Talking O&G - a RANZCOG Podcast

E12. Unpacking RANZCOG’s Birth After Caesarean Clinical Guideline (audio)

In this episode of Talking O&G: A RANZCOG Podcast, host A/Prof Scott White speaks to expert clinicians Dr Heather Waterfall and Dr Shaylee Iles about RANZCOG’s Birth After Caesarean Clinical Guideline (C-Obs 38).  

Rates of caesarean births continue to rise across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, with repeat caesarean births being a leading contributing factor. Comprehensive, evidence-based guidance is vital to ensure clinicians feel empowered to counsel patients in making informed decisions for their subsequent births.    

Dr Waterfall is a generalist O&G practising in the Adelaide Hills, and Dr Iles is a director of obstetrics at a tertiary unit in NSW and was Chair of the RANZCOG Guideline Development Group. They discuss some of the key changes presented in the guideline, the implications for clinical practice, how to advise on birth method after caesarean, the use of risk calculators, induction of labour, and more. The conversation emphasises the importance of an individualised approach that champions informed decision-making.  

🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Birth After Caesarean Clinical Guideline (C-Obs 38)  

📌 RANZCOG members can submit CPD at: https://shorturl.at/iq733  

💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues. 

RANZCOG acknowledges the need for more inclusive terminology for gender diversity.  

In this podcast we aim to use inclusive language, and any use of the term “women” should be interpreted to include all people requiring gynaecological and obstetric care.   

The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). 

E12. Unpacking RANZCOG’s Birth After Caesarean Clinical Guideline (video)

In this episode of Talking O&G: A RANZCOG Podcast, host A/Prof Scott White speaks to expert clinicians Dr Heather Waterfall and Dr Shaylee Iles about RANZCOG’s Birth After Caesarean Clinical Guideline (C-Obs 38).  

Rates of caesarean births continue to rise across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, with repeat caesarean births being a leading contributing factor. Comprehensive, evidence-based guidance is vital to ensure clinicians feel empowered to counsel patients in making informed decisions for their subsequent births.    

Dr Waterfall is a generalist O&G practising in the Adelaide Hills, and Dr Iles is a director of obstetrics at a tertiary unit in NSW and was Chair of the RANZCOG Guideline Development Group. They discuss some of the key changes presented in the guideline, the implications for clinical practice, how to advise on birth method after caesarean, the use of risk calculators, induction of labour, and more. The conversation emphasises the importance of an individualised approach that champions informed decision-making.  

🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Birth After Caesarean Clinical Guideline (C-Obs 38)  

📌 RANZCOG members can submit CPD at: https://shorturl.at/iq733  

💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues. 

RANZCOG acknowledges the need for more inclusive terminology for gender diversity.  

In this podcast we aim to use inclusive language, and any use of the term “women” should be interpreted to include all people requiring gynaecological and obstetric care.   

The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). 

Summer Series: Addressing Disparities in Pelvic Floor Health and Access to Care

This episode of the Summer Series of Talking O&G: A RANZCOG Podcast features Professor Ranee Thakar presenting on “Addressing Disparities in Pelvic Floor Health and Access to Care” at the RANZCOG Annual Scientific Meeting 2025.  

Professor Thakar is a distinguished consultant obstetrician and urogynaecologist at Croydon University Hospital and an honorary senior lecturer at St George’s University of London. Between 2022-2025, she made history as the first woman of colour and third female President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). As President of the International Urogynaecological Association (IUGA) (2019-2020), she played a pivotal role in advancing urogynaecological care worldwide.  

A hidden epidemic, pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) affects one in three women worldwide. Having been neglected in global health agendas, the crisis is exacerbated in low and middle-income countries that have limited surgical and physiotherapy capacity. Professor Thakar examines the impacts of a range of barriers to care, including patient-level sociocultural, healthcare system, and economic and logistic barriers. She outlines strategies to improve care such as normalising and destigmatising PFD, improving education, and promoting research and data collection. 

Professor Thakar encourages all O&Gs to advocate for improved pelvic floor health in their everyday practice. She highlights that pelvic floor health is not optional – it is a matter of equity, dignity, and human rights.  

The Summer Series is being released in video format to accommodate the visual elements of the presentations.     

🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Squeezy App 

• Breaking the Taboo with Theo Clarke Podcast 

📝 Relevant RANZCOG resources:  

• Pelvic Floor Health - RANZCOG 

📌 RANZCOG members can listen to this episode and answer self-reflective questions to claim CPD hours towards their AHPRA and MCNZ mandated CAPE requirements as an Addressing Health Inequities activity. Submit CPD at: https://shorturl.at/iq733

💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues. 

RANZCOG acknowledges the need for more inclusive terminology for gender diversity.  

In this podcast we aim to use inclusive language, and any use of the term “women” should be interpreted to include all people requiring gynaecological and obstetric care.   

The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).

Summer Series: Working Towards Sexual and Reproductive Health Equity in Aotearoa New Zealand

This episode of the Summer Series of Talking O&G: A RANZCOG Podcast features Aotearoa New Zealand-based generalist O&G Dr Anna Hudspith presenting on “Working towards sexual and reproductive health equity in Aotearoa New Zealand” at the RANZCOG Annual Scientific Meeting 2025.   

Dr Hudspith practises in a secondary unit in the Hutt Valley, as well as at an abortion clinic in Wellington. She co-chairs the Abortion Providers Group Aotearoa New Zealand (APGANZ) – the only national group specifically providing guidance and education in abortion care – and is an amazing advocate for equitable sexual and reproductive health.  

Dr Hudspith’s presentation examines the inequity of sexual reproductive health care across Aotearoa New Zealand through hypothetical case studies. She considers a broad range of factors such as age, location, income, health history, cultural background, and gender identity.  

The key issues addressed include HPV vaccinations and screening, the rise of congenital syphilis, care for transgender and gender diverse people, and access to medical and surgical abortion care.  

The Summer Series is being released in video format to accommodate the visual elements of the presentations.    

🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Abortion Providers Group Aotearoa New Zealand (APGANZ) 

• Warming the Whare for trans people and whānau in perinatal care 

• Decide.org.nz

• The RANZCOG Trans and gender diverse inclusive obstetric and perinatal care workshop will return in Aotearoa New Zealand on 7 September 2026 – registration information to come in early 2026.  

• New Zealand Aotearoa Abortion Clinical Guideline | Ministry of Health NZ (Disclaimer: This guideline has been included for additional cultural advice. Please see the RANZCOG binational Clinical Guideline for Abortion Care for up-to-date clinical recommendations) 

📝 Relevant RANZCOG guidelines: 

• Clinical Guideline for Abortion Care 

📌 RANZCOG members can submit CPD at: https://shorturl.at/iq733  

💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues. 

RANZCOG acknowledges the need for more inclusive terminology for gender diversity.  

In this podcast we aim to use inclusive language, and any use of the term “women” should be interpreted to include all people requiring gynaecological and obstetric care.   

The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). 

Summer Series: Long-Term Maternal Health After Hypertension in Pregnancy

This episode of the Summer Series of Talking O&G: A RANZCOG Podcast features Canada-based physician Professor Laura Magee presenting the plenary, “Long-Term Maternal Health After Hypertension in Pregnancy” at the RANZCOG Annual Scientific Meeting 2025. This plenary session was supported by the Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation. 

Professor Magee is a globally recognised expert in obstetric medicine, with a research focus on pregnancy-related hypertension and medical complications in pregnancy. She was the Principal Investigator of the landmark Control of Hypertension in Pregnancy Study (CHIPS) trial, shaping international hypertension guidelines.  

In this presentation, Professor Magee examines the link between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and cardio-renal-metabolic disease, with a robust review of evidence-based research. She considers the role of pre-existing risk factors; the importance and challenges of postnatal follow-up; and an overview of care approaches. Areas for potential intervention are discussed, including breastfeeding for maternal health, prevention of postpartum weight retention, and early postpartum blood pressure control.  

The Summer Series is being released in video format to accommodate the visual elements of the presentations.   

🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Incidence and Long-Term Outcomes of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy | JACC 

• Association Between History of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Coronary Artery Disease Assessed by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography | JAMA 

• Postpartum physiology, psychology and paediatric follow up study (P4 Study) 

📝 Relevant RANZCOG guidelines: 

• Early pregnancy screening and prevention of preterm preeclampsia and related complications (C-Obs 61)  

📌 RANZCOG members can submit CPD at: https://shorturl.at/iq733   

💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues. 

RANZCOG acknowledges the need for more inclusive terminology for gender diversity.  

In this podcast we aim to use inclusive language, and any use of the term “women” should be interpreted to include all people requiring gynaecological and obstetric care.   

The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). 

Summer Series: How to Promote Community Focused Sexual Reproductive Health for First Nations Women and Girls

This episode of Talking O&G: A RANZCOG Podcast is the first in a special summer series featuring presentations delivered at the RANZCOG Annual Scientific Meeting 2025. Dr Stephanie Trust delivers the Alison Bush Memorial Oration, sharing insights and recommendations for promoting community focused care for First Nations women and girls.  

Dr Trust is a proud Gidja/Walmajarri woman and General Practitioner based in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. In 2024, she was named WA GP of the Year, and she currently sits on the Board of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association. Dr Trust is the Clinical Director for Wunan Health, a social enterprise of the Wunan Foundation.  

In this episode, Dr Trust outlines the importance of taking a holistic approach to care, with recommendations including promoting a diverse and supported allied health force; providing culturally safe and tailored services; supporting peer-led initiatives; and incorporating education and training.  

The Summer Series is being released in video format to accommodate the visual elements of the presentations.  

🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Wunan Foundation 

• Closing the gap for Indigenous health | Birthing on Country 

• 50 Words Project 

• Helping you learn and teach about Aboriginal culture - Creative Spirits  

RANZCOG members can listen to this episode and answer self-reflective questions to log CPD hours towards their AHPRA and MCNZ mandated CAPE requirements under cultural safety. 

📌 Submit CPD at: https://shorturl.at/iq733  

💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues. 

RANZCOG acknowledges the need for more inclusive terminology for gender diversity.  

In this podcast we aim to use inclusive language, and any use of the term “women” should be interpreted to include all people requiring gynaecological and obstetric care.   

The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG). 

E11. Unpacking RANZCOG's Clinical Guide for Abortion Care (audio)

In this episode of Talking O&G: A RANZCOG Podcast, hosts Dr Nisha Khot and Dr Heather Waterfall speak to Professor Kirsten Black and Dr Catriona Melville about RANZCOG’s Clinical Guideline for Abortion Care.

This guideline is the first binational evidence-based clinical practice guideline on abortion care for Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Both Prof Black and Dr Melville are sexual reproductive health experts who contributed to its development. They discuss key evidence-based recommendations including pre-abortion considerations, telehealth provision, STI screening, medical and surgical techniques, and providing contraception following an abortion.

They also highlight the importance of providing individualised, person-centred care which promotes equity and cultural safety, as well as considerations for those in rural or remote areas. They encourage clinicians to engage in further training opportunities in abortion care where possible, emphasising that equitable abortion access is an essential part of healthcare provision.

🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Clinical Guideline for Abortion Care - RANZCOG
• Sexual and Reproductive Health Advanced Training Pathway (ATP)
• Effectiveness, safety and acceptability of no‐test medical abortion (termination of pregnancy) provided via telemedicine: a national cohort study
• Telemedicine medical abortion at home under 12 weeks’ gestation: a prospective observational cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic 

📌 RANZCOG members can submit CPD at: https://shorturl.at/iq733

💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues.

RANZCOG acknowledges the need for more inclusive terminology for gender diversity. 

In this podcast we aim to use inclusive language, and any use of the term “women” should be interpreted to include all people requiring gynaecological and obstetric care.  

The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).

E11. Unpacking RANZCOG's Clinical Guideline for Abortion Care (video)

In this episode of Talking O&G: A RANZCOG Podcast, hosts Dr Nisha Khot and Dr Heather Waterfall speak to Professor Kirsten Black and Dr Catriona Melville about RANZCOG’s Clinical Guideline for Abortion Care.

This guideline is the first binational evidence-based clinical practice guideline on abortion care for Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Both Prof Black and Dr Melville are sexual reproductive health experts who contributed to its development. They discuss key evidence-based recommendations including pre-abortion considerations, telehealth provision, STI screening, medical and surgical techniques, and providing contraception following an abortion.

They also highlight the importance of providing individualised, person-centred care which promotes equity and cultural safety, as well as considerations for those in rural or remote areas. They encourage clinicians to engage in further training opportunities in abortion care where possible, emphasising that equitable abortion access is an essential part of healthcare provision.

🔗 Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Clinical Guideline for Abortion Care - RANZCOG
• Sexual and Reproductive Health Advanced Training Pathway (ATP)
• Effectiveness, safety and acceptability of no‐test medical abortion (termination of pregnancy) provided via telemedicine: a national cohort study
• Telemedicine medical abortion at home under 12 weeks’ gestation: a prospective observational cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic 

📌 RANZCOG members can submit CPD at: https://shorturl.at/iq733

💬 If you found this episode valuable, please rate, review, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues.

RANZCOG acknowledges the need for more inclusive terminology for gender diversity. 

In this podcast we aim to use inclusive language, and any use of the term “women” should be interpreted to include all people requiring gynaecological and obstetric care.  

The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the official position of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).