A Sit Down with Birth Doula Sam Chapman

Welcome back to another episode of Chatty Doulas! In today’s episode, we sit down with Sam Chapman, a birth and postpartum doula, placenta encapsulator, and the founder of Baby Lotus Doulas LLC. Sam brings an incredibly unique, well-rounded perspective to the birth world. Having worked for years as a medical assistant in a major Denver OBGYN hospital department, she understands the inner workings of the clinical system—but she also knows exactly where the gaps lie when it comes to emotional and mental parental support. In this raw and deeply vulnerable conversation, we dive into: The Clinical vs. Holistic Perspective: How Sam uses her medical assistant background to act as an "interpreter" for families navigating complex medical terminology and hospital systems. Deconstructing the C-Section Shame Cycle: Sam shares her personal experiences navigating both a "picture-perfect" teen vaginal birth and an emergency cesarean 11 years later. We have an honest, necessary conversation about whether the birth community unintentionally contributes to a stigma around cesareans, and how to normalize pivots during labor. Trauma-Informed Care: Practical strategies for supporting clients carrying past birth or sexual trauma, including mental preparation, handling disassociation, and setting boundaries on "game day." The Postpartum Reality Check: A transparent look at postpartum depression, identity shifts (from a teen mom to a stay-at-home mom of three during COVID), and the critical importance of setting up operational support like meal trains and partner communication before you are "100 feet under." Whether you are an expecting parent, a fellow birth worker, or just looking for real, unfiltered stories about the strength of the birthing body and mind, this episode is packed with invaluable insight. Connect with Sam: Website: www.babylotusdoulas.com Instagram/Socials: @samchapman2019