Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant Individuals

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What if you could have a more positive and empowered childbirth experience with the help of a doula? Join me as I sit down with Micah Burgess, a mother of six, doula, and host of the My Doula Micah podcast. Together, we uncover the vital role of teamwork in the delivery room and how a doula can create a comforting atmosphere for mothers during labor and delivery.

Our insightful conversation explores the critical relationship between labor and delivery nurses and doulas, emphasizing the importance of comfort techniques and data points in ensuring a safe and positive birthing process. We also dive into the complexities of navigating medical interventions, sharing how a doula's support can facilitate informed decision-making between medical staff and patient.

Finally, we discuss the power of empowering women to make their own choices during childbirth, regardless of whether they opt for medical interventions like epidurals. Micah highlights the importance of leaving personal agendas at the door and focusing on the needs of the laboring mother to foster a memorable birth experience. Don't miss this eye-opening episode with Micah Burgess as we uncover the transformative impact doulas and labor nurses working as a cohesive team can have on the birthing experience.

To connect with Micah, visit www.mydoulamicah.com

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare team.

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In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mila Little, a mother of four and former teacher who now works from home in the health and wellness industry. Mila's journey to motherhood has been marked by both joy and heartache, including a traumatic hospital birth, two beautiful hospital births, a pregnancy loss, and a home birth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mila begins by sharing her first birth experience, which she describes as traumatic. She talks about how unprepared she was for the experience and how she felt disempowered and unheard by the medical staff. This experience led Mila to do extensive research, seek out resources, and educate herself about birth and her options.

Mila then shares about her two subsequent hospital births, which were beautiful and empowering experiences. She talks about the importance of a supportive birth team, including her husband and OBs, and how she was able to make educated choices about her body and her birthing experience.

Mila also speaks candidly about the loss of her pregnancy, something that deeply impacted her and her family.

Finally, Mila discusses her home birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. She talks about the challenges and rewards of giving birth at home, and how she felt more in control and connected to her birthing experience.

Throughout the interview, Mila shares her wisdom and everything she has overcome. She talks about the importance of listening to our intuition and advocating for ourselves in all areas of life. She also touches on how her experiences with birth have influenced her faith and personal growth.

To connect with Mila, you can find her on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/mila.little.5?mibextid=LQQJ4d

and Instagram:

https://instagram.com/raisingthelittles?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare team.

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Dr. Waggel is a mother, physician, author, motivational speaker, teacher, cancer survivor, marathon runner, and founder of Improve Medical Culture. She has a degree in psychology, biology and medicine and has over 17 years of experience working in the mental health field.   Dr. Waggel completed a four-year undergraduate degree in only three years, receiving the highest distinction, summa cum laude. She also completed a Master of Science in Biology Degree with high honors. In the late 2000s, she worked in geriatric medicine both in the outpatient setting and in the hospital setting at the University of Pittsburgh. During this time, she was also a neuropsychiatry intern at Allegheny General Hospital performing neuropsychological testing on trauma patients. Dr. Waggel spent 4 years assisting as an intern medic for the United States Coast Guard. She volunteered as a mental health professional for United Planet. 

Most recently, in 2023, Dr. Waggel became certified in perinatal mental health. Specifically, advanced studies in perinatal psychopharmacology (medication for pregnant people). She feels this area is understudied and pregnant women deserve an educated professional to provide correct diagnosis and treatment. To receive this certification, one must have either a graduate degree or medical degree (she has both), 2 years working with the perinatal population (she has over 12), 20 hours of training in perinatal mental health and psychopharmacology, and a passing score on a three-hour certification exam. She offers a free therapy group for this population.

How to contact Dr. Waggel:

https://improvelifepllc.com

linktr.ee/improvemedicalculture


Website for the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications:

https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/ 

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare team.

Send us Fan Mail

Chelsea Atkinson is the mother of 3 and an esthetician at Aesthetic Artistry Laser Center. In this episode she shared her birth journeys and challenges. Chelsea’s 3 pregnancies have each been very different, and she has navigated multiple medical complications of pregnancy, and challenges with breastfeeding, all while managing her personal journey with depression and anxiety. 

In this episode she shares how she has powered through, grown emotionally, and learned to advocate for herself and her children. Along the way she has learned what she is made of and shocked even herself in her pursuit of her own inner strength and determination.

Chelsea bares it all in this episode in her desire to heal through sharing as well as validate and inspire other mothers on a similar journey. 

Follow Chelsea on Instagram @skinbychelsea_aalc

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare team.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we discuss medications that help ease the discomfort - both physical and emotional, that women are already overwhelmed with when confronted with the difficult choices of considering ending a pregnancy. We focus on two drugs: mifepristone (RU-486) and misoprostol (cytotec).

My guest, Dr. Shweta Patel, an OB/GYN, and reproductive health expert, shares her insights on the different uses, effectiveness, and safety profiles of both medications. Additionally we focus on the looming threat of restrictions on mifepristone, which could severely limit access to this crucial medication. Dr. Patel explains the potential health consequences of banning mifepristone and weighs in on the ethical and political considerations at play in this controversial issue. Join us for a timely and important conversation about mifepristone vs misoprostol and the impact of restrictive legislation on women's health.

To learn more about Dr. Patel’s practice, visit gayawellness.org

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare team.

Send us Fan Mail

Erika is the mother of one, she Is on the advisory board for BRAWS and is a champion for reproductive freedom

Erika works as an intake officer in juvenile court, and she was recently a candidate for state senate in Virginia.  In this episode she shares her birth story and fertility journey.

If you want to learn more about BRAWS visit the website:

https://www.braws.org

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare team.

Send us Fan Mail

Pearls of wisdom is a series of The Birth Journeys Podcast, where I highlight some of the most profound thoughts that each mother has shared with me. It is so powerful for birthing people to hear from others who have been through the metamorphosis of motherhood. And it is so important for women to have a voice in this process. 

In this episode, mothers reflect on postpartum support, and emotional and physical healing. We hear from Ellie Goldstein, Ashley Webb, Megan MacCutcheon, Megan Castanien, Jennifer Byrnes, Emily Finnell, Sacha Han, and Charlie Marshall.

To contact Jennifer Byrnes, LPC for perinatal mental health counseling and EMDR, go to http://www.mytherapygoals.com/

To contact Megan MacCutcheon, LPC for perinatal mental health counseling and EMDR, go to http://www.meganmaccutcheon.com/

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare team.

Send us Fan Mail

Sacha is the mother of 2 and a former labor and delivery nurse. Now she is working in public health policy. Sacha had two inductions: one with and epidural and one without. In this episode she shares her birth stories with us as well as her insight as a former L&D nurse. 

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare team.

Send us Fan Mail

Jennie Weill, BSN, RNC-OB is a mother and a labor and delivery nurse. In this episode she shares her birth story. She talks about her postpartum experience, including how she planned for the emotional responses to pregnancy and postpartum.

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare team.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode Megan MacCutcheon, LPC discusses Intrusive Thoughts, which are a manifestation of OCD and anxiety, that is very common in pregnancy and postpartum. Megan is a therapist specializing in perinatal mental health. She also offers a Birth Bundle for pregnant moms, coaching for new moms, and a course called Empowered Motherhood. Megan is the mother of three and she shared her own birth story in episode 9.

You can contact Megan and plug into her services using the following websites:

www.meganmaccutcheon.com

www.empoweringmindfulmoms.com

www.perinatalplace.com

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare team.