Pregnancy is supposed to be a time of wonder, but too often the first word that comes up is “risk”. Suddenly, every choice feels like a warning sign, and joy gets pushed into the background. No one talks about how heavy that constant fear can feel—or how much it steals from the confidence and pleasure that should be part of the journey.
After decades as a midwife, researcher, and lecturer, Dr. Sara Wickham saw how the medical model’s focus on risk overshadowed women’s voices and experiences. Now, through her books and the Birth Information Project, she’s breaking down the numbers and challenging the myths, showing women that evidence doesn’t have to be scary—it can be liberating.
In this conversation, Debra and Sara unpack how risk talk shapes pregnancy, why many “warnings” don’t match the actual evidence, and how women can reclaim joy, confidence, and even pleasure in birth—including insights from her new book Plus Size Pregnancy. Expect tools, clarity, and a refreshing reminder that pregnancy isn’t just about minimizing danger—it’s about living the experience fully.
Connect with Sara:
Dr Sara Wickham, PhD, MA, PGCert, BA(Hons) is a bestselling author, speaker, and researcher who works independently. Sara is the Director of the Birth Information Project. Sara’s career has been varied and includes three decades of experience as a midwife, lecturer, and researcher.
She is the author/editor of eighteen books, has edited three midwifery journals, and lectured in more than thirty countries. Sara provides consultancy services for midwifery and health-related organisations around the world. She is based in south-west England.
Website: https://www.sarawickham.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarawickham
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saramidwife
Episode Highlights:
03:13 The Cultural Obsession with Risk
06:31 The Impact of Risk on Women’s Experiences
09:14 Understanding Evidence Around Risk
16:38 Induction of Labor and Its Implications
27:18 Plus Size Pregnancy and Evidence Discrepancies
36:15 The Importance of Reframing Risk
Join birth workers from around the world for this incredible, advanced birth practitioner training, beginning December 1st.
Learn from guest experts as well as the founder of Orgasmic Birth – Debra Pascali-Bonaro. Become a part of this global community that is committed to spreading the message that pleasure in birth and life in the missing link.
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Meet the Fin PleasureVibe, a wearable finger vibrator that can be used in pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum for pleasure, oxytocin enhancement, pain reduction, and healing.
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