Reclaiming Birth: Laurel Phillips on the Sacred Power of Midwifery - Supporting Community Birth Centers

In this episode of Regenerative Mindset, I have a conversation with Laurel Phillips, licensed midwife, director of the Santa Barbara Birth Center, and owner of Santa Barbara Midwifery. With decades of experience in maternal healthcare, Laurel has been a steadfast advocate for midwifery-led births, ensuring that families have access to safe, holistic, and embodied birth experiences.Laurel shares her journey from an early fascination with childbirth to becoming a leader in the field, assisting at hundreds of births and training through the National Midwifery Institute. We explore the crucial role of birth centers in transforming maternal care, the systemic barriers that continue to sideline traditional birthing practices, and the remarkable health benefits of midwifery-led care, including dramatically lower C-section rates and improved postpartum support.She also speaks to the philosophy that guides her work: birth is a sacred and natural process that deserves care rooted in trust, dignity, and community support. Whether you're expecting a child, passionate about healthcare reform, or simply curious about how birth practices shape our world, this conversation is for you.Join me for this inspiring discussion about the wisdom of midwifery and why rethinking maternal care is more urgent than ever.You can stay up to date with the Santa Barbara Birth Center on their website and their Instagram.To learn more about midwifery check out the resources below.Instagram: Bad Ass Mother Birther, Gina & Roxanne, Expecting & Empowered.Podcasts: On Health, Evidence Based Birth.Website: Evidence Based Birth.Books: Ina May's Guide To Childbirth, Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal NutritionFor more information on the podcast, upcoming events, projects, and more go to our website www.stacypulice.comYou can follow us on Instagram @stacypulice