So sad about the awful audio in this episode (mostly on my end) because it's SUCH a great conversation full of relatable nuggets. In this convo, single mama, birth doula, and future midwife Chloe Girot shares so authentically about her unconventional transition into motherhood after the birth of her son, Jack. Every minute of this chat was pure gold and so much of what she shares resonates with me and my own experience with motherhood. Chloe's dream for adequate, universal postpartum support is one she and I both share and I so badly wish someday it will come to fruition.

TOPICS CHLOE SHARES:

and so much more...

WHERE TO CONNECT WITH CHLOE:

Better Together Birth Workers

https://www.btbirth.com/

In this episode I have a very special guest on the podcast (listen and you'll find out who she is)! We chat about her beautiful home birth experience brining her son Ezekiell into the world and the intense environmental circumstances they were succumbed to just days after. They got through it all and she's come out the 'other side' always remaining full of hope despite the obstacles - and there will ALWAYS be obstacles. Her story is emotionally charged yet light and our conversation was purely natural (naturally ;))

Some of the topics Alexis' shares:

NOT preparing for PP

Home birth with a midwife, doula, friends, and family

Evacuation of her home due to an emergency 6 days PP

Passing baby off to dad to get sleep

Being trapped inside for weeks

Feeling isolated even with ample support

Adjusting to less sleep/a new sleep "normal"

and SO much more!!

ALEXIS' RESOURCE:

Hypnobirthing by Marie F. Mongan

WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ALEXIS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexiscravenphotos/

Instagram: @alexiscravenphotos

In this episode, I have such an easy and open conversation with Audrina about the quick birth of her daughter Ava and all the ups and downs thereafter. I love how Audrina brings up the trade-off moments of motherhood, from the really difficult moments to the ones that make it all worth it.

Some of the wonderful topics we touch on:

Fetal ejection relfex

Overnight help

Jaundice

Bottle preference over breast with over supply

Releasing guilt and telling yourself "it's ok"

Sleep training

Formula use

How to help visitors/guests help YOU

Getting outside

AUDRINA'S RESOURCES:

Great book for you & your partner to prepare

The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin

Pregnancy & postpartum app

Gentle Birth App (Apple)

Gentle Birth App (Android)

WHERE TO CONNECT WITH AUDRINA:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @drina333

Her website: https://www.therapywithaudrinasmith.com/

In this episode, I have a deeply emotional and moving conversation with Megan, military mom of three kids, Audrey, Bradley, and Colby. She shares about all of her births in poetic detail: a super quick induction with epidural and two drastically different C-sections. We discuss everything from needing a flexible mindset and how that first newborn cry is magic, to the overwhelm of new motherhood and how you HAVE to advocate for yourself and what you need, not only with support from friends and family but from your health care team.

All the important topics we touch on:

Entering motherhood knowing nothing about babies

Inductions and elected C-sections (and how she felt after)

Emotional pain and guilt with breastfeeding

Severe postpartum depression (PPD)

Rare and lethal maternal complication (intracranial hypertension)

Amazing neighbors that created a meal train

Asking for help

Fully stepping into motherhood and owning her power

and SO much more!!

MEGAN'S RESOURCES:

How to set up a Meal Train

Breastfeeding a baby with Allergies

WHERE TO CONNECT WITH MEGAN:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.carr03

Instagram: @megmegsoccer

In the very first episode of BOAM, I talk with first time mom Nicole about her experience with the birth of her son Callum, and the scary realities of her life immediately postpartum. We touch on so many important things:

Preeclampsia

Postnatal hypertension

Mom guilt

Breastfeeding / pumping difficulties

Anxiety

Appointments for baby right after birth

Inadequate care for mama postpartum

Dinner table visualization and future children 

And SO much more! 

Nicole's resource share: hortonlane_