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

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Imagine facing your dream of becoming a mother, only to be met with fertility issues, an arduous 80-hour induction, and a subsequent C-section without adequate anesthesia—this was the reality for Mary Buffington, MSN, RN, my guest for this episode. As a nurse, presenter, advocate, and coach, Mary has used her personal experiences to promote change, specifically in the realm of trauma-informed care for postpartum mothers in a hospital setting.

Our conversation delves into the often unspoken struggle of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders postpartum. With Mary's candid insight into these issues, we hope to shed light on the critical importance of a compassionate and understanding healthcare team and the dire need for a more patient-focused approach within the healthcare system. We also touch on the business side of healthcare, discussing how improved services can both ensure patient comfort and help retain patients within a system.

In the latter part of our discussion, Mary shares her own journey of emotional healing after a traumatic birth, revealing the therapies and modalities that helped her cope. She also talks about her role as a coach, providing emotional and mental support to others during their hospital births. This episode is a testimony to Mary’s strength and advocacy for better healthcare and support for mothers, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the significant returns that even small improvements can bring to maternal healthcare. Join us for this heartfelt exploration of these critical topics.

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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.

...

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In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Waggel, a perinatal mental health psychiatrist and mother of two, vividly recounts her unique experiences in conceiving, childbirth, and parenting. In this personal narrative, Dr. Waggel unveils her journey of planning her first pregnancy amidst kidney cancer follow-up tests. She shares how she made informed choices about her doctor, pediatrician, and birth plan, which included a scheduled induction.

Parenting is indeed an uphill task, and it can be even more challenging if you're trying to balance your professional life simultaneously. In the second part of our conversation, Dr. Waggel shares her journey through her second pregnancy, delivery, and post-delivery recovery. From severe nausea and muscle pain, to her water breaking unexpectedly at home, Dr. Waggel does not hold back in sharing the highs and lows of her experiences. Listen in as she also opens up about her struggles with breastfeeding, pelvic floor issues, and the various (and often creative) remedies and strategies that came to her rescue. You'll also get a glimpse into how she navigated her career in private practice while being a mother.

As we wrap up this riveting episode, we touch on the vital importance of support for mothers and how it can alleviate some of the pressures faced by new mothers. Finally, Dr. Waggel shares her evolved perspectives on the realities and expectations of parenting post having her children. This episode promises to be an enlightening and inspiring one, whether you're an expecting mother or just interested in understanding the intricacies of pregnancy and parenting.

Connect with Dr. Waggel!

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Free group therapy: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-group-therapy-for-pregnant-persons-and-new-parents-tickets-643067761987

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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Join me for an enlightening journey through the adventures of motherhood with my exceptional guests. Discover why Jennifer Byrnes champions early mental health support, learn to stop and smell the roses of maternity with Michelle Powers, embrace your ability to face challenges with Jennie Weill, and hear Emily Finnell's call to trust yourself and not rely too heavily on outside advice. Erika Yalowitz and Mila Little remind you to have faith in where you are being led and trust the process.

From a practical standpoint, we decode childbirth mysteries like why a squirt bottle will become your best friend and the emotional rollercoaster of prodromal labor with Amanda Stoyko and Joyanna Delshad. Plus, we uncover the miracle of padsicles for moms recovering from vaginal deliveries with Carrie Young. Ellie Goldstein reminds us that you CAN get pregnant while breastfeeding. Dr. Speight discusses the need to proactively treat your postpartum pain. Charlie Marshall emphasizes the importance of sleeping well before you deliver your baby because the hospital environment doesn't allow for good sleep. Kiyah Catron's takeaway is don't be so hard on yourself. And Tiare Smith wants to remind moms to call your OB provider if you have concerning symptoms.  

We also discuss with Devin Garcia, Megan McCutcheon, and Anna Gates the necessity for mental preparation for the birthing process and the need to be flexible with your birth plan. Megan Castanien advises us to be mindful but not to be fearful when preparing for delivery. So, whether you're an expectant mother, a new mom, or just interested in the complex and beautiful journey of motherhood, this episode promises to be a treasure trove of insights and experiences, offering invaluable support for every step of your perinatal journey.

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Start for FREE

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.

...

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Have you ever wondered how you would handle a deeply desired pregnancy with fetal anomalies deemed incompatible with life? In Sabrina's case, the stakes were as high as life and death, not just for her baby, but potentially for her, too, if she continued the pregnancy. I invite you to journey through the heartrending story of Sabrina Fletcher, a mother of three and a TFMR (termination for medical reasons) Doula, who bravely faced this very situation. Sabrina shares the precious memory of her first home birth, beautifully accompanied by her husband's flute and chanted prayers. Her joy was replaced by shock and desolation when her second pregnancy was determined to be high-risk, and she was told that there was little to no hope that her baby would survive more than minutes after birth.

Sabrina, with heartfelt honesty, opens up about the ethical dilemmas she and her husband grappled with following the distressing news concerning their baby's health. She discusses navigating their way through the restrictive laws in Mexico, the trauma of the procedure, and the importance of having the option to make such decisions with as much time and information as possible. Sabrina's candidness about her emotional journey is simultaneously raw and enlightening, shedding light on the importance of honoring the child that was lost, as a vital step in finding closure.

A story of resilience and healing, Sabrina's experience didn't stop at loss. She faced her third pregnancy with a warrior's spirit, using an array of psychospiritual tools to manage the gripping anxiety that lingered. She touches on the crucial role her community and her doula played in bringing her to a place of peace during her third labor, and how she visualized bringing her third daughter's soul back from the far ends of the universe. Sabrina’s extraordinary journey underscores the power of support during life's most challenging times and reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit. Join us for this moving episode as we navigate the intricate paths of loss, healing, and ultimate redemption.

To connect with Sabrina go to thetfmrdoula.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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What if I told you that yoga could not only help you manage the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy, but also transform your labor experience and enhance postpartum recovery? Our guest, Devin Garcia, a seasoned yoga and flexibility instructor and a resilient mother, is here to unravel the transformative power of yoga during the maternal journey. She shares her own experience with yoga during pregnancy and labor, including how she didn't just survive but thrived through an intense induction and labor process, largely thanks to her yoga practice.

But the journey doesn't end at childbirth. Exploring the postpartum period, Devin highlights the role of yoga in recovery, focusing on the often-neglected yet crucial lower abdominal muscles. Her insights into the interconnectedness of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles shed light on a holistic approach to postpartum recovery. Amidst the trials of motherhood, Devin emphasizes the importance of integrating personal exercises into daily life, even with the time constraints of being a new mom. 

As we wrap up our conversation, we dive into the trials and triumphs of Devin's experiences in motherhood. From balancing her career with child-rearing to encouraging independent play for her child, Devin's story is one of resilience and strength. She emphasizes managing pregnancy expectations and shares her valuable resource, 'Flexibility Secrets,' which offers insights into the journey of flexibility. Don't miss out on this extraordinary conversation with Devin Garcia, where she illuminates the myriad ways yoga can support you during pregnancy, labor, and beyond.

To connect with Devin, go to stretchloveyoga.com

Buzzsprout - Get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

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.

...

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Want to kickstart your fertility journey with the right nutrition? This episode, featuring fertility nutritionist Evelyn Kennedy, promises to be a goldmine of valuable insights. We delve right in by discussing how your diet directly impacts fertility. Evelyn emphasizes the need to take charge of your meals, minimize dining out, and tailor nutrition to your unique needs, helping you stay in control of your fertility journey.

We then transition to the delicate balance between nutrition and supplements. Evelyn advocates for a whole food approach, emphasizing the importance of a robust diet before even considering supplementation. We explore crucial supplements like CoQ10, Omega-3, Vitamin D, and Folate, discussing how an individualized approach is fundamental when considering these.

Our conversation doesn't stop at the women involved. We highlight the importance of the male partner's role in the fertility journey, underscoring the need for both partners' optimal nutrition. Conditions like PCOS, celiac disease, and secondary infertility don't escape our radar as we discuss how they can be managed through proper nutrition. From breastfeeding to managing chronic conditions, you're in for an enlightening conversation on optimizing fertility health – don't miss out!

To connect with Evelyn, go to: http://www.enhancedfertilitynutrition.org/
You can also follow Evelyn on instagram @enhancedfertilitynutrition

Buzzsprout - Get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

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.

...

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Imagine facing the challenges of PCOS, navigating complex fertility treatments, and ultimately experiencing the joy of becoming a mother. That's the journey that my guest, Michelle Powers, a certified nurse midwife and mother of two, takes us on. From her experiences with intrauterine insemination and IVF, to her heartwarming and hilarious story of welcoming her sons into the world, Michelle's narrative is a source of light for those in their own fertility journey.

Michelle doesn't shy away from the nitty-gritty. Get a first-hand account of managing PCOS, including the need for insulin injections, and the potential risks associated with gestational diabetes. Michelle also offers invaluable insights into the intricacies of her own induction and delivery experiences, including her experiences pushing with and without an epidural. We also delve into the unexpected complexities and challenges of formula feeding.

Above all, Michelle is candid about the emotional roller-coaster that is motherhood. She speaks freely about her bouts with postpartum depression, the highs and lows of parenting, and the need for open conversations about mental health. Michelle's story is a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers, and her wisdom a beacon of hope and inspiration for all on their own journey to parenthood. This episode is as enlightening as it is empowering, and one you definitely don't want to miss!

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

Imagine standing on the precipice of one of life's greatest adventures, only to find the path far more treacherous than you'd ever anticipated. That's the reality for our guest, Erika Fox, a dedicated OR nurse in a fertility center and one-time labor and delivery nurse. Erika’s  journey through the maze of fertility treatments is a testament to the resilience and strength many couples display in their quest to start a family. From handling the whirlwind of tests, procedures, and surgeries to the emotional roller coaster ride that accompanied them, Erika's narrative is an eye-opener to the struggles many endure in silence.

Erika's tale doesn't end there. It takes us through the labyrinth of her IVF cycle and the ensuing pregnancy that led her across the country. Despite the retrieval of three healthy embryos, her body's response meant they had to be frozen. What followed was a pregnancy with unforeseen medical concerns, yet Erica remained motivated, even turning her experience into a contribution to medical research. Her labor, delivery, and postpartum experience embody the essence of determination and hope, navigating through the pain of a one-sided epidural, living far from family, and finding her village. 

Finally, we shift gears and delve into the uncharted waters of emotional parenthood. We illuminate the often-overlooked perspective of fatherhood and the emotions that accompany the transition of the non-birthing parent. Listen as we unfold the importance of building a support system for new mothers, managing the anxiety linked with motherhood, and juggling the world with a baby onboard. Erika's story is a tribute to all parents who grapple with infertility and the highs and lows parenthood entails. Prepare for an episode that will tug at your heartstrings, challenge your understanding of fertility, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the journey to parenthood.

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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What if you had to make an unimaginably difficult decision about your unborn child's future? In a heartfelt conversation, we're joined by the incredibly brave Rachel Redmond as she shares her emotional journey of terminating a wanted pregnancy due to a rare fetal anomaly called Dandy Walker Malformation. Through Rachel's story, we aim to bring awareness, understanding, and much-needed support to those facing similar challenges.

As we navigate Rachel's experience, she opens up about the complexities of reproductive rights and the importance of storytelling in her healing process. Discover how Rachel found strength in her friendship with her best friend, who was pregnant with twins at the same time, and learn how they navigated the emotional terrain of joy and mourning together. Rachel's story is a powerful testament to the resilience and support that can be found even in the most difficult times.

Finally, we explore the significance of having a strong foundation and coping skills when faced with life's hardships. Rachel shares insights into her healing practice and emphasizes the necessity for a secure space to process our experiences. Join us in this poignant conversation that highlights the importance of building a society where everyone has access to vital support systems during their darkest hours.

To work with Rachel, visit www.rachel-redmond.com
To follow Rachel on Instagram, visit www.instagram.com/rachel.e.redmond/

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

What if your personal journey through pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancies, and a home birth could empower others facing similar struggles? That's exactly what Arya Pretlow, a certified nurse, midwife, lactation consultant, yoga therapist, and soon-to-be doctor-of-nursing practice, shares with us in this enlightening episode. We delve into Arya's rollercoaster experiences, from infertility heartaches to a successful home birth, and how these moments have shaped her career, and helped her connect with patients on a deeper level.

Arya shares her pregnancy journey and the strategies she used, like acupuncture, to improve pregnancy symptoms and promote natural labor.  We also touch on the importance of increased monitoring in late pregnancy, relying on clinical evidence to make informed decisions, having a plan for a safe delivery if there are unexpected challenges in the home birth, and the significance of trusting one's intuition during this process.

We explore how Arya navigated her delightfully unexpected pregnancy and planned home birth with the help of her husband and midwife. We discuss the safety parameters for a successful out-of-hospital birth, effective pushing techniques, and anatomy awareness during labor. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of sharing personal experiences and navigating conversations around pregnancy loss to foster understanding and support. Arya's resilience and openness to unexpected outcomes serves as a powerful reminder for all of us to trust our bodies and advocate for ourselves in our healthcare journeys.

You can connect with Arya at www.apwellnessservices.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.

...