Healing Birth

Julia was planning to give birth at a birth center throughout her pregnancy, but at 37 weeks, she learned that it was closing its doors. With little time to make a new plan, she and her husband chose to transfer their care to a home birth midwife, a decision that would profoundly shape the way their son's birth unfolded. During labor, Julia experienced an unusual contraction pattern, with contractions coming close together and then unexpectedly spacing back out. In a hospital setting, this pattern may have been interpreted as labor failing to progress and prompted intervention. Instead, Julia was given the time and space to labor patiently, eventually welcoming her son at home after nearly three hours of pushing. After he was born, they discovered that he had an exceptionally short umbilical cord, offering a remarkable explanation for the unusual rhythm of her labor. Julia's story is a beautiful reminder of the inherent wisdom of the birth process: that what appears to be "wrong" or dysfunctional from the outside may sometimes be the body adapting to the unique circumstances of a particular mother and baby. Her experience invites us to wonder what birth may be accomplishing when it is given the time and space to unfold in its own way. 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

After spending years supporting families as a doula, Nina Spears had witnessed birth in hospitals, birth centers, and homes. So when it came time to welcome her own babies into the world, she made a choice that surprised many: she chose to give birth at home. In this episode, Nina shares her own birth story, why home birth felt like the right path after years of witnessing birth in so many different settings, and what becoming a mother taught her that no amount of professional experience could. Our conversation then turns to the transition into motherhood. Drawing from decades of experience as a doula, childbirth educator, founder of The Baby Chick, and now author, Nina reflects on a pattern she's seen again and again: women often spend months preparing for labor, yet many still enter postpartum feeling emotionally overwhelmed and underprepared. We discuss: • What mothers commonly wish they had prioritized before birth and postpartum • The hidden mental load that often begins during pregnancy • How to choose a provider and birth setting that aligns with your values • Practical ways to prepare emotionally for the postpartum season Whether you're expecting your first baby or welcoming another, this conversation offers both a deeply personal birth story and practical wisdom for preparing not just for birth, but for the life-changing transition into motherhood. Nina also shares insights from her new book, The Baby Chick Guide to Positive Pregnancy , a resource designed to help women feel informed, confident, and emotionally supported throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Find Nina @thebabychick and www.baby-chick.com If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts ! Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

When Elena decided on a homebirth at 37 weeks pregnant with her first baby, many people questioned her choice. Then, when her waters broke and the fluid was stained with meconium, it seemed to confirm everyone's fears. But Elena trusted herself. Despite advice to head to the hospital, she chose to remain at home with her birth team. Her baby was posterior, then became caught with a hand beside her face, leading Elena to spend labor doing squats on the stairs to help her baby find the best position to be born. Surrounded by positive birth affirmations, squeezing a comb through each contraction, and supported by her husband, midwife, and even her mom quietly documenting the journey from the hallway, Elena welcomed her 8 pound, 13 ounce daughter into the world at home. The story didn't end there. After the birth, the umbilical cord tore, resulting in a trip to the hospital and a brief NICU stay that brought moments of fear and uncertainty. Now, 18 months later, Elena reflects on a birth that wasn't pain-free or perfect, but was deeply empowering. She believes that preparing thoroughly, advocating for herself, and trusting her instincts made all the difference. 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Terra was the kind of kid who was terrified of hospitals and doctors. As a young woman, she never wanted to have children because of it. But when she learned about the option to homebirth, it immediately resonated with her, and her fears began to subside. What followed was an unexpectedly long journey to conception. During that time, Terra immersed herself in birth podcasts, and through hearing other women's stories, she gained greater clarity about the birth she wanted. Eventually, she decided she would freebirth. Terra welcomed her first baby at home with her husband and in-laws by her side. She says it was especially meaningful to have her mother-in-law witness the experience, having experienced only highly medicalized birth herself. Watching her grandchild enter the world in a peaceful, undisturbed setting became more than the birth of a new baby - It was an opportunity to rewrite a family's birth story. In that room, healing didn't happen in just one generation; it rippled across several. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts ! Follow us on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard

While on a fertility journey to conceive her second child, Olivia discovered an unexpected spiritual gift: the ability to connect with and communicate with the souls of babies and children who are still in spirit, often referred to as "spirit babies." In this episode, Olivia shares her journey of discovering this ability and offers a unique spiritual perspective on conception, pregnancy, motherhood, infertility, miscarriage, and loss. We discuss: • How Olivia discovered her connection with spirit babies during her own fertility journey • What messages often come through for women longing to conceive or those who have experienced pregnancy loss • The concept of spirit babies and whether all parents have children waiting to come through • How to connect with your intuition and your baby before conception • A spiritual perspective on miscarriage, infertility, and the challenges many women face on their path to motherhood • Autism and neurodivergence through a spiritual lens Whether you are trying to conceive, navigating infertility, healing from pregnancy loss, or simply curious about the spiritual side of conception and motherhood, this conversation invites a deeper exploration of the unseen connection between parents and the children they are meant to welcome. Listen to Olivia's first appearance on this podcast, where she shares her beautiful birth journey, here. Click Here to receive a free monthly Letter of Love from your Spirit Babies Email Olivia: info@oliviaroff.co.uk 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Courtney was a fit, 25-year-old fitness coach when she walked into the hospital to deliver her first baby. She hoped for a natural birth, but instead experienced a classic cascade of interventions and medical gaslighting, leaving the experience with trauma she never expected. Sharing her story with others has helped Courtney find healing. She also holds hope for a redemptive, different birth experience in a future pregnancy. 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Madelyn's first son's birth came with an induction, a NICU stay, and a feeding journey she never expected. Although she wasn't ready for another baby right away, she carried with her a desire for a more healing birth experience. Four years later, she welcomed her second baby in a completely different way: a peaceful homebirth surrounded by love, trust, and support. With the guidance of a trusted midwife, the presence of her husband, her two best friends, and her hypnobirth doula, she experienced a birth that was truly on her terms. In this episode, she shares her journey from a difficult first birth to a transformative second birth, and how creating a supportive birth team and trusting her intuition allowed her to experience the healing birth she had hoped for. 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Carley prayed for an uneventful, redemptive birth experience after her first hospital birth left her with mixed emotions. For her second baby, she switched to a midwife-run birth center, and describes the difference in care as night and day. But her child wasn't born at the birth center as planned. This baby had other plans, surprising Carley in the most joyous way with an "eventful yet uneventful" birth experience she never expected. 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

In honor of Father's Day today, I am rebroadcasting one of my favorite interviews I've ever done, first aired in 2024, and one of the only times I've had a father on the show to share his experience of what it was like to support his birthing partner. Couple Marion and Banks together share the sweet, intimate conception and homebirth story of their daughter. Banks was Marion's sole support person during the birth and shares what it was like to witness, hold space, and play a vital role in this transformative experience. I got to ask Banks some of the questions I've always wanted to hear from a conscious, intentional father about birth. Among other things, he shares: • How witnessing his partner birth their baby at home, sovereignly, helped heal generational birth trauma from his family of origin • How this birth experience transformed their relationship • What he would say to other fathers who carry fear around childbirth This is a wonderful story to share with the men in your life! 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 Intro / outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Emmy's first birth experience ended in a way no one imagines: an "emergency" cesarean under general anesthesia. Her son was welcomed into life by strangers rather than into the loving arms of his mother and father, a source of pain that stayed with her for a long time. Determined to have a different experience with future pregnancies, Emmy began exploring her options and learning more about physiological birth. Her journey ultimately led her to have two subsequent home births: one attended by a midwife and another supported by her sister. Through these experiences, she discovered the healing power of informed decision-making, trusting her instincts, and creating the birth environment she desired. A pivotal part of Emmy's healing journey was finding Birth Story Medicine , a counseling process that helps mothers process their birth experiences. Find Emmy on Instagram @emmy_kissinger 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Megan shares the beautiful story of her first child's birth—a "private birth" with only her husband and their happily snoring dog present in their home. Although it was one of the most physically intense experiences of her life, Megan was left in awe of how clear and calm she remained throughout the process, especially as someone with a history of anxiety. We wrap up the conversation with a vulnerable discussion about the nitty-gritty physical surprises of postpartum recovery, and why it's all part of the process and will heal with time. Be sure to check out our Instagram page this week for a screenshot of Megan's detailed birth support checklist for her husband, which she partly credits for the ease of her experience. You'll also find a precious childhood photo of Megan, a reminder that she was always meant to be a mother. Megan wanted to share the Innate Traditions postpartum care practitioner directory, where she found her truly life changing support for the few weeks following the birth of her son. The woman she hired brought her nourishing food, herbs, offered bodywork, and ceremony to honor and hold her in such a sacred time. This amazing woman took care of her, so Megan could take care of her baby. She believes every woman deserves this type of care. Find practitioners from all over the world in the link below: https://postpartum-care-directory.innatetraditions.com/ If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts ! Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

At just seventeen years old, Lexi found herself pregnant and facing pressure from her doctor to terminate her pregnancy after her baby was diagnosed with Spina Bifida. She was told her son would never live a normal life, but despite the fear and uncertainty, Lexi chose to continue her pregnancy and gave birth via cesarean section. Today, her son is fourteen years old, healthy, and thriving. Two years later, Lexi became pregnant again, but her second pregnancy ended in tragedy. Throughout her prenatal care, she repeatedly voiced concerns that something was wrong, yet her symptoms were dismissed by providers. Her baby was ultimately stillborn due to severe undiagnosed IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction). After these two birth experiences, Lexi lost trust in the mainstream maternity care system and turned to midwifery care for her future pregnancies. In this episode, she shares her journey through pregnancy after loss, cesarean birth, stillbirth, VBAC after two cesareans (VBA2C), and ultimately achieving a healing home birth with a 10-pound baby! 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Jes shares the brutal, raw, and ultimately hopeful story of experiencing two premature births and navigating the NICU with both of her babies. Her first baby was born at 27 weeks, and her second at 30 weeks, leading to two deeply emotional NICU journeys that changed her forever. She opens up about birth trauma, motherhood after premature birth, and what it's really like to parent preemie babies through long NICU stays. Jes shares her story to inspire other mothers, and, most of all, so another NICU mom listening can feel a little less alone. You can find the book Jes wrote about her experience here: NICU Mamahood: The Musings of a NICU Mama Find Jes on Facebook 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

When Samantha became pregnant with her first baby, she was already working as a doula and felt more familiar with birth than most first-time mothers. She planned a home birth with a midwife, but after a long labor she transferred to the hospital. There, her experience was deeply impacted by a nurse who yelled at her during the pushing phase. Although her baby was born healthy, Samantha struggled with severe postpartum anxiety after the birth. For her second pregnancy, Samantha chose a new midwife and planned another home birth. Once again, she transferred to the hospital near the end of labor, but this time the experience was completely different because she was the one making the decisions. At the hospital, Samantha began having panic attacks during contractions and ultimately decided she wanted a cesarean birth. Even though there was no medical emergency, the staff respected her wishes and supported her choice. In this episode, Samantha shares how an empowered hospital transfer and maternal autonomy turned her second birth, and cesarean experience, into something deeply healing and unexpectedly beautiful. Find Samantha on Instagram @Samantha_yeaton_ Samantha's Website 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Liz is a death doula, medium, and spiritual guide. She is also a mother who has walked intimately with grief. On her first appearance on this podcast, she shared the heartbreaking and beautiful story of her daughter's pregnancy and stillbirth, which you can listen to here . Even while still grieving her loss, Liz felt the presence of another baby who wanted to come through. And as soon as she and her partner said yes, she became pregnant again. The pregnancy was magical and regenerative for her, though not completely without fear. But deep down, Liz felt peace. Her baby, Luzy, was born at home after a marathon six-day labor that culminated in orgasmic bliss. But Liz's postpartum joy was interrupted by grief once again when, just ten days after the birth, her partner was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed shortly thereafter — an experience she doula'd him through. Liz's story is one of grief, joy, embodiment, and spiritual integration. And of learning to remain open to life even in the wake of profound loss. Liz's Website Find Liz on Substack Liz on Instagram Liz on Facebook Liz on YouTube 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

This is part two of Kirsten's story. If you haven't already heard part one, check it out here . By the time Kirsten became pregnant with her second baby, her family had followed a dream and moved off grid to a tiny cabin in the Maine wilderness. Living without running water and facing a long, solitary drive up a mountain to reach their home, Kirsten felt fortunate to find a midwife willing to work with her under those circumstances. But each time she had a scheduled prenatal appointment, she found herself not wanting to go. Eventually, she made peace with the fact that she did not really want a midwife this time and began considering a more intuitive, independent birth experience. She spent her pregnancy immersed in nature and busy chasing her toddler, embracing the rhythms of off-grid living. Then one night, as the season shifted into spring and the whippoorwills sang, Kirsten welcomed her baby in a peaceful, easeful freebirth at home, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness. 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

When Kirsten became pregnant with her first baby, she and her partner knew they wanted a home birth. She hired a team of midwives to support her care, but her plans hit a bump when an ultrasound suggested her baby was too small. Deep down, Kirsten felt confident her baby was fine, and, after multiple follow-up scans, her baby's growth was shown to be on track. Kirsten went on to deliver at home as planned, surrounded by her midwives, her best friend, and her husband. But the immediate postpartum period was handled in a way that left her unable to speak about the experience for a long time. This is only part one of Kirsten's story. Tune in next week for part two! 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Jackie entered her pregnancy with an unquestioning faith that the medical system knew best how to manage her care, and ensure the safe delivery of her baby. During prenatal discussions with her doctor, she made it clear from the start, before she had ever felt a single contraction, that she wanted an epidural. When labor began, she opted for the epidural as soon as she was able, but experienced a debilitating, full-body allergic reaction to the medication. Her baby was born healthy, but the experience left her feeling that she had not been given full informed consent. The effects of the reaction lingered, and her healing extended well into the postpartum period. 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

Shiloa returns to the podcast to share the story of her fifth baby's birth, a deeply intimate homebirth with only her husband by her side. What started as a joke early in pregnancy—"maybe I just won't call the midwife"—quietly revealed itself as truth. She was craving something raw, primal, and entirely her own: the experience of bringing her baby into the world held only by love, trust, and instinct. Shiloa says that this unassisted birth experience healed something within her she didn't realize needed healing. Listen to Shiloa's incredible first appearance on this podcast here . If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

After leaving an unhealthy relationship, Theresa made a solemn vow to herself: she would never again say yes when her intuition told her no, or no when it told her yes. So when she became pregnant with her first baby, she knew the conventional, conveyor-belt obstetric path wasn't for her. Instead, she sought out bodywork, worked with a naturopath, and developed a deep relationship with her body and her baby. The plan was to freebirth at home. But when labor began and she noticed thick meconium, she immediately knew the right thing to do was to face her biggest fear and transfer. Her twins (!) were born safely via cesarean section, but she experienced abusive treatment from medical staff that left her with lasting trauma. Recorded just about one year postpartum, Theresa is still moving through the healing portal. She shares beautiful reflections on trusting yourself, the nuances of engaging with the medical system, and reclaiming sovereignty. 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 Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto