Podcasts about Birth trauma

Dr. Tony Ebel breaks down the real root causes of developmental delays that go far beyond what traditional pediatricians and even most early intervention specialists address. He reveals that one in six children face developmental delays, often triggered by what he calls "the perfect storm" - a combination of early life stressors including pregnancy stress and birth interventions. Dr. Ebel explains how children get stuck in "fight or flight" mode instead of growth and development mode, affecting everything from motor skills to speech, behavior, and social development. He emphasizes that developmental delays aren't due to genetics, bad luck, or bad parenting, but rather neurological stress that can be identified and addressed at its root cause.Key Topics & Timestamps([00:00:00]) - The Hidden Crisis - One in six children face developmental delays, and there's a crucial missing piece most doctors overlook([00:04:00]) - The Therapy Plateau Problem - Why families often get stuck despite doing all the right therapies and interventions([00:06:00]) - Sequence Over Timeline - Why the order of development matters more than hitting milestones at specific ages([00:09:00]) - Growth vs. Protection Mode - The key concept that children can't be in growth and protection mode simultaneously([00:10:00]) - The Perfect Storm - How maternal stress and birth interventions create neurological stress in developing children([00:11:00]) - The Vagus Nerve Connection - How birth trauma impacts the brainstem and controls development, behavior, and communication-- Follow us on Socials: Instagram: @pxdocs Facebook: Dr. Tony Ebel & The PX Docs Network Youtube: The PX Docs For more information, visit PXDocs.com to read informative articles about the power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. Find a PX Doc Office near me: PX DOCS DirectoryTo watch Dr. Tony's 30 min Perfect Storm Webinar: Click HereSubscribe, share, and stay tuned for more incredible episodes unpacking the power of Nervous System focused care for children!

Today I sat down with Clara S. Lewis, author of American Infanticide: Sexism, Science, and the Politics of Sympathy, to examine the deeply unsettling and complex case of Emile Weaver, a college student convicted of killing her newborn in 2015. Clara walked me through how the legal system, media, and public perception often fail to grasp the complex realities behind neonaticide and infanticide in America. From the influence of a long history of stigmatizing young mothers that shape how we respond to these tragedies, the systemic forces that leave young women isolated and desperate, we discussed why these cases are far more common and more misunderstood than many realize. This is a conversation about stigma, silence, and the consequences of a justice system ill-equipped to reckon with maternal trauma.Get American Infanticide: Sexism, Science, and the Politics of Sympathy hereConnect with us on Social Media!You can find us at:Instagram: @bookofthedeadpodX: @bkofthedeadpodFacebook: The Book of the Dead PodcastTikTok: BookofthedeadpodOr visit our website at www.botdpod.comLearn more about Clara by checking out her Guest Bio at www.botdpod.com

In this episode, Kristen sits down with Dr. Julie Bindeman, co-owner of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington, to unpack the often-overlooked impact of reproductive trauma and how healing can begin in both the body and mind.   www.GreaterWashingtonTherapy.com Dr. Bindeman's Course: Reproductive Psychology: A Comprehensive Year-Long Training (Live, Interactive): https://greaterwashingtontherapy.com/courses/itgw-courses-details/   When you purchase these books through these Amazon affiliate links, you're helping support the podcast at no extra cost to you: Dr. Bindeman's Book: The Mental Health Clinician's Handbook for Abortion Care: https://www.amazon.com/dp/3031614526?tag=boice01-20   Book Recommendations: 1. Reproductive Trauma: Psychotherapy With Clients Experiencing Infertility and Pregnancy Loss: https://amzn.to/4eCXieS 2. Sex Is a Spectrum: The Biological Limits of the Binary: https://amzn.to/4ljvn6a Subscribe and get a free 5-day journal at www.kristendboice.com to begin closing the chapter on what doesn't serve you and open the door to the real you. This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to you to educate you about ideas on stress management and as a self-help tool for your own use. It is not psychotherapy/counseling in any form. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment.  For my full Disclaimer please go to www.kristendboice.com. For counseling services near Indianapolis, IN, visit www.pathwaystohealingcounseling.com. Pathways to Healing Counseling's vision is to provide warm, caring, compassionate and life-changing counseling services and educational programs to individuals, couples and families in order to create learning, healing and growth.

A new study by Birth Trauma Australia has found that women who struggled to get a diagnosis for their injuries were 2.4 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts. In this edition of The Conversation Hour we look at how better to support women experiencing birth trauma.Also in this edition, we look at a new study that has revealed a third of young workers are exploited, plus after the accidental Federal Treasury document revelation, that the 1.2 million homes target would not be met, what will it mean for tackling housing affordability.

Can giving birth be traumatic? Harvard researcher Dr. Sharon Dickel says yes—and it's more common than you think. In this eye-opening episode, she breaks down the biology of postpartum PTSD, the signs we often miss, and why better screening and trauma-informed care are urgently needed. If you care about maternal health, this conversation will change how you see birth forever.More about Dr. Sharon Dekel:Dr. Sharon Dekel is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and the Director of the Postpartum Traumatic Stress Disorders Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the Dekel Lab at HMS and MGH. She earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University and completed her clinical internship training at Columbia Medical Center followed by a research postdoctoral fellowship in a leading international Trauma lab. Dr. Dekel is also a licensed clinical psychologist.Read more about the Postpartum Traumatic Stress Disorders Research Project and Dr. Sharon Dekel Tsvetkov, MPhil, PhD.

In this powerful episode of Happy Hour with Bundle Birth Nurses, Sarah Lavonne and Justine sit down with AFE survivor and trauma therapist Kayleigh Summers, whom you may recognize as @thebirthtraumamama on IG. Kayleigh shares the shocking details of her near-death birth story, the moment everything changed, and the life-saving interventions that brought her back. Now a fierce advocate for trauma-informed care, Kaylee is using her voice to raise awareness about AFE and support survivors. This conversation is raw, emotional, and deeply important for every nurse and birth worker to hear. Thanks for listening and subscribing! Send in your question to be featured in Season 7 of the Pod! (90 sec total)https://www.speakpipe.com/HappyHourwithBundleBirthNurses Helpful Links! The Birth Trauma Mama websiteEmail Kaylee at hello@thetraumamama.comThe Trauma Mama podcastThe Trauma Mama TiktokACLS CertificationPreventing Birth Trauma Level 1 & 2 ClassesHealing Trauma in the Birth ProfessionalBereavement Counseling ClassPreventing Birth Trauma Level 1Preventing Birth Trauma Level 2

In this podcast episode I catch up with Kate Hicks of Birth Trauma Aotearoa, a timely episode during Birth Trauma Awareness Week, running from July 14-20.I last spoke with Kate around 2.5 years ago, so Kate will update us on the mahi (work) they've done over this time as well as plans for the future, including launching in-person support, developing research in the Aotearoa context, and the continual push for birth trauma prevention and improved support.Kate will also tell us about Birth Trauma Awareness Week, this year's theme, what the week aims to achieve and how you might like to get involved (you can head to this webpage to learn more: www.birthtraumaaotearoa.org.nz/take-action).Follow BTA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birth_trauma_aotearoa/or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/birthtraumaaotearoa

In this deeply validating and enlightening episode, your host welcomes Emma Snelgar—Mental Health Nurse, ex-midwife, birth therapist, and founder of Empower Matrescence. Emma supports women across Australia in processing difficult, disappointing, or traumatic birth and postpartum experiences, offering in-home sessions in Perth and Telehealth options nationwide.Together, we unpack:What birth trauma really means (and who defines it)How to identify the signs that your birth may still be impacting you—weeks, months, or even years laterThe emotional and physical responses often misunderstood as just “new mum stuff”Why grief, anger, and disappointment after birth are valid, even if you had a "healthy baby"The protective power of birth debriefing and why it's never too lateThe essential but under-discussed transformation of matrescence—the emotional, hormonal, social, and neurological shift from woman to motherEmma shares her professional insights, her personal experiences, and the systemic challenges faced by both mothers and care providers. She also offers empowering suggestions for preparing for birth and reclaiming your story—no matter where you are on your parenting journey.Whether you're a new mum, planning your next birth, or still processing one years later—this conversation is a reminder: your experience matters.Guest Bio:Emma Snelgar is a Mental Health Nurse, birth therapist, and former midwife, specialising in supporting women who have experienced traumatic or emotionally difficult births and postpartum periods. Through her private practice, Empower Matrescence, she offers compassionate, trauma-informed support to help mothers debrief, process, and heal. Emma sees clients in-home across the Perth metro area and via Telehealth for women throughout Australia. She will soon offer Medicare rebates for eligible sessions.Connect with Emma:Website: www.empowermatrescence.comInstagram: @empowermatrescenceWould like to access tailored 1:1 sleep support but don't know where to start? Jump on a FREE sleep clarity session with Jen here https://sleepthrivegrow.com/For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 70 Show NotesAnd I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. Until next time, Thrivers

Send us a textSo many women carry the silent pain of miscarriage, abortion, or traumatic birth—but never talk about it. In this powerful keynote episode, Dimple Bindra sits down with Brenda L Balding, a nurse of over 50 years and spiritual healer, to explore how unprocessed grief impacts our bodies, our emotions, and our self-worth.Brenda shares compassionate wisdom on:Why even healthy births can trigger postpartum griefThe deep emotional layers behind miscarriage and abortionHow curiosity, not judgment, creates space for healingBody-based tools like stream-of-consciousness writing and intuitive paintingSpiritual guidance and acronyms like GRIEF, HOW, SHAME, and JOB to help navigate lossThis episode is a safe space for anyone who's ever wondered, “Why do I still feel this way?” or felt alone in their sadness. You are not broken. You are grieving—and you deserve support. 

In this re-released episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I'm revisiting one of the most requested and tender topics in our community, birth trauma anniversaries. Whether it's your child's first birthday or their fifth, anniversaries of traumatic births can stir up a swirl of emotions: grief, anger, anxiety, guilt, and everything in between.In this solo Q&A-style episode, I answer your questions about what it means to navigate these layered, complicated days. I talk through why the lead-up to the anniversary can feel harder than the day itself, how to hold space for celebration and sorrow, and how to talk to loved ones who just don't seem to get it.Whether you're deep in anticipatory anxiety or wondering how to ask for compassion from a partner who's burned out on your trauma, this episode is for you.This episode is a gentle reminder: your feelings are valid. You are not selfish. And you are allowed to honor your trauma, even on the day your baby was born.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

In this powerful episode of SHE MD, hosts Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thais Aliabadi welcome Sarah Hoover, author of "The Mother Load: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood." Sarah shares her raw, emotional journey through postpartum depression, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness in motherhood. This eye-opening conversation delves into the often-overlooked challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood.Access more information about the podcast and additional expert health tips by visiting SHE MD Podcast and Ovii. Sponsors: Timeline: Timeline is offering10% off your order of MitopureGo to timeline.com/SHEMDCymbiotika: Go to Cymbiotikia.com/SHEMD for 20% off your order + free shipping today.Strivektin: Discover the Science Behind Great SkinOpill: Opill is birth control in your control, and you can use code SHEMD for twenty five percent off your first month of Opill at Opill.comSleepMe: Visit www.sleep.me/SHEMD to get your Chilipad at 20% off with code SHEMDVionic: Use code SHEMD at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only.Sarah Hoover's Key Takeaways:Monitor Your Emotional Well-Being After Childbirth: Recognize that postpartum depression can manifest in various ways, including irritability and detachment, not just sadness. Monitor your emotional state after childbirth and seek help if you experience persistent negative feelings.Address Past Trauma & Mental Health Before Pregnancy: Consider therapy or counseling to work through unresolved issues. This will help to improve birth experiences and postpartum outcomes.Advocate for Your Needs During Birth & Postpartum: Practice self-advocacy and clear communication with healthcare providers to ensure a positive birth experience. Prepare a list of your needs and preferences, and discuss them with your doctor before delivery.Engage Your Partner in Postpartum Mental Health Support: Involve your partner in prenatal appointments and discussions about postpartum care and emotional well-being.Advocate for Your Needs: Be open to medication options for managing mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. Discuss safe antidepressant options with your healthcare provider if you have a history of depression or anxiety.In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction(05:13) Sarah's pregnancy experience and initial expectations(08:18) Traumatic birth experience and postpartum depression(13:58) Dr. Aliabadi on recognizing postpartum depression signs(32:48) Sarah Hoover's journey to healing and second pregnancy(34:15) Importance of mental health in pregnancy(38:47) Sarah's positive second birth experience(44:10) Writing a book to help other women(51:02) Final thoughts on women's health advocacyRESOURCES:- Sarah Hoover's book: "The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood" : https://www.sarahhoover.com/the-motherload- Sarah Hoover's Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/sarahhoov/GUEST BIOGRAPHY:Sarah Hoover is a writer, cultural critic, and former Gagosian director whose work spans art, fashion, motherhood, and feminism. After earning degrees from NYU and Columbia, she built a career in the art world before turning to writing. Her essays on motherhood, identity, and cultural expectations have appeared in Vogue, The Strategist, and Harper's Bazaar. Her debut memoir, The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood (a January 2025 Belletrist Book Club pick), is a darkly funny, unfiltered critique of modern motherhood, praised by Oprah Daily as “a long overdue reality check.” Hoover also teaches at Barnard, co-founded the Accelerator Committee at American Ballet Theatre, and serves on the board of Art Production Fund. She's been featured in The New Yorker, The Cut, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, and more. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and two kids.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Achieving your dream birth after birth trauma With Megan Murray Experiencing a traumatic or difficult birth can have lasting effects, not only in the immediate postpartum period but well into the future. The thought of another pregnancy or birth can then bring up a whole new wave of emotions and reflections. This week I am joined by an incredible, fellow double boy mum, Megan. Not only have I had the pleasure of navigating the 1-2 transition alongside Megan over the last year but also supporting her in YPJ (Your Pregnancy and Postnatal Journey too. Megans first birth was a traumatic experience leaving her to feel like she had to have a planned c-section with her second, except deep down she didn't want to make a decision based on fear and chose empowerment instead and that is where we came in and Megans strength and determination shone through. Today I have the privilege of talking to Megan as she shares her story to help others navigate birth fear.  Extra Stuff: Midwife Pips Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books Check out Midwife Pip's Exclusive Membership - http://www.midwifepip.com/ Get in Touch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midwife_pip Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwifepip Email: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us Enjoy Listening... and don't forget to subscribe!  Midwife Pip x  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I'm joined by licensed trauma therapist, author, and speaker Kobe Campbell for an honest, and deeply vulnerable conversation about her traumatic birth experience and the lifelong impact it's had on her, her son, and her healing journey.What began as a dreamy, hypno-birthing-fueled pregnancy quickly turned into a series of medical emergencies: preeclampsia, placental abruption, IUGR, a failed epidural, an emergency C-section, NICU transfers, and devastating relational trauma at the hands of dismissive and discriminatory providers. Kobe vulnerably shares the layers of grief, rage, and resilience she continues to navigate years later, along with the role EMDR, faith, and trauma-informed therapy have played in her recovery.This conversation is a masterclass in naming the complexities of birth trauma, especially when compounded by racial bias, medical negligence, and a total lack of compassion.What You'll Hear in This Episode:⚠️ How Kobe's “dream birth” narrative met a brutal medical reality

Send us a textEver had a gut feeling that your client's postpartum depression or anxiety wasn't just about hormones? What if the real root is an unspoken birth experience, a wound that's been hiding in plain sight? This episode is a must-listen for anyone in perinatal mental health, functional health, or holistic postpartum care. Dr. Maya Weir peels back the layers of birth trauma, exploring its deep neurological effects, how it secretly shows up in the postpartum period, and why therapy alone often don't work. Transform how you support your postpartum clients, understand maternal trauma at its core, and add powerful somatic healing techniques to your toolbox. Check out the episode on the blog HERE. Key Time Stamps1:47 Redefining birth trauma as more than just emergencies3:00 Why grief is often at the heart of the trauma5:38 Trauma vs. mourning: Recognizing the deep emotional layers8:33 The surprising physiological & neurological signs of birth trauma10:17 Common hidden symptoms of living with unresolved birth trauma12:04 Misdiagnosing PPD/Anxiety when it's actually birth trauma13:54: Why talk therapy often falls short for birth trauma healing14:43 How somatic work helps the brain process trauma + bilateral stimulation and resourcing16:41 Exploring intergenerational healing and ancestral connections18:59 Why past traumas resurface intensely in postpartum20:10 Healing in parenthood21:27 Cultural wisdom about maternal healing and family patterns25:07 Integrating family constellation work26:09: A powerful somatic practice for any birth provider: 10-tap regulation.Connect with Dr. Maya Weir Dr. Maya Weir is a clinical psychologist specializing in birth trauma treatment and the emotional landscape of early parenthood. Her own experience of becoming a parent revealed how physically, emotionally, and psychologically intense the transition can be. She helps parents make sense of their journey, heal from birth trauma, and find more grounded, connected ways to move forward. Website | IGNEXT STEPS:

Achieving your dream birth after birth trauma With Laura Moon When you have experienced a traumatic or difficult birth it can impact so much that follows, not just in the immediate postpartum but beyond that too and then the prospect of a future pregnancy and birth can raise a heap of new thoughts and feelings.  This week I am joined by an incredible mum of two little girls, Laura. Laura is hugely inspirational and the journey she has been on is one I am really looking forward to sharing. When I met Laura she was in her first trimester battling Hyperemesis and impacted by the aftermath of her first birth experience that was really traumatic. I am beyond delighted that Laura's second birth was the birth she describes as her dream birth and she has kindly come on the podcast to talk about her journey which we hope will inspire and reassure other parents navigating pregnancy after birth trauma too.   Extra Stuff: Midwife Pips Guide to a Positive Birth: https://www.midwifepip.com/midwife-pip-books Check out Midwife Pip's Exclusive Membership - http://www.midwifepip.com/ Get in Touch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midwife_pip Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwifepip Email: https://www.midwifepip.com/contact-us Enjoy Listening... and don't forget to subscribe!  Midwife Pip x  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Priya Rao is a Specialist Anaesthetist at Western Health, with a special interest in obstetric anaesthesia. She joins us to discuss birth trauma, and the important role of the anaesthetist in mitigating the psychological impact of a negative birthing experience.

In this episode of the Dear NICU Mama podcast, we're joined once again by the remarkable Kayleigh Summers, also known as The Birth Trauma Mama, for a heartfelt conversation about how friendships shift in the wake of birth trauma and NICU experiences.Together, Ashley, Aisha, and Kayleigh open up about the grief of changing relationships, the identity shifts that happen after trauma, and the surprising ways connection can still be found. From feeling misunderstood to discovering unexpected community, this episode offers validation, insight, and encouragement for any NICU or loss mom navigating friendships during their healing journey.Whether you're in the thick of it or years removed, this conversation reminds us: you are allowed to change, and you are worthy of being loved exactly as you are!Kayleigh Summers is a licensed therapist, writer, and content expert in perinatal trauma. She uses her training as a licensed therapist and her lived experience as an Amniotic Fluid Embolism survivor to support families experiencing perinatal trauma. Kayleigh has also created thriving support communities through Instagram and Tik Tok, as well as her podcast, where she provides connection, story sharing, and resources to support those experiencing birth and other trauma. You can find her @thebirthtrauma_mama.To get connected with Kayleigh:Website | Instagram | TikTokThis podcast episode is not an attempt to practice medicine or provide medical advice. All information, content, and material on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment.To get connected with DNM:Website | Private Facebook Group | InstagramTo Give to the Mission of Dear NICU Mama: dearnicumama.com/giveSupport the show

message me: what did you take away from this episode? Ep 97 (http://ibit.ly/Re5V) Caroline Hollins Martin pt 1 on Birth Trauma, Psychology, and the Midwife's Journey@PhDMidwives #research #midwifery  #education @EdinburghNapier #birthsatisfactionscale research link - t.ly/I6zN1https://www.bss-r.co.ukWhat happens when a lifelong calling meets relentless intellectual curiosity? Caroline Hollings-Martin takes us on her extraordinary journey from the moment she witnessed a birth video in secondary school and thought, "That is a miracle" to becoming a professor with over 139 published papers spanning midwifery, psychology, and birth trauma.Travelling through four decades of healthcare evolution, Caroline shares fascinating contrasts between midwifery training then—with its starched caps and strict hierarchies—and now. Her vivid descriptions transport us to delivery rooms where she discovered her purpose and academic halls where she pushed boundaries by combining midwifery with psychology long before interdisciplinary approaches became mainstream.The conversation reveals powerful insights about evidence-based practice, exploring why healthcare professionals sometimes struggle to challenge authority even when research supports them. Caroline's groundbreaking work on birth satisfaction (creating the BSS-R scale now used globally) and birth trauma offers practical tools for identifying women needing support, while her work with Turner syndrome demonstrates how midwifery skills extend beyond traditional settings.Most compelling is her candid account of completing a PhD while working full-time—comparing the process to labor itself: "Every contraction is one less. It's like three feet forward and two back, but you're inching forward with every contraction." Her purple graduation shoes story perfectly captures the determination that drives her work and inspires listeners to pursue their own academic dreams.Whether you're considering advanced education, seeking to blend disciplines in your career, or simply fascinated by the evolution of healthcare, this episode offers both practical wisdom and heartfelt inspiration. As Caroline quotes Oscar Wilde: "We're all lying in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." Listen now to elevate your vision of what's possible in your professional journey. Support the showDo you know someone who should tell their story?email me - thruthepodcast@gmail.comThe aim is for this to be a fortnightly podcast with extra episodes thrown inThis podcast can be found on various socials as @thruthepinardd and our website -https://thruthepinardpodcast.buzzsprout.com/ or ibit.ly/Re5V

Our guest this week is personal trainer, podcaster, and former Made in Chelsea star Ryan Libbey!When Ryan's partner Louise Thompson gave birth to their son Leo, she faced severe complications and trauma that turned their worlds upside down. We spoke to Louise last year on the podcast and now it's Ryan's turn to share his story. Ryan opens up to Gi about letting go of the pressure to always be the strong one in his family, and how showing up for himself was actually the key to showing up for Louise and Leo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we're diving deep into the raw, unfiltered reality of motherhood with writer, art historian and author of US national bestseller The Motherload, Sarah Hoover. You might know her from her sharp wit and searing honesty online, but in this conversation, Sarah opens up in a way that's deeply personal and profoundly important. From the trauma of her birth experience to the quiet devastation of postpartum depression, she walks us through what it really means to become a mother in a world that still doesn't know how to care for women.Sarah's story isn't just about pain—it's also about reclaiming agency, finding your voice after silence, and daring to say the things so many women feel but are too afraid to speak out loud. Whether you're a mother, thinking about becoming one, or simply want to understand the often invisible emotional toll of birth and parenting, this episode is for you.Connect with Sarah HooverBook: The Motherload – Order hereInstagram: @sarahhoovWebsite: sarahhoover.comStay Connected with Hurt to Healing:Instagram: instagram.com/hurttohealingpodTikTok: tiktok.com/@hurttohealingpodLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hurt-to-healingSubstack: substack.com/@hurttohealingWebsite: hurttohealing.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Things started to get hard...when I realized there were beauty standards," LJ told Renée. LJ was adopted from South Korea by when she was 6 months old. Growing up in Vermont, she found herself paradoxically situated between the progressive political spirit of the Northeast and its pervasive, problematic whiteness. LJ is a mental health counselor and smart as a whip, so she is able to explain beautifully the complicated intersections of her racial and sexual identity development. As she does, she and Renée discuss everything from fetishization to white fragility to how the state of Vermont is "inherently queer." LJ makes so many fascinating points that Renée almost forgets she is supposed to help her! Specifically, LJ came to the show wondering how to assert herself in conversations with invalidating friends and family; she is struggling to break the codependent pattern of worrying more about the other person's comfort than she does about herself. There are a lot of layers for Renée to cut through on the way to LJ's answer, and cut through them she does! The path is a little more abstract and nuanced than usual, which gets Renée even more excited than usual, leading to an ending that is just as exciting as usual. This one is heady in the best possible way.Support the show

I waited six months to tell this story. Not because I didn't want to — but because I wasn't ready. What began as a planned home birth became a multi-layered emergency: a transfer to the hospital, a C-section under general anesthesia, and the beginning of the most sacred unraveling of my life. Yes — it was traumatic. But not in the way we usually think of trauma. It wasn't just medical. It was spiritual. It was a death of identity and the slow, sacred rebirth that followed. What saved me wasn't a tool or a technique. It was the 40-day portal of Zuo Yue Zi — a practice rooted in ancestral wisdom that gave me stillness when I had nothing left. This is not just a birth story. It's an offering for any woman walking through fire — and finding her way back to herself. In this episode, I share: My 14-hour home labor and the moment everything changed. The surrender of an unexpected hospital transfer and emergency C-section. The spiritual shock of postpartum — and why no one prepares you for it. Why I chose to honor Zuo Yue Zi, the 40-day cocoon of ancestral stillness. How Chinese Medicine held me when nothing else could. What I've learned about trauma, identity rupture, and true recovery. If you've ever felt lost, broken open, or unsure how to come back — this episode is a hand held out in the dark.

We often think of trauma as a deeply personal experience, shaped by our childhood, relationships, and emotional wounds. But what if some of our deepest pain didn't start with us? What if trauma is embedded in the very systems we're born into - our medical institutions, cultural ideologies, and societal norms? In today's episode, we're joined by Dr. Tayla Shanaye, somatic therapist, scholar, and expert in birth trauma and structural oppression. Tayla joins Elisabeth and Jennifer for a powerful exploration of how ideologies like white supremacy, patriarchy, and ableism don't just shape policies, they live in our bodies, shaping how we birth, connect, and heal. Together, they discuss the medicalization of childbirth, the systemic invalidation of birthing bodies, and how trauma is passed down generationally through embodied experiences. This episode invites us to look at birth as more than a physical event, it's a moment of transformation, a portal, and for many, a site of trauma that is rarely acknowledged. Tayla also shares deeply personal stories of pregnancy, birth, and healing, highlighting the need for preparation, integration, and community-based support to create a culture where somatic safety and agency are the norm. You'll hear how nervous system awareness, collective ritual, and somatic abolitionism can radically change how we relate to our bodies and to each other. If you've ever felt broken by birth, silenced in your experience, or curious about how deep healing begins at the structural level, this episode is for you. Topics discussed in this episode: ● The medicalization of birth and its traumatic impact ● Why trauma is systemic—not just personal ● How ideologies like racism and patriarchy are embodied ● The role of the nervous system in healing generational trauma ● Somatic healing and reclaiming bodily agency ● Historical roots of obstetric violence and experimentation ● The missing rituals of birth preparation and integration ● How voice, safety, and co-regulation shape our healing ● The vision of community-led, embodied care ● Why embodiment is key to creating real culture Ready to reclaim your voice, your safety, and your power? Join the Neurosomatic Voice Activation Course: https://brookewolfe.com/traumarewired   Learn more about Dr. Tayla Shanaye's work at: https://www.embodytherevolution.com Learn more about the Neuro-Somatic Intelligence Coaching program and sign up for the fall cohort now: https://www.neurosomaticintelligence.com Get started training your nervous system with our FREE 2-week offer on the Brain Based Membership site: https://www.rewiretrial.com Find Trauma Rewired on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TraumaRewired Connect with us on social media: @trauma.rewired Join the Trauma Rewired Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/761101225132846 FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use our exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and Rewiretrail.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com All rights in our content are reserved

Sharing our stories helps more people process and understand their experiences. Today's episode features another resilient guest using her difficult journey to help others. Join us to hear Talia's story. Talia Nepper is the proud mom of two young children and a passionate artist whose creative journey has been vital to her healing. While she works as a web developer to support her family, her art, advocacy, and mental health journey define her true passions. Her motherhood journey has been shaped by her experiences with postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and rage. These challenges led her to discover the transformative power of art therapy, trauma therapy, and support through local postpartum groups, family, and friends. Talia has become an outspoken advocate for mental health, with a particular focus on breaking the stigma around postpartum struggles. Recently, Talia embraced her identity within the LGBTQ+ community, further expanding her sense of self. Navigating her divorce is a process that continues to deepen her journey of self-discovery and healing. She is the author of Unveiling Motherhood: Poems of Postpartum Resilience, a collection of poetry and artwork that reflects her raw and honest experiences with pregnancy, birth, and the often-overlooked realities of postpartum life. Through her body of work, Talia hopes to offer support, solidarity, and empowerment to others facing similar struggles.  Show Highlights: Talia's story of her first pregnancy with Liam (now 5), which was unexpected but very wanted Anxiety plagued her throughout the pregnancy because of her autoimmune issues, her initial doctor's negative outlook, and pressure to have a natural birth. At 42 weeks, she FINALLY was in labor at a birthing center with a midwife. As problems popped up, she was transported to a hospital, and the issues began to mount.  Finally, her son was born via C-section at 10.5 lbs. and 23 in. long! Sepsis, medications, no realization of what was happening, and not being seen or heard Trouble bonding with her newborn son Finding a therapist who was a good match and how Talia began exploring art therapy Acknowledging postpartum depression, rage, anxiety, and feelings of shame and failure Talia's second pregnancy (at only 9 months postpartum) with Luna (now 3) brought difficulties in different ways. Feeling resentment about a pregnancy Talia wasn't ready for The birth: a planned C-section, delivery, and postpartum anxiety after birth Talia's book is the best creative outlet for her self-expression and healing. Finding healing through therapy and finally being seen and heard again Resources: Connect with Talia Nepper: Instagram, Unveiling Motherhood: Poems of Postpartum Resilience, and Facebook Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly brought to you by Your Birth Project, if you are pregnant you need YBP in your life!In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Alexis. Some of the topics we cover:Surprise pregnancy Challenges finding a midwife Positive family birth stories InductionLanguage use from care providers not supportive InductionLarge postpartum haemorrhage + 3B Tear Birth Trauma Baby born 6.5lbs Postpartum Depression and mental health challenges Support from Plunket for referrals Therapist validation of birth trauma Move to Tauranga Hyperemesis in 2nd pregnancy Your Birth Project in person course to work through Birth Trauma Feeling positive about 2nd birth Supportive Midwife Spontaneous labour Hospital birth drug freePositive birth experience 2nd degree tearBethlehem Birth Centre Completely different postpartum experience Advice to let people in when you're struggling and lean on whatever village you can find Your Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Coursehttps://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consultPlease seek support for any mental health concerns, some helpful links are below:Mental Health in PregnancyPerinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental HealthLittle Shadow - Private Counselling NZFind me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Amber-Lee found herself unexpectedly pregnant, she knew life was about to change - but nothing could have prepared her for the profound impact that a complicated pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period would have on her mental health. In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Amber-Lee from @thepowerofbirth and host of Can We Talk About This? who candidly shares her personal experience of perinatal mental ill health with unflinching honesty. From two unexpected pregnancies to the debilitating effects of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), birth trauma, PTSD, rage, depression, and anxiety - no part of her experience is off limits. Through both humour and grace, Amber-Lee touches on: The shock and emotional weight of unexpected pregnancies The physical and psychological toll of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) Navigating birth trauma and injury as a new mother How postpartum PTSD and rage can manifest - and why we need to talk about them The importance of normalising maternal ambivalence The struggle of being ‘the strong one' while silently suffering What healing looks like and why talking about perinatal mental health matters Wherever you are on your journey, Amber-Lee's story reminds us that it's not your fault, your experience matters, recovery is possible, and you're allowed to laugh to cope. These conversations matter. So let's keep talking about it. Please note, this episode discusses the lived experience of an unexpected and unwanted pregnancy. Go gently.   EPISODE SPONSOR This episode of Perinatal Stories Australia is proudly sponsored by Mums Matter Psychology—because your mental health matters. Frances and her expert team of psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists are passionate about providing affordable, high-quality mental health care for pregnant women and parents with children up to 4 years old. Through Medicare bulk-billed therapy sessions—up to 20 at no cost to you—they make support accessible to everyone. If you're in Victoria, visit one of their welcoming clinic locations. Outside Victoria? Their nationwide Telehealth services bring care to your fingertips. Mums Matter Psychology also offers a range of online therapy groups and webinars, providing additional ways to access support and connect with others on a similar journey. Ready to take the next step? Visit mumsmatterpsychology.com to learn more and book your appointment today.   FOLLOW the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @perinatalstoriesaustralia for more maternal mental health stories, education, advocacy, and community. PLEASE leave a review or rating on your favourite apps or consider buying me a coffee (well, preferably a tea!) :) VISIT the website perinatalstoriesaustralia.com to share your story or to see more content from the podcast guests. MADE WITH LOVE by Rebecca (host, founder, storyteller) x

Welcome to another episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast! Join host Sarah Marie Bilger and co-creator Katelyn as they dive into the topic of birth trauma in this special Doula Talk segment. Gain insights on how to prepare for childbirth, mitigate trauma, and empower yourself with the right mindset and support team. Discover the vital role of being informed and staying confident in your birth experience. Explore our O.W.N Your Birth education course to further enhance your birthing journey and stay tuned for exciting updates!

Hi mamas! Today we are blessed by Shaunna's birth stories - from traumatic hospital births to unassisted home births. She shares with us so much birth wisdom through the journey of her 8 births. Follow her if you love truth and have a rebel heart: @sovereign_biskTo connect with me or work with me follow me on IG @tiffanychristinah

Police have said they are searching for the parents of three new-born babies, all abandoned in East London between 2017 to 2024. The search is focusing on about 400 nearby houses. Anita Rani speaks to Met Police Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford and clinical psychologist Professor Lorraine Sherr - head of the Health Psychology Unit at UCL.Actor Rose Ayling-Ellis also joins Anita to discuss her lead role in ground breaking new ITVX drama Code of Silence, along with the show's writer Catherine Moulton. Rose plays Alison, a deaf caterer who gets drawn into a covert police operation thanks to her exceptional lip-reading skills. It was inspired by writer Catherine's own experience with lip-reading and sees Rose take on an executive producer role too.In August 2022 the then Conservative MP for Stafford, Theo Clarke, gave birth to a daughter. She had a 40-hour labour, and a third-degree tear. She needed a two-hour operation and was in hospital for a week. Her experiences led her to set up the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Birth Trauma in the House of Commons, she also co-chaired the Birth Trauma Inquiry in Parliament. She joins Anita to discuss her experience, campaigning and new book Breaking the Taboo: Why We Need To Talk About Birth Trauma.Anna Lapwood is one of the world's most famous organists and an internet sensation, with over two million social media followers. Hailed as ‘classical music's Taylor Swift', she'll be telling Anita about co-curating a special BBC Prom, the music she's included in her album Firedove which is out later this month, and what it mean to her to be appointed as the first ever official ‘Organist of the Royal Albert Hall.'

What if the way we talk about birth is shaping the way we experience it—before it even begins? Joining me to unpack this is journalist, professor, and author of Invisible Labor: The Untold Story of the Cesarean Section, Rachel Somerstein.   Together we explore:   The hidden biases and ingrained language that shape how we view birth—why terms like "failure to progress" reinforce harmful narratives. Why flexibility is a powerful tool in birth and parenting—and why we so often slip into rigidity when we feel anxious or out of control. The societal pressure to “do birth right” and how it impacts a birthing person's experience. The troubling reality of whose life we prioritize in birth and what that says about our values in America. Why do some births lead to trauma while others don't? What the research reveals about the difference. The importance of preparing for a c-section—even if it's not part of your birth plan—so that you feel safe and supported if it happens. Simple but impactful shifts that could make c-sections a more positive experience.   With 1 in 3 births resulting in a c-section, this is a conversation every birthing person deserves to hear. Tune in for a thought-provoking deep dive into the realities of modern birth and what we can do to reclaim agency in the process.     LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

In this re-release, Kayleigh revisits one of the most listened-to solo episodes of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast: a personal and validating exploration of what it means to struggle with bonding after a traumatic birth.We're often told that the “golden hour” will be the most magical moment of our lives, that love will overflow the second our baby is placed on our chest. But for many trauma survivors, that moment never comes. Instead, we're left navigating guilt, shame, and confusion about why bonding didn't look the way we were told it would.Drawing from her own experience waking up in the ICU days after birth, Kayleigh speaks honestly about what it's like to feel disconnected from your baby, how grief and trauma interrupt bonding, and why delayed connection doesn't make you a bad parent.In this episode, you'll hear:

Dr. Tony Ebel discusses the overlooked impact of birth trauma on children's health. He challenges conventional medical viewpoints that attribute conditions like autism, ADHD, and chronic illness primarily to genetics. Dr. Ebel explains how birth interventions such as forceps, vacuum extraction, and C-sections can cause physical injuries to a baby's brainstem and nervous system, creating lasting neurological dysfunction. He shares personal experiences with his son Oliver and emphasizes that while these medical interventions often save lives, they can also create long-term health challenges through what he calls "sympathetic fight or flight" dominance. Dr. Ebel offers hope by explaining how pediatric chiropractic care focused on the nervous system can identify and address these issues, helping children's nervous systems heal regardless of their age or condition severity.[00:00:00] Introduction to Birth TraumaBirth trauma as an overlooked factor in childhood conditionsWhy conventional medicine's focus on genetics falls shortHow many families have tried diet changes but still struggle[00:05:00] The Science of Birth TraumaBirth interventions (forceps, vacuum, C-section) impact the nervous systemPhysical injury to the neck and brainstem during birthBirth trauma as initial trigger in 85-90% of case historiesWhy this topic is dismissed by mainstream medicine[00:08:00] Neurological Impact and SymptomsDysfunction, dysregulation, and dysautonomia explainedHow birth trauma manifests: colic, reflux, torticollisChildren don't "grow out" of these issues but develop sensory issuesConnection to developmental delays and conditions like ADHD and anxiety[00:15:00] Steps for ParentsExamining your child's birth history honestlyConnecting with nervous system-focused practitionersThe importance of neurological scans for assessmentCreating appropriate care plans based on findings[00:18:00] Healing and Success StoriesBirth trauma can be addressed at any ageDr. Tony's personal journey with ADHD and chiropracticSuccess with difficult cases other practitioners couldn't solveTransformation timeline expectations and testimonials[00:20:00] Resources and Next Steps-- DETAILS & REGISTRATION FOR THE FREE MAY AUTISM SUMMIT Follow us on Socials: Instagram: @pxdocs Facebook: Dr. Tony Ebel & The PX Docs Network Youtube: The PX Docs For more information, visit PXDocs.com to read informative articles about the power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. Find a PX Doc Office near me: PX DOCS DirectoryTo watch Dr. Tony's 30 min Perfect Storm Webinar: Click HereSubscribe, share, and stay tuned for more incredible episodes unpacking the power of Nervous System focused care for children!

Let us know how you enjoyed this episode!In this episode, I have Brigid Tebaldi, Birth Trauma Healing Coach, share what birth trauma is and how birth trauma can manifest in different ways and impact women's trust in their bodies and their overall well-being.Is Your Birth Experience Still Affecting You? Take this quiz to find out - https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/124591Connect with Brigid:www.loretowellness.comwww.instagram.com/brigid.tebaldiThank you for listening!If you resonated with this episode and you're ready to break the cycles you've noticed in your marriage, reach out by booking a clarity call to become a client! https://michellepurta.as.me/clarityConnect and send a message letting me know what you took away from this episode: @michellepurtacoaching and follow me on threads @michellepurtacoaching!If you would like to support this show, please rate and review the show, and share it with people you know would love this show too!Additional Resources:Ready to put a stop to the arguments in your marriage?  Watch this free masterclass - The #1 Conversation Married Couples Need To Have (But Aren't)Want to handle conflict with more confidence? Download this free workbook!Wanna make communication feel easy and stop feeling like roommates so you can bring back the romance and excitement into your marriage? Learn more about how coaching here!

I am finally back, sharing my most recent birth, 6 months postpartum! I actually recorded this months ago but didn't have it in me to edit & share until now. I hope you all enjoy hearing my reflections as I vulnerably share about healing from birth trauma and finding my power to birth at home with just me and my husband. Let's connect: https://beacons.ai/tiffanyholmesIG: @tiffanychristinah

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

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Lori Barklage, founder of Birthing Peace Within, to explore how unresolved trauma shapes our births—and how healing it can transform generations. Lori shares her own story of a traumatic hospital transfer at 42 weeks, the arrest of her midwife, and how her personal healing journey inspired her to help others do the same. Her perspective blends trauma-informed midwifery with ancient wisdom and energy work, offering a deeply compassionate path for parents and birth workers alike.What You'll Learn:​ How Lori's traumatic birth experience shaped her midwifery journey​ Why some providers unknowingly treat clients from their own trauma responses​ How secondary trauma in birth is often actually primary trauma​ What it means to be “beholden to trauma” and how to get free​ Why some families choose unassisted birth not out of desire, but trauma-driven fear​ The RISE UP Method and how it helps shift generational patterns​ How to use “The 4 Whys” to get to the root of fear in pregnancy and birthGuest Bio:Lori Barklage is the founder of Birthing Peace Within, where she helps families heal their traumatic births in order to better nurture future generations. Her understanding that healed people heal people is the driving force behind her work. Her sessions blend cutting-edge science with ancient wisdom to teach tools for healing intergenerational and epigenetic trauma.Lori trained under Kam Yuen and Tapas Fleming and developed the RISE UP Method for personal compassion and trauma healing. Formerly an instructor at Ancient Art Midwifery, Lori carried forward the school's legacy when founder Carla Hartley retired in 2016.She is passionate about:​ Breaking unhealthy energetic ties​ Dispelling myths that trauma defines us​ Teaching how to reclaim energy and power through neutrality and conscious investment​ Understanding and dismantling trauma loops in the birth worldYou can find her at:​ Website: BirthingPeaceWithin.com​ Facebook: Birthing Peace Within​ Hashtags: #BirthingPeaceWithin #AAMidwiferyRecommended reads:​ The Universe Fucking Loves Me by Sara Arey​ The Neutrality Exercise Workbook by Nekole ShapiroLinks and Resources Mentioned:​ BirthingPeaceWithin.comIf this episode touched something in you, please share it with a friend or leave us a review. If you're a birth worker or parent looking to heal trauma and shift generational patterns, reach out—we'd love to hear from you.Connect with us:@sophiabirth@bayareahomebirth@bornwildmidwifery#BirthingPeaceWithin #AAMidwiferyStay Wild

In this soul-stirring conversation, Dr. Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH, sits down with Dr. René Stokes, MD—renowned psychiatrist and founder of Whole First Psychiatry—for an unfiltered yet deeply nurturing dialogue on birth trauma. With compassion and clinical clarity, they explore how trauma can quietly shape the postpartum experience and emotional health, especially for Black mothers and birthing people. This episode offers validation, insight, and a gentle path toward healing. If you've ever felt unseen in your birthing journey, this one's for you.

Welcome to Episode 251 of Autism Parenting Secrets. This week, we dive deep into one of the most overlooked factors keeping our kids from thriving — a dysregulated nervous system.If your child seems anxious, reactive, or shut down, it's not who they are — it's how their body is responding to stress. When their system is stuck in survival mode, growth and connection can feel out of reach.That's why I'm thrilled to welcome back Dr. Tony Ebel, Pediatric Chiropractor and founder of The Perfect Storm framework. He leads PX Docs, a national network helping families calm the chaos by focusing on what's happening neurologically.When the nervous system resets, massive breakthroughs are possible. The path forward gets so much clearer.If you're ready to understand what's really going on beneath the surface — and what you can do about it — this episode is for you. The secret this week is…Stabilize The NERVOUS SYSTEM, Unlock MOMENTUM You'll Discover:Why Chiropractic is the Foundation of Healing (3:58)The Perfect Storm Sequence (8:55)The Case For Neurotically Focused Chiropractic (13:49)The Massive Prevalence of Birth Trauma (16:13)C-Section Births and Their Effects  (17:12)The Backstory of The Perfect Storm Framework (23:35)A Step Parents Would Like to Skip, But Can't (29:33)About Our Guest:Dr. Tony Ebel is a husband, father of four, and a Certified Pediatric + Wellness Chiropractor with 15 years of clinical experience. For over a decade, he's trained chiropractors in the protocols he developed for neurodevelopmental challenges like autism, ADHD, sensory issues, epilepsy, and anxiety. He leads the Perfect Storm clinic, taking on complex neurological cases from around the world, and his clinical program — now taught through Life University — has over 700 graduates. Dr. Tony is passionate about helping parents understand how the nervous system plays a key role in natural, drug-free healing.Instagram @pxdocsFacebook: Dr. Tony Ebel & The PX Docs NetworkYoutube: @pxdocsPodcast: The Experience Podcast w/ Dr. Tony EbelWebsite: www.pxdocs.comReferences in The Episode:Registration for the Autism Virtual Summit (or replay): What's Working Best Right Now: Helping Kids with Autism Thrive thepxdocs.com/summitWhat are the Lasting Effects of C-Section Complications?Documenting HopeAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What's YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

April is Cesarean Awareness Month, and we're re-releasing this incredibly important conversation to spotlight the complexities, emotions, and real stories behind C-sections.On this solo episode, Kayleigh is discussing all things c-section. She shares a few different studies highlighting the data on c-sections and PTSD, as well as how they compare to other modes of delivery. Kayleigh also touches on TOLACs and planned cesarean sections after birth trauma. In this episode:- Types of C-Sections- C-Section and birth trauma- Communication and Support as mitigating factors- Delivery decisions after birth trauma (TOLAC v. planned c-section)- C-Sections under general anesthesiaStudies Discussed:Garthus-Niegel S, von Soest T, Knoph C, Simonsen TB, Torgersen L, Eberhard-Gran M. The influence of women's preferences and actual mode of delivery on post-traumatic stress symptoms following childbirth: a population-based, longitudinal study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2014 Jun 5;14:191. doi: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-191. PMID: 24898436; PMCID: PMC4053555.Orovou E, Iliadou M, Chatzopoulou MT, Dagla M, Eskitzis P, Rigas N, Antoniou E. The Relation between Birth with Cesarean Section and Posttraumatic Stress in Postpartum Women. Maedica (Bucur). 2023 Dec;18(4):615-622. doi: 10.26574/maedica.2023.18.4.615. PMID: 38348064; PMCID: PMC10859197.Rowlands IJ, Redshaw M. Mode of birth and women's psychological and physical wellbeing in the postnatal period. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2012 Nov 28;12:138. doi: 10.1186/1471-2393-12-138. PMID: 23190575; PMCID: PMC3533875.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.Why This Episode Matters: C-sections are the most common major surgery performed on women, yet they're often misunderstood and under-supported. Whether you're a birthing parent, a partner, a provider, or a friend—this episode offers insight and empathy that can shift how we talk about and hold space for C-section experiences.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

Whenever Kristy struggled with anxiety or depression in the past, she coped by keeping herself busy. Even when she endured years and years of IVF and ICSI, she coped by keeping herself busy. But when she experienced birth trauma and a sudden decline in her mental health during postpartum, none of her previous coping mechanisms could be relied on. Instead of throwing herself into exercising three times a day, working on weekends, starting projects, learning a new skill, doing puzzles, building Lego, or reading, Kristy was confronted by the stillness of motherhood. Then, after nine months of depression, culminating in suicidal ideation, Kristy went to her GP for help, where she was confronted by an unexpected, but enlightening, diagnosis: ADHD. In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Kristy shares the many ways she is managing her ADHD and mental health in motherhood, while reflecting on the lessons she has learnt along her journey and celebrating all the friends who have helped her every step of the way. If you're an older mum, if you're a mum who has undergone fertility treatments, if you're a mum with a history of anxiety or depression, if you're a mum who is navigating ADHD in motherhood, or if you're just an all-round awesome human being, then this episode is for you.   EPISODE SPONSOR This episode of Perinatal Stories Australia is proudly sponsored by Mums Matter Psychology—because your mental health matters. Frances and her expert team of psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists are passionate about providing affordable, high-quality mental health care for pregnant women and parents with children up to 4 years old. Through Medicare bulk-billed therapy sessions—up to 20 at no cost to you—they make support accessible to everyone. If you're in Victoria, visit one of their welcoming clinic locations. Outside Victoria? Their nationwide Telehealth services bring care to your fingertips. Mums Matter Psychology also offers a range of online therapy groups and webinars, providing additional ways to access support and connect with others on a similar journey. Ready to take the next step? Visit mumsmatterpsychology.com to learn more and book your appointment today.   FOLLOW the podcast on Instagram and Facebook @perinatalstoriesaustralia for more maternal mental health stories, education, advocacy, and community. PLEASE leave a review or rating on your favourite apps or consider buying me a coffee (well, preferably a tea!) :) VISIT the website perinatalstoriesaustralia.com to share your story or to see more content from the podcast guests. MADE WITH LOVE by Rebecca (host, founder, storyteller) x

Fam, this one's a ride. We're diving deep into what it really means to RECEIVE—love, support, healing, and your own power.My guest, Dr. Rhea Mehta—scientist, healer & co-founder of Aste Wellness—opens up about healing after birth trauma, the hidden truths about women's wellness, and reclaiming Ayurvedic wisdom to truly nourish ourselves.We talk burnout, the beauty industry's dark side, and how reconnecting with your roots might be the medicine you've been missing.If you've been feeling depleted or disconnected—this is the conversation you need.

In this episode of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast, I sit down with a Victoria, a midwife in the UK, to explore the complexities of c-section recovery. C-sections are major surgeries, yet so many pergnant people feel unprepared, unsupported, and unheard during recovery.  Vic expertly navigates these conversations while bringing a trauma-informed perspective to C-section recovery and postpartum healing.What You'll Learn in This Episode:What true C-section recovery looks like (spoiler: it's more than just physical healing!) How providers can better support postpartum patients post-op The emotional side of unexpected or traumatic C-sections Ways to advocate for yourself before, during, and after surgeryResources:C Section Walkthrough Audio (link available soon)csectionuk.comFollow csectionuk on instagram: @csectionukGuest Bio:With over a decade of experience as a Midwife, and educator and now leading the award winning C-sectionUK, It would be fair to say that Midwife Vic is pretty passionate about helping women achieve the birth that is right for them, and on their terms. Vic's 130,000 strong social following, has been testament to the huge interest and need that women have for comprehensive, professional-led information for their c-section journeys. “Whilst the conversation around the increasing rates of c-section births goes on ( which is important) , women are being left feeling unsure what their options are for c-section birth and importantly, how to recover. I really wanted to remove some of that fear, and validate and support c-section parents when they needed it most. There really are very practical, tangible things that will change everything for c-section parents - so we started talking about it! Before we knew it, we created a movement that is now reaching women across the globe” While Midwife Vic dedicates most of her time to raising awareness for c-section care and education, she also works closely with programmes such as the World Health Organisation's Fides programme challenging medical misinformation online, and sits on the advisory board for The Practicing Midwife. She continues to work clinically in the public sector periodically, but much of her clinical practice is now dedicated to working with clients privately, and through teaching digitally. Vic also works with pregnancy and birth brands, consulting on campaigns as well as creating content that aligns with her values.Her mantra is knowledge is power, and she is determined to empower as many women as she can.For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

In this powerful Listener Series episode, Courtney shares her deeply personal journey through birth trauma, miscarriage, and healing. From navigating unexpected medical challenges to advocating for herself in the face of systemic failures, her story is one of resilience, grief, and ultimately, self-discovery.On this episode, you will hear:

“I felt like I was in hell.” On today's episode, Fanika shares the dehumanizing story of the birth of her first baby in a hospital in Florida. From non-consenting vaginal exams to a painful vacuum extraction birth, Fanika left her first birth feeling raped, disillusioned, and disembodied. Robbed of her first birth and devastated to discover she had no legal recourse, Fanika finds the Free Birth Society Podcast, dives into the Complete Guide to Freebirth, and then journeys through The Radical Birth Keeper School in her second pregnancy. The day after graduating from The RBK School, Fanika freebirths her 2nd child in simple bliss. Follow Fanika on Instagram @birthinpowerhttps://www.birthinpower.com/✨Doors to the Radical Birth Keeper School are OPEN! - The groundbreaking program for women embarking on the path of sovereign birth-work. https://www.freebirthsociety.com/radicalbirthkeeperschool✨ Matriarch Rising Festival tickets are now LIVE! Join us for our annual women's gathering -  https://www.matriarchrisingfestival.com/✨The FBS private membership community, “The Lighthouse” is the most epic space for conscious women! - Get on the waitlist for when doors open next! - https://www.freebirthsociety.com/membership✨Connect with Free Birth Society on Instagram at - https://www.instagram.com/freebirthsociety✨Check out our best-selling course, The Complete Guide to Freebirth - https://www.freebirthsocietycourses.com/cgtf✨ Join the waitlist for the MatriBirth Midwifery Institute - https://www.freebirthsociety.com/mmiwaitlist✨Get our FREE Freebirth starter kit here! - https://www.freebirthsociety.com/start-here✨Are you a sovereign birth professional? Get listed on the MatriBirth Directory here - https://Matribirthdirectory.com✨Join the MatriBirth Directory and connect with sovereign birth professionals near you! -  https://matribirthdirectory.com/✨ Get on the waitlist for REIGN ~ Emilee Saldaya's action-oriented coaching container that is guaranteed to elevate you into your next phase of life for 2025 - https://www.freebirthsociety.com/reign✨Donate to the podcast - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2YJBSCNYXT52Y✨Subscribe to our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@FreeBirthSociety✨Learn about everything we do at  - https://www.freebirthsociety.com~~~~~This episode is brought to you by Dr. Jennifer Tice, ND - Naturopathic Pediatrician + Homeopathic Expert

A special and highly requested rerelease - Dr. Vibha Mahendra, a board-certified Obstetric Anesthesiologist, joins me on this episode to discuss anesthesia options during labor and delivery and why they are sometimes ineffective, potentially leading to trauma for the patient. Dr. M also provides insight into how providers can problem-solve these pain relief issues and communicate with patients in a way that mitigates trauma. This was such an insightful conversation and she does a great job educating the patient in a way that puts them in a better position to advocate or communicate with their support people to advocate for pain relief. On this episode, you will hear:-What is OB Anesthesia?-What's in an epidural?-Differences between a spinal block and an epidural- Why are some epidurals ineffective?- What happens when there is an ineffective spinal during a c-section?- The decision to convert to general anesthesia and why some doctors delay- Is it necessary to be restrained during c-section?Guest Bio:Vibha Mahendra, MD is a board-certified Obstetric Anesthesiologist, public health advocate, educator, and founder of SafePartum. Dr. Mahendra is passionate about improving maternal care by directly engaging and empowering all healthcare providers who care for pregnant patients, in a way that aligns with their practice environment and profession. Her professional interests span all of high-risk pregnancy, but she especially loves Obstetric Critical Care and Cardio-Obstetrics! Visit https://www.safepartum.com/academy for more resources on the management of high-risk conditions in pregnancy, labor & delivery, and postpartum. Safe Partum also has an upcoming OB Critical Care &  Emergencies Course! Here is a link to the registration page to learn more about and sign up for this incredible course coming in September.  https://fun-acorn-864.myflodesk.com/For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

On this week's episode, we welcome Marlie Willer, an experienced trial lawyer whose practice focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis on obstetrical negligence and maternal health rights. She recognizes the gaps between the injuries suffered by mother and babies and the limited legal options available to them. Marlie discusses with us in detail what it means to decide to pursue litigation after birth trauma and birth injury. There is so much to learn in this episode and Marlie and her expertise is so incredibly helpful and validating.On this episode, you will hear:- Marlie's journey into law and her speciality- importance of advocacy in birth injury law- client intake process- navigating the legal process in birth injury law- assessing cases: factors and challenges- determining liability and causation- understanding causation in medical negligence- the fear of frivolous lawsuits- the impact of administrative policies on care- systemic failures in medical negligence- common themes in birth injury cases- the nuances of medical records- deciding to pursue legal actionsFor more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @thebirthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official stance, views, or positions of The Birth Trauma Mama Podcast. The content shared is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or medical advice and/or endorsement.

Parents are constantly searching for safe and effective ways to help their children thrive, especially when traditional approaches fall short. The good news is that pediatric chiropractic care has emerged as a powerful and holistic option for supporting children's overall health and well-being. As more parents explore natural solutions for developmental, behavioral, and sensory challenges, chiropractic care is gaining recognition for its role in nervous system regulation. This is an essential factor in conditions like autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder (SPD).In this episode, I'm joined by pediatric chiropractic expert Dr. Tony Ebel, and we'll dive deeper into how pediatric chiropractic care and autism and ADHD and SPD are connected. We'll explore how chiropractic care can be a powerful tool not just for kids with ADHD, autism, and sensory processing challenges, but also for their families.Not sure where to start? We'll help you find the right solution tailored to your needs. Visit https://drroseann.com/help/ today and take our FREE Brain and Behavior Solutions Matcher. Unlock your child's potential with our Quick Calm: https://drroseann.com/quickcalm/

In today’s episode Naomi takes us through her first pregnancy and admits that she was so focussed on her birth preparation that she didn’t once think about her postpartum journey. Her birth was challenging and the newborn days were full of anxiety, severe sleep deprivation and a lot of not-knowing. Four months later she learnt about traditional postpartum care which inspired her to become a postpartum doula. Her knowledge and experience informed her next pregnancy and birth; she opted for an independent midwife and a doula, planned a homebirth, filled her freezer with nutrient-dense food and employed a postpartum doula to mother her as she mothered her baby. Naomi is wise, warm and a wonderful source of information for anyone who is pregnant and hoping to plan and prepare for postpartum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered how birth trauma affects not just the birthing person, but also the birth doula, medical staff, and family members?If you're ready to explore the deep ripple effects that birth trauma can have on everyone involved, then get out a pen and paper; this episode is for you!In this episode, we dive into the following:The unseen emotional and psychological impacts of birth trauma on birth doulas and caregivers...Why acknowledging and addressing birth trauma is critical for supporting clients and yourself as a birthworker...How birth doulas can help families heal and move forward after a traumatic birth experience... … and a whole lot more!If you're tired of feeling unsure about how to support clients (and yourself) through birth trauma, then you wanna listen up!To submit a question for next week's podcast, click here.Visit Philippa's Website: www.fantasticfuture.com.auFollow Philippa on Instagram: @fantasticfuturesbirth_beyondAdditional Resources You'll LOVE...When you're ready to become a doula or grow your existing business like crazy, book a free Breakthrough Call with my coaching team!Not sure where to start? I've got you covered! Check out my free training for new and aspiring doulas... or if you're already established, watch my on-demand business masterclass here.And if you're not a doula yet, but you're feeling the call to birthwork... download my FREE Birthwork Blueprint E-book for aspiring doulas!Don't forget to follow me on Instagram at @birthworkerpodcast for more. If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you're listening from. After you review the show — snap a pic and upload it here — so I can send you a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you!

We have two beautiful CBAC stories for you on the podcast this week! Today's episode is with our friend, Melanie. Her first unexpected Cesarean was in April 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a very lonely and traumatic experience. Melanie found healing through a birth trauma therapist who helped her process her story and prepare for her second birth with a strong mindset. She took charge of what she could while making peace with what she couldn't control. Unfortunately, many things out of her control did happen, and Melanie faced another Cesarean. All of the healing work paid off though, as Melanie was not traumatized but empowered instead. “Birth stays with you forever. It's not something you ‘move on from'. My first birth was 5 years ago and still barrels me over from time to time. Likewise, the pride I feel in how I advocated for myself during my second birth continually gives me strength.”IMG_6660 (1) - Melanie Doyle.jpgCBAC Support - The VBAC Link CommunityBirth Story MedicineNeeded WebsiteHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details Meagan: This is actually the week that we are kicking off CBAC week. This week you'll hear two CBAC stories. If you haven't caught on yet, every month we have one week with a couple episodes that is a more specialized episode. So if you're looking for CBAC stories, this is your week, and we have our friend, Melanie, with us today.Hello everybody, it's Meagan. I have my friend, Melanie, with us today. Melanie is a 31-year-old mama of two who had two C-sections. While she struggles with birth trauma from her second birth, an emergency C section, it was still quite healing, she said. I love that you're talking about that. You still struggled with this, but it can still be healing. That was how I was. I wanted a VBAC with my second birth. I really, really, really wanted a VBAC, but it didn't happen. It didn't go as planned, and I had a CBAC. I walked down to that or and I had that second C-section, and it was not what I wanted. There was still trauma involved and lots of feelings, but it was still one of the most healing experiences for me. Weirdly enough, I think it's what he needed. I needed that to help me heal from birth one and birth two.So let's talk a little bit about CBAC, and how it can be as a mom who is wanting a VBAC and it doesn't go as planned. Do you have anything to say on that?Melanie: Sure. Thanks, Meagan. Yeah, I have a lot of things to say on that. Honestly, like you, I wanted the VBAC. I did all of the things to try to get that VBAC. I did the yoga and the teas and the stretching and the chiropractor, and the acupuncture. I did it all, and it didn't happen. It wasn't meant to be.I guess I'll get more into that when I dive into my story. But the CBAC was healing because even though I didn't get the outcome I wanted, I was much more empowered throughout the whole process than I was in that first birth. Through a lot of healing and therapy, I realized that it was that empowerment piece that caused a lot of the trauma from my first birth. It wasn't the C-section itself. That wasn't what instigated all of those feelings and all that hurt, but the way I was made to feel, the way I was treated the doubts and insecurities that were planted in me from that experience that took away my power. Even though I did not get that outcome in my CBAC, it undid a lot of that in a way. I was able to of regain some strength and some autonomy. That's lasted a lot longer. I think in this kind of healing journey, it's still hard sometimes. I still feel like I'm just barreled over by the grief that's wrapped up in both of those births. Even though I have two wonderful, beautiful, healthy children, it doesn't all disappear, but it did help me regain a lot of confidence in my ability to advocate for myself and know what I'm capable of.Meagan: Yeah, I love that you pointed out that, that it was a more empowering experience, and you felt more empowered. I really think that along these journeys, if we can be educated and feel empowered, even if it doesn't go the exact way we want it, and that doesn't even just mean Cesarean and VBAC. I didn't want an epidural, and I got an epidural. I didn't want Pitocin. I got Pitocin.Melanie: Right.Meagan: There are all these different things that can happen that we didn't want. But if we can feel empowered and involved and educated and like we are making the decisions too, and sometimes we can't make them. Sometimes our babies make the decisions, and that's frustrating. That's hard. It's like, well, what could I have done? And we go down these real big spiraled, spaces. But if we can really feel empowered along the way, even though we still might not agree with wanting, the outcome of what we wanted, we can feel empowered and have more healing to come.I wanted to talk more about that too, because we see this happen in the VBAC group where it's like, "Hey guys, thank you so much for being with me along this journey. This group has been amazing. However, I feel like I just have to leave now. I can't be here. I don't feel welcome here because I ended in a Cesarean." One, Women of Strength, I want you to know you are always welcome. You are always welcome. And you are incredible. You do. You were not less than anybody else just because you've had a Cesarean. And two, we actually have a CBAC group. I wanted to point that out to any mamas who have maybe gone for the VBAC route or even decided not to VBAC and wanted to have a Cesarean to go into that CBAC group. It is so, so special. It is led and run mainly by the very own Paige on our VBAC team, who is incredible. I just love that group so much. It creates this just abundant amount of love and support that I think everyone deserves. I don't want you to feel alone because I know. I was one of them. When I had my CBAC I was like, I can't keep seeing these people have these VBACs. I wanted a VBAC. I didn't get a VBAC. There were so many feelings, and I didn't feel welcome there. It wasn't even because they didn't make me feel welcome. I just didn't categorize myself as qualified to be in that group. Yeah, so check out The CBAC Link Community on our Facebook and know that Women of Strength, you are incredible. Whether you have a vaginal birth or not, you are incredible. Melanie: Okay, you guys, we're gonna dive into Melanie's stories, I should say. There are two. There are two stories. So, yeah, let's start with birth number one.Melanie: Goodness. So my first birth, my daughter, who is about 4.5 now, was born in April 2020. So it was right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown which really set the scene in the most terrible of ways, as many of listeners probably remember, especially for anyone who had a baby during that period. I mean, it was so challenging those final weeks of my pregnancy. Every doctor's appointment I would go to alone. There was just new bad news being delivered to me about the restrictions that were being put in place. And I was very depressed. It was a heartbreaking time. Those final weeks of my pregnancy, I imagined nesting and being cozy with my husband before we had our first baby, and it was just all kind of ripped away like so much was during that period of time. I became really disassociated from my pregnancy and the joy that was meant to be coming. If someone had approached me on the street and said, "We can get that baby out now," I probably would have said, "Sure." I was really in a place of not caring, I guess, about what happened. I was just so desperate for this baby to be born before the restrictions got worse and before my husband wouldn't be allowed to be at the birth. So I was disassociated, I think, is the only way I can describe it. And then, of course, I went overdue because my kids don't come on time. This will be a recurring thing.Meagan: And with your first baby, that is also very common. Just saying. A lot of people carry over that 40-week mark, right?Meagan: Yeah. They don't tell you that when you get the handbook at the beginning of the pregnancy. I was overdue and was desperate to be induced. I went into this prior to the pandemic and everything, being pretty knowledgeable. I had attended a birth before. I had seen things go wrong and had originally had ideas about what I wanted my birth to be like. But at that point, I really was just desperate. The induction started really well. They placed Cervadil, and it kickstarted things like rapid-fire. It worked super well for me and I thought, "Okay, this might still be okay despite the induction. Despite all this, this might still go fine." Given the COVID-19 restrictions at the time, my husband wasn't allowed in with me until I progressed to a certain degree in my labor.Meagan: Wait, what? Melanie: Yeah. Meagan: Not at all until you progress to a certain point?Melanie: So around 7 centimeters, they were going to give him a call.Meagan: What was the difference of you being there at one point over the other?Melanie: Oh, it was tragic. So he waited in the car in the parking lot.Meagan: Oh, poor thing. Poor you. Melanie: So I was alone. And it was terrible. My contractions just came on so super fast because of the Cervadil. I started dilating really quickly and I thought, "Okay, they're going to get him in here. It's going to be okay." It Wasn't. I started to panic. I had not wanted an epidural, but I was obviously experiencing a lot of pain. They got the Cervadil out because of how I was reacting to it. The nurse asked if I wanted an epidural, and I said, "No, I'm okay for now. I'm coping." I waited a while longer, and I was still alone. They still hadn't called my husband, and I just couldn't do it alone anymore. The nurse talked me into the epidural, and I didn't want it, but I felt a little pressured. Yeah, pressured. That's the word. And again, in looking back on that, I recognize that a lot of the birthing people on the floor at that time were also alone. The nurses did what they could in those situations. But, yeah. I still hold a little bit of resentment, I guess, for those moments where I was my most vulnerable and by myself.Meagan: Yeah, understandably. That makes sense.Melanie: Yeah. So I got the epidural. My husband was allowed in shortly after, and things were still okay. I was still progressing fine. Then labor just stalled, which is the start of many stories. So we waited through the night. At some point, they started Pitocin. I was moving in all these ways. I should say that my doctor is a saint among humans. She's incredible. She was on with me all night. She did everything she could. She wasn't on when I first got admitted, but she came on later in the night, and she was phenomenal. She did everything she could to get things going again. And then her shift ended the next day, and somebody else came in. By that time, I had that pesky little cervical lip. My baby's head was OT. She couldn't make that last. I was 9 centimeters, but she couldn't get that last turn because of the tilt. I was swelling. There was meconium. Her heart rate was doing some wonky things, and off to the OR we went. I was okay with it initially.It felt like, "Okay, this is what happens." It was fine, really. I had a pleasant Cesarean experience. I wasn't nauseous. My husband was able to be there with me for the birth, and I had a lovely surgeon, so it was okay. I felt okay for the most part afterward.But again, because of the COVID-19 restrictions, my husband was only permitted to stay two hours after the birth. She was asked to leave and not allowed back until we were released. It was just me and my beautiful baby girl who was 8lbs, 9oz alone for 2.5 days after I was just recovering from major surgery.Meagan: Wow.Melanie: Those first few days were challenging. Breastfeeding was a disaster. A had terrible edema from all the fluids during the C-section. I was huge trying to breastfeed. I was just so puffed up. Everything was impossible. And again, because all the birthing people on the floor were without their partners, the nurses were run ragged. It was very difficult to receive care, to put it politely. I think honestly, a lot of the trauma that I have from that time came from my hospital stay afterward and how I was treated or how I felt kind of neglected and was again alone, in some of the most formative times of my motherhood experience. Meagan: Yeah. Melanie: So that was that really. That was my first birth. As the days progressed, and I got home and I just felt so defeated by and let down by how I was treated and not even how I was treated by people but by the situation. I mean, a lot of it was beyond anyone's control.Meagan: Yeah, that time, I have a lot of feelings. I was not a, mom birthing, but I was a doula supporting couples and saw a lot of really stupid stuff to say that didn't make sense at all. But everyone was so restricted and rules were changing literally by the day and even by the hour. Right?Melanie: Yeah.The hospital I gave birth that has since it kind of acknowledged that they took it a little too far. Laboring people shouldn't be alone. Who would have thought?Meagan: Women in labor should not feel deserted. Yeah.Meagan: So some of that was nice to hear but it was just a little too late for my own benefit. The more that all settled with me, and when we had our first baby, we didn't know down the road if we wanted more kids. I'm an only child. I love being an only child. So I thought, maybe a family of three is fine. But I remember sitting with my doctor at one of our follow-up appointments, and I just broke down by the whole experience and I was like, "I can't do that again. Regardless if I want to. I just can't." She was crushed by that. She just couldn't let me Live with that feeling. "If you don't want more kids, great. You don't. You do you. But that, that can't be how we leave you." So she recommended a therapist to me who has become one of the most dearest people in my life. She's also a doula. And all of her therapy practice focuses on birth trauma, infertility, infant loss, and things of that nature. She was a godsend once we decided that we were ready to have a second baby. I don't think I could have done any of the rest without her. So then moving on to my second birth, it took a while to come around to being ready for that. After that first experience, there was a lot of therapy and a lot of trying to recognize that what I went through wasn't my own fault.Meagan: Yes.Melanie: There was nothing. The choices I made and giving in to the epidural, that wasn't a moral failing on my part. Being alone wasn't that I was not deserving of care, it was just the situation of the time. So a lot of that took some time to reckon with. And then as I began, I knew right away that I was going to try for the VBAC.My doctor was, "Yeah, of course. If you want to 100%." She felt because I did labor so well once we finally got things going, she was pretty confident that things might go okay for me the second time. So she was a great support. But once I started looking into a lot of the VBAC literature in the VBAC world, there were so many pockets of it that I really struggled with. Some of the language around how we can prepare was really off-putting to me. It felt like if you know enough and if you do enough, you'll be okay. It just felt really focused on blaming people for whatever went wrong the first time, if you had known more, if you had advocated for yourself more, if you had breathed more or meditated more, things would have gone better. So I really tried to avoid some of that in preparing for my second birth. I was really focused on the things I could control. My doula/therapist/friend really helped me with a lot of that. A lot of what we focused on and preparing for that second baby was focusing on things that would be true regardless of how that birth happened.  I became really into this series of affirmations. That is not my thing. I'm not into that normally, but they became very treasured to me and still kind of are. I really prioritized creating ones for myself that would be true regardless of what happened. It wasn't about birthing my baby vaginally because that might not happen. I knew that going in. It was more about acknowledging that my body is strong and capable. That's true regardless of what happens. So those sort of sentiments really echoed through my whole pregnancy and leading up to the birth. For the most part, I had a pretty uneventful pregnancy except for the fact that in my 20-week anatomy scan ultrasound, they discovered that my placenta was low. It was partially covering my cervix. My doctor was great. She was like, "Yeah, don't worry about it. It'll move. We're not going to worry about that until we have to. That often happens. We're not going to let that slow us down right now".So that was fine. And then later in my third trimester, I was measuring gigantic. I'm a very small person. I'm barely 5 feet. I'm petite, and I grow big babies. I was measuring quite large. We re-screened for gestational diabetes. I had a weird borderline response. I was doing these funny diet things and trying to get that under control, but I was still measuring pretty large. But again, my doctor wasn't really discouraging about that. "I know people have big babies. The bony pelvis, it moves, don't worry about it." So I still felt pretty good, and I kind of loved the idea of tiny little me having this huge baby. it seemed like I'd be pretty proud of it. But I had to have a follow-up ultrasound to check on the placement of my placenta to see if it had moved enough. And it did. Fortunately, it seemed like it was in the clear. My doctor, who was lovely, indicated that this was not a growth scan. We were just checking the placenta. But of course, the maternal-fetal unit loved to check the size of that baby. So of course, he was huge. They were trying to really say, "Are you sure you still want to do this? Because he's going to be quite a large boy and all that." I mostly tuned that out. I was like, "Yeah, I know. No big deal. I know I can't do anything about that. That's not within my control at this point. I'm 32 weeks pregnant." We carried on as normal. At this point, I was going crazy. I was walking so much. I was seeing the chiropractor. I was doing prenatal yoga. I was curb-stepping everywhere. I lost my mind a little bit in terms of all the preparation I was trying to do trying to get everything right. I became super obsessed with the baby's positioning just knowing positioning had factored into my first birth. I don't think I lied on my right side for months. Basically, I was just really focused on trying to keep things where they should be. Get that baby low and in the right angle. It became a bit of an obsession, but also the thing I'd look back on in a really positive way. I got really good at feeling where he was trying to pick out a spine and what way he was facing. And in retrospect, it made me feel a lot closer to him than I had with my daughter in some ways when I was pregnant. I became very in tune to his movements.Meagan: Yeah.Melanie: So I look back on that and I'm thankful. But yeah. So things were fine. I was growing a big baby, but all seemed well. I felt like I had a great team who supported me and were progressing the way we wanted to. We kind of expected this baby would also be "late" just given my first was. So we kind of prepared for that. We talked about the ways we could induce if needed or how long I wanted to wait until an induction.At the hospital near me, it is standard of practice to be automatically booked for an induction one week past your due date. You get that letter in the mail regardless of whether you want it or not. So as my due date approached, I got that letter. I called my doctor. She canceled that. That was not our plan. We were going to wait and see. So she was great in terms of letting me make the call, I'll say. But at a week past, or I guess just a little over, I did have to have a biophysical. That was the condition which for me turning down the induction was to have the biophysical. And again, my doctor was great. She gave me the heads up that like, "It's pretty easy to fail these and you're 41+ weeks over too." So she was advocating for me that we were not going to jump the gun here. But it was the requirement of their unit to have that. So I went in for my biophysical at 41 and change. I can't remember the exact day. And lo and behold, we failed. I think we had a 6 out of 10. His heart rate didn't do the right things in the right order or whatever the scoring is. I can't recall. And he also didn't score for the seeing the breathing movements. I knew just from my own reading that a score of 6 was a gray area. I wasn't too worried about it. But the staff in the maternal field was like "Oh, well, you're having this baby today." I was like, "Well, no, I'm not. This is not my plan." I know they see the worst cases. That is their space, but I already had the conversation with my doctor so I felt pretty well-informed. I knew that I was not ready yet. I also knew that my doctor was on call that day.So I did go up to labor and delivery which is what they had recommended. She did another biophysical up there and then did a third non-stress test. I also failed the second biophysical but the non-stress test turned out okay. We needed some time, a bit of a walk, some water, and things seemed okay. So I went home and waited for another couple of days. At this point we were, we were really cooking. We were looking at 42 weeks. I did agree to have the induction on a Thursday. I was disappointed that we were going to have to have the induction. I forgot to mention this. I wasn't followed by an obstetrician during my pregnancy. I was with a family practice group. We don't have midwives in the area where I live, but we do have a family practice group who have delivery privileges but they can't perform Cesareans, obviously. So I was followed by this lovely GP who would have delivered had my babies been born vaginally. Because I had to transfer temporarily to the obstetrics unit for the induction, I knew I was going to  encounter some more pushback than I had faced to date with my current doctor because she was so lovely and supportive. I went in and prepared for that. And the OB on that day of my induction was quite-- I don't know how to put it politely. He was very blunt. I don't think he thought I was an overly smart person to be looking at 42 weeks still insisting on trying to have this very large baby vaginally. But to his credit, he respected my autonomy and was like, "Yeah, sure, we'll give it a shot. I think it's the wrong call, but it's your call to make." So I have a love/hate relationship with him to some extent. So they did another non-stress test and things looked okay. And then I think he left and a resident came in to start the induction. I was a little dilated, so they were going to try the Foley, which they had initially some trouble getting in. It was the worst pain I've ever been in that didn't compare it all to labor on my first. But that Foley was like, whew. As soon as the resident got it in, all hell broke loose. My husband was by my shoulder and just turned white as a ghost. The resident looks up and she's like, "I think that's a little more blood than we would expect." Meanwhile, I can just see it pouring onto her shoes. I'm just hemorrhaging. Meagan: Whoa. Melanie: I'm hemorrhaging. So she runs out. There's a nurse there trying to mop things up and I'm still holding whatever sort of contraption they used to hold the Foley in. The OB comes in with an ultrasound machine. They're, of course, fearing my placenta is beginning to rupture or whatever. So he's checking the ultrasound. The heart rate monitors plummet. The baby's heart rate drops into the 60s. The room fills with people and I'm petrified. I'm just shocked. The OB's trying to move me and trying to get the Foley out. It felt like an hour. I'm sure it was only a minute that the heart rate recovered, but the decision is made like, "We're going to the OR." They didn't know what the source of the bleeding was. I was still hemorrhaging. I asked the OB like, "Can I just talk to my husband for a minute?" And he said "No, we don't have time. We're going."So we go to the OR and it was really quick. It was so much faster than my first birth. I don't even think the terror really caught on to me until later when they finally gave me the baby and the OB ensured me, "Oh yeah, no. He wasn't without oxygen for any extent. He checked out okay. He's fine." And I'm not sure it hit me that that was ever in doubt that it could have gone a way that he wouldn't have been fine. So it was a lot. It was a lot. To say it wasn't what we were expected would be an understatement. To say I didn't get my VBAC was an understatement because it just became a conversation of so many greater things. Fortunately, my doctor happened to be in the hospital, and she took care of us. We only stayed there for a day. Fortunately, that was the main thing on my birth plan that regardless of what happened, to get me out of the hospital as quickly as possible. So we were released the next day. The baby was fine, and I was fine. We were all healthy. There was no great source of the bleeding outside of that they suspected that my placenta was still a little too low compared to how it showed on the scans from in my third trimester. So when they inserted the Foley, things shifted enough that it tore a teensy bit or something, and hence the blood, but not enough to cause damage to me or my son. But that, the proximity of my placenta to my cervix wasn't quite clear on that ultrasound in my third trimester. So, yeah, that's my birth story.Meagan: Oh my gosh. Oh, my gosh. You know, birth sometimes can unfold in those really wonky, unexpected ways. And like, I have questions too. Like, could they have torn your cervix from placing the Foley? Could the Foley have nicked your placenta if it was too low inside? Right? There are all of these questions, and we tend to go that way, wanting to know the answers, but sometimes we just don't know the answer. We've talked about this a long time ago in our radical acceptance. Julie and I did a radical acceptance episode, which if you haven't checked that episode our, I really highly suggest listeners check it out because sometimes there is not an answer. The answer is unknown and it will remain unknown. Sometimes not knowing the answer can consume us, and it can leave the trauma, the doubt, the fear, and all the feelings that come with. Sometimes that means we have to let it go. We're not getting the answer. We just not getting the answer. Letting it go helps us grow, helps us heal, helps us move on to that next stage.And when I say move on, I don't mean just ignore it, wipe it out, or it never happened. It's accepting that it happened. Accept that where we were then is where we were. We made the decisions we made with the information that we were given, and now we're moving on. You did the best thing you could do for your baby by saying, like, "Okay, yeah." And like you said, it didn't even happen or occur to you until later that, "Wait, my baby couldn't have been okay?" I'm sure that sat really heavily.Melanie: Oh, my gosh. Yeah, hugely. Right? It was. It all happened so quickly. There was so much blood. Again, you're on your back. You can't really see well, but when you see it just as when the resident leaves the room, and t's on her shoes. I'm not okay. There's a problem there right now, right? Yeah. And, you know, my son was big. He was 9 pounds, 15 ounces. I don't think his size had anything to do with this part of the conversation, but in my mind, I think I've somehow accepted that I think he was going to be born via Cesarean regardless of what happened in my first birth. My placenta was low right from the start. That was a known thing that I was going to deal with, C-section or not. I know there's obviously some evidence to show that the way placenta can attach can be influenced by previous C-section scars, of course. But, I think that's how I've been able to make peace with a lot of that. It was just always going to be this way for him. I don't know. Because I was empowered through some of the decisions I made, and because I felt genuinely supported by the people around me, except for maybe that kind of cranky OB besides him, it's much easier to come to terms with what happened. And in a lot of ways, even though, my second birth is the much scarier of the two situations, I don't have nearly as much trauma associated with it. It was a crappy birth. I'll be frank about it. But it is what it is. It was scary, but it's not what keeps me up at night sometimes still, like that first birth where I felt disempowered and disenfranchised and ignored and neglected. That is the lasting problem. While I've done a lot to overcome that, I think it just goes to show how we treat people in these moments can really have a lasting impact. It's not just about the physical pain, the physical trauma, and the health emergencies that cause trauma. It can be a lot of the emotional harm as well.Meagan: I love that you pointed that out and you mentioned this along the way with some of your prep you're like, "I am not the affirmation type. It's not my thing. I don't connect to it." But you did. I think affirmations are so powerful whether or not you are an affirmation person or not. I really think having those on your side can be impactful. Like you said, you're like, "I still kind of like, hold on to them and cherish them today."Melanie: I really do. I have a list of them on my notes app on my phone. They're the same ones. They were the ones I wrote when I was pregnant with my second baby. Sometimes when I'm having a bit of a bad day or when you see another one of those photos, like the people you referenced earlier who don't associate with the VBAC groups anymore, they don't see themselves every now and then, when a photo of a super strong, awesome person with their fist up in the air celebrating their VBAC. Some of those will just hit me the wrong way one day. I'll go back to those affirmations and remind myself that my body is strong and accomplished and whatever I need to hear that day. They do have a long-lasting impact. Another one that got me through a lot was, "I'm strong enough to face what comes." Whatever that is.Meagan: Strong enough to face what comes. I love that. Yeah.Melanie: Yeah, it's been a bit of a journey. My kids are 4 and 2 now. We're not sure if we're done.Meagan: Yeah.Melanie: But despite all of these experiences, I would still 100% go for another VBAC.Meagan: Yeah.So I was going to ask you that too. Do you feel at this point that you would rather just do Cesareans? Would you have said, "Looking back, I just wish I would have scheduled it at 40 weeks, or are you feeling pretty content and empowered with the choices that you made?"Melanie: That's a great question. I think about it a lot. I'm fairly positive I wouldn't have just scheduled the C-section. And partially because despite being alone for part of my labor with my first birth, I kind of loved labor. Before I got the epidural, I have never felt so strong and so awesome in my whole entire life. I was like, "I am woman. Hear me roar." Maybe that is just in retrospect, but I also have a couple of selfies from those few hours. I'm enjoying a lot of it. So when I was preparing for my second birth even knowing that maybe this will end up in a C-section, I kept thinking, "Oh, well, at least I'll get to labor again. I'll have that. That would be great." And I didn't. I didn't get any of that. I'm not turned away from that. I'd be very much open to trying again. I think if we were to have another, I would not do all the things I became so obsessed with making sure I was getting 12,000 steps or whatever it was, and the curb-walking and the squats. I did so many squats, and I ate so many dates. I would just let go of a lot of that because I think a lot of that was the pressure of, "You need to do everything you can to get this right." And I don't have that pressure on me anymore. Maybe because I'm older than I was then, or because I was maybe foolish. I think I know a little more, but I think I would just. Let's just try. Let's see what happens.Melanie: Yeah.Meagan: You know, I want to talk a little bit about that. You talked about how you did things that you could control, but then you also focused on how you went down that path of-- I call it obsession. The path of obsession.Melanie: It was.Meagan: I was once on the path of obsession as well with my second, my second that I wanted to VBAC that went Cesarean. I ate the dates. I drank the tea. I did all the things too, and then it didn't unfold exactly how I wanted it. I don't think the things that I did or the things that I didn't do, as far as the prep goes, really impacted as much as I didn't choose the right provider. But with my second, I let go of some of the things, but then hyper-obsessed with some of the other things. I didn't sit on a couch for nine months. I sat in a car really, really straight up paying attention to my sway back and my pelvis.But I did the things that I could control that felt right for me. I went to a chiropractor. That made me feel better. I was like, "All I can do is go and hope for the best. Right?" I drank my tea. I let go of the dates. I couldn't eat another date for a very long time. I do now. I actually add them to oatmeal and things, but I couldn't even stomach a date. There were things that I did and I didn't do. So try not to go down the path of obsession because I think sometimes it takes away from our pregnancy. Do all the things that you can do within your control that feel right. So eat well. Hydrate well. Get a good prenatal. Process your birth. Process your past birth. Know what you want. Hire a doula if you want to doula. Find your right supportive provider. But also, if it's too much and you need to be like, "You know what? I'm going to do what I can over here, and I'm just going to let it unfold over here," I don't think there's any shame in that. I don't think anyone should be like, "Well, but you're not doing x, y, z." Yeah, I'm not because right now it doesn't feel right. It doesn't feel right. Melanie: That's exactly right. I think I was just so afraid if my birth didn't go well, if I would think that, "Oh, there's something else I could have tried." That was, I think, my mindset in preparing for that second birth. But I'm glad you mentioned the feeling right because I did actually give up the acupuncture at 40 weeks because I hated it. I hated going. I didn't like the way it made me feel. It made me groggy. I felt like I was sleepwalking.Meagan: Not right.Melanie: Not right, but yes, letting that go. But again,  initially, I felt guilty for it. Almost like I'm not doing everything I could. But sometimes we need to let that go if it doesn't feel right for us.Meagan: Yeah, I agree.So really quickly, to wrap this up, we asked for a secret lesson, and then we asked for your tips. I wanted to read what you wrote. When I said, "What is a secret lesson or something no one really talks about that you wish that you would have known ahead of time when preparing for birth?" Your answer was, "Birth stays with you forever. It's not something you just move on from." Like we were just saying, it isn't. It's not just something that you move on from and you forget about it. It's just gone. It's not. It really does stick with you, and it can impact future births. So know that that's a thing, and you need to work through that if you have trauma. She says, "My first birth was nearly five years ago, and the trauma still barrels over her." Likewise, the pride that you feel and how you advocated for yourself during your second birth continuously gives you strength. So I love that secret lesson. I think it's very empowering.And then when I asked, "What is your best tip for someone preparing for VBAC?" There's a lot here, and I'm just going to read exactly what you wrote because so it's all so good. And you also kind of talked about it within your story, but I just wanted to write what you wrote. It says, "Preparing for a baby and birth is a mental, emotional and cognitive journey, not just physical. I did so much work with the support of a wonderful doctor, doula, therapist and partner that all helped me cope with this birth. I did chiropractic care, pelvic floor PT, acupuncture, yoga, massage, but it was the mental work and preparation that I did that really made the difference." And then you said, "If someone is into affirmations, find or create some that will be true regardless of whatever happens." Again, pointing out what you said earlier. I think it's important to note. Women of Strength, you can prep. You could do everything, and sometimes when I think we do everything and then they don't unfold exactly how we think, "We did everything. And it sucked. It failed me." It's not true. You did everything that felt right for you, and you have to embrace that and congratulate yourself for that and say, "I did what I could." But I love that you talked about the affirmations that can stay true. I love that so much. Your body is strong. No matter how you birth your baby, your body is strong. So, there's something that you did through therapy and healing that I would love to talk on before we go. Is there any way you could dive into that a little bit?Melanie: Yeah, sure. So it's a practice called birth story medicine. I'm not an expert in it by any means, but it is the train of schooling that my therapist, who's also a doula, specializes in with birthing people who have birth trauma. It's really a part of a birth story. Listening. So having someone reciprocate in the dialogue of your birth story, really similar to what goes on in this podcast in a lot of ways, where you are being heard when you tell your birth story. But through that process, over months and months of the telling and retelling of my birth story, particularly that first birth, my therapist was able to really help me get to a place of re-seeing it. That's when I began to re-see my role in that. It really centers around this idea that through discussion and through sharing, that can be the medicine we need to heal emotionally. So it's again, not always about those physical scars we're left with, but emotionally what we carry and giving value to those, having those be heard in a space where they're not often heard. When we go into a hospital or a birth center, we don't always create space or are not always given the space to have those feelings and that trauma heard. That birth story medicine approach really helped me re-see my experience for my first birth.I love that you talk about this. We actually have something similar in our VBAC course when it comes to mental and physical prep because I think that's honestly where our course starts as mental and physical prep. I truly believe that's where this journey starts. But I talk about the senses. So when we are processing our birth or going through this birth medicine journey, I suggest doing things where you write your birth story. Physically write it. Read it, so you're seeing it. So you're physically doing the action. Now you're seeing it and you're reading it. Okay? Read it out loud to someone so you're hearing it being said and someone else is hearing it. Receive validation. Okay?Really walk through those five senses because I truly believe that it helps you heal. But hearing it, seeing it, writing it, being validated. I guess it's not even the five senses. We can't smell our birth, but we talk about that like taking yourself back, putting yourself in that feeling, hearing those sounds, smelling the smells and processing those is so empowering. It's a little different, but kind of similar. I love it. I love that so much. Is it birth medicine? Is that what you're calling it?Melanie: Birth story medicine. I can't remember the woman who wrote the book quite literally, but I recommend everyone check it out.Meagan: We're going to find it, and put it in the show notes. Birth story medicine. Here we go.Okay, really quickly before we go, will you give us two or three affirmations that really stuck with you if you have them? If not, no worries.Melanie: Oh, sure. I still do. So one that I don't hold on to as much now, but it was really important to me leading up to that second birth, especially given my first was, "I am not responsible for starting labor when it starts." I tried, but I had to remind myself, "I am not responsible for starting labor." Another one was, "My baby will be born. I will birth my baby."Meagan: Yes.Melanie: However that happens, I will birth my baby. The final one may be that again, I think because of the trauma I had from my first birth during the pandemic was, "I am not alone. My baby is with me."Meagan: Love those so much.Melanie: Oh no, I'm very emotional.Meagan: I'm sorry. I did not mean to make you emotional, but I really thank you so much for all of those and for your words. I am so happy that you were able to come through on the other side of this experience with the mindset that you have. I know it's not easy. I know it hasn't been easy. The journey is really a journey and like you said, it sticks with you forever. I will never forget all three of my births.As of the day of this very recording, my daughter turned 13 yesterday. My first C-section was 13 years ago yesterday. Let me tell you, I reflected deeply. I had a lot of emotions. I cried. I smiled. I had so many feelings that it, literally makes me emotional thinking about it right now. But you guys, I was amazing back then. I didn't fail. I didn't fail. I think that's just so important that we know that no matter how our baby is born, we are going to be with our baby. Our babies will be with us, and we didn't fail. We did the best we could, and you were incredible.Melanie: Thanks, Meagan. You too. ClosingWould you like to be a guest on the podcast? Tell us about your experience at thevbaclink.com/share. For more information on all things VBAC including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Meagan's bio, head over to thevbaclink.com. Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands