Keeping Your Power® with Traci Doula

EPISODE 24: Naming Obstetric Violence and Telling the Truth — with Cristen Pascucci In this episode, I sat down with my longtime friend Cristen Pascucci, founder of Birth Monopoly, to have a real and honest conversation about obstetric violence and what’s actually happening in maternity care. This isn’t always an easy topic, but it’s one we can’t ignore if we want things to change. We talked about: What obstetric violence really is and why naming it matters Cristen’s personal birth experience and how it led her into advocacy The stories of families who felt dismissed, coerced, or violated in their care Why there’s resistance—even within the birth community—to talking about these issues The importance of truth-telling instead of minimizing or gaslighting How systems and past experiences shape the way people are treated in birth Cristen’s film Mother May I and the heart behind creating it This episode is about being willing to see what’s real, even when it’s uncomfortable. Because resilience isn’t about ignoring harm—it’s about naming it, learning from it, and expecting better moving forward. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it 📌Pregnant and birth planning? Grab some goodies for a more comfortable pregnancy and easier labor https://beacons.ai/tracidoula Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 23: From Doula to Midwife: Advocacy, Burnout, and Staying in the Fight — with Victoria In this episode, I sat down with Victoria, a birth doula of more than ten years who’s now pursuing her path to becoming a certified nurse midwife. Our conversation was honest, reflective, and full of the real experiences that come with working in the birth world. We covered: The emotional highs and lows of supporting families through birth Imposter syndrome and finding confidence in your calling Victoria’s moment catching a baby during a home birth and realizing midwifery was her path Why birth advocacy isn’t about fighting the system, but understanding it The importance of collaboration between doulas, nurses, and doctors Addressing systemic issues and disparities in maternity care How small conversations can lead to real changes in hospital policies This conversation is a reminder that improving birth care isn’t about picking sides—it’s about staying teachable, staying connected, and continuing the work even when it feels hard.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 22: Adoption from Both Sides — with My Fiancé Kevin This episode felt especially close to my heart because I sat down with my fiancé, Kevin, to talk about adoption from both sides—his perspective as an adoptive father of two, and mine as an adoptee. We kept it honest, real, and grounded in what adoption actually looks like over time, not just the version people like to post online. We talked about: The “adoption is saving children” narrative and why Kevin pushes back on it Infertility and how fear can shape adoption decisions Bringing our daughter home from China and our son home from Thailand How every adoption journey is different, even within the same family The lack of agency support, post-adoption resources, and trauma education Why therapy and honest conversations should be part of every adoption process The everyday realities adoptive families face, including intrusive questions and identity struggles This episode is about growth, empathy, and staying teachable. Adoption can hold heartbreak and healing at the same time, and we need more honest spaces for people to process it all. Share this episode with someone in the adoption triad or anyone who wants to understand adoption beyond the surface. Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 21: Being Teachable, Building Trust, and Keeping Birth Human — with Jen Hamilton In this episode, I sat down with Jen Hamilton, labor and delivery nurse, advocate, and one of the brightest lights in the birth world. This conversation was honest, practical, and full of those “yep…that’s real” moments that remind you why agency and voice matter so much in birth. We talked about: Self-reflection, blind spots, and how bias shows up in birth work Why being “teachable” matters more than being right How defensiveness and fear can block informed consent The difference between supporting agency vs. pushing compliance Trust, accountability, and why apologies matter even when harm wasn’t intended How Jen educates patients in real time through “narration” and clear communication Birth trauma that comes from not being listened to, dismissed, or rushed Jen’s book Birth Vibes and how families can communicate what matters most We laughed, we got real, and we kept coming back to the same truth: people may not remember every detail, but they will remember how they felt. Birth is not just physical. It’s emotional. It’s personal. And families deserve to leave feeling respected, informed, and whole. Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 20: Black Maternal Health, Action Over Awareness with Frances In this episode, I sat down with Frances for a real, necessary conversation about Black maternal health and the broken systems surrounding it. We didn’t soften this one. We talked openly about racism, colorism, privilege, and the very real consequences Black mothers continue to face in healthcare. Frances shared her own story, growing up in foster care, navigating the world as a neurodivergent Black woman, and working inside healthcare spaces from ERs to trauma rooms. She’s seen firsthand how race impacts the care people receive, and she’s not here for surface-level solutions. We talked about: Why “just get a Black provider” isn’t a realistic or fair solution How access, numbers, and systems actually work The problem with performative “COVID activism” What real accountability and action should look like in hospitals and birth work Why white birth workers cannot wait to be told what to do Frances’s upcoming guide, Beyond Awareness, and moving from talk to action This episode is uncomfortable, and it needs to be. Black mothers are dying, and awareness alone isn’t saving lives. Action does.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 19: High-Risk Birth, Misinformation, and Grief — with Sarah (L&D Nurse) In this episode, I sat down with Sarah, a labor and delivery nurse who’s spent years in high-risk birth settings and has seen the full range of what families walk through. We started with a story that hit home, Sarah shared how her little sister got dangerous misinformation from TikTok about baby movement during labor, and how that led to a traumatic delivery. That moment was a turning point for her and became part of why she now shares factual birth education online. We talked about: How social media misinformation can change outcomes in birth What “high risk” actually means (and what it doesn’t mean) Autonomy, informed consent, and why the birth team’s beliefs matter Bias in maternity care and how it shows up, even unintentionally What it looks like to be truly present for families in hard moments Grief and loss, Sarah shared about losing her close friend Amy and how that pain carries into daily life and work This episode is about education, truth, and holding space, both in birth and in grief. If you’ve ever questioned your intuition, felt overwhelmed by information online, or are walking through loss…you’re not alone. Share this episode with a friend, a parent, or a birth worker who needs it.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 18: Midwives, Myths, and the Gray Areas of Birth — with Miri & Kimberly Taylor In this episode, I sat down with two of my favorite midwives, Miri and Kimberly Taylor, to talk through some of the harder, often uncomfortable conversations happening in the birth world right now. We started with the term “lay midwife”, why it’s confusing, often misused, and how it’s frequently used to dismiss the education, skill, and experience of midwives outside the hospital system. We talked about: Why the term “lay midwife” creates fear and misunderstanding The black-and-white thinking around hospital vs. home birth What resilience really looks like in maternity care How midwives assess whether someone is truly informed or just reacting to trauma Why transfers are not failures, but good clinical judgment The importance of asking hard questions and informed consent The pressure families face to navigate a broken system What midwives and providers can do better, inside and outside hospitals Both Miri and Kimberly brought honesty and clarity to what safe, ethical midwifery care actually looks like, across birth centers, home births, and hospitals. This episode is about nuance, preparation, and staying grounded in evidence instead of fear or ideology.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com  

EPISODE 17: Birth Trauma, Loss, and Honoring Everly’s Story — with Ashley Nerison This episode comes with a heartfelt trigger warning, as it includes discussion of traumatic birth and infant loss. I sat down with Ashley—a strong, honest mom who shared her story of losing her daughter, Everly, after a planned home birth that took a devastating turn. We talked about: The planning and intention behind choosing home birth The moment labor shifted and the silence that followed How a shoulder dystocia changed everything in an instant The NICU stay, Everly’s five days of life, and the grief that followed The lack of postpartum support and the importance of informed care What Ashley wants families and birth workers to know about real risk and preparation Ashley’s courage to tell Everly’s story is a reminder that every family deserves honest, transparent care—and that birth conversations must include both beauty and heartbreak. Please take care of your heart as you listen.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 16 : Faith, Abuse, and Finding Freedom — with Detra Part II In this episode, I sat down with my friend Detra for part two of our conversation about moving through and out of emotionally abusive marriages, especially within church settings. Both of us spent decades in marriages that looked “godly” on the outside, mine was 31 years, Detra’s was 34. What we uncovered were the hidden patterns that kept us small, confused, and convinced that silence equaled faithfulness. We talked about: How church culture can hide or excuse emotional abuse under “submission” The subtle manipulation and gaslighting that wear you down over time The healing that comes from good therapy and solid truth-based support The CORE principles from The Emotionally Destructive Marriage by Leslie Vernick The freedom and clarity that follow leaving toxic environments This one’s for anyone still questioning if what they’re living through is “bad enough.” You’re not crazy. You’re not faithless. And you don’t have to keep giving yourself up to prove your worth.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 15: My Adoption Story — The Truth, The Layers, and The Healing  In this episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal, my own story as an adoptee. This is where I unpack what adoption has meant in my life, the complicated emotions that come with it, and the truths I wish more people understood. I talked about: Challenging the idea that love alone “fixes” adoption trauma My story of finding out I was adopted and how those emotions changed with time The attachment patterns that shaped my childhood and motherhood What it was like to find my biological family and get my adoption records Why every person in the adoption triad deserves empathy and space to heal This one’s raw and close to my heart. If you’ve ever felt unseen, disconnected, or unsure where you belong, this conversation is for you.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 14: Birth, Teamwork, and Trusting the Process — with Lauren & Drew In this episode, I sat down with Lauren and Drew, a couple whose story really shows what it means to grow, adapt, and keep your power through the unpredictability of birth and life. Lauren’s a labor and delivery nurse, and Drew’s a farmer who’s seen plenty of animal births, but human birth had a few surprises of its own. We talked about: How Lauren’s confidence as a nurse shifted after her first birth experience What it takes to prepare as a couple, mentally, physically, and emotionally Drew’s perspective as a partner learning to stay grounded and supportive The fast, unplanned home birth that tested everything they’d learned How faith, teamwork, and flexibility helped them find peace in the chaos Their story is a reminder that birth (and life) doesn’t always follow the plan, and that true resilience comes from education, communication, and learning to let go of control when things get real.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 13: Anyssa Zancanella: When Birth Goes Wrong — A Mother’s Fight for Accountability   In this episode, I sat down with Anyssa Zancanella, whose birth story exposes what can happen when hospitals stop listening and systems fail families. Her induction took a devastating turn, mishandled IVs, poor monitoring, and an absent doctor led to an emergency C-section and lifelong challenges for her daughter, Azaylee. We covered: The chain of preventable mistakes that changed everything How untrained staff and missing communication made things worse The reality of pursuing justice when hospitals avoid responsibility What advocacy, faith, and family strength look like in the hardest seasons This story is heavy, but it’s also full of courage and clarity. Anyssa’s resilience is a call to action: trust your gut, ask hard questions, and never let anyone silence your voice.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 12: Growing Up with a Congenital Heart Defect — with Christopher In this episode, I sat down with my oldest son, Christopher, to share his story of growing up with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect that meant open-heart surgery at just two months old. We wanted to give hope and perspective to parents navigating a diagnosis, and to anyone walking a path they didn’t expect. We talked about: Early hospital stays, surgeries, and the little details that stick with kids What it was like for me as a very young mom learning to advocate in the NICU The role faith and prayer played in our journey Christopher’s teen and adult years, learning limits, managing fatigue, and still playing soccer The realities of anxiety, depression, and finding purpose through hard seasons Through it all, Christopher’s story is about resilience, not letting a diagnosis define you, but finding your own version of “normal” and realizing your story might be the hope someone else needs.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 11: Miscarriage, Resilience, and Finding Community — with Kurin In this episode, I sat down with Kurin, mom of three, influencer, content creator, and fellow doula, to talk about her journey through multiple miscarriages and what it looks like to turn pain into purpose. We talked about: The loneliness of her first miscarriage and how silence made it harder Losing breastfeeding with her son and navigating complex emotions Feeling abandoned by her midwife and choosing a DNC as a turning point The impact of grief on friendships, marriage, and motherhood during COVID Honoring her losses through rituals, keepsakes, and rainbow babies How she now supports other women through miscarriage with real tools and resources Kurin’s story is honest, tender, and a reminder that support after loss matters more than the “perfect words.” Sometimes, just showing up is everything. If you’re walking through loss or supporting someone who is, this conversation is for you.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 10: Healing After Adoption — with Tyler Baltierra In this episode, I sat down with Tyler Baltierra, who you might remember as MTV’s original Teen Mom birth dad, to talk about what it’s really like to heal after placing a child for adoption. Tyler opened up about the pain, guilt, and the long road of making sense of it all, especially while doing it in the public eye. We talked about: The raw realities of being a birth father as a teenager How fear and lack of resources pushed him and Catelynn toward adoption The emotional manipulation that can happen in adoption systems Grief, regret, and learning to sit with pain without minimizing it Why adoption is more complicated than the stories we usually hear Tyler’s honesty is a reminder that adoption isn’t just about babies, it’s about birth parents, adoptive families, and the work we still need to do to make sure families are supported first. If you take one thing away from this episode, let it be this: your healing is yours, and giving yourself permission to be honest about it is one of the bravest things you can do.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 9: Real Talk with Mama Nurse Tina — Birth, Humor, and Honest Education In this episode, I sat down with Mama Nurse Tina—a labor and delivery nurse, educator, and mama of four—to talk about what it’s really like behind the scenes in birth work. Tina brings her wisdom, heart, and humor to the table, and we laughed plenty while also getting real about the challenges and rewards of this work. We talked about: Why she moved from emergency nursing to labor and delivery Supporting families after loss and the moments that stick forever Birth deserts, education gaps, and why online teaching matters Nurses, doulas, midwives, and OBs, why collaboration is everything The balance of being real online while staying sensitive to people’s stories Tina shared how she wants people to feel informed, not judged, and why childbirth education can be the key to asking better questions and making empowered choices. Together, we dreamed about what true teamwork in birth care could look like. If you want honesty, a few laughs, and practical wisdom you can carry with you, this episode is for you.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 8: Leaving Abuse, Rebuilding Life — with Detra In this episode, I sat down with my friend Detra to talk about her journey out of an abusive marriage after decades as a pastor’s wife in a conservative church culture. We got real about the pressures faith communities can put on women to stay silent, small, and “obedient,” even when it’s breaking them. Detra shared how she finally found the courage to leave, literally jumping out of a car one night, and the road that followed, including time in a homeless shelter in New York. She opened up about the unexpected places she’s found support, joy, and new life, and how she’s learned to spot the old patterns that try to creep back in. We talked about: How faith and church culture can pressure women to stay in unsafe marriages Why leaving doesn’t mean you’re free from old patterns Rebuilding life after losing reputation and community Trusting your intuition and owning your story This conversation is for anyone who’s ever been told they’re crazy for trusting their gut. You’re not. Your voice matters, your worth isn’t up for debate, and you can keep your power in the process.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 7: Fighting for Birth Options in Alabama — with Kimberly Taylor In this episode, I sat down with my friend Kimberly Taylor—certified nurse midwife, certified professional midwife, licensed midwife, and mama of four, to talk about what it’s really like to fight for respectful, safe birth options in Alabama. Kim shared: How it felt to go from a supportive midwifery culture in Washington to swimming upstream in Alabama The pushback, licensing challenges, and outright attempts to shut her down How one supportive OB helped open doors in a hostile system The realities of hospital vs. home birth and why informed consent matters Why she refuses to water down care, even when it would be easier This is an honest look at the uphill work of building bridges, protecting choice, and staying grounded when the system feels stacked against you.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 6: Birth, Belief, and Breaking Old Patterns — with Care Messer In this episode, I sat down with my friend and fellow birth worker, Care Messer, to talk about the deep stuff, where our beliefs come from, how early trauma shapes us, and why self-awareness matters in healing. We opened up about: Our personal birth stories and how they laid patterns we didn’t even realize My journey as an adoptee and what early separation left me holding How parenting sometimes means writing apology letters and breaking old habits The pressure families feel around induction, and what education can shift Care and I both believe that you don’t have to stay stuck in the stories you were handed. You can choose to dig in, reflect, and rewrite how you show up, for your kids, your community, and yourself. This episode is a reminder that resilience isn’t about pretending you’re fine. It’s about sitting with the real stuff, asking better questions, and doing the slow, brave work of healing.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 5: Midwifery, Boundaries, and Speaking Up with Miri In this episode, I sat down with Miri, a midwife with deep wisdom and lived experience to back it up. We talked about what it really takes to find your voice, in the birth room, in birth work, and in life. Miri shared how her roots in the UK’s midwifery model shaped her early perspective, and what it felt like to land in the U.S. and enter a system that didn’t always value intuition, advocacy, or relationship-centered care. We talked about: The power dynamics doulas face in medical settings Why “just the doula” is never the whole truth Getting therapy, doing the inner work, and building self-respect Midwifery illusions, hospital realities, and asking the right questions What it means to advocate for others without burning yourself out This one is for the doulas, the midwives, the birth workers who feel like outsiders—and for the parents learning to speak up and stand tall. You’re not alone.   Follow Miri on Instagram: miri_the_birth_nerd   Resources for you:  Lilac City Doula Training Spokane River Midwives   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com  

EPISODE 4: When the OB Becomes the Patient — Dr. Janelle De Jesus on Autonomy, Fear, and Trust In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Janelle De Jesus, a practicing OB who opened up about what changed for her when she became the patient. We talked about: How pregnancy shifted her whole view of maternity care Why she switched OBs mid-pregnancy to protect her own autonomy The quiet pressures providers feel inside the system How fear of litigation impacts how OBs practice Why doulas matter, and where collaboration sometimes breaks down Janelle shared what it was like to realize that even as a doctor, she didn’t always feel heard. That’s when her perspective changed—from checking boxes to slowing down, listening better, and building care that prioritizes the person, not just the protocol. This one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered why OB care feels rushed, why some providers resist questions, or what real collaborative care could look like. It’s not always easy to hold space for both sides, but this episode gets real about why it matters.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula Facebook - tracidoula Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 3: Loss, Intuition, and Advocacy — Cora’s Story In this episode, I sat down with Cora, a courageous mother who opened up about losing her son at 37 weeks pregnant. Her story is heartbreaking, but also deeply important, and I’m grateful she chose to share it with us. We talked about: The silence around third trimester loss Why “kick counts” matter and how education is lacking Losing trust in the system, and how to reclaim your voice What true advocacy and support look like after trauma Cora shared how her loss shaped her next birth experience and how she rebuilt trust by learning to ask questions, listen to her intuition, and find care that truly respected her. This episode isn’t just about loss, it’s about resilience, healing, and using hard experiences to help others feel less alone. If you take one thing away from this: always trust your gut, always ask questions, and always get checked out. Connect with Cora on TikTok: @weylynsmama Resources mentioned: Gestational Diabetes Inducing for GD Evidence on Due Dates Inducing for Due Date Count the Kicks   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4 Instagram - tracidoula Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com

EPISODE 2: When Birth Plans Break and Power is Rebuilt, India & Dallas’ Story In this episode, I sat down with India and Dallas, two incredible parents who’ve walked through the fire when it comes to birth, loss, and resilience. Their story includes multiple miscarriages, a traumatic hospital birth, and eventually, a powerful home birth where everything shifted. We talked about: Losing your voice in the hospital system Making hard pivots when plans fall apart How midwifery isn’t always enough without the right support What real birth advocacy looks like, for moms and partners Why their home birth became a turning point in reclaiming autonomy They opened up about the fear, the grief, the faith, and what it means to find safety in the birth space after trauma. Through every hard chapter, they kept digging for answers—and didn’t stop until they found the care they deserved.   If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a friend.   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com  

EPISODE 1: What It Really Means to Keep Your Power Hey y’all, I’m so glad you’re here. In this very first episode, I’m sitting down to share what Keeping Your Power® really means to me, and why I felt called to start this podcast. After 26 years in birth work, parenting four kids, becoming a Mimi, and walking through some of the hardest seasons of my life, divorce, estrangement, caring for aging parents, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about being strong all the time. It’s about knowing who you are, choosing your values, and showing up even when it’s messy. In this episode, I’m getting real about: What I lost (and found) in my own story How self-awareness changed everything Why power has nothing to do with control What it looks like to build your voice from the inside out If you’ve ever felt like you were just surviving, or trying to fake strength while falling apart, I see you. This space is for you. Let’s walk this road together. If something in this episode hit home, share it with a friend. And if you're ready to go deeper, book a session with me at tracidoula.com   Connect with me! TikTok - @tracidoula4  Instagram - tracidoula  Facebook - tracidoula  Website - https://tracidoula.com