In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by my dear friend and colleague, Sarah Waldron, Certified Nurse Midwife, for a raw and tender conversation about what it really means to walk the path of midwifery while mothering.

We share the deeply personal roots of our journeys into birth work, and reflect on how becoming mothers ourselves reshaped our practices from the inside out. From the emotional weight of on-call life to the sacred privilege of attending births—we dive into the beauty, the burnout, and the boundaries we’ve learned to hold with care.

We also talk openly about the differences between Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and Licensed Midwives (LMs)—why both roles matter, how we complement each other, and the powerful opportunity that comes when we choose to collaborate instead of compete.

✨ And yes… we make a very special announcement about the next chapter of Gold Soul Midwifery—one rooted in sustainability, community support, and shared vision.

In this heartfelt episode of the Gold Soul Podcast, I sit down with Danielle Roach—a prenatal and postpartum chiropractor, mother, and soul-led business owner—to explore the deep intersections between holistic chiropractic care and the sacred journey of parenthood.

Danielle shares her personal path into chiropractic, her own pregnancy and mothering experiences, and the ways she integrates full holistic care into her practice. We talk about the unseen layers of IVF and fertility challenges, the courage it takes to run a business while mothering, and the wisdom that guided her toward home birth and choosing a provider who truly sees you.

If you're navigating the tender terrain of fertility, birth, or the postpartum window—or you’re simply yearning for care that honors the whole of who you are—this conversation will meet you there.

We close with gentle, powerful guidance for anyone on the path of conscious conception and parenting—because no matter where you are, you deserve care that honors your intuition, your autonomy, and the sacredness of this unfolding.

Dr Danielle can be found on Insta through: @dr.danielleroach and @vervechiropracticoc

and online at https://vervefamilychiropractic.com/

In this episode of Gold Soul, Jessie Rockwell and her administrative assistant Ashlee McIntosh discuss the vital role of admin assistance in midwifery. They explore Ashlee's journey into the birth work world, the importance of communication and emotional support in client relationships, and the challenges midwives face in balancing their professional and personal lives. The conversation highlights the significance of having a support system in place to navigate the complexities of midwifery, including financial management and client care. Through our conversation, we emphasize the need for community support among birth workers and the impact of having a dedicated assistant like Ashlee in enhancing the quality of care provided to families.

Ashlee is a homebirth mama and admin assistant supporting midwives and birth workers. You can connect with her on Instagram at @mama.services.

In this enlightening conversation, Jessie Rockwell and Mary Grisey explore the profound connection between spirituality, mediumship, and the journey of parenthood. Mary shares her personal journey into becoming a spiritual medium, her unique approach to readings, and the impact of her work on her life and others. They delve into the spiritual significance of pregnancy and birth, discussing how these experiences can awaken deeper aspects of ourselves and connect us to the spirit world. In this conversation, Jessie and Mary discuss the profound and transformative experiences of pregnancy and birth. They explore the spiritual dimensions of childbirth, the challenges faced during labor, and the importance of sharing diverse birth stories. Mary shares her personal journey, including moments of trauma and connection with the spiritual realm, emphasizing the need for women to process their birth experiences authentically. The conversation concludes with insights on tapping into intuition and spiritual growth.

Mary Grisey is a psychic medium, trance channeler and visual artist based in Los Angeles, California. She has been connected to the unseen world ever since she can remember and works closely with her Spirit Guides. Mary is passionate about connecting her clients to their truest selves, spirit team and loved ones who have crossed over to the Spirit world. She also loves helping other intuitives find their voice in this world whether that be through a 1:1 reading or mentorship.

Website: https://thewovenchannel.com

Instagram: @marygrisey

Substack: https://marygrisey.substack.com/

In this episode of the Gold Soul Podcast, Jessie Rockwell, a licensed home birth midwife and mother of four, shares her insights on navigating the challenges of parenthood, particularly when transitioning from one child to multiple. She discusses the emotional and mental shifts that parents experience, the importance of finding a family rhythm, practical strategies for daily life, and the significance of asking for help. Jessie emphasizes the need for self-care and sustainability in parenting, as well as fostering sibling relationships. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, practical tips, and encouragement for parents to embrace the journey of raising multiple children.

In this episode of the Gold Soul Podcast, Jessie Rockwell speaks with Chandra about her unique journey through pregnancy, home birth, and the challenges of early motherhood. Chandra shares her spiritual approach to pregnancy, her desire for a low-intervention birth, and the unexpected challenges she faced postpartum, including her baby's jaundice. The conversation emphasizes the importance of informed choices, trust in oneself, and the spiritual connection between mother and child. Chandra's story is a testament to the beauty and complexity of motherhood, highlighting the lessons learned along the way.

Chandra is a first-time mom, follower of Christ, and a curious creative drawn to exploring the big and small moments that make up the beauty of the human condition. Inspired by holistic healing and natural living, she honors the connections between mind, body, and spirit, alongside nature and intention. When she’s not learning or creating, she loves spending quality time with her family.

In this episode of the Gold Soul Podcast, Jessie Rockwell speaks with Whitney Sippl, a pelvic floor physical therapist, about the importance of pelvic floor health during pregnancy and postpartum. They discuss common issues faced by women, the impact of trauma on pelvic health, and the significance of education in normalizing conversations around pelvic floor therapy. Whitney shares insights on preparing for birth, addressing postpartum challenges, and debunking myths surrounding pelvic floor health. The conversation emphasizes the mind-body connection and the need for women to feel empowered in their healing journey.

Dr. Whitney Sippl is a women's health PT who works with women throughout the lifespan from pediatric pelvic floor, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, lactation, perimenopause, post-menopause, and into older adulthood. She is devoted to promoting awareness, well being, and healing of her patients with a goal of empowering women to address any of their discomforts or concerns. Many women are told that symptoms such as incontinence (leaking), painful intercourse, scar pain, pelvic girdle/back pain, prolapse, and abdominal separation are normal; however, although these conditions may be common, they are not “normal” and there are many therapies available to address these concerns. She loves teaching women simple ways to take care of themselves while their bodies are changing throughout the lifespan.

IG ⁠@restoredphysique⁠

Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/restoredphysique⁠

⁠Restoredphysique.com⁠

In this episode of the Gold Soul Podcast, Jessie Rockwell discusses the importance of aligning your prenatal provider with your birth vision. She emphasizes the need for expectant parents to understand their birth preferences, choose the right provider, and communicate effectively to ensure a supportive and empowering birth experience. Jessie also highlights key considerations in provider selection, identifies red flags in provider relationships, and encourages listeners to be their own advocates throughout the childbirth process.

You can also get her free interview guide of questions to ask your prenatal provider whether its an OB, Midwife, or Birth Center ⁠here⁠!

In this episode of Gold Soul, Jessie Rockwell engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jen Ballew, a doula and childbirth educator, who shares her transformative journey through motherhood, donor conception, and the healing power of a redemptive vaginal homebirth. Jen discusses her transition from a career in Homeland Security to becoming a doula, her experiences with known donors, and the emotional complexities of her pregnancy and birth. The conversation highlights the importance of support systems, the challenges of navigating the donor conception landscape, and the profound healing that can occur through the birth process. Jen also shares her future offerings in healing work, emphasizing the need for emotional support in the parenting journey.

Jen Ballew is the Founder of The Parenthood Project USA and offers a somatic, body-based approach to holistic birth and postpartum preparation.She has experienced both a traumatic birth via cesarean and a redemptive birth at home.She is the creator of an embodied liberatory birth program called GENTLE birth that is offered 1:1 and group programs and circles curated for those who want to experience a deeper connection to their bodies and power through birth and beyond.

Website - www.theparenthoodprojectoc.com

IG - @theparenthoodprojectoc

https://www.tiktok.com/@theparenthoodproject_usa?_t=ZT-8uDnWvrlX1n&_r=1

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Jessie Rockwell and Ashley Shapiro delve into the multifaceted world of breastfeeding, exploring the challenges and triumphs that mothers face. Ashley shares her personal journey from nursing to becoming an IBCLC, emphasizing the importance of community support and prenatal education. They discuss common breastfeeding issues, the significance of colostrum harvesting, and the mental health aspects of breastfeeding. The conversation highlights the need for personalized support and the impact of mindset on breastfeeding success. Ashley also addresses the role of lactation consultants, the importance of finding resources, and the emotional connections formed through breastfeeding.

You can connect with Ashley at https://ashleyshapirolactation.com or on Instagram at @ashleyshapirolactation_

Takeaways

• Breastfeeding should not be painful; education is key.
• Prenatal lactation education can set mothers up for success.
• Colostrum harvesting is beneficial and safe when done correctly.
• Support from partners and family is crucial during breastfeeding.
• Mindset plays a significant role in breastfeeding success.
• Pumping is a valid form of breastfeeding.
• Mental health support is essential for breastfeeding mothers.
• Weaning can be a gradual process, not an all-or-nothing approach.
• Finding a local lactation consultant can provide personalized support.
• Breastfeeding can have a generational impact on family health.

Keywords breastfeeding, lactation, postpartum support, maternal health, nursing challenges, colostrum harvesting, prenatal education, mental health, lactation consultant, empowered motherhood