In this weeks episode, we're joined by special guest Danielle Taylor, a mother of nine who shares her remarkable journey through diverse birth experiences. Danielle discusses her transition from a system-controlled birthing approach to empowering free births, her challenges with a cesarean, and healing natural births, culminating in a peaceful water birth at age 44. 

Emphasizing the importance of intuitive connection, emotional support, and health, Danielle advocates for trusting Gods design and embracing a sacred birthing space. Her vast experiences also underline the dynamic interplay between divine guidance and natural processes in fostering a trauma-free, empowering birthing journey.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:42 Danielle's Early Life and Parenting Philosophy

02:07 First Pregnancy and Birth Experience

03:37 Navigating Systemic Challenges

11:02 Second Birth and Medical Interventions

16:54 Transition to Home Births

26:47 Third Birth and Embracing Natural Childbirth

34:33 Reflections on Medical Interventions

36:55 Hospital vs. Home Birth: A Personal Journey

37:31 Embracing Pain-Free Birth Through Faith

38:12 The Role of Faith in Childbirth

39:09 Experiencing a Transformative Fourth Birth

40:44 Transition to Free Birth

42:29 Navigating Free Birth with Confidence

46:39 The Importance of Support During Free Birth

49:03 Challenges and Insights from Later Births

51:13 The Impact of Diet on Pregnancy and Birth

54:25 Overcoming Medical Challenges with Faith

56:28 Navigating the Medical System During Emergencies

01:05:00 Reflections on a Geriatric Pregnancy

01:09:18 Confronting Fear and Hospital Births

01:10:04 Navigating Prenatal Appointments and COVID-19

01:11:09 A Quiet Life During Lockdown

01:12:28 The Journey to a Peaceful Birth

01:13:43 A Child's Prayer for a Sister

01:16:10 Embracing a Water Birth

01:24:07 The Sacred Space of Birth

01:35:12 Overcoming Infertility and Nutritional Deficiencies

01:41:59 Danielle's Offerings and Community Support

EPISODE LINKS DANIELLE.

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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.

In this week's episode, we talk with Renae Golden, a mother of two, about her transformative birth experiences. Renae opens up about her first pregnancy that started as a planned birth center birth but ended in a hospital transfer, filled with frustrations. She contrasts this with her second birth—an empowering and peaceful sovereign birth.

Renae shares her evolutionary journey, the importance of trusting oneself, and her newfound passion for birth work, helping other women navigate their own paths to motherhood. The episode dives deep into the emotional highs and lows, from coping with unnecessary interventions to reclaiming one's power in the birthing process. Join us for this raw and inspiring conversation.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:05 Meet Our Guest: Renee Golden

01:09 Renee's First Birth Experience

03:35 Choosing a Birth Center

07:22 Facing Pregnancy Challenges

16:00 Labor and Birth Center Experience

28:07 Hospital Transfer and Birth

41:46 Reflecting on the First Birth Experience

42:52 Postpartum Challenges and Realizations

43:59 Discovering Sovereign Birth

47:13 Journey to Free Birth

51:49 The Second Pregnancy

58:31 The Birth Story

01:15:11 Postpartum Reflections and New Beginnings

EPISODE LINKS RENAE.

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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.

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

EPISODE LINKS KRISTINE.

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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.

In this episode of Hear Me Roar, we welcome Liv, a friend of Sarah's from the Austin Mama's Village Chat group. Liv shares her profound and spiritual journey of her first free birth. She details the stages of her pregnancy, the transformative experience of labor, and the intense emotional and physical sensations she encountered. 

Alongside, she describes the mystical connection she felt with her daughter’s soul and how the experience propelled her into the realm of birth work. This deeply personal story highlights the importance of personal authority, trust, and the wide spectrum of emotions involved in free birthing. Liv's candid narrative offers insight and inspiration for anyone interested in natural birth and the holistic approach to labor and motherhood.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:03 Guest's Background and Passion for Birth Work

03:01 Spiritual Experience and Pregnancy Journey

06:29 Preparing for a Free Birth

10:56 Labor Begins and Emotional Challenges

17:57 Active Labor and Birth

31:33 A Hilarious Moment

31:59 The Birth Begins

32:42 The Arrival of the Baby

33:47 Post-Birth Rituals

36:24 Reflecting on the Birth Experience

42:23 The Role of Personal Authority in Birth

47:28 Transitioning to Birth Work

50:49 Exploring Yoni Healing

59:33 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

EPISODE LINKS LIV.

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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.

In this episode of Hear Me Roar, Alisha shares her journey as a first-time mother who chose free birth and her extensive background as a traditional birth attendant. Alisha starts by describing her life prior to entering birth work at age 14, including her exposure to home birth through her mother's experiences. 

She details her apprenticeship with a licensed midwife in California, discussing the challenges and criticism she faced as a young birth worker. Alisha also explains her transition from a cookie-cutter midwifery approach to a more traditional, individualized one, influenced by various independent birth education programs. She recounts her 48-hour labor with her daughter, emphasizing the importance of supportive care and informed decision-making. Finally, Alisha talks about her current work supporting women through private mentorship and birth services. 

00:00 Introduction to Alicia's Birth Story

00:12 Alicia's Early Life and Introduction to Birth Work

03:01 Experiences and Challenges in Birth Work

04:36 Navigating Apprenticeships and Community Reactions

08:06 Transition to Independent Midwifery

11:21 Educational Path and Knowledge Gaps

25:34 Pregnancy Journey and Nutritional Focus

29:00 Navigating Pregnancy with Partner's Military Commitment

35:19 Deciding on a Free Birth

36:49 Minimal Prenatal Care and Early Pregnancy Experiences

39:44 Challenges with Dehydration and Gallbladder Attacks

49:07 Labor and Birth Story

01:05:51 Postpartum Recovery and Support

01:10:45 Transition to Birth Work and Mentorship

01:12:04 Reflections on Personal Birth Experience

01:14:10 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

EPISODE LINKS ALISHA.

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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.

In this episode of Hear Me Roar, Piper Muncy, a birth photographer and doula, shares her transformative experiences with birth. Piper delves into her journey of attending births since August 2024 and details her own free birth of her first son in May 2023. She candidly speaks about her upbringing in West Virginia, her holistic journey with her family, and how witnessing her mother endure a traumatic hospital birth influenced her decision to pursue home birthing methods. 

Piper provides an intimate recount of her lengthy labor, her challenges with delivering the placenta, and the unwavering faith in God that guided her through. The conversation also touches on the power of community among women and the significant role her supportive family has played in her birth experiences. Piper’s story is one of resilience, faith, and generational healing, offering profound insights for anyone interested in the realm of birth and motherhood.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:38 Piper's Journey into Birth Photography

03:09 The Influence of Free Birth

03:50 Piper's Personal Birth Story

11:53 Life Before Motherhood

19:29 Wild Pregnancy Experience

36:00 The Role of Midwives in Free Births

36:25 Personal Experiences with Free Birth

38:28 Trusting Intuition and Divine Guidance

43:21 The Importance of Parental Influence

44:13 Malachi's Birth Story

51:01 Navigating Labor and Delivery Challenges

53:51 The Role of Positioning in Childbirth

57:00 The Birth of Malachi

01:09:51 Post-Birth Complications and Reflections

01:12:16 Emergency Placenta Delivery

01:12:49 Postpartum Challenges and Recovery

01:14:49 Breastfeeding Journey

01:15:06 Placenta and Blood Loss Discussion

01:18:26 The Importance of Knowledge in Birth

01:23:23 Traumatic Birth Experience of My Brother

01:30:30 Reflections on the Medical System

01:38:26 Building a Supportive Birth Community

01:40:26 Contact Information and Final Thoughts

EPISODE LINKS PIPER.

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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.

In this important episode, we welcome Christina Mearns from France, who shares her powerful and moving birth stories. Christina details her journey from her first pregnancy, fraught with unexpected, yet genuine medical complications, to the triumphant free birth of her second child. She candidly discusses the stress and fear of her first son's diagnosis, her subsequent choice to navigate the French medical system, and the joyous, unassisted birth of her second son. Christina also explores the cultural perceptions and legal intricacies of home birth in France, highlighting the importance of informed choices and trusting one's intuition. This episode examines the spectrum of birth experiences and underscores the significance of supporting women's informed choices in all birthing scenarios. A powerful, potent and necessary conversation in the nuanced world of sovereign birth.

In this episode of 'Hear Me Roar,' the hosts welcome Cheyenne to share her transformative journey through motherhood. Cheyenne, a mother of four, discusses her experiences with different birth approaches, starting from her first pregnancy at 16. She contrasts her initial hospital births with her journey into natural and free birth practices. 

Cheyenne details the emotional and physical challenges she faced, including the impact of family dynamics and medical interventions on her birthing experiences. Ultimately, she recounts her empowered free birth of her fourth child highlighting the importance of preparation, community support, and taking charge of one's birth journey. The episode underscores the significance of holding space for postpartum needs and celebrates the beauty of sovereign birth.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:21 Meet Cheyenne: A Journey of Four Births

02:07 Cheyenne's First Pregnancy at 16

10:37 Navigating Early Motherhood and Loss

13:57 Transition to Natural Birth Choices

21:48 Challenges of a Free Birth Attempt

31:17 Hospital Intervention and Reflections

36:55 Anxiety and the Birth Experience

37:43 Hospital Challenges and Decisions

40:04 Postpartum Reflections and Support

40:29 Learning from Past Births

41:30 Preparing for a New Birth

44:52 The Birth of Solomon

56:05 Post-Birth Reflections and Breastfeeding Challenges

01:02:30 The Importance of Postpartum Support

01:07:56 Final Thoughts and Community Support

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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.

Navigating the Complexities of Birth Stories and Growth

In this week's episode of 'Hear Me Roar,' Brittany reflects on her decision to take down a previous episode where she shared her home birth story. She discusses the nuances and complexities of her birthing experience, acknowledging moments that may have come off as disrespectful. 

Along with her co-host Sarah, they explore the concept of processing birth experiences, the lifelong journey of learning as a birth worker, and the importance of holding oneself to a higher standard. The episode emphasizes the need for a respectful space to share diverse birth stories while maintaining authenticity. They also touch upon the challenges and growth that come with being a part of the birth work community.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Update

00:14 Reflecting on the Home Birth Story

01:17 Understanding the Model of Care

03:02 Navigating Birth Choices and Experiences

03:52 Addressing Group Removal and Misunderstandings

05:31 Shifting Paradigms in Birth Practices

06:59 Personal Reflections and Growth

07:49 Advocating for Birth Choices

08:46 Spiritual and Personal Journey

14:51 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

15:21 Embracing Our Spiritual Mission

16:11 Navigating Birth Work Challenges

17:34 Processing Birth Experiences

18:46 The Reality of Grief and Healing

21:43 Reflecting on Personal Growth

23:19 The Importance of Laughter in Healing

30:58 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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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.

In this episode of 'Hear Me Roar,' the host welcomes Theda to share her journey of transitioning from Midwifery abandonment that lead to a c-section - to free birth. Theda opens up about her personal experiences, including the challenges she faced during her first birth at a hospital where a medical error occurred, and the peace she found in her second birth at home. 

The discussion touches on the significance of the support systems, postpartum challenges, and the spiritual and social implications of choosing a free birth. Along the way, Theda also shares insights about her work with 'The Freedom People' and offers a special promotion for listeners interested in exploring a more sovereign lifestyle.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:01 Theda's Background and Early Life

01:42 First Pregnancy Journey

06:27 Labor and Delivery Challenges

13:40 NICU Experience and Hospital Struggles

23:00 Postpartum and Recovery

25:49 Second Pregnancy and Birth

35:19 Struggles with Placenta Delivery

38:50 Postpartum Reflections and Support

42:21 Diet Changes and Mental Health

51:28 Breastfeeding Challenges and Family Dynamics

52:22 Philosophical Reflections on Birth and Death

01:02:08 Community and Sovereignty

EPISODE LINKS. THEDA

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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.