Birthsmalltalk Reviews 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Refreshing, challenging and genuinely practice-changing

I’ve completed two Birth Small Talk courses with Dr Kirsten Small and joined the Fetal Monitoring Academy, and I honestly can’t recommend them highly enough.

As an experienced UK midwife, I wanted CPD that would genuinely challenge my thinking rather than simply repeat familiar fetal-monitoring rules. Kirsten has an incredible ability to take complex research and fetal physiology and make it accessible, engaging and directly relevant to clinical practice.

The learning has made me question some long-established assumptions, strengthened my understanding of intermittent auscultation and fetal physiology, and—most importantly—changed the conversations I have about fetal monitoring. I’m much more conscious of discussing absolute chances, acknowledging uncertainty in the evidence, and supporting genuinely informed, woman-centred decision-making.

Although Kirsten is based in Australia and I practise in the UK, the evidence and principles of respectful maternity care cross geographical boundaries beautifully.

Kirsten’s enthusiasm is infectious, her teaching feels refreshingly human, and the Academy community adds another dimension to the learning. After many years in midwifery, finding education that makes me stop, rethink and feel excited about learning again is something very special.

Absolutely excellent CPD for anyone who wants to understand the evidence behind fetal monitoring rather than simply follow the rules.

It was very helpful seeing an independent review of the evidence used in the RANZCOG IFS guideline. I have always been a bit incredulous that the guideline (previously) relied on 'obstetric opinion' and small-scale studies conducted in contexts not similar to those in Australia and NZ. I have more hope now that they are trying to be more honest. Kirsten's journey through the evidence was appreciated.

Kirsten gives practical information and tools that can be used in the midwifery environment

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Love the classes and being part of the community!

Such an informative knowledgeable lovely lady, I've encouraged many associates to follow Kirsten to get this movement happening!

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.

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.