 The only purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. It is no substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional.  For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy