Hope-Filled Birth

What would you do if your water broke but you knew it wasn't time for labor yet? The phrase "waiting on the Lord" becomes unbelievably weighty and tangible during childbirth. To wait on the body while it—sometimes slowly—transitions from pregnancy to delivery can be an overwhelming challenge. Ann's story is one that balances intuition and listening to your body with waiting patiently on God's perfect timing!Ann's Birth Story Blog Post

Feeding our kids involves becoming educated, making many challenging decisions, and learning to adapt when things don't go the way we planned. The last thing moms need is to be fed misinformation about those decisions that makes the stakes even higher and the choices even harder. On today's episode, Becca shares the struggles she's experienced with feeding each of her children. Some of her obstacles were normal ones that any mom might face—others were fabricated by influencers posting misinformation online. We hope that no matter where you are in your feeding journey with your babies, this episode encourages you to think for yourself and trust your gut! Show Notes Instagram: The Formula Mom Instagram: Dr. Jessica Knurick

What would be racing through your mind if, at 37 weeks pregnant, your midwife told you that your baby was breech and a c-section was your ONLY option? When Savanna received this news, she wasn't sure what to expect, but she knew that the Lord would guide her steps toward the birth that was meant for her and her first baby. From hospital plans to a vaginal breech birth at home, God's providence and faithfulness is written all over her testimony! Show Notes: Birthing Instincts with Dr. Stu (Website) Birthing Instincts Podcast (Apple Podcasts) Birthing Instincts Podcast (Spotify)

Ann Morris, Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, joins us again in this episode to discuss all-things-breastfeeding! Her experience and expertise provide incredible insight that will both encourage and educate any women who is currently breastfeeding or hopes to in the future! Ann reminds us that it's so important to push past the challenges, awkwardness, and overwhelm of learning to nurse our babies—it's worth it! Notes: Nastia Liukin's Mom Says Not to Quit on a Bad Day Five Universal Baby Cries

What happens when your dreams of a peaceful homebirth are suddenly dashed by the news that your placenta is covering your cervix? That's the reality Casey was faced with during her second pregnancy. She trusted the Lord throughout her prenatal journey, and He brought both her and her baby safely through the delivery—amidst layers of trauma. Casey's dependence on the Lord and steadfast faith remind us that every obstacle has purpose: to glorify Him and sanctify us! Casey's Instagram (contains additional info about Placenta Previa) Dr. Green Mom's Medical Freedom Healthcare Provider List

It's not Becca's first rodeo—it's her second!! Things were different this time, which Becca talks about in today's episode, but one thing stayed the same: God's faithfulness to show up in every situation and carry us through the most challenging circumstances. Entering birth with knowledge and experience gave Becca confidence to approach this birth with open hands. She shares with the similarities and differences between her two births, walks through exactly how everything went down, and gives us a glimpse into how she's feeling postpartum. Becca's second birth story reminds us that every birth looks different and is beautiful in its own way!

Sometimes, the only stories we hear about OB experiences are negative ones! Makayla shares with us her journey from a Midwifery to traditional OB care. Her story is a good reminder that we must choose our providers based on who they are, not just by the title they hold. Makayla's story also serves as a great reminder that your provider works for YOU, not the other way around! Through prenatal moments of fear, desperation, confusion, and frustration, Makayla grew in her faith immensely by learning to trust God's faithfulness to provide!

What if we shifted our focus from making birth pain-free to making it fear-free? After experiencing a traumatic delivery amidst the pandemic, Katie's second delivery is a story about releasing fear and surrendering to the beauty of birth the way God designed it. Her story reminds us that He is able to give us supernatural peace through all circumstances! Show Notes: Alex Clark's Interview w/ Doula Karen Welton

What rights do women have when they birth in hospital settings? What does informed consent look like practically? How can women be prepared to have an empowering cesarean if their birth goes that route? Ann Morris, Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, answers all of these questions and more on today's episode. Her experience and knowledge in these areas will help you approach birth with confidence! Ann Morris, DONA Certified Doula Website Instagram Book a 1-on-1 Birth Planning Session

We've talked a lot about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences in our episodes so far—but what happens when you're struggling to even get pregnant in the first place? How can we reconcile God giving us a desire for parenthood with the often painful reality of infertility? Sarah's story is truly a testimony of the Lord showing His strengths in our weaknesses. Through infertility, conception, and a traumatic birth experience, she has chosen to glorify Christ in every season, no matter how hard her current circumstances feel.

It's possible to advocate for yourself during a hospital birth as long as you've done your research...right? Emily, a Registered Nurse, definitely thought so. With experience as a medical professional and years of education under her belt, she knew what to expect. However, all the knowledge in her head didn't do the trick when her providers started fear-mongering and pressuring her into making uninformed decisions that led to a cascade of unnecessary and traumatic medical interventions. After delivering her first baby sixteen months ago, Emily recently experienced an incredibly redemptive physiological birth. After struggling with intense anxiety during her first pregnancy, she was able to truly surrender her concerns and worries to God the second time around. She reminds us that no experience is purposeless or hopeless; God uses it all for His glory and our good.

There are so many voices in today's culture—namely on social media—telling us what we should or definitely should not be doing when it comes to our health. While the pursuit of the non-toxic lifestyle is certainly an admirable one, at one point does it become just as toxic of an idol as any other? On the flip side, at what point are we responsible for turning our knowledge of dangerous chemicals and ingredients into actions to protect our children? In today's episode, Em & Bec dive into all-things-crunchy, sharing their own perspectives and experiences!

Erica's story is particularly unique because she had 7 years of birth work experience prior to birthing her own baby! Her birth story certainly has some unexpected turns, but the beautiful ways the Lord showed up for her and provided in every single moment will surely encourage you! Be Her Village (Postpartum Support)

Let's be honest—there's no shortage of awareness when it comes to the medications and methods that are used to avoid the potential pain and discomfort experienced in childbirth. With so many of these modern medical tools at our fingertips, why are multitudes of women today pursuing the natural, unmedicated route by choice? Today's episode discusses physiological birth, and we hope it's a reminder to you that YOU WERE BUILT FOR THIS!

In today's episode—with wisdom far beyond her years—Julia shares the intimate details of her second birth story. You'll be overwhelmed by the Lord's incredible timing and redemptive power at work in her testimony!

In this episode, Megan shares with us the story of her firstborn's birth. He spent a challenging two weeks in the NICU immediately following a low-risk pregnancy with no predicted complications. Her testimony speaks to God's faithfulness in all circumstances—even those that feel traumatic, fear-filled, and hopeless.

While there are many aspects of birth that prove unexpected, experiencing postpartum life in the NICU is among the most shocking and potentially traumatizing. In today's episode, Natalie graciously shares the story of her birth at 36 weeks that led to a NICU stay for her new baby boy. She beautifully expresses the unimaginable balance between frustration and faith amidst unthinkable circumstances. Her story will encourage you and remind you of God's ultimate goodness and sovereignty!

In this episode, Becca courageously shares with us the story of her miscarriage. Her encouraging testimony highlights God's faithfulness to carry us through even the darkest of circumstances and valleys of uncertainty. At the end of the episode, Becca recites the scriptures that carried her through this experience! The verse references can be found below: 2 Timothy 1:7 Luke 10:18-19 Ephesians 3:20 Romans 8:15 Philippians 4:6 Psalm 56:3 Psalm 34:4 2 Timothy 4:17 2 Timothy 1:9-10 2 Timothy 4:18 Romans 15:13 Psalm 91

In this episode, Emma dives a bit deeper into national statistics; she outlines why C-Section rates are so high, what's being done to combat their rise, and why women must understand how to identify the NTSV rate of their provider to avoid an unnecessary C-Section! Sources NIH: Quality Improvement Initiatives Lead to Reduction in Nulliparous Term Singleton Vertex Cesarean Delivery Rate CDC: Cesarean Delivery Rate by State NIH: Cesarean Overuse and the Culture of Care NPR: Money May Be Motivating Doctors To Do More C-Sections NJ Department of Health: New Jersey Maternal Data Center

In today's episode, Emma and Becca have a conversation about trusting your gut instead of idolizing popular opinions when it comes to your baby's schedule and development. They focus on the wisdom and provision the Lord gives us in parenting our children through scripture, our mothers, and other mentors in our lives! Books References in this Episode: The V@cc1n3 Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child The V@cc1n3-Friendly Plan

Get ready for the best information overload you didn't know you needed. Becca brings six years of experience and a wealth of educational knowledge to our conversation about pelvic floor therapy. Her work in this field—which is truly a ministry—will both teach and inspire you! Whether you have experience with this kind of PT, are totally ignorant, gave birth a month ago, or gave birth twenty years ago...this episode is for YOU! Becca's Instagram: @restorecenterpt Restore Center for Pelvic Health & Wellness

After undergoing a c-section for her first birth, Allie knew that for baby number two, she wanted to go the vaginal route! In addition to diving into Allie's personal experience, we also discuss the statistics and common myths surrounding VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) deliveries. Spinning Babies® (a method utilized in pregnancy and delivery by both Emma and Allie) is "a physiological approach to preparing for and caring for birth. During birth, babies descend through the pelvis by turning to fit each curve in the passage. Baby’s turns are “fetal rotation.” If fetal rotation can be made easier, birth is easier for everyone. Spinning Babies® has become a paradigm, or a new view on childbirth. By understanding birth physiology better we can help birth be easier." Sources from Today's Episode: National Institutes of Health Mayo Clinic American Pregnancy Association Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The VBAC Link

After giving birth twice in a hospital setting, our friend Emily decided to pursue a home birth during her third pregnancy! Her beautiful story of bringing her own sweet baby into the world (literally...she caught the baby!) is such a testament to God's redemption and sovereignty in childbearing.

In today's episode, Emma shares the questions she asked both an OB and midwife before deciding where she'd give birth. Her questions serve as a helpful guide if you are trying to pick a provider who best suits your needs and goals!

To close out the year, Emma and Becca talk about how they celebrated Christmas growing up, what their favorite holiday memories are, and how they're incorporating both old and new traditions as they celebrate their first holiday season as moms! They also chat about what's to come in 2024 for the Hope-Filled Birth Podcast!

On today's episode, Emma and Nicoletta discuss—at length—a myriad of topics: mental health pre/postpartum, sex & marriage after childbirth, and more. Nicoletta's experiences both as a new mom and a Mental Health Therapist situate her uniquely to help guide women through this incredible yet challenging season of motherhood. Resources: Nicoletta's Instagram ⁠Pain Free Birth (Instagram Page)⁠ ⁠Pain Free Birth (Website)⁠ Content Warning: This episode discusses sexual material.

On today's episode, Gigi shares the beautiful story of her home birth! Her experience reminds us to face fears head-on, trust in the Lord completely, and remain fully present as we enter motherhood. Resources Gigi Mentions: Pain Free Birth (Instagram Page) Pain Free Birth (Website) The Business of Being Born (Documentary)

In today's episode, Emma & Becca interview Leah, the doula who supported both of them through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Leah explains the role of a doula, shares questions that expectant mothers should ask when hiring one, and provides insight into how a doula can support women in a variety of circumstances. Leah's Labor of Love (Facebook Page) Leah's Labor of Love (Website)

On today's episode, Michelle shares with us about her PAIN-FREE birthing experience! She and Emma discuss hypnobirthing, the powerful role of the mind during childbirth, and how this technique can be uniquely interwoven with one's faith. To enroll in the Hypnobabies Course we discuss on this episode, use the link below + the coupon code "emmaduncan" at checkout for 10% off! Hypnobabies Online Home Study Course

Join Emma and Becca as they discuss the purpose of birth plans, why it's good to create one, and how they handled plans changing! Resources Discussed in Today's Podcast Dr. Green Mom The Vaccine Plan by Dr. Sears Vitamin K Drops

In this episode, co-host Emma shares her birth story! Her experience through childbirth reminds us that Christ's power is displayed perfectly in our weaknesses. She also encourages women to trust their instincts when formulating their birth plans and preferences!

In this episode, co-host Becca shares with us the story of bringing her first baby into the world. Her experience reminds us that even though things don't always go the way we plan, we can rest in the assurance of God's sovereignty and goodness!

Welcome to the Hope-Filled Birth Podcast! Our show aims to glorify Christ through testimonies of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This episode introduces us (Emma & Becca) and gives you all the need-to-know info about the show!