Ep 41: Birth Story - Birthing in Community with Tia DeShazor

I had the pleasure of working with Tia during her pregnancy as her "space-holder," resource-connector, co-strategist, and emotional healing guide. I've been excited to share our follow-up conversation because Tia's story is such a powerful example of what's possible when pregnancy and birth are supported by community—family, friends, and professionals who are equally competent as they are caring.    It's a model that doesn't simply center the pregnant / birthing person, but also makes them the director of their experience, and at the same time, allows them to feel safe enough, held enough so that they can surrender to the process.    The magic that unfolded in Tia's birth is typically reserved for fantasies. But it was real and it came after a fair amount of self-advocacy and intentionality.    I also want to acknowledge that when you've gone through a loss or fertility challenges, it may feel safer to go with the hospital care we've learned to accept as the norm. But if you've been finding that unsatisfactory, I hope Tia's story will spark ideas for the alternatives you have access to regardless of who you choose to be on your birthing team and where you choose to birth.   ------   Tia and I discuss: - Challenges she experienced receiving care within the hospital model - The ways she advocated for herself amidst push-back - Choosing a midwife and homebirth - Feeling supported by "prayers, friends, and angels" as she welcomed her baby earth-side   Links & Resources We Reference: - Bronx (Re)Birth & Progress: www.instagram.com/bxrebirthcollective  - Midwife Nubia-Earth Martin: https://birthfromtheearth.vpweb.com/  - Birth Doula, Jazzmin Brown: https://www.instagram.com/birthingfarah/  Tia's Bio: Tia DeShazor works in the performing arts as an actor, writer of musicals, and career coach for artists. She's also the co-founder of BOLD, an organization for Black Women in the Performing Arts. Originally from Detroit, she currently lives in Harlem with her husband CK Edwards and baby Lexington. Learn more about her at tiadeshazor.com.   —   And if you'd like support in your emotional healing, here are ways I can help: 1. Get on the Birth Warrior Mailing List to receive inspiration and resources for your emotional healing. You'll also be the first to learn about upcoming workshops and Healing Circles. AND you get two bonus gifts lovingly created by me when you sign up!  https://www.subscribepage.com/k8l9d0   2. Work 1:1 with me for your emotional healing or to gently guide you through a conception to childbirth plan for your next pregnancy. Pregnancy after loss or infertility is tough, and you do not have to feel overwhelmed or alone. You've been through enough, warrior! And you are so much stronger with the right support! Book a complimentary strategy call with me to help you get clarity for the next phase of your journey: https://calendly.com/nataleefacey/20min   3. Learn More About "Rebirth," my group course kicking off again later this year. This will support you in diving even deeper into your healing and giving birth to a more powerful you. Learn more about Rebirth Here: https://www.nataleefacey.com/rebirth. And let's chat to see if the program is a good fit for you: https://calendly.com/nataleefacey/rebirth-discovery LEARN MORE >> Learn more about who I am and why I love to do this work at nataleefacey.com  SAY HELLO >> On Instagram: @thebirthwarriors  >> Via Email: [email protected]