Dr Kirsten Small PhD

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I’m probably in the process of learning why that’s a good plan - but sometimes I need to learn the hard way first!

I’m sufficiently inexperienced to still believe I can do it all myself!

In one sense it is useful as most people will consume this as an eBook, so I am seeing it as it will be read. But sorting out formatting and seeing how the pages will (or won’t) run on in the print version is really hard. I’m excited about getting back to my big screens soon!

Your regular reminder that the evidence doesn't stack up...

#CTG #EFM #Birth #Pregnancy #research #Evidence

iPad screen with an image of Atticus software showing a page titled “It’s your choice”. Speech bubbles with statements like I’m just going to listen to your baby now” and “Because of (reason) you’ll need to have a CTG”. Text under the illustration reads: When you hear things like this, recognise that this is a time when someone, other than you, is deciding about the type of fetal heart rate monitoring that you will use.

Book editing on an iPad is a little tricky as I am used to two large screens. But I am giving it a go!
#author #book #editing #fetalmonitoring #birth #pregnancy #Atticus

#frogsofbluesky Are there any frog folks who can tell me what the species are? I can hear two distinct frog voices. (Point Cook, Melbourne, Australia)

The fickleness of language!

It’s sound advice now that they are drying off as we head into summer!

Now to kick back for a bit in the airport until departure time comes around. Tickets are still available to come join me at The Midwives House in Melbourne tomorrow for the Fetal Monitoring Masterclass. If you are ready to hear the REAL story about fetal monitoring, come along. Link in bio!

It seems that almost everyday a new paper about AI for CTG monitoring pops up. The human rights aspects of adopting artificial intelligence software for fetal monitoring is a discussion we need to have.

birthsmalltalk.com/2025/10/01/h...

@HazelKeedle's new #book has been out for a while so I'm a bit late to the party! If you are a #maternity #professional and you support women planning #VBAC - you'll want a copy of this.

It features a small section from me about fetal monitoring during VBAC!

#notsponsored

This book is so interesting and a lot of fun. Rosalie uses primary sources from the era to tell stories of where #single #women of the #medieval period lived, how they made ends meet, and even what they wore.

Can recommend!

#notsponsored #cats

“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”
Rachel Carson, “Silent Spring,” published on this day in 1962

CTGs are not a screening test for happiness. Or tiredness.

They aren't even a test for distress (controversial option but hear me out!).

Read the blog post to learn what to say instead (that is accurate and not condescending).

birthsmalltalk.com/2025/09/24/t...

I'm coming to Melbourne! Join me for a FULL DAY Fetal Monitoring Masterclass.

WHEN: Friday October 3, 8:30 am to 4 pm.
WHERE: The Midwives House, Thornbury
COST: $315

HOW TO BOOK: www.themidwiveshouse.com.au/event-detail...

Standardized #CTG interpretation has changed over the last 20 years, but often overlooks that fetal heart rate patterns can differ by sex and age. Individualized analysis is crucial to avoid misinterpretation and potential harm.

Read more: birthsmalltalk.com/2025/09/17/a... #FetalHealth 🩺💙

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Birth Small Talk Canvas Tote Bag This sturdy tote bag is ready to hold whatever you want to put in it - your IKEA purchases, snacks for your study day, your library books, or your birth kit! Made from durable cotton canvas, this tote will last for ages.  Show your support with the Birth Small Talk logo and help to spread the message that CTGs don't sa

Introducing the Birth Small Talk canvas tote. Features an evidence based message right on the front! What will you put in yours? Buy yours today while stocks last!

bun05v-n9.myshopify.com/products/bir...

*Only available in Australia

Birth Small Talk Ballpoint Pen In stunning teal, this handy pen helps translate your ideas into words, on their way to become actions! It features a large volume (1200 m) ink refill so you can keep writing until you are done. The retractable ball-point nib prevent accidental ink leaks inside pockets. This pen is so good, you will want to guard it fr

The Birth Small Talk pen! Spread a bunch of these around your workplace as a way to kick start evidence-based conversations about cereal monitoring. And it writes beautifully too.

bun05v-n9.myshopify.com/products/bir...

*Only available in Australia

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Birth Small Talk ID Badge Holder A subtle reference to your undying commitment to evidence-based fetal monitoring! Clip it to a belt loop and add your staff ID and any other important cards to the clip. Extendable cord allows you to swipe through access doors without having to unclip it, and the cord instantly retracts! (Can also be used to distract r

The tiniest and most subtle member of the Birth Small Talk family. This very practical retractable badge holder lets you claim your place in the Birth Small Talk tribe without being all shouty about it.

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*Available in Australia only

Birth Small Talk Insulated Drink Flask Rehydrate and support Birth Small Talk at the same time! 500 ml double walled stainless steel vacuum bottle with soft-feel rubber finish. Insulated to keep your hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours and your cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours. This drink bottle is so tough you can throw it at zombies and it'll survive*.

This insulated drink bottle is so good! Keeps cold stuff cold and hot stuff. Support Birth Small Talk AND stay hydrated. Order yours today.

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*Available in Australia only

The Birth Small Talk Tee. 100% cotton and proof of your 100% commitment to respectful maternity care. Grab yours today and wear it everywhere.

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The evidence on #CTG monitoring vs intermittent auscultation during labour does NOT prove that CTG significantly reduces #stillbirth or neonatal #mortality rates, in either low or high-risk populations. Professionals and academics MUST avoid misleading people about the evidence.

wp.me/pbCorF-8x

My daughter Tara has rejoined me, working behind the scenes at Birth Small Talk once again this week. And the newest member of the team contributed too!

Well done Alison Canty on your new paper on interpregnancy interval following caesarean section 🙌🏼🙌🏼 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0266613825002931

Well done Alison Canty on your new paper on interpregnancy interval following caesarean section 🙌🏼🙌🏼

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

AI impoverishes us at every step of the process: - data centers pollute our environment - energy use drives up costs - content theft robs creators of income - the actual output is used to displace workers and depress wages - using it harms our mental health and impairs our competence - the flood of AI slop is damaging our sociopolitical landscape All in service of making a worse product - and world - to enrich a handful of already spectacularly wealthy people

While defending the luddite argument in Discord, I stumbled into this IMO succinct explanation for opposing generative AI:

At every step in the process, it impoverishes us.

Over 140 people are already members of the Fetal Monitoring Academy. Here's what some of them have to say.

There's plenty of room for you to come and join us. Curious and want to know more?

Register here and I'll fill you in on the details education.birthsmalltalk.com/fmacademy-wa...

If you had to choose between a maternity service rated "outstanding" and one rated "inadequate" - you'd go with the first. Yet outcomes from UK maternity services in the UK were no different between the different service categories.

birthsmalltalk.com/2025/08/27/b...