In this Legacy Mentor episode, I welcome midwife Jenny West, who was one of my first mentors as I came into teaching Hypnobirthing and practicing as a doula. Jenny adds so much good advice for student midwives and parents in this episode.

We talk about how different the midwifery model of care can look in home birth versus hospital settings, and why parents need to do their homework and practice using their voice—including saying no or asking to wait. Jenny shares how an early client request led her to become a water birth midwife after witnessing a confident 10 lb 6 oz water birth, and she challenges birth workers not to get stuck in their training. Lots of education comes from what you witness in the birth room in real time and your clients become your best teachers of what "can be" in birth.

One of Jenny's mentors, Elizabeth Gilmore's words also fall into this episode about trusting birth while also trusting your skills. Jenny adds some information for student midwives on practicing critical emergency skills until they're second nature, and also navigating the gray areas of decision-making and when to transfer a birth to the hospital. Jenny emphasizes mentorship, peer review, and timely debriefing to reduce trauma, stay present, and help birth workers remain in practice.

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

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Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

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Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

Today I'm talking with Camila from Colombia (she took Hypnobirthing in 2022) and today she shares both of her birth stories—what it's like navigating a system with a high C-section rate and lots of "stay in bed" hospital rules, and how she still created empowering experiences.

We also touch on her fertility journey with Dr. Leah Gordon (coming off birth control, learning her cycle, and rebuilding trust in her body), walking through a loss, and what helped her get pregnant again. Camila breaks down baby #1(Ines) and how staying calm helped her keep her voice and avoid a C-section. Then baby #2 (Arturo): a much faster labor and barely making it to the hospital on time.

Camila always kept in mind that she could choose to feel a certain way about something and also how to read the room to see what method of communication would work best to further what she wanted for her birth. Fighting systems is hard but knowing how to work within them is a game changer! And don't miss her biggest postpartum advice: rest way more than you think you need, especially in those first days—nothing matters more than recovery and caring for your baby. Thank you for coming back to share your stories with us.

@drleahgordon is the Naturopathic Doctor that Camila worked with.

This is the podcast on miscarriage that Camila referenced.

Dr. Aviva Romm - How to Have a Safe and Empowered Miscarriage at Home

https://avivaromm.com/miscarriage/

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

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FB: @BirthEducationCenter

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Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

This show has so many parts to it! Shanna and Eric were in my Hypnobirthing series and Eric was so amazed at their process when I picked up their placenta - he could not stop talking about how awesome his wife was! Shanna and I talk through her journey to becoming a mom- a few losses led her and her husband to a fertility clinic, genetic testing, and ultimately IVF. Important information for parents pre-pregnancy - you may want to look at both sets of genes before you begin trying.

We also get into what it looked like to prepare for birth with education, a supportive partner, and a doula she truly connected with—plus how those tools helped her advocate with confidence in the hospital. Shanna shares going past her due date, navigating induction conversations, and making real-time decisions when things didn't go exactly according to plan.

We talk about the mindset shift of "surrender," what that can look like during labor, and how those lessons carry right into postpartum and early parenting. We wrap with a few practical encouragements around pelvic floor therapy, lining up breastfeeding support, and why being informed can make everything feel less scary—no matter what direction your birth takes.

@doula.lydiakay

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/OMG-Im-Pregnant-Course/

Induction 101: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/Induction-101-Course/

Mental Health: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/pregnancy-and-postpartum-mental-health/

Newborn Procedures: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/Newborn-Procedures-Course/

Epidurals Explained: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/epidurals-explained/

Meditations/Journal: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/shop/

For Doulas Only: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/shop/bundles/ebook-bundle/

I'm excited for you to meet Niki, a doula in Houston I've known for about three years. Our work together has always centered on birth work as self work—creative, not competitive. Niki is an amazing person who doesn't give up even though it looks easier to throw in the towel. Niki shares her experience with a clique-ish professional scene that has made networking and consistent client flow difficult. This is a common theme with doulas all over the country. We change this by finding other doulas in our area who are feeling the same way and we change it up! If you are feeling that way - I guarantee there are others.

We talk about what to do when business feels stuck—why you have to go where the people are (yes, even Facebook groups), how to get clear on your ideal client through an "avatar" exercise, and why mindset and language matter when things don't go your way. We also talk about seasons of rest, and trusting the cycle of life instead of living in "hurry, hurry, panic." If you're a newer doula feeling isolated, struggling to find referrals, or wondering if you're cut out for this, this episode will help you reset your focus, get clearer about who you're here to serve, and keep moving forward—one step at a time.

@mydoulaniki

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

Today's show kicks off the Legacy Mentor Series with Roberta Frank, a trailblazing midwife whose impact on my life is indescribable. It is an honor getting to share many of my mentors who have passed on their love, time and advice over the years that I have been in birth work. I credit these people for helping to create the Birth Education Center and all that it has offered.

In this episode, we discuss the transformative power of birth, the wisdom of midwifery, and the importance of respecting a woman's natural ability to give birth. And once again, Roberta passes on her observations and wisdom from a lifetime of witnessing birth come into the world.

Roberta shares her journey from experiencing a traumatic hospital birth to becoming a pioneering midwife, founding the first state-licensed and longest running birth center in California. Best Start Birth Center just recently closed after being in business over 35 years. We discuss the innate knowledge women possess, the critical role of support and respect in the birthing process, and how birth can be a profound healer of past traumas. This conversation is filled with practical advice for families and birth workers, and a powerful message about trusting the processes of life, birth, and death.

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

In today's episode, we welcome the home birth story of John and Taylor. Taylor and John took Hypnobirthing at the center and John got the full exposure to what birth could actually look like. Taylor saw something about home birth in High School and the idea stuck! Her "crunchy lifestyle" choices shaped her birth plan and helped her find a midwife. John opens up about moving from skepticism to being fully onboard with his role as they navigated their birth journey together. He admits he's NOT the crunchy one in this relationship.

With a baby who showed up early and took his time getting here- it was all about preparation and support. Having the right midwife and doula for them, this episode highlights the profound beauty and natural pacing of birthing at home. The "no pressure to perform" model of birth is a key factor in this being so amazing for this family's experience.

@sandiegocountymidwives @yourdoula_julie

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

This is a special bonus episode wrapping up the season! I just wanted to express my immense gratitude for all your emails, heartfelt responses, and questions. Your journey toward better education, finding the best providers, and increased awareness in the realm of parenthood means the world to me and Ashley. This is a summary of what I have been going through this past year. Grief. So if you've wondered where I've been, here is the tea.

I'm excited to share our upcoming mentor legacy series and amazing birth stories in the next season. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I'm grateful for your support and love. We'll see you in about a month!

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

Welcome back to part two with more education prep on things to think about for Postpartum. Today with Dr. Morgan, we're diving deep into a few things people miss when planning for postpartum life. We're covering the reality of hormone shifts, breastfeeding challenges, and mental health issues like baby blues and postpartum anxiety. She does not miss the importance of proper nutrition and rest and also shares how her husband handles his role during postpartum after each baby. The partner conversations and prep are not to be missed!

Dr. Morgan shares personal experiences and practical advice on how to navigate this intense period, adding in the support systems and resources that can make a world of difference.

Whether you're expecting or recently had a baby, this episode is packed with candid, real-talk advice aimed at preparing and empowering you for the postpartum journey. We want you to go in with what will be the best advice tailored just for your family. Hopefully this show will open up great conversations for you and your support team.

You can reach Dr. Morgan MacDermott at MilkMedicine.com. Her podcast with co host Dr. Leah is Healthy As A Mother, and can be found wherever you get your podcasts!

@morganmacdermott

Here's the episode Morgan mentioned where she interviewed her husband!

#63: Role Changes and Expectations within Fatherhood with Wes MacDermott

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2U6BRfxgtIP5bJjQWKD4KZ?si=9c5e07ddec634fab

RESOURCES:

LAB LIST: CBC, CMP, ferritin, total iron, TIBC, iron saturation, TSH, free T3, free T4, total T3, total T4, TPO and TG antibodies, vitamin D3

Supplements mentioned: https://thisisneeded.com/?irpid=1111115&pwc=true

https://www.themilkmoon.com/products/restorativetonic

Postpartum Herbs: https://www.wishgardenherbs.com/collections/postpartum?tw_source=google

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

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YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

In this episode, I am having Dr. Morgan back to really share as much info as possible to get your research inspired and moving for all things Breastfeeding!

I think what I have been seeing more and more over the years is a false sense of preparedness when it comes to breastfeeding preparedness. Parents are so focused on labor and delivery education that they skip breastfeeding due to time constraints or simply feeling like the education is not important. After all - haven't we been breastfeeding for thousands of years? How hard could it be?

Dr. Morgan Macdermott, is a naturopathic medical doctor specializing in perinatal women's health. There is so much to talk about when it comes to the importance of EARLY breastfeeding education and support. We cover common pitfalls new parents face, the significance of having a lactation consultant, and practical tips for breastfeeding success.

This is the first part of our two-part series, with the second part focusing on postpartum recovery and ongoing motherhood support. Dr. Morgan shares invaluable insights and real-life experiences to help get some terminology into your head and hopefully you will share this information with newly pregnant friends so they can be ahead of the game!

You can reach Dr. Morgan MacDermott at MilkMedicine.com. Her podcast with co host Dr. Leah is Healthy As A Mother, and can be found wherever you get your podcasts!

@morganmacdermott

https://milkmedicine.com/pregnancycall/

https://www.karingforpostpartum.com/breastfeeding-course

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

Today on the podcast, we get to hear Kaitlyn's birth story. Kaitlyn, a doula and new mom, shares her emotional and practical experience of labor and delivery with us. Kaitlyn and her husband came through my Hypnobirthing series and proved that taking a class earlier than you think you should may be your intuition prompting you! She is also a masterful writer so this episode is a mixture of story and conversation!

She opens up about her initial denial as labor began and how that shadowed her experience. Kaitlyn's husband, Alex, played a crucial role in advocating for her and their baby, showing the importance of support and teamwork. We also talk about the importance of community support and postpartum preparation. Kaitlyn's raw recount of her journey allows room for the significance of letting go, trusting the process, and embracing the unexpected. Everyone's birth is different and even if we all prepare the same way - we learn and experience what we need, and it's usually unexpected.

Here's the link to the Protein Ball recipe Kaitlyn mentioned! https://share.google/5wq8YsSD6mFV0RRQe

⁣@yourdoulakaitlyn @move.nurture.grow

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization