42 Instagram vs Real Life: Managing Expectations to Have an Empowered Birthing Experience

What happens when your birth doesn’t look like what you saw on Instagram?In this deeply honest episode, Erica and Britt are pulling back the curtain on curated images and opening up about real, raw, and diverse birth stories that don’t always make the Instagram grid.They dive into the disconnect between Instagram vs real life when it comes to pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, and explore how high expectations—rooted in what we see online—can impact a woman’s empowered birthing experience. Whether you’re preparing for your first birth or supporting others through theirs, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how to reclaim your voice, honor your values, and create an empowered birthing experience—no matter where or how it unfolds.In this episode, you'll hear:Why curated birth stories on social media can set unrealistic expectations—and what to focus on insteadThe complex reality of hospital vs birthing center or home birth care, and how to make the right choice for youHow to recognize the red flags when you're basing your birth plan on Instagram vs real life examplesWhat your birth team really needs to offer you to support an empowered birthing journeyHow personal bias, trauma, and systemic pressures shape provider care—and what to ask when choosing a hospital vs birthing center, or home birthThis conversation is a gentle reminder: empowered birthing is not a performance. It’s a sacred, messy, beautiful transformation. Tune in to explore the truth behind types of birth, learn how to shift your mindset from Instagram vs real life, and get tools to advocate for yourself at every stage.We’d love to hear from you: How have your expectations of birth been shaped by what you’ve seen online—and how are you redefining what an empowered birthing experience looks like for YOU?Come share your story with us over on IG:  https://www.instagram.com/wombwomenpodcast/RESOURCES:Episode 5: Opening Up to Home BirthEpisode 6: Conversations on HomebirthEpisode 28: The Power of Surrender: Lessons from Britt’s Birth StoryCONNECT WITH BRITT:Website: www.brittanyestrada.comInstagram: @thebrittestradaCONNECT WITH ERICA:Website: www.couleehealth.comInstagram: @themovementmidwife*The information shared here is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.*