Birthing on the Prairies

By Kristy Cooper

Birthing on the Prairies is a cozy, honest space for real birth stories from rural Alberta and beyond. Hosted by doula Kristy Cooper, each episode gently guides you through the highs, lows, and unexpe... more

Download on the App Store

Download on the App Store

Get it on Google Play

FAQs about Birthing on the Prairies:

How many episodes does Birthing on the Prairies have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.

Birthing on the Prairies episodes:

April 18, 2023#11 Kelsey's Precipitous Birth in Rural Alberta
In this episode, we hear from Kelsey, a mother who experienced a precipitous birth at a hospital in rural Alberta. She shares her unexpected journey through pregnancy, childbirth and the challenges she faced with giving birth so quickly.
Kelsey discusses her early labor and her journey to the hospital with her partner. Listeners will hear about the rapid progression of her labor and the intensity of her contractions, leading to an incredibly quick birth experience.
The episode explores the challenges of navigating a fast birth at a rural hospital, from the suddenness of the situation to the limited resources and staff available. Kelsey shares her thoughts and emotions throughout the experience, highlighting the importance of having a strong support system.
Listeners will also hear about the aftermath of the birth, the physical recovery, and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with such an intense experience. Kelsey's story provides an important perspective on the realities of precipitous births and the importance of mental health and support during the postpartum period.
Join us for this inspiring and heartwarming episode that celebrates the strength and resilience of mothers and the importance of supportive care during childbirth.
DOULA: @littledoulaontheprairie
NURSE SHOUT OUT: Cammie
Evidence based birth podcast

The birth hour podcast

Bridget Teyler on YouTube

Ina May’s guide to child birth
...more
1h 22min
April 18, 2023 #10 Ashlyn's Homebirth transfer resulting in a Cesarean Birth and Navigating Birth Trauma
In this episode, we hear from Ashlyn, a mother who planned for a homebirth with a midwife that turned into a cesarean birth at a hospital. She shares her journey through pregnancy and childbirth, the challenges she faced during the birth, and her experience with birth trauma.
Ashlyn discusses the preparations she made for the homebirth, including finding a midwife who understood and respected her wishes for a natural birth. Listeners will hear about the early stages of labor and the decision to transfer to a hospital due to complications.
The episode explores the challenges of navigating a cesarean birth, from the physical and emotional recovery to the impact on her birth plan and bonding with her baby. Ashlyn shares her thoughts and emotions throughout the experience, including the trauma she experienced during the birth and in the aftermath.
Listeners will also hear about the support she sought out through therapy and the importance of mental health and support during the postpartum period. Ashlyn's story provides an important perspective on the realities of birth complications and the importance of informed decision-making, communication with healthcare providers, and the crucial role of self-care and support.
Join us for this heartfelt and empowering episode that celebrates the strength of mothers and the importance of processing birth trauma.
Connect with Ashlyn: @ashlynmoench
BIRTHING LOCATION: lac la biche
MIDWIVES: Tree de la Vie
BIRTH TRAMA RESOURCES: @theteaonbirthtrauma
BODY TALK: Chealsea Snelgrove
...more
1h 28min
April 18, 2023 #9 Megan's Healing Vaginal Birth After Two Previous Cesarean Births
In this episode, we hear from Megan, a mother who had two previous cesarean births and then had a healing vaginal birth. She shares her journey through pregnancy and childbirth and the decision to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC).
Megan discusses the medical reasons for her previous cesarean births and the support she received from her healthcare team for a VBAC. Listeners will hear about the preparations she made for the birth, including finding a supportive care provider, educating herself on the risks and benefits of VBAC, and building a birth team.
The episode explores the challenges of navigating a VBAC, from the physical recovery to the emotional impact of the experience. Megan shares her thoughts and emotions throughout the experience, highlighting the beauty and strength of VBAC and the importance of feeling respected and supported in one's decision.
Listeners will also hear about the actual birth experience, from the early stages of labor to the moments of pushing and the joy of meeting her baby for the first time. Megan's story provides an important perspective on the journey of VBAC and the importance of having a supportive healthcare team and birth team.
Join us for this empowering and inspiring episode that celebrates the resilience of mothers and the beauty of VBAC.
BIRTHING LOCATION: GREY NUNS
RESOURCES: VBACLINK & SPINNING BABIES
...more
59min
April 18, 2023 #9 Stacy's Emergency Cesarean Birth with Prolapsed Cord and Delayed Bonding
In this episode, we hear from Stacy, a mother who experienced an emergency cesarean birth due to a prolapsed cord. She shares her journey through pregnancy and childbirth, including the challenges and trauma she faced during the birth and the delayed bonding with her baby.
Stacy discusses the early stages of labor, the sudden onset of complications, and the panic and stress that ensued. Listeners will hear about the moments of uncertainty and the rush to get to the OR for an emergency c-section.
The episode explores the challenges of navigating a traumatic birth, from the physical recovery to the emotional impact of the experience. Stacy shares her thoughts and emotions throughout the experience, highlighting the importance of having a supportive partner and healthcare team.
Listeners will also hear about the delayed bonding with her baby, the challenges of breastfeeding, and the emotional journey of postpartum recovery. Stacy's story provides an important perspective on the realities of birth complications and the importance of mental health and support during the postpartum period.
Join us for this inspiring episode that celebrates the resilience of mothers and the importance of informed decision-making and support during childbirth.
...more
50min
April 18, 2023 #8 Yasmina's Two beautiful cesarean births in Calgary
Yasmina's Two Beautiful Cesarean Births in Calgary
In this episode, we hear from Yasmina, a mother who had two beautiful cesarean births. She shares her journey through pregnancy and childbirth and the decision to have a cesarean birth for both of her children.
Yasmina discusses the medical reasons for her cesarean births and the support she received from her healthcare team. Listeners will hear about the preparations she made for the birth, including finding a supportive care provider and educating herself on the risks and benefits of cesarean birth.
The episode explores the challenges of navigating a cesarean birth, from the physical recovery to the emotional impact of the experience. Yasmina shares her thoughts and emotions throughout the experience, highlighting the beauty and strength of cesarean birth and the importance of feeling respected and supported in one's decision.
Listeners will also hear about the actual birth experience, from the early stages of labor to the moment when she meets her babies for the first time. Yasmina's story provides an important perspective on the journey of cesarean birth and the importance of having a supportive healthcare team.
Join us for this empowering and inspiring episode that celebrates the resilience of mothers and the beauty of cesarean births.
Connect with Yasmin on IG @yasmina.rose
...more
1h 6min
April 18, 2023 #7 Teresa's Planned Vaginal Breech Delivery in YEG
In this episode, we hear from Teresa, a mother who planned a vaginal breech delivery for her baby. She shares her journey through pregnancy, the discovery of her baby's breech position, and the pushback she received from the medical community for wanting to have a vaginal birth.
Teresa discusses the research she conducted regarding vaginal breech delivery and the support she received from her partner and care team. Listeners will hear about the preparations she made for the birth, including finding a supportive care provider and educating herself on the risks and benefits of vaginal breech birth.
The episode explores the challenges of navigating medical pushback and finding support for a decision that goes against conventional medical thinking. Teresa shares her thoughts and emotions throughout the experience, highlighting the importance of advocacy and informed decision-making when it comes to childbirth.
Listeners will also hear about the actual birth experience, from the early stages of labor to the intense moments of pushing and the successful delivery of her baby. Teresa's story provides an important perspective on the beauty and strength of vaginal breech birth and the importance of listening to a mother's intuition and desires for her own birth.
Join us for this empowering and inspiring episode that celebrates the resilience of mothers and the power of informed decision-making in childbirth.

Here is a quick list of amazing people:
• Spinning Babies Parent educator @lifesourcedoula
• Webster-trained Chiropractor Joanna Galasso @lunahealth.yeg
• Breech CONFIDENT & friendly OBs at RAH @loisholehosp

(* quick disclaimer * I am in no way saying that cesarean birth isn’t a good option for your family when you are faced with a breech baby. That decision is solely yours. I do feel it’s important that you are given any and all options like any other intervention to explore and discuss in order for you to make an informed & educated decision. You will never regret your decision when you had all the proper information to make it )
Find Teresa on IG @LOTUS.MOMMA
...more
1h 45min
April 18, 2023 #8 Sophiane's Homebirth of Rainbow Baby During COVID with Midwife and Doula
In this episode, we hear from Sophiane, a mother who gave birth to her rainbow baby at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares her journey through previous loss, and finally, the joy of carrying and giving birth to her healthy baby at home.
Sophiane discusses her decision to have a home birth, the support she received from her partner, and the importance of having a midwife and doula by her side. The episode explores the challenges of pregnancy during a pandemic and how she and her healthcare team navigated the shifting landscape of available options and resources.
Listeners will also hear about the actual birth experience, from the early stages of labor to the moment when Sophiane births her own baby in a peaceful and safe home environment. Sophiane openly shares her thoughts and emotions throughout the experience, highlighting the beauty and strength of home birth supported by a midwife and doula.
The episode also delves into the aftermath of the birth, including Sophiane's postpartum recovery and her thoughts on the experience looking back. Through her story, Sophiane provides a touching and powerful insight into the world of home births, particularly during uncertain and challenging times.
Join us for this deeply moving and inspiring episode that celebrates the resilience and strength of mothers and the power of home birth with midwives and doulas.

Find Sophiane pm IG @sophianefawcettI
MIDWIVES @passagesmidwifery
DOULA @kira.leigh_hygge.holistics
...more
50min
April 18, 2023 #7 Lindsey's Fast High-Risk Induction in Calgary
In this episode, we hear from Lindsey, a mother who was induced early due to a pre-existing heart condition that made her pregnancy high-risk. She shares her journey to motherhood, from her initial excitement and preparations for pregnancy to the discovery of her heart condition and the subsequent risks it posed to her and her baby.
As Lindsey approached her due date, she faced the difficult decision of whether to have an induction or wait for natural labor. She ultimately decided to have an induction to minimize the risks to herself and her baby. The episode dives deep into the emotional and practical aspects of induction and the support Lindsey received from her healthcare team.
Listeners will hear about the process of induction and the challenges Lindsey faced, from intense pain to communication breakdowns with her healthcare team. She openly shares her thoughts and emotions throughout the experience, highlighting the importance of advocacy and communication in high-risk pregnancies.
Through her powerful and moving story, Lindsey provides an important perspective on the challenges of high-risk pregnancies and the importance of informed decision-making and support. The episode also provides resources and advice for other women with pre-existing medical conditions going through pregnancy and childbirth.
Join us for this touching and inspiring episode that explores the strength and resilience of mothers facing high-risk pregnancies, and the powerful support of healthcare teams and loved ones that help them through the journey.
Find Lindsey on IG @adoreyourbirth or her website https://www.adorabirthandwellness.com/
...more
45min
April 18, 2023 #6 Lauren's Beautiful Unassisted Home Water Birth with Midwife Present
In this episode, we hear from Lauren, a mother who chose to have an unassisted home water birth with a midwife present for her second child. She shares her journey to this decision, from her first hospital birth to her exploration of home birth options and her ultimate decision to have a midwife present but still do most of the work herself.
Listeners will hear about the preparations Lauren made for her birth, including setting up a birth pool and gathering supplies. She discusses her mindset going into the birth and the support she received from her partner, doula, and midwife.
The episode takes listeners through the actual birth experience, from the early stages of labour to the powerful moment when Lauren catches her own baby in the birth pool. Lauren shares her thoughts and emotions throughout the experience, highlighting the beauty and power of unassisted birth with the guidance of a midwife.
Listeners will also hear about the aftermath of the birth, including Lauren's postpartum recovery and her thoughts on the experience looking back. Through her story, Lauren provides a beautiful and raw insight into the world of birth, highlighting the importance of intuition, trust, and support in the process.
This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone considering a home birth with the guidance of a midwife or simply looking to learn more about the beautiful and empowering experience it can be. Join us as we listen to Lauren's inspiring and moving story her home water birth with a midwife present.
Thank you again Lauren for making the time to share your experience so others can learn and shape their own birth experiences
DOULA: @yegmamao new episodes on Spotify
Ask your fans a question to get private feedback about your episode. We’ve added a default question, you can remove it or write your own.
Learn moreShow meHave you read Spotify’s Platform Rules? If not, click here.Episode optionsCreated on: 04/18/23 at 10:41 AMUpdate saved draftPublish nowEpisode contentUntitled166.06 MB | 01:09:11DeleteEdit your audioEpisode title*70 / 200Episode description*HTML
BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHER: @vannessa.brown.photography
MIDWIVES: @albertamidwivesJanelle McCloud (forest). Barbara Scriver (Frey’s)
Holle Formula: holle-formula
Find her at @welle.home & @moon.well
...more
1h 10min
April 18, 2023 #5 Cesarean birth of Triplets in YEG
In this episode, we hear from a same-sex couple who underwent IVF to conceive triplet boys. They share their journey from considering parenthood to choosing IVF, and the emotional and physical challenges they faced throughout the process.
As they approached their due date, the couple faced another challenge: deciding on a birthing plan. They ultimately opted for a cesarean birth due to the health risks associated with triplet pregnancies, and the episode dives into the emotional and practical aspects of that decision.
Listeners will hear firsthand about the preparations for a cesarean birth and the support they received from healthcare professionals, family, and friends. The couple also shares their thoughts on being same-sex parents and the unique challenges they faced during the birthing experience.
Through their powerful and moving story, listeners will gain insight into the joys and challenges facing the incredible dedication and love that goes into the IVF process. The episode also provides resources and advice for other same-sex couples considering IVF and parenthood and highlights the importance of having a supportive community throughout the journey.
Join us for this touching and inspiring episode that explores the beauty of same-sex parenting and the power of love in creating a family.
...more
53min

FAQs about Birthing on the Prairies:

How many episodes does Birthing on the Prairies have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.