Episode 143 - What is the Privacy Instinct - And Why it Matters for Neurodiverse Women

03/16/25 • 32 min

In this episode, I explore the 'privacy instinct' and its profound significance for neurodiverse women during childbirth. I delve into how an innate desire for privacy and autonomy can influence birth experiences, especially for those with heightened sensory sensitivities and unique communication needs.

Episode Highlights:

Understanding the Privacy Instinct: Discussing the natural inclination towards privacy during labour and how it serves as a protective mechanism, promoting comfort and reducing stress.
Neurodiversity and Sensory Sensitivities: Insights into how neurodiverse women may experience heightened sensory perceptions, making the need for a controlled and private birthing environment crucial.
Advocating for Personalised Care: Strategies for neurodiverse women to communicate their privacy needs to healthcare providers, ensuring a supportive and accommodating birth plan.
Role of Birth Doulas: The importance of having a doula or support person who understands sensory experiences and can advocate for the mother's preferences during childbirth.

Listen to the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of the privacy instinct and its impact on the childbirth experiences of neurodiverse women. Empower yourself with knowledge and advocate for a birthing environment that respects and honors your innate needs.

Read the BLOG post that accompanies this episode here

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Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove
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Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
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Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
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Please remember that the information shared with you in this episode is solely based on my own personal experiences as a doula and the private opinions of my guests, based on their own experiences. Any recommendations made may not be suitable for ...

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Episode Highlights:

Understanding the Privacy Instinct: Discussing the natural inclination towards privacy during labour and how it serves as a protective mechanism, promoting comfort and reducing stress.
Neurodiversity and Sensory Sensitivities: Insights into how neurodiverse women may experience heightened sensory perceptions, making the need for a controlled and private birthing environment crucial.
Advocating for Personalised Care: Strategies for neurodiverse women to communicate their privacy needs to healthcare providers, ensuring a supportive and accommodating birth plan.
Role of Birth Doulas: The importance of having a doula or support person who understands sensory experiences and can advocate for the mother's preferences during childbirth.

Read the BLOG post that accompanies this episode here

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner
Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Previous Episode

Episode 142 - Why You Need to Interview Your Hospital or MLU

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In this episode, I’m diving into the importance of thoroughly researching and interviewing your chosen place of birth. Many women assume that midwife-led units or hospitals will automatically align with their birth preferences, but policies and practices can vary widely.

I’ll be sharing:

✔️ Why hospitals and MLUs don’t always provide the experience you expect.

✔️ The key questions you MUST ask before choosing a birth location.

✔️ How to spot red flags that indicate your birth preferences may not be honoured.

✔️ Tips for advocating for yourself and ensuring your chosen setting supports your vision.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why making an informed choice about where you give birth is crucial to having an empowered experience.

Read the BLOG post that accompanies this episode here

Follow me on Instagram @theultimatebirthpartner
Book a 1-2-1 session with Sallyann - https://linktr.ee/SallyannBeresford

Next Episode

Episode 144 - Why Long Contractions are Not Necessarily a Sign of Progress in Labour

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In this episode of The Ultimate Birth Partner Podcast, I am diving into the idea that intense, long contractions don't necessarily indicate progress in labour. I’ll take you through why contraction length alone isn’t a reliable indicator of progress and what actually matters more in birth.

Tune in to discover:
✨ Why rhythm and body positioning matter more than contraction length
✨ What long contractions may be signalling about your baby’s position
✨ Practical strategies to stay calm, centered, and intentional during labour
✨ How to advocate for your needs and trust your body’s cues

Whether you’re preparing for birth or supporting someone through labour, this episode will help you feel more informed and empowered as you navigate the twists and turns of birth.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share, leave a review, and follow the podcast for more insights on empowered birth.

You can find Shellie Poulter here - The Serenity Doula

You can read the BLOG post that accompanies this episode here