In this episode of Hear Me Roar, the hosts are joined by Kristine Lauria, a seasoned midwife with 37 years of experience, to discuss her unique journey as a birth worker. Kristine shares her personal unassisted birth story, detailing how her extensive midwifery background and deep connection with her baby guided her through the process. She also provides insights into birth practices outside of the medical system, discussing the nuances of birth, the importance of trusting the birthing process, and the impact of postpartum care. 

Kristine highlights the significance of being a supportive, non-interventionist presence at births and the critical role of traditional midwifery practices. Additionally, she talks about her experiences working with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in low-resource settings, where she often handles complex birth situations. This episode is rich with wisdom and offers a profound look into the empowerment and challenges within the world of midwifery and unassisted births.

00:00 Introduction to Kristine Lauria

00:31 Kristine's Early Midwifery Journey

01:53 Challenges and Changes in Midwifery

03:35 Working with Doctors Without Borders

06:10 Global Perspectives on Birth

08:35 Stories from the Field

20:37 Unassisted Birth Insights

40:33 The Role of Non-Medical Birth Attendants

41:37 Understanding the Role of Birth Attendants

42:36 Evaluating Skills and Qualifications

43:31 The Importance of Clear Communication

44:40 Interventions and Their Implications

47:01 Supporting Free Birth Families

49:39 Advice for Birth Workers

01:11:18 Challenges in Midwifery

01:24:31 The Unassisted Birth Experience

01:27:34 Navigating Birth Alone: The Challenges and Realizations

01:30:53 Preparing for an Unassisted Birth: Physical and Mental Readiness

01:34:05 The Birth Story: From Contractions to Delivery

01:49:18 Postpartum Reflections: The Need for Support and Care

01:58:51 The Emotional Impact of Birth: Personal and Professional Growth

02:07:17 Final Thoughts and Resources for Expecting Mothers

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DISCLAIMER.

The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.