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PODCAST · kids

Transformed by Birth

Transformed by Birth is a podcast that goes far beyond due dates and diaper bags. Hosted by Britta Bushnell, PhD, mythologist, award-winning childbirth educator, and author of Transformed by Birth, this show explores the profound rite of passage that is pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

  1. 43

    Why Motherhood Activates Your Inner Critic

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by author, therapist, and creator of the Mother-Centered Approach, Jessica Tomich Sorci, for a conversation about the inner landscape of motherhood. Together, we explore why parenting has a unique way of activating the many voices inside our minds, from the inner critic to the parts that try to hold everything together, and the ones that step in when it all feels like too much. Jessica introduces Internal Family Systems (IFS) in an accessible way, helping us understand how these "parts" develop, why they get so loud in motherhood, and how we can begin to relate to them with more curiosity and compassion. This conversation is an invitation to see maternal struggles not as failures, but as deeply human responses to a role that asks so much, often without enough support. LEARN MORE

  2. 42

    The Metamorphosis of Motherhood with Lucy Jones

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by award-winning journalist and author Lucy Jones for a conversation about matrescence and the profound metamorphosis of becoming a mother. Together, we explore how motherhood reshapes the brain, body, identity, relationships, and sense of self. Lucy shares insights from her book Matrescence, helping to name an experience that is often minimized as an adjustment, when in reality it can be a complete restructuring. We also talk about the isolation many mothers experience, the pressure of idealized motherhood, and the cultural failure to properly hold people through this transformation. This conversation is an invitation to understand motherhood not as something to bounce back from, but as a process of becoming. LEARN MORE

  3. 41

    The Hidden Link Between Postpartum and Perimenopause

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I sit down with Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, Nurse-Midwife, Lactation Consultant, and Professor of Nursing, Sarah Shealy, to explore the often-overlooked connection between postpartum recovery and long-term health. We talk about how pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and perimenopause are not separate experiences, but deeply connected physiological transitions. Sarah shares why postpartum is a critical window for healing, how postnatal depletion impacts the body for years to come, and what becomes possible when we approach postpartum care as preventative medicine. This conversation offers a broader lens on recovery, one that extends far beyond the first six weeks and into the decades that follow. LEARN MORE

  4. 40

    When Your Inner Child Is Activated in Parenting with Dr. Nicole LePera

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by Dr. Nicole LePera, clinical psychologist and New York Times best-selling author, for a deeply insightful conversation about inner child activation in parenthood. Her new book, Reparenting the Inner Child, expands on this work in powerful ways. Together, we explore why becoming a parent can bring unexpected emotional responses, how early childhood experiences shape our nervous system, and what it means to "reparent" ourselves while raising our children. Nicole shares a compassionate and practical framework for understanding triggers, building awareness, and creating space for new patterns to emerge. LEARN MORE This conversation is an invitation to meet yourself with more curiosity and compassion, and to recognize that parenting is not only about raising a child, but also about coming into relationship with your own past in a new way.

  5. 39

    The Real Impact of Weight Bias in Pregnancy Care with Jen McLellan

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by childbirth educator, TEDx speaker, host of the Plus Mommy Podcast, and founder of Plus Size Birth, Jen McLellan, for a powerful and necessary conversation about weight bias in pregnancy and postpartum care. Together, we explore how BMI continues to shape medical decision-making, the difference between perceived risk and actual risk, and the emotional and physical toll of navigating pregnancy in a larger body. Jen shares both her lived experience and years of professional insight, offering a path toward more compassionate, evidence-based, and size-inclusive care. This conversation is an invitation to rethink what we've been taught about bodies, risk, and what it truly means to feel supported during pregnancy and birth. LEARN MORE

  6. 38

    The Missing Role of Ritual in Birth with Haize Hawke

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by heart-led spiritual mentor and master doula Haize Hawke for a conversation about ritual, what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes our experience of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. Together, we explore how ritual creates a container for transformation, why so many families feel disconnected from it, and how simple, intentional practices can bring presence and connection into everyday life. Haize shares how ritual shows up in physiologic birth, postpartum, and family rhythms, and offers a grounded, accessible way to begin without needing anything elaborate. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, to be witnessed, and to not miss the moment. LEARN MORE

  7. 37

    Birth Is Political: What This Moment Is Asking of Us

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by herbalist, childbirth educator, and founder of Rising Matriarchs, Montse Olmos, for a conversation that asks us to widen the lens of birth work. Together, we explore how current immigration policies and systemic violence are impacting pregnant people, families, and communities, and why birth, postpartum, and parenting cannot be separated from the broader political and social landscape. Montse shares her lived experience as a migrant, unpacks the role of white supremacy and colonialism within the birth community, and offers a powerful invitation to move beyond performative allyship toward meaningful solidarity. This conversation is both grounding and challenging. It asks us to stay present, to examine our own positioning, and to consider what it means to show up for one another in a time that is asking more of all of us. LEARN MORE 

  8. 36

    The Financial Side of Postpartum Few Talk About

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by financial counselor and former doula Jen Mayer for a conversation about a part of becoming a parent that often goes unspoken: money. We explore how finances shape the postpartum experience, not just in practical ways but also emotionally and relationally. Jen shares her experience returning to work just three weeks after giving birth and how that moment led her to reimagine what true support in early parenthood could look like. Together, we talk about the pressure to push through, the reality that there is no sprinting through parenthood, and how financial preparation can create space for rest, healing, and connection. This conversation gently invites you to look at your financial reality with curiosity rather than judgment, and to begin asking a deeper question: what does "enough" look like for you in this season of becoming? LEARN MORE

  9. 35

    Persephone and Demeter: A Myth that Speaks to Mothers Today

    In this solo episode of Transformed by Birth, I share the story of Demeter and Persephone through the lens of archetype, grief, and transformation. This is not just a myth about seasons. It is a story about what happens when life takes us somewhere we didn't choose, how we make meaning from those experiences, and why motherhood so often holds both joy and loss at the same time. If you've ever felt changed by something you didn't expect, or found yourself living between who you were and who you are becoming, this story offers a way to understand that experience. LEARN MORE

  10. 34

    When Equal Partners Become Unequal Parents

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by Eve Rodsky, author of Fair Play and Find Your Unicorn Space, for a potent and deeply practical conversation about partnership, fairness, and the invisible labor of parenthood. Together, we explore what happens when equal partners become unequal parents, why the mental load and emotional labor of family life still fall so heavily on women, and how patriarchy and capitalism quietly shape the structure of our homes. Eve shares how her "blueberries breakdown" became the catalyst for reimagining domestic labor, not as a personal failing, but as an organizational and relational problem that can be named, examined, and changed. We talk about valuing time equally, the difference between ownership and "helping," why resentment builds when trust and accountability break down, and how expectant parents can set themselves up differently before a baby arrives. This episode is validating for anyone navigating the relationship upheaval that so often comes with parenthood. LEARN MORE

  11. 33

    Bodily Sovereignty in a Time of Upheaval

    Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, trafficking, systemic abuse of power, reproductive rights, and medical trauma. Please listen with care and tend to yourself as needed. In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by somatic practitioner, embodiment coach, feminist health care advocate, and full-spectrum doula Pamela Samuelson for a courageous and deeply grounded conversation about bodily sovereignty in this cultural moment. Together, we explore what it means to trust your body when systems of power undermine that trust. We talk about the continuum between reproductive rights, beauty standards, sexual violence, medical paternalism, and the subtle ways we are taught to doubt our own sensations. Pam shares how reclaiming anatomy, touch, and embodied authority is not just personal work, but cultural resistance. We explore how self-trust is built through sensation, relationship, and community, and why becoming a parent can both expose and strengthen our roots. This conversation is an invitation to remember: your body is not property, it is yours. LEARN MORE

  12. 32

    The Time Warp of Pregnancy, Birth, and New Parenthood

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by certified advanced birth doula, perinatal educator, international speaker, bestselling author, and the voice behind the Birthful podcast, Adriana Lozada, for a conversation that feels like it needs its own music intro. Together, we explore the time warp of pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood. We talk about why minutes can feel like days while months disappear in a blink, how modern clock time clashes with physiology, and why timing contractions can become the first intervention in labor. We also explore postpartum as baby time, what it means to hold a "both and" reality when life demands productivity while your body and baby move slowly, and how to build real support with intention. This episode is a grounding reframe for anyone wondering what happened to their ability to get anything done. LEARN MORE

  13. 31

    Building Resilience When the World Feels Like a Poly Crisis

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by perinatal care specialist and Resilience Toolkit facilitator Mikaela Lynn for a grounded conversation about stress, nervous system regulation, and what it means to build resilience in the perinatal year. Together, we explore why stress isolates us from our bodies, our relationships, and our sense of choice, and why resilience is not about pushing through but about strengthening flexibility and restoring connection. Mikaela shares a practical framework for self-assessment, how to find pockets of relative safety in a time of systemic stress, and why stabilization is the priority during pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum. This episode is for parents navigating this turbulent time, for anyone recovering from birth trauma, and for perinatal professionals who want to support others without abandoning their own nervous systems. LEARN MORE

  14. 30

    Matrescence: You're Not Broken, You're Becoming

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I am joined by coach, doula, and author Jessie Harrold for a rich and deeply validating conversation about matrescence, the profound identity transformation that unfolds as we become mothers. Together, we explore motherhood as a rite of passage rather than a pathology. Jessie shares her four elements model of radical transformation and helps us name what so many parents feel but rarely have language for: the grief, anger, ambivalence, and disorientation that accompany this becoming. We talk about why losing yourself in motherhood is not failure but part of the developmental arc of transformation, how adult development theory helps us hold paradox with more skill, and why reclaiming motherhood from cultural extremes matters. This episode invites you to honor both the unbecoming and the becoming, and to remember that you are not broken. You are becoming. LEARN MORE

  15. 29

    Holding Fear, Power, and Possibility in High-Risk Pregnancy

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by somatic trauma consultant, author, and maternal health advocate Parijat Deshpande for a deeply grounding conversation about high-risk pregnancy, preterm birth, and the NICU experience. Together, we explore what the term "high-risk" actually means, how it is often misunderstood, and why hearing that label can be so destabilizing to the nervous system. Parijat brings clarity to the psychology and physiology of stress in pregnancy, helping us understand how fear, uncertainty, and incomplete stress responses affect the body and the birth experience. This episode centers the lived experience of parents. We talk about trauma, grief, self-blame, and the often unseen emotional toll of high-risk pregnancy and NICU stays. We also explore practical, embodied tools for working with stress, supporting the nervous system, and reclaiming agency in moments when parents feel powerless. LEARN MORE

  16. 28

    When Motherhood Doesn't Feel Like the Story You Were Sold

    In this episode, I'm joined by licensed therapist and author Vanessa Bennett for a powerful conversation about the stories we've inherited about motherhood, identity, intimacy, and worth. Together, we explore what Vanessa calls "the motherhood myth," the cultural narrative that tells parents they should feel endlessly fulfilled, selfless, and complete through parenting alone. We unpack how patriarchy, capitalism, and shame-based conditioning shape modern family life, why so many parents feel isolated and overwhelmed, and how reclaiming agency and selfhood becomes part of the rite of passage into parenthood. This conversation is honest, layered, and deeply validating. It invites you to question what you've been taught, reconnect with your inner authority, and remember that feeling stretched, disoriented, or dissatisfied is not personal failure — it is a response to a system that was never built to truly support families. LEARN MORE

  17. 27

    Pelvic Floor Health as a Lifelong Practice, Not a Postpartum Fix

    In this episode of Transformed by Birth, we explore the pelvic floor as a powerful and often misunderstood center of physical, emotional, and relational health with pelvic floor physical therapist, educator, and author Dr. Sara Reardon. Together, we unpack why pelvic floor care matters not only during pregnancy and postpartum, but across the entire lifespan. We talk about the deep connections between the pelvic floor and identity, sexuality, confidence, movement, and healing, and why so many people are left without education or support during some of the most transformative seasons of life. This conversation invites you to step out of shame and silence, reclaim agency in your body, and understand pelvic floor health as essential, not optional. Whether you are pregnant, postpartum, navigating midlife changes, or supporting families professionally, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical wisdom. LEARN MORE

  18. 26

    Babies Borrow Your Brain: The Neuroscience of Nurturing

    In this episode, we explore the neuroscience of nurturing, connection, and early brain development with neuroscientist, author, and mother Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum. Together, we unpack why the first three years of life are such a critical window for mental health, emotional regulation, and relational resilience. We talk about how modern parenting culture often pulls families away from what babies actually need, and how understanding the science of nervous system regulation, co-regulation, and attunement can simplify parenting rather than adding more pressure. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with your instincts, and remember that nurturing is not about perfection. Whether you are pregnant, postpartum, parenting young children, or supporting families professionally, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a powerful reframe for what truly supports both babies and parents. LEARN MORE

  19. 25

    Redefining Fitness After Birth with Robin Arzón

    In this episode, we explore pregnancy and parenthood through the lens of identity, embodiment, and the ways our relationship to strength is reshaped during profound life transitions. In conversation with Peloton instructor, author, and advocate Robin Arzón, we reflect on how pregnancy interrupts productivity culture and invites a deeper redefinment of worth, power, and presence. Together, we talk about ambition, performance, and the pressure to "optimize" every stage of pregnancy and recovery, and what happens when the body asks for something different. Robin shares candidly about slowing down, listening to the body, and meeting the discomfort of change without trying to muscle through it. This conversation is an invitation to soften rigid expectations, honor the identity shifts that accompany pregnancy and parenthood, and remember that strength is not always loud or visible. Whether you are pregnant, postpartum, or navigating another season of becoming, this episode offers perspective, honesty, and permission to redefine what resilience looks like from the inside out. LEARN MORE

  20. 24

    Beyond the To-Do List: The Inner Work of Becoming a Parent

    In this episode, we explore pregnancy and early parenthood as profound inner transformations, not just physical or logistical milestones. In conversation with Vedic meditation teacher, veteran doula, and dear friend Patti Quintero, we look at how the nervous system shapes our experience of conception, pregnancy, birth, and life with a new baby. Together, we talk about stress, regulation, and the quiet but powerful practices that help us meet change with more adaptability and self-trust. We explore meditation as a form of non-doing, the importance of creating space to de-excite the body, and why tending to our inner world is not another task on the to-do list, but a foundation for navigating this rite of passage. This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and remember that there is no one right way. Whether you are preparing for birth, newly postpartum, or supporting others through this season, this conversation offers grounding, perspective, and permission to begin again. LEARN MORE  

  21. 23

    Gathering Bones: The Pause Before Change

    In this solo end-of-year episode, I share the story of La Loba, the Bone Woman, as a guiding metaphor for times of transition and reflection. Through this myth, we explore what it means to gather the bones of our lived experience, to honor the pause before change, and to wait for the song that brings vitality back into what we have built. This episode invites you to slow down at the threshold of the year and reflect on where you are in your own unfolding. Whether you are navigating pregnancy, postpartum, parenthood, or another season of becoming, this is a reminder that not all phases are meant for forward motion. Some are for listening, waiting, and remembering what animates us from within. LEARN MORE

  22. 22

    Birth as Portal: How Doulas Support the Transition into Parenthood

    In this episode, I sit down with doula, educator, and longtime friend Lori Bregman for a grounded and heartfelt conversation about birth as a rite of passage and the deeper role of the doula. Together, we explore how pregnancy and birth invite profound inner change, and how support rooted in presence, authenticity, and trust can shape not only the birth experience but also the transition into parenthood. Lori shares her perspective on birth as a portal, the importance of moving beyond "should," and how mind, body, and spirit support can help parents quiet the noise, reclaim agency, and meet this threshold with clarity and self-trust. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and remember that birth is not only about bringing a baby into the world. It is about becoming someone new. LEARN MORE

  23. 21

    Beyond Baby Gear: What Babies Need Most

    In this episode, we explore early parenthood as both a practical learning curve and a quiet rite of passage. In conversation with longtime postpartum doula and baby wearing expert Laura Brown, we look at how everyday decisions like baby carriers, feeding support, and leaving the house often carry deeper questions about identity, safety, and the longing to be a good parent. We talk about how fear-based messaging and social media overwhelm can pull parents away from their own inner knowing, and how returning to presence, responsiveness, and relationship can bring grounding back into the experience. This episode is an invitation to soften, breathe, and remember what babies need most. Whether you are expecting, newly postpartum, or supporting someone in this tender season, this conversation offers reassurance, perspective, and space to trust yourself. LEARN MORE  

  24. 20

    VBAC and the Power of Informed Choice

    In this episode, we explore VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) as both an evidence-based option and a deeply personal rite of passage. Together, we look at how surgical birth, primary cesareans, and labels like "failure to progress" shape future choices, and how tools such as VBAC calculators can offer clarity while also limiting possibilities. This conversation invites you to meet VBAC with curiosity, grounding, and self-trust. We talk about voice, agency, and the inner work of navigating a system that often feels inconsistent and confusing. Whether you are preparing for your first or planning for another birth after a previous cesarean, this episode offers perspective, compassion, and space to breathe into what feels right for you. LEARN MORE

  25. 19

    Birth, Story, and the Courage to Meet the Unknown

    In this episode, I sit down with midwife and storyteller Nicole Morales, LM, CPM for a soulful conversation about birth, story, and the courage required to meet the unknown. We explore how birth unfolds far beyond cervical measurements and timelines, and how physiology, culture, and personal history weave together to shape every experience. Nicole shares her perspective on restorative midwifery, the power of story as a guide, and how breech birth invites us to see the world differently. Together, we look at the humility and curiosity needed in birth work and the importance of staying present when the path ahead is unclear. This conversation reminds us that birth is never just a clinical event. It is a living, human rite of passage that asks us to listen deeply and step into the mystery with an open heart. LEARN MORE

  26. 18

    Birthing Beyond the Gender Binary: One Papa's Pregnancy Story

    In this episode, I sit down with trans Papa Herbie Huff for an eye-opening and deeply human conversation about pregnancy beyond the gender binary. Together, we explore what it means to carry a baby (twins even!) while living outside traditional gender expectations, how identity and physiology intersect, and what truly affirming prenatal care looks like. Herbie invites us into the realities of being a pregnant papa in today's world and shares with honesty, humor, and clarity what this experience has meant for him, his partner, and their growing family. This conversation widens the story of birth and reminds us that pregnancy is a profoundly human experience. LEARN MORE 

  27. 17

    Mindful Communication: The Gift of Being Heard

    I'm joined by mindfulness teacher and parenting mentor Hunter Clarke-Fields for a heartfelt exploration of mindful communication. Together, we look at what it truly means to listen, to acknowledge, and to meet one another with presence. We talk about the power of reflective listening, the relief that comes when emotions are named instead of dismissed, and the deep human longing felt by children and adults alike to be seen and heard. This conversation invites us to slow down, soften, and consider how communication rooted in compassion can transform both parenting and our own inner landscapes. LEARN MORE

  28. 16

    Reproductive Justice: A Framework for Liberation with Sabia Wade

    What does liberation in birth really mean? In this episode, author and educator Sabia Wade, founder of Birthing Liberation, invites us to explore how power, consent, and even kink shape the way we give and receive care. Together, we trace how the body becomes both a mirror and a teacher, revealing our beliefs about worth, control, and freedom. This is a conversation about reclaiming the body as sacred, about rest and pleasure as acts of resistance, and about remembering that true healing happens when we center humanity in every act of care. LEARN MORE

  29. 15

    Perinatal Mental Health: The Rite of Passage Often Overlooked

    Big rites of passage invite big feelings. In this episode, I sit with psychotherapist Molly Nourmand, LMFT, to explore perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and the emotional landscape that so many parents quietly navigate. We talk about how to recognize when worry becomes disruption, why practical support matters, and how community loosens shame. You'll hear ways to build a real village, plan your care before exhaustion sets in, and bring partners into the circle of support. Together, we look at therapy, mindfulness, and spiritual anchors as guides for meeting this tender threshold with presence and compassion. LEARN MORE

  30. 14

    Pleasure, Sexuality, and Birth: Reclaiming Your Body as Sacred

    What does it mean to reclaim birth as a sacred, embodied act? In this episode, somatic coach and Ecstatic Birth founder Sheila Kamara Hay shares how reconnecting with your body, and your pleasure, can shift birth from something to endure into something deeply transformative. Together, we explore the intersection of sexuality, spirituality, and birth, and why honoring your body as a sacred vessel matters more than ever. This is a conversation about trust, embodiment, and remembering that your body holds profound wisdom. Listen in and begin to explore what becomes possible when you birth from within. LEARN MORE

  31. 13

    Rage, Grief, and the Underworld of New Motherhood

    Big rites of passage invite big feelings. In this episode, I sit with Stacey Ramsower to map the terrain of postpartum rage and grief, offer grounded somatic practices, and show how clarity and community can turn survival into support. We reframe rage as a signal for connection, practice titration to build nervous-system capacity, and use expressive arts, movement, and voice to move emotion without getting lost in it. You'll hear simple scripts for naming limits, ways to choose witnesses who can hold intensity with care, and guidance for protecting partnership when life is loud; a steady, compassionate companion for anyone walking the underworld of becoming a parent. LEARN MORE

  32. 12

    Vasilisa and Baba Yaga: Intuition, Fire, and Our Wild Nature

    Why is "trust your intuition" offered so often and explained so rarely? In this solo episode, I tell the Slavic fairytale of Vasilisa the Beautiful and journey with listeners into the forest to meet Baba Yaga—the wild hag who tests, teaches, and returns us to our own inner knowing. We explore intuition not as a switch to flip, but as a practice to tend: feeding the tiny "doll in your pocket," setting clear boundaries, and carrying home the fire of creativity and vitality. I'll also share a simple yarn-doll ritual you can tuck into a diaper bag or pocket as an everyday reminder to pause, ask "Which way now?", and listen for what feels right.

  33. 11

    The Rite of Passage of Becoming a Father

    In this episode, I'm joined by Dan Doty, fatherhood guide and founder of Fatherhood Unlocked, to explore the rite of passage dads experience as they cross the threshold into parenthood. We talk about the "skills gap" many men face, why today's dads are called to show up in ways their fathers often weren't, and how this transition reshapes identity, partnership, and legacy. Dan shares how fatherhood, when embraced with intention, can redefine masculinity, rooting it in presence, tenderness, and love. LEARN MORE

  34. 10

    Matrescence: Crossing the Threshold Into Motherhood

    Why is matrescence, the developmental transition to motherhood, so often invisible and unnamed? In this episode, I talk with Victoria Trinko and Julia Sarewitz, co-founders of Seed Mother, about the rite of passage of matrescence, why naming this shift matters, and how ritual, resilience, and community can support mothers through the challenges and growth of becoming a parent. Together, we shine a light on the "messy middle" of great change and explore ways to center mothers in their own transformation. LEARN MORE

  35. 9

    You Don't Need Permission: Birth Advocacy Every Parent Deserves

    Why is it so hard to advocate for yourself in birth even when you know what you want? In this episode, I talk with HeHe, a doula and educator and host of The Birth Lounge, about how cultural conditioning shapes our ability to speak up, why advocacy is a skill we can practice, and ways to protect your birth space with curiosity, confidence, and support. LEARN MORE

  36. 8

    Why Motherhood Feels Hard: It's Not You, It's the Missing Village

    Why does motherhood feel so hard when you're doing everything "right"? Beth Berry, author of Motherwhelmed: Challenging Norms, Untangling Truths, and Restoring Our Worth to the World, reveals the truth: it's not you, it's the system. In this candid conversation, Beth explains why modern mothers are drowning in a society with few real villages, her breakthrough realization about raising "five whole women" (including herself), and how anger can guide us to unmet needs. Discover the difference between quick self-care fixes and truly honoring your values, and learn how to become a lighthouse for your kids without losing yourself. LEARN MORE

  37. 7

    Maintaining Intimacy as New Parents: Beyond Survival Mode

    Why do most couples struggle after the baby arrives? Relationship coaches Alexandra Roxo and Eli Buren, parents themselves, share practical "micro-practices" for maintaining intimacy when you're exhausted and overwhelmed. Learn how to create a protective "cocoon" around your partnership, why scheduling connection isn't unromantic but essential, and the two skills Alexandra wishes she'd developed before birth. Discover how to move beyond survival mode into deeper connection during parenthood's most challenging phase. LEARN MORE

  38. 6

    Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: From Rights to Resilience

    What if returning to work after having a baby is actually a rite of passage that transforms you into an "advocacy ninja"? Employment lawyer Daphne Delvaux, founder of the nation's first law firm for mothers' rights at work, reveals why this transition can feel "violent," how to advocate for your needs without losing your job, and surprising truths about U.S. family leave laws that might shock you. Learn practical strategies for dissolving the "good girl archetype," speaking up professionally for what you need, and why becoming a parent doesn't diminish your professional value; it amplifies it. Learn More

  39. 5

    Brandi Jordan on Becoming a Parent vs Learning to Parent

    What does it take to stay grounded as a parent in the age of information overload? In this episode, postpartum doula Brandi Jordan shares how to reconnect with your internal compass, let go of the "shoulds," and create a family manifesto rooted in your unique values. Together, we explore identity shifts, community care, and why calm isn't just a feeling. It is a powerful force that can guide your parenting path. Listen in for an honest, empowering conversation about becoming the parent you're meant to be. Learn More

  40. 4

    Motherhood and Identity: The Becoming Few Talk About

    What truly changes when we become mothers? In this episode, Jungian analyst and author Lisa Marciano, LCSW, joins me for a rich conversation about the deep transformation that unfolds in early parenthood. Together, we explore how motherhood reshapes identity, invites shadow work, and challenges us to grow in ways we never imagined. From the grief of lost possibilities to the grounding power of presence, this episode offers a thoughtful and empowering look at what it means to be changed by motherhood from the inside out. Learn More 

  41. 3

    Midwives and OBs: How Collaboration Can Make Birth Better

    What happens when midwives and OBs truly work together? In this episode, midwife Sarah Howard and OB-GYN Dr. Bente Kaiser share how their partnership at Moxie Birth shows a new way forward. They talk about what real collaboration looks like, why so many providers have never witnessed undisturbed birth, and how families can reclaim agency by trusting the process. Tune in to hear how working together makes birth not only safer—but better. Learn More 

  42. 2

    Welcome to Transformed by Birth: Crossing the Threshold Together

    In this first episode, Britta Bushnell, PhD, author, mythologist, and childbirth educator, invites you into the heart of Transformed by Birth. After more than 25 years supporting families, Britta shares why she created this podcast and what makes it different from typical parenting or pregnancy shows. She explores the idea of pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood as profound rites of passage, weaving in myth, wisdom, and real-life reflections. Light your candle (if you'd like) and settle in for an honest, heartfelt beginning to this new podcast.  Learn More

  43. 1

    Transformed by Birth Trailer

    Transformed by Birth is a podcast that goes far beyond due dates and diaper bags. Hosted by Britta Bushnell, PhD, mythologist, award-winning childbirth educator, and author of Transformed by Birth, this show explores the profound rite of passage that is pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. Each episode offers meaningful conversations and real stories that honor the deep transformation parents experience. From shifting identities to evolving relationships, we explore what it truly means to cross the threshold into parenthood. You'll hear from experts, ritualists, and everyday parents about the emotional, relational, and spiritual layers of becoming a parent. Whether you're preparing for pregnancy and birth, adjusting to new parenthood, or supporting others on their journey, this podcast invites you to slow down, reflect, and be transformed.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Transformed by Birth is a podcast that goes far beyond due dates and diaper bags. Hosted by Britta Bushnell, PhD, mythologist, award-winning childbirth educator, and author of Transformed by Birth, this show explores the profound rite of passage that is pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

HOSTED BY

Britta Bushnell, PhD

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Transformed by Birth have?

Transformed by Birth currently has 43 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Transformed by Birth about?

Transformed by Birth is a podcast that goes far beyond due dates and diaper bags. Hosted by Britta Bushnell, PhD, mythologist, award-winning childbirth educator, and author of Transformed by Birth, this show explores the profound rite of passage that is pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

How often does Transformed by Birth release new episodes?

Transformed by Birth has 43 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Transformed by Birth?

You can listen to Transformed by Birth on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Transformed by Birth?

Transformed by Birth is created and hosted by Britta Bushnell, PhD.
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