What does it mean to fully embrace motherhood? To fully embrace the God-given responsibility of caring for your children?   This week, we're speaking to Courtney Valdez, a 26-year old mom of two beautiful girls + a business owner/hairstylist, with a love of homemaking and holistic wellness. Courtney's experience of pregnancy and birth has changed the way her family lives in every way for the better, as we are going to hear in this powerful journey of growth and strength. And not to give a huge spoiler alert, but I do want to say this. The mother that Courtney becomes during this experience-- powerful, confident, radically responsible-- that is who I want you to meet and become inside of Whole Mother Homebirth.  You were gloriously designed to give birth.  With this as my driving truth, it is my greatest pleasure and privilege to come alongside mothers seeking to give birth not only at home, but more importantly, with a deep sense of connection to their instincts and intuition. This birth course is for the woman who is ready to be transformed into the new, powerful iteration of herself as Mother.   Birth is safest when the mother is the leader, and inside of Whole Mother Homebirth, we provide both knowledge and wisdom that will lead you to a sense of confidence and excitement when it comes to your birthing experience.   Inside of Whole Mother Homebirth, I provide you with COMPREHENSIVE education.  Not just silly little coping techniques… No, this is revolutionary information, and I am confident that you will finish this course feeling equipped and excited to give birth, and that your spouse will be on the exact same page.  And hey, when you purchase this course, you are supporting the continuation of this podcast as a free resource.  I am so grateful to be able to provide deep transformation for you, and for your support in return.  Click the link in the show notes and get a 10% discount when you use the code PODCAST at checkout.   Episode Roundup:   I want to begin with how Courtney views her first birth experience. While there is plenty for her to be upset and frustrated about in regards to her care, I love the way that Courtney chooses to frame her experience. She isn't sitting in victimhood, but accepting responsibility-- accepting the experience for what it was, and choosing to see and appreciate the beautiful moments. Sometimes we've got to tease through the event to find the beauty, and that can feel frustrating, but how much more powerful than to allow the event to pull you down into despair? We don't always have a choice in regards to outcomes, but we can ALWAYS choose our perspective. Sovereign motherhood. Courtney felt that she shed her old skin-- the questioning, uncertain skin of the past-- in the birth pool when she met her second daughter. She was reborn as the sovereign mother to her two daughters that she was designed to be. No more questioning herself, no more outsourcing... she understands that her intuition was given by God, and she will us it. And lastly, I want to take a moment to touch on care providers. Courtney's experience were both at the hands of midwives. We've got to remember that a title alone means absolutely nothing. One manipulated and pushed for her own way, while the other sat on her hands, peacefully watching Courtney enter back into motherhood. We've got to remember that who we select as our care provider does carry a massive amount of weight. I understand that some of us have more options than others, but this is something to be considered deeply. Does your midwife see herself as a hero or a servant? The answer will dictate much.   Links:    

What happens when God uses birth — and even loss — to refine your faith in ways you never imagined? Welcome to Episode 300 of the Happy Homebirth.  Wow, 300 episodes of real, raw homebirth stories, and you’re about to meet your match with this week’s guest. This week, we’re speaking to Rachael Nalley, a home birth doula, micro-baker, and mother of four living in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Rachael’s story is one of beauty, resilience, and radical trust. From her first birth in a hospital, to the redemptive peace of her home birth years later, her journey reveals the Lord’s hand through every high and low.  In this conversation, Rachael shares not only her powerful home birth story, but the incredible season of testing and provision that surrounded it — including how her family faced financial hardship, miraculous provision, and even the total loss of their home… only to witness God’s faithfulness unfold again and again.  I cannot warn you enough… please grab a tissue in the best way.   Rachael’s testimony is raw, redemptive, and overflowing with grace — a reminder that even in our most broken moments, God is near, and His plans are good.   Episode Roundup:   First, I love how Rachael’s faith journey and birth journey mirror one another — both required surrender, both demanded trust, and both revealed God’s sustaining grace. Through every contraction, every hardship, every loss, He was preparing her for deeper intimacy with Him. Next, I’m struck by the theme of refinement through fire. When Rachael’s family lost everything — their finances, their stability, even their home — God met them with unmistakable provision and peace. From a hundred-dollar miracle to an unexpected home that met their every prayer, the Lord showed Himself as Provider in the most tangible ways. And finally, I’m moved by Rachael’s courage to share the fullness of her story. She reminds us that our worth is not in our circumstances or our success, but in Christ alone. When everything else is stripped away, He remains — faithful, kind, and near to the brokenhearted. Friends, Rachael’s story is a testimony to what happens when we choose to trust God moment by moment, even when we can’t see the way forward.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

What do you do when an OB refuses to support your VBAC, and then no other local OBs will take you on as a patient because they don’t accept transfers from other OBs?  Where do you go? This week we’re speaking to Alicia Downey, a military spouse who has lived in 4 states over the last 5 years, is a mother to two wonderful daughters, and a registered nurse. Alicia is currently staying at home with her babies. She is a c-section mom, and a home birth mom, and she is passionate about sharing her birth story and the empowerment that came with choosing to VBAC at home, as we will get to hear today.   Episode Roundup:   I know that some of the mothers listening to this podcast plan to give birth in the hospital.  For any number of reasons, that may feel like the best and safest place for you to give birth.  I don’t want stories of what happens in the hospital to scare you as you ready yourself for birth, but I do hope that it serves to prepare you for what you need to do to advocate for yourself.  The unfortunate reality is that labor in the hospital does require a level of toughness and willingness to fight for your rights and desires that is not always present at home, though of course it can be.  Being prepared for this and understanding how to navigate the system is critical. Next, can we just take a moment to talk about how crazy it was that Alicia’s OB not only refused to support her in a VBAC, but essentially threatened her with zero care unless she submitted to the OB’s wishes?  You won’t be able to receive care anywhere else… and…. I won’t schedule another appointment with you unless you agree to have a c section now.  Absolutely wild.  Thank goodness this pushed Alicia right into the arms of a homebirth midwife.   Another little point– prodromal labor stinks.  It really can be such a mind game, but I do want you all to remember that it does have a purpose.  Whether it’s actually causing dilation like it did for Alicia, or it’s helping your baby reposition, prodromal labor is doing SOMETHING.  I think it can be so helpful to keep that in mind when you’re in the throes of it! And lastly, birth can be healing.  It doesn’t have to be the thing that heals you from previous traumas.  Let’s be clear about that.  I think that nervous system-based therapy like emotional freedom technique, havening, and ART or sldkfjsldk therapy are wildly helpful for birth trauma healing, specifically.  But– there is something so healing about having a new experience.  If you’ve had a traumatic birth before and you want more babies, know that your next birth can be different.  It can be beautiful, and it can be deeply healing.     Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

Hey there Happy Homebirthers, I’ve got a fun little treat for you for this week.  Instead of our usual interview setup, I wanted to share a podcast that I was on recently.  My friend Sarah at Entering Motherhood recently had me on her show to discuss homebirth and storytelling–particularly healing through storytelling.  These are two of my favorite topics, so I wanted to give you a chance to listen in.  I’ll link Sarah’s podcast and instagram, so you can follow along for more of her incredible content.  Enjoy!   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Episode 260: Homebirth Stories, Safety & Self-Advocacy with Katelyn Fusco Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify   Listen on Podbean   Entering Motherhood Website      

If you choose to have a freebirth, you must be some kind of fearless superwoman, right?     This week we’re speaking to Charissa Blair.  Charissa is wife to Adam and mother to her freebirthed first baby, Leviticus, with a second baby on the way.  In this week’s episode, we’ll hear why Charissa decided to give birth unassisted with her first baby, how the birth unfolded, and how it has impacted Charissa as a mother.     Episode Roundup:    I love the reasoning behind why Charissa decided to fully commit to freebirth.  It wasn’t because she felt she had something to prove to others, but because she sensed that it was right for her.  She felt the Lord calling her into a specific experience– and one that made sense based on her own preferences of being alone, and especially not being at the hospital.  She felt peace over the decision to give birth unassisted.   And that leads me to my second point– Just because she felt peace about giving birth unassisted, that did not mean that 1. She wouldn’t be prepared and willing to change her location if she needed to.  She even had a bag packed for such a scenario. It also did not mean that she would have an easy birth.  Charissa experienced a sense of coming to the bottom of herself… she felt a sense of darkness and struggle that she had no choice but to move through.  But what awaited her on the other side?  A beautiful sunrise with her brand new baby, born safely in her arms at home. Birth is a transformative process.  It is not always easy, in fact, it’s rarely free of big challenges.  That’s what MAKES it transformative.  Wherever you give birth, however you give birth, this experience is designed to change you if you’ll let it.   Links: Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)  

Homebirth is great, but if you do happen to have an emergency at home, you’ll always wish you were at the hospital, right? This week we’re speaking with Kennedy Voetberg.  At 18, Kennedy became fascinated by the birthing process and underwent training to become a certified birth doula. Almost a decade later, Kennedy is married to her husband, Deter, and together they have 3 children with their fourth on the way. She is grateful to say that she birthed all three of their children at home, and today we will hear specifically how her first birth unfolded.   Epsiode Roundup:   First of all, I wish that every teenager felt the excitement to give birth that Kennedy did at 18.  What a blessing to have such a positive outlook well before she even met her husband and decided to begin having children.  So many girls grow up with minimal understanding of birth, and often the stories they have heard are not examples of the brilliance of how the female body was created to bring forth life.  I pray that we as mothers are able to provide to our children a new outlook on pregnancy and birth– that we can use our own stories, however they unfold, to encourage our girls and excite them about what they have to look forward to.  What a gift it is to be able to grow, birth, nourish and care for our babies.   Next, what a special connection.  Kennedy had become fascinated with physiological birth and knew that whenever she gave birth, she wanted it to be at home– and she married a man who himself was born at home.  That, my friends, is what they call a match made in heaven.   And finally, let’s tie this up with the beginning of our episode.  Homebirth sounds great unless there’s an emergency… But for Kennedy, homebirth was great, even with an emergent situation, and in fact, the way that her emergent situation was handled brought Kennedy even more confidence in the process of giving birth at home.  When her baby needed support breathing, Kennedy and her midwife worked together to begin stimulating her baby, and her midwife was able to provide a full resuscitation when it became necessary. Remember.  There are no guarantees in life– not in the hospital, not at home, but we can do our part by surrounding ourselves with a supportive team, by preparing our hearts and our bodies, and by leaning on The Lord and his goodness in all situations.    Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

  How would it feel to be supported in your pregnancy and birth by the women of your family?    This week we are speaking to Miriam McCuiston, a stay at home mom to her daughter Zoe. She is married to her husband and best friend, Kyle. Miriam is learning all new things about being a homemaker and mama, and as we’ll hear in her story, she has women around her who are deeply encouraging her and cheering her on.   Episode Roundup:    First of all, it was so clear to me from the very beginning this them of feminine care in Miriam’s story.  From her group of women praying over her on Thanksgiving, to her mother and sister in law supporting her and sharing with her their own birthing experiences….. Her sisters coming over to clean hear home for her… my goodness.  That alone was beautiful to hear.  But, wow.  The way that Miriam’s sister played such an integral part in the birthing process just blew me away.  How she came over and talked with her, told her stories and shared about her day, provided counter pressure, and then moaned with her through contractions to keep her grounded.  I just felt chills the whole time.  I pray this relationship over my own daughters, my goodness.  And it didn’t stop there.  Her mother came over to help during the first few days, and her mother in law brought them warm meals… this is what it looks like to be surrounded by women.  This is what compassionate care looks like.  This is the goal. And next, I want to take a moment to focus on the point of Miriam’s labor that stood out so strongly to me.  She’s in the birth pool, likely going through transition, where she begins to feel like she just can’t do it.  What does Miriam do?  She calls out to her creator.  She knows that He hears her.  She asks for his strength.  She reaches out to Jesus– physically reaches out to Him, and she feels the love of the father wrapping around her and providing her with the strength she needs to complete her task.  Jesus is in the room, my friends.  He’s Emmanuel, God with Us.  Call to him.  Expect him to answer.  He is there. He can strengthen you, whatever your birth is looking like.  He can strengthen you NOW, in whatever situation you are in.  He’s right here, just as Miriam sensed and experienced.  There’s nothing greater.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Pelvic Floor Freedom | https://www.intelligentmovementlab.com/pelvic-floor-freedom   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Youtube | https://youtu.be/Nb4moaQP-uA

Raise your hand if you’ve experienced a symptom or two in pregnancy that you wish you could get to the root of and heal.  Food aversions?  Morning sickness?  Full on Hyperemisis Gravidarum?   This week we are speaking to Jes Reynolds, a holistic health practitioner and founder of The Wellness Element, where she guides mothers to protect the health and wellbeing of children by reclaiming their intuition and sovereignty in pregnancy and motherhood.  After healing herself from autoimmune illness and reversing her own hyperemesis gravidarum, Jes now supports women worldwide through her signature course, Healing HG Blueprint. Her work weaves together biology, nutrition, detox and ancestral wisdom to address the root causes of pregnancy complications.  She is passionate about transforming the cultural narrative of pregnancy—from one marked by fear and medical control to one of initiation, power, and remembrance.  Through education, advocacy, and community, Jes equips women to fiercely safeguard their children’s health from preconception through postpartum.     Episode Roundup:   Jes mentioned the importance of listening to your intuition, especially during pregnancy.  Pregnancy is THE time to interact with our intuition and gain an understanding of what it feels like to be in tune, especially if we haven’t had many opportunities to exercise this kind of practice before.   At the same time, Jes’ story also shares the reality that even when we are listening to our intuition and following its guidance, there can be other factors at play that can deeply influence our experience, particularly our care provider. Jes knew what she wanted for her pregnancy and birth, but her midwife was not on the same page, which led to Jes trying to advocate for herself while also trying to recover immediately postpartum. As Jes attested, this is NOT the situation you want to find yourself in postpartum, or any time in your care.  Not only do you need to know what you stand for, but finding a care provider who will support you in that, is key.   And finally, I love how Jes approaches health by looking at the “issue” or “symptoms” with different lenses, seeing where those lenses intersect, and beginning there.  Trauma, illness, nutritional depletion, trapped emotions– they can all be factors.  When we can remove some of the biggest pieces, oftentimes the rest begins to fall into place.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/the_wellness_element/   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)    

The word Midwife means ‘with woman’-- what does it mean to be ‘with woman’? What does it look like, and how does it feel?   This week we are speaking with the incredible midwife, published author and poet, Janelle Alier, who in my opinion is the embodiment of genuine midwifery care.  We’re going to hear how she became a midwife, or how midwifery happened to her, we’ll hear her journey through her own births, and you will get to hear about the beautiful project that she recently completed: The Shortest Stories, a book of birth haiku that odes to the births she has attended.     This episode is going to be a favorite for mothers and midwives alike, and a beautiful reminder of what it means to be– with woman.     Episode Roundup:   Your true identity is your gift to the world.  Whatever it is.  Janelle, acting as the midwife that she is, is her gift and contribution, and what a gift it is.  What is that for you?  Maybe it’s not your career– that’s okay, your career itself is not your identity.  You bring your identity into whatever it is that you do.  Whether you’re raising the next generation by homeschooling your children, or you’re in the marketplace sharing who you are with those around you– what you’re doing in your true identity is such a gift. Next, not everything that happens is good or “for a reason”. Bad things happen.  Things we don’t want to have happen— sometimes happen.  What’s incredible is to see those very things be used and woven into something beautiful– durable.  No, Janelle didn’t need to have the births that she had to be a good midwife.  She was already an amazing midwife with a thorough philosophy.  Yet, over time, she has allowed these experiences to integrate into her life.  That does not take away from the “not good” aspects.  But to see these events bolster what was already true of Janelle is inspiring.  It’s something that we can all do with our births, whether they went seemingly perfectly or far off course.  There are so many pieces of wisdom that we can recover, and over time, even find appreciation for.   And finally, here’s to midwives like Janelle.  Who listen to their clients, surrender their own egos, recognize both the beauty and heaviness of birth, and are willing to be with women as they emerge from the chrysalis and transform into mothers.      Links:   The Shortest Stories | https://goodprintedthings.com/products/the-shortest-stories?srsltid=AfmBOoqG8GZ--HlrIJKsr-Jy9unqL2cRv1p1rUmiEDrJGvp7EE6jCz6q   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

Husbands, what can you tangibly do to support your wife during postpartum, especially those first few critical weeks?     And today we’re having a GUEST interviewer! My very own hero of a husband, Thomas Fusco.  Thomas will be taking over the interview reins as he sits down with a father-to-father chat with Eric Stein, CEO of Restorative Roots, and husband to Holly Stein, last week’s podcast guest.  If you didn’t hear my interview with Holly, make sure to click the link in the show notes and give it a listen next.  Moms, this week’s dad chat episode is going to be one that you’ll want to go ahead and send to your spouse so that he can feel ready and prepared for the postpartum phase.   On an unrelated but exciting note, do you have birth photos and videos that you feel deserve to be shared with the world?  I want you to send them to me!  I’m collecting birth photos and videos to share on social media platforms, my website that’s in the process of being rebuilt, AND… I want to feature your photos and videos inside of the new weekly newsletter that I will be sending out.  Both mothers and birth photographers, you’re welcome to submit!     Episode roundup:   Preparation can make or break your postpartum experience — Eric and Holly’s shift from a stressful first postpartum to a deeply supported experience for their second and third children shows how meal prep and intentional planning can deeply impact recovery and bonding. Next, isn’t the story behind Restorative Roots so inspiring? — A personal need was transformed into a national impact. What started as preparing meals for themselves grew into Restorative Roots, a regenerative postpartum meal company now shipping 900 meals weekly and offering resources to educate and empower other families. Finally, and I believe most importantly: The partner’s role matters — Dads, you truly can become the hero of the postpartum experience, AND you can take the lead on making this happen for your wife.  Eric highlighted the importance of the masculine role in birth and postpartum.  He shared about presence, support, and setting aside his own ego to truly care for his wife and family.  This is your time to shine, fathers.  If this becomes important to you, it will make your wife feel so loved and cherished.  If you can help her achieve a restful, healing postpartum, you are investing in your family for weeks, months and years to come.  It blows my mind just how much YOU can steer the ship towards deep connection.  What a gift.   Links: Ep 291: Postpartum Healing & Nutrition with Holly Stein of Restorative Roots | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-291-postpartum-healing-nutrition-with-holly-stein/id1446934537?i=1000724335999 Submit your Birth Photos and Videos: https://happyhomebirth.myflodesk.com/birthphotos Youtube | https://youtu.be/S_LLorCMlEs   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)  

What do you think you’ll want your first meal to be after having your baby?  And does it really matter how we’re fueling our bodies after the baby is born?     Holly, her husband Eric, and their 3 children live in Southern California, where they love homeschool, skateboard, and cook.  They have built an incredible company, Restorative Roots, that delivers nutrient-dense postpartum meals to mothers across the country. From a tiny kitchen venture to a nationwide business, Holly and Eric are proud to offer support during such a transformative time- the postpartum experience.   This week, we’ll be speaking to Holly about her 3 birthing experiences, how postpartum has changed for her over time, and ways in which we can be set up for success and healing in the critical first few days and weeks after birth.     Episode Roundup: Isn’t there so much beauty in the concept of taking radical responsibility for what we can control, and then allowing grace and faith to fill in that which we cannot?  I can see this both in birth, along with postpartum.  Holly mentioned how she did what she could to prepare for a healthy labor and birth, but she knew that there was ultimately a level that she could not control.  Let’s apply this to postpartum.  There are things that we CAN do: We can plan.  We can make or purchase nutrient-dense meals and ready our space for rest.  We can seek to have support as much as possible.  However, some things may truly be out of YOUR control.  Maybe you don’t live near family, or you don’t have income to spare to hiring help… Let’s take charge where we can, do the best that we can with what we have, and give grace where we are not in complete control. I loved all of the creativity that Holly shared about preparing for a nutrient-dense postpartum: Having cooking days with your friends, sharing a list of approved recipes or instructions on your meal train, asking for friends and family to pitch in for a box from Restorative Roots as a pregnancy gift instead of some random contraption that your baby will probably outgrow in a week anyway… nourishment and healing after birth are the gifts that keep on giving and impact you for months to come. And finally, Holly ended so beautifully with this: Let’s all practice asking for and accepting help.  Let people help you.  Let them bring you food.  Let them refill your water.  Let them put your groceries in the car for you.  What a beautiful thing it can be both for you as the receiver, but also for the other person– allowing them to truly be helpful and a blessing.   Links: Whole Mother Homebirth | wholemotherhomebirth.mykajabi.com/presale Youtube |  Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

We talk about trusting your instincts a decent amount around here– but what does it look like to LEARN how to lean into those instincts?     This week we’re speaking with Lisa, who found the confidence to trust her instincts during pregnancy, which has changed her trajectory both as a mother as well as an entrepreneur and coach. Lisa Villani is a rebellious doula, sassy sales coach, hip-hop dancer, and mama to her spunky son in Buffalo, NY. She's married to her ride-or-die and believes fiercely in building a life where both parents get to thrive. After an unmedicated, out-of-hospital birth cracked her wide open, Lisa made it her mission to help women rewrite the narrative of motherhood, money, and identity. A survivor in every sense—of divorce, disordered eating, and a medical system that tried to silence her—she now stands as the loudest voice in the room for women ready to own their power, whether they're giving birth or selling their offers. She's also the host of the Loudmouth Lisa podcast—because playing small was never an option.   Episode Roundup: Connection.  We see the theme of connection flowing through Lisa’s story, and I think that we also see connection in the way that Lisa tells her story.  Lisa is so clearly a connector.  One of my favorite parts of this interview was hearing the beauty in Lisa’s connection with her son, Enzo, from the very beginning.  She spent time dancing with him en utero, and she felt this pull their physical connection together.  During the first part of the day as she went into labor, she spent time connecting with him as she labored alone, during her pushing phase, we see her turn inward to reconnect with her baby and to tell him that they were going to work together to push him out now— and they did!  And then immediately postpartum, Lisa spent those six hours that her husband needed to sleep connecting individually with this beautiful little soul that was now on the outside.  As I think of Lisa stepping into this new area of motherhood, where she allows Enzo to go spread his wings through beginning his new co-op, I think of how that connection is what is allowing that little boy the confidence to try new things.  Lisa cut the cord after her birth and traded one connection for another, and she like all of us as mothers, will experience those cord cutting moments again and again.  The connection didn’t end when she cut the cord, but it transformed.  And here she is again with a transforming connection as her little one starts something new.  My goodness, the depth and beauty of growing and changing while maintaining tethered to one another.   And next, I want to emphasize the power of what Lisa is sharing with other mothers, women and mompreneurs through her deep understanding of sales.  She sees that her ability to trust herself and to know and accept the value that she brings to others is what makes herself and the women that she works with successful.  These very same lessons that she has learned through motherhood: To listen to her instincts, to be the vibrant, bold mother and woman that she was designed to be.  That is her gift to her family, and that is her gift to the world and those whom her work touches.  Links: Whole Mother Homebirth | wholemotherhomebirth.mykajabi.com/presale Interview Application | interviewwithkatelyn.my.canva.site/direct-to-landing-page Youtube | https://youtu.be/vOX6ZwIKrB0?si=89yOWGXndtEa5yVe Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

If you had an arduous labor due to your baby’s positioning once, it’s sure to happen similarly if your next baby takes the same position, right?   Ashley Atwood and her husband Sam have 3 active and lively boys. They are a homeschooling family and love adventure and being outdoors. Ashley is a self described birth nerd and loves educating herself about all things birth and pregnancy and discussing all they entail. She feels that education about birth and pregnancy is so important to the birthing experience. Her hope is for all women to take the initiative to learn because birth matters! If it’s in the cards, she would love to become a midwife or doula one day when her children are grown.   Episode Roundup: Ashley’s second birth unfolded in a way that seemed completely different from her first baby’s birth, despite the two being born posterior.  I think this is such a helpful reminder to those of you who have had a birth experience that was difficult- and you’re worried about it happening exactly the same way the next time.  Remember, this birth is not your last birth.  This is a different birth and can be a different experience.   For those of us who may fall into the labor denier category, it’s important to remember that someone on the outside may be able to see what’s happening more clearly than we can, and I’ll add this is especially true with second, third and beyond births when both spouses have been through the experience before.  When Ashley was doing laundry and dropping to the floor for contractions, it clued Sam in that she was a good bit further along in labor than she realized.  Thankfully he was able to reach out to the team and loop them in on what was happening! And now, I want to end with a section of Ashley’s own words from her application.  This was so touching, and I feel like it needs to be heard by so many: “And with my third, it was like he was lavishing on his grace- giving me what I absolutely don’t deserve, but did it anyway! It was like he one upped Himself to show me His goodness. He knows me intimately and knows how much birth means to me and how I deeply value it and am in awe of it, and he gave me all my births as a gift, and I am so thankful. He could have made babies come any way He wanted, but He chose to use us, women to bring forth life in a truly miraculous way. I struggle to understand His love and grace and also struggle to believe it about myself and my births have helped me to experience more of His love and to just be in awe of Him that He loves us because He loves us- he chooses to and that’s it. It has nothing to do with what I have done, but all of what He’s done for me. And what a reminder that is of His ultimate love poured out for me on the cross.”   Links: Whole Mother Homebirth | wholemotherhomebirth.mykajabi.com/presale Interview Application | interviewwithkatelyn.my.canva.site/direct-to-landing-page Youtube | https://youtu.be/aeSddUAUrEA Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

Vaginal births after cesarean- are they really safe?  And what about vbacs at home, or outside of the hospital?   This week we’re speaking with Meagan Heaton, Host and founder of The VBAC Link. Meagan co-founded the VBAC Link in 2018. Although she always felt called to the baby world, she really found her love for birth in 2014 after her second C-Section. Through these two birth experiences, her love and passion grew around VBAC. She wanted to help people feel supported and loved. She had two C-sections and then went on to have a VBA2C, and has now supported over 300 families through their birthing journeys as a doula. Her drive is to help women like herself feel educated, supported, and empowered during their birthing time.   Meagan is so incredible- we’re going to hear her birth stories along with all of the wisdom she has to share for mothers who are seeking to have a vaginal birth after cesarean.     Episode Roundup:     As we head into this week’s episode roundup, here are a few little thoughts I’m having: Partner support is so crucial.  Meagan shares about this on her own platform, and she’s got the story to prove just how important this piece is.  While Meagan had gained a good amount of education between her first and second birth, her husband was still of the mindset that the doctors truly were the experts, and he trusted what they said.  However, when she was able to work with him more on the subjects in their third pregnancy, he was willing to support Meagan in her desire to give birth outside of the hospital- even if he didn’t fully understand it himself.  Now, he’s a believer, just like so many other homebirth dads! Next, I love how Meagan mentioned the importance of vetting your care provider, both inside and outside of the hospital.  Sometimes we fall into the mental trap that  “homebirth midwife equals perfect care provider for me” and honestly, that’s just not the case.  There are lots of midwives in my area, and many of them practice quite differently from one another.  In fact, many of them are unwilling to take on VBAC clients.  Seeking a care provider who knows your story and feels confident working with you- and gives you peace– wow, that’s critical in terms of having a successful VBAC. And finally- I want to leave you with this reminder: It can be different this time.  It can be different than before.  Maybe you’ve had one, two, three other experiences that all ended in a cesarean– or that whatever happened, ended in a way that felt disempowering to you.  I want you to remember that this birth is different, the outcome can be different, and no matter what, your perspective can always be different. Change is possible!    Links: Whole Mother Homebirth | wholemotherhomebirth.mykajabi.com/presale Interview Application | interviewwithkatelyn.my.canva.site/direct-to-landing-page Youtube | https://youtu.be/mSvLScNwm2E Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)  

Is it possible to hold space for both joy and grief simultaneously?    This week we’re speaking with Ivana Burbage.  Ivana is a mom, wife and photographer from San Diego but now lives in Hawaii with her husband Justin. She loves being creative, surfing,  spending time in the ocean and since having her babies is passionate about birth and motherhood.    And as Ivana’s story unfolds, you will certainly notice the mingling of both joy and pain throughout and between her two pregnancy and birthing experiences.  And isn’t this such a picture of the reality of our lives?  We don’t always have perfectly separated, segmented experiences of extreme elation or depthy grief– often times our lives unfold in a way where both must share space and coexist.  I am so grateful to Ivana and her family for sharing this reality, both the pain and the beauty.   Episode Roundup:   Ivana’s first pregnancy began by greeting new life while also saying goodbye to one of the most important figures of her life.  This tension is overwhelming, and the grief of this was so heavy.  What I am so happy to hear is the way that Ivana’s community surrounded her.  Her husband, Justin, who is familiar with loss himself along with Ivana’s midwife, who stepped in as a support figure both made sure that she was processing her grief in a meaningful way, not allowing the pain to take her as a fearful captive.  It is so clear that this made a massive impact in how Ivana was able to experience the rest of her pregnancy, along with her beautiful first birth.  When grief struck her family again during her sister’s birth, the same support system came alongside to offer the care that was so desperately needed. What a picture of what it means to live in community and to receive the comfort and love that is so desperately needed in times of such deep pain. Next, keep in mind that each birthing experience is its own– it’s easy to assume that our births will follow a specific pattern or that they will look and feel similarly to a previous experience, but as Ivana mentioned in this episode.  Her first birth and her second birth began quite differently, which did add to the experience of labor denial!  Ivana thought that her second birth would involve losing her mucous plug over the course of several days and having her water break just like it did with her first, but this second birth followed its own pattern and blueprint!  The beauty is that Ivana was able to very comfortably flow with the birth that presented itself, which allowed her to absorb every little moment of her rather short labor. Finally, I want to end with a name.  Te’a.  God’s promise.  We aren’t promised that everything in life will go exactly how we want it to, and this is so clear throughout the stories that Ivana shared today, but there’s one thing that Ivana stands firm on– we are promised that God will be there.  That He will show up with and for us, and we will not walk any of it alone.  Sweet baby Te’a, a rainbow baby after a tumultuous storm.  What a gift.   Links: Whole Mother Homebirth | wholemotherhomebirth.mykajabi.com/presale Interview Application | interviewwithkatelyn.my.canva.site/direct-to-landing-page Youtube | https://youtu.be/4TR1W5_VM2o Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)    

Does an empowering birth change you all at once?  Or does it do so incrementally?  Pulling back layers as time goes on, exposing truths– behaving more like a well-cultivated seed than an instant shift?   Abigail Pyle is wife to her husband Jeff, and a stay-at-home mom of five very energetic and delightful children ages 10-2 years. She is navigating homeschool and parenting on the Central Coast of California with lots of prayers for wisdom, grace and humility! Through her five unique homebirths, she has become very passionate about sharing with women about what a gift birth was meant to me!    Today we’ll get to hear how Abigail’s experiences have unfolded over time, and the beautiful growth that she has undergone.   Episode Roundup: And really harkening back to the question I asked at the beginning of this episode– Abigail shares how her birth experience did not overhaul who she was in one instant.  I’m sure that it did, actually in many ways, but in connection with her perspective, her spiritual life, and beliefs about herself— Abigail’s first birth was a seed planted.  Over time and through very different births, that seed was watered, cultivated, and grown to fruit.  We see this fruition in her most recent birth where, one week after her due date, she is so ready to meet her baby that she has completely relinquished all fear of how her baby will be born.  Back labor again?  Who cares.  She was fearless and ready to surrender to the process of birth. And that leads me to this second point– surrender and submission.  Abigail said something so beautiful that had me thinking about this idea.  The more we are able to surrender to our Creator, the more HE will work and do.  Here we are circling around the concept she brought up about laboring to rest.  We labor, yes, but we MUST rest.  We must submit.  We must surrender so that he can bring about the bounty that he desires to bring about.  If we continually labor whether physically or metaphorically in our own strength, there will be so much less of a harvest.  But the more we submit, the more we trust, the more we open our hands to the experience that HE has for us… the more we get to enjoy his great abundance. And finally, Abigail touched on something that I think is such a tangible reminder: You don’t have to experience the negative birth before you plan for the positive homebirth.  This is your permission slip.  Give it a try, let the Lord bless you however your birth unfolds.  Let the seeds be planted.   Links:  Happy Homebirth Academy | happyhomebirth.thrivecart.com/happy-homebirth-academy-checkout/ Notify for WMHB Pre Sale! | interviewwithkatelyn.my.canva.site/notifypresalelink Youtube | https://youtu.be/ahv7--6Yfms Blueshield | blushield.com/homebirth (use code HOMEBIRTH for 18% off of your order today!) Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)    

What’s the best way to enter birth?  Is it with a completely blank slate- not allowing the stories of others to influence your own experience, or…. Is there benefit to listening to the raw stories of others: the gamut of experiences to know what’s possible?   This week we’re speaking with Dr. Elliot Berlin, who we last spoke to on episode 229 titled Have an Informed Pregnancy with Dr. Elliot Berlin.  For those of you who have not yet heard of this champion of birth education, let me introduce him.  Dr. Berlin is an award-winning prenatal chiropractor, childbirth educator, labor support bodyworker, filmmaker, co-founder of Berlin Wellness Group in Los Angeles, California and the host of the Informed Pregnancy Podcast. Dr. Berlin graduated Summa Cum Laude from Life University of Chiropractic in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Atlanta School of Massage.     Dr. Berlin’s Informed Pregnancy® Project aims to utilize multiple forms of media (podcasts, YouTube series, documentaries, and online workshops) to compile and deliver unbiased information about pregnancy and childbirth to empower new and expectant parents to make informed choices regarding their pregnancy and parenting journey.   Dr. Berlin lives in Los Angeles with his wife, perinatal psychologist Dr. Alyssa Berlin, and their four fantastic kids.   Episode Roundup:   The mainstream birth narrative is so outdated, and the fact that so many people are making fear-based decisions BECAUSE of what they’ve seen in the media is heartbreaking.  To have resources like those that Dr. Berlin has created is such a blessing to so many.  It’s restoring the truth of what birth is, for those who are curious and want to make informed decisions. I love the rawness aspect of the content that Dr. Berlin is creating.  He’s not trying to paint a false picture of birth, not trying to make it scarier than it is, and also not trying to make it more idyllic than it is.  His goal is to give an honest view of how this process unfolds, and the many different ways that that can look and feel. Finally, I want to share with you a very special opportunity that Dr. Berlin has provided.  He’s giving a free month of “informed pregnancy plus”, his streaming platform, to our listeners.  There’s a link below in the show notes.  This will expire on October 1st of 2025, so be sure to hop on this opportunity while you have it!   Links:  Notify for WMHB Pre Sale! | interviewwithkatelyn.my.canva.site/notifypresalelink Interview Application | interviewwithkatelyn.my.canva.site/direct-to-landing-page Youtube | https://youtu.be/uSDL1pxrvhw Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order) Previous Interview: https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/episode-229 Link to Informed Pregnancy Plus: informedpregnancy.tv Discount Code: HHB725 for 1 month free on a monthly membership (new users only)

How do you discern the difference between fear mongering and true concern?   Scarlen is a home birth mom from Chattanooga, TN. She is a wife to Manny and together they have 5 boys. After a rough hospital birth with her first, she knew there had to be a different way to birth. When she became pregnant with her second boy, she decided she would birth at home and has not looked back since. Her love for birth and postpartum has led her to create a thriving home birth group in Chattanooga, TN called Chattanooga Home Birth Community. The group includes over 400 home birth advocates who are mothers and birth workers local to Chattanooga. This group has successfully connected mothers (in all stages of pregnancy) to doulas, midwives, and other home birth moms.    Episode Roundup:  The way we are treated in birth MATTERS when it comes to bonding. Scarlen shared how different she felt after giving birth to her first baby compared to her subsequent homebirths.  She felt angry and disconnected because of the way that she had been treated– this interfered with the cascade of hormones of birth, and took away from the euphoric experience that is common after childbirth, especially with an unmedicated birth.  With her homebirths, Scarlen was able to experience the fullness of labor and birth, and to feel present as her babies entered her arms.  She felt the joy and love well up, just as she had always wanted to.  This matters.  Wherever you give birth, it matters how you are treated. Being in a hospital does not excuse providers for being inhuman.  If you were mistreated during your birth, if you feel capable of doing it now, please complain.  Please let these people know that what they are doing is wrong.  This system has to change, and it’s going to take our voices to change it. Next, the BOLDNESS.  WOW!  Scarlen and Manny were not going to be coerced– you can see this with Scarlen in her work situation when she had to fight for her right to avoid an experimental shot, and again when she and Manny asked questions of their care providers that made them uncomfortable during their twin birth.  They were so clearly walking in their faith and were unafraid.  There’s nothing more powerful than living fearlessly, and that’s what I see in Scarlen’s story. And finally, when you are changed, you can’t help but share.  Scarlen’s life was transformed on multiple levels, but her birth experience, especially after her twin birth, gave her a desire to help others.  She is providing fellowship, information, and choices to her local community within the facebook group she’s created, and her desire to create a system where she can help support families who need financial assistance have the birth of their dreams– it truly shows her beautiful heart to serve.   Links:  Samaritan Ministries | samaritanministries.org/happyhomebirth Happy Homebirth Academy | happyhomebirth.thrivecart.com/happy-homebirth-academy-checkout/ Interview Application | interviewwithkatelyn.my.canva.site/direct-to-landing-page Youtube | youtu.be/meiKqqu_OPE Blueshield | blushield.com/homebirth (use code HOMEBIRTH for 18% off of your order today!) Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)  

The pelvic floor: it can be wounded during childbirth– but– could it be healed during the process instead?   Victoria Hedrick is a wife to her wonderful husband Jonathan, and the mother of their almost three year old daughter, Josie. They live on a small piece of land in Virginia that they are slowly turning into a homestead. Victoria enjoys fishing, canoeing, baking sourdough, and all things babies and homebirth. They are expecting their second baby later this year.  Victoria and Jonathan have walked through quite an amazing journey throughout their marriage, particularly in relationship to birth and the physical and emotional healing it provided.  You are going to be in awe with this episode!   Episode Roundup:  The loving way this couple worked together and their positive outlook.  The entrance that Victoria and Jonathan had into marriage was unexpected and highly challenging.  These are the types of situations that can so easily cause discord and animosity between couples.  How easy would it be for either one to take their hurt and pain and twist it into a weapon instead of allowing it to pull each other closer?  Despite the feelings of “why”, despite the darkness, the hurt, the challenge, Victoria and Jonathan continued on as partners working together.  And now, they are reaping the benefits of that choice.  They now get to experience intimacy on so many levels, and they know that they can trust one another to be steadfast love even in hard times. Confession and repentance.  When Victoria told God the truth, it changed everything.  “I want to trust you.  Help me trust you.”  The truth was she didn’t trust Him, and that’s what she was telling him.  God can work with that.  HE led her to repentance– He changed her mind with HIS truth and was able to finally help her open her hands and surrender.  Sometimes we think of confession and repentance as, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” and maybe a few more “I’m sorry’s”.  But that’s not really what confession is.  When a detective is asking a criminal to confess, is he asking for an apology, or is he asking for the truth?  When we confess, we are telling the truth.  And repentance, or the Greek word for repentance, is metanoia.  It also doesn’t simply mean “I’m sorry.” It’s the way you think differently after having had your mind changed.  And who can change your mind best?  In my personal experience, confessing to God and sharing the truth of my heart- even the deepest, deepest darkest corners where my real thoughts hide sometimes even from myself– the ones I wouldn’t want anyone to know– when I can search that out and tell Him the truth, he brings about the repentance.  He shows me the REAL truth of the situation.  He provides me with new perspective, with HIS heart… and boy, when that happens, my mind is truly changed.  Truly healed.  Now I’m not striving to be better, I’m made new with new revelation and understanding, usually about just how deep the Father’s love for us really is.  Now back to Victoria- isn’t it beautiful how we see this play out?  She tells God how she’s feeling, and then wow, low and behold, this new ability to release and surrender comes from… where?  From nowhere?  No, from her good Father who loves her.  I’m linking two of my favorite books that dive into these topics in the show notes if you’d like to dive deeper with this. Links: Samaritan Ministries | samaritanministries.org/happyhomebirth Happy Homebirth Academy | happyhomebirth.thrivecart.com/happy-homebirth-academy-checkout/ Interview Application | interviewwithkatelyn.my.canva.site/facebook-landing-page Youtube | youtu.be/GmPnhTCJx0I Blueshield | blushield.com/homebirth (use code HOMEBIRTH for 18% off of your order today!) Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

The pelvic floor- can you truly heal it and restore function?  Or is there a point where you’re beyond help?   This week we are speaking with Paris Latka. Paris has been involved in the practice of Bowspring since 2016, and this transformative movement system has deeply reshaped both her body and her life. Teaching for the past six years, she shares this work from a place of embodied passion and reverence for its healing power. Bowspring continually amazes Paris with its ability to restore balance, uplift the spirit, and invite joy into our everyday lives. It supports healing from the inside out and opens the door to a more optimistic, radiant way of being in life.   Paris will be sharing more with us about this practice and specifically it’s amazing relationship with the pelvic floor.   Links: Samaritan Ministries | samaritanministries.org/happyhomebirth Happy Homebirth Academy | happyhomebirth.thrivecart.com/happy-homebirth-academy-checkout/ Interview Application | interviewwithkatelyn.my.canva.site/direct-to-landing-page Youtube | youtu.be/fs4u9GsJBM4 Paris’s Course | intelligentmovementlab.com/pelvic-floor-freedom (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH10) Free Bowspring on Youtube | youtube.com/@ParisLatka Click here for my previous interview with Paris | podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-homebirth/id1446934537?i=1000614823851 Blueshield | blushield.com/homebirth (use code HOMEBIRTH for 18% off of your order today!)