HEAR ME ROAR. | a free birth podcast

In the final episode of Season One, we reflect on our journey so far with the Hear Me Roar podcast. We discuss the decision to record in seasons to give ourselves much-needed breaks and announce some significant changes—Sarah will be stepping back from the podcast due to the challenges of balancing motherhood and hosting. Britt will take over as the main host in Season Two. 

This episode delves into our personal stories, the complexities of life as a mother and podcaster, and the importance of taking breaks to prevent burnout. We emphasize the value of authenticity, transparency, and adapting to new seasons in life. We also express gratitude to all of our listeners and encourage continued support through reviews, listening to old episodes, sharing the pod with friends and participation in our private telegram community. God bless and we hope you all enjoy the holidays surrounded by those you love most. See you in the New Year!

00:00 Introduction and Season Reflection

00:42 Challenges of Podcasting as a Parent

01:17 The Broader Hear Me Roar Community

01:45 Britt's Reflections and Future Plans

03:26 The Realities of Podcast Production

05:27 Acknowledging Each Other's Strengths

06:56 The Importance of Sovereign Birth

11:28 Navigating Birth Work and Personal Growth

16:20 Choices in Birth and System Critique

23:31 Midwives and Integrity

24:32 Personal Reflections on Birth Experiences

25:35 Dogmatic Views and Personal Growth

28:41 The Power of Choice in Birth

32:00 Navigating Privacy and Public Life

40:12 Embracing Change and New Seasons

43:27 Podcasting and Future Plans

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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, the focus is on elimination communication—a potty method that involves learning and responding to a baby's natural cues. Katelyn and Liv, members of our community, share their personal experiences and wisdom on practicing elimination communication with their children. 

They discuss how the practice fosters a deep level of trust and presence between mother and child, the benefits of reducing diaper waste, and tips for other mothers interested in trying this method. Key takeaways include the importance of being present and patient, respecting the baby's natural instincts, and the environmental benefits of reducing diaper use.

00:00 Introduction to Elimination Communication

01:47 Katelyn's Journey with EC

03:26 Liv's Experience and Insights

06:55 Challenges and Realities of EC

12:54 Practical Tips and Techniques

16:10 Out and About with EC

29:24 Overcoming Potty Training Challenges

30:29 The Power of Letting Go

32:08 Building Trust Through Presence

34:05 Motherhood: Unique Challenges and Gifts

40:22 Top Tips for Elimination Communication

42:39 Nighttime Potty Training Experiences

50:44 Environmental Impact of Diapers

55:54 Final Thoughts on Motherhood and Responsibility

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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 we welcome back Anisa Woodall to discuss her unique birth stories from homebirth with a Midwife to sovereign birth with a local birthkeeper. Anisa details her preparation for motherhood, the challenges she observed in other women, and how these experiences shaped her path. She shares intimate details of her first home birth with a midwife, the lessons learned, and how they influenced her decision to have a sovereign birth for her second baby. 

Anisa also touches on her personal health journey, nutrition strategies, the impact of stress during pregnancy, and her postpartum experiences. This episode is a deep dive into the journey of conception, birth, and recovery, offering valuable insights for expecting mothers.

00:00 Introduction and Season Update

00:20 Guest Introduction: Anisa Woodall

01:01 Anisa's Journey to Motherhood

02:28 Understanding Fertility and Health

06:28 Anisa's First Birth Experience

11:29 Prenatal Care and Challenges

19:34 Navigating Early Motherhood

40:45 Preparing for the Second Child

44:59 Challenges During the Second Pregnancy

51:27 Herbal Support and Movement During Pregnancy

52:05 Finding a Like-Minded Community

53:42 Starting a Women's Circle and Village Prenatal

54:51 Experiencing Free Births in the Community

56:29 Preparing for Birth and Managing Expectations

57:16 Labor and Birth Experience

01:02:10 Post-Birth Reflections and Healing

01:35:30 Breastfeeding Challenges and Solutions

01:40:54 Resources and Final Thoughts

EPISODE LINKS ANISA.

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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 we dive deep into baby wearing with expert Jocelyn McFadden. Jocelyn shares her journey into the world of baby wearing, driven by a lifelong dedication to the mother-baby dyad. The discussion covers a wide range of topics including the benefits of baby wearing, different types of carriers, safety tips, and troubleshooting common issues. 

Jocelyn offers practical advice for new moms, including how to work with toddlers, the impact of baby wearing on the pelvic floor, and considerations for tandem carrying. She also discusses breastfeeding while baby wearing, baby wearing during pregnancy, and how to handle winter baby wearing. Listeners learn about the importance of intuition, body alignment, and the benefits of attachment parenting. Jocelyn's passion and expertise shine through as she offers guidance and reassurance to mothers looking to strengthen their bond with their babies through baby wearing.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:45 Jocelyn's Background and Passion for Baby Wearing

02:15 Building a Baby Carrier Collection

04:20 Choosing the Right Baby Carrier

09:14 Postpartum Baby Wearing Tips

13:44 C-Section Recovery and Baby Wearing

21:28 Forward Facing and Back Wearing Guidelines

30:03 Safety Tips for Baby Wearing

39:22 Baby Wearing During Pregnancy

40:52 Wearing Toddlers While Pregnant

43:09 Breastfeeding in a Carrier

46:50 Tandem Wearing for Twins and Triplets

51:34 Favorite Carriers and Recommendations

01:03:03 Winter Baby Wearing Tips

01:06:21 Handling Fussy Babies in Carriers

01:10:12 Carriers for Toddlers and Older Children

01:19:46 Consulting and Support Services

EPISODE LINKS JOCELYN.

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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 weeks episode Alisha, a traditional birth attendant and wise woman returns to discuss a sensitive and critical topic: miscarriage and stillbirth at home. The discussion delves into the differences between miscarriage and stillbirth, the signs and symptoms of early miscarriage, and how to process a miscarriage both emotionally and physically. Alisha offers wisdom on how to manage miscarriage at home, talking over the use of herbs, homeopathy, and pharmaceuticals, and the importance of medical guidance when necessary.

The conversation also covers the care and legal considerations for handling the baby after a stillbirth, including reporting requirements, burial options, and the importance of taking photos for memory. Alisha emphasizes individualized care and the importance of community and support. Resources and tools for postpartum care, including lactation support, are also provided to ensure women are equipped to navigate this challenging experience.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

00:39 Understanding Miscarriage and Stillbirth

02:54 Symptoms and Signs of Early Miscarriage

04:56 Processing a Miscarriage with Your Partner

07:53 Safety of Natural Miscarriage

14:16 D&C vs. D&E Procedures

28:57 Supporting Your Body During a Second Trimester Miscarriage

41:04 Preparing for Labor and Risks of Birthing a Deceased Baby

43:36 Understanding Emotional and Physical Differences in Labor

48:06 Recognizing Signs of Infection and When to Seek Medical Help

50:01 Legal Considerations After Stillbirth

53:59 Handling the Baby's Body and Preserving Memories

01:12:12 Postpartum Care and Emotional Support

01:16:43 Navigating Milk Production After Loss

01:22:13 Final Words of Encouragement and Additional Resources

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 week's episode we welcome Savannah Brigman, known as the Cherokee midwife. Savannah shares her unique journey into midwifery, deeply rooted in her Cherokee heritage. She recounts her diverse birthing experiences, including hospital, birth center, and free births. 

She elaborates on traditional Cherokee practices, the influence of her ancestral lineage, and her growth as a traditional midwife. The discussion also touches on the challenges of shoulder dystocia, the importance of community support, and the commitment to preserving indigenous birthing traditions. Savannah offers insights for new mothers and birth workers seeking to navigate the sovereign birth movement.

00:00 Introduction to Savannah, the Cherokee Midwife

00:33 Savannah's Ancestral Roots and Personal Journey

01:24 Experiences with Different Birth Settings

04:33 Cherokee Birth Traditions and Practices

12:32 Reflections on Hospital Birth

20:01 Transition to Free Birth

26:45 The Impact of COVID-19 on Birth Choices

27:50 Savannah's Free Birth Experience

34:32 Reflecting on the Birth Experience

34:53 The Sacred Birth of the Placenta

36:59 Navigating GBS and Birth Choices

38:10 Husband's Journey from Medicalized to Free Birth

39:41 Postpartum Reflections and Community Support

41:44 The Arrival of Baby Number Four

43:15 Balancing Midwifery and Personal Birth

49:53 Pregnancy and Midwifery Challenges

53:04 Traditional Midwifery Education and Practices

56:12 Handling Birth Complications

01:06:08 Encouragement for the Sovereign Birth Movement

EPISODE LINKS SAVANNAH.

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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 weeks episode, Jessica Vicar shares her three diverse birthing stories - two home births and a recent free birth. At just 18 days postpartum, Jess invites listeners into her world of motherhood and talks about her experiences, insights, and the intriguing decision-making process behind each birth. She discusses the evolution from midwifery care to a more intuitive, unassisted birth, emphasizing the importance of surrender, faith, and listening to one's own body. 

Jess also reflects on her unique setting, a water birth outdoors while living in an RV, and the setup her husband created for her ultimate, peaceful birth. This episode is a deep dive into the authenticity and beauty of birth, highlighting the profound personal growth and transformation Jess experienced along the way.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:53 Jess Vicar's Background and Family Life

02:11 First Birth Experience

04:46 Second Birth Experience

05:31 Understanding Different Types of Midwives

07:42 Reflections on Birth Interventions

09:14 Third Birth Experience and Free Birth Decision

24:50 Prenatal Care and Preparation for Free Birth

36:59 Setting Up for Birth in an RV

37:12 Creating a Birth Plan

37:55 Preparing the Birth Environment

38:58 Labor Begins

40:03 Active Labor and Birth

41:40 The Birth Pool Experience

42:58 Post-Birth Reflections

52:28 Postpartum Journey

59:09 Embracing Free Birth

01:07:31 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

EPISODE LINKS JESSICA.

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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 Rebecca Cohen, an MD that left the hospital to become a birthkeeper & postpartum support specialist, shares her extensive experiences, both personal and professional, surrounding postpartum care. Covering her journey through the births of five children, the lack of postpartum education even as a medical professional (OBGYN), and the ways societal expectations impact postpartum recovery, Rebecca emphasizes the importance of proper rest and support. 

The discussion includes traditional practices like closing of the bones, yoni steaming, and simple bodywork that anyone can perform, as well as the need for shifting societal perspectives to better honor postpartum mothers. We also touch on postpartum after a miscarriage or loss as it seems like society forgets that we're still postpartum if this is the journey we have walked. This episode is a profound dive into the essential aspects of postpartum healing and the cultural and personal shifts needed to support mothers.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:28 Rebecca's Personal Postpartum Journey

01:16 The Impact of Medical Training on Postpartum Care

03:04 The Struggles of Early Postpartum

04:37 Physical and Emotional Challenges

06:13 Learning About Pelvic Floor Health

16:25 The Turning Point: Holistic Pelvic Care

17:56 The Shift to Holistic Practices

22:13 The Importance of Postpartum Rest

23:10 The Role of Societal Expectations

39:20 Practical Advice for Postpartum Recovery

50:41 The Influence of Birth Experience on Postpartum

55:11 Understanding Patriarchy and Its Impact on Women

58:58 The Importance of Postpartum Care

59:09 Challenges of Medical Birth and Postpartum Anxiety

01:01:59 Traditional Postpartum Practices: Closing of the Bones

01:07:18 Yoni Steaming: Benefits and Misconceptions

01:26:56 Navigating Miscarriage and Postpartum Grief

01:45:42 Practical Postpartum Tips and Support

02:00:21 Herbal Remedies for Postpartum Recovery

02:05:44 Final Thoughts on Supporting Postpartum Women

EPISODE LINKS REBECCA.

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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, Brit discusses the busy week she and co-host Sarah have had, including a planned but postponed recording with Piper about essential oils and free birth stories. Brit talks about her son's upcoming third birthday and how his birth inspired her passion for physiologic birth. 

She answers listener questions about the Wild and Free Coaching Container, touching on topics like pricing, session frequency, group size, support options, and the focus on non-medicalized home births. The episode concludes with information on joining the coaching container waitlist and associated Telegram group.

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Update

01:17 Personal Reflections and Inspirations

01:52 Wild and Free Coaching Container Overview

02:00 Frequently Asked Questions

10:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

CONNECT WITH SARAH.

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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 we welcome Tanya, who shares her experience with midwifery care for her first birth and then free birthing her second babe! Tanya recounts her transition from a tattoo artist to a birth worker living in Las Vegas. She opens up about her first pregnancy, detailing her initial apprehensions with a hospital birth and her decision to opt for a midwife-assisted home birth. Tanya talks about her pregnancy challenges, including being treated differently at work after announcing her pregnancy and eventually being fired. 

She provides insights into her birthing experiences, emphasizing her trust in the birthing process and the importance of maintaining positive energy and support. Additionally, Tanya discusses her preparation and decision to choose a free birth for her second child, the prenatal care she administered herself, and how her doula, best friend, partner, and mother supported her through the process. The episode highlights the significance of autonomy, trust in the body's wisdom, and the profound connection between mother and child during birth.

00:00 Introduction and Community Announcements

01:04 Tanya's Background and Journey to Motherhood

03:35 Challenges in the Workplace During Pregnancy

08:37 Deciding on a Home Birth

18:43 First Birth Story: Sequoia's Arrival

32:04 Post-Birth Reflections and Midwifery Care

39:00 Transition to Birth Work and Doula Experiences

44:16 Preparing for a Free Birth

51:40 Deciding Who to Invite to the Birth

54:03 Finding the Right Doula

55:26 Documenting the Birth

57:20 Early Labor Signs

01:00:06 Contractions Intensify

01:06:36 Preparing for Birth at Home

01:09:47 Active Labor Begins

01:19:19 The Baby is Born

01:33:59 Post-Birth Reflections

01:38:15 Final Thoughts and Doula Services

EPISODE LINKS TANYA.

CONNECT WITH SARAH.

CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.

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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.