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

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Most moms are scared of labor because no one ever explains what the sensations actually feel like. So today, we’re breaking it down — in real, simple, honest terms.

In this video, we talk about:
 ✨ What early labor really feels like
 ✨ How contractions change as your body opens
 ✨ Why pelvic pressure feels so intense (and why it’s GOOD)
 ✨ The emotional “crisis moments” that happen right before progress
 ✨ How to reframe sensations so you feel confident instead of scared

When you understand what’s happening in your body, labor stops feeling like something to fear — and starts feeling like something you can move with.

If you want the notes from this video (including the labor sensation guide + the self-coaching prompts), comment NOTES below and I’ll send them to you. 💛

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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Birth often feels like a test you can fail, even when you and your baby are healthy. We tackle the missing support layer that changes that feeling: prenatal coaching that builds a grounded mindset, clear communication, and a flexible plan you can trust when things get real.

We start by naming the gap most parents feel between medical safety and emotional steadiness. I walk through how prenatal coaching complements your OB, midwife, nurses, and doula by focusing on beliefs, boundaries, and language. Together, we surface the quiet stories—like “natural is the only good birth” or “if I plan hard enough, I can control everything”—and gently replace them with thoughts that match your values. You’ll hear how to craft a birth vision that guides decisions without boxing you in when clinical realities change.

From there, we practice power-sharing with providers so consent becomes a conversation. I share simple, high-impact questions that help you pause, understand risks and benefits, and consider options without escalating conflict. We dig into what reduces emotional birth trauma: asking for explanations when safe, naming your preferences, and learning grounding tools that work in triage or transition. I also clarify what a prenatal coach does and doesn’t do—I’m not diagnosing or changing meds; I’m your thinking partner before birth and a steady guide in the debrief after.

If you’ve felt anxious at appointments, stuck between induction and waiting, wondering about epidurals or VBAC, or carrying a hard first birth into a new pregnancy, this conversation offers a way forward. You’ll leave with language to advocate, a mindset that lowers shame, and a vision that helps you feel like the leader of your birth story. If you want the detailed notes with questions to ask, common beliefs to revisit, and prompts to start your birth vision, comment “notes” and I’ll send them your way. Like what you heard? Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show.

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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Your prenatal care should feel calm, respectful, and evidence-based—yet many of us hit a point where advice from a provider doesn’t match what we’ve learned or what our gut is telling us. That moment is disorienting. We break down why it feels so heavy, how to get grounded fast, and the practical steps to find alignment without burning bridges.

We start by naming the emotional waves that follow a shaken trust: fear that you’re missing something, grief for the relationship you thought you had, and the stress of choices you didn’t expect to make late in pregnancy. From there, we anchor to ACOG standards—the baseline for safe, evidence-based care—and highlight five clear red flags: recommendations that don’t align with guidance, dismissive responses to questions, a tone shift toward rigidity near your due date, inconsistent information inside a group practice, and that loud, unsettled intuition after appointments.

You’ll get simple, powerful scripts to slow things down in the room: ask for the medical reasoning, whether the advice is individualized or a policy, and whether there’s time to think before deciding. We talk through the “middle space” between staying and switching—how to sit with your feelings, confirm the guideline, and plan one focused follow-up conversation that can restore trust or confirm misalignment. If a switch becomes the right move, we share how parents successfully transition even late in pregnancy, how to transfer records smoothly, and how to reframe the change as moving toward the birth experience you want and deserve.

By the end, you’ll trust your intuition as data, know how to compare recommendations to ACOG guidance, and feel confident seeking a second opinion or a new provider when needed. If this helped, subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a review telling us which question you’ll bring to your next prenatal visit.

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

Birth feels different when the room feels safe. We dig into how to choose a doula by focusing on connection, clarity, and calm rather than running a rigid checklist. Instead of quizzing someone for the “right” answers, we map the questions that actually reveal fit: their vibe during intensity, their range across home and hospital births, and how they help you stay informed without pushing an agenda. If your goal is a steadier nervous system and a smoother decision path, this conversation gives you the language to get there.

We break down what to ask and why it matters: how they describe their style, the types of births they’ve supported, their comfort with inductions and c-sections, and how they collaborate with nurses and providers when decisions move quickly. You’ll hear how to screen for flexibility and respect for your choices, plus the cues that signal a red flag—like fighting the hospital rather than helping you navigate it. We also cover communication plans, on-call timing, when they typically join you in labor, and how they include partners so your support team works as one.

Backups and advocacy round it out. You’ll learn how to ask about backup doulas and why a quick intro can ease last-minute stress. Then we define real advocacy in the hospital: making space for your voice, slowing moments for consent, and protecting your presence without speaking over others. By the end, you’ll know which few questions to ask, what a good answer sounds like, and how to trust the feeling in your body when the fit is right. If you’re planning a hospital birth, exploring unmedicated options, or anywhere in between, this guide helps you choose support that aligns with your values.

If this helped you get clear, follow the show, share it with someone planning their birth, and leave a quick review so others can find it. And if you want my notes from this video, comment “notes” below.

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

The holidays ask a lot from anyone, and even more from someone navigating pregnancy or early postpartum. Between loud rooms, strong smells, and a conveyor belt of opinions about your body and your baby, your nervous system can hit overload fast. We dive into why this happens, how to spot it sooner, and the exact words you can use to step away without guilt or drama.

You’ll hear our favorite “golden ticket” exit lines that protect your peace while sounding perfectly reasonable to family and friends. For pregnancy, phrases like I’m exhausted, I need to lie down for a bit or These smells are overwhelming, I’m going to get some fresh air let you reset before stress spikes. For postpartum, baby-centered lines such as Baby needs to feed somewhere quiet or It’s getting too stimulating for the baby create space for both of you to breathe. We also share boundary scripts for classic comments like Are you sure you should eat that? and You look ready to pop, using neutral redirects, the expert card, humor that disarms, and firm shutdowns for repeat offenders.

We close with clean, kind ways to leave early—We’re heading home, I’m at my limit today, My body’s telling me it needs rest—so you can honor your limits without overexplaining. The goal isn’t to win debates; it’s to protect your energy, reduce overstimulation, and keep your mental health front and center during a season that can quickly become too much. If you’re ready to choose calm over chaos and practice self-trust in real time, this one’s for you.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs permission to leave early, and leave a quick review telling us which script you’ll try first. Your peace matters—let’s protect it together.

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

When contractions hit and the baby feels low, the last thing any parent needs is a clipboard. We walk through the legal protections that guarantee timely care under EMTALA and translate them into practical steps you can use the moment you arrive at the hospital in labor. From spotting red flags of imminent birth to understanding exactly what “medical screening exam” and “stabilizing care” should look like, we break complex policy into clear, actionable moves that keep you and your baby safe.

You’ll hear a grounded, real-world analysis of a widely shared ER incident and why it mattered—not for outrage, but as a lesson in what to demand. We share concise scripts your partner can read verbatim to activate the right team fast: how to ask for the labor and delivery charge nurse, how to request an OB rapid response, and what to say if anyone prioritizes paperwork over care. We also cover what to prepare now: a phone note titled “Hospital: My Rights In Labor,” a simple printed card to hand over if you can’t speak, and smart questions to ask your provider about emergency workflows and who moves you to labor and delivery.

We speak directly to Black mothers and families about the documented risks of delayed care and minimized pain, offering tools to be heard the first time. The goal isn’t fear—it’s confidence. With a few phrases, a plan, and a clear understanding of your rights, you can turn confusion into momentum and make the hospital work for you when minutes matter.

If this helped, subscribe, share with a parent-to-be, and leave a review with the one phrase you’re saving to your phone. Your story could help someone get the care they’re owed.

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

Birth can be both clinical and deeply human, and few moments capture that better than a planned C-section. I wanted to remove the mystery and the fear, so I walk you step by step through what it actually feels like—from walking into a bright, cold OR to hearing that first cry and settling into recovery with your baby. This is not theory; it’s a grounded, nurse-led guide to sensations, timelines, and choices that help you feel safe and in control.

I start with the spinal: what the quick pinch feels like, how the warmth spreads, and why numbness without sharp pain lets you stay awake and present. You’ll learn how the team preps your abdomen, places the drape, and runs a safety timeout that confirms your identity and plan. Then I get honest about the odd but normal feelings during surgery—deep pressure, tugging, and that famous “doing dishes in my belly” sensation—as the team guides your baby to the incision. I cover cord clamping timing, the brief handoff to the NICU nurse, and options for skin to skin while your surgeon completes the careful, longer closure of the uterus, fascia, and skin.

Recovery gets equal attention. I explain the first two hours in the PACU, why shivering and itching can happen, how often your uterus is checked, and how early mobility lowers clot risk and eases gas pain. You’ll hear practical tips on feeding, pain management, and what soreness and tightness feel like in the first days. Throughout, I keep the focus on respect, safety, and choice, rooted in real clinical steps and clear language.

If you or someone you love is preparing for a C-section, this walkthrough turns the unknown into a map. Listen, share with a partner, and save it for the big day. If you want the deeper dive on anesthesia from Dr. Bella Spate, comment “podcast” below for the link—and don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a review to help others find this birth resource.

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

Making informed decisions for your newborn can feel overwhelming—especially when advice around routine procedures like the vitamin K shot seems contradictory. As a labor nurse and mom, I created this episode to cut through the noise with evidence, empathy, and respect for your values.

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, and all newborns—no matter how healthy the pregnancy—are born with very low levels, about 1/50th of what adults have. The shot offers protection during those early months when even a small internal bleed could become serious. While VKDB is rare (about 1 in 6,000 without supplementation), it can be devastating when it occurs.

We dive into questions parents often wrestle with: If low vitamin K is natural, why intervene? What about ingredients like polysorbate 80? Doesn’t breast milk provide everything? Is oral vitamin K effective? Will the shot interrupt bonding? Each concern is explored with up-to-date research, clinical insight, and compassion.

We also reflect on the emotional and spiritual side. For families concerned about faith or natural design, we consider how human babies—perfect but not fully self-sufficient—may reflect a need for care that honors both science and spirituality.

To close, I walk you through the BRAIN model (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and doing Nothing) so you can sort through your options with clarity, not fear. Whether you choose the shot, explore alternatives, or take another path, what matters most is that your decision feels informed and aligned.

💬 Want support navigating birth decisions? Book a free birth vision call at kellyhof.com and discover how transformational prenatal coaching can help you prepare with peace of mind.

P.S. If you hear thunder in the background, don’t worry—it was just me recording during a storm! ⚡🎙️

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

When Alex Wachelka predicted her third baby would arrive on December 15th—despite professionals insisting otherwise—her intuition was right. But the path to that moment wasn’t easy.

After two very different births—one at a birth center and one rapid home birth—Alex expected another fast delivery. Instead, she faced twelve hours of annoying, spaced-out contractions that woke her up every 10 minutes. It wasn’t until she voiced her frustration to her husband that everything shifted. In releasing her fears and feeling truly supported, her labor transformed—and her baby arrived just one hour later, exactly on the date she predicted.

In this episode, Alex shares her third birth story and how it deepened her belief in the mind-body connection. She also talks about her work as an IBCLC and certified nutrition coach, helping moms with everything from breastfeeding challenges to postpartum recovery through programs like her “Boob Ease” mastitis support and “Baby’s First Year” coaching.

Whether you’re preparing for birth or navigating motherhood, this conversation is a powerful reminder to trust your body, trust your instincts, and lean into support.

Connect with Alex here: https://motherhoodbloomslactation.com/

Order the Juice Plus supplements we talked about here:
🇨🇦 Canada → alexwachelka.juiceplus.com
🇺🇸 U.S. → kellyhof.juiceplus.com

Listen to Alex's Lactation Land Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/lactation-land-podcast/id1670469213

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

Navigating the search for your perfect birth doula can feel overwhelming. How do you find someone who aligns with your vision, fits your budget, and helps you feel secure during one of life’s most vulnerable moments?

Drawing from over a decade of obstetric nursing experience, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about finding the right doula for YOU. This isn’t about trends or checking boxes—it’s about building a support system that honors your unique journey.

We’ll start by clarifying what doulas actually do (and don’t do), and bust a few common myths. Whether you're planning an unmedicated birth, hoping for an epidural, or scheduling a cesarean, doulas support all birth paths—without judgment. They don’t replace your partner or provider—they enhance your whole team.

The key to finding your perfect match is understanding your own needs first. I’ll walk you through powerful reflection questions about the energy you want in your birth space, how you handle stress, and the role you want your partner to play. That clarity becomes your compass during doula interviews.

Worried about cost? I share practical strategies to make doula care more accessible, from payment plans to possible insurance or TRICARE coverage.

Interviewing doulas doesn’t have to feel awkward or scary. I give you thoughtful questions to ask about their approach, their experience with different birth scenarios, and how they work with hospital staff. Plus, I cover key red flags—so you don’t end up with someone pushing their own agenda.

Even if hiring a doula isn’t an option right now, I’ll offer supportive alternatives to help you feel calm and confident walking into birth.

Your birth experience matters. Choosing support that fits you isn’t being picky—it’s powerful. Schedule a free Birth Vision Call at kellyhof.com and let’s talk about creating the empowered experience you deserve.

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.