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

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

By Kelly Hof, BSN, RN: Labor Nurse & Prenatal CoachAlternative HealthHealth & FitnessMental HealthParentingKids & Family
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Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant Individuals episodes

  • Making a Birth Plan? Here’s What You’re Probably Missing

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    The birth plan has become a staple of pregnancy preparation, but most expectant parents are approaching it all wrong. What began as a revolutionary tool for restoring autonomy during the natural birth movement of the 1960s has too often devolved into a rigid checklist that sets birthing people up for disappointment and even trauma.

    I reframe how we think about birth plans, explaining that they were never meant to be a list of demands but rather a foundation for communication, informed choice, and emotional preparation. Drawing on wisdom from pioneers like Sheila Kitzinger and Penny Simkin, I reveal why the most powerful birth plans focus not on controlling external events but on cultivating internal strength.

    You'll discover the five most common birth plan mistakes and practical strategies for avoiding them—from treating the plan like an inflexible checklist to using it as a shield against your deepest fears. Through guided visualization exercises and nervous system training techniques, I introduce the concept of a "birth vision" that keeps you anchored in your power even when birth takes unexpected turns.

    Perhaps most powerfully, I draw parallels between birth and athletic performance, explaining why elite preparation involves not just visualizing your ideal scenario but training for every possible challenge. Just as no professional athlete enters competition without a coach, I share  why dedicated prenatal coaching helps birthing people show up with clarity, confidence, and the ability to stay grounded under pressure.

    Whether you're preparing for your first birth or looking to heal from a previous experience that left you feeling powerless, this episode offers a revolutionary approach to birth preparation that honors both the unpredictability of birth and your capacity to lead your experience with strength and grace. Ready to transform how you think about birth planning? Book a free birth vision call at kellyhof.com and start preparing not just for birth, but for one of life's most profound transformations.

    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.

    ...
    34 min
  • One Way or a Mother Episode 1: A New Podcast from Dr. Elliot Berlin, DC

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    One Way or a Mother is a new narrative podcast from Dr. Elliot Berlin, DC, host of The Informed Pregnancy Podcast. Each season is an intimate story of one woman, one pregnancy, and all of the preparations, emotions, and personal history leading up to the birth. Episodes feature the expectant mother along with her family, doctors, and birth work team.

    In season one of OWAM, we meet Arianna who is pregnant with her second baby after a traumatic first birth experience. Follow along over 10 episodes as we hear her tell her story. She’s a mother of one who is seeking new resources and using learned life lessons to create a different, more positive birth experience for baby number two. Episodes feature Arianna and her inner circle including her mother, husband, doula, doctor, and other birth professionals who supported her process.

    One Way or a Mother is an Informed Pregnancy Media original series. Season one is presented by Mahmee.

    Expert care, every stage.

    Meet your team of doulas, nurses, lactation consultants, and more. One team caring for the whole you. Covered by most insurance plans. Check your eligibility today at mahmee.com.

    ******

    One Way or a Mother is an Informed Pregnancy Media original series. Season one is presented by @joinmahmee.


    Curves ahead: Episodes 1-3 are now live wherever you listen!


    🚘 #OWAM Episode 1: Filmmaker Arianna welcomes us into her world and details her dreams for the birth of her second child after a traumatic first delivery.


    🚘 #OWAM Episode 2: Husband Zach joins Arianna in telling their origin story including pandemic panic and loaded decisions about their first birth plan.


    🚘 #OWAM Episode 3: Arianna discusses how she began laboring at home with a midwife for her first birth...until things took an unexpected turn.


    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.

    ...
    30 min
  • Reimagining Postpartum Care: The 100 Weeks Project with Dr. Venice Haynes

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    "Congratulations, you're both alive." 

    This shockingly low bar for maternal healthcare success reveals everything wrong with how America treats new mothers. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Venice Haynes, Senior Director of Research and Community Engagement at United States of Care, shares the urgent mission behind the groundbreaking 100 Weeks Project - an initiative transforming postpartum care by acknowledging that maternal health needs extend far beyond delivery.

    Dr. Haynes pulls back the curtain on America's maternal health crisis, sharing both data and personal stories that highlight the dangerous gap in care during the postpartum period. Most new mothers don't see a healthcare provider between delivery and their six-week checkup, despite the fact that over 60% of maternal deaths occur within the first seven days after birth. This negligence reflects a healthcare system that continues to treat new mothers as afterthoughts.

    The cultural expectation of "toxic independence" compounds this crisis. Mothers are expected to handle everything themselves, creating a dangerous reluctance to seek help even when warning signs appear. Meanwhile, essential postpartum services like lactation consulting, pelvic floor physical therapy, and mental health support remain categorized as luxuries rather than necessities, placing them out of reach for many families.

    Through the 100 Weeks Project, Dr. Haynes and her team are working to fundamentally reimagine maternal care by 2030. By advocating for expanded Medicaid coverage, better employer policies, improved data collection, and innovative care models, they aim to create a future where maternal health is truly valued - not just for the six weeks after delivery, but for the entire journey through parenthood.

    What would it look like if we treated mothers like they matter? Listen now to discover how we can transform maternal care from a bare-minimum survival scenario to a truly supportive experience for all.

    Learn more here: https://100weeks.unitedstatesofcare.org/p/1

    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.

    ...
    38 min
  • When Nurses Become Magicians: Getting Babies Unstuck with Marya Eddaifi

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    From personal birth trauma to revolutionary solutions for laboring mothers—this conversation with Marya Eddaifi reveals how innovative manual techniques are changing birth outcomes worldwide.

    Marya's journey begins with her own disappointing cesarean birth in 1995, a catalyst that eventually led her to become a labor and delivery nurse determined to find better ways to support women through childbirth. After nearly 24 years in the US Air Force and experience across four countries, Marya's quest to understand why some labors stall led her to a profound discovery: the critical role of fascia—our body's connective tissue system—in birth progress.

    The conversation takes us through her revelations about positioning, manual techniques, and the strategic approach to helping babies navigate the maternal pelvis. With fascinating insights into techniques like side-lying release and Walchers position explained from both anatomical and practical perspectives, Marya breaks down complex biomechanics into actionable approaches that can help prevent cesarean deliveries.

    What makes this episode especially valuable is Marya's explanation of her groundbreaking Dysfunctional Labor Maneuvers (DLM) app—an affordable, accessible tool that brings her expertise to birth professionals and laboring parents worldwide. Through an innovative algorithm, the app provides customized guidance based on labor status, dilation, and specific challenges, with easy-to-follow video demonstrations for immediate application.

    Whether you're a birth professional seeking new tools for your practice or an expectant parent wanting to understand more options for labor support, this conversation offers a revolutionary perspective on addressing labor challenges through understanding the body's intricate design rather than defaulting to medical interventions. Mariah's passion for improving birth experiences while respecting individual needs shines through every minute of this enlightening discussion.

    Connect with Marya


    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.

    ...
    1 hr 20 min
  • The Birth of Milk in Motion: One Mother's Journey to Help Others with Laci Tang, IBCLC

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    When Laci Tang experienced painful breastfeeding with her first child, she had no idea it would launch her into a career transforming how mothers receive lactation support. Her journey from anxious first-time mom to innovative IBCLC offers a much-needed blueprint for better postpartum care.

    Birthing at a midwifery center opened Laci’s eyes to a different kind of care—one where she was listened to, believed, and supported in finding real solutions. After navigating tongue ties, low supply, mastitis, and then oversupply with her second baby, she realized how vital individualized support is for breastfeeding success.

    What makes her practice, Milk in Motion, stand out isn’t just her expertise—it’s her commitment to personalized care. “There has never been a single dyad, a mom and baby team, that has been exactly like the one before,” she says. Her innovative “pump bar” lets moms test different breast pumps before investing, solving a common frustration many face.

    Laci also speaks openly about her own postpartum anxiety—from intrusive thoughts to fears about her baby’s safety—reminding moms they’re not alone. Her story shows that mental health and feeding support go hand in hand.

    Whether you’re expecting or currently struggling, Laci’s story is proof that the right support can shift your journey from overwhelm to empowerment.

    Connect with Laci: https://www.milkinmotion.co/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkinmotion.co/

    Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
    Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost 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.

    ...
    1 hr 17 min
  • Balancing Knowledge and Intuition: Birth Insights with Dr. Elliot Berlin of Informed Pregnancy Media

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    Dr. Elliot Berlin transforms how we view childbirth, challenging the check-box mentality that leaves many parents feeling they've failed when birth veers from their rigid plans. Through our conversation, he introduces a revolutionary alternative: approaching birth planning as a flow chart with multiple potential pathways rather than a single desired route.

    The discussion delves into the delicate balance between modern medical systems and our innate bodily wisdom. As Dr. Berlin explains, "You're not driving a precision automobile, you're in a hot air balloon" – a perfect metaphor for the need to surrender some control while maintaining agency during birth. His insights on choosing birth environments are particularly illuminating: "If you're buying a hospital ticket, you're going on a hospital ride," highlighting how critical it is to select providers and settings aligned with your birth philosophy.

    Perhaps most eye-opening is the exploration of how cultural disconnection from natural birth has left us with only dramatized media portrayals as reference points. This cultural void creates unnecessary fear and unrealistic expectations. Dr. Berlin compares it to forming impressions about air travel solely from disaster movies – we'd be terrified to fly if our only exposure came from Hollywood!

    The conversation also explores the disappearing art of vaginal breech delivery and how chiropractic care creates optimal conditions for babies to assume head-down positions naturally. Dr. Berlin's holistic approach addresses not just physical alignment but the emotional journey through pregnancy and birth.

    Whether you're planning your first birth or processing a previous experience, this episode offers profound wisdom to help you navigate choices with confidence and flexibility. Follow Dr. Berlin's new podcast "One Way or a Mother" for deep-dive birth stories told across multiple episodes, and explore resources at informedpregnancy.com.

    Check out Dr. Berlin on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorberlin/

    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.

    ...
    53 min
  • Podcasthon Special Episode: Breaking Barriers in Birth Work with BeboMia

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    🎙️ Special Podcasthon Episode: Breaking Barriers in Birth Work with the BeboMia Doula Scholarship

    This Birth Journeys Podcast® episode is part of Podcasthon, a global movement uniting podcasters to spotlight impactful causes. We’re shining a light on the BeboMia Doula Scholarship Program, which provides essential training to those who wouldn’t otherwise have access, transforming birth experiences worldwide.

    Birth educator and doula trainer Bianca Sprague shares how birth experiences shape parenthood, yet modern healthcare often prioritizes efficiency over personalized care. Doulas bridge this gap, advocating for birthing people, supporting partners, and ensuring all families receive respectful, individualized care—regardless of background.

    Through BeboMia’s Scholarship Program, Bianca has helped train thousands of birth workers, awarding over $350,000 in tuition assistance across 50+ countries. These scholarships combat disparities in maternal health by expanding access to culturally competent care—ensuring that support is available where it’s needed most.

    "My goal is to empower women and queer folks, and I chose to do it through doula training." — Bianca Sprague

    🎧 Listen now to learn how BeboMia is transforming birth work!
     

    Visit BeboMia

    Learn more about the BeboMia Doula Scholarship

    Donate to the BeboMia Doula Scholarship Program

    Grab your Birthworker SWAG - proceeds go to the doula scholarship program



    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.

    ...
    1 hr 3 min
  • The Healing Power of Touch: Motherhood, Advocacy & Infant Massage with Khyati Desai-Seltzer

    Send us Fan Mail

    What if the journey from womanhood to motherhood offered more transformation than you ever imagined? Join us in a heartwarming episode with Khyati Desai-Seltzer, a mompreneur with a passion for social impact, as she recounts how her own birth stories, including an unexpected cesarean delivery, propelled her into a world of empowerment and community support for new parents. Dive into Khyati's personal experiences with the invaluable support of a doula, as she shares the challenges and triumphs of the fourth trimester. Her transformative path reshaped not only her personal life but also her professional endeavors, spotlighting the importance of advocacy and nurturing environments for mothers.

    Uncover the powerful benefits of baby massage, a practice Kiaty champions through her venture, Vyana Infant Massage. This episode offers a glimpse into the immediate and long-term advantages of fostering a touch-positive atmosphere, teaching consent, and nurturing healthy touch within families. From improved sleep for infants to stronger parent-child bonds and mental health support, Khyati’s insights reveal how touch can transform emotional well-being and family dynamics. We also explore the broader societal impact of nurturing touch, emphasizing how it contributes to healthier relationships and emotional security from an early age.

    Our conversation with Khyati doesn’t stop with individual practices; it extends into the broader need for community support. Drawing inspiration from global postpartum customs, we explore modern solutions that can help new mothers thrive, such as virtual villages and shared knowledge platforms. Highlighting the significance of self-advocacy and education in healthcare, we champion the idea of seasoned mothers mentoring newcomers, ensuring that no parent feels alone in their journey. This episode is an inspiring call to action, encouraging society to support new moms and celebrate the power of community, touch, and transformation in motherhood.

    Connect with Khyati at vyanainfantmassage.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.

    ...
    1 hr 17 min
  • Pearls of Wisdom: If you could go back, what would you tell yourself?

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    Imagine facing the transformative journey of motherhood armed with the insights you wish you'd known before your first contraction. Our latest episode in the Birth Journeys podcast, part of the Pearls of Wisdom series, does just that by unwrapping the wisdom shared by mothers who've navigated the unpredictable, often challenging experiences of childbirth. We promise to equip you with not only practical tips on managing societal pressures and preconceived notions about natural birth, akin to preparing for a marathon, but also to highlight the significance of staying flexible with your birth plans and the supportive role of tools like epidurals.

    In candid conversations, we’re joined by guests Emily Finnell, Natalie Davis, Stefanie Fernandes, and Alex Wachelka, who lay bare the emotional and psychological transitions they experienced during pregnancy and postpartum life. Their stories reveal the power of trusting one's instincts, embracing vulnerability, and overcoming the unrealistic expectations placed upon new mothers. You'll hear about the importance of self-belief, asking for help, and how these insights can serve as a comforting guide through the complexities of early motherhood, offering reassurance that you are not alone in this journey.

    As we navigate the early days of parenthood, Jenna Hodge, Amy Suzanne, and Marie Carle share invaluable lessons on self-compassion and balance. Their wisdom sheds light on life's temporary seasons, reminding us to focus on manageable aspects, trust the unfolding path, and cherish fleeting moments with our young ones. From the importance of rest to listening to our instincts, these conversations emphasize the beauty of imperfection in parenting and inspire confidence in trusting our inner voices throughout the adventure of raising children. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of motherhood's challenges and triumphs, as we learn to embrace the journey with courage and grace with additional wisdom from Neri Life Choma, Wendy Powell, Steph Sellen, Devin Garcia, Elise Nicole Kirkpatrick, Brigette Panetta, Maja Miller, Dr. Michelle Gerbi, Kiona Nessenbaum, and Emmy Kissinger.

    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.

    ...
    32 min
  • United States of Care and 100 Weeks of Maternal Support with Natalie Davis

    Send us Fan Mail

    Natalie Davis, a passionate advocate for maternal healthcare reform, joins us to share her journey and groundbreaking work with the 100 Weeks initiative. Natalie’s personal experiences, from navigating the challenges of preterm labor to working in healthcare policy at the forefront of the Obama administration, offer a compelling narrative. Through candid storytelling, she reflects on how these experiences shaped her commitment to extending postpartum support for mothers beyond the standard timeline.

    Listeners are invited to explore the highs and lows of pregnancy and childbirth, including Natalie's frank discussion on the emotional and physical demands faced by mothers. She opens up about the profound learnings from her own unconventional birthing experiences, which included navigating labor pains using natural techniques and the unexpected desire for epidural assistance during placenta delivery. Natalie’s story of her child’s en caul birth serves as a powerful metaphor for new beginnings and the awe-inspiring journey of motherhood.

    We also spotlight Natalie’s professional dedication to healthcare policy reform. Her leadership at the United States of Care and the 100 Weeks Project highlights the urgent need for comprehensive postpartum care. This episode underscores the crucial role of effective patient-provider communication and the transformative impact of accessible maternal health services. 

    Connect with Natalie: https://unitedstatesofcare.org/



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    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost 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.

    ...
    42 min

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

From the publisher's feed

Are you looking for a podcast to help you feel confident in your birth experience?

Then The Birth Journeys Podcast® is for you! We share powerful and transformative birth stories that…