Triumphant Birth

Episode 25 - HeHe Stewart: Before the BirthIn this episode of The Triumphant Birth Podcast, host Jamie Raisleger sits down with HeHe Stewart, a leading childbirth educator, doula, and founder of The Birth Lounge to talk about what she's doing to prepare for the birth of her first child. Hehe is passionate about reforming maternity care by centering patient autonomy and ensuring families have the tools they need to make informed choices, and she exemplifies that beautifully with her approach to her own birth. Together, Jamie and HeHe explore the importance of building a supportive and collaborative birth team, planning for postpartum, and even creating a “catastrophe plan” to protect your wishes if unexpected complications arise. This conversation highlights the power of education, preparation, and advocacy in transforming the way families experience birth. Hehe’s story and work through The Birth Lounge serve as a reminder that birth can be individualized and that with the right support, families can step into the process feeling empowered, respected, and confident.About the GuestHeHe Stewart is a leading childbirth educator, advocate, and maternity care reform expert. With a Master’s in Human Development and over a decade of experience, she empowers families with evidence-based birth prep, informed decision-making, and postpartum readiness. She is a fierce advocate for informed consent, reducing unnecessary interventions, and ensuring patient autonomy in birth.Beyond working with families, HeHe is actively involved in legislative efforts to improve women’s health policies and expand access to midwifery care. She works to reform maternity care by advocating for patient rights, increased birth options, and improved maternal health outcomes.As the host of The Birth Lounge Podcast, she interviews leading experts in pregnancy, women’s health, and newborn development, giving parents the knowledge they need to navigate birth and postpartum with confidence. Her work continues to drive meaningful change through education, advocacy, and policy reform.In This Episode:00:00 Introduction to HeHe Stewart and Her Mission02:50 HeHe's Origin Story in Birth Work05:46 Intentional Preconception Journey08:17 Building a Support Team for Pregnancy11:25 Navigating Healthcare Choices13:57 Empowerment Through Informed Decision-Making37:13 Empowering Birth Experiences41:25 Intentional Pregnancy and Due Date Privacy44:03 Postpartum Planning and Support48:42 Protecting Sacred Time After Birth53:44 Creating a Catastrophe Plan59:02 The Birth Lounge: Empowering Parents01:05:09 Embracing Autonomy in Birth ChoicesResources:IG: @tranquilitybyheheIG: @thebirthloungehttps://www.thebirthlounge.com/joinIG: @triumphant_birthAffiliates:👟 Uni Shoes – Use code JAMIE82061 for $10 off your orderThank you for being here!

Episode 24 – Girls Who Know with Laurisa Paul: Grassroots Education to Transform Birth CultureIn this episode, Jamie Raisleger sits down with Laurisa Paul, a registered nurse and founder of Girls Who Know®, an organization dedicated to empowering young girls through education about their bodies and the normalcy of birth.This conversation was sparked by a previous discussion with Dr. Stu, where he and Jamie reflected that changing today’s hospital birth hierarchy begins with restoring trust in birth for the next generation.Jamie and Laurisa dive into the systemic issues within modern birth culture, the importance of body literacy and respect, and how positive experiences of puberty and birth can transform lives. Larisa shares her personal journey from trauma to advocacy, the inspiration behind founding Girls Who Know, and how her work is shaping confidence in both young women and young men.At its heart, this episode is about legacy; how educating and empowering girls today protects and heals the generations to come.About the GuestLaurisa Paul is a registered nurse, homebirth and midwifery advocate, and founder of Girls Who Know®, an organization dedicated to inspiring girls to love who they are and to respect their bodies. By teaching body literacy and the truth about birth early on, Girls Who Know is helping improve childbirth outcomes for the future.Medically trained, Laurisa first encountered home birth while searching for better, safer, and more empowering options for women. Since then, she has served as a midwife assistant, doula, and instructor with Evidence-Based Birth. She lives in Texas with her husband and five children, where she embraces motherhood, outdoor adventures, and a mission to help others rediscover their worth and power, especially through the transformative seasons of puberty,  pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. In This Episode00:00 – The Hierarchy in Birth: A Systemic Overview02:57 – Laurisa Paul: A Journey of Self-Discovery12:52 – Transformative Birth Experiences: From Trauma to Empowerment20:06 – The Birth of Girls Who Know: Empowering Young Women30:23 – Curriculum Development: Teaching the Next Generation39:59 – The Growth Journey of Girls Who Know43:48 – Building a Community of Mentors45:18 – Engaging Boys in the Conversation49:41 – Transforming Education Around Birth and Puberty54:05 – Testimonials: Impact on Young Girls58:12 – Creating a Sustainable Future for Girls Who Know01:01:35 – Wisdom for Future GenerationsLinks@officialgirlswhoknow@triumphant_birthgirlswhoknow.comGirls Who Know FacebookGirls Who Know YouTubeAffiliates👟 Uni Shoes – Use code JAMIE82061 for $10 off your orderThank you for being here!

In this week’s episode of The Triumphant Birth Podcast, Katie shares her three distinct birth stories, each filled with unexpected challenges and resilience. Her first birth, planned at a birth center during the height of COVID, ended in a hospital transfer and vacuum-assisted delivery. Months later, her son required skull surgery, adding a new layer to her postpartum experience. With the ongoing support of her husband and solid intuition, Katie went on to have two vastly different, subsequent births:A precipitous, unplanned freebirth after a last-minute midwifery change and an interstate moveA precipitous, redemptive third homebirth where everything alignedKatie’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength within every birthing woman, the importance of trusting your instincts, and the beauty that can come even after unexpected beginnings.About The GuestKatie FitzGerald is a mom of three and the wife of her wonderful husband, to whom she has been married for thirteen years. They live in eastern Montana, where Katie loves raising her family and keeping life simple and intentional. She’s proud of how she worked through the disappointment of the hospital transfer in her first birth, which led to two redemptive, precipitous but peaceful home births that changed her life.When she’s not swapping birth stories or learning everything she can about holistic wellness, you’ll find Katie tending her vegetable garden, caring for her jungle of houseplants, or cooking up nourishing meals – with a lot of help from her busy young family. Katie wants to encourage other moms to trust themselves and find their own triumph in birth and beyond.In This Episode02:48 Katie's First Pregnancy Journey05:32 Navigating Midwifery Choices During COVID08:35 Labor and Delivery of Brayden11:21 The Transfer to the Hospital14:21 Brayden's Birth Experience17:09 Postpartum Challenges and Triumphs20:02 Katie's Second Pregnancy with Avery23:04 Avery's Rapid Birth Experience26:02 Transitioning to Life with Two Kids28:58 Katie's Third Pregnancy with Colton32:12 Colton's Birth and Family DynamicsSocials:Triumphant Birth IG (@triumphant_birth)Katie's IG (@katiejanefitz)Affiliates:JAMIE82061 for $10 off any order of Uni shoes

Yellow flags, red flags, fireworks, oh my! In this episode of the Triumphant Birth podcast, Meghan shares her transformative journey through pregnancy, labor, her Fourth of July birth story, and the early postpartum period. From the initial surprise of discovering she was pregnant to the challenges of building a supportive birth team, Meghan’s story is rooted in education, advocacy, and intuition.She opens up about her decision to switch from obstetricians to midwives and to hire a doula—choices that deeply shaped her empowering birth experience. Meghan candidly reflects on both the emotional and physical aspects of labor, including navigating back labor, welcoming her son with joy, and adjusting to the demands of postpartum life, from breastfeeding to finding her footing as a new mom. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and a willingness to follow your instincts, first-time moms can make informed, intentional choices and experience birth on their own terms.About Our GuestMeghan Klegin is a naturally-minded wife and Mom of a (soon to be) two-year-old. She is a wellness and birth advocate currently working as an educational coach for the preschool level and is enjoying her summers at home. Meghan is working on her childbirth education certification and is creating something to share with the community soon.In This Episode00:00 Introduction to Megan's Journey01:50 The Conception Journey and Initial Challenges05:36 Finding the Right Provider12:14  Advocating for Personal Care20:41 Building a Supportive Birth Team23:07 Transformative Experiences During Pregnancy32:47 Preparing for Birth and Final Decisions40:48 A Day of Anticipation43:47 The Start of Labor45:16 Navigating Hospital Policies49:20 The Role of Support During Labor55:55 Finding Comfort in the Tub01:01:17 The Final Stages of Labor01:04:17 The Joy of Birth01:08:23 Postpartum Bliss and Challenges01:15:42 Empowerment Through ChoiceLinksMeghan's IGTriumphant Birth IGGentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah BuckleyThank you for being here!

In this episode of the Triumphant Birth Podcast, Dr. Tracey Vogel, an obstetric anesthesiologist and national leader in trauma-informed care, shares how her work has evolved from individual patient care to training healthcare teams and shaping hospital policies. She explains how trauma can arise not just from extreme events, but from everyday clinical interactions, and why trauma-informed care must be standard for all birthing individuals, not just those with known trauma histories.Dr. Vogel advocates for universal precautions in maternity care—approaches that prioritize dignity, compassion, and psychological safety in every step of the birth process. Through compelling stories and practical insights, she illustrates how training providers and shifting institutional culture can disrupt cycles of birth trauma, improve holistic patient outcomes, and foster more empowering, respectful birth experiences, even in the event of a C-section. About Our GuestDr. Tracey Vogel is an Obstetric Anesthesiologist, trained sexual assault counselor, and the creator and Director of the Perinatal Trauma-informed Care Clinic in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.She received her MD degree from the University of Pittsburgh and finished her anesthesia training, including a fellowship in obstetric anesthesiology, from Stanford University in California. She speaks nationally and internationally on the topic of birth trauma and the need for trauma-awareness in obstetrics and actively promotes medical “centers of excellence” in providing trauma-informed care for obstetric patients. ​She offers full-day training sessions on trauma-informed care principles throughout Pennsylvania as an initiative through the PA PQC (Perinatal Quality Collaborative). Her hospital based work also includes involvement with quality assurance processes, education and training, and creation of specific care plans for high risk obstetric patients including those with prior sexual trauma, opioid tolerance and substance use disorders, and mental health concerns. ​Beyond her work in hospital settings, she is part of the governor’s HEAL PA task force making PA a trauma-informed state.Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Tracy Vogel and Her Work02:29 Journey from Anesthesiology to Trauma-Informed Care08:30 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact22:01 Defining Trauma-Informed Care27:28 Training Physicians in Trauma-Informed Practices32:06 Empathy in Patient Care40:11 Building Trust Through Communication42:47 Transforming the C-Section Experience50:05 Empowering Patients in Surgical Decisions59:59 Curiosity and Understanding in HealthcareLinkshttps://www.theempowermentequation.com/C-Section Prep Video: Standard of Care vs. Trauma-Informed CareEmpowerment Equation on IGTriumphant Birth on IGThank you for being here!

In this episode, Jamie Raisleger speaks with Cynthia Dortch, a doula, childbirth educator, and aspiring midwife, whose experiences as a military spouse and mother deeply shaped her path into birth work. Cynthia opens up about the emotional weight of her first two births and the postpartum depression and rage she faced as a young, isolated mom navigating life during her partner’s deployment.She shares how her third birth became a redemptive experience and what she did differently to protect her mental health and prepare for a more supported postpartum period.In this heartfelt conversation, we laugh and cry as we explore the power of community, the importance of recognizing and addressing postpartum mood disorders, and how telling our stories can be a tool for healing. Cynthia’s story is both vulnerable and practical, offering encouragement and actionable insight for any mother seeking to move forward with more awareness, support, and strength. Every mother deserves to heal and to be held. Thank you for being here!Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction to Birth Stories and Postpartum Experiences02:27 Cynthia's Journey into Birth Work04:24 Isabella's Birth Experience09:38 Desiree's Birth and Back Labor14:39 Postpartum Challenges and Deployment20:21 The Struggles of Isolation and Support22:48 Understanding Postpartum Mood Disorders27:58 Recognizing Signs of Postpartum Depression30:10 The Turning Point and Finding Support35:16 The Impact of a New Pet on Recovery38:06 Reflection on Vulnerability and Healing40:15 Transformative Experiences in Pregnancy and Birth42:37 Navigating Pregnancy with PCOS and Midwifery Care46:04 The Journey of Labor and Birth52:46 Empowerment Through Birth Stories55:20 Postpartum Planning and Support Systems01:01:24 Recognizing and Addressing Postpartum ChallengesResources and LinksPostpartum Support InternationalCynthia's IGTriumphant Birth IG

If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, be sure to start there (episode 18) for the full context behind this groundbreaking, peer-reviewd paper (published Dec 2024 in PLOS ONE): Twin Home Birth: Outcomes of 100 Sets of Twins in the Care of a Single PractitionerIn part two of this conversation, host Jamie Raisleger, Dr. Stu Fischbein, and Dr. Rixa Freeze dive deeper into the nuances of twin births, the misuse of high-risk labels, and the importance of individualized care. This episode explores how hospital culture, practitioner training, and fear-based protocols continue to shape the twin birth experience—and what needs to change to offer better outcomes and real choice to families expecting multiples. Together, the guests unpack how supportive, personalized care models along with their teaching organizations are leading to successful vaginal twin births both at home and at the hospital.About the Paper This study follows 100 sets of twins attended at home by an obstetrician (Stuart J Fischbein), the first publication looking exclusively at twin home birth. Overall, 91.3% of women gave birth vaginally, compared a national average of 25.2% for twin pregnancies. Most women with twin pregnancies in a hospital setting have few options but cesarean section, even though the evidence shows no benefit to surgery for the majority of cases. This study demonstrates that a home setting that supports physiological birth can yield excellent outcomes and a high vaginal birth rate.Meet the Guests Stuart J. Fischbein, MD is a community-based obstetrician and an Associate of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, published author of the book “Fearless Pregnancy, Wisdom & Reassurance from a Doctor, A Midwife and A Mom” and peer-reviewed papers Homebirth with an Obstetrician, A Series of 135 Out of Hospital Births, Breech birth at home: outcomes of 60 breech and 109 cephalic planned home and birth center births and Twin home birth: Outcomes of 100 sets of twins in the care of a single practitioner. After completing his residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Stu, as he is known, spent 24 years assisting women with hospital birthing and, for the next 12+ years, was a homebirth obstetrician who worked directly with midwives assisting local Southern California families. Since retiring from attending home births in late 2022, Dr. Stu has turned his focus to traveling around the world as a lecturer and advocate for reteaching breech & twin birth skills, respect for the normalcy of birth and honoring informed consent. He hosts the weekly Birthing Instincts Podcast with co-host Blyss Young and together they offer hope, reassurance and safe, honest evidence supported choices for those women who understand pregnancy is a normal bodily function not to be feared.Dr. Rixa Freeze has a PhD in American Studies from the University of Iowa. Her doctoral studies focused on the history of healthcare and medicine with specialization in pregnancy, childbirth, and maternity care. Her dissertation examined why women in North America choose unassisted home births. She worked as a visiting assistant professor for 9 years at Wabash College before founding Breech Without Borders in 2018. BWB is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to breech training, education, and advocacy. She has published about why women choose home birth (JMWH 2009) and attitudes towards home birth in the US (Exp Rev ObGyn 2010). In 2018, she co-authored a study of breech and cephalic home births (BMC Preg Child). The following year, she published an article about outcomes of breech at home, birth centers, and hospitals (Midwifery Today). She co-authored a chapter “Freebirth in the United States” in the 2020 book Birthing Outside the System: The Canary in the Coal Mine. She is the main author of the textbook A Guide to Physiological Breech Birth, now in its 2nd edition. Her analysis of 100 sets of twin home births, co-authored with Stuart Fischbein, was published in December 2024 with PLOS ONE. Current research projects include a video analysis of 207 physiological breech births, a qualitative analysis of the obstacles American physicians face in supporting vaginal breech birth, and a review of the effectiveness of an international vaginal breech training program. She also oversees DNP and bachelor of midwifery research projects relating to breech birth.🎙️ Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Selection Criteria for Twin Births01:26 – The Importance of Individualized Care06:38 – What Defines High Risk in Pregnancy08:16 – The Hospital Birth Paradigm vs. Home Birth Experience10:21 – Understanding the Midwifery Model of Care12:24 – Challenges in Data Collection for Twin and Breech Births15:33 – Success Stories in Increasing Vaginal Birth Rates19:55 – Training the Next Generation of Birth Practitioners21:48 – Changing Hospital Culture for Better Birth Experiences24:38 – Empowering Parents to Advocate for Their Birth Choices29:12 – The Importance of Maternal Confidence and ChoiceFind Us on IG@birthinginstincts@breechwithoutborders@rixafreeze@triumphant_birthLinks:Twin Home Birth PaperBirthing Instincts Podcasthttps://www.birthinginstincts.com/https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/Rixa's 2009 Interview with Dr. StuThe book that started it all for RixaThank you for being here!

Birthing twins at home is dangerous, right? RIGHT?! Not nearly as dangerous as we've been led to believe...In part one of this conversation, host Jamie Raisleger begins the dive into the newly published (Dec 2024, PLOS ONE), peer-reviewed paper called Twin home birth: outcomes of 100 sets of twins in the care of a single practitioner with the publication's authors, Dr. Stuart Fischbein and Dr. Rixa Freeze.Together, they explore the challenges and successes of their study which highlights the high rates of vaginal births in home settings compared to hospitals. The conversation delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by practitioners, the peer review process, and the importance of informed consent in maternity care. Both guests share their personal journeys and motivations for advocating for better birth options for women, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment for twin births. About the PaperThis study follows 100 sets of twins attended at home by an obstetrician (Stuart J Fischbein), the first publication looking exclusively at twin home birth. Overall, 91.3% of women gave birth vaginally, compared a national average of 25.2% for twin pregnancies. Most women with twin pregnancies in a hospital setting have few options but cesarean section, even though the evidence shows no benefit to surgery for the majority of cases. This study demonstrates that a home setting that supports physiological birth can yield excellent outcomes and a high vaginal birth rate.Meet the GuestsStuart J. Fischbein, MD is a community-based obstetrician and an Associate of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, published author of the book “Fearless Pregnancy, Wisdom & Reassurance from a Doctor, A Midwife and A Mom” and peer-reviewed papers Homebirth with an Obstetrician, A Series of 135 Out of Hospital Births, Breech birth at home: outcomes of 60 breech and 109 cephalic planned home and birth center births and Twin home birth: Outcomes of 100 sets of twins in the care of a single practitioner. After completing his residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Stu, as he is known, spent 24 years assisting women with hospital birthing and, for the next 12+ years, was a homebirth obstetrician who worked directly with midwives assisting local Southern California families. Since retiring from attending home births in late 2022, Dr. Stu has turned his focus to traveling around the world as a lecturer and advocate for reteaching breech & twin birth skills, respect for the normalcy of birth and honoring informed consent. He hosts the weekly Birthing Instincts Podcast with co-host Blyss Young and together they offer hope, reassurance and safe, honest evidence supported choices for those women who understand pregnancy is a normal bodily function not to be feared.Dr. Rixa Freeze has a PhD in American Studies from the University of Iowa. Her doctoral studies focused on the history of healthcare and medicine with specialization in pregnancy, childbirth, and maternity care. Her dissertation examined why women in North America choose unassisted home births. She worked as a visiting assistant professor for 9 years at Wabash College before founding Breech Without Borders in 2018. BWB is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to breech training, education, and advocacy. She has published about why women choose home birth (JMWH 2009) and attitudes towards home birth in the US (Exp Rev ObGyn 2010). In 2018, she co-authored a study of breech and cephalic home births (BMC Preg Child). The following year, she published an article about outcomes of breech at home, birth centers, and hospitals (Midwifery Today). She co-authored a chapter “Freebirth in the United States” in the 2020 book Birthing Outside the System: The Canary in the Coal Mine. She is the main author of the textbook A Guide to Physiological Breech Birth, now in its 2nd edition. Her analysis of 100 sets of twin home births, co-authored with Stuart Fischbein, was published in December 2024 with PLOS ONE. Current research projects include a video analysis of 207 physiological breech births, a qualitative analysis of the obstacles American physicians face in supporting vaginal breech birth, and a review of the effectiveness of an international vaginal breech training program. She also oversees DNP and bachelor of midwifery research projects relating to breech birth.Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to the Guests and Their Expertise05:30 Overview of the Twin Home Birth Paper08:28 The Journey of Collaboration: Dr. Stu and Dr. Rixa15:55 The Peer Review Process and Its Challenges 16:17 Rixa's Personal Journey into Birth Advocacy23:12 The Genesis of the Twin Home Birth Study26:39 Challenging Hospital Protocols on Twin Births29:05 The Evidence vs. Practice in Twin Births33:43 The Slippery Slope of Cesarean Rates36:04 Ethics and Hospital Politics in Maternity CareFind Us on IG:@birthinginstincts@rixafreeze@breechwithoutborders@triumphant_birthLinks:Twin Home Birth Paperwww.birthinginstinctspodcast.comwww.birthinginstincts.comwww.breechwithoutborders.orgRixa's 2009 Interview with Dr. StuThe book that started it all for RixaThank you for being here, and tune in next week for part 2!

Welcome to the VERY FIRST interview about the upcoming documentary 'Allowed to Birth: The Journey of a Global Midwife'. In this episode of the Triumphant Birth Podcast, host Jamie sits down with filmmaker Jacinta Lagos and legendary midwife Kristine Lauria to explore the heart and soul of this powerful project.About the DocumentaryAllowed to Birth follows the extraordinary life and work of Kristine Lauria—a legendary international midwife who has attended over 5,000 births in more than 25 countries. With raw honesty and reverence, the film shines a light on the strength, skill, and intuition at the center of physiological birth—and what is needed to protect and restore it.Meet the GuestsJacinta Lagos is a birth doula, award-winning birth photographer, and filmmaker based in Wisconsin. Originally from Argentina, Jacinta brings over 20 years of storytelling experience to the screen, blending her deep personal connection to motherhood with a professional dedication to birth advocacy. Kristine Lauria is a world-renowned midwife with 36 years of experience and an awe-inspiring resume that includes hundreds of breech and twin births. A lead midwife for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and educator with Breech Without Borders, Kristine’s presence is as wise as it is compassionate. In This EpisodeJacinta, Kristine, and Jamie dive into:The origin story of Allowed to BirthThe magic (and chaos!) of the creative process Cultural differences in birth practicesWhy reclaiming intuition and autonomy is essential How this film hopes to spark global changeHow listeners can support the projectEpisode Breakdown00:00 – Introduction to the Guests and Documentary02:57 – Jacinta’s Journey: From Videography to Birth Doula05:57 – Meeting Kristine: The Collaboration Begins12:01 – Kristine’s Perspective on Being Documented15:07 – The Vision Behind Allowed to Birth18:03 – Birth Culture: Argentina vs. U.S.27:55 – Global Impact & Distribution Plans33:07 – The Bigger Picture of Birth36:24 – The Title: “Allowed to Birth”39:19 – Women’s Empowerment in Birth44:11 – Behind-the-Scenes Surprises48:49 – Community Support & Fundraising53:22 – Looking Ahead: Release Plans & Gratitude01:00:36 – Closing Wisdom: Transforming Birth Culture✨ Whether you're a birthworker, parent, filmmaker, or simply birth-curious, this episode is an inspiring and intimate window into the making of a film that could redefine how the world views birth.Donate to the Film: HERE🔗 Connect with Us on IG:@allowedtobirth@jacintalagosbirthservices@globalmidwife64@triumphant_birth@breechwithoutbordersThank you for being here!

In this powerful episode of Triumphant Birth, host Jamie Raisleger welcomes Samantha Dunnavant, a mother of two, who shares her deeply personal journey through both hospital and home birth. Samantha opens up about her first pregnancy, where she felt uninformed and unprepared, and how listening to birth stories helped her better navigate labor the second time around.She recounts the unexpected challenges of giving birth during COVID-19 and the harrowing moment of shoulder dystocia during delivery. Samantha reflects on how choosing midwifery and chiropractic care transformed her experience, offering more personalized and empowering support than she felt with traditional OB care.Postpartum wasn’t without its struggles—breastfeeding difficulties, delayed bonding, and the silent weight of postpartum depression. Through it all, Samantha emphasizes the importance of education, self-advocacy, and support for women in their childbearing years. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that childbirth is not just a hurdle to overcome, but a destination that can transform and empower. Whether you're preparing for birth or healing from one, Samantha’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Samantha's Journey01:18 Pregnancy and Early Labor Experience08:28 The Start of Labor and Hospital Arrival15:34 Labor Progression and Epidural Decision20:59 Birth Experience and Shoulder Dystocia27:11 Postpartum Challenges and Breastfeeding Journey38:25 Navigating Breastfeeding Challenges39:22 Postpartum Reflections and Bonding40:27 Chiropractic Care and Its Impact43:10 Pregnancy Journey with Luke45:00 Choosing the Midwifery Route50:25 Midwife Appointments vs. OB Visits55:16 Labor Experience with Luke01:05:16 The Birth Process and Overcoming Challenges01:15:27 Post-Birth Reflections and Care01:18:51 Empowerment Through Birth Experiences@triumphant_birth on IGThank you for being here!

Billie Harrigan is a fierce advocate for restoring safety and sanity to modern birth practices. She has served birthing families for about 40 years and has taught midwives and other birth practitioners in 125 countries.Billie is also the founder of Birth Trauma Ontario, an agency dedicated to the education and healing of both perpetrators and their victims from the global scourge of obstetric violence. She has authored the world’s first and most comprehensive online course in becoming equipped in the skills of trauma informed care specific to the childbearing experience.She is the founder and director of the private member association, The Hive Collective, which brings together a community that is creating holistic alternatives for reclaiming our sovereignty over our bodies, births, babies, families, finances, and future.In this episode, we discuss:-Billy's first birth experience and her journey into the field of maternity care-Legislation and the history of regulated midwifery in Canada-Birth Trauma Ontario as a healing and educational resource-The importance of trauma-informed care in childbirth-The roles of doulas and traditional birth companions-The impact of medical trauma on women's choices-What true prenatal care looks like-The impacts of our language www.billieharrigan.comwww.harriganhive.comwww.thehivecollective.lifewww.birthtraumaontario.ca@billieharrigan@birthtraumaontario@triumphant_birthThank you for being here!

Dr. Sadey Broecker is a chiropractor specializing in prenatal care and is passionate about helping other moms experience empowered and informed pregnancies and births. Her own journey into motherhood, guided by the transformative births of her two boys and the unwavering support of her husband, not only shaped who she is but also shaped her approach to caring for women, babies, and full families within her office.In this episode, we discuss:-What inspired Dr. Sadey to become a chiropractor-Benefits of specialized chiropractic care in pregnancy-Birth choices and BMI-Navigating the choice of home birth with her partner-Isaiah's intense and euphoric home birth -Breastfeeding challenges and self-forgiveness-Cal's unplanned free birth in a snowstorm-Birthing beyond 42 weeks@triumphant_birth@luxlifechiro

Danit Tsur-Almog is a doula, childbirth educator, and birth story processing expert and teacher. She now spends most of her time training birth professionals through her business, Leida K'Masa (meaning Birth as a Journey in Hebrew) and holding one-on-one birth story processing sessions. Danit's work is largely influenced by her trainings with Pam England, so much so that she translated some of Pam's works into Hebrew. Danit has also been influenced by Adyashanti as well as other non-dual teachers, and her passion is in bringing compassion into our births and lives.In this episode, we discuss: Danit's origin story in birth workUnderstanding our internal voicesThe feeling of inadequacy as a common human experienceThe Enneagram and personal belief systemsBelief systems and their impact on birth, trauma, and healingControl as an an illusionHow stories can change over timeFor 1x1 birth story processing sessions with Danit: [email protected]: @triumphant_birthIG: @danit_leida.kmasa

Brittany Ebben is a wife, mother of three, and impressive birther. In this heartwarming and final episode of 2024, we dive into Brittany's incredible journey of bringing new life into the world during the holiday season. As she shares her unique experience of missing a Christmas celebration to welcome her baby at a birth center, we discuss:-Braxton hicks and prodromal labor-What she needed for her body to go into active labor-Anticipating a big baby-Deciding when to call the doula and midwife and when to leave for the birth center -Fast labor-Calm labor-AROM (artificial rupture of membranes/having waters released/broken)-Fear of having baby in the car-Her husband’s perception of her birthsTo see Brittany’s birth video, head to IG:@albabirthcenter@triumphant_birthStay tuned for more birth stories and guest episodes in 2025, and thank you for being here!

Raquel is a married mother of four with a passion for birth choices. Her first birth was a Cesarean section due to having a breech baby, and the trauma of that process stuck with her for years. After two subsequent C-sections, Raquel was determined to do things differently with her fourth baby despite opposing opinions and having a heart-shaped uterus. Her journey to a successful breech home birth after three C-sections led her to become a doula and birth educator, and it highlights the importance of research, education, advocacy, emotional connection, and having a supportive team and partner. Raquel now partners with her husband to teach birth classes that empower birth partners to become birth advocates. They support families in California from Ventura to Santa Barbara County, and from there she also partners with Midwife Blyss Young and Dr. Stuart Fischbein on the Birthing Instincts podcast. Being able to join this amazing duo and being a part of something that played a huge role in her last birth story feeds her soul daily. In this episode, we discuss:-Raquel's three surgical births-Trauma resulting from a fear-based "standard of care" -Dissociation as a protective mechanism-How doulas can help mothers navigate their birth experiences-The importance of joy and relaxation in pregnancy-How laws and policies can limit birth choices-Navigating the decision to have a home birth-Navigating VBAC bans and varying levels of hospital support-Birth journeys as transformative experiences to personal growth-Children witnessing birth -Emotional challenges during labor-Nuances of breech birth-Significance of the birth experience as a profound connection point to her newbornRaquel is a doula and birth educator who partners with her incredibly supportive husband to teach birth classes that empower birth partners to become birth advocates. They provide support for families in California from Ventura to Santa Barbara County. She also partners with Midwife Blyss Young and Dr. Stuart Fischbein to support the Birthing Instincts podcast. Being able to join this amazing duo and being a part of something that played a huge role in her last birth story feeds her soul daily. Resources:[email protected]@lolitasrebellion on IG@birthinginstincts on IGFollow @triumphant_birth on IGThank you for listening!

Ann Marie Rian, CPM, LM is a home birth midwife and wise woman with expertise in homeopathy, herbal medicine, prenatal education, midwifery education, and so much more.This continuation of last week's conversation dives into:-The power of words in pregnancy and birth-Experiencing transformation without a power struggle-How pregnancy and birth can accelerate clarity and personal growth-How homeopathic remedies work-Examples of how homeopathy supports pregnancy, birth, and motherhood-How homeopathy differs from allopathic and other holistic approaches-Versatility of remedies for both acute and chronic issue support-How you and your family can start working with homeopathyResources:Schedule a Homeopathy Consultation with Ann Marie:[email protected] Marie's Facebook PageHomeopathic Workshops from Great Lakes Homeopathy Collective: https://facebook.com/groups/864787738078528/Other Homeopathic Practitioners and Classes:Rebecca Beringer: www.healingwayhomeopathy.comwww.sourcehealinghome.comFieldwork Homeopathy:www.fieldworkhomeopathy.comBooks:The Complete Homeopathy HandbookHomeopathy for Pregnancy, Birth, and Your Baby's First YearHomeopathic Guide to StressFor people looking for a midwife in Wisconsin: wisconsinguildofmidwives.orgFollow Triumphant Birth on IG

Ann Marie Rian, CPM, LM is a home birth midwife and wise woman with expertise in homeopathy, herbal medicine, prenatal education, midwifery education, and so much more. In this episode, we discuss Ann Marie’s experience as a doula, her path to becoming a midwife, lessons from her teachers and nervous system, and transformative experiences that shape both midwives and parents. Our discussion highlights the importance of building confidence in families, the role of authority in healthcare, and the personal growth that comes from supporting others through the birthing process. She also shares her own home birth story featuring a nuchal hand and her partner catching her daughter as well as her experience with postpartum anxiety, isolation, and how the complexities of the postpartum experience has impacted her approach to birth. Join us next week for part two of this conversation as we dive deeper into the world of homeopathy as a supportive tool for birth and beyond.

What do teething babies, MAHA, and the American maternal mortality rate have in common? This episode.Listen in for a brief personal update from Jamie and an invitation to vote two of our very own birth superstars into federal positions alongside RFK, Jr. This is an incredible opportunity for our listeners (YOU!) to have a tangible impact on the systems that hold and direct birthing families in this country. How do we get the medical and midwifery models to play nice? How can we lower the primary C-section rate? How can we reduce obstetrical violence? How can we lower the maternal mortality rate and improve infant outcomes? Dr. Stu and Lindsey will ask these questions and have a positive, generational impact on our nation's families, starting with birth. I'm sure of it. To vote for Dr. Stuart Fischbein and midwife Lindsey Meehleis, go to:https://discourse.nomineesforthepeople.com/c/health/7/l/latest?order=votesTune in next week for another exciting guest episode!Thank you for being here.

In this episode, Hayley shares her experience with a traumatic first birth in the hospital followed by two redeeming births. Even though she chose midwifery and an unmedicated approach from the beginning, she learned that all midwives are not created equal and found herself switching practitioners at 33 weeks pregnant. Themes in her first pregnancy include high blood pressure and white coat syndrome, talk of big baby and other scare tactics, induction, anxiety, serial ultrasounds, coached pushing with an epidural, and fear in pregnancy. After her first experience, Hayley learned everything she could about birth and went on to experience empowering second and third births at a freestanding birth center. Hayley's journey highlights the importance of knowing her options, advocating for herself, informed consent, emotional processing, and human connection in pregnancy. She talks about the stark differences in prenatal care between the hospital and birth center settings and how her redemptive experiences gave her a renewed sense of confidence in motherhood.You can find Hayley on IG @hayley.felch

Marissa Anderson's redeeming twin birth is nothing short of miraculous. After retaining rightful custody of her son who the government medically kidnapped (the saga discussed in part 1), Marissa and her family had a LOT of healing to do. In this episode, she shares how she finally got her baby healthy, worked through her traumatic past, helped create a documentary about her case, and decided to continue expanding her family. Marissa's faith and intentionality played a significant role as she prepared her body for her next pregnancy and navigated her state laws while searching for the right midwife who would support her twin home birth. This conversation highlights the importance of advocacy, research, autonomy, and trusting her God-given instincts during labor and birth which ultimately resulted in a hospital transfer and C-section that saved her daughter's life. Marissa's journey is filled with gratitude, proving that even the darkest circumstances can be healed and redeemed in ways beyond our wildest imagination. You can find Marissa on IG @marissachavoya_anderson

Marissa Anderson is a doula and mom of three, including twin babies. After a smooth pregnancy and birth at a birth center, her family's story made national news. Marissa sought appropriate medical care for baby Cyrus when he was 10 months old, and in a wild turn of events, he was unjustly and without evidence taken into custody by the state of Idaho. Multiple members of Marissa's family were arrested, and the incident was live-streamed on Facebook. Support from the public and morally convicted insiders at both the hospital and CPS eventually led to all charges being dropped and baby Cyrus being returned to Marissa and her family. In part one of this gripping conversation, Marissa shares her harrowing experience with the police, Child Protective Services (CPS), and the overwhelming fear and emotional turmoil she faced during this traumatic ordeal. Marissa's determination to fight for her child's well-being, coupled with the support of her community, showcases the resilience of a mother navigating a corrupt and broken system.Stay tuned for part 2 - Marissa's redeeming twin birth story!Resources mentioned in the episode: Family-Centered Legal representation with a 24/7 hotline: https://heritagedefense.org/Freedom Man Press: Freedomman.gsThese Little Ones Documentary: https://rumble.com/v1ef8w5-these-little-ones.html

Dr. Stuart Fischbein is a community-based obstetrician and an Associate of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology. He is the author of the book “Fearless Pregnancy, Wisdom & Reassurance from a Doctor, A Midwife and A Mom” and peer-reviewed papers Homebirth with an Obstetrician, A Series of 135 Out of Hospital Births and Breech Birth at Home: outcomes of 60 breech and 109 cephalic planned home and birth center births. Dr. Stu is also the co-author of a pre-print Twin Homebirth paper. After completing his residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Stu spent 24 years assisting women with hospital birthing and, for the next 12+ years, was a homebirth obstetrician who worked directly with midwives. Since retiring from attending home births in 2022, Dr. Stu has turned his focus to traveling around the world as a lecturer and advocate for reteaching breech & twin birth skills, respect for the normalcy of birth and honoring informed consent. He hosts a weekly podcast with co-host Blyss Young and together they offer hope, reassurance and safe, honest evidence-supported choices for those women who understand pregnancy is a normal bodily function not to be feared. In this episode, we explore:-What got Dr. Stu started in medicine and why he chose obstetrics-How to help shift the medical model's hierarchical power dynamics to be more focused on moms-C-section rates and mother/infant outcomes compared to 50 years ago-What led Dr. Stu into the midwifery model of care and what prompted him to start supporting home births-Why the term "standard of care" is misleading-Where is the line between high and low risk, and how does Dr. Stu define high risk-Statistics of VBAC uterine rupture-Advice for families deciding where to give birthFollow him on Instagram @birthinginstincts. His websites are www.birthinginstincts.com & www.birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Jamie’s journey is nothing short of miraculous. After being told by doctors that she might never have children due to her extensive medical history, she found hope and healing at a holistic retreat in Michigan. This pivotal experience not only alleviated her chronic pain but also transformed her outlook on health and shifted her career path from medical school to holistic health. As Jamie shares her story, we learn about the profound impact these experiences had on her life choices, particularly in her journey to motherhood.Jamie’s personal narrative underscores the importance of self-advocacy. From her home birth to preparing for her second pregnancy with spiritual intention to managing a twin pregnancy with meticulous care, her insights offer valuable lessons for expectant mothers. We discuss the complexities of labor, the emotional highs and lows, and the significance of creating a supportive birthing environment. Jamie's candid reflections remind us of the balance between medical interventions and personal instincts during pregnancy and childbirth.Join us as we explore the profound, spiritual, and sometimes unexpected journey of childbirth through Jamie’s eyes, celebrating the resilience and strength of motherhood.On Instagram you can find: -Jamie Raisleger @triumphant_birth -Dr. Stuart Fischbein @birthinginstincts-Midwife Blyss Young @birthingblyss

Kristine Lauria is an international treasure and an absolute legend in the birth world. As a midwife for 36 years, she's attended over 5,000 births in at least 25 countries including hundreds of vaginal breeches and twins. Kristine uses most of her time working with MSF (Doctors Without Borders) and teaching for Breech Without Borders, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breech education, training, and advocacy. In this episode, we explore:-Her origin story and what inspired her to be a midwife-How her mother's births impacted her-The challenges of supporting vaginal birth in low-resourced settings in her work with MSF (Doctors without Borders)-The problem with the perception of obstetrical risk in the United States-One of her biggest triumphs in the field: building rapport through postpartum psychosis and a language barrier in Sierra Leone-Staying grounded and present in challenging situations and maintaining nervous system resilience -The birth of her own son in Guatemala-Her biggest fear, living life to the fullest, and honoring the preciousness of lifeYou can find Kristine via:-Instagram @globalmidwife -Her blog https://midwifewithoutboundaries.wordpress.com/-Breech Without Borders: https://www.breechwithoutborders.org/

Triumphant Birth with Jamie Raisleger explores the transformative power of healing through childbirth. Join us as we delve into the options, receive guest expert wisdom, and hear inspiring stories that pave the way for healing and wholeness throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. In a culture where birth is often viewed with fear, we aim to shift the narrative by showcasing pregnancy and birth as opportunities for personal growth, enhanced experiences, and generational healing.Whether the journey is smooth sailing or filled with unexpected challenges, this podcast offers a supportive space for birth workers and individuals navigating their profound realities in the childbearing season of life. Tune in to the Triumphant Birth podcast and embark on a journey toward empowerment, resilience, and triumph. Your babies' babies' babies will thank you!