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12. High-Risk Pregnancy Support: An L&D Nurse + Doula’s Guide to Confident Birth
When a pregnancy becomes high-risk, fear can take over — for both families and the professionals supporting them. But with the right tools, mindset, and communication, confidence and calm are still possible.
In this episode, I’m joined by Cassandra Kobiltz, a labor and delivery nurse, doula, and the founder of Hakuna Matata Mamas. Cassandra blends medical knowledge with mindfulness-based support, helping families prepare for birth when circumstances feel uncertain or out of their control.
We’ll talk about what “high-risk” really means, how to navigate shifting birth plans, and why emotional safety is just as important as physical safety. Whether you’re a doula supporting a complex pregnancy or a parent preparing for a birth that looks different than you expected, this episode will leave you grounded, informed, and inspired.
Stay Connected with Mary:
Instagram: @thenicutranslator
Want to learn more about how to best support NICU babies and their families before, during and after a NICU experience? Grab the FREE guide here to get started
Join the NICU Doula Academy waitlist for early access + an exclusive discount.
Guest Spotlight: Cassandra Koblitz BSN-RN
Cassandra Mae, founder of Hakuna Matata Mama, is a high-risk labor and delivery nurse turned virtual maternal mentor and hospital birth coach who helps women have the best day of their lives, the day they meet their baby, no matter how it happens. With over 13 years of experience supporting women with high-risk pregnancies, she blends clinical expertise with mindset and somatic work to help mamas calm their nervous system, trust their body, and show up with courage and confidence. Through her signature Compass-ionate Framework, Cassandra bridges the gap between medical care and emotional support, like a nurse bestie in your corner, helping women feel seen, supported, and deeply connected every step of the way.
Connect with Cassandra
www.hakunamatatamamas.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakuna.matata.mamas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555883715054
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hakuna-matata-mama/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hakuna.matata.mamas
Inside This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to High-Risk Pregnancy and Birth
02:07 Cassandra's Journey in Nursing and Doula Work
05:09 The Impact of Travel Nursing on Perspectives
07:53 Understanding High-Risk Pregnancy
11:21 Coping with High-Risk Labels
16:25 Mindfulness and Nervous System Regulation
20:59 The Importance of Self-Care and Intuition
24:23 Advocacy and Trusting Your Instincts
25:48 The Importance of Intuition in Healthcare Conversations
26:43 Navigating High-Risk Birth Scenarios
29:57 Coping Mechanisms for Expecting Parents
31:34 Acknowledging Loss in Birth Expectations
33:56 Balancing Medical Protocols and Patient Wishes
37:03 The Human Element in Medical Care
39:45 Processing Trauma in Healthcare
43:59 Empowering Parents in High-Risk Situations
Links, Resources & Mentions:
Get Cassandra’s free resource, “5 Things You Need to Know When Your Pregnancy Becomes High-Risk,” a short, powerful audio series designed to help mothers move from fear and uncertainty to feeling informed and supported. The series was made to remind women that even with a high-risk diagnosis, they still have a voice, a choice, and the ability to have the best day of their lives, the day they meet their baby.
Loved this episode?
Share this episode with a doula or care provider who could bring NICU-informed care to their community or leave a 5-star review and let me know!
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for decisions about your health or your baby’s care.
Until next time, remember:
The NICU is only the beginning, and together we can make this journey less overwhelming, and a lot more empowering.
SEO Keywords: NICU doula, NICU doula training, NICU support, trauma-informed NICU care, NICU parent support, navigating the NICU, doula education, preemie parent resources.
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By Mary FarrellyWhen a pregnancy becomes high-risk, fear can take over — for both families and the professionals supporting them. But with the right tools, mindset, and communication, confidence and calm are still possible.
In this episode, I’m joined by Cassandra Kobiltz, a labor and delivery nurse, doula, and the founder of Hakuna Matata Mamas. Cassandra blends medical knowledge with mindfulness-based support, helping families prepare for birth when circumstances feel uncertain or out of their control.
We’ll talk about what “high-risk” really means, how to navigate shifting birth plans, and why emotional safety is just as important as physical safety. Whether you’re a doula supporting a complex pregnancy or a parent preparing for a birth that looks different than you expected, this episode will leave you grounded, informed, and inspired.
Stay Connected with Mary:
Instagram: @thenicutranslator
Want to learn more about how to best support NICU babies and their families before, during and after a NICU experience? Grab the FREE guide here to get started
Join the NICU Doula Academy waitlist for early access + an exclusive discount.
Guest Spotlight: Cassandra Koblitz BSN-RN
Cassandra Mae, founder of Hakuna Matata Mama, is a high-risk labor and delivery nurse turned virtual maternal mentor and hospital birth coach who helps women have the best day of their lives, the day they meet their baby, no matter how it happens. With over 13 years of experience supporting women with high-risk pregnancies, she blends clinical expertise with mindset and somatic work to help mamas calm their nervous system, trust their body, and show up with courage and confidence. Through her signature Compass-ionate Framework, Cassandra bridges the gap between medical care and emotional support, like a nurse bestie in your corner, helping women feel seen, supported, and deeply connected every step of the way.
Connect with Cassandra
www.hakunamatatamamas.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakuna.matata.mamas
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555883715054
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hakuna-matata-mama/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hakuna.matata.mamas
Inside This Episode:
00:00 Introduction to High-Risk Pregnancy and Birth
02:07 Cassandra's Journey in Nursing and Doula Work
05:09 The Impact of Travel Nursing on Perspectives
07:53 Understanding High-Risk Pregnancy
11:21 Coping with High-Risk Labels
16:25 Mindfulness and Nervous System Regulation
20:59 The Importance of Self-Care and Intuition
24:23 Advocacy and Trusting Your Instincts
25:48 The Importance of Intuition in Healthcare Conversations
26:43 Navigating High-Risk Birth Scenarios
29:57 Coping Mechanisms for Expecting Parents
31:34 Acknowledging Loss in Birth Expectations
33:56 Balancing Medical Protocols and Patient Wishes
37:03 The Human Element in Medical Care
39:45 Processing Trauma in Healthcare
43:59 Empowering Parents in High-Risk Situations
Links, Resources & Mentions:
Get Cassandra’s free resource, “5 Things You Need to Know When Your Pregnancy Becomes High-Risk,” a short, powerful audio series designed to help mothers move from fear and uncertainty to feeling informed and supported. The series was made to remind women that even with a high-risk diagnosis, they still have a voice, a choice, and the ability to have the best day of their lives, the day they meet their baby.
Loved this episode?
Share this episode with a doula or care provider who could bring NICU-informed care to their community or leave a 5-star review and let me know!
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for decisions about your health or your baby’s care.
Until next time, remember:
The NICU is only the beginning, and together we can make this journey less overwhelming, and a lot more empowering.
SEO Keywords: NICU doula, NICU doula training, NICU support, trauma-informed NICU care, NICU parent support, navigating the NICU, doula education, preemie parent resources.