The Unmedicated Minded Momma

What happens when a pelvic floor physical therapist, passionate about physiological birth, finds herself navigating both an induction and an unexpected NICU stay?In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Catherine to discuss her journey from an endometriosis diagnosis and fears around fertility to an empowering birth experience that beautifully balanced preparation, mindset, and medical intervention when needed.As a pelvic floor PT, Sarah Catherine shares the holistic approaches she used throughout pregnancy, how she prepared both physically and mentally for birth, and why she believes there is a time and place for intervention within a physiology-centered approach.We also dive into the unexpected challenges that followed her baby’s birth, including a NICU stay, and how the work she had done during pregnancy helped her navigate those difficult moments with confidence, resilience, and peace.This conversation is a powerful reminder that birth preparation isn’t just about labor—it equips you for the unexpected turns that motherhood can bring.In This Episode:Sarah Catherine’s journey to conception after an endometriosis diagnosisThe role of holistic preparation during pregnancyWhy mindset matters more than most women realizeWhat an unmedicated induction actually looks likePelvic floor physical therapy and preparing the body for birthNavigating an unexpected NICU stayHow birth preparation helped her through postpartum challengesChapters00:00 The Intensity of Labor and Pushing Process28:49 Navigating Labor Challenges36:19 Postpartum and Breastfeeding Challenges47:38 Preparation and EmpowermentResources & Links:Unmedicated AcademyJoy in the Morning Doula ServicesConnect with Sarah Catherine:Instagram Empowered Wellness                              Ways to Work With Toni✨ Unmedicated AcademyA physiology-first birth education course designed to help women prepare intentionally for unmedicated birth — especially within hospital settings.✨ Joy in the Morning Doula ServicesIn-person and virtual support focused on education, advocacy, preparation, and physiological birth support.✨ Connect With MeInstagram: @joyinthemorningdoula / @unmedicatedmindedmommaWant YOUR unmedicated minded birth story featured on the podcast?please fill out this inquiry form and I will reach out soon!AFFLILATE LINKS + DISCOUNT CODESSave 10% on premium pro-life diapers from EveryLife with my code: 10TONI.

Dr. Stephanie joins the podcast to share each of her three unmedicated births. From an unmedicated induction to navigating birth in a new healthcare system, she reflects on how education, advocacy, and support shaped her experiences.As a pelvic floor therapist, Dr. Stephanie also shares practical advice for preparing your body for birth and postpartum, common signs women may be struggling, and why pregnancy isn’t something you can approach passively.We also talk about the role of doulas, Spinning Babies, pelvic floor health, and how sometimes the greatest gift of support is helping a mother let go of control and fully experience her birth.Chapters00:00 Preparation for First Two Births09:43 Emotions and Preparation for Third Pregnancy15:07 Golden Hour and Postpartum20:37 Advocacy and Support in Pregnancy and Birth27:26 Pelvic Floor Therapy and Preparation33:10 Empowered Wellness CenterResources & Links:Unmedicated AcademyJoy in the Morning Doula ServicesConnect with Dr.Stephanie:InstagramEmpowered Wellness                                  Ways to Work With Toni✨ Unmedicated AcademyA physiology-first birth education course designed to help women prepare intentionally for unmedicated birth — especially within hospital settings.✨ Joy in the Morning Doula ServicesIn-person and virtual support focused on education, advocacy, preparation, and physiological birth support.✨ Connect With MeInstagram: @joyinthemorningdoula / @unmedicatedmindedmommaWant YOUR unmedicated minded birth story featured on the podcast?please fill out this inquiry form and I will reach out soon!AFFLILATE LINKS + DISCOUNT CODESSave 10% on premium pro-life diapers from EveryLife with my code: 10TONI.

Episode 2 with ErikaToday’s guest is Erika, a military wife + first time mom whose pregnancy and postpartum journey required more flexibility, resilience, and surrender than she ever expected.As her due date approached, her family found themselves living in a hotel while preparing for a major military relocation. Erica shares how she navigated the uncertainty of an induction while still pursuing an unmedicated birth, leaning into both preparation and trust when circumstances felt anything but predictable.Just three days after welcoming her baby, she packed up and moved from Florida to North Carolina with a newborn in tow.This conversation is a powerful reminder that strength isn’t always found in controlling every detail. Sometimes it’s found in surrendering to what you can’t control. Whether you’re preparing for an induction, navigating military life, or simply learning to hold plans loosely, Erica’s story will encourage you to trust yourself and find confidence even when the path looks different than expected.Chapters00:00 Preparing for Birth07:17 Research and Preparation19:03 Postpartum Experience25:45 Post-Birth ChallengesResources & Links:Unmedicated AcademyJoy in the Morning Doula ServicesConnect with Erika:InstagramKingdom Arrows-pregnancy prep cards                                   Ways to Work With Toni✨ Unmedicated AcademyA physiology-first birth education course designed to help women prepare intentionally for unmedicated birth — especially within hospital settings.✨ Joy in the Morning Doula ServicesIn-person and virtual support focused on education, advocacy, preparation, and physiological birth support.✨ Connect With MeInstagram: @joyinthemorningdoula / @unmedicatedmindedmommaWant YOUR unmedicated minded birth story featured on the podcast?please fill out this inquiry form and I will reach out soon!AFFLILATE LINKS + DISCOUNT CODESSave 10% on premium pro-life diapers from EveryLife with my code: 10TONI.

Episode 1 with CallieA first-time mom who walked into her hospital birth trusting God, trusting her body, and deeply preparing for the experience she hoped for.In this episode, Callie shares the story of her unmedicated hospital birth that unfolded almost exactly how she prayed and planned. We talk about mindset, preparation, advocacy, and what it looked like to find peace throughout labor.This conversation is such a beautiful reminder that physiological hospital birth is possible the first time around— and that preparation can shape the way a woman experiences birth and enters motherhood.If you’re a first-time mom preparing for an unmedicated hospital birth, this episode will leave you feeling encouraged, equipped, and less afraid.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to unmedicated birth as a mindset shift00:26 - Supporting women through the Unmedicated Academy and virtual doula services01:02 - Preparing for an unmedicated hospital birth: resources and research01:25 - Pregnancy overview and early signs of labor confidence02:38 - The significance of preparation, faith, and trusting the body05:33 - Last weeks of pregnancy and mental resilience exercises08:40 - Birth day: from hot dogs to early labor signs11:25 - Transition from early to active labor: techniques and mindset shifts14:10 - Recognizing labor in real-time and self-advocacy16:16 - Hospital arrival and early dilation progress17:31 - Challenges like fetal positioning and managing intensity19:22 - Pushing gracefully and listening to the body21:00 - The emotional and physical culmination of pushing22:11 - The moment of delivery and post-birth bonding27:16 - Postpartum and initial days with baby Henry30:34 - Reflections on rest, recovery, and golden hour moments33:24 - The impact of birth preparation on postpartum confidence36:22 - Final advice for expecting moms: Dare to dream and trust God’s planResources & Links:Unmedicated AcademyJoy in the Morning Doula ServicesConnect with Callie:InstagramWays to Work With Me✨ Unmedicated AcademyA physiology-first birth education course designed to help women prepare intentionally for unmedicated birth — especially within hospital settings.✨ Joy in the Morning Doula ServicesIn-person and virtual support focused on education, advocacy, preparation, and physiological birth support.✨ Connect With MeInstagram: @joyinthemorningdoula / @unmedicatedmindedmomma