Herbalism, birth rights and faith, with Julie Bell

Today, I’m in conversation with mother, doula, herbalist and activist, Julie Bell. Julie is the heart behind Blissful Herbs, and if you’re a homebirthing mama in Australia, chances are you already know exactly who Julie is, and you’ve probably even got a Blissful Herbs tea or tincture sitting in your cupboard somewhere. If you haven’t come across Julie and her beautiful work yet, then you’re in for a real treat in today’s episode! We talk about: Julie’s childhood experience of trauma and disruption, and how this experience led her on a path towards, and shaped her work as, a herbalist and doula. The wisdom and kindness of plants, and how so many plants offer support and healing especially to women and women’s needs. The history of misogyny and racism that continues to undermine women’s birthing choices, and how women will always intuitively come back to birthing our babies at home, in safety. The importance of sharing candid stories and images of birth, as well as other aspects of the experience of being a woman, and how Julie’s refusal to accept Instagram’s “community standards” led to her account being penalised. The relationship between spirituality and motherhood, and the role that Julie’s Christian faith plays in her life, her work, and her service in the world. And so much more. If you enjoy today's episode, it would mean the world to me if you left me a review over on iTunes, because that helps to get this podcast in front of other wild mamas who could also benefit from these conversations. You can also share this podcast with other mamas by simply taking a screenshot and sharing it on Instagram, and don’t forget to tag me at @drjessicahodgens! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE: Join me for my FREE live masterclass, “Reclaiming the Sacred Blueprint for Birth” Women who Run with the Wolves, Clarissa Pinkola Estes  Midwives, Witches and Nurses: A History of Women Healers, by Barbara Ehrenreich & Deirdre English The Flexner Report, 1910  CONNECT WITH JULIE On Instagram  On Facebook At Blissful Herbs At her blog about birth, ‘The Melbourne Doula’ At her blog about Christianity and faith, ‘It is for Freedom’ Until next time - stay wild, mamas! Jess xx Find me on Instagram at @drjessicahodgens www.jessicahodgens.com Intro and outro music: "Bloom", from the album The Jasmani Garden by Deya Dova, with the kind permission of the artist. Cover image by Briony Goodsell. I'm living and mothering on the unceded Country of Dharawal people, and I gratefully acknowledge their ongoing work - and the work of indigenous people everywhere - in the service of thriving life on earth.