Zelie's Birth Story: Peaceful Unmedicated Hospital Birth (Yes, It’s Possible!) (w/ Alison Smith) | Ep. 66

✨ Download The FREE Speedy Birth Blueprint Here🕊  The DIY Doula Guide For Catholic Moms🕊  Join The Holy Confident Birth CourseInside you will find:- Instant access to 10+ hours of video lessons- 150+ Page E-Book packed with practical resources to help you through pregnancy & birth - Taught with a uniquely Catholic perspective on the birth process, and a holistic approach while including evidence-based and medically accurate information. - Lessons from other birth professionals including a functional nutritionist, a webster certified chiropractor, and a midwife- *NEW* A live monthly Q+A with Eve to address your personal questions!!- *NEW* Access to a private facebook community of other Catholic women preparing for God-centered, natural births✨ Download The Free Labor Positions Guide HereToday I am so excited to welcome Alison—who supports Holy Confident Birth behind the scenes—to share the birth story of her daughter, Zelie. Alison started working as the assistant for Holy Confident Birth after first taking The Holy Confident Birth Course during her pregnancy!Alison describes conceiving after about 10 cycles, learning she was pregnant during a chaotic move and job transition, and navigating a physically difficult pregnancy. She explains switching from an understaffed OB practice where she felt like a number to a small community hospital team that offered respectful, low-intervention care, plus hiring a Christian doula. Alison recounts a long labor beginning near her due date, laboring at home, arriving at the hospital at 6 cm, using a calm birth environment with intermittent monitoring, trying nitrous, choosing to break her water, pushing for a long time, and delivering Zelie on December 30 with her husband catching the baby. She shares having a borderline third-degree tear, using pitocin for placenta delivery, and reflecting on faith, control, and trusting God.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:19 Allison Background Story02:50 Finding the Birth Course03:36 Conception and Early Pregnancy07:17 Provider Switch and Doula12:36 Birth Mindset and Fears17:59 Green Flags in Prenatal Care24:54 Labor Begins at Home30:01 Arriving at the Hospital32:46 Staying Calm in Labor33:47 Protecting Birth Space35:03 Back Into Labor Flow36:05 Snacks And Stamina38:16 Breaking The Waters41:32 Pushing And Positions43:24 Meeting Baby Zoe46:46 Birth Plan Green Flags49:50 What Birth Surprised Her52:22 Faith And Letting Go59:36 Advice For Fearful Moms01:02:09 Why Doulas Matter01:04:49 Gratitude And Wrap UpMedical Advice Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for care from your physician, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider. I recommend consulting your provider regarding your specific medical situation and before making decisions about your care.