Birthing Bravely: A Pregnancy Podcast for Natural Birth

Have you ever wondered if an induction can still lead to a positive, empowering birth experience?In this episode, I’m chatting with Danielle, a postpartum doula and mama who has experienced both an epidural and an unmedicated induction. She shares her journey of learning from her first birth, planning differently for her second, and the powerful role postpartum preparation played in her healing.In this episode, we will cover:Why Danielle regrets getting an epidural with her first birth.How planning for postpartum made all the difference the second time around.The importance of postpartum support and how a postpartum doula can help…… and a whole lot more!If you’re ready to learn from real birth experiences and set yourself up for a smooth postpartum journey, then this episode is for you!📌 Resources & Links:✨ Connect with Danielle on Instagram: @abridgetomotherhood✨ Download the New Mom's Survival Guide: Preparing for a Newborn: abridgetomotherhood.com/newmom✨ Listen to A Bridge to Motherhood Podcast for more postpartum prep tips!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to plan a hospital birth after experiencing a home birth? In this episode, Ann shares her unique journey of navigating birth choices, adapting to unexpected turns, and still having an empowered, positive birth experience.We’re covering: ✨ Why Ann chose a hospital birth after a home birth—and how insurance played a role. ✨ How a chiropractic adjustment and reflexology helped regulate contractions. ✨ What it’s like when your water breaks before labor (PROM) and how she managed it. ✨ The wild moment she arrived at the hospital—just 18 minutes before her baby was born!If you love fast birth stories and hearing about the power of trusting your body, this episode is for you!📌 Resources & Links: 💛 Want more birth stories? Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! 💛 Share this episode with a mama who needs some birth inspiration!💛 Follow Ann on Instagram!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to switch from a hospital birth to a homebirth—and why some moms make that choice?In this episode, I sit down with Alicia, who shares her powerful journey of giving birth during the height of the pandemic. After experiencing a hospital birth with her first baby in 2020, she knew she wanted something different the second time around. With a major provider switch at 30 weeks, Alicia took charge of her birth experience and chose an empowering homebirth.In this episode, we will cover:👉The differences Alicia experienced between her hospital birth and homebirth.👉Why hiring a doula made a huge impact on her confidence and decision-making.👉How she navigated changing providers late in pregnancy to find the support she truly needed…👉… and a whole lot more!If you’re ready to feel empowered in your birth choices and learn from Alicia’s inspiring journey, then this episode is for you!

Have you ever wondered how to choose a doula who truly aligns with your birth vision?In this episode, we’re diving into exactly how to find the right doula for your unmedicated birth—because while there’s a doula for everyone, not every doula is the best fit for you.In this episode, we will cover:Why choosing the right doula can make or break your birth experience.How to ask the right questions when interviewing doulas.The key to trusting your gut and finding a doula who fully supports your birth goals…… and a whole lot more!If you’re ready to build the perfect birth team and find a doula who empowers and supports you, then this episode is for you!

Ever wondered how essential oils can support you through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? 🌿 In this episode, I’m joined by homebirth mama of three and essential oil expert, Marissa B, The Doula, to chat all about using oils safely and effectively during labor!We’re covering:✨ Why quality matters—how to choose safe, high-quality essential oils.✨ The best oils for labor, relaxation, and postpartum recovery.✨ How to use Deep Relief and the Birth Basics Bundle for comfort during birth.✨ Practical tips for incorporating essential oils into your birth plan.If you’re curious about natural ways to support your body during birth, this episode is a must-listen!📌 Resources & Links:💛 Connect with Marissa on Instagram: @marissabthedoula💛 Learn more about the Birth Basics Bundle and other must-have oils by sending her a DM!

Have you ever wondered how to build unshakeable confidence in your body’s ability to have a natural birth?In this episode, we will cover:The essential mindset shifts to trust in your body’s natural birthing power.Why letting go of birth fears can transform your birthing experience.How mindful birth strategies can help you feel empowered and in control…… and a whole lot more!If you’re ready to build confidence and trust in your body’s ability to have a natural birth, then this episode is for you!

Have you ever wondered how preparation and the right support can transform your birth experience?In this episode, I sit down with Carlye, who shares her two empowering birth center birth stories. Coming from a background that wasn’t stereotypically supportive of natural birth, Carlye’s journey is a testament to the power of research, preparation, and finding the right providers. From an early dream of having a birth center or homebirth to catching her own baby during her second delivery, Carlye’s story is filled with inspiration and determination.In this episode, we will cover:How Carlye navigated unsupportive doctors, did her own research, and found her perfect birth team.Why preparation played a key role in her dream first birth, even during a COVID pregnancy.How her quick labor ended in an accidental unassisted birth (SO COOL!).How she overcame challenges like secondary infertility and PROM to have a fearless, empowering second birth…… and a whole lot more!If you’re ready to feel inspired by Carlye’s journey and learn how encouragement and assurance can transform your birth, then this episode is for you!

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to feel fully prepared for an unmedicated homebirth?In this episode, we will cover:The top essentials every mom needs for a smooth, unmedicated birth at home.Why mindful birth strategies can make all the difference in managing labor naturally.How birth planning can help create the empowered birth experience you envision…… and a whole lot more!If you’re ready to discover the must-haves for a smooth, unmedicated homebirth, then this episode is for you!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to embrace the ultimate trust in birth through unassisted freebirth?In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Alia Wright, a seasoned birthworker with over 10 years of experience and a personal journey that includes two unassisted freebirths. Alia shares her wisdom and insights gained from learning under respected birth mentors like Whapio Diane Bartlett and Gina Kirby Garcia. Her story is a powerful testament to trusting the physiological process of birth and stepping into empowerment.We’ll cover:What inspired Alia to pursue freebirth and how it transformed her perspective on birth.The knowledge and support that shaped her journey, including her work with Whapio Diane Bartlett and Gina Kirby Garcia.How she supports others in exploring their own birth journeys with education and empowerment.To connect with Alia and learn more:Website: aliawright.comInstagram: @howtohaveafreebirthInstagram: @alia_doesIf you’re ready to learn about freebirth and explore what it means to truly trust the process of birth, this episode is for you!

Have you ever wondered how to stay confident in your choice for a natural birth when everyone around you is doubting you? In this episode, we dive into the challenges of preparing for a natural birth when faced with skepticism from friends, family, or even your care providers. Whether it’s fear-based comments or outright negativity, you’ll learn how to stand firm in your choices and build a support system that truly empowers you. We’ll cover: The mindset shifts that will help you stay confide...

Have you ever wondered how birth trauma can shape your journey toward a more empowering birth experience? In this episode, I chat with Hannah, who shares her eye-opening story of transformation. After trusting her OB to provide the education she needed, she quickly realized the hospital birth course she took left much to be desired. This lack of preparation, combined with a traumatic hospital birth, led to postpartum depression and a deep desire to change her story. Hannah’s journey ultimatel...

Pregnant and considering a homebirth? Wondering if homebirth is safe (or if it's right for you?) Check out this podcast where we take you on a deep dive into whether or not homebirth is actually safe! Get my childbirth education course right here. Here's a list of questions to ask your provider! Lindsee's Insta Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill o...

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to navigate pregnancy after loss and advocate for the care you truly deserve? In this episode, I sit down with Alicia, who shares her powerful story of resilience and empowerment. After experiencing the heartbreak of pregnancy loss and feeling dismissed by a system of rushed OB appointments and impersonal care, Alicia took control of her birth journey. A horrible ER experience during pregnancy was a turning point, leading her to switch providers late in t...

Let's chat about options! Birth Environment – How to create a calming space to support oxytocin flow.Labor Positions – The importance of moving freely to help labor progress.Eating and Drinking vs. IV Fluids – Why the “nothing by mouth” rule is outdated.Fetal Monitoring – The pros and cons of continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM).Cervical Exams – Why routine checks may not always be necessary.If you want to learn more, check out my childbirth education course! www.wildflowerbirthservic...

Have you ever wondered what it would take to truly trust the natural process of birth and challenge the status quo of the healthcare system? In this episode, I sit down with Brianna, an advocate for change in the U.S. healthcare system, particularly in the world of childbirth and maternity care. Growing up with the experience of home births—including catching her younger sibling—Brianna never saw birth as something to fear. Her own research and experience with home birth only deepened her bel...

In this episode, I dive deep into the crucial difference between your legal rights and hospital policies during childbirth. Learn why the word "allowed" doesn't belong in birth and how to reclaim your authority over your birthing experience. We'll cover: ✨ The true meaning of informed consent ✨ Your right to refuse interventions ✨ & why you should challenge statements like "that's not allowed" from your care provider. This episode is a must-listen for anyone preparing for birt...

On this episode, Shyanne shares her first birth story - which was a beautiful homebirth! Shyanne and her husband welcomed their first baby this past July in their living room! She has always wanted a homebirth, and she feels extremely blessed to have found an amazing team to support her through it all. It was amazing to hear her describe that her pain never got super intense, she truly had the dream birth. Shyanne was in denial that her labor could be moving so quickly, but she was happily su...

Alright ya’ll, today we’re diving into something I know so many women struggle with: the overwhelm of conflicting advice and information during pregnancy and childbirth. Feeling overwhelmed is totally normal. Trust your intuition, you’ve got this! Download my huge list of questions to ask your provider here. Thanks for listening to Birthing Bravely. Share this episode with other moms-to-be, and don’t forget to subscribe for more tips and support on your journey to a confident and empowered bi...

Guys, you do not want to miss these stories! These two stories come from Abhinaya, a creative at heart and a seeker at the core. She says that entering into motherhood has been extremely pivotal in understanding herself more, and listening to positive birth stories absolutely changed the trajectory of their on births. Her first birth took place in a hospital and although she did do it unmedicated, the policies and procedures that took place still left her feeling like there had to be a ...

🎙️ Are you ready to master the mental game of birth? In this episode, we dive into the power of mental preparation and why it’s the secret ingredient to a smoother, more enjoyable birth. Discover why your mindset is just as important as your birth plan, how mental prep can actually help manage pain, and practical tips to start preparing today—whether you’re days or months away from your due date. From busting common birth myths to offering empowering affirmations, this episode is packed with ...

In this episode, we get to hear from Marisa Soski, a naturopathic doctor and first time mama who is 38 weeks pregnant at the time of this recording! She lives in the mountains outside of Estes Park, CO. When she's not assisting cancer patients, you can find her in the kitchen cooking, out in her garden, or on a hike in the forest. She has a passion for clean and vibrant living which permeates her personal and professional life! She shares her journey through preparing her body for conce...

I’m diving into a topic that I’m incredibly passionate about—informed consent. If you’ve been following my journey, you might remember my first birth story from episode two, where some pretty shocking things happened. From having my water broken without my consent to an episiotomy performed without even a heads-up, my experience left me determined to ensure that no other woman has to go through what I did. In this episode, we’ll explore what informed consent really means and why it’s so cruci...

I'm sitting down with my friend Ann Morris, an amazing doula near Atlanta, GA. She shares her first two birth stories while awaiting her third sweet baby! Her first birth was a planned hospital birth and her second was a beautiful, empowering homebirth. Ann's stories are so similar to mine, she went into her first birth with not a lot of knowledge of options and that led her to researching more about birth and deciding that there was a better way. You can find Ann's Instagram right here...

In this episode, I take a deep dive into how to make informed and intuitive decisions during pregnancy and birth without second-guessing yourself. I'm sharing my exact blueprint for making autonomous decisions so you can feel empowered and confident throughout your pregnancy and birth journey. This is a game-changer! Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to ...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to plan for an unmedicated VBAC and feel confident in your birth choices? In this bonus episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about preparing for a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) without pain meds. From choosing the right provider to building your support system, this episode is packed with tips to help you feel empowered and ready for your VBAC journey. In this episode, we will cover: The key steps to planning a successful unmedicate...

Have you ever wondered how to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with pregnancy after loss? In this deeply personal episode, I share my story of pregnancy and birth after loss—the story of my rainbow baby, my dream homebirth, and the complex mix of grief and joy that shaped it all. Pregnancy after loss is not the same as a first-time pregnancy; it’s filled with anxiety, fear, and moments of overwhelming guilt. We’ll cover: The unique challenges and emotions of pregnancy after e...

Pregnant and considering a homebirth? Wondering if homebirth is safe (or if it's right for you?) Check out this podcast where we take you on a deep dive into whether or not homebirth is actually safe! Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟 Are you ready t...

Today I sat down with Sarah, the Pregnancy After Loss Doula, and chatted all about her story and how she got to be the PAL Doula! You can hear my story of loss on episode 9! Check out Sarah on IG and listen to her podcast here! Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're d...

In this episode, I will take you on a deep dive on what it takes to create your birth dream team, especially for women desiring a natural birth experience. Discover the importance of defining your birth philosophy and how to communicate your birth plan effectively! I dive into the essential roles of midwives, doulas, and obstetricians, helping you choose the right professionals who align with your vision. Learn about the vital support roles of birth partners, family, and friends, and how to p...

🚨 TRIGGER WARNING! This episode is deep. I share my third birth story, one that includes heartbreak and loss. Tune in as I walk through my experience of miscarriage, stillbirth, and finding strength in making informed choices during an incredibly difficult time. I decided to share this episode today because it's almost my angel daughter's birthday! She would be 4 years old in exactly a month from today. 🤯 If you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy loss, I offer support and I am ...

In today’s episode of Birthing Bravely, I sit down with Mary Ann as she shares her inspiring journey of bringing her babies into the world. From the highs to the challenges, we dive deep into Mary Ann's experience. Whether you're preparing for your own birth or simply fascinated by the resilience and beauty of birth stories, this episode is filled with insights, encouragement, and the raw reality of childbirth. Mary Ann did what so many women do and went into her first birth totally blindsi...

In this week’s episode of Birthing Bravely, I sit down with doula Ann Morris and talk all about the variations of normal in labor. These are things that some people can automatically assume are emergencies when in reality, they’re just things that are a little not normal, but not emergencies. Here’s what we’ll dive into: ✨ Pre-labor rupture of membranes (or when your water breaks but you don’t feel any contractions yet) and wtf to do about it. ✨ Breech presenting babies and how you can get ...

I share my second birth story, where I had an amazing undisturbed natural water birth at the Atlanta Birth Center. THIS is what undisturbed, physiological birth can look like! You can achieve this too! If you want your birth to look like this, DM me on Instagram @wildflower_birthservices and let's work together to make your dream birth a reality! Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d li...

Hey besties! Join me in this super short episode as I break down the stages of labor from the early twinges to the magical moment of holding your baby. I'll cover how to recognize the signs of labor, manage early and active labor, and navigate the intense transition phase. Learn practical tips on pain management, the importance of rest, and the difference between coached pushing and the natural fetal ejection reflex. If you're an expecting parent or just curious about the labor process, this ...

I'm so excited to welcome you to Birthing Bravely, where I share all about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum along with some amazing, empowering birth stories. Imagine chatting with your best friend over coffee, except we're diving into the world of birth and babies. As a doula and childbirth educator, I needed a space to let my passion for supporting families flow, and this podcast is my outlet! 🌼 In this podcast, you can expect pregnancy tips, detailed and honest discussions about labor and ...

Hey besties! In this episode, I'm sharing my first birth experience. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one! At barely 22, I was thrown into the deep end of childbirth without a clue about what to expect. I talk about how hospital policies and rushed medical staff made me feel more like a checklist than a mom-to-be, robbing me of control and ignoring my intuition. Yall, this birth was traumatic... BUT it did ultimately put me on the path to becoming a doula/childbirth educator becaus...

In today’s episode of Birthing Bravely, I sit down with Amanda as she shares her inspiring journey of bringing her babies into the world. From the highs to the challenges, we dive deep into Amanda's experience. Whether you're preparing for your own birth or simply fascinated by the resilience and beauty of birth stories, this episode is filled with insights, encouragement, and the raw reality of childbirth. Amanda is a wife, follower of Christ, and stay at home mother of 2 under 3! After her ...

This is a fun episode! I posed the question, "what surprised you most about pregnancy/birth/postpartum" on some facebook groups, and in this episode, my friend Deb and I dive into the comments and talk about them. We talk about all kinds of stuff no one wants to talk about, so get ready to laugh! Expecting mamas, listen to this episode to be really prepared for what's to come... and if you want even more prep, check out my online birth course! Deb’s website: www.douladeb.com Deb’s IG: @doula...

In this episode, my friend Deb and I dive deep into the concept of physiological birth, also known as undisturbed birth. We share personal stories of our own birthing experiences to illustrate the stark differences between medically managed births and physiological births. We also discuss the importance of being empowered, informed, and supported throughout the birthing process, no matter where you choose to give birth. Here's the link to the download I mentioned, where you will find tons of ...