In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff is joined by trauma-informed yoga instructor Ileana for a grounding and insightful chat about the healing potential of yin yoga—especially for midwives and healthcare workers carrying the emotional weight of their work.Ileana shares her own path into yoga, what makes yin so uniquely powerful, and why slowing down is often the first step to processing grief, burnout, and trauma. Together, they explore the importance of presence, emotional release, and creating support systems that hold space for the carers as much as the cared-for.This episode is a gentle, practical invitation to reconnect with your body, your breath, and your boundaries—especially if you’ve been pouring from an empty cup.

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff speaks with Steph—a mother of eight whose birth experiences stretch across continents and care models. From hospitals in the U.S. to birth centres and home births here in Australia, Steph’s story weaves together moments of trauma, empowerment, and deep resilience. They talk through what it’s really like to give birth eight times under vastly different systems, how care providers can shape an experience for better or worse, and the incredible responsibility midwives carry in holding space for families. It’s an emotional, powerful conversation that highlights just how critical compassionate, individualised care is in the world of birth.

In this moving episode of Midwife Crisis, host Kelli Zakharoff speaks with midwife Ally, who made the difficult decision to leave private practice and return to the hospital system. Through a candid and emotional conversation, Ally opens up about the challenges that led to her departure—chronic isolation, emotional exhaustion, and the immense weight of responsibility that often comes with working independently. The episode explores the deep fulfilment private practice can bring, alongside the quiet heartbreak it can leave behind. Ally shares how COVID-19 intensified the pressures, the moment she realised something had to change, and how she’s redefining her relationship with midwifery while prioritising her own wellbeing. This is a story of honesty, strength, and the bravery it takes to walk away in order to heal.

In today’s episode, Kelli sits down with Mariya and Joel, a couple who’ve spent years working on the frontline as paramedics. While Joel is still out on the road, Mariya has stepped into new roles as a mother and business owner. Together, they share the highs and lows of navigating life behind the sirens and how they’ve managed the emotional weight of emergency care, both individually and as a couple. We talk about trauma, identity shifts, conscious parenting, and how their businesses are now focused on empowering others through first aid education and emotional support. It’s a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation about resilience, connection, and finding purpose beyond the uniform.

In this heartfelt episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff sits down with the thoughtful and passionate Amy Garrett—registered midwife and perinatal counsellor—to talk about the emotional weight midwives carry, and why it’s time we start acknowledging it. You might remember Amy’s moving post on the International Day of the Midwife—it resonated deeply with many in the birth world. In this conversation, she shares the story behind it and reflects on the grief, trauma, and moral tension that often go unspoken in midwifery care—especially within systems that don’t always make space for emotional honesty. Kelli and Amy explore the signs of vicarious trauma, the emotional cost of bearing witness, and the need for better support structures like clinical supervision.

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff is joined by the incredible Jess—a midwife, lactation consultant, hypnobirthing practitioner, and Australia’s first certified birth trauma resolution therapist. You’re going to want to lean into this one. Jess shares her personal and professional journey into the complex world of birth trauma, and what it means not just for birthing families, but for the midwives and professionals who witness it day in and day out. From recognising the signs of secondary trauma to practical healing tools like the Rewind Technique, this conversation is equal parts grounding and transformative. Together, Jess and Kelly explore how we can create safer, more trauma-informed spaces for caregivers and why the system urgently needs to shift to better support the people holding the space. It’s raw, wise, and deeply moving—an essential listen for anyone working in perinatal care.

Welcome to episode 15 of Midwife Crisis! This week, Kelli sits down with the incredible Melanie Jackson to tackle one of the most pressing issues in maternity care right now: rising induction rates. With 43% of first-time mums in Australia being induced, this isn’t just a blip—it’s reshaping the whole birth landscape. Melanie brings her usual fire and wisdom as a midwife, educator, and advocate, breaking down what’s really driving these numbers, the impact on women, and the pressure midwives are under to toe the line. This one’s all about informed choice, pushing back against fear-based care, and standing up for what matters. Oh—and if you’ve been curious about the Great Birth Rebellion Convergence, Melanie’s got all the juicy details. Don’t miss it.

In this powerful episode of Midwife Crisis, host Kelli Zakharoff speaks with an anonymous midwife, 'Sarah', about the emotional and professional challenges that come with being reported to regulatory authorities. Set against the backdrop of a small community and independent practice, Sarah shares the aftermath of an adverse event that changed everything. The episode explores the realities of isolation, financial strain, and the ripple effects on mental health and family life. It also highlights the strength required to keep going in a system that can feel punishing and unsupportive. Sarah’s story is a rare, honest look into the burden midwives can carry—and the resilience that keeps them standing.

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli is back with another brilliant conversation—this time with Victoria, a midwife of over 20 years and mum of seven (yes, seven!), including one through surrogacy. Many of you will love this one: Victoria takes us right back to where her midwifery journey began (spoiler: it started in childhood), and walks us through the highs, lows, and absolute chaos of life as both a midwife and a mother. She gets real about dealing with hyperemesis in her pregnancies, the realities of working across different models of care, and why informed choice and truly meeting women where they are is everything. It’s warm, funny, and full of the kind of wisdom only years on the job can bring.

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, host Kelli Zakharoff sits down with Catherine Isaac — a clinical nurse and founder of Two Souls Co — to share a conversation that is both deeply personal and powerfully important. Catherine opens up about her own experience of multiple pregnancy losses and the emotional toll they took, not just as a parent, but as a healthcare professional. Out of her pain, she created the Soul Collection Kit — a gentle, practical resource designed to help families and healthcare providers navigate early pregnancy loss with care, compassion, and dignity. Together, Kelly and Catherine explore what it means to grieve while still showing up in a demanding healthcare environment, and why the system needs to do more to support both patients and the people who care for them. This is an honest and heartfelt episode about loss, resilience, and the power of turning personal grief into meaningful change.

Welcome back to Season 2 of Midwife Crisis. In this episode, Kelli reflects on the profound and often invisible labour of midwives. Through personal stories and raw truths, Kelli highlights the emotional and clinical challenges faced by midwives, the undervaluation of their work, and their unwavering dedication to women and families. Join the conversation and honour the incredible strength and resilience of midwives everywhere. This episode sets the stage for a season filled with inspiring voices from the birth space. Reach out and share your own stories to be part of this vital dialogue.

In the final episode of Season 1 of Midwife Crisis, Kelli talks about the theme of 'Transparency is the New Trauma.' The episode explores how transparency in healthcare, while essential, can become an additional layer of trauma for midwives, nurses, and health professionals. Kelli shares a powerful personal story about a patient named Anita who experienced a violation of her bodily autonomy, emphasising the importance of consent and the traumatic repercussions when it's disregarded. The episode tackles how the push for transparency has cultivated a culture of fear, leading to a lack of support, defensive documentation, and emotional isolation among healthcare workers. Tune in to hear critical insights and share your own experiences anonymously to keep the conversation alive.

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, host Kelli speaks with Kirsten Small, a former obstetrician-gynecologist, about her journey through professional crisis and eventual transition from clinical practice to academic and educational roles. We look into Kirsten's experiences with systemic challenges, the emotional toll of being reported, and the lack of support from colleagues and institutions. Kirsten emphasises the importance of collaboration between obstetricians and midwives and discusses her current project, Birth Small Talk, an educational platform aimed at improving understanding of electronic fetal monitoring among midwives. The episode highlights the significance of open conversations about professional scrutiny and the need for systemic change to better support healthcare professionals.

In this episode of Midwife Crisis, we sit down with Bridie, a midwife who faced immense challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the profound impact the pandemic had on healthcare professionals, from the physical toll of PPE to the mental strain of navigating conflicting policies. Bridie shares her personal story of choosing not to get vaccinated due to health concerns and how this decision led to her being stood down from her role. This conversation sheds light on the systemic failures that left many healthcare workers isolated and unsupported and highlights the importance of medical autonomy and personal sacrifice in the face of unprecedented crises.Also joining us in the studio is Bridie's newborn, Manny - who you may hear every now and then.

Welcome back to Midwife Crisis Podcast! In this deeply moving episode, we are joined by Sam, a dedicated midwife whose story is one of unparalleled resilience and strength. Sam takes us through her life's most challenging moments, including surviving breast cancer, a mastectomy, and the breakdown of a long-term marriage. Despite these hardships, Sam thrives in her career, consistently providing compassionate care to women during their most vulnerable times. Listen in as we explore the unwavering bond of friendship, the trials of balancing a demanding career with personal battles, and the inspiration drawn from empowering others. This episode is a powerful reminder that midwives are not just caregivers, but humans with their own complex stories. Join us for a conversation filled with raw honesty, love, and the indomitable spirit of midwifery.

In this episode of 'The Midwife Crisis', we have our first in-studio guest!!! Welcome, Maddy Newton, a newly registered midwife who has faced substantial challenges while embracing her neurodivergent and queer identity. Maddie shares her journey from working as a PCA and registered nurse to finally becoming a midwife amidst battling workplace trauma, the complexities of neurodiversity, and discovering her sexuality. We discuss the realities of midwifery, from the misconceptions of birth portrayed in media to the immense responsibilities and emotional weight of the profession. Maddy highlights the importance of intuition, adaptability, and self-advocacy in navigating both personal and professional life. This is a powerful conversation about breaking stigmas, embracing self-discovery, and finding ways to thrive despite the odds in the demanding field of midwifery.

In this deeply personal episode of 'Midwife Crisis,' host Kelli Zakharoff shares her own harrowing experience of facing an investigation against her midwifery practice following a tragic home birth. We then hear from Alex, a passionate midwife and advocate for women's wellness, who recounts her own journey through similar trials. The episode delves into the emotional turmoil, professional scrutiny, and the life-altering impact of being reported. Both midwives share their coping mechanisms, the support systems they built, and their unwavering commitment to honouring women's choices in childbirth. This conversation shines a light on the often untold struggles midwives face, advocating for open discussions and better support within the profession.

In this episode of 'Midwife Crisis,' host Kelli Zakharoff engages in a crucial conversation about the often-overlooked challenges faced by midwives, including workplace bullying, burnout, and harassment. Kelli is joined by Wendy McIntosh, an expert with over 30 years of experience in healthcare and mental health, they explore the profound impacts of these issues on individuals and the profession as a whole. The discussion delves into personal experiences, the importance of setting boundaries, and strategies for creating a safer and more supportive work environment. This episode is a must-listen for midwives and healthcare professionals seeking to navigate and overcome these difficult experiences.

In this episode of the Midwife Crisis podcast, host Kelli Zakharoff interviews Mary Young, a pioneer in private midwifery and home birth care with over 30 years of experience. They discuss the immense emotional and physical demands of midwifery, the evolution of the profession, and navigate through Mary's incredible journey. From intimate moments with birthing women to the establishment of one of Australia's longest-standing home birth practices, Mary shares insights on providing continuity of care, tackling system-wide challenges, and fostering personal growth. Join the conversation to understand the true depth of midwifery and the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to it.

In this episode of *Midwife Crisis*, we have our first guest, Anne Maree Parker, a midwife who has faced immense professional pressures and the devastating impact of losing her husband, a renowned obstetrician, while navigating an ongoing investigation. Their poignant conversation explores resilience, loss, and survival in a system that often fails to support those who give so much. Tune in to hear Anne Maree's inspiring journey, the challenges she faced, and the profound emotional burden of midwifery. Resources for support are provided in the show notes.