160: What Happens When Your Birth Doesn't Go According to Plan? with Toni Curtis

In this episode I sit down with maternal and women’s health practitioner Toni Curtis for an honest conversation about birth, postpartum recovery, maternal advocacy, and letting go of the idea that there is one “right” way to give birth.Toni shares her own traumatic first birth experience, when her concerns and requests were ignored and she suffered a hemorrhage that nearly took her life. That experience led her to dedicate nearly 30 years to helping other women have more support, information, and agency throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.We discuss why so many women feel like they have “failed” when their birth doesn't go according to plan, what moms really need to know before entering the delivery room, and how to speak up when you feel like you're not being heard.They also get into the realities of postpartum recovery that many women aren't prepared for, navigating expectations around breastfeeding, and why your birth story—no matter how it unfolds—does not determine your worth as a mother.In This Episode, We Discuss: Toni's traumatic first birth and how it shaped her life's work  Why no birth experience makes you a failure  The pressure and expectations surrounding birth plans  What every pregnant woman should know before going into labor  How to advocate for yourself when you feel unheard  What to do when you disagree with your medical team  Why postpartum recovery deserves more preparation and attention  The realities of breastfeeding and letting go of shame  How Toni's maternal health model is improving outcomes for moms  The most important message Toni wants every pregnant mom to hear Connect with Toni Curtis:https://birthwisedoulas.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/BirthWiseDoulashttps://www.youtube.com/@birthwisedoulashttps://www.instagram.com/birthwisedoulas_/📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-KYou can find Katie at:website: burntpancakes.comYouTube: @burnt.pancakesInstagram: @burntpancakeswithkatieEmail: [email protected]🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE📖  Potty Training E-Book HERE🆓  FREE potty training resources HEREInstagram: @itspottytimeTiktok: @itspottytime_Some episodes include affiliate links at no cost to you.