Your Redemptive Birth

Resources Mentioned:Reclaimed: 30 Days to Natural Hospital Birth — the step-by-step guide I co-authored with my sister, Katie (Labor & Delivery nurse), designed to help you prepare for a natural hospital birth with confidence and clarityConnect on Instagram:@yourredemptivebirthIn this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing my own birth stories—both of them taking place inside the hospital, but with very different experiences.My first birth was a planned hospital birth with midwives. I went in trusting the system, but without a full understanding of birth physiology or how hospital routines can shape the course of labor. With a posterior (OP) baby and a long early labor, my experience slowly became what so many women recognize: an epidural, Pitocin, and coached pushing. A “standard” American hospital birth.But I walked away knowing I wanted something different.When I became pregnant again, everything shifted. I was hungry to understand birth on a deeper level—to experience it fully, to trust my body, and to partner with the way God designed it. I read, researched, and immersed myself in natural birth stories. I even planned a freebirth.But plot twist: I found myself heading to the hospital in labor, thinking I wanted pain relief… only to realize I was actually heading into transition.I ended up having the unmedicated, physiological birth I had been hoping for… right there in the hospital.This episode is about redemption, preparation, surrender, and the faithfulness of God. It’s also why I’m so passionate about helping women understand that a natural, undisturbed birth is possible in the hospital.Because now—I’ve lived it.And I can’t wait to teach you how.In this episode, we talk about:My first hospital birth: what I didn’t know (and how it impacted my experience)Posterior (OP) babies and long early laborHow interventions like epidurals and Pitocin can shape laborThe mindset shift that changed everything in my second pregnancyPlanning a freebirth… and why I ended up at the hospital insteadTransition vs. “I can’t do this” moments in laborHaving a fully unmedicated, physiological birth in a hospital settingTrusting your body and partnering with God in birthWhy this experience led to creating a roadmap for other women

Connect with Grace:Instagram: @grace_is_my_name0In today’s episode, Grace shares two deeply faith-filled birth stories—one marked by unexpected intervention, and the other a powerful, redemptive home birth that reflects healing, surrender, and God’s undeniable faithfulness.Her first birth began with an induction due to preeclampsia. What followed was a cascade of events that led to a cesarean when the anesthesia rose too high, leaving her completely numb up to her chin and unable to push. In the midst of that, her baby’s heart rate began rapidly decelerating, leading to the necessary and urgent decision to move forward with a c-section. Even in the intensity of that experience, God was present.For her second pregnancy, Grace approached things differently—intentionally nourishing her body, supporting her health, and preparing spiritually and physically for a different outcome. She went on to have a peaceful, natural home birth that she describes as truly redemptive.One of the most beautiful details? Her second baby was born on the exact same gestational day she was induced with her first—38 weeks and 3 days. A quiet, powerful reminder of God’s presence… a true “God wink.”Grace shares how the Lord met her in both births—but especially how He answered the deepest prayers of her heart in her second.Grace’s Supplement & Nourishment Protocol (Used to Support a Healthy Pregnancy & Avoid Preeclampsia)(Always talk to your care team before making any changes to your diet or supplement routine.)SpirulinaGrape seed extractTUDCAB-complexCholineDandelion root tinctureHawthorne berry tinctureNORA tea (Nettle, Oatstraw, Red Raspberry Leaf, Alfalfa)She also focused heavily on a nutrient-dense diet rich in protein and salt, inspired by the Brewer Diet.Learn more about the Brewer Diet here:http://drbrewerpregnancydiet.com/id96.htmlMusic That Carried Her Through Pregnancy & Birth:https://open.spotify.com/artist/7AgYdpiGbObyY3WVJXxhi0?si=A-Q41wY-Tbypba9yZ7vYDwThis episode is a reminder that even when birth doesn’t go the way we hoped, redemption is always possible. God is not absent in the hard stories—and He delights in restoring, renewing, and rewriting what once felt broken.If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more women find these stories of hope.

Connect with MeganMegan WellsInstagram:@megs__wellsWebsite: https://www.itiswellsfamily.com/Megan’s Birth Guide:Birth+ Beyond Guidehttps://www.itiswellsfamily.com/product-page/birth-beyond-guideEpisode SummaryToday’s conversation is such a beautiful and faith-filled reminder of the wisdom woven into a woman’s body and the goodness of God’s design for birth. I’m joined by Megan Wells, a Catholic wife, mother, and content creator, as she shares the stories of her four very different births—and the lessons each one carried.Megan opens up about her first birth, an induction she didn’t want after fear surrounding possible IUGR. In the end, those concerns proved unfounded, but the experience became part of her journey toward deeper trust and discernment in future pregnancies.Her second birth was a planned home birth that became an accidental unassisted breech birth at home—an incredibly intimate experience shared between just her and her husband. We talk about the normalcy of breech birth, and why preserving knowledge and access to vaginal breech birth matters so deeply.Her third birth was another planned home birth that unfolded so quickly it became another accidental home birth—this time with baby head down—and nearly mirrored her second experience.Her fourth birth was a 12-hour home birth where her midwife did make it in time. Megan shares how grateful she was for that support, especially while laboring exhausted and sick.Throughout this conversation, we explore:The importance of protecting vaginal birthHow intuitive movement in labor can beHow quickly birth can unfoldThe role of trust over fearFaith, surrender, and God’s perfect design for birthNatural Family Planning and family lifeWhy these conversations matter for all women—not only Catholic momsWhether you are preparing for birth, healing from a past experience, or simply longing to hear stories that honor the body’s innate wisdom, this episode will encourage you deeply.Resources MentionedNatural Birth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheonhttps://a.co/d/01SmtxN7Listen & ShareIf this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and send it to another mama who needs to hear that birth was designed with beauty, wisdom, and purpose.

Connect with Eleanor:Instagram: @birth_with_choiceWebsite: https://www.birthwithchoice.co.uk/award-winning-hypnobirthing-teacher-lythamWhat if a “good birth” isn’t defined by whether everything went according to plan—but by whether you felt informed and respected along the way?In today’s deeply important conversation, I’m joined by Eleanor from Birth With Choice to talk about advocacy, informed choice within the medical system, and healing after a difficult or traumatic birth experience.This episode is for any woman who has ever walked away from birth feeling confused, dismissed, disappointed, or wounded—and is wondering if healing is possible. (Spoiler: it is.)We explore how women can reclaim ownership of their birth experiences, advocate for themselves in hospital settings, process unresolved emotions from past births, and move into future pregnancies with more trust and less fear.In This Episode, We Discuss:Eleanor’s personal birth stories and how they shaped her work supporting womenWhy a “good birth” is about ownership and what that meansHow to advocate for yourself during a hospital birth using the acronym B.R.A.I.N.Ways to prepare before labor so you don’t feel powerless in the momentWhy so many women struggle after birth emotionally—even when everyone says baby is healthyHow to validate and process confusing or traumatic birth experiencesWhat the 3 Step Rewind Technique is and how it can support healingHow women can release fear before a future birthRebuilding trust in your body after traumaBooks Mentioned:The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkAmazon: https://a.co/d/0huogPiKFinal Encouragement:If your birth left you carrying grief, confusion, anger, or regret—you are not alone, and you are not stuck there. Healing is possible. Your story matters. And your next chapter can look different.Listen & Share:If this episode encouraged you, send it to a friend, share it to your stories, and tag us so we can hear what resonated with you most.

Connect with Sara JoInstagram: @bryartonfarmResources Mentioned in This Episode:Dr. Stuart Fischbein & Ellen Fisher Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ny_PhH8_2ALisa from Farmhouse on Boone — Home Birth Stories: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcGNfyWpSe8Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon: https://a.co/d/0ctxHtm0Time Stamps:First Birth (C-section): 03:14Second Birth (C-section): 19:33Adoption Experiences: 23:55Redemptive Home Birth: 32:59Episode SummaryIn this deeply moving episode, Sara Jo invites us into her journey through birth, motherhood, and ultimately, redemption.As the oldest of five children, Sara Jo grew up watching her mother recover from cesarean births. So when she became pregnant with her first baby, her goal was simple: avoid a c-section. But like so many women, she entered the hospital system without a full understanding of how to navigate it—and her first birth ended in a cesarean. Her second followed a similar path.What stayed with her wasn’t just the surgeries themselves, but the experience surrounding them—the lack of dignity, the disconnection, and the heartbreaking separation from her babies in those early moments.In the years that followed, Sara Jo and her husband expanded their family in a beautiful way, adopting two daughters from India—her “Indian princesses”—and building a rich, vibrant life on their farm.Then, in her late 30s, they felt called to have another baby, and everything began to change.After watching a pivotal interview with Dr. Stuart Fischbein, something clicked. Sara Jo began to see birth—and the medical system—through a completely different lens. For the first time, she realized she had options. She could ask questions. She could choose differently.So she did.She hired a midwife. She planned a home birth. And she stepped into the unknown.What followed was intense, fast, and completely different from anything she had experienced before—a two-hour active labor that required her to dig deeper than she ever had.But on the other side of that intensity was the birth she had been longing for. No bright lights. No constant interruptions. No separation.Just her baby, placed on her chest—where he stayed. A true golden hour. Undisturbed bonding. Rest.She describes it as nothing short of magical.This conversation is about waking up, taking ownership, doing the research, and realizing that even after trauma, a redemptive birth is possible.Sara Jo’s story is a powerful reminder that birth can look radically different when a woman is informed, supported, and willing to choose a new path. And as she so beautifully reflects—praise the Lord for that.

Connect with Kelly:Instagram + all platforms: @itslifewithkellyKelly’s story is one of deep transformation—from fear, control, and medical limitation to trust, intuition, and true sovereignty.After a long journey through infertility, Kelly entered her first pregnancy carrying both hope and the weight of anxiety. As her pregnancy stretched to 42 weeks, she was met with mounting pressure, unnecessary stress, and ultimately an induction that led to a cesarean birth. In the aftermath, she was told something many women hear: that her pelvis was “too small” and that a vaginal birth would never be possible for her.But something didn’t sit right.In this episode, Kelly shares the pivotal moment she “woke up” to the medical system—when she began to question the narratives she had been given and reconnect with her own inner knowing. What followed was a profound shift: a reclamation of her authority as a woman and a mother.Her second pregnancy unfolded in a completely different way. After moving to the Baja Peninsula of Mexico, Kelly experienced a peaceful, undisturbed pregnancy free from the fear and pressure that once surrounded her. When her waters released before labor began, she trusted her body’s timing. Her labor started gently and unfolded slowly over the course of a couple of days. Even in moments where she felt the pull to hand her power over, her body led the way.Kelly went on to birth her daughter safely and peacefully at home, proving not only that her body was capable—but that the limitations placed on her were never hers to carry.This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience of women, the innate intelligence of birth, and what becomes possible when we choose trust instead of fear.

Connect with Brielle:Instagram (personal): @bella_biancoDoula services: @bianco_doula_serviceLocation: Amarillo, Texas (available for doula support)Today we sit down with Brielle to hear the powerful contrast between her two birth experiences—and how radically different outcomes can be when a woman is truly supported and respected during the birth process.Brielle opens up about becoming a young mother at 18 and enduring a long hospital birth where her voice was dismissed and her intuition ignored. What should have been a sacred and transformative experience became one marked by exhaustion and unnecessary intervention. One of the most significant moments she shares is the forceful removal of her placenta by her OB—before it was ready—which ultimately impacted her postpartum experience.But her story doesn’t end there.With her second baby, Brielle chose a completely different path—one rooted in preparation and trust in physiological birth. She experienced a calm, hypnotic 6-hour home birth that unfolded beautifully and undisturbed with deep trust in God. Her placenta was born intact, healthy, and whole—a redemptive moment that symbolized just how capable her body truly was.In our conversation, we explore:The profound impact of birth environment on the body’s ability to labor naturallyHow being heard and respected changes everything in birthThe importance of intentional preparation, including nutrient-dense foods like beef organs and consistent movement throughout pregnancyHow Brielle approached topics like GBS by becoming informed and making decisions based on real data—not fearThe emotional and physical healing that can come through a redemptive birth experienceBrielle’s story is a testament to the body’s design and a reminder that with the right support, education, and environment, birth can be calm, powerful, and peaceful.Chapters00:00 First Birth Experience16:38 Brielle's Redemptive Home Birth43:31 Closing Encouragement

Today we hear from Alex, a mother of two, as she shares her journey from a challenging first birth to a deeply redemptive second experience. Alex opens up about her initial plan for a peaceful birth center birth that ultimately led to a hospital transfer and a cascade of interventions—an experience that left her feeling disconnected from the birth she had envisioned.Determined to do things differently, Alex approached her second birth with a renewed sense of trust in her body. She went on to have the healing, water birth she had always hoped for at the birth center—an experience that restored her confidence and reshaped her understanding of what birth can be.Together, Sarah and Alex dive into meaningful conversations around navigating early labor when waters break first, protecting the sacred “golden hour” after birth, and how an undisturbed hormonal blueprint supports successful breastfeeding. They also explore the cultural fear surrounding blood in birth and how reframing it can shift the entire experience.This episode is a reminder that while birth may not always go as planned, it is never too late for redemption—and that trusting your body can change everything.Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare team regarding your individual circumstances and any questions you may have about pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:29 First Birth Story (Hospital Transfer)23:51 Alex's Redemptive Birth Story at the Birth Center38:45 Closing Wisdom31:07 Birth Experience

In this episode, we hear from Kristen Nagle—a former NICU nurse turned birth advocate and founder of the Reclaiming Birth Conference.Kristen shares her powerful journey from working within the conventional medical system to choosing an autonomous home birth for her third baby after two epidural hospital births. She reflects on how her perspective on birth evolved over time and what ultimately led her to trust the physiological process of birth.Kristen also opens up about the role of community, faith, and gathering with wise women in preparing for birth and navigating loss. Through her story, she highlights the importance of reclaiming birth as a natural, transformative experience and the profound impact a supportive birth environment can have on a woman’s journey.Connect with KristenFollow Kristen on Instagram:@kristen_nagle@reclaimingbirthgatheringUpcoming EventsYou're invited to the Reclaiming Birth Gathering happening in Montreal on April 12, 2026.Learn more and reserve your seat:https://www.reclaimingbirthmontreal.com/Interested in the Reclaiming Birth Gathering happening in London, Ontario in October 2026?Find more details here:https://www.reclaimingbirthconference.com/In This EpisodeKristen and Sarah discuss:Kristen’s transformation from NICU nurse to birth advocateThe births of her two sons in the hospital and what she learned from those experiencesThe autonomous home birth of her daughterThe importance of community and gathering with wise women before birthNavigating loss while holding onto faithThe challenges and limitations of the medical system in birthLearning to surrender to the physiological process of birthChapters00:00 Kristen's Journey from Nurse to Birth Advocate13:58 Preparing for Birth and Navigating Loss22:03 The Importance of Community and Faith29:26 Preparing for Her Home Birth36:24 The Birth Experience47:02 Birthing the Placenta

In this episode, we learn from Michaela, a stay-at-home mom of two little girls and wife to a Pastor. Michaela's first birth ended with a preeclampsia diagnosis, labor augmentation, an epidural, and 3 hours of pushing. For her second birth, Michaela prepared her body and mind differently and went on to have a beautiful, unmedicated hospital birth. The conversation covers the speaker's experiences with her two births, reflecting on the challenges, preparations, and decision-making processes involved. It also explores the transition from the first birth to the second, especially highlighting the ways in which Michaela prepped differently for her second birth. The conversation covers how to melt into the sensations of childbirth, the impact of hospital policies on the birth experience, decision-making in birth, preparation in surrendering to contractions, and supporting women's birth choices.Talking PointsRealistic ways to prepare for the sensations of laborLabor often begins when a woman feels safe and can fully let goChoosing birth location and care teamPreparation for birth involves physical and mental readiness, learning to surrender to contractions, and understanding the physiological process of laborPreeclampsiaNatural / unmedicated hospital birthChapters00:00 Introduction and Family Life18:53 Reflections on First Birth and Transition to Second Birth26:05 Preparation and Onset of Second Birth33:00 Challenges and Decision Making in Second Birth40:01 Impact of Hospital Policies on Birth Experience45:40 Decision-Making in Birth54:05 Supporting Women's Birth Choices

Connect with Emily on Instagram at @empoweredbodynbirth.Emily serves families in Maryland as a doula and also offers personal training for women with a special focus on postpartum recovery and pelvic floor rehabilitation. Reach out to her on Instagram to learn more about working with her!Emily shares her journey to a home birth with her second after a disappointing COVID hospital birth, highlighting the challenges and differences between the two experiences. She emphasizes the importance of knowing and exploring birth options, as well as the impact of environment and support on the birthing process. The conversation covers Emily's beautiful home birth experience, what worked for her during labor, the roles of a woman's care team, the importance of postpartum care, and the significance of intuition in childbirth. Emily also shares insights on the impact of birth experiences on the mother-baby connection and breastfeeding.TakeawaysBirth options and environment impact the birthing experience.Understanding the differences between hospital and home births is crucial for informed decision-making. Home birth experiences can vary and may not always go as planned, but trusting one's intuition and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals is crucial.Postpartum care is essential, and having a supportive network can greatly impact a mother's recovery and well-being.The mother's intuition plays a significant role in childbirth and postpartum experiences, and it's important to listen to this intuition.

Emma's powerful and speedy water birth at home was the redemptive birth she dreamed about after her first birth in the hospital. It highlights the profound impact of birth experiences on mothers and children, as well as the emotional and physical challenges faced during the postpartum period. The conversation covers the transition from exclusive pumping and bottle feeding to breastfeeding, healing from a NICU experience, and the impact of birth experiences on subsequent pregnancies. It delves into the challenges, fears, and preparations involved in these experiences, providing valuable insights for women navigating similar journeys. The conversation delves into the unique nature of birth pain and the impact of visualization on the birthing experience. It also explores the postpartum recovery process, the importance of support, and the significance of trusting oneself and self-respect in the birthing journey.TakeawaysBirth experiences can have a profound impact on both the mother and the child, even as a child growsThe postpartum period can be challenging and emotionally taxing for new mothers. Transitioning from bottle feeding to breastfeeding-- it can be done!!The challenges and emotional journey of breastfeedingThe impact of birth experiences on subsequent pregnancies Pain in childbirth is different and serves a physiological purposeVisualization and mindset can impact the birthing experienceChapters00:00 The Journey to Motherhood20:04 Transitioning to Breastfeeding25:37 Impact of Birth Experiences on Subsequent Pregnancies45:12 Understanding the Pain of Childbirth50:22 Postpartum Recovery and Support01:03:36 Trusting Intuition and Self-Respect

In this episode, Jenna Fitzgerald shares her powerful birth stories, detailing her experiences as a single mother navigating the complexities of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She discusses the trauma of her first hospital birth and how it led her to become a doula, emphasizing the importance of trusting oneself and finding a supportive community. Jenna shares about her second birth experience at home, which was a redemptive journey that allowed her to reclaim her power and heal from past trauma. She highlights the significance of support during bereavement, having experienced a chosen loss herself, and encourages women to connect with their inner strength and find their village. She is co-founder of Stateline Birthkeepers serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin as a birth and postpartum doula.Connect with Jenna on Instagram and Facebook: @statelinebirthkeepersbirth stories, postpartum, doula, trauma healing, home birth, maternal health, women's empowerment, bereavement support, loss, community, motherhood

In this conversation, Mikala shares her profound journey through motherhood, detailing her experiences with each of her four pregnancies and births. From her challenging first birth at a young age to her empowering free births, she emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and advocating for personal choices in the birthing process. Mikala discusses the impact of her birth experiences on her postpartum mental health and the significance of community support. Her story serves as an inspiration for women seeking to reclaim their power in childbirth and navigate the complexities of motherhood with confidence. She is also a highly experienced birth keeper taking clients in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin under the name Stateline Birth Keepers.Connect with Mikala on Instagram and Facebook: @statelinebirthkeepersbirth stories, postpartum depression, home birth, birthkeeper, women's health, empowerment, pregnancy, maternal health, birth trauma, natural birth

In this conversation, Hayden shares her journey through two pregnancies, highlighting the stark contrast between her first birth experience, which ended in a C-section, and her second, which was a beautiful VBAC. She discusses the challenges she faced with the medical system, the importance of being an advocate for oneself, and the emotional impact of her experiences. Hayden emphasizes the need for informed consent and the power that comes from understanding one's body and the birth process. Her story serves as a testament to the resilience of women and the transformative power of birth.Connect with Hayden on Instagram: @haydenelizabethsmithbirth stories, VBAC, C-section, natural birth, motherhood, pregnancy, birth trauma, empowerment, informed consent, doula support