97: My Home Birth Story! And Chat With Doula + Childbirth Educator Karen Welton

Welcome to a very special episode of the Shine + Thrive Photography podcast! This week, I’ll be sharing my raw, unfiltered birth story with you. From the highs, to the lows & everything in between… I’m laying it all on the table ;)My hope is that by sharing my story, it inspires you to know that you CAN do hard things. And of course, that it gives you some valuable insights you can take with you on your own birth journey or to support someone you love.Join me and a very special guest who played a *huge* role in supporting me on my journey, Karen Welton, as we talk through some of the teachings and methodologies that helped me along the way.Karen is a doula and childbirth educator, who has supported hundreds of women in their childbirth journeys. Karen teaches women how to partner with their bodies’ divine design to have pain-free, ecstatic births and postpartum experiences. She’s on a mission to change the global culture of birth so that women no longer fear it, but look forward to it with joy. You can find out more about Karen’s courses in the show notes below, but for now, I really hope you enjoy and find this episode valuable! It feels so good to be sharing it with you, my Shine + Thrivers <3 You’ll learn…My hopes before the big day and the visualization exercise that helped me manifest the birth I wanted (and actually get it!) [12.47]My “incredible hulk” moment (!) plus why it’s sometimes best to surrender when things don’t go according to plan [25.09], [29.44], [53.00]Why childbirth is not a linear process and how to tap into altered states of consciousness to help you throughout your experience [40.34]The moment of truth! Giving birth to Ben and the techniques that helped me bring him into the world [56.08]How to keep going during the toughest moments and coach yourself through the process [1.36.04]My postpartum experience so far and an honest look at some of my darker moments, as well as the lighter ones [1.41.59], [1.49.27]My biggest takeaways from Karen’s course and Karen’s final advice for any woman about to embark on her own birthing journey [1.38.11]RESOURCES + LINKS:Pain Free Birth E course LinkPostpartum Bliss E-course LinkFree Partner's CheatsheetFree FB GroupMy Online Photography Courses for YouOutsourcing Made Easy: Learn how you can have more time freedom AND financial freedom as a portrait/wedding photographer. Sign up for the waitlist here now! (doors reopen once a year)Crystal Clear Marketing: Learn how you can attract and book your dream photography clients - Sign up here!Intuitive Storytelling for Wedding Photographers: Learn how you can storytell like a pro on wedding days - Sign up here!Say hi to me on social! I would love to hear which episode helped you!Instagram: @saramonikaphotoSubscribeIf you're not subscribed to my podcast yet + you don't want to miss an episode make sure to do so right now before life gets in the way. Click here to subscribe in iTunes!Click here to leave a review!With love + gratitude,Sara