Episode 151 - Amelia's Story - MLU Birth with High BMI and Gestational Diabetes

05/18/25 • 68 min

In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by Amelia, who shares her powerful birth stories - welcoming both of her daughters in a Midwife Led Unit, despite being labelled ‘high risk’ due to a high BMI and insulin-controlled gestational diabetes.

Amelia’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when a woman is supported to trust her instincts, advocate for herself, and remain at the centre of her care.

In our conversation, Amelia reflects on:

The challenges and judgements she faced due to her BMI
How she stayed informed and confident in her choices
Building a relationship of trust with her midwives
Navigating the medicalised narrative around gestational diabetes
The difference respectful, individualised care made in her outcomes

This episode offers hope to anyone who’s been told their body isn’t capable of physiological birth - and a reminder that evidence-based care and personal autonomy can and should go hand-in-hand.

If you love the podcast and would like to support it, then please use the link to 'buy me a coffee' - https://bmc.link/sallyannberesford
If you would like to buy a copy of either of the books that accompany this podcast please go to your online bookseller or visit Amazon:-
Labour of Love - The Ultimate Guide to Being a Birth Partner - click here:-https://bit.ly/Labouroflove
The Art of Giving Birth - Five Key Physiological Principles - https://amzn.to/3EGh9df
Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Black and White version https://amzn.to/3CvJXmO
Pregnancy Journal for 'The Art of Giving Birth'
- Colour version https://amzn.to/3GknbPF
You can find all my classes and courses on my website - www.sallyannberesford.co.uk

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

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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Amelia’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when a woman is supported to trust her instincts, advocate for herself, and remain at the centre of her care.

In our conversation, Amelia reflects on:

The challenges and judgements she faced due to her BMI
How she stayed informed and confident in her choices
Building a relationship of trust with her midwives
Navigating the medicalised narrative around gestational diabetes
The difference respectful, individualised care made in her outcomes

This episode offers hope to anyone who’s been told their body isn’t capable of physiological birth - and a reminder that evidence-based care and personal autonomy can and should go hand-in-hand.

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

Previous Episode

Episode 150 - Why I Left the NHS - Midwife Insights with Rosemary

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In this powerful episode, I’m joined by former NHS midwife Rosemary, who bravely opens up about her time working within the UK’s maternity system - and why she ultimately made the difficult decision to walk away.

With her knowledge and experience of women-centred care, Rosemary speaks candidly about the challenges she faced as a midwife, from rising pressures to the emotional toll of witnessing care that didn’t align with her values.

Rosemary shares what it means to support physiological birth within institutional constraints, and why leaving was the only way to stay true to herself - and what she’s doing now

Whether you’re pregnant, a birth worker, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes of the maternity system, Rosemary’s story will stay with you.

You can find Rosemary here

Or on her website here - https://houseofrosemary.com

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