In this episode we interview Rebecca Cohen, a seasoned birth worker with over 30 years of experience. Rebecca shares her journey from becoming a direct entry midwife to attending medical school and specializing in family medicine and obstetrics and coming back full circle to sovereign Midwifery. She also recounts her personal experiences with five births, including hospital transfers and postpartum struggles. Through her story, Rebecca emphasizes the importance of postpartum care, building a supportive community, and the incredible resilience of women's bodies. The episode delves into the complexities of birth, including the controversies around water births and the significant role of emotional, spiritual, and energetic healing in the birthing process. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:08 Rebecca's Journey into Birth Work 02:14 Midwifery Training and Challenges 04:21 Medical School and Career Decisions 06:25 Reflections on Medical Training 07:11 The Shift to Physiologic Birth 13:58 The Rise of Free Birth and Medicalization 20:05 Licensure and Its Implications 28:07 Rebecca's First Pregnancy and Birth Experience 43:00 Navigating Postpartum Challenges 44:02 Balancing Residency and Motherhood 45:30 Breastfeeding Struggles and Seeking Support 47:51 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Early Motherhood 49:11 Returning to Work and Juggling Responsibilities 52:34 Reflecting on Birth Experiences and Choices 53:35 Unassisted and Home Birth Stories 01:02:31 The Role of Support and Midwifery 01:11:17 Water Birth Controversy and Personal Insights 01:17:00 Postpartum Reflections and Comparisons 01:17:43 Ignoring Postpartum Care: A Personal Journey 01:19:47 Physical Consequences of Neglecting Postpartum Health 01:21:45 Emotional and Relational Impact 01:24:38 Energetic and Spiritual Healing 01:29:36 Fifth Birth Story: A High-Risk Experience 01:45:29 Postpartum Recovery and Blood Loss 01:49:52 Final Thoughts and Advice for MothersEPISODE LINKS REBECCA. Instagram  Website CONNECT WITH SARAH. Website Instagram Resources Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book CONNECT WITH BRITTANY. Instagram Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant SUPPORT THE PODCAST. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Follow on Spotify Leave a Review! DISCLAIMER. The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.