Healing Birth

Kayleigh's first two births took place in a hospital, but her third—at a birth center with midwives—was a turning point. The contrast in care, both during pregnancy and birth, sparked a passion for natural childbirth and ultimately led her to become a childbirth educator. Six years later, when she became pregnant with her fourth baby, Kayleigh knew exactly what she wanted: a peaceful home birth, surrounded by her husband and older children. Find Kayleigh at www.kindacrunchykayleigh.com And on Instagram @kindacrunchykayleigh If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

With six births across nearly every setting—from hospital to birth center, homebirth to freebirth—Sarah brings a rare depth of experience to this conversation. She shares her powerful stories and the hard-earned wisdom each birth offered, painting a grounded portrait of what it means to birth on your own terms. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Jackie had been planning a home birth for her first baby, but at 35 weeks, she received the shocking diagnosis of a placental abruption. This led to an emergency cesarean, a NICU stay, and years of processing why it had happened to her. (You can listen to Jackie's full first birth story in her initial appearance on this podcast, here.) After enough time had passed, Jackie felt the desire for another child, found the courage to get pregnant again, and planned for another home birth. This time, she got it. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Ceiba's labor with her first child began after an orgasm (oxytocin, much?). The only midwife in her small Mexican town was called, but she happened to be away for the night. Feeling no fear, Ceiba birthed her baby—who arrived feet first—in under an hour, describing the experience as ecstatic. This birth left her in an expanded state of consciousness for a week. Follow Ceiba @uteroamor If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

It wasn't until her early forties that Leslie finally found the true love of her life. On their first date, she received a message in spirit that a baby wanted to come through. And sure enough, as soon as they both felt a “yes,” she became pregnant. This time, Leslie didn't hire a midwife—instead, she gave birth at home with only her partner for support. It was the birth experience she had always dreamed of. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

There were complications during Caroline's first pregnancy and birth, which left her with the story that her body was broken. (You can listen to that full story from Caroline's first appearance on the podcast here.) After a little over a year of deep healing work — including a life-changing plant medicine ceremony — Caroline consciously conceived her second baby, leaning into trust so fully that she never even took a pregnancy test. Although she considered freebirthing her second baby, Caroline ultimately chose to hire a traditional midwife to attend her at home. She set firm boundaries where they were needed, stepped fully into the role of sole authority over her birth experience, and emerged from this second birth with the wounds of her first finally healed. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Hollis was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of two, leading to a lifetime of doctor visits and deeply ingrained messages that her body was chronically broken. Because of this history and diagnosis, when she found out she was pregnant, her first response was tears—she knew she would be fighting an uphill battle for the natural birth she desired. Even though her condition was well managed, no midwife in town would take her as a client, leaving her with only two options: receive no care at all, or be treated by a high-risk obstetrician. This is where her battle began. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Jesse shares the heroic story of her first birth experience—a three-day labor supported by a traditional midwife and her husband. We discuss how she stayed mentally strong throughout the intense journey, and reflect on how differently things might have unfolded had she been in a hospital setting. First-time mothers who choose trust over fear inspire me, and Jesse is no exception! If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Julia attempted a freebirth at home for her second baby, but came close to losing her son due to a rare birthing complication that no one could have predicted. In the aftermath, as she processed the trauma of the experience, she reached out to me to share her story and the new perspective she gained about the freebirth movement. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Alyssa is the oldest of six children and grew up with the unique privilege of witnessing her mother give birth at home to her five younger siblings. Naturally, choosing a home birth for her first baby seemed like the obvious decision. She selected a local birth center and midwife. However, like many first-time mothers, as Alyssa approached 42 weeks, the pressure to induce labor began to mount. During her 41st week, her midwife performed several interventions to induce labor, including breaking her water, which put her on a tight timeline. She now had 24 hours to deliver the baby or face a transfer to the hospital. The transfer occurred, and the birth ended in a cesarean and a NICU stay. Alyssa didn't get to hold her baby until his eighth day of life. It was a traumatic experience, but both she and her son eventually healed. Around 15 months postpartum, Alyssa became pregnant again. By this time, she had been researching VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and was determined not to give birth in a hospital again. Immersed in positive birth stories, she went on to have a completely different, redemptive second birth experience. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Kyrie shares the heartbreaking yet ultimately courageous story of navigating her first pregnancy and the birth of her child while in an abusive marriage. She also endured hyperemesis so severe that she required hospitalization, as well as a shocking misdiagnosis that her child had a brain abnormality— via an ultrasound that was later found to be inaccurate. Kyrie explains that it was her overwhelming love for her newborn son that gave her the strength and courage to leave the abusive situation and build a better life for both of them. Today, Kyrie is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, and podcast host who is passionate about empowering other women facing the challenges of business ownership, motherhood, and personal growth. Follow Kyrie @theconfidentmomprenuer Kyrie's Podcast The Confident Momprenuer If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

After two relatively routine hospital births, Shiloa's third baby was discovered to be breech late in her pregnancy. Her care providers presented her with no option other than a c-section, which came as a huge shock. The surgical birth left her feeling traumatized. As a birth worker herself, Shiloa was also attending births during this time and had developed an unshakable trust in the birth process. She learned that some midwives were comfortable supporting breech births at home, viewing it as a variation of normal rather than an emergency requiring surgery. For her fourth pregnancy, Shiloa planned a home birth with a midwife. Once again, the baby was found to be breech toward the end of the pregnancy. However, she didn't let the combination of a VBAC and the breech label shake her trust in the birth process. In fact, she had a strong sense that this baby was meant to be born breech for a reason. Shiloa successfully birthed her breech, VBAC baby at home with her midwife, as planned. This empowering experience helped to heal the trauma from her previous birth. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Gina's first pregnancy was with twins, which limited her options for care to a hospital birth. During this labor, she faced immense pressure to receive an epidural, undergo various interventions, and was even made to give birth on the operating table in the operating room “just in case.” Despite all of this and the atmosphere of fear surrounding twin births, she managed to deliver both babies naturally in the hospital, on that cold operating room table. Her second pregnancy was with a singleton, so this time, a midwife could legally attend her birth at home, and Gina jumped at the chance. She found the perfect wise woman to walk alongside her during the pregnancy. This experience allowed her to heal some of the scars left by her previous, medicalized birth and to deeply reconnect with her Mexican heritage through cultural birth practices, such as using a rebozo, and having the maternal grandmother cut the umbilical cord. Gina says that this birth experience deeply reconnected her to her lineage and inspired her to dive into learning more about the sacredness of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Robyn describes her first birth as a ‘weird, numb experience.' She was in the hospital, on an epidural, and slept through most of it. However, a family car accident became a turning point for Robyn, prompting her to make holistic health changes for her family. As she began to explore ways to take charge of their healthcare more naturally, her perspective on birth shifted. By the time she was pregnant with her second child, she knew she would give birth at home, with a midwife. (In fact, the midwife she chose had been a former guest on this show!) For her third birth, Robyn chose to give birth at home, unassisted. In reflecting on her birth experiences, Robyn shared with me: ‘I want to address the idea that a midwife or doula will save you during labor or birth, or somehow prepare you better than you can prepare yourself for birth. Instead, birth should be viewed as an opportunity to fully surrender and trust yourself.' If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Over the course of having six babies, Kelly's beliefs about birth, pregnancy, and sovereignty changed drastically. She went from thinking that women who birthed outside the hospital were irresponsible and dangerous, to free birthing her last baby at 42, with only her husband by her side. Kelly shares her entire journey with us today in the hope of encouraging other women to recognize that they are perfectly designed for birth and motherhood. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Chandani was a doula working within the system when she became pregnant with her first baby. Witnessing the trauma and high cesarean rate in the hospital, she knew she didn't want to give birth there and decided on a home birth. Although she entered the pregnancy with extensive knowledge about birth and hired a midwife, her birth ultimately ended in a cesarean after her midwife transferred her during labor. In the immediate aftermath, Chandani struggled to accept that this was her birth experience. However, as time passed, she began to reflect and realized that there had been red flags in her care, and her intuition had indeed been speaking to her. She also started examining other areas of her life where she wasn't being true to herself. By the time she was pregnant with her second baby, she was fully ready to step into her power and birth in a new way. Rather than hiring another medical midwife, Chandani chose a non-medical birth keeper who also became a friend. She emerged triumphant from that birth experience, feeling as though she could do anything. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Leisa Masters is a mother, an accomplished birthworker, and an experienced business manager. She has been supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and motherhood for over a decade. Her own experience birthing her daughter in the Australian medical system became a classic cascade of interventions, ultimately leading to an unnecessary cesarean. However, being deeply committed to personal growth, Leisa chose not to simply blame the system. Instead, she realized that at a deeper level, her own people-pleasing tendencies had allowed the birth to unfold as it did. In the years since that birth, Leisa has discovered a way to have revolutionary conversations with women, empowering them to own their birth experiences, their introduction to motherhood, and, by extension, their lives. As a sought-after voice in the global birth community, Leisa now helps other birthworkers recognize how to work with women in a truly life-changing way. She believes that women already possess all the wisdom they need inside them, and her role is to help them uncover that wisdom and build the confidence to trust in it. Follow Leisa on Instagram @leisa.masters  Leisa's Website  Join Leisa's course Becoming a Birthworker If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

India was 21, and dancing without a care in the world at a festival in Nepal when she suddenly felt her water break. That was the moment she realized she was pregnant—and about to have a baby! What followed, in one of the most incredible birth stories I have ever heard, was a four-day labor, supported by her Rainbow Gathering community, in a remote village in Nepal. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Returning guest Tiffany shares her powerful third birth story—a precipitous freebirth. Alone with just her partner, Tiffany navigated this intense and transformative experience following a wild pregnancy. Tiffany's story also includes one of the coolest placenta births I've ever heard! You can hear her first two birth stories, on her first appearance on the podcast, here. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a connective tissue disorder that presents differently in each individual. For Emily, it significantly affected her digestive system. During her first pregnancy, she struggled with severe hyperemesis, unable to keep any food down at all.  In this episode, Emily shares one of the most unique and challenging stories of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum I have ever encountered. Her journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of the mother-baby bond and her incredible strength.  Despite the hardships she faced, Emily has recovered and found joy in the small but profound moments of motherhood. She recalls the first time her baby smiled at her—a moment when her heart truly felt light for the first time.  Tune in to hear Emily's inspiring story of determination, love, and healing.  If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard

After two hospital births—one of which was extremely traumatic—Laura decided to homebirth her third baby.  During her 20-week anatomy scan, a velamentous cord insertion was discovered. Laura's main concern with this complication was the risk of intrauterine growth restriction. She chose to closely monitor her baby's size through ultrasounds, and by 35 weeks, it was clear she was carrying a large, healthy baby. Feeling confident, Laura moved forward with her plan to give birth at home.  Her birth experience was fast, powerful, and profoundly healing.  We close this episode with Laura reflecting on the unexpected grief she felt for her older children's birth experiences. She shares how she now recognizes the ripple effects of those births in their lives.  Listen to Laura's first appearance on this podcast, where she shares her first two birth experiences, here. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

I open season six of the podcast with the jaw-dropping story of a family who fled France after the authorities targeted them for freebirthing their baby.  Katie initially planned a homebirth for her first child, but during labor, her midwife transferred her to the hospital, where she was given no option but to have a cesarean section. When Katie became pregnant with her second child, her family had relocated from the United States to Paris, France, due to a job transfer. Because of her prior cesarean, no midwife in France was willing to attend her birth.  Faced with the prospect of another hospital experience as her only option, Katie chose to freebirth her baby. The birth was beautiful, but trouble arose when the family tried to obtain a birth certificate. Since there was no record of medical care during her pregnancy and no official attendant at the birth, the French authorities retaliated. After a series of bureaucratic encounters with government and medical officials, Katie learned that French Child Protective Services planned to remove her children from her care.  With emergency passports issued by the American embassy and all their belongings still in Paris, Katie and her family fled the country, eventually making it back to the United States.  Katie went on to have a third baby, another freebirth, which brought her healing, closure, and invaluable lessons. She is now planning to write a book about her extraordinary experience. You can follow her journey on Instagram at @thek80show.  If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Katie's journey with birth has been one of both trauma and triumph. It begins with an excruciating, 3-day Pitocin induction, ending in a c-section, which left her devastated and later diagnosed with postpartum PTSD. She endured months of nightmares, flashbacks, and depression. In contrast, Katie later experienced a second trimester loss, and says that her experience in the medical system managing the death of her baby was better than the previous live birth - because this time she had trauma-informed, deeply compassionate care providers. Katie finally has her healing birth, a VBAC, at a trauma informed hospital. She describes this experience as incredibly beautiful, and something she sources strength from even to this day. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Julia became pregnant in December of 2019, right before the world shut down. She spent that pregnancy isolated, alone, and made to go to her prenatal appointments without her partner. Beginning at just 36 weeks, she was pressured to have a c-section, because her baby was breech. Deep down, Julia knew her baby was healthy, still growing, and perhaps still had time to turn. But after several weeks of unrelenting pressure from her doctor, she gave in and scheduled the cesarean. After this experience, Julia immediately knew she wanted a natural, unmedicated VBAC. And after lots of research and listening to birth podcasts, she decided that home was the safest place for her to achieve it. When she met her team of midwives, and delved into the world of Hypnobabies, Julia discovered how beautiful and peaceful birth can be at home, rather than the medical emergency it often is in a hospital. Her second baby was born at home, in the water, at just shy of 43 weeks. Mentioned in this episode: The Business of Being Born  Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method by Marie Morgan Birth photos by @skylightphototx If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Patience is a doula and birth keeper, and was quite familiar with birth when it was time to have her first baby. She chose to give birth in a midwife-run birth center, but her labor progressed so fast that they never made it inside, and the baby was born in the doorway! When she became pregnant with her second baby, she wanted a more autonomous experience, and chose to birth at home with just her husband and a non-medical birth keeper for support. Patience has an unshakable faith in the wisdom of the birth process which is inspiring and infectious. She attends home births and offers placenta encapsulation + art services in the Sonora, California area. Follow Patience on Instagram @atouchofpatience_birth Patience's website: www.atouchofpatiencebirth.com If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Molly planned to give birth to her first baby at a birth center, but when she hit 41 weeks, she was bait and switched into a hospital induction. The Pitocin-induced birth was traumatic and excruciating, and ended with a week long NICU stay for her son. In retrospect, Molly believes the induction, and the trauma to her and her son, was completely unnecessary.  It wasn't until she began therapy at one year postpartum to address the scars of this first birth experience that she began to heal, and consider that she could give birth again without interventions and trauma. Discovering Hypnobabies, was also a complete game changer for her the second time around. The affirmations and hypnosis techniques helped her to address her fears and feel confident. She describes that birth experience, using Hynobabies, as pain free! At the time of this recording, Molly is pregnant and planning a home birth with her third. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Lea is the content creator behind the popular Instagram account @trusting_birth, and host of the Wise Woman Diaries podcast. In this conversation, we go deep. Lea shares candidly about how a ten-year preconception journey has been the path that led her to soul, and, paradoxically, into true trust in her body. She shares what inspired her to create both Trusting Birth and Wise Woman Diaries, despite being a maiden and not having experienced motherhood yet. We talk about the importance of story medicine, particularly for women. We are right now witnessing a shift from an old paradigm of experts and authority as knowledge and wisdom keepers, to a more egalitarian, aquarian moment in human history. We also talk about the unique nature of social media, and how triggers are a window into who we are, our traumas, and are a reflection of our energy. Follow Lea on Instagram @trusting_birth Listen to Lea's excellent podcast (If you like this one,  you will like hers!): Wise Woman Diaries If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Alice was induced at the end of her first pregnancy, which ended with a forceps delivery and an episiotomy. The trauma and intensity of this experience profoundly affected both Alice and her baby, who was bruised and cut from the forceps. In the aftermath of this birth and postpartum time, Alice's marriage ended - in part because of how difficult that first year was for them. But Alice found love again, and had a second chance at birth. This time, she chose a home birth with a midwife, which is a completely free and underutilized option within the UK's NHS system.  She had her second child peacefully, at home, with just her partner and the midwife. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard

During Delainey's third birth (her second freebirth), her baby experienced a true shoulder dystocia at his emergence - a complication that is almost never heard of in home or free births, and can be one of the few, rare, actual obstetric emergencies. His head was out for eight whole minutes before the rest of his body was born, and Delainey could feel exactly where his shoulder was stuck. Impressively, she and her partner stayed very calm and, guided by their intuition and intimate connection, were able to safely get their son born. This story is such a powerful example of how safety is an innate part of the birth process, but only when we don't interfere with it.  If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Emily, a former nurse of 13 years, shares the sweet story of the homebirth of her first born son. Since entering that rite of passage, her heart and soul mission has become focused on using her cumulative life experiences to walk alongside women and their families as they too cross the threshold. She helps to facilitate the deep inner work needed to prepare mothers for an empowering, physiological pregnancy, birth, & postpartum experience. She holds sacred space and advocates fiercely for the undisturbed, natural birth of their dreams. Emily will be releasing a physiological homebirth course soon - follow her and stay tuned for an early bird discount! Emily's website: www.birthadvocate.me Since we recorded this episode, Emily began her own beautiful podcast, Soul Evolution: Embodied Women's Wisdom, Birth Stories, and More. Find Emily on Instagram @birth.advocate If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

The medical system couldn't offer Tiffany the kind of birth she wanted for her twin boys, so she fired her doctor, and planned to birth them at home.  Needless to say, this was a choice that took a great deal of courage, trust, and consciousness. All along the way, Tiffany was shown signs from the universe that she was on the right path, and was in alignment with what was right for her and her babies.  Her twin boys, Astro and Cosmo, were born at home, in the presence of family, on Halloween! If you love this podcast, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow us on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard Transition music:   Cool Cats by Smith the Mister

Lindsey begins her motherhood journey with the experience of an ectopic pregnancy, which she - amazingly -  resolved without taking medication or having surgery. Despite her being told by medical professionals that it would hard for her to conceive again, she did, easily.  Her first baby was born in a hospital, and this experience left her knowing that she would never give birth in a hospital again. Her next baby was born at home, with a midwife. Lindsey then began working as a midwife apprentice and quickly realized she was seeing many of the same interventions, interruptions, and violations at homebirths as happens in hospitals. She realized she wouldn't want any of the midwives she was working with at her own birth. They were effectively bringing the hospital into the home. Around this time, Lindsey's third baby, in spirit form, was calling to her, but she knew she had to leave her apprenticeship to be in integrity with herself before this baby would come. She left the medical midwifery world and instead began supporting freebirths, and it was here she learned to trust birth again. Her third baby was born at home with just her family present. It was just a normal Wednesday afternoon, except she gave birth in her bathtub! The mundane and sacred, intertwined. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Maiken always knew a hospital birth wasn't for her. When she welcomed her first child, it was at home, with only her partner and a doula present, embracing the power of her body in an intimate, natural setting. Her journey through pregnancy and birth wasn't just life-changing—it was deeply healing. The experience reshaped how she saw herself, teaching her profound lessons about strength, letting go, and trust in her own body. In this episode, we also explore the evolving birth culture in Norway, where birth care is free, but women are increasingly seeking alternatives to the standard hospital birth. Maiken sheds light on this growing movement and what it means for Norwegian women reclaiming their birth choices. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Tia's first two birth experiences were hospital inductions. By the time she was pregnant with her third, she knew she wanted a more empowering and natural experience, so she hired a midwife, and planned a home birth. But around twenty-one weeks into that pregnancy, Tia went into preterm labor. She was rushed to the hospital where she delivered not one, but two babies. Tragically, this was how she found out she had been carrying twin girls. A couple months after this terrible loss, Tia was ready to be pregnant agin, and conceived. And she finally got to experience a beautiful, natural birth. Her story is one of hope and healing. Tia wants other women who hear it to be encouraged and know that a beautiful birth experience is possible for everyone, even after such a huge loss. Follow Tia on Instagram @thethrifty_homemaker If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Amber shares the vulnerable and intimate experience of getting pregnant, and giving birth, at fifteen years old. Her experience with what was ultimately a traumatic birth, and post-partum depression, was the catalyst that compelled her into the important work she does now to support other mothers. She is now a board-certified lactation consultant, functional nutrition practitioner, and certified doula. Amber has spent nearly a decade supporting families, and views birth as a natural, mother-centered event that unfolds best when led by the mom herself. Follow Amber @ambertheibclc Amber's website: nourishedroots.co If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Step into paradise with me this week as my friend Taylor opens up about her deeply transformative journey from an unexpected cesarean with her first child, to the empowering experience of a homebirth on the beautiful island of Kauai with her second. Taylor's story is one of resilience, healing, and the power of trusting your body. Find Taylor on Instagram @mahina.risssing If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

During Carey's first pregnancy, her baby was diagnosed with Intra Uterine Growth Restriction (a fairly subjective label that means the baby is thought to be small, and it is not known why). Because of this, she was subjected to multiple ultrasounds during the last few weeks of her pregnancy, and highly pressured to induce. Carey refused to be induced, and went into labor spontaneously. The labor experience was colored by the fears of the medical staff, she was subjected to coached pushing, and a whole team of NICU doctors took and assessed her baby as soon as she was born. Her baby was perfectly healthy and did not need the NICU, but Carey was still robbed of those golden moments post-birth, and bonding between her and the baby was disrupted. Although this kind of birth could have been someone else's “great experience”, it left her with a lot of healing to do. She knew almost immediately that what had happened to her in the hospital was unnecessary and created trauma for her and her baby. She said goodbye to the medical system, consciously conceived her second child, had a wild pregnancy, and a beautiful, healing, freebirth. Be sure to check out the instagram page this week @healingbirth for some really incredible photos of this birth by @novitabirthstories If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

From the very beginning of her first pregnancy, Aeriel encountered discouragement and doubt from medical providers about her ability to birth naturally. Unbelievably, she was even repeatedly encouraged to end her (unplanned, but wanted) pregnancy multiple times by the first doctor she saw. Reasonably shook by this, she sought other care and found a birth center mid-pregnancy. Due to going to 42 weeks, she was transferred back to the same hospital that was affiliated with her first doctor to be induced. Aerial was absolutely set on having a natural birth, and despite being induced with Pitocin, and discouragement from the medical staff, she achieved it. Find Aeriel's blog at www.mamaunrehearsed.com Aeriel's on Instagram and Facebook @mamaunrehearsed If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

From the moment she knew she was pregnant, Hari felt an extraordinary, intuitive bond with her baby. Guided by this inner knowing, she knew she would  freebirth—believing this was the path her baby's soul desired. But at 34 weeks, things took an unexpected turn when Hari went into labor. Faced with the unforeseen, she chose to embrace trust over fear, staying true to her plan of giving birth at home, accompanied only by her partner. In a remarkable journey of intuition and courage, Hari allowed her baby's soul to lead the way. follow Hari @Sacred_flute Spirit Babies by Walter Makichen is the book you'll hear Hari recommend in our conversation. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Midway through her pregnancy, Hope's baby was diagnosed as growth restricted (IUGR), but despite concern from her doctors, Hope's intuition was telling her the baby was okay. Her baby was also breech at that point, and never did turn. She was recommended to have a planned cesarean at 37 weeks due to both the IUGR diagnosis and the breech positioning, but this never sat right with her. She kept asking questions to her care team that she felt were not adequately answered. Amazingly, the hospital scheduled her for this cesarean at 37 weeks, after a planned ECV, without her knowledge or consent. A nurse accidentally tipped her off! Around the same time, Hope found stories of other women who vaginally birthed breech babies. Now that she knew it was possible, the question was how to find the right support for her to do it at home. She was able to find a midwife trained with Breech without Borders. Her baby was born perfectly healthy at 42 weeks after a ten hour labor. By listening to her instincts and birthing at home, she avoided what would have almost certainly been a NICU stay necessitated by having a cesarean at 37 weeks. Her story is an amazing testament to how important and valid maternal intuition truly is. Follow Hope @hope_jckson If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

At fifteen weeks into her first pregnancy, Caroline began experiencing kidney pain, and was eventually diagnosed with a swollen kidney. Fear started to take root as she saw different specialists, all with different opinions as to how to resolve it.    After a horrible experience with a nephrostomy bag (a bag to drain the kidney of pee that is attached to one's back), Caroline consented to  corrective surgery, at twenty two weeks pregnant, which then required a second follow up surgery. Throughout her experiences with these medical procedures, ensuing complications, and fear for how they may impact the pregnancy, there was very little true informed consent from her care team. Throughout this ordeal, she felt her trust in her body deteriorating. Despite her kidney issues, and ultimately two surgeries, Caroline was able to have her planned-for home birth. After the baby was born, however, the midwife rushed her to transfer to the hospital for a reason Caroline now feels was not a true emergency. Caroline says her journey included many tough lessons, among them to be very selective about who to let into the birth space and on her birth team. She is practicing forgiveness, both for self and others. Follow Caroline @carolineofenstein Find Caroline's podcast at Naturally Caroline If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Holly is a certified Fertility Awareness Method Educator and Licensed Acupuncturist. Her passion for periods and fertility stem from a long history of personal cycle issues. At 22, she was told she would likely have a hard time getting pregnant due to a consistently erratic menstrual cycle, and amenorrhea due to severe anorexia. A testament to the body's innate ability to heal, it was during a passionate love affair in her thirties that she conceived her daughter, and had a beautiful, easy home birth. One of the key components to her journey of healing was to uncover what was really going on with her body through charting her cycle. Implementing  fertility awareness completely changed her life, and offered her a different relationship with her body. Now, she works with other women, helping them do the same. Work with Holly www.rosebudwellness.com Follow Holly on Instagram @rosebud_wellness Find Holly's Podcast The Fertile Womb Check out Real Food for Pregnancy & Real Food for Fertility If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Lindsay is a mother of three, photographer, birth coach, and podcast host at Birth Like a Mammal™, a community that teaches parents and doulas how to give birth like a mammal. After over a decade of supporting families as a doula and working in birth advocacy, Lindsay founded Birth Like a Mammal™ in 2023. She feels deeply that most issues within our society and culture can be solved by birthing in alignment with mammalian biology.  In this episode, you'll hear Lindsay discuss: How her background working with animals informed how she understands birth. Why she chose to freebirth her first baby, and hired a midwife for the next two. Her time working on Exposing the Silence Project, a photography project that documented and brought awareness to birth trauma and obstetric violence. All about her upcoming retreat, Hope for Healing. The retreat is for any woman who has been affected by birth trauma, and is looking for healing. Follow Lindsay on Instagram @birthlikeamammal Listen to the Birth Like a Mammal Podcast Learn more about and register for the Hope for Healing Retreat www.exposingthesilence.com Birth Allowed Radio If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

During her first pregnancy, Amanda completely deferred to her medical team. The birth ended in coached pushing, a totally unnecessary episiotomy, and Pitocin. She describes herself as completely disconnected from the whole experience. And she left it knowing she would never do it that way again. In her postpartum period, Amanda discovered freebirth story podcasts, and it completely changed how she thought about birth. With her next baby, she planned and had a home birth, but had to navigate a postpartum transfer due to a birth defect that had gone undetected during pregnancy. Having had a powerful, autonomous home birth helped her navigate the ensuing NICU stay with her power intact. Very quickly postpartum, Amanda conceived her third baby. This birth happened so fast, the midwife didn't make it. But it was exactly the experience she needed to once again step in her true maternal power! If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Tere shares the story of having a completely unexpected, euphoric, orgasmic birth with her very first baby! Her second birth experience was not like the first, and presented with a unique challenge. But Tere says that  both of her birth experiences taught her a lot about courage, surrender, and trust. Follow Tere @cyclealchemist www.teremariemartini.com If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Taylor always envisioned the day she would give birth, unlike other young girls who dream of their wedding day. But when she unexpectedly went into labor at just 24 weeks with her first baby, she had to set aside her long-held dreams for a more medicalized experience. This is her bittersweet, yet ultimately beautiful, story of letting go. Photo by @angenobles If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Lauren, an expat living in Brazil, planned a home birth with midwives for her first baby's birth. Near the end of her birth process, the midwives decided her baby was likely too big be born at home, and transferred her to the local hospital, where the birth ended with an episiotomy. It was a violent intervention that left Lauren, and her husband, traumatized (also, spoiler alert: the baby was a perfectly normal size). When she became pregnant with her second baby, she knew she would not allow the same thing to happen to her again. She found the right team of wise women to surround her, set very clear boundaries (including with her husband, who was still working through his fears), and mostly importantly of all, trusted herself. That second birth experience was the “birth of her dreams.” And Lauren wants every woman who hears her story to know that it's every woman's birthright to experience a birth like hers. If you don't already follow @healingbirth on Instagram, be sure to this week to see photos of Lauren's birth. They are exceptionally beautiful! If you love this podcast, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow us on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Sandra  shares the sweet story of the birth of her second baby, who came so fast, the midwife didn't make it. Deep down, a free birth was what she wanted anyway, and she got it! While the birth was triumphant, her postpartum period was very challenging. You'll hear us discuss the importance of being held spiritually and emotionally during that tender time, and why we culturally seem to lack awareness around that.  Sandra wants other women to know that birth itself offers an incredible initiation into healing, if we are open to it.  You can follow Sandra @sandrablex If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow us on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

Couple Marion and Banks share the sweet, intimate conception and birth story of their daughter. Banks was Marion's sole support during the birth and shares what it was like to witness, hold space, and have a vital role during the experience. I got to ask Banks some of the questions I have always wanted to hear from a conscious man about birth!  Among other things, he speaks to: How witnessing his partner birth their baby at home, sovereignly, healed generational birth trauma from his family of origin How this birth experience changed their relationship What he would say to other fathers who have fear around childbirth Follow Marion on Instagram @marion.hearth Marion's website: www.marionhearth.com A Link to Marion's course, Roots of Attachment  This is an intimate group container for future parents where Marion transmits 12 years of the embodied wisdom that inspired her towards freebirthing all 3 of her babies, going diaper free, having nourishing postpartums, and more. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard  

Kaytlynn shares the beautiful and heartbreaking story of the birth, and death, at just a week old, of her first baby.  Still in the throes of grief, she quickly conceived again, and found a way to trust the process of life and birth once more. Follow Katytlynn on Instagram @kaytlynn_marie If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings, and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard Transition music:   New Beginnings by Beau Walker

Alexa's first birth was attended by a medically minded midwife at home, who rushed her through the third stage of labor. What happened during this part of the birth experience left her traumatized and affected the critical bonding period between Alexa and her baby. In the aftermath, she experienced post-partum anxiety (you will hear us discuss the connection between Pitocin and post-natal mood disorders). Alexa says that “Birth trauma affects the motherhood journey so much.” Five months postpartum she conceived again. That baby was born again at home, but with just her husband and son there. This was her healing birth. In addition to being an author, Alexa leads writing workshops, host women's circles, and offers workshops on freebirth as well as cloth diapering. Alexa's website is www.mamafreebirth.com. You can find her on Instagram is @mama.freebirth.  Find Alexa's book Motherhood Disenchanted here.  If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow us on Instagram @healingbirth  Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Check out the website for lots of other birth related offerings and personalized support: www.healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard Transition music:   Snowfall by Vendredi