PODCAST · health
Midwife Life: Midwifing you through health, motherhood, and the sacred mess of life’s transformations with Diane Ortega
by Diane Ortega of Willow Birth Center
Welcome to The Midwife Life—part podcast, part revolution that empowers and educates women on all things related to pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, and careers in healthcare.Whether it's understanding the options available to you, advocating for yourself in a health care setting, or simply knowing that you're not alone, I want you to leave each episode feeling stronger and more equipped.
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78: I'm Scared You Won't Think You're Worth It
Eight days out from the workshop I've been building toward all year. I almost didn't record this one, because the truth in it isn't the polished kind. In this episode: Where the idea for The Rebirth Journey actually came from, and the rebirth I was living while I built it What it was like to sit in a room during the pilot and watch women say out loud how seen they felt The fear I didn't expect to have about this launch, and it isn't that nobody shows up The twenty minutes I sat staring at this episode before I could make myself hit record Reclaim You, live, September 22nd, 7pm AZ, free: Register HERE Not ready to register yet? I made a free 10-minute audio for exactly that moment: three questions, no fixing, no crisis: Something is Shifting
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77: The Workshop I Cancelled
It's my birthday. I'm recording this a few days ahead, a little tender, and more honest than I planned on being. This episode is about the pattern underneath every role I've ever held, and the workshop I cancelled because of it. In this episode: Why I don't call what's happening this year a pivot, and what I call it instead The real reason I went back for my doctorate in the middle of running three birth centers What walking out of Willow for the last time actually felt like The pattern I've never said out loud on this show before, and where it was hiding in every role I've ever held The real reason I cancelled a workshop this year, and the fear I didn't expect underneath it What I actually believe about turning another year older, no tidy answer included The same workshop I cancelled, reopening September 22nd as Reclaim You Register for Reclaim You, live September 22nd, 7pm AZ: Reclaim You WorkshopFeeling like something's shifting but you can't name it yet? I made a free 10-minute audio for exactly that moment: three questions, no fixing, no crisis. themidwifelife.kit.com/22d2e5d807
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BONUS REPLAY: Your Body Isn’t Broken: Rethinking Women’s Health, Hormones, and Longevity with Stephanie Gambetta
For decades, women have been told that fatigue, weight gain, slower recovery, brain fog, and hormone shifts are simply part of aging. But what if the real issue isn’t that women’s bodies are failing them? What if the real problem is that we’ve been given incomplete information about how our bodies actually work - especially in midlife. In this episode of The Midwife Life, Diane sits down with Stephanie Gambetta, founder of Loop and host of The Loop Podcast, to explore a new way of thinking about women’s health, metabolic wellness, and longevity. Stephanie’s journey into this work began after a serious skiing accident led her into a long recovery and sparked a deep curiosity about peptides and the science of healing and resilience. That curiosity eventually led her to create Loop, a wellness platform focused on education, coaching, and helping people approach new health tools with both curiosity and discernment. Together, Diane and Stephanie unpack: What peptides actually are (and why they’re suddenly everywhere) Why women’s metabolic health often changes in midlife The conversation around GLP medications and sustainable weight loss Why bloodwork and personalization matter more than trends How women can move from information overload to informed decision-making What it means to support your body instead of fighting it This conversation is not about quick fixes or biohacking hype. It’s about helping women understand their bodies in a deeper way — and reclaiming the power that comes with that knowledge. In This Episode We Discuss: Stephanie’s recovery journey and how it led to founding Loop Peptides explained in plain language The missing conversation around women’s metabolism and aging GLP medications and sustainable metabolic health Why coaching and education matter in the wellness space Building a values-driven company in an emerging industry Connect with Stephanie Website: https://www.theloopway.com Podcast: The Loop Podcast Instagram: @theloopway Connect with Diane Website: themidwifelife.co Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co
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76: There's No Such Thing As Dad Guilt
Last week at Rebirth Conversations, I asked a room full of women one question: what do you want that you haven't let yourself say out loud. What showed up right after they answered is the reason this episode exists. In this episode: The question I asked the room tonight, and what showed up the second they answered it The retreat story that came out of that conversation, and the one sentence that mattered more than the rest of it What the whole room agreed on, without anyone planning to talk about it My own version of this, from twelve years of single-parenting through building three birth centers The honest question I can't stop asking about the dads in this equation The ten-second daily practice I hand every woman in Root, Reclaim, Rise The Reclaim You workshop, August 26th, what it is and who it's for Join the free live workshop on August 26th: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/masterclass Feeling like something's shifting but you can't name it yet? I made a free 10-minute audio for exactly that moment: three questions, no fixing, no crisis. themidwifelife.kit.com/22d2e5d807
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75: The Room That Held Up a Mirror
This weekend I sat in a room full of women I'd never met, at a business event, not my usual crowd. By the end of it, one of them said something out loud that I haven't stopped thinking about since. This episode is about what she said, why it has nothing to do with business and everything to do with the work I do, and why the mirror is the actual mechanism, not a nice metaphor for it. In this episode: What I witnessed this weekend, in a room that had nothing to do with motherhood The exact thing one woman said about the story she'd been carrying about herself Why "holding up a mirror" isn't a soft idea, it's eighteen years of my actual clinical training What this has to do with a nine month old who won't sleep, a fourteen year old who doesn't cuddle anymore, and a daughter packing for college The August masterclass, what it is, and who it's for. Join the free live masterclass on August 26th: themidwifelife.kit.com/masterclass
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BONUS REPLAY: You Are Not Broken — Nourishing Your Body Through Life's Transitions with Courtney Smith
This replay is for the woman who looks like she's holding it all together — but feels very tired in her bones. Diane is joined by Courtney Smith, registered dietitian, exercise specialist, certified lactation counselor, and founder of Maternally Nourished. Courtney supports high-achieving women through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, burnout, menopause, and major life transitions using nutrition, functional movement, nervous system regulation, and sustainable care. This conversation isn't about fixing yourself. It's about remembering how to resource yourself. Courtney brings both the clinical expertise of a double master's-educated, board-certified dietitian and the lived experience of a woman who has navigated grief, identity, and the pressure to do it all. Together, Diane and Courtney explore what the body is really communicating when it starts to break down — and what it looks like to actually listen. In This Episode, We Explore How chronic stress silently impacts fertility, digestion, blood sugar, and metabolism — and why high-functioning women are often the last to recognize it Nourishing yourself through postpartum: what your body actually needs, how to prepare your village before baby arrives, and why cutting calories while breastfeeding works against you Functional movement across life stages — from postpartum reconnection to strength training in midlife and why muscle is one of the most powerful tools women have The long shadow of diet culture: releasing the moral value attached to food and healing the relationship between stress, identity, and eating What to do first when you feel completely depleted — and three small, realistic shifts you can start tomorrow Courtney's Three Shifts to Start Tomorrow Walk more — even 10 minutes at lunch, even in your hallway. It's free, underrated, and supports your lymphatic system and nervous system alike. Cook one meal at home — it doesn't have to be complicated. A quesadilla counts. A crock pot dump counts. An act of feeding yourself is an act of self-love. Journal — pen to paper, notes app, one line, one hour, whatever you have. Try the Rose/Bud/Thorn method: one thing that went well, one area of growth coming, one thing that didn't go as hoped. Reflection for Listeners Where in your body are you feeling the cost of not slowing down — and what is one small thing you could do today to begin listening? Resources & Links Connect with Courtney Smith: Instagram: @MaternallyNourished TikTok: Maternally Nourished Website: MaternallyNourished.com Free 30-Minute Discovery Call: Available through her website
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74: More Than One Moment of Birth
This week, my oldest got married, my second oldest moved out, and my youngest started getting ready for college, on top of a fourth threshold I already lived through last year. This episode is about what that did to me, why eighteen years of catching literal births taught me something I needed this week more than any five-step plan, and the belief underneath everything I teach: every woman has more than one moment of birth. In this episode: Why I'm recording this the same week it happened instead of waiting until I had it figured out The two other times in my life I've had to become someone new without choosing to, once at 40, once in my 50s Why this story has four kids in it, not three, and what my son taught me about growing up on his own time The line from eighteen years of catching babies that I had to apply to myself this week: presence before instruction What the August masterclass is (and isn't), and who it's for Join the free live masterclass on August 26th: themidwifelife.kit.com/masterclass
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73: Burn, Slow, Listen, Move: What My Pilot Taught Me About Being Witnessed
For four weeks, every woman in my pilot opened each session with one word. On the last day, we went back through all of them together, and one woman's four words lined up into something none of us expected: burn, slow, listen, move. This episode is about what that pattern taught me, why the moment that actually moved the room wasn't the one I planned for, and what that means five days out from the August 18th masterclass. In this episode: ● The one-word ritual I use to open every session, and why I started it ● How one woman's words across four weeks formed a pattern none of us saw coming ● Why burn, slow, listen, and move aren't a ladder to climb, they're weather that cycles back ● What "witnessing" actually looked like in that room, and why it wasn't me who created it ● What the August 8th masterclass is (and isn't), and who it's for Join the free live masterclass on August 18th: themidwifelife.kit.com/masterclass88 Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.midwife.life.co/ Website: themidwifelife.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Midwife-LifeCo/61559303575840/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/themidwifelife/
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72: Holistic Healing Through Pregnancy and Motherhood with Ashley Andrews
This week, Diane is replaying a favorite conversation with Ashley Andrews, an Integrative Nutrition & Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Instructor and Reiki Practitioner, who shares her journey into motherhood and the practices that carried her through it. From unexpected pregnancy and birth experiences to the power of integrative nutrition, Reiki, and intuitive movement, Ashley's story is a real look at what it takes to find yourself again after everything changes. What We Cover: Ashley's path to pregnancy, including a miscarriage and the conception of her son Kai Her plans for a home birth or birth center delivery, and the unexpected turn of events that led to a hospital C-section with her daughter Mia The emotional process of grieving the birth experiences she envisioned and finding beauty in the unexpected Ashley's early introduction to yoga and holistic healing, and how those practices evolved through her world travels and studies in France, India, and Integrative Nutrition The principles of Integrative Nutrition and how nourishing the whole self, relationships, career, creativity, and spirituality, can impact physical health Ashley's personal journey with food, movement, and intuitive guidance during pregnancy and postpartum Strategies for postpartum rehabilitation and balancing motherhood, career, and self-care Advice for mothers facing unexpected birth outcomes, and the importance of emotional processing and community support Resources for exploring Reiki, intuitive nutrition, and virtual wellness sessions with Ashley If Ashley's story of losing sight of who she was, and finding her way back, hits home: The In-Between Workbook walks you through naming what's ending, sitting in the middle, and figuring out who you're becoming. $37. https://dianeortega.gumroad.com/l/the-in-between Connect with Ashley: https://www.valleymamma.com/ https://www.instagram.com/valleymamma Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.midwife.life.co/ Website: themidwifelife.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Midwife-LifeCo/61559303575840/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/themidwifelife/
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71: Nobody Told You Summer Would Feel Like This
In this episode, I talk about the math of this summer season, whichever version of it is yours. If you're the mom in the thick of snack duty and referee duty and a phone that will not stop buzzing, this one is for you. If you're the mom like me, standing in the last summer before her youngest leaves, this one is for you too. My son just graduated high school. I thought that would feel like getting myself back. It felt like whiplash instead. I talk about why being last on your own list is not a character flaw, what actually happens when you hit zero, and the one small thing that can put something back on your side of the equation today. IN THIS EPISODE: Why the juggle isn't actually the problem you think it is The math of giving out more than you take in, and why that isn't a personal failing My own version of this summer: my youngest graduating, and the whiplash of not being needed the same way What zero actually looks like, and why it doesn't look like collapse Why the impulse to wait for a big fix keeps you stuck Why boredom is not your problem to solve, for your kids or for you The one small thing that can put something back on your side of the equation today KEY TAKEAWAYS / REFLECTION PROMPTS What am I pretending not to know? What would I do if I stopped trying to get back to who I was? What do I actually want? NEXT STEP Three Questions for the Season You're In If you've been running on empty and calling it normal, you already know something is shifting. This free ten-minute audio walks through the three questions above slowly enough that you can actually sit with them. No pitch at the end, no next thing to buy. Get it here: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/22d2e5d807 Connect with Diane Website: themidwifelife.co Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co
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70: Starting Over at 40 (And Why That's Not a Crisis)
In this episode, I talk about starting over, not once, but twice. The first time I was forty, and I walked away from what I knew to become a midwife. The second time, I was in my fifties, standing in a birth center I built with my own hands, signing paperwork that meant it was over after sixteen years and three birth centers. I talk about why starting over gets filed under midlife crisis when it's actually something else entirely, and the three questions that keep surfacing for me every time I don't know what comes next. In this episode, we talk about: What starting over at 40 actually feels like from the inside, not the outside Why it gets called a midlife crisis when it's actually something you've outgrown What it's like to start over twice, ten-plus years apart, and still not have it figured out Living through bankruptcy, a closed business, and a day job, all in the same year The three questions I ask myself when I don't know who I'm becoming yet Why disorientation is a signal, not a crisis Key Takeaways / Reflection Prompts: What am I pretending not to know? What would I do if I stopped trying to get back to who I was? What do I actually want? Next Step: Three Questions for the Season You're In If you've been Googling "starting over at 40" at midnight, you already know something is shifting. This free ten-minute audio walks through the three questions from this episode slowly enough that you can actually sit with them. No pitch at the end, no next thing to buy. Get it here: Three Questions Connect with Diane Website: themidwifelife.co Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co
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69: What's Been Running You: Healing the Patterns Underneath Your Patterns with Molly Rubesh
There is a version of you that you didn't choose. She was built quietly, over years, by everything you watched and absorbed and inherited. And at some point, she starts running your marriage, your relationships, and the way you move through life. In this episode, I sit down with Molly Rubesh, relationship and divorce coach and creator of The Modern Marriage Blueprint. Molly helps women heal what's been running them quietly so they can build marriages and lives that actually feel like theirs. Her work lives at the intersection of conflict, intimacy, and money. Three places where we are most ourselves and most defended at the same time. In this episode, we talk about: The inherited patterns we carry into marriage without ever examining them Why marriage is not supposed to be really, really hard (and what to do when it is) The rocks-on-a-tray framework for recognizing what is yours to hold and what isn't The difference between a fixable marriage and one that cannot be fixed with better communication Intimacy beyond the physical: intellectual, emotional, and spiritual connection and why they come first Financial independence as a non-negotiable, regardless of who earns the income What women get back when they finally do this work Key Takeaways / Reflection Prompts: What did you absorb from your first family about what marriage, conflict, and money look like? Are you still living from that? Look at your tray. What are you holding that was never yours to hold in the first place? Is your marriage hard because it is fundamentally broken, or because you have been carrying too much of it alone? Next Step: The In-Between WorkbookIf this conversation opened something up in you and you're sitting with a question you haven't had language for before, start here. The In-Between Workbook is a 33-page guided companion for the season when something has shifted and you're not sure what comes next. Five sections. One honest look at where you actually are. Get it here: https://dianeortega.gumroad.com/l/the-in-between Resources and Links: Connect with Molly: mollyrubesh.com Molly on Instagram: @Molly_Rubesh The Modern Marriage Blueprint (Molly's course): mollyrubesh.com More episodes of The Midwife Life: Listen Here Connect with Diane Website: themidwifelife.co Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co
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68: You Don't Need Permission
There is a life a lot of women are living that looks completely fine from the outside. Maybe even wonderful. And it is quietly draining the life out of them. This week, Diane gets honest about the thing nobody says out loud: you do not need permission to change your mind, change your life, or admit that the version of yourself you have been performing no longer fits. Not from your partner. Not from your kids. Not from the woman you were ten years ago when you built all of this. This episode is for the woman who has been waiting for someone to tell her she is allowed to want something different. It is also for the woman who can no longer remember what she wanted in the first place, because the daily grind has been loud for so long that her own voice has gone quiet underneath it. This is not a how-to. It is a witness. In This Episode, We Cover: Why the life that looks great from the outside can still be the wrong one The specific fear underneath every big change: if I let this version of me go, who am I? How the daily grind does not just exhaust you, it numbs you, and what that costs What it means that your dreams are still there, just buried Why the first step is not a plan. It is getting still enough to hear yourself again Key Takeaway You are not waiting for permission. You are waiting to remember that you never needed it. Ready to go deeper? If this episode named something you have been carrying quietly, I made a workbook for exactly this season. The one where something is shifting and you can feel it, but you are not sure yet what is on the other side. The In-Between Workbook: http://dianeortega.gumroad.com/l/the-in-between Share This Episode Know a woman who has been waiting for someone to say it is okay to want something different? Send her this one. Connect with Diane Website: themidwifelife.coInstagram: @the.midwife.life.co
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67: You Are the Medicine: Holly Million on What Blossoms After the Fire
Some people arrive at their power quietly. Others pass through fire, more than once, before they understand what they are actually made of. In this episode of The Midwife Life, Diane sits down with Holly Million, shaman, artist, herbalist, and founder of Soul Arts Workshop, to talk about what it means to move through spiritual emergence and come out different each time. Holly came from a dark place, rebuilt herself into a guide and a master builder, and right now is in what she calls the best phase of her life. This conversation is not a look back. It's a live dispatch from the middle of becoming. In This Episode, We Cover: What it means to move through spiritual emergence, more than once, and come out different each time How Holly rebuilt herself after coming from a dark place What Natural Intelligence is and why it matters for women in transition The Crone Rangers and the kind of sacred irreverence that sets women free What she means when she says: you are the medicine You are the medicine. Not a destination. Not a person you're waiting to become. The medicine is already in the becoming. Ready to go deeper? If this episode stirred something in you, I made a workbook for exactly this season. The one where something is shifting and you can feel it, but you're not sure yet what's on the other side. The In-Between Workbook: dianeortega.gumroad.com/l/the-in-between Share This Episode Know a woman who's been searching for something she can't quite name? Send her this one. Connect with Diane Website: themidwifelife.co Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co Guest Resources Website: hollytheshamanartist.com Instagram: @holly.million.soulartsworkshop YouTube: @hollymilliontheshamanartist Substack: @hollytheshamanartist Podcast: The Crone Rangers Podcast
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66: When the Life You Built No Longer Fits
What happens when the woman who has held space for a thousand others finally lets someone hold space for her? Jennifer Hoeprich spent over a decade as a licensed homebirth midwife, witnessing the raw, sacred threshold of new life. And then she reached her own threshold. Leaving clinical practice wasn't just a career change. It was an unraveling, a metamorphosis, and ultimately a rebirth into something she couldn't have planned. In this episode, Jen and I talk about what it really means to leave a calling you love to answer a deeper one, and what that kind of honesty costs and gives back. What we cover: The "pretty wild story" of why Jen left clinical midwifery after years of practice What it means to "midwife in a different way" and why that reframe changes everything Sister circles, sacred containers, and why women resist being held even when they're desperate for it The through-line between a new mother and a woman in her 40s or 50s, and what they're both in the middle of What Jen is still figuring out in her own midlife metamorphosis What she wishes someone had told her before she burned all the way down This is not a finished story. Jen is in it. And that's exactly what makes it worth listening to. Connect with Jennifer Hoeprich: Website: magical-mama.com Instagram: @magicalmamacircles Facebook: @magicalmama Mentioned in this episode: Rebirth Conversations: A monthly in-person gathering for women navigating change, identity shifts, and the season between who they were and who they're becoming. This is the room where you get to be honest. Join us: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/rebirthconversations The In-Between Workbook: A guided companion for the season between. If something in this episode stirred something in you, start here. Get it: https://dianeortega.gumroad.com/l/the-in-between The Midwife Life Podcast is for women navigating transition, identity shifts, and the quiet courage of becoming. If this episode meant something to you, share it with a woman who needs to hear it.
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65: You Were Always Creative: Reclaiming Your Potential with Lydia Phelps-Alexander
What if creativity wasn't something you had to find, but something you never lost? In this episode, I'm talking with Lydia Phelps-Alexander, an art education consultant who has spent 18 years and thousands of hours reminding people - especially women - that their creative potential is not gone. It was never gone. It just got buried under everything life piled on top of it. Lydia grew up as a minority in a rural community, often lonely, often on the outside. But her parents gave her something powerful: time, materials, and space to make things. In that solitude, she didn't just find art, she found herself. And what she discovered changed everything about how she sees human potential. This is a rebirth conversation- the kind where we trace the thread back to who you were before the world told you who to be. We go deep into creativity as identity, boredom as a gift, the lie that you're "not creative," and what it actually means to reclaim the parts of yourself that got quiet. If you've been waiting for permission to create, to make something, to become something, this is the episode. I think you're going to love her. Let's get into it. In this episode: How growing up isolated in a rural community became the foundation of Lydia's creative life Why boredom is a gift…and what overstimulation is costing us The belief that every single person has creative potential (yes, you) How art becomes a container for identity, healing, and reinvention What it means to listen to your own inspirations before the moment passes Building a consulting business rooted in joy, curiosity, and community About Lydia: Lydia Phelps-Alexander is an adjunct art professor and art education consultant with over 18 years of experience who has developed arts programs for more than 58,000 students. She believes creativity is not a talent reserved for a few - it's a birthright belonging to everyone. Through her work, she helps people rediscover the joy, curiosity, and potential that have always been inside them. Connect with Lydia: Website: visionaryartsolutions.com Instagram: @visionaryartsolutions LinkedIn: Lydia Phelps-Alexander Special Offer for Listeners: Lydia is currently offering museum workshops — use code MIDWIFE at checkout for 11% off. Visit visionaryartsolutions.com to learn more. Rebirth Conversations: If this conversation resonated with you, I want to personally invite you to Rebirth Conversations, a new monthly in-person gathering for women navigating change, reinvention, and identity shifts. Whether you're questioning what's next, feeling called toward something new, or simply sensing that the life you've built no longer fits quite the same way, this is a space for honest conversation, reflection, and connection. ✨ First gathering: June 18, 2026 ✨ Monthly in-person gatherings ✨ Thoughtful conversations for women in seasons of transition. Reserve your seat for the first conversation Connect with Diane & The Midwife Life: Instagram: @themidwifelife Website: themidwifelife.com If this episode moved you, share it with a woman who needs to hear that she was always creative. And if you're ready to go deeper- leave a review, subscribe, and come back next week. And if you're ready to explore what might be waiting beneath the roles, expectations, and identities you've outgrown, join us at Rebirth Conversations.
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64: The Next Page Is Coming
Who am I when the thing that has defined me for years no longer fits? This week I removed “birth center owner” from my Instagram bio. What looked like a simple profile update turned into something much bigger: a conversation about identity, grief, reinvention, and who we become when the roles that once defined us no longer fit. In this episode, I’m sharing what it feels like to let go of an identity you’ve carried for years, navigate the uncertainty between chapters, and trust that the next version of yourself is emerging even before you can fully see her. In this episode, I discuss: Why changing my Instagram bio felt far more emotional than I expected The grief that can accompany growth and transformation Releasing identities that once served us The uncomfortable space between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming Why rebirth often begins before clarity arrives What I’m learning about trusting the next chapter If you’re navigating a season of change—whether in your career, relationships, motherhood, health, or sense of self—I hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone. The next page is coming. And maybe you don’t need to have it all figured out before you turn it. ✨ Join Rebirth Conversations If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to invite you to join me for the first Rebirth Conversation—a gathering for women standing between chapters. 📅 June 18, 2026🕕 6:00 PM📍 Jasmine Jo Coffee & Rowan Tree Flowers, Tempe, AZ Reserve Your Seat → https://themidwifelife.kit.com/rebirthconversations Connect with Diane: Website: themidwifelife.co Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a woman who may be standing between chapters herself.
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63: The Women I’m Most Drawn to Right Now
What happens when ambitious women stop trying to perform perfection - and start craving deeper, more honest connection instead? In this reflective solo episode, Diane shares what surfaced during a recent “Build Your Dream Network” challenge and the unexpected realizations it brought up about community, self-reliance, visibility, generosity, and receiving support. This conversation explores: Why high-capacity women often struggle to receive support The hidden loneliness beneath competence and achievement The exercise that revealed the gap between how deeply we give and how difficult it can feel to receive The power of reconnecting with people already in your orbit Audacious asks, visibility, and allowing yourself to be witnessed The kinds of women Diane feels most drawn to in this season of life Why spaces rooted in honesty, reflection, and becoming matter more than ever Diane also shares more about the heart behind Rebirth Conversations — intimate gatherings designed for women navigating identity shifts, reinvention, burnout, motherhood, ambition, grief, rebuilding, and the beautiful in-between seasons of life. This episode is less about networking…and more about the kinds of relationships that help us remember who we are becoming. Reflection Questions: Where does giving flow naturally for me? Where do I struggle to receive? What support, opportunity, or connection might I be unintentionally blocking? What kind of women and conversations am I craving right now? What version of myself might exist on the other side of deeper community? ✨ Rebirth Conversations will officially begin launching in June. If you’re craving deeper conversations, intentional community, and rooms where women can arrive honestly in the middle of becoming — make sure you’re following along for updates and first invitations. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman you’ve been thinking about lately — or someone you’d love to reconnect with. Connect with Diane: Website: The Midwife Life Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co Substack: The Rebirth Letters
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62: What Happens When Survival Mode Ends
What happens when the thing you’ve been surviving finally ends… but your nervous system doesn’t get the message? In this episode, Diane shares honestly about the weeks following the closure of Willow: the lingering exhaustion, waking up in the middle of the night, getting sick again, and the unexpected realization that rest doesn’t always feel peaceful when your body has been living in survival mode for too long. This is a conversation about: leadership loneliness over-functioning and self-abandonment identity after caregiving and constant responsibility the nervous system after prolonged stress learning how to pause without immediately forcing the “next version” of yourself If you’ve ever felt like the one everyone depends on… if you’ve struggled to fully exhale… if you’ve been trying to rebuild before you’ve even recovered... this episode is for you. You don’t have to figure out your entire future this week. Maybe the pause is part of the becoming too. — ✨ Connect with Diane: Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co Website: themidwifelife.co ✨ Stay connected for upcoming Rebirth Conversations, podcast episodes, and future offerings centered around identity, healing, leadership, and transformation.
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Bonus Replay: Confessions of a Midwife: Stories, Healing & the Human Side of Birthwork with Brielle Jenson
In this bonus replay, I sit down with Brielle Jenson, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, a midwife with over 20 years of experience, an IBCLC, and the author of the stunning new book Confessions of a Midwife. Brielle has worked in hospitals, home births, and birth centers, bringing a rare, unfiltered perspective on the challenges, triumphs, and deeply human moments of birthwork. Her work has been recognized in the field of midwifery, including a nomination for the ACNM Media Award in 2025, highlighting her dedication to sharing authentic stories and elevating maternal health conversations. In this episode, we dive into: The raw realities of being a midwife—beyond the perfect Instagram birth stories The emotional toll and healing power of birthwork Insights into perinatal mental health and supporting mothers through complex postpartum experiences Brielle’s journey to writing her book and why sharing these stories matters The balance of professional expertise and deep compassion in modern midwifery This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the human side of birth, whether you’re a parent, a birth professional, or simply fascinated by the art and science of midwifery. Key Takeaways / Reflection Prompts: What myths about birth and midwifery have you believed that might need reframing? How can compassion—for yourself or others—transform challenging experiences? In what ways can storytelling and shared experiences help heal communities of mothers and birth professionals? Next Step: Take the Sacred Reset Quiz Feeling inspired to reflect on your own energy, growth, and next steps? Try my Sacred Reset Quiz to discover: Which area of your life is ready for a reset Personalized insights to help you release what no longer serves you Clear guidance on the next steps for your transformation 🎯 Take the quiz here: What are you ready to reset? Resources & Links: Brielle Jenson’s Book: Confessions of a Midwife Good News: More Data on the Use of ADHD Medications During Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications © - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Withdrawal Symptoms in Newborns Exposed to SSRIs - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Study Supporting the Reproductive Safety of Gabapentin During Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Allison Baker, MD on the Specialized Care of Pregnant and Postpartum Women with ADHD - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Essential Reads: Breastfeeding and ADHD Medications - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Fact Sheets - Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Exposures | MotherToBaby Twin Cities Midwifery | Planning your Best Postpartum Babymoon Good Moms, Scary Thoughts – Happiest Baby Changes in your relationships after having a baby | NCT Psyched Mommy Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts – MOMBOX The Modern Mom: Embracing Motherhood In 2024 | Motherhood Center Order | Sanity School® for Parents the essential guide to raising complex kids - Search Shopping Home - Dr. Shefali 🎧 Check out more episodes of The Midwife Life: Listen Here 🌿 Connect with Diane & The Midwife Life Community: Check it out!
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61: You’re Not Burned Out - You’re Outgrowing Your Life
Something in your life doesn’t feel the same anymore. Not in a dramatic way…but enough that you can feel it. You’re still showing up. Still doing what needs to be done. Still holding everything together. But something feels… off. In this episode, I’m exploring a shift I’ve been moving through personally, and what I’m seeing in so many women right now: A lot of what we call burnout…is actually something else. It’s outgrowing. Outgrowing a role. A version of yourself. A way of working or living that once fit… but doesn’t anymore. And when you don’t have language for that… you try to fix it. Push through it. Optimize it. Make it work. But what if nothing is broken? What if something is simply complete? In this episode, we talk about: The difference between burnout and outgrowing your life Why this season can feel confusing (even when everything “looks fine”) The pattern of high-capacity women sustaining things past alignment The shift from fixing → to recognizing How to move forward without forcing clarity If you’ve been feeling disconnected, unclear, or like something no longer fits… this conversation will meet you there. ✨ Reflection Prompt What in your life feels like it no longer fits… even if it technically still works? If this resonated with you… I’d love to invite you into a deeper conversation. Join me for the free masterclass: You’re Not Burned Out — You’re Outgrowing Your Life 👉 Save Your Seat: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/masterclass A space to understand the season you’re in… and begin to trust what’s unfolding instead of forcing clarity.
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60: The Phoenix Phase: When Everything You Built Ends… and What Comes Next
Something in your life doesn’t feel the same anymore. Not in a dramatic way…but enough that you can feel it. In this episode, I’m sharing a more personal reflection on a season I’m currently walking through , where something I built is coming to an end… and something new is beginning to take shape. We talk a lot about the “phoenix rising” moment- the strength, the clarity, the transformation. But what about the part where everything burns? What about the in-between? The space where you can’t go back… but you’re not fully sure what’s next. If you’ve been feeling off, disconnected, or like something no longer fits… this conversation will meet you there. Mentioned in this episode If this resonated with you…I’d love to invite you into a deeper conversation. Join me for the free masterclass: You’re Not Burned Out - You’re Outgrowing Your Life A space to pause, reflect, and understand what this season is asking of you. 👉 Save your spot: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/masterclass
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59: In Transition — On Closing, Grief, and Trusting What's on the Other Side
This week, Diane almost didn't hit record. But she's glad she did. In one of her most personal and vulnerable episodes yet, Diane shares that after years of serving families, her freestanding birth centers in Arizona will be closing their doors on April 30th. And while the decision to close was hard, she's discovering that the transition itself is harder. Join Us: Rebirth Conversations (Live Event) If this episode resonated, you’re invited into a deeper, in-person experience. Rebirth Conversations is a space for women navigating change, identity shifts, and personal growth - who are ready to be seen, supported, and witnessed in real time. 📍 April 23 👉 Save your spot: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/rebirthconversations Connect with Diane Website: https://themidwifelife.co Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co
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58: You’re Not Meant to Do This Alone (But You’ve Been Trying To)
You can be surrounded by people… and still feel like you’re carrying everything on your own. In this episode of The Midwife Life, Diane explores the hidden loneliness many women experience during seasons of transition, especially high-functioning women who are used to being the strong one. If you’ve been trying to find clarity, make decisions, or navigate change on your own, this conversation offers a different perspective: What if clarity doesn’t come from thinking harder… but from being seen while you’re still in the middle of it? This episode is for women navigating identity shifts, burnout, life transitions, or personal growth, and who are ready to stop doing it all alone. In This Episode, We Cover: Why women feel alone even when they’re supported The pressure to “have it all together” during life transitions Burnout, overfunctioning, and emotional isolation Why clarity is hard to find when you’re doing everything alone The power of being witnessed in seasons of change A more supportive, connected way to move through personal growth Key Takeaway Clarity doesn’t always come from thinking. It comes from being seen… while you’re still in the middle of it. Join Us: Rebirth Conversations (Live Event) If this episode resonated, you’re invited into a deeper, in-person experience. Rebirth Conversations is a space for women navigating change, identity shifts, and personal growth - who are ready to be seen, supported, and witnessed in real time. 📍 April 23 👉 Save your spot: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/rebirthconversations Share This Episode Know a woman who’s been holding a lot on her own? Send this episode to her. Because healing, clarity, and growth aren’t meant to happen in isolation. Connect with Diane Website: https://themidwifelife.co Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co
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57: Spring Doesn’t Rush…and Neither Should You
Spring is here. But not everything blooms right away. There’s a part of this season that’s quieter than we expect, the in-between phase where something is shifting… but nothing fully makes sense yet. You can feel that something is different. But your life doesn’t look like clarity. It looks like uncertainty, space, and unfinished edges. And it’s easy to make that mean you’re behind. In this episode, I’m talking about that phase: the one where growth is happening beneath the surface, even when you can’t fully see it yet. The part most women try to rush past… but might actually be the beginning of something real. What We Talk About Why spring doesn’t begin with full bloom, and neither do we The pressure women feel to have immediate clarity or direction The “early spring” phase of life: quiet, unclear, and in-between Why rushing decisions can disconnect you from what’s actually changing. The invisible work of becoming: shedding, recalibrating, and making space How to move through uncertainty with trust instead of urgency If This Episode Resonated If you’re in a season where something is shifting… but you don’t have answers yet… you’re not alone. This is exactly why I’ve created Rebirth Conversations— a small, in-person space for women in this in-between season. A space to pause. To reflect. To be witnessed… without needing to rush what’s unfolding. → Save your seat: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/rebirthconversations Listen If You’re… Feeling like something in your life is changing, but you can’t name it yet Craving clarity, but not quite there In a season of transition, identity shift, or emotional reset Tired of rushing decisions just to feel in control Wanting to trust your timing instead of forcing it Share This Episode If this felt like something you needed to hear… send it to a friend who might be in the same season. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer each other is: “you’re not the only one here.” Stay Connected Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co Website: themidwifelife.co You’re not behind. You might just be in early spring.
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56: The Moment You Know Something Has to Change
There’s a moment… quiet, often easy to overlook… when you realize: you can’t keep doing it this way. Not because everything is falling apart. Not because you have a clear next step. But because something deeper… isn’t working anymore. In this episode, I’m talking about that moment, the one many women feel but don’t always name. The subtle signs. The internal shift. And why the space before action might be the most important part of all. If you’ve been feeling off, disconnected, or like your life no longer fits the way it used to… this conversation is for you. What We Talk About The subtle signs that something in your life is no longer aligned Why exhaustion isn’t always about needing more rest The lie we tell ourselves about “just pushing through” The quiet moment of truth: “I can’t keep doing it this way” Why rushing to fix or rebuild often keeps you stuck A different way to move through transition—one rooted in honesty, not urgency A Gentle Invitation If you’re in a season where something is shifting… but you don’t have clarity yet… you’re not alone. This is exactly why I’ve created Rebirth Conversations: a small, in-person gathering for women who are in the middle of something changing. A space to pause. To reflect. To be witnessed… without needing to have it all figured out. → Save your seat: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/rebirthconversations Listen If You’re… Feeling tired in a way that rest isn’t fixing Moving through your days but feeling disconnected Questioning something in your life, work, or identity On the edge of change—but unsure what comes next Craving space to pause instead of rushing forward Share This Episode If this resonated, send it to a friend who might be feeling the same way. Sometimes just hearing “you’re not the only one” changes everything. Stay Connected If you’re not already, come join me here: Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co Website: themidwifelife.co You’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong. You might just be at the beginning of something.
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55: Your Body Isn’t Broken: Rethinking Women’s Health, Hormones, and Longevity with Stephanie Gambetta
For decades, women have been told that fatigue, weight gain, slower recovery, brain fog, and hormone shifts are simply part of aging. But what if the real issue isn’t that women’s bodies are failing them? What if the real problem is that we’ve been given incomplete information about how our bodies actually work - especially in midlife. In this episode of The Midwife Life, Diane sits down with Stephanie Gambetta, founder of Loop and host of The Loop Podcast, to explore a new way of thinking about women’s health, metabolic wellness, and longevity. Stephanie’s journey into this work began after a serious skiing accident led her into a long recovery and sparked a deep curiosity about peptides and the science of healing and resilience. That curiosity eventually led her to create Loop, a wellness platform focused on education, coaching, and helping people approach new health tools with both curiosity and discernment. Together, Diane and Stephanie unpack: What peptides actually are (and why they’re suddenly everywhere) Why women’s metabolic health often changes in midlife The conversation around GLP medications and sustainable weight loss Why bloodwork and personalization matter more than trends How women can move from information overload to informed decision-making What it means to support your body instead of fighting it This conversation is not about quick fixes or biohacking hype. It’s about helping women understand their bodies in a deeper way — and reclaiming the power that comes with that knowledge. In This Episode We Discuss: Stephanie’s recovery journey and how it led to founding Loop Peptides explained in plain language The missing conversation around women’s metabolism and aging GLP medications and sustainable metabolic health Why coaching and education matter in the wellness space Building a values-driven company in an emerging industry Rebirth Conversations This episode is part of a larger series of conversations I’ve been exploring, what I think of as Rebirth Conversations. Because so many women reach a point where something in their body, their energy, or their identity begins to shift… and they’re left wondering: What is happening to me? These aren’t just health conversations. They’re conversations about transition. About understanding your body in a new way. About letting go of outdated narratives. And about learning how to support yourself in the next chapter. Whether that shift is happening in your hormones, your metabolism, your identity, or your life… You’re not alone in it. And you’re not broken. If you’re feeling this in your own life, you can explore more here: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/rebirthconversations Join a Live Peptides 101 Zoom with Stephanie If this conversation sparked your curiosity and you’re wanting to understand peptides in a more grounded, educational way… Stephanie has generously offered to host a live Peptides 101 Zoom session for listeners of The Midwife Life. This will be a small-group conversation where she’ll walk through: What peptides actually are Why they’re gaining attention in modern wellness How they may support recovery, metabolism, and longevity What questions to ask before exploring them How to approach them thoughtfully and responsibly There will also be time for questions and discussion. We’ll host the session once we reach 10 interested participants. If you’d like to join, add your name here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSffCCb1fkdyl4-AWn3BjnwPzWUpAfDf_lUKmR_zLzHC5mZMBg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=109408431311743473853 Connect with Stephanie Website: https://www.theloopway.com Podcast: The Loop Podcast Instagram: @theloopway Connect with Diane Website: themidwifelife.co Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co
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54: You Are Not Broken — Nourishing Your Body Through Life's Transitions with Courtney Smith
This episode is for the woman who looks like she's holding it all together — but feels very tired in her bones. Diane is joined by Courtney Smith, registered dietitian, exercise specialist, certified lactation counselor, and founder of Maternally Nourished. Courtney supports high-achieving women through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, burnout, menopause, and major life transitions using nutrition, functional movement, nervous system regulation, and sustainable care. This conversation isn't about fixing yourself. It's about remembering how to resource yourself. Courtney brings both the clinical expertise of a double master's-educated, board-certified dietitian and the lived experience of a woman who has navigated grief, identity, and the pressure to do it all. Together, Diane and Courtney explore what the body is really communicating when it starts to break down — and what it looks like to actually listen. In This Episode, We Explore How chronic stress silently impacts fertility, digestion, blood sugar, and metabolism — and why high-functioning women are often the last to recognize it Nourishing yourself through postpartum: what your body actually needs, how to prepare your village before baby arrives, and why cutting calories while breastfeeding works against you Functional movement across life stages — from postpartum reconnection to strength training in midlife and why muscle is one of the most powerful tools women have The long shadow of diet culture: releasing the moral value attached to food and healing the relationship between stress, identity, and eating What to do first when you feel completely depleted — and three small, realistic shifts you can start tomorrow Courtney's Three Shifts to Start Tomorrow Walk more — even 10 minutes at lunch, even in your hallway. It's free, underrated, and supports your lymphatic system and nervous system alike. Cook one meal at home — it doesn't have to be complicated. A quesadilla counts. A crock pot dump counts. An act of feeding yourself is an act of self-love. Journal — pen to paper, notes app, one line, one hour, whatever you have. Try the Rose/Bud/Thorn method: one thing that went well, one area of growth coming, one thing that didn't go as hoped. Reflection for Listeners Where in your body are you feeling the cost of not slowing down — and what is one small thing you could do today to begin listening? Resources & Links Connect with Courtney Smith: Instagram: @MaternallyNourished TikTok: Maternally Nourished Website: MaternallyNourished.com Free 30-Minute Discovery Call: Available through her website Announcing Rebirth Conversations This spring, Diane is launching Rebirth Conversations — small, intimate gatherings for women navigating identity shifts and life transitions. The first event is April 2nd in the East Valley, with space for only 15–20 women. Learn more: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/rebirthconversations
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53: What I’m Building Now
Last week, I shared the news about the closing of Willow Midwife Center and the complicated emotions that come with releasing something you built with your whole heart. Today’s conversation is different. This episode isn’t about loss or reaction. It’s about orientation. In this solo reflection, I share what I’m building now - not as a grand announcement, but as a deeper shift in how I want to create, lead, and grow moving forward. For years my work lived in the clinical world: birth centers, midwifery practice, infrastructure, and systems of care. I loved that work deeply. But alongside it, another layer was forming: language around identity transitions, the arc of rebirth, and how women navigate profound life changes without abandoning themselves. That is the space I’m stepping more fully into now. Not a replacement for what came before. A continuation, from different ground. In this episode we talk about: Why I’m not rebuilding something that exhausted me The shift from scale to depth in leadership and growth What it means to build in a way that doesn’t outrun your nervous system The framework of stability → clarity → structure when entering a new chapter Why endings are not failure, but the clearing of ground I also share what you can expect in upcoming episodes as we expand conversations around matrescence, identity evolution, embodied leadership, entrepreneurship, and cyclic living in a linear world. If you are standing at the edge of a transition - personally, professionally, or internally - this episode is for you. Because sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is pause long enough to build the next chapter well. Coming Up This Month Upcoming conversations include: Courtney Smith of Maternally Nourished on food, nourishment, and postpartum recovery Stephanie Gambetta of The Loop Way on identity loops and reinvention Deeper conversations on cyclic living, leadership, and women’s health 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a woman navigating her own transition.
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52: When something you built ends - Closing Willow, Grief, and the Courage to Begin Again
This week’s episode is a personal one. After publicly announcing the closing of Willow, Diane shares a reflection on what it means to release something you built, not as failure, but as completion. In this conversation, she explores grief, identity, leadership, sovereignty, and what integration looks like in real time. What does it mean to close a chapter without collapsing?How do we separate endurance from alignment?And how do we step into a new season without rushing to prove what’s next? This episode is an honest look at endings, embodiment, and the courage to move forward differently. In This Episode Grief and identity when something you built changes Completion vs. failure Leadership and nervous system safety Integration before ignition
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50: Chapter Five: Becoming — Living From the Ground You’ve Earned
In Chapter Five of the Rebirth Journey, Diane explores what comes after shedding, remembering, rebuilding, and learning to live rebirth as a way of being. This episode is about Becoming — not as reinvention, but as embodiment. Becoming is the quiet integration that happens when you stop abandoning your body, stop making decisions from urgency, and begin living from nervous system safety and inner timing. In this deeply personal episode, Diane shares reflections from her own season of recovery and fog, the power of making smaller body-based goals, and what it means to allow clarity to arrive without force. This chapter is an invitation to live from rhythm instead of pressure — and to trust that slowing down is not falling behind. In this episode, we explore: • What “Becoming” really means after rebirth • Why reinvention isn’t required — embodiment is • Making decisions from resource instead of urgency • Letting clarity arrive without forcing it • Living cyclically in a linear world • How nervous system safety shapes leadership, motherhood, and creativity • Releasing identities that belong to past seasons • Why rebirth is something you practice, not achieve Reflection for listeners: What season are you actually in right now — and what would it look like to honor it?
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BONUS REPLAY: From Dreams to Decisions: Life Lessons in Your 20s
In this bonus replay, Diane welcomes two inspiring guests—her daughter Julia Ortega and her “adopted” daughter, Klea Soliman. Both are 23-year-old nurses navigating the ups and downs of their early 20s, from building careers in healthcare to prioritizing health and relationships. Together, they dive into the challenges of this transformative stage of life and share lessons on self-discovery, balance, and empowerment. What We Cover: Defining Your 20s: The pressure to "have it all figured out" and why it’s okay to take life day by day. Social Media and Comparison: The impact of seeing “picture-perfect” lives online and how to reframe your mindset. Health and Wellness: How their nursing careers have shaped their views on physical, mental, and emotional health—and why self-care is essential. Career Path Uncertainty: Exploring the highs and challenges of hospital settings, the freedom of outpatient care, and the beauty of growth in the nursing field. Relationships and Support Systems: The role of family, friends, and personal boundaries in creating a supportive and meaningful life. Life Lessons and Advice: Insights into learning from experiences, embracing your worth, and living as the main character in your own story. Top Takeaways for Young Women: You don’t need to have everything figured out—your 20s are for exploration and growth. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a necessity for thriving personally and professionally. Stop comparing your journey to others—social media only shows a highlight reel. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and value your worth. Love yourself first, and the rest will fall into place. Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.midwife.life.co/ Website: themidwifelife.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Midwife-LifeCo/61559303575840/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/themidwifelife/ Join the Conversation: If you loved this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends! Whether you're navigating your 20s or supporting someone who is, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom for embracing this stage of life with confidence.
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49: Rebirth as a Way of Living (Chapter Four of the Rebirth Journey)
What if rebirth isn’t something you go through once, but something you learn how to live inside of? In this episode of The Midwife Life, Diane weaves together the four chapters of the Rebirth Journey: shedding, remembering, rebuilding, and integration—to explore what it looks like when rebirth becomes an orientation rather than a phase. This is a grounded, embodied conversation about cyclical living in a linear world, listening to the body before urgency takes over, and learning to live in rhythm rather than reaction. If you’ve moved through collapse… If you’re rebuilding differently… If you’re ready to stop forcing clarity and start trusting your body… This episode is an invitation to live rebirth as a way of being. In this episode, we explore: • Why rebirth isn’t a moment, it’s a practice • The four chapters of the Rebirth Journey • Cyclical living vs linear pressure • How urgency disconnects us from the body • What integration feels like in real life • Why listening earlier prevents collapse later Reflection for listeners: What season are you actually in right now—and what would it look like to honor it?
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48: Rebuilding Without Burning Yourself Down
After shedding and remembering comes rebuilding—but not the kind that asks you to override your body or repeat the patterns that led to burnout. In this episode of The Midwife Life, Diane explores what it means to rebuild from capacity instead of urgency, and how the body—not the mind—signals when it’s time to begin again. This is a conversation about rebuilding slowly, honestly, and sustainably—without self-abandonment. In this episode, we explore: • How rebuilding actually begins in the body • Somatic signs that you’re ready to rebuild • Why urgency is not the same as readiness • What Diane is no longer willing to rebuild • Making decisions from capacity, not pressure • Choosing stability over urgency • How rebuilding shows up in work, motherhood, and leadership You’ll also be invited into a gentle pause to reflect on what you’re rebuilding—and how you’re choosing to do it differently this time. Listener reflection: What would it look like to rebuild without sacrificing yourself?
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BONUS REPLAY: Yoga, Birth, and the Power of Connection: A Conversation with Nikki Brewer
In this bonus replay, Diane sits down with Nikki Brewer—ayoga instructor, doula, birth educator, and mom of three—to explore thepowerful connection between yoga, birth, and the motherhood journey. With over 15 years of yoga experience and a background supporting laboring women, Nikki brings deep wisdom and compassion to every class she teaches. From embracing strength and surrender during pregnancy to building community in postpartum recovery, Nikki shares how yoga can guide women through the physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation sof motherhood. What We Cover: Nikki’s story: from yoga teacher to mother, doula, and studio owner How yoga prepares the body, mind, and breath for labor What it means to “sink and surrender” in birth The critical role of community in postpartum recovery Simple, grounding practices any mom can do today Why motherhood and yoga are both acts of connection—mind, body, and spirit Memorable Quotes:“The first thing I learned about yoga is that it’s a connection of mind, body,and spirit. Motherhood taught me the same thing.”– Nikki Brewer “Strong women empower one another—and that’s exactly what our postnatal yoga space is all about.” Resources & Links: Learn more about Willow AZ Midwife Centers → https://willowbirthcenteraz.com/ Follow Diane on Instagram → @the.midwife.life.co Listen + Share:If this episode inspired you, share it with a mama you love! Subscribe, rate, and review The Midwife Life wherever you listen to podcasts.
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47: Before You Decide Anything, Come Back to Your Body
(Chapter Two: Remembering) After shedding comes the in-between. In this episode of The Midwife Life, Diane explores the quiet, often misunderstood season that follows collapse, the moment when the old skin is gone, but clarity hasn’t returned yet. If you’re feeling foggy… undecided… or unsure of what direction to take next, this conversation is for you. Drawing from her own recovery and lived experience, Diane shares why fog isn’t failure, why a healing body can’t access long-term vision, and why safety-not clarity- comes first after periods of illness, exhaustion, or over responsibility. This episode is an invitation to pause, to listen inward, and to let the body lead before the mind demands answers. In this episode, we explore: Why fog is often a sign of healing, not confusion The space after shedding, before rebuilding begins How illness and exhaustion affect decision-making Why rest comes before clarity The difference between remembering and reinventing How to set small, body-centered goals during recovery Using the body as a compass for what’s next You’ll also be guided through a gentle nervous-system pause, offering space to notice what your body needs before asking anything more of yourself. Listener reflection: Before you decide anything today, ask yourself: What feels safe right now? If this episode resonates, you’re not behind. You’re remembering.
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46: The Skin I Had to Shed: Collapse, Surrender, and the Threshold of Rebirth
In this intimate solo episode, Diane returns after a podcast hiatus to share what the end of 2025 asked her to release, and what she’s carrying forward into a new year. Rather than rushing into goals or reinvention, this conversation centers on collapse as initiation, illness as intelligence, and rebirth as a way of living rather than something to hustle toward. Using the symbolism of the Year of the Snake, feminine, cyclical, and rooted in shedding—Diane reflects on the old skins that could not come with her into this next season, including over-responsibility, self-abandonment, and business models that required her to override her body. You’ll also be guided through a short nervous-system pause, offering space to listen inward and name what you may be ready to release as well. This episode is for anyone standing at the edge of a new year feeling quieter than expected - more tender than driven - and wondering if something is wrong. Nothing is wrong.You may simply be shedding. In this episode, we explore: • Why collapse isn’t failure, but information • How illness can act as a sacred boundary • The feminine wisdom of the snake and the power of shedding • Over-responsibility and self-abandonment as survival patterns • Rebirth as slow, cellular, and embodied • Letting go of versions of success that cost too much • Trusting a quieter, truer way forward Listener reflection: If your body could shed one thing it’s been carrying, what would it be?
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BONUS REPLAY: From Darkness to Light: A Solstice Story + My Journey to Avalon
In this bonus replay of an intimate solo episode, Diane Ortega invites you into a powerful solstice reflection and shares the behind-the-scenes of her personal transformation. From the grief of letting go of a long-held vision to the light of spiritual rebirth, she offers a raw and radiant look at what it means to midwife yourself through change. She also opens up about her upcoming journey to Avalon—the sacred land of the Divine Feminine—and what she hopes to remember, release, and reclaim along the way. This is a story of light returning, purpose reawakening, and the beauty of trusting your sacred mess. In This Episode: The symbolism + power of the summer solstice Diane's personal “dark night” and the loss of Willow Rebloom What it means to midwife your own transformation The intention behind her Avalon pilgrimage A closing solstice reflection + journal prompt Mentioned in This Episode: Diane’s Avalon journey The Midwife Life community ✨ Journal Prompt:What is being illuminated in my life right now? What truth am I ready to see more clearly? What am I ready to release so I can rise?
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BONUS REPLAY: Listener Q&A with Midwife Diane Ortega
In this special Q&A episode, I’m answering YOUR biggest questions about pregnancy, birth, postpartum mental health, and how to build a strong support system—even if you’re not a mom! We’ll cover misconceptions about midwifery, how to prepare for birth, recognizing postpartum depression, and the power of sisterhood. If you have a question for a future episode, send it my way on Instagram (@@the.midwife.life.co) or via email ([email protected]). ✨ Topics Covered: ✔️ The biggest misconceptions about midwifery care ✔️ How to decide if a birth center is right for you ✔️ Preparing for an unmedicated birth ✔️ Recognizing the difference between baby blues & postpartum depression ✔️ How partners can offer better support during pregnancy & postpartum ✔️ How to cultivate strong female friendships & community 📖 Resources Mentioned: Midwifery Care & Birth Outcomes – Sandall J, et al. The Lancet, 2016 Birth Centers & C-section Rates – Stapleton SR, et al. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 2013 Continuous Labor Support & Doulas – Bohren MA, et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev., 2017 Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Screening – Wisner KL, et al. JAMA Psychiatry, 2013 The Science of Female Friendships – Taylor SE, et al. Psychological Review, 2000 📝 Additional Support & Links: Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net (Call or text "HELP" to 800-944-4773) Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Screening Tool: https://perinatology.com/calculators/Edinburgh%20Depression%20Scale.htm Find a Birth Center Near You: www.birthcenters.org 💌 Want More? 👉 Submit Your Questions: DM me on Instagram @themidwifelife or email [email protected] 👉 Sign Up for My Upcoming Workshop: Midwifing Your Life—an immersive experience designed to help women live with more intention, balance, and empowerment. Sign up for details here! 🎧 Share This Episode! If you loved this episode, please take a moment to leave a review—it helps other women find this podcast! And don’t forget to share this episode with a friend who needs it. 💜 📢 Tag me on Instagram @themidwifelife when you’re listening! I love seeing your takeaways and connecting with you. Until next time, trust your body, trust your intuition, and keep midwifing your life! ✨
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45: Postpartum Is Not a Phase — It’s a Transformation: A Conversation with Samantha Davis of NuHealth Placenta
Today on The Midwife Life, we’re diving into a topic so many mothers wish someone had prepared them for: what really happens after birth—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. My guest, Samantha Davis, CEO of NuHealth Placenta, is redefining what postpartum support looks and feels like. Through placenta encapsulation and holistic recovery education, Samantha helps mothers restore balance, energy, and peace of mind during one of the most tender, transformative seasons of their lives. This episode is a grounding reminder: Postpartum is not something you “push through.” It’s a coming home to yourself. Whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, a seasoned mother, or someone who supports women, this conversation offers truth, permission, and powerful tools for honoring the fourth trimester. IN THIS EPISODE, WE EXPLORE: Samantha’s origin story: How her own postpartum experiences sparked a mission to normalize honest conversations about recovery, identity shifts, and healing. The truth about early postpartum: Why slowing down, receiving support, and caring for yourself are essential—not optional. Placenta encapsulation 101: What it is, how it works, and why thousands of women choose this ancient practice for hormone balance, energy, and emotional wellbeing. Bridging holistic + modern motherhood: How to tune into your body, advocate for your needs, and navigate postpartum with more confidence and connection. Rediscovering yourself after birth: Why postpartum isn’t an ending, but the beginning of a profound personal transformation. ABOUT SAMANTHA DAVIS Samantha is the founder and CEO of NuHealth Placenta, a company dedicated to supporting mothers through placenta encapsulation and holistic postpartum education. Her mission is simple and powerful: Help mothers feel seen, supported, and proud of how they care for themselves. You can find her at: Website → NuHealthPlacenta.com Instagram → @nuhealth_placentaencapsulation Samantha is also offering The Midwife Life listeners an exclusive free upgraded package + umbilical cord keepsake. CONNECT WITH DIANE Website → TheMidwifeLife.co Instagram → @the.midwife.life.co If you loved this episode, share it with a friend, tag us on IG, or leave a review. It helps this movement reach more women who are ready to reclaim their power, their wellbeing, and their rebirth.
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44: Rebirth — The Missing Phase
What if this isn’t burnout? What if it’s rebirth? This episode reframes exhaustion, confusion, and emotional unraveling not as failure, but as a necessary initiation into becoming. Diane unpacks: Why women feel dismantled during identity transitions How this phase mirrors postpartum, wintering, and cocooning The difference between burnout and sacred shedding What happens when we stop resisting the pause How rebirth creates clarity, depth, and inner authority This episode is for you if: You feel disconnected from who you used to be You’re craving slowness but feel guilty You sense a quiet becoming within You know something is shifting but can’t name it yet Reflection Questions: What is being released in this season? What part of me is asking for rest? What would it feel like to trust this pause? Stay close for the next episode as we explore the wisdom of stillness and the power of honoring the in-between. ✨ Continue your Rebirth inside The Rebirth Journey A sacred 12-week experience for women ready to honor their becoming and rise with intention. Learn more → Your Rebirth Begins Here ✨ Join the Rebirth Circle Midwifing the Moment- a soulful email space for women in transition, reflection, and rebirth. Receive sacred reflections, audio notes, and first invitations into The Rebirth Journey. Join here → Stay Updated
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43: Strength, Identity & the Real Postpartum with Meg Pasquel
In this episode, Diane sits down with women’s health and fitness coach, community leader, and Willow mama, Meg Pasquel. Together, they explore the identity shift of motherhood, the real postpartum experience, listening to your body, and redefining strength in a season that changes everything. Meg is the founder of Positively Fit Community, host of The FitlittleMeg Experience, and a longtime advocate for women’s wellness. She’s built a seven-figure coaching brand while navigating her own motherhood journey — and in this conversation, she shares openly about what that evolution has looked like behind the scenes. This episode is grounding, honest, and full of reminders every mother needs. In This Episode, We Cover: Meg’s Willow birth story and the moment that stayed with her What the early postpartum weeks actually felt like The mix of beauty and challenge in becoming a mother Reconnecting with your body after birth The myths of “bouncing back” and postpartum fitness culture How motherhood reshaped her identity and leadership Building a business while navigating a new season The softer, deeper version of strength Meg discovered What she wants every woman to know about this transition About Meg Pasquel: Meg is a women’s health and fitness coach, founder of Positively Fit Community, and host of The FitlittleMeg Experience podcast. She’s helped thousands of women transform their health, reconnect with their bodies, and build confidence — all while sharing her own real, honest journey through postpartum and motherhood. Meg lives in Arizona with her family and is a proud Willow mama. Connect with Meg: Instagram: @positivelyfitcommunity Podcast: The FitlittleMeg Experience Additional Resources: The Rebirth Journey — 12-week coaching experience: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/rebirthjourney Get your FREE Fourth Trimester Care Plan: https://willowbirthcenteraz.com/ Join The Rebirth Journey If this conversation stirred something inside you — if you’re in a season of unraveling, remembering, or rising — you’re invited into The Rebirth Journey, Diane’s 12-week coaching experience for women ready to reconnect with themselves on every level. Learn more → If You Loved This Episode… Please rate, review, and share the show. Your support helps us reach more women who deserve conversations like this.
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42: Rewriting the Mother Code: How to Mother Yourself with Dr. Gertrude Lyons
What if “being a good mother” has less to do with self-sacrifice…and everything to do with self-actualization? In this powerful episode of The Midwife Life, Diane sits down with Dr. Gertrude Lyons, master coach, speaker, and author of Rewrite the Mother Code: How to Mother Yourself and Others in a Healthy Way, to explore what it really means to rewrite the stories we’ve been handed about motherhood, womanhood, and worth. Together, they unpack the “mother code” most of us inherited—the one rooted in perfectionism, martyrdom, and putting everyone else first—and begin to imagine something different: a version of mothering that honors intuition, choice, and self-mothering as the foundation for how we care for others. Whether you’re pregnant, parenting, child-free by choice, or in a season of caring for aging parents, this conversation will help you see mothering as a lifelong relationship with yourself, your community, and your dreams. In this episode, we explore: What “the Mother Code” really is: How culture, family, and history shape our ideas of what a “good mother” should be—and why those codes need rewriting. From self-sacrifice to self-actualization: The deeply ingrained belief that everyone else should come first, and how tending to yourself actually supports your children, your relationships, and your work. Mothering beyond children: How you “mother” your business, your creativity, your friendships, your community—and why women without children are absolutely part of the mothering landscape. Perfectionism in motherhood: Where the pressure to be a “perfect parent” came from, how social media amplifies it, and why chasing the right way to mother is a no-win game. Rewriting generational patterns: Gertrude’s honest story about her own mother wound, fertility journey, and how doing deep inner work changed the way she conceived, birthed, and parented. Choice, intuition, and birth: Why informed choice in pregnancy and birth matters so much, what happens when women aren’t listened to, and how trusting your intuition can change your birth experience. The PACT for self-mothering: Gertrude’s powerful framework for softening your inner critic and mothering yourself. A simple place to start rewriting your own mother code: One reflective exercise you can do today to begin untangling what you inherited from what you truly desire. Website: drgertrude.com Podcast: Rewrite the Mother Code Instagram: @drgertrudelyons TEDx Talk: “Rewrite the Mother Code” on the TEDx YouTube channel Connect with Dr. Gertrude Lyons: Book: Rewrite the Mother Code: How to Mother Yourself and Others in a Healthy Way – available wherever books are sold (https://amzn.to/4pfpb0E) Website: https://www.drgertrudelyons.com/ Instagram: @drgertrudelyons TEDx Talk: “Rewrite the Mother Code” on the TEDx YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/NZ9ZF8JKIDYhttps://youtu.be/NZ9ZF8JKIDY) If this episode stirred something in you—if you’re feeling the nudge to rewrite your own stories around motherhood, womanhood, or worth—I’d love to walk with you. 🕊️ Explore The Rebirth Journey, my 12-week coaching experience to help you rest, repair, and rise into your next season. Thank you for listening to The Midwife Life. If this conversation on redefining motherhood and self-mothering resonated, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and a short review. Your words help other women find the support and language they didn’t know they needed. 💛
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41: Why Rebirth Is the Opposite of Burnout
It’s been one year since The Midwife Life began —and what started as a podcast has become a movement. In this special anniversary episode, host Diane Ortega, DNP, CNM shares the story behind her own burnout, the lessons that shaped this year of growth, and the next evolution of The Midwife Life: The Rebirth Journey — a 12-week coaching experience for women ready to rest, repair, and rise into their next season. Burnout isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of something sacred. You’ll Hear: The truth about burnout as a sacred contraction before your next chapter How The Midwife Life evolved into a movement of women in rebirth What’s next: The Rebirth Journey — a 12-week coaching experience How to know if you’re in your own season of rebirth Key Quote: “Rebirth isn’t about starting over — it’s about starting truer. Burnout was never the end. It was the doorway to something sacred.” Join the Rebirth Journey: themidwifelife.co/rebirthjourney 12 weeks of guided transformation with Diane Limited spaces opening soon
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40: You Asked. I Answered: Listener Q&A on Healing, Identity & Rebirth
In this special Listener Q&A episode, Diane answers your most vulnerable and powerful questions—on postpartum healing, identity loss and rediscovery, pelvic floor care, and the sacred mess of transformation. From what’s really normal 6 months postpartum to how to know when it’s time to let go of something that no longer fits, this episode is a soft but strong reminder: You’re not broken. You’re becoming. And you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, we explore: What’s actually normal 6 months after birth How to rebuild your identity after motherhood Why your pelvic floor deserves more than a 6-week checkup The real meaning of “midwifing your life” How to know when it’s time to release something you once loved The most powerful rebirth moment in Diane’s life Ready to Go Deeper? Join Diane for a free live workshop: Midwife Your Life: Cultivating Community & Embracing Transformation 🗓 November 8th | 10am (AZ) 🎟 Free to attend 💛 For women in any season of transition—postpartum, midlife, reinvention ✨ Breathwork, journaling, reflection, and a 3-step clarity map for your next chapter 👉 Sign up here → themidwifelife/workshop And for those ready to go even deeper… Diane will be sharing a special invitation to work with her more closely after the workshop. Stay tuned. 📖 Related: Read the full blog post 💌 Subscribe to the newsletter for bonus prompts + behind the scenes
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39: Postpartum Recovery — Healing Your Body After Birth
In this heartfelt episode, Diane explores what true postpartum recovery looks like — beyond the six-week checkup. From honoring rest and nourishment to building community and seeking support, you’ll learn how to navigate this sacred season with compassion, confidence, and care. In this episode, we cover: Why the traditional six-week postpartum model isn’t enough How midwifery care nurtures the whole woman — body, mind, and spirit The cultural wisdom of postpartum rest and what modern mothers can learn Practical ways loved ones can support a new mom The importance of emotional and mental health after birth How community care and support groups can transform your recovery Local Listeners: Join our Willow Rooted Postpartum Circles — monthly gatherings at Willow Birth Centers designed to help mothers feel seen, supported, and grounded. Learn more: willowbirthcenteraz.com/wellness Follow us on Instagram: @willowbirthcenteraz Free Workshop — November 8: If you’re craving rest, renewal, and reconnection, join Diane for Midwifing Your Life: Cultivating Community & Embracing Transformation. It’s a free virtual experience where women in every season of life can slow down, reconnect, and rediscover what’s being born within them. Join the free Nov 8 workshop → themidwifelife.co/workshop Go Deeper — The Rebirth Journey Coaching Experience: For those ready to midwife their own transformation — body, mind, and spirit — Diane’s 12-week coaching program, The Rebirth Journey, offers personalized support, guided reflection, and soulful strategy for women navigating major life transitions. Apply or learn more: themidwifelife.co/rebirth Resources for Postpartum Support National & Online Resources: Postpartum Support International (PSI) — Find helplines, therapist directories, and online support groups. Postpartum Progress — A peer-led community raising awareness of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The Motherhood Center — Online therapy, support groups, and educational resources for postpartum mental health. Seleni Institute — Evidence-based support for maternal mental health and women’s emotional well-being. The Momwell Podcast — Conversations about identity, boundaries, and self-care for modern moms. Arizona-Based Resources: Willow Midwife Center for Birth & Wellness AZ — Comprehensive postpartum care and midwifery services in Mesa and Gilbert. Willow Rooted Circles — Monthly community gatherings for mothers in the fourth trimester. Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona — Counseling and psychiatric services specializing in perinatal mental health. 4th Trimester Arizona AZ Coalition — Providing resources for All families to be embraced by their communities in their transition to parenthood. If this episode resonated with you… Please take a moment to leave a review or share it with a friend who’s in her postpartum season. Your support helps us reach more women who need these conversations.
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38: Something New Is Being Born
Take a deep breath with me. (exhale) This episode is an invitation to slow down, to stop rushing and listen for what’s rising within you. Because something new is being born… not just in the world, but inside you. Lately, so many women have been whispering the same truth: “I don’t even know who I am anymore.” But what if that disorientation isn’t the end of your story, what if it’s the beginning of your Rebirth? In this episode, Diane reflects on: The sacred in-between — the space between who you were and who you’re becoming Why so many women are feeling called into a collective Rebirth How to honor the transitions in your life instead of rushing through them Her own story of unraveling, remembering, and becoming An invitation to reconnect with yourself through the free workshop: Midwifing Your Life: Reconnecting With the Woman You’re Becoming Because you’re not broken — you’re becoming. And something new is waiting to be born. Join the free workshop on Saturday, November 8 · 10 AM (AZ time). Sign up here: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/3ab7ef713a Key Quote: “You’re not lost. You’re in a Rebirth.” – Diane Ortega
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37: What If It All Went Well? Rebuilding Safety in Our Nervous System
What if your nervous system could believe—deeply, fully—that it’s safe? In this episode, Diane explores the concept of nervous system safety, why it matters for women and mothers, and how we can begin to rebuild it. Through the story of a mother who transformed her second birth experience by shifting from fear to safety, Diane illustrates how safety in the body is not just emotional—it’s physiological. You’ll learn about Polyvagal Theory, practical nervous system regulation tools, and reflection prompts to help you reconnect with safety in your own life. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: A story of a mother who went from a traumatic first hospital birth to a healing second experience rooted in safety. The science of the nervous system: how the vagus nerve and Polyvagal Theory explain our states of safety, fight-or-flight, and shutdown. Why nervous system safety is essential for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond. Simple practices—breathwork, orienting, safe connection, and affirmations—that can help you return to calm. Reflection prompts to explore the last time you felt truly safe in your body. Workshop Invitation: Join Diane for her upcoming live experience: Midwifing Your Life: Reconnecting With the Woman You’re Becoming, a 90-minute workshop designed to help you rebuild safety in your nervous system, reconnect with yourself, and step into your next chapter with confidence. Reserve your spot here: https://themidwifelife.kit.com/3ab7ef713a
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36: Sleep, strength, and sanity: The seven branches of midlife wellness for high‑achieving women with Karen DiGenova
Is midlife burnout just the price of success? Not if Karen DiGenova has anything to say about it. In this episode of The Midwife Life, Karen joins Diane to talk about reframing midlife from a season of decline into a time of powerful transformation. A former global HR leader for brands like Deloitte, Nike, and Columbia Sportswear, Karen knows firsthand how professional women get stuck in go-mode—until their health forces a full stop. She shares her own journey through perimenopause, Hashimoto’s, and PCOS, and how it inspired her to leave corporate life and launch Ms. Midlife, a wellness company built to help women thrive instead of just survive. We dig into Karen’s signature framework, the Seven Branches of Midlife Wellness, and talk practical, bio-individual strategies for energy, sleep, movement, and hormone balance. Whether you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or just ready to feel better in your body, this episode will leave you feeling clear and empowered. Karen DiGenova is the founder of Ms. Midlife, a wellness company that helps high-achieving women become the CEOs of their health. After 30+ years in HR leadership and her own lived experience with autoimmune and hormonal challenges, Karen created the Seven Branches of Midlife Wellness Framework—a personalized system designed to transform burnout into sustainable vitality. She offers 1:1 and group coaching, corporate workshops, and retreats, all grounded in evidence-based lifestyle strategies that work in real life. What we cover: Why midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a revolution The moment Karen ditched the prescriptions and chose true healing How her Seven Branches system helps women identify what’s actually out of balance The connection between sleep and everything (energy, food cravings, hormones, motivation…) Strategic protein + fiber intake (and what to expect when you skip them) What kind of movement matters most for longevity—and why it's not what you think The truth about hormone therapy and why only 7% of women use it Reclaiming your nervous system, setting boundaries, and moving beyond burnout Why community is just as important as supplements (and how Ms. Midlife programs build it) Prompts for reflection: Which of the seven branches feels weakest for you right now? How does your current routine support (or sabotage) your energy and clarity? What’s one micro-action you can take this week—like going to bed at the same time or doing 20 air squats at lunch? Are you making decisions for your future self—or just pushing through another day? Who’s in your community that supports your wellness? Links + resources: Connect with us: Instagram: @the.midwife.life.co Website: themidwifelife.co Take the Sacred Reset Quiz: Here Apply for the 12-week coaching program: I AM A MOTHER…NOW WHAT? Apply Here Connect with Karen: msmidlife.com Instagram: @msmidlifeofficial LinkedIn: Karen DeGenova Karen’s Free Quiz: Seven Branches Quiz Want to work with Karen? Book your free discovery call → Resources: Othership App – guided breathwork (Karen’s favorite!) Andrew Huberman’s breath technique (inspiration for stress resets) Sauna research from the Finnish longevity study Karen’s upcoming retreats and group programs: Visit msmidlife.com Like this episode? Share it with a friend who’s navigating midlife—and hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation. Midlife isn’t the beginning of the end—it’s the start of a whole new chapter. Let’s make it a powerful one.
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35: Confessions of a Midwife: Stories, Healing & the Human Side of Birthwork with Brielle Jenson
In this deeply honest and inspiring conversation, I sit down with Brielle Jenson, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, a midwife with over 20 years of experience, an IBCLC, and the author of the stunning new book Confessions of a Midwife. Brielle has worked in hospitals, home births, and birth centers, bringing a rare, unfiltered perspective on the challenges, triumphs, and deeply human moments of birthwork. Her work has been recognized in the field of midwifery, including a nomination for the ACNM Media Award in 2025, highlighting her dedication to sharing authentic stories and elevating maternal health conversations. In this episode, we dive into: The raw realities of being a midwife—beyond the perfect Instagram birth stories The emotional toll and healing power of birthwork Insights into perinatal mental health and supporting mothers through complex postpartum experiences Brielle’s journey to writing her book and why sharing these stories matters The balance of professional expertise and deep compassion in modern midwifery This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the human side of birth, whether you’re a parent, a birth professional, or simply fascinated by the art and science of midwifery. Key Takeaways / Reflection Prompts: What myths about birth and midwifery have you believed that might need reframing? How can compassion—for yourself or others—transform challenging experiences? In what ways can storytelling and shared experiences help heal communities of mothers and birth professionals? Next Step: Take the Sacred Reset Quiz Feeling inspired to reflect on your own energy, growth, and next steps? Try my Sacred Reset Quiz to discover: Which area of your life is ready for a reset Personalized insights to help you release what no longer serves you Clear guidance on the next steps for your transformation 🎯 Take the quiz here: What are you ready to reset? Resources & Links: Brielle Jenson’s Book: Confessions of a Midwife Good News: More Data on the Use of ADHD Medications During Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications © - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Withdrawal Symptoms in Newborns Exposed to SSRIs - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Study Supporting the Reproductive Safety of Gabapentin During Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Allison Baker, MD on the Specialized Care of Pregnant and Postpartum Women with ADHD - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Essential Reads: Breastfeeding and ADHD Medications - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Fact Sheets - Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Exposures | MotherToBaby Twin Cities Midwifery | Planning your Best Postpartum Babymoon Good Moms, Scary Thoughts – Happiest Baby Changes in your relationships after having a baby | NCT Psyched Mommy Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts – MOMBOX The Modern Mom: Embracing Motherhood In 2024 | Motherhood Center Order | Sanity School® for Parents the essential guide to raising complex kids - Search Shopping Home - Dr. Shefali 🎧 Check out more episodes of The Midwife Life: Listen Here 🌿 Connect with Diane & The Midwife Life Community: Check it out!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The Midwife Life—part podcast, part revolution that empowers and educates women on all things related to pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, and careers in healthcare.Whether it's understanding the options available to you, advocating for yourself in a health care setting, or simply knowing that you're not alone, I want you to leave each episode feeling stronger and more equipped.
HOSTED BY
Diane Ortega of Willow Birth Center
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