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Looking for trustworthy and accessible information about fetal monitoring options? This is where to find it. The decision to use CTG monitoring (also called electronic fetal monitoring or EFM) or intermittent auscultation, or neither during labour can have significant impact on birth outcomes for women and their babies. Maternity professionals have an obligation to know, and apply evidence from credible research. It is clear there is a HUGE gap between what is known from research and what happens in practice. One of the many reasons for this incomplete knowledge. Dr Kirsten Small PhD is the powerhouse behind the Birth Small Talk brand. She is a retired obstetrician with a wealth of clinical experience AND a PhD in fetal monitoring. Her critical and sensitive analyses of research make previously hidden findings accessible. You’ll find information about: Fetal Dopplers Fetal scalp electrodes Non-invasive fetal ECG technology Telemetry monitoring Contraction monitoring Fetal blood sampling Lactate monitoring Central fetal monitoring Artificial intelligence use in fetal monitoring Non-stress testing or antenatal CTG use Admission CTGs Fetal monitoring guidelines Fetal physiology Intrauterine resuscitation Vaginal birth after caesarean section Vaginal breech birth Monitoring for women with risk factors … and more on her blog www.birthsmalltalk.com
PO Box 65, 4568, Pomona , Australia
Kirsten makes the evidence on fetal monitoring accessible by summarising research findings in a way that is easy to understand. She provides helpful examples of how this information can be shared with women to support informed decision making. I initially had difficulty accessing the course however Kirsten makes it easy to contact her and is very prompt in troubleshooting/fixing any technical issues.
Once I managed to get all the key components downloaded, this course was easy to follow and very well constructed. I really appreciated the information and feel, for once, that someone else is on the same page as me.
Reply from Birthsmalltalk
Thanks for your patience at the start while I fixed the access issue Robyn! I'm working on building a tribe so we no longer feel like the lone voice in the wilderness. I'm very grateful for the work you have been doing to facilitate intermittent auscultation for more women.
I’m a huge fan of Birth Small Talk! The information shared on this site is evidence-based, thought-provoking, and so deeply needed, not just for expectant parents, but for the health professionals who support them.
What I love most is how it bridges the gap between research and real-world birth experiences. Every article encourages critical thinking while keeping women’s autonomy and wellbeing at the centre. In a maternity landscape that often feels dominated by routine and policy, Birth Small Talk is a breath of fresh air and a powerful resource that reminds us what woman-centred care truly looks like.
I recommend it to all my clients and colleagues.
— Pip Wynn Owen, RM, IBCLC, Childbirth & Early Parenting Educator
Reply from Birthsmalltalk
Thank you Pip! It’s a pleasure to support you do the important work you do.
Kirsten keeps me up to date with the evidence. Her writing is very accessible - easy to read and understand. This is such an important blog
Her command of the evidence coupled with her ability for accessible communication is outstanding.
Reply from Birthsmalltalk
Thank you xxx
Highly recommend Dr. Kirsten Small’s BirthSmallTalk courses — evidence-informed and relevant to healthcare providers, and consumers alike. Her ability to translate complex research into accessible, practical knowledge is invaluable in a space often clouded by misinformation.
Kirsten’s clinical expertise, combined with her commitment to evidence-based practice and genuine consumer empowerment, sets her apart. She’s a wonderful human doing vital work to ensure informed choice in maternity care.
Reply from Birthsmalltalk
Thanks Rachel!
Kirsten Small is a wealth of knowledge on fetal monitoring and shares information with both professionals and those who are pregnant in a very accessible and enjoyable way. I would highly recommend her courses and web content.
Reply from Birthsmalltalk
Much appreciated!
Love the classes and being part of the community!
Reply from Birthsmalltalk
Thanks Kate!
Such an informative knowledgeable lovely lady, I've encouraged many associates to follow Kirsten to get this movement happening!
Reply from Birthsmalltalk
Thanks Jo!
This is a great course for health and medical professionals who love to question and pull apart the status quo of systematic "one size" fits all care, looking critically at evidence and have the ability to challenge your own beliefs. It's a must to be able to present evidence based information to pregnant people regarding the "routine" use of CTG's.
Reply from Birthsmalltalk
Thank you Marg!
Birthsmalltalk courses are evidence informed, unbiased and highly relevant to birth workers, health care providers and consumers alike. What can often be quite technical research data is unpacked and explained in an easy to understand way. I thoroughly enjoyed the fetal monitoring course I undertook and I found access to Kirsten's wealth of knowledge to be invaluable.
Reply from Birthsmalltalk
Thanks Fiona!
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