This week on the pod, we hear from Crissy, who did the Bradley method in preparation for the birth her daughter, Josephine! When asked for a piece of advice, she provides some that you may not be expecting, but is ultimately extremely beneficial to know regarding biologically normal infant behavior and sleep. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple podcasts!

Before the interview, Laura and Nicki answer 3 questions submitted on our Instagram page: Tearing vs. episiotomy, newborn procedures, and the Church's teaching on circumcision. Please keep in mind that none of the information shared here is medical advice.

Freya Kellet - Radical Birth Keeper 

Just the Inserts

Dr. Sara Wickham - Vitamin K & the Newborn

Hey Empowered Mama

Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN)

Today on the pod, Leonora shares the story of her first birth with her son, Israel. Hospital restrictions were being rearranged and Leonora was unexpectedly granted an additional support person during her birth! While she is a Protestant sister in Christ, she acknowledges the truths that the Church holds on a number of topics. Leonora is currently pregnant with identical twin girls, so we will be excited to have her on again to share the story of their birth as well.

Please consider leaving us a rating and review on Apple podcasts - it really helps to get our message out! Share with your friends and tag us if you're sharing on Instagram (@fiat.podcast).

This week, we are so pleased to share Rachel's episode with you! Rachel is the creator and host of the Homebirth After Cesarean Podcast, where she shares phenomenal birth stories of women who are having their VBAC babies at home. She came to the fullness of faith shortly before her son was born and it has been such a transformative experience. Her perspective brings a new light to Catholic motherhood and struggling against feelings of anger when our desires do not align with God's will, as well as working through a disappointing, possibly even avoidable, birth outcome. Rachel was also the winner of our giveaway that we hosted in April! We had the best time talking with her and we are honored to have her on our platform. 

Be sure to follow Rachel on Instagram (@rachel___garrett) and consider listening to her podcast, available on Apple and PodBean. Regardless of whether you've had a C-section or a VBAC, you will not be disappointed!

What a treat it was to sit down with Kyleigh and get to pick her brain! She has so much to offer and we are so thankful to be able to share her wisdom with you. One of the key elements of this episode was regarding questions or conversations to bring to your provider when preparing for your birth, as well as highlighting the mental work that makes the intensity of birth manageable. But before we are able to gather questions that might be applicable to our situation, this is really the most important question - what do you want from your birth experience? And is this provider and location able to facilitate that kind of birth?  

Follow Kyleigh on Instagram and go to her website www.theautonomymommy.com. 

Click here for the Birth Prep Strategy Quiz.

Click here for the Third Trimester Checklist. 

Click here for the Freebies mentioned in the episode.

 Here are a few helpful postpartum supplies and resources -  

Postpartum Soothe™ WishGarden Herbs 

La Leche League International

FridaBaby Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit 

Dunstan Baby Language 

Instagram - Postpartum Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist

We were asked, "How do you deal with family members who are against homebirths, treating you like a child?" Nicki expands on that in the beginning of this episode. For more information and support, feel free to DM Nicki on Instagram, or email her at [email protected]. 

What does it mean to have an intentional birth? This week, Lorryn touches on her 5 births, including hospital, birth center, and homebirth. She shares some wonderful insights into Catholic motherhood and making choices that align with your values. Lorryn is a fountain of wisdom and humor and we enjoyed talking with her a great deal. 

Please consider sharing with your friends and if you feel inclined, leave us a review on Apple podcasts.

This week, our co-host Laura shares her daughter Dorothy's birth story! She also briefly touches on her experience with loss, but understandably, does not capture the vastness of miscarriage. Be sure to listen to part 1 to hear what led up to this.

Here are the two books Laura mentioned which helped her make choices that aligned with her desires:

Made For This by Mary Haseltine

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin 

For additional resources, visit our website.

Visit Rachel's Vineyard to learn how you can support women healing from the pain of abortion.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider heading over to Apple podcasts and leaving us a rating and review. We appreciate your support!

On this special bonus episode, we hear the rest of Kiersten's story. Please be sure to listen to part 1 to get all of the information prior to what is shared here. (!!! CONTENT WARNING !!!) Listener discretion is advised.