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In this encore episode, Ciana and I revisit our second births… both inductions, both unforgettable, and both full of twists. I share how my own induction turned into a deeply healing experience, while Ciana opens up about her “failed induction” that led to her signing out AMA, heading home for the night, and still going on to have a powerful, spontaneous vaginal birth with her son.

Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness
Birth support services helping clients feel supported, cared for and confident about birth.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

I want to hear from you! Tell me your thoughts on this episode, or request to share your birth story in an upcoming episode.

Questions or Comments? Contact or Follow Exie

• YouTube: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness channel
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @metrodetroitbirthsupport
• Facebook: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness

DISCLAIMER: The thoughts and opinions expressed on Metro Detroit Birth Stories are those of the participants. They do not represent any organization or profession. This show is meant to be informative, educational, and entertaining. Nothing in any episode (past, present, or future) should be construed as medical advice or take the place of your medical professional.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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I’ve loved sharing birth stories with you, and so many of you have been curious about mine. So for this episode, I’m bringing a special throwback from the earlier version of this podcast, when my co-host Ciana and I sat down to share our first birth stories. We were young, naive, and did the best we could with what we knew (or didn't know!). Join us as we laughingly reflect on the choices and mistakes we made - you might even learn something you can use today!

It was so much fun to record and to listen back to. I can’t wait for you to hear it—enjoy! 

I want to hear from you! Tell me your thoughts on this episode, or request to share your birth story in an upcoming episode.

Questions or Comments? Contact or Follow Exie

• YouTube: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness channel
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @metrodetroitbirthsupport
• Facebook: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness

DISCLAIMER: The thoughts and opinions expressed on Metro Detroit Birth Stories are those of the participants. They do not represent any organization or profession. This show is meant to be informative, educational, and entertaining. Nothing in any episode (past, present, or future) should be construed as medical advice or take the place of your medical professional.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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In this episode of Metro Detroit Birth Stories, you will hear Trishna's story. Despite a strong familial background in the medical field, Trishna and her husband, Tom, embarked on a journey of curiosity that led them from planning a hospital birth to welcoming their baby at home. Listen to her explain how they navigated challenges with flexibility and intention to have an empowering birth experience.  

Would you like to connect with Trishna? She'd love to hear from you!

Connect with me! - https://yogawithtrishna.com

Do you want to learn more about Trishna's incredible care team? Here they are:

Midwife: Savannah Stone - https://www.magpiemidwifery.com/

Hypnobirthing Classes: Janice Weaver-Rex - https://www.yourpeacefulbirthing.com/class-birth-doula-info

Pediatrician: Dr. Alexander O’Dell - https://www.originpeds.com/about-dr-odell

Doula: Rachel Sementelli - https://www.revenirservices.com

Lactation Consultant: Brandy Walters - https:/www.inhomelactationspecialistsllc.com/team/

Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness
Birth support services helping clients feel supported, cared for and confident about birth.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

I want to hear from you! Tell me your thoughts on this episode, or request to share your birth story in an upcoming episode.

Questions or Comments? Contact or Follow Exie

• YouTube: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness channel
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @metrodetroitbirthsupport
• Facebook: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness

DISCLAIMER: The thoughts and opinions expressed on Metro Detroit Birth Stories are those of the participants. They do not represent any organization or profession. This show is meant to be informative, educational, and entertaining. Nothing in any episode (past, present, or future) should be construed as medical advice or take the place of your medical professional.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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In this beautiful episode of Metro Detroit Birth Stories, Lauren shares the story of welcoming her daughter, her first child, and the final piece of her and her husband’s blended family.

Unsure of how to begin planning for birth, Lauren found guidance and inspiration through a surprising connection with a previous guest, Elise, whose prenatal yoga classes opened the door to a whole new world of possibilities. 

Through Elise and her fellow prenatal yoga class attendees, Lauren learned about Hypnobirthing, midwives, prenatal massage, and—most importantly—how to advocate for the care that aligned with her vision. 

 With curiosity and trust as her guide, and a circle of support around her, Lauren stepped into birth with confidence and clarity.  This is a story about community, self-trust, and the quiet strength that comes from being seen, supported, and informed. If you’ve ever wondered how much your birth experience can shift when you have the right people around you—this one’s for you!

Some of Lauren & Keith's support circle:

Prenatal Yoga Instructor: Elise Bowerman, Birth Humanity

Hypnobirthing Instructor: Janice Weaver, Peaceful Birthing

Prenatal Massage Therapist: Kristen Woudstra, Oakland Prenatal Massage

Learn about OB care and Midwifery Care

Which Model of Care Feels Best for You?

I want to hear from you! Tell me your thoughts on this episode, or request to share your birth story in an upcoming episode.

Questions or Comments? Contact or Follow Exie

• YouTube: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness channel
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @metrodetroitbirthsupport
• Facebook: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness

DISCLAIMER: The thoughts and opinions expressed on Metro Detroit Birth Stories are those of the participants. They do not represent any organization or profession. This show is meant to be informative, educational, and entertaining. Nothing in any episode (past, present, or future) should be construed as medical advice or take the place of your medical professional.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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 ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of obstetric trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, and infant illness. Please take care while listening and pause if needed. While the episode ends on a very positive and hopeful note—with both Elise and her children doing well—it may still bring up sensitive emotions for some listeners. 

In this deeply personal and empowering episode,my colleague Elise shares the transformative stories of her two births—one filled with unexpected trauma, and the other a healing, redemptive experience.

Her first birth in 2009, which took place on Thanksgiving, included challenges with an unsupportive OB, a postpartum hemorrhage, and her son’s unrelated illness four months later. The emotional weight of that experience led Elise to believe she wouldn’t have another child. But through years of inner work and support, she made the powerful decision to try again—this time with a new care team, a new environment, and a renewed sense of self. Her second birth, in 2012 on Super Bowl Sunday, was a calm, connected experience supported by midwives.

Elise’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and reclaiming agency. It is a reminder that healing is possible and that every birthing person deserves to feel heard and supported.

Elise names these folks in this episode:

• Patty Brennan - Founder of LifeSpan Doulas in Ann Arbor, MI
• Nicole White, Co-Founder of Birth Detroit

Read Elise's blog post explaining Limbic Imprinting

Read Elise's blog post for her thoughts on the significance of the number 13

Connect with Elise

• Birth Humanity Website
• Birth Humanity on Instagram

Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness
Birth support services helping clients feel supported, cared for and confident about birth.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

I want to hear from you! Tell me your thoughts on this episode, or request to share your birth story in an upcoming episode.

Questions or Comments? Contact or Follow Exie

• YouTube: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness channel
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @metrodetroitbirthsupport
• Facebook: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness

DISCLAIMER: The thoughts and opinions expressed on Metro Detroit Birth Stories are those of the participants. They do not represent any organization or profession. This show is meant to be informative, educational, and entertaining. Nothing in any episode (past, present, or future) should be construed as medical advice or take the place of your medical professional.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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In this inspiring inaugural episode of Metro Detroit Birth Stories, Kristi shares her journey through two very different births—one that was almost what she hoped for, and one that was her dream, redemptive birth experience.

Despite facing similar medical complications during her second pregnancy, Kristi was able to create a supportive care team, advocate for herself, and achieve a beautiful, empowering birth beyond what she even thought was possible. Along the way, she shares how crucial community, education, and trusted providers were in shaping her journey.

✨ Mentioned in this episode:

• Cynthia Gabriel, author of The Natural Hospital Birth and founder of Nest and Nurture
• Aimee Tuck, co-founder of Rise Wellness Collaborative and supporter of new moms
• Mel Sulaver, dietician (@NutritionByMel on Instagram)
• Dr. Rubina Tahir at The Joint Chiropractic (support for breech positioning and optimal fetal alignment)
• Sam Sharpe, midwife for Kristi's prenatal care
• Probility PT, Trinity Health, for Pelvic Floor Therapy
• Safe Infant Sleep by Dr. James McKenna
• Sweet Sleep by La Leche League International

📸 Don't miss the beautiful birth photos Kristi shared in the video version of this episode!

• Resources, community, advocacy, and determination made all the difference in Kristi's journey—and her story will leave you feeling inspired and empowered.

🎧Listen to the podcast episodes mentioned: 

Ep. 5 Our 2nd Babies' Induction Stories 

Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness
Birth support services helping clients feel supported, cared for and confident about birth.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

I want to hear from you! Tell me your thoughts on this episode, or request to share your birth story in an upcoming episode.

Questions or Comments? Contact or Follow Exie

• YouTube: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness channel
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @metrodetroitbirthsupport
• Facebook: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness

DISCLAIMER: The thoughts and opinions expressed on Metro Detroit Birth Stories are those of the participants. They do not represent any organization or profession. This show is meant to be informative, educational, and entertaining. Nothing in any episode (past, present, or future) should be construed as medical advice or take the place of your medical professional.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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New Intro and Outro Still to come:

It’s been a journey! In the last several years, I launched Doula2Doula during the pandemic became a CBI trainer, navigated some major life changes, and finally decided to shift this podcast into a new format—this episode is all about growth, change, and what’s ahead.

I’m sharing the highlights from the past few years—like my son’s wedding, the launch of Medicaid doula coverage, and my own professional milestones—plus the real reason I chose to transition from a co-hosted conversational podcast to a solo-hosted storytelling space.

Join me for this recap of where we’ve been and a glimpse into the exciting future of Metro Detroit Birth Stories! 🩷

What’s one of the biggest life transitions you’ve experienced recently? I’d love to hear—DM me on Instagram @metrodetroitbirthsupport

Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness
Birth support services helping clients feel supported, cared for and confident about birth.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

I want to hear from you! Tell me your thoughts on this episode, or request to share your birth story in an upcoming episode.

Questions or Comments? Contact or Follow Exie

• YouTube: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness channel
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @metrodetroitbirthsupport
• Facebook: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness

DISCLAIMER: The thoughts and opinions expressed on Metro Detroit Birth Stories are those of the participants. They do not represent any organization or profession. This show is meant to be informative, educational, and entertaining. Nothing in any episode (past, present, or future) should be construed as medical advice or take the place of your medical professional.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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It's been a minute since you've heard from us. This brief episode will catch you up on what's coming.

I can't wait to hear what you think, so please message me on IG or email me.

Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness
Birth support services helping clients feel supported, cared for and confident about birth.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

I want to hear from you! Tell me your thoughts on this episode, or request to share your birth story in an upcoming episode.

Questions or Comments? Contact or Follow Exie

• YouTube: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness channel
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @metrodetroitbirthsupport
• Facebook: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness

DISCLAIMER: The thoughts and opinions expressed on Metro Detroit Birth Stories are those of the participants. They do not represent any organization or profession. This show is meant to be informative, educational, and entertaining. Nothing in any episode (past, present, or future) should be construed as medical advice or take the place of your medical professional.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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Time - how does it get away from us so easily, and how have we come so far without even realizing it?

In this episode, Ciana and I review how Doula2Doula has grown since its birth in 2020 and how we have been doing since our last episode (a mere 6 months ago 🫣)

See my YouTube for video updates, including my home office transformation

We mention some amazing local businesses and encourage you to check them out:

Blondie On a Budget Designs: Facebook or Instagram
Leo Brown Photographer: Personal Branding, Content Creation, Architectural & Design
Farmington Birth Center
Taques Bar & Grill

I want to hear from you! Tell me your thoughts on this episode, or request to share your birth story in an upcoming episode.

Questions or Comments? Contact or Follow Exie

• YouTube: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness channel
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @metrodetroitbirthsupport
• Facebook: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness

DISCLAIMER: The thoughts and opinions expressed on Metro Detroit Birth Stories are those of the participants. They do not represent any organization or profession. This show is meant to be informative, educational, and entertaining. Nothing in any episode (past, present, or future) should be construed as medical advice or take the place of your medical professional.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

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Exie & Ciana are back together and catching up on all the things they've missed in each other's lives over the past several months. 

Trigger warning: Pet loss

Points of interest: Updates on our parenting journeys, work, home improvements, and more

Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness
Birth support services helping clients feel supported, cared for and confident about birth.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

I want to hear from you! Tell me your thoughts on this episode, or request to share your birth story in an upcoming episode.

Questions or Comments? Contact or Follow Exie

• YouTube: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness channel
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @metrodetroitbirthsupport
• Facebook: Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness

DISCLAIMER: The thoughts and opinions expressed on Metro Detroit Birth Stories are those of the participants. They do not represent any organization or profession. This show is meant to be informative, educational, and entertaining. Nothing in any episode (past, present, or future) should be construed as medical advice or take the place of your medical professional.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com