Reclaim your power: inspiration and reflections for pregnancy, childbirth and beyond Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:22:07 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1769327 en-gb © 2026 Reclaim your power: inspiration and reflections for pregnancy, childbirth and beyond no d6188779-7c59-5f53-b8c0-882b03a398e5 Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller episodic true Giving birth is one of the most sacred experiences a woman can have and yet this time is often filled with anxiety and fear. Fear of the unknown and the known. How can we as women transform this experience and take back the arena of pregnancy and childbirth that has become constricted and heavily medicalized in many places? This podcast is a series of my reflections and insights about pregnancy, birth, and beyond, as well as other things pertaining to being a woman. It is based on my experiences, the experiences of women I have supported as a doula, and books written by midwives, doulas, and doctors who believe in a woman's right to birth her way. My aim is to inspire and challenge the way we are being socialized to give birth and to remind us that the power lies within us. To challenge us as women to take back our power by informing and educating ourselves so we understand the processes of pregnancy and childbirth. To awaken us to the possibility of having an empowered birth experience. To remind us that our bodies are ours and should be treated with reverence and respect. Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller https://storage.buzzsprout.com/6un87eh0rnrkpmwv6ccvj5p8hhu8?.jpg Reclaim your power: inspiration and reflections for pregnancy, childbirth and beyond https://www.buzzsprout.com/1769327 Moving forward Moving forward This episode is a short preamble about my up coming venture.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> This episode is a short preamble about my up coming venture.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-12911743 Wed, 24 May 2023 19:00:00 +0200 428 full false Season 3 Ep 3: Guilt Season 3 Ep 3: Guilt In this episode I reflect on parental guilt and how our need to be perfect parents gets in our way.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> In this episode I reflect on parental guilt and how our need to be perfect parents gets in our way.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-11647916 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0100 656 3 3 full false Season 3 Ep 2: Control Season 3 Ep 2: Control In this episode, I reflect on how the issue of control influences our parenting and our ability to experience parenthood. I share my struggles with my tendency to want to control my children and how I am slowly learning to let go.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> In this episode, I reflect on how the issue of control influences our parenting and our ability to experience parenthood. I share my struggles with my tendency to want to control my children and how I am slowly learning to let go.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-11508544 Sun, 16 Oct 2022 17:00:00 +0200 702 3 2 full false Season 3 Ep 1: Parenting vs Parenthood Season 3 Ep 1: Parenting vs Parenthood In this first episode of season three, I define parenting and parenthood and explain how I understand and plan to reflect on these concepts throughout the season.







Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> In this first episode of season three, I define parenting and parenthood and explain how I understand and plan to reflect on these concepts throughout the season.







Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-11388246 Mon, 26 Sep 2022 21:00:00 +0200 435 3 1 full false Season three trailer: Reflections on parenthood and parenting Season three trailer: Reflections on parenthood and parenting This is a short introduction to the third season of my podcast which will focus on parenthood and parenting.

Featuring the poem 'On Children' by Khalil Gibran From The Prophet (Knopf, 1923). This poem is in the public domain

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> This is a short introduction to the third season of my podcast which will focus on parenthood and parenting.

Featuring the poem 'On Children' by Khalil Gibran From The Prophet (Knopf, 1923). This poem is in the public domain

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-11339907 Sun, 18 Sep 2022 20:00:00 +0200 347 3 trailer false Season 2 Ep 5: A conversation with Johanna Dyngeland Season 2 Ep 5: A conversation with Johanna Dyngeland My conversation with Johanna is a bit different from previous conversations because not only do we talk about her experiences of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum phase but she also shares her struggles with endometriosis. This is a very informative episode where Johanna shares her experiences with such openness and honesty. We also discuss the challenge of letting go of the idea of a perfect birth and how that can be hard for those of us who are advocators of natural birth. Listening to Johanna share, and hearing about what she has learnt through her experiences of pregnancy and birth is truly inspiring.

You can find more about Johanna's work here:
https://www.facebook.com/baerekraftighelse
www.matmagi.no

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> My conversation with Johanna is a bit different from previous conversations because not only do we talk about her experiences of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum phase but she also shares her struggles with endometriosis. This is a very informative episode where Johanna shares her experiences with such openness and honesty. We also discuss the challenge of letting go of the idea of a perfect birth and how that can be hard for those of us who are advocators of natural birth. Listening to Johanna share, and hearing about what she has learnt through her experiences of pregnancy and birth is truly inspiring.

You can find more about Johanna's work here:
https://www.facebook.com/baerekraftighelse
www.matmagi.no

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemoller Buzzsprout-10935630 Sun, 10 Jul 2022 21:00:00 +0200 4368 2 5 full true Poetic interlude 4: We heed you call Poetic interlude 4: We heed you call A poem about my connection to my ancestors, identity and belonging.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> A poem about my connection to my ancestors, identity and belonging.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemoller Buzzsprout-10691884 Fri, 27 May 2022 14:00:00 +0200 245 2 full false Season 2 Ep 4: A conversation with Anne and David Darling Season 2 Ep 4: A conversation with Anne and David Darling This is episode is the first where I have a conversation with a couple. Anne and David share their experiences with me with such open-heartedness and candor. In our conversation, they share their experience of Anne having a cesarean section, and we get their perspectives both from Anne, as she experienced it, and from David, as he witnessed her going through labour and birth. We talk about the postnatal experience and Anne's experience of postnatal depression, and this conversation really underscores the importance of support, self-care, nutrition, and the value of motherhood. Anne and David are living their values and are a truly phenomenal couple. I am honoured that they agreed to share their story with us.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> This is episode is the first where I have a conversation with a couple. Anne and David share their experiences with me with such open-heartedness and candor. In our conversation, they share their experience of Anne having a cesarean section, and we get their perspectives both from Anne, as she experienced it, and from David, as he witnessed her going through labour and birth. We talk about the postnatal experience and Anne's experience of postnatal depression, and this conversation really underscores the importance of support, self-care, nutrition, and the value of motherhood. Anne and David are living their values and are a truly phenomenal couple. I am honoured that they agreed to share their story with us.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemoller Buzzsprout-10035743 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0100 5401 4 4 full true Season 2 Ep 3: A conversation with Chisom Udeze Season 2 Ep 3: A conversation with Chisom Udeze In my conversation with Chisom Udeze, an entrepreneur who works with diversity, equity and inclusion, we discuss issues of control and self care. Chisom shares her vulnerability during pregnancy and poignantly reflects back on her experiences and what they have taught her. She is indeed a phenomenal woman and I so appreciate how she opens up and talks about her experiences so honestly and openly.  I am sure many women will benefit from listening to this conversation.  

Relevant links:
https://diversify.no/
https://herspace.no/

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> In my conversation with Chisom Udeze, an entrepreneur who works with diversity, equity and inclusion, we discuss issues of control and self care. Chisom shares her vulnerability during pregnancy and poignantly reflects back on her experiences and what they have taught her. She is indeed a phenomenal woman and I so appreciate how she opens up and talks about her experiences so honestly and openly.  I am sure many women will benefit from listening to this conversation.  

Relevant links:
https://diversify.no/
https://herspace.no/

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Buzzsprout-9836209 Wed, 05 Jan 2022 18:00:00 +0100 2666 3 3 full true Poetic interlude 3: The oracles Poetic interlude 3: The oracles A poem about three generations of women.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> A poem about three generations of women.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-9713957 Mon, 13 Dec 2021 21:00:00 +0100 155 2 full false Season 2 Ep 2: A conversation with Mavhu Farai Hargrove Season 2 Ep 2: A conversation with Mavhu Farai Hargrove Mavhu Farai Hargrove is a Zimbabwean American mother, grandmother, wife, postpartum doula, and educator. In this episode, she shares about her hospital and home births, and during our conversation, Mavhu's passion and commitment to sharing and preserving her cultural heritage from Zimbabwe shines through. We have a shared heritage and this enriches our discussion. Mavhu, shares her experiences of support before, during and after her births, and her reasons for becoming a postpartum doula. We talk about body image, consent, the necessity for the husband or birth partner to also get support, among many other things. This is a rich conversation with so much to it and where Mavhu shares some beautiful experiences and her wisdom. Truly a phenomenal woman!

For more details on some of the issues, we talk about check out Mavhu's website: https://www.chimoneramother.com/

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Mavhu Farai Hargrove is a Zimbabwean American mother, grandmother, wife, postpartum doula, and educator. In this episode, she shares about her hospital and home births, and during our conversation, Mavhu's passion and commitment to sharing and preserving her cultural heritage from Zimbabwe shines through. We have a shared heritage and this enriches our discussion. Mavhu, shares her experiences of support before, during and after her births, and her reasons for becoming a postpartum doula. We talk about body image, consent, the necessity for the husband or birth partner to also get support, among many other things. This is a rich conversation with so much to it and where Mavhu shares some beautiful experiences and her wisdom. Truly a phenomenal woman!

For more details on some of the issues, we talk about check out Mavhu's website: https://www.chimoneramother.com/

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Buzzsprout-9651088 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 17:00:00 +0100 4030 2 2 full true Poetic interlude 2: Madzitete Poetic interlude 2: Madzitete This poem is a tribute to my paternal aunts, the strong women who were an example to me and who I now honour. It is a reminder of how we as women need to support each other, how we are torch bearers from generation to generation and how we have a responsibility to those who are coming after us.
XDtPDYskD51ekeUEeeKY

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> This poem is a tribute to my paternal aunts, the strong women who were an example to me and who I now honour. It is a reminder of how we as women need to support each other, how we are torch bearers from generation to generation and how we have a responsibility to those who are coming after us.
XDtPDYskD51ekeUEeeKY

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Buzzsprout-9505379 Sun, 07 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0100 206 poetry 2 full false Season 2 Ep 1: A conversation with Sarifa Moola-Nærnes Season 2 Ep 1: A conversation with Sarifa Moola-Nærnes My first guest in this second season of my podcast is Sarifa Moola-Nærnes, a South African mother, wife, Anti-racist, Afrikan feminist, Relationship, Teams and Individual Coach, Speaker, Facilitator and Trainer.  Sarifa is the founder and director of Ubuntu Coaching AS in Norway. Her company offers relationship and team coaching – individually or in groups, self-awareness women’s retreats and Afrikan women’s Sankofa retreats, Diversity, Inclusion and Ubuntu Training and motivational workshops.

In our conversation, Sarifa shares her pregnancy and birth, and postpartum experiences. She reflects on how she has drawn on her cultural heritage during these periods. We talk about fear, consent, self-care, and the importance of having a support system, among other topics. This open and honest conversation shows why I respect and admire Sarifa and consider her a phenomenal woman.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> My first guest in this second season of my podcast is Sarifa Moola-Nærnes, a South African mother, wife, Anti-racist, Afrikan feminist, Relationship, Teams and Individual Coach, Speaker, Facilitator and Trainer.  Sarifa is the founder and director of Ubuntu Coaching AS in Norway. Her company offers relationship and team coaching – individually or in groups, self-awareness women’s retreats and Afrikan women’s Sankofa retreats, Diversity, Inclusion and Ubuntu Training and motivational workshops.

In our conversation, Sarifa shares her pregnancy and birth, and postpartum experiences. She reflects on how she has drawn on her cultural heritage during these periods. We talk about fear, consent, self-care, and the importance of having a support system, among other topics. This open and honest conversation shows why I respect and admire Sarifa and consider her a phenomenal woman.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-9464355 Sun, 31 Oct 2021 16:00:00 +0100 3739 Pregnancy, childbirth, support, self-care 2 1 full false Poetic interlude 1: Know your power Poetic interlude 1: Know your power A poem inspired by the documentary Woman

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> A poem inspired by the documentary Woman

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemoller Buzzsprout-9422784 Sun, 24 Oct 2021 17:00:00 +0200 234 poetry 2 full false Trailer Season 2: Conversations with phenomenal women Trailer Season 2: Conversations with phenomenal women The second series of my podcast will build on the reflections I had in the first series, but this time I am having conversations with women I admire and respect. I am not speaking to well-known celebrities, but to women like you and me, women who are stepping out of their comfort zones, and sharing of themselves in different ways.  Podcast guests are often experts of some sort or other people who are seen as knowledgeable in their fields. This is not what I wanted to do, I wanted to talk to women we can all relate to, who have faced challenges that resonate with us, and from whom we can truly learn because their experiences are close to ours. I wanted to talk to women I consider authentic, who have integrity and are living their truth.

Between episodes of the conversations, I will share what I call poetic interludes. Poetry is a way I have found to express myself in the past year. My poetry expresses my thoughts, feelings, struggles, frustrations, realizations, inspirations, and joys.  It is a reflection that self-growth begins from within. It is an expression of how I am working towards reclaiming my power.

Website: https://fungisai-reclaimyourpower.com/

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> The second series of my podcast will build on the reflections I had in the first series, but this time I am having conversations with women I admire and respect. I am not speaking to well-known celebrities, but to women like you and me, women who are stepping out of their comfort zones, and sharing of themselves in different ways.  Podcast guests are often experts of some sort or other people who are seen as knowledgeable in their fields. This is not what I wanted to do, I wanted to talk to women we can all relate to, who have faced challenges that resonate with us, and from whom we can truly learn because their experiences are close to ours. I wanted to talk to women I consider authentic, who have integrity and are living their truth.

Between episodes of the conversations, I will share what I call poetic interludes. Poetry is a way I have found to express myself in the past year. My poetry expresses my thoughts, feelings, struggles, frustrations, realizations, inspirations, and joys.  It is a reflection that self-growth begins from within. It is an expression of how I am working towards reclaiming my power.

Website: https://fungisai-reclaimyourpower.com/

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemoller Buzzsprout-9419790 Sat, 23 Oct 2021 18:00:00 +0200 325 2 full false Episode 16: Keeping your baby close pt 2: Baby wearing Episode 16: Keeping your baby close pt 2: Baby wearing This is the last episode in the first series of this podcast. I continue my reflections on the importance of keeping our babies close and cover the topic of 'baby wearing' - or carrying our babies close to our bodies. I discuss the importance of this for the healthy attachment and development of our babies. I also touch on why babies cry and reflect on the controversial sleep training method of letting your baby cry themselves to sleep.





Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> This is the last episode in the first series of this podcast. I continue my reflections on the importance of keeping our babies close and cover the topic of 'baby wearing' - or carrying our babies close to our bodies. I discuss the importance of this for the healthy attachment and development of our babies. I also touch on why babies cry and reflect on the controversial sleep training method of letting your baby cry themselves to sleep.





Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-9068439 Sun, 22 Aug 2021 21:00:00 +0200 1470 parenting, postpartum, baby care 17 full false Episode 15: Keeping your baby close pt1: Co-sleeping Episode 15: Keeping your baby close pt1: Co-sleeping Getting our babies to sleep or sleeping with our babies is something that I am sure every parent has had to grapple with at some point in their parenting journey, especially in those early postpartum weeks.  In this episode, I reflect on co-sleeping and sharing our beds with our babies and why this can be an important part of our parenting journey, especially in the early days.

Useful references:
https://sarahbuckley.com/
Gentle birth, gentle mothering by Sarah Buckley (chapters 11 & 13)
Gentle first year by Gowri Motha


Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Getting our babies to sleep or sleeping with our babies is something that I am sure every parent has had to grapple with at some point in their parenting journey, especially in those early postpartum weeks.  In this episode, I reflect on co-sleeping and sharing our beds with our babies and why this can be an important part of our parenting journey, especially in the early days.

Useful references:
https://sarahbuckley.com/
Gentle birth, gentle mothering by Sarah Buckley (chapters 11 & 13)
Gentle first year by Gowri Motha


Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-9032349 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 21:00:00 +0200 1172 parenting 16 full false Episode 14: Honouring midwives, the unsung heroines Episode 14: Honouring midwives, the unsung heroines Midwives do a great job to support women during pregnancy and birth, and we often criticize them when things go wrong, or when they do not act as we expect them to. In this episode I reflect on the role of midwives, the challenges they face and how the maternity care system's focus on being efficient, effective and saving costs, has an effect on their ability to be with woman. I remind us to honour, support and appreciate the work they do.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Midwives do a great job to support women during pregnancy and birth, and we often criticize them when things go wrong, or when they do not act as we expect them to. In this episode I reflect on the role of midwives, the challenges they face and how the maternity care system's focus on being efficient, effective and saving costs, has an effect on their ability to be with woman. I remind us to honour, support and appreciate the work they do.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8994692 Sun, 08 Aug 2021 21:00:00 +0200 1294 1 15 full false Episode 13: Celebrating the mother Episode 13: Celebrating the mother In this episode, I reflect on the celebration that we have during pregnancy called the baby shower, why we do this, and what it has become. I present an alternative way to celebrate the mother or mother-to-be, the mother blessing ceremony or ritual. Something that I feel focuses more on nurturing the woman. I also touch on another type of mothering, something I don't focus on this in this podcast - adoption, and why we should celebrate adoptive mothers too.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> In this episode, I reflect on the celebration that we have during pregnancy called the baby shower, why we do this, and what it has become. I present an alternative way to celebrate the mother or mother-to-be, the mother blessing ceremony or ritual. Something that I feel focuses more on nurturing the woman. I also touch on another type of mothering, something I don't focus on this in this podcast - adoption, and why we should celebrate adoptive mothers too.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8954990 Sun, 01 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0200 913 pregnancy, birth 1 14 full false Episode 12: Dealing with loss during pregnancy Episode 12: Dealing with loss during pregnancy In this episode, I reflect on a difficult topic - loss. Losing a baby during pregnancy or birth is one of the most difficult and painful things we can experience. It is also something that is not much talked about - women tend not to share their experiences, because it's hard, it hurts, they feel vulnerable - many reasons. I have chosen to talk about loss and share my experiences as I feel that this is important and that many women often feel lonely at this time, and they feel that no one understands what they are going through. There are so many of us who have experienced loss and by sharing my story, I hope to bring some comfort and let you know you are not alone.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> In this episode, I reflect on a difficult topic - loss. Losing a baby during pregnancy or birth is one of the most difficult and painful things we can experience. It is also something that is not much talked about - women tend not to share their experiences, because it's hard, it hurts, they feel vulnerable - many reasons. I have chosen to talk about loss and share my experiences as I feel that this is important and that many women often feel lonely at this time, and they feel that no one understands what they are going through. There are so many of us who have experienced loss and by sharing my story, I hope to bring some comfort and let you know you are not alone.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8914801 Sat, 24 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0200 1275 1 13 full true Episode 11: What do we do now? The postpartum period Episode 11: What do we do now? The postpartum period The postpartum period, that time from when your child is born to up to when he or she is about 8 weeks old, can be challenging. Usually, we focus so much on pregnancy and birth and assume that once we have made it through labour everything else after that should be relatively straightforward. As with everything this time can come with surprises. In this episode, I reflect on my experiences, with a focus on feeding your baby in those early weeks.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> The postpartum period, that time from when your child is born to up to when he or she is about 8 weeks old, can be challenging. Usually, we focus so much on pregnancy and birth and assume that once we have made it through labour everything else after that should be relatively straightforward. As with everything this time can come with surprises. In this episode, I reflect on my experiences, with a focus on feeding your baby in those early weeks.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Buzzsprout-8889816 Tue, 20 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0200 2545 1 12 full true Episode 10: Falling in love... Episode 10: Falling in love... In this episode I reflect on what happens in the third stage of birth with the delivery of the placenta and the cutting of the umbilical cord.  We dont often think about or pay too much attention to these processes because once our baby's born we are too caught up in the joy and awe of this moment, fair enough! However, what happens during this stage and how it is handled is important to both the baby and mother's well being and is worth paying attention to.

Useful references:  
 'Gentle birth, gentle mothering' by Sarah J. Buckley
 'Ina May's Guide to Childbirth' by Ina May Gaskin


Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> In this episode I reflect on what happens in the third stage of birth with the delivery of the placenta and the cutting of the umbilical cord.  We dont often think about or pay too much attention to these processes because once our baby's born we are too caught up in the joy and awe of this moment, fair enough! However, what happens during this stage and how it is handled is important to both the baby and mother's well being and is worth paying attention to.

Useful references:  
 'Gentle birth, gentle mothering' by Sarah J. Buckley
 'Ina May's Guide to Childbirth' by Ina May Gaskin


Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8846307 Sun, 11 Jul 2021 22:00:00 +0200 1149 1 11 full true Episode 9: Birth your way III: The Grand Finale Episode 9: Birth your way III: The Grand Finale As I celebrate publishing my 10 episode,  I conclude the short series of episodes that I called 'Birth your way' with what I call the grand finale! This, as you may guess, is about what happens as your baby is about to enter the world. My focus here on birthing positions and the benefits of being upright and not lying down when giving birth.

Useful references:  
Ina May Gaskin's Book 'Ina May's Guide to Childbirth'.
Michel Odent's book 'Primal Health'
Janet Balaskas's book 'New Active Birth'

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> As I celebrate publishing my 10 episode,  I conclude the short series of episodes that I called 'Birth your way' with what I call the grand finale! This, as you may guess, is about what happens as your baby is about to enter the world. My focus here on birthing positions and the benefits of being upright and not lying down when giving birth.

Useful references:  
Ina May Gaskin's Book 'Ina May's Guide to Childbirth'.
Michel Odent's book 'Primal Health'
Janet Balaskas's book 'New Active Birth'

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8809367 Sun, 04 Jul 2021 18:00:00 +0200 1168 1 10 full true Episode 8: Birth your way II: Let go and let flow! Episode 8: Birth your way II: Let go and let flow! Birth is often characterized by images of pain and tension, especially based on what is portrayed in movies or on TV. How we can transform this narrative for ourselves and learn to let go and flow with this natural process? In this episode, I will reflect on the basics - breath, sound and movement - and how we can learn to harness these techniques and become aware of how they can help us to have gentle birthing experiences.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Birth is often characterized by images of pain and tension, especially based on what is portrayed in movies or on TV. How we can transform this narrative for ourselves and learn to let go and flow with this natural process? In this episode, I will reflect on the basics - breath, sound and movement - and how we can learn to harness these techniques and become aware of how they can help us to have gentle birthing experiences.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8769796 Sun, 27 Jun 2021 15:00:00 +0200 1428 1 9 full true Episode 7: Birth your way I - preparing your body Episode 7: Birth your way I - preparing your body In this episode, I reflect on how we can prepare our bodies for birth. I present the analogy of labour as similar to running a marathon and how we should not approach this transformational but challenging undertaking unprepared. I share some of the steps I took during pregnancy and reflect on how I think these may have influenced my birthing processes. This is the first in a series of three episodes on birthing your way.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> In this episode, I reflect on how we can prepare our bodies for birth. I present the analogy of labour as similar to running a marathon and how we should not approach this transformational but challenging undertaking unprepared. I share some of the steps I took during pregnancy and reflect on how I think these may have influenced my birthing processes. This is the first in a series of three episodes on birthing your way.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8737002 Mon, 21 Jun 2021 13:00:00 +0200 1208 1 8 full true Episode 6: No pain no gain? Understanding pain during childbirth Episode 6: No pain no gain? Understanding pain during childbirth Pain during childbirth is one of the things many women dread, especially those who are having their first child. There is so much misinformation out there that scares us - what we see portrayed on TV or in the movies, the stories other people tell us. But is there more to this? Does this pain have a role to play? Can we and should we avoid experiencing pain?  Can we change our relationship with the pain we experience as we birth our children? In this episode, I reflect on these questions and present an alternative way to understand pain, as well as tips on how to cope with it. I reflect on how changing our attitudes towards pain during childbirth is another way for us to reclaim our power and to lead us to experience gentler births.

In this episode I refer to the book ' Ina May Gaskin's  Guide to Childbirth' by Ina May Gaskin. I highly recommend it as she discusses the issues I touch on in this podcast in more detail.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Pain during childbirth is one of the things many women dread, especially those who are having their first child. There is so much misinformation out there that scares us - what we see portrayed on TV or in the movies, the stories other people tell us. But is there more to this? Does this pain have a role to play? Can we and should we avoid experiencing pain?  Can we change our relationship with the pain we experience as we birth our children? In this episode, I reflect on these questions and present an alternative way to understand pain, as well as tips on how to cope with it. I reflect on how changing our attitudes towards pain during childbirth is another way for us to reclaim our power and to lead us to experience gentler births.

In this episode I refer to the book ' Ina May Gaskin's  Guide to Childbirth' by Ina May Gaskin. I highly recommend it as she discusses the issues I touch on in this podcast in more detail.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> https://www.buzzsprout.com/1769327 Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8692619 Sun, 13 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +0200 1269 1 7 full true Episode 5: Let's hear it for the boys Episode 5: Let's hear it for the boys Men are often at the edges of discussions or information about pregnancy and birth, and in this episode, I reflect on the role of partners - men in particular. I discuss what this role means and reflect on how partners can empower themselves and in so doing support and enable women to reclaim their power.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Men are often at the edges of discussions or information about pregnancy and birth, and in this episode, I reflect on the role of partners - men in particular. I discuss what this role means and reflect on how partners can empower themselves and in so doing support and enable women to reclaim their power.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8649616 Sat, 05 Jun 2021 18:00:00 +0200 1317 1 6 full true Episode 4: Shhh Do Not Disturb: The hormones of birth Episode 4: Shhh Do Not Disturb: The hormones of birth We are often unaware of the processes happening in our bodies during pregnancy and birth, and beyond. Is it important that we have some understanding of the work our bodies do during this process. Could increasing our awareness lead us to make more informed choices and decisions to better nurture and protect ourselves and our babies, to help us understand how to have a gentle birth? Yes. In this episode I reflect on an important but often  little known aspect of pregnancy and birth - the role of hormones, and the impact  that unnecessary medical interventions have on our hormones and on our birthing experiences.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> We are often unaware of the processes happening in our bodies during pregnancy and birth, and beyond. Is it important that we have some understanding of the work our bodies do during this process. Could increasing our awareness lead us to make more informed choices and decisions to better nurture and protect ourselves and our babies, to help us understand how to have a gentle birth? Yes. In this episode I reflect on an important but often  little known aspect of pregnancy and birth - the role of hormones, and the impact  that unnecessary medical interventions have on our hormones and on our birthing experiences.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8610334 Sat, 29 May 2021 21:00:00 +0200 1461 1 5 full true Episode 3: Am I allowed? Episode 3: Am I allowed? Most women are often not aware of their rights during pregnancy and birth.  They give their bodies over to the experts without awareness and understanding of the effects various procedures may have on them, their bodies, or their babies. Certain procedures are often considered as standard and not many question why they are being done, or if they are really necessary. In this episode, I will use examples from my work as a doula and from my personal experiences to reflect on the issue of our rights and also the role of consent during pregnancy and birth.

Here are the links to the websites I mentioned:
Pregnancy and Parents Centre • Welcome to the Pregnancy and Parents Centre
Liv laga – Liv laga (liv-laga.no)

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Most women are often not aware of their rights during pregnancy and birth.  They give their bodies over to the experts without awareness and understanding of the effects various procedures may have on them, their bodies, or their babies. Certain procedures are often considered as standard and not many question why they are being done, or if they are really necessary. In this episode, I will use examples from my work as a doula and from my personal experiences to reflect on the issue of our rights and also the role of consent during pregnancy and birth.

Here are the links to the websites I mentioned:
Pregnancy and Parents Centre • Welcome to the Pregnancy and Parents Centre
Liv laga – Liv laga (liv-laga.no)

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8567014 Sat, 22 May 2021 12:00:00 +0200 1556 1 4 full true Episode 2: Love your body, love yourself Episode 2: Love your body, love yourself During pregnancy, birth and after the baby is born, the focus is often on the baby, while this is important it is also crucial that we take care of ourselves, nurture ourselves. We too are important. This episode is reminder that we need to appreciate and celebrate ourselves for the important role we play during this process.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> During pregnancy, birth and after the baby is born, the focus is often on the baby, while this is important it is also crucial that we take care of ourselves, nurture ourselves. We too are important. This episode is reminder that we need to appreciate and celebrate ourselves for the important role we play during this process.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8522840 Sat, 15 May 2021 01:00:00 +0200 1001 1 3 full false Episode 1: Facing our fears Episode 1: Facing our fears So, what is it that blocks us from reclaiming our power and robs us of empowered birth experiences or from having a gentle birth? What makes so many women have what can be often described as traumatic instead of memorable birthing experiences? There are several reasons, but one of the biggest blockages we face is fear.  

In this episode I reflect on the types and causes of fear and conclude with some ideas about what we can do to help us deal with fear, empower ourselves and take our power back during pregnancy and birth.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> So, what is it that blocks us from reclaiming our power and robs us of empowered birth experiences or from having a gentle birth? What makes so many women have what can be often described as traumatic instead of memorable birthing experiences? There are several reasons, but one of the biggest blockages we face is fear.  

In this episode I reflect on the types and causes of fear and conclude with some ideas about what we can do to help us deal with fear, empower ourselves and take our power back during pregnancy and birth.

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8479764 Fri, 07 May 2021 22:00:00 +0200 1199 1 2 full false Reclaim your power - Trailer Reclaim your power - Trailer I believe whenever we start something we should always provide some context, so my first episode is an introduction to who I am, my motivation for doing this podcast and what I hope we can achieve together. 

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> I believe whenever we start something we should always provide some context, so my first episode is an introduction to who I am, my motivation for doing this podcast and what I hope we can achieve together. 

Podcast artwork: Photo by Kumaran Pondicherry Photography; Styling by Become

]]> Fungisai Gwanzura Ottemöller Buzzsprout-8436718 Fri, 30 Apr 2021 22:00:00 +0200 623 1 1 full false