Podcast Show Notes

Episode Title: Gina’s Birth Stories - “This Train Has No Brakes”

Episode Overview:

Join your host Sophia as she interviews Gina Mercurio, a local from Petaluma, about her journey to motherhood and her two distinct birth stories. Gina opens up about her experience with infertility caused by birth control, early menopause, miscarriage, and a subchorionic hemorrhage, as well as navigating dual care with an OB, SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction), and finding relief through chiropractic care.

Gina also shares how she embraced Hypnobabies, delivered a baby en caul on her due date, and worked through postpartum challenges like depression, colic, and sleep deprivation that led to heart palpitations. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience, resourcefulness, and finding joy amid challenges.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Infertility and Early Menopause

• How birth control led to early menopause and Gina’s journey to conceive.

2. Miscarriage and Subchorionic Hemorrhage

• Navigating pregnancy loss and bleeding complications during pregnancy.

3. Birth Center vs. Home Birth

• Gina’s experience comparing both birth settings and the dual care she received with an OB.

4. SPD and Chiropractic Care

• Managing symphysis pubis dysfunction during pregnancy and the relief she found with Acorn Chiropractic Club.

5. Hypnobabies and En Caul Birth

• How Hypnobabies helped her mentally prepare for labor and her incredible en caul delivery on her baby’s due date.

6. Postpartum Challenges

• Working through postpartum depression, colic, sleep deprivation, and the impact of heart palpitations.

7. IUGR

• Gina’s experience with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and its impact on her second pregnancy.

About Gina Mercurio:

Gina is a Petaluma local, mother of two, business owner, and wife to an incredibly supportive husband. When she’s not navigating motherhood, Gina helps small and creative businesses with bookkeeping and financial coaching through her business, Create Freedom Bookkeeping.

Gina’s Recommendations:

• Acorn Chiropractic Club: https://acornchiropractic.com

• Bee Johnson (Spinning Babies): https://sweetbeeservices.com

• Vanessa Raan (Massage): https://www.yelp.com/biz/vanessa-raan-cmt-petaluma

Connect with Gina:

• Website: Create Freedom Bookkeeping

Gina does not have social media.

Listen to the Episode:

• Podcast Link: Spotify

• Instagram: @sophiabirth, @bayareahomebirth, @ninabasker, @familyfocusdoulacare, @bornwildmidwifery

• Facebook: Podcast Link

Final Thoughts:

Gina’s story is a beautiful reminder of the strength and resilience it takes to navigate infertility, pregnancy challenges, and postpartum struggles. Her experiences inspire us to embrace the unpredictable journey of motherhood while seeking support and trusting the process.

Stay Wild 🌳