For the Love of Midwifery: Home Birth, VBAC, and Informed Birth Choices with The Midwife Colleen Shulenberger [Ep 38]

​​In this episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett sits down with midwife Colleen to discuss various aspects of home birth and midwifery care. Topics covered include the differences between personalized midwifery care and the conventional medical model, water birth, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), advanced maternal age, and managing high-risk situations such as breech presentation and placenta previa. Colleen shares her personal journey into midwifery, the benefits of laboring in water, safety considerations for VBAC and home births, and the importance of informed choice and individualized care in motherhood.

00:00 Welcome to the Mommin' Together Podcast

01:05 Introduction to Midwife Colleen and Her Journey

05:25 The Philosophy and Practice of Midwifery

12:14 Preparing for a Home Birth

27:31 The Experience and Benefits of Water Birth

29:53 Understanding Baby's First Breaths in Water Birth

32:10 The Role of Microbiome in Birth

33:24 The Benefits and Comfort of Water Birth

35:57 High-Risk Pregnancy Considerations

42:04 VBAC: Safety and Considerations

48:25 The Timing of Birth: 40 to 42 Weeks

50:48 Midwifery Practices and Legal Considerations

52:28 Final Thoughts and Motherhood Advice

Connect with Colleen: 

Colleen Shulenberger is a licensed, professional certified midwife who has been serving growing families in East Texas for more than a decade. Her practice, The Midwife, offers prenatal, home birth and postpartum care as well as classes to help prepare couples for welcoming their little ones. Colleen has a moderate to severe coffee obsession, loves being outdoors, and enjoys reading and studying. She is a very blessed wife of 19 years to Jacob and mama to Autumn, Norah, Shawn and Callan and one more on the way. 

Instagram:

@_themidwife_

@coll_themidwife

Facebook: facebook.com/TheMidwife.co

Website: themidwife.co

Listener offer: Colleen would be happy to offer a free birth class to a listener for July due date or beyond within 2026. Can be given to a family member/friend. Email to coordinate. 

Resources: 

Books

The Birth Partner By Penny Simpkin

Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn by Penny Simpkin

Dr. William Sears collection of parenting, baby, pregnancy books 

A Sacred Beginning by Sarah Brangwynne

The First 40 Days by Heng Ou

Praying through the Bible for your kids by Nancy Guthrie 

Missional Motherhood by Gloria Furman 

Websites/Resources

EvidencedBasedBirth.com

ACOG.org

Postpartum.net

SpinningBabies.com

RisenMotherhood.com

Birthing Instincts Podcast 

VBAC study/statistics of rupture https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(22)00840-7/fulltext

VBAC Resources https://www.thevbaclink.com/

Evidence and discussion on midwifery https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378%2822%2900799-2/fulltext

Types of Midwives and practice model https://midwife.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Midwifery-Evidence-Based-Practice.pdf

Evidence on Waterbirth https://evidencebasedbirth.com/waterbirth/

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together

@Michelle_Barnett_ ⁠

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community

Infertility, Adoption, and Faith: Trusting God’s Plan & How to Create Family Core Values

In this heartfelt episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett sits down with Jill Hickerson to discuss her journey through infertility, adoption, and beyond. Jill shares her story of trusting God's guidance toward adoption, her experiences raising two adopted daughters, and the joys and challenges that come with it. The conversation also covers the significance of creating a family core value statement and its impact on children as they grow. Jill's insights offer hope and encouragement for moms everywhere, reinforcing the belief that motherhood and community are better together.

00:00 Welcome to the Mommin' Together Podcast

00:30 Introducing Jill Hickerson: A Journey Through Adoption

01:36 Early Influences and God's Plan

03:43 The Path to Adoption: Challenges and Faith

08:43 The Arrival of Haleigh: A Joyful Moment

12:48 Welcoming Hannah: A Premature Adoption

17:51 Biblical Inspirations and Adoption Stories

21:24 Navigating the Emotional Highs and Lows

23:46 Talking to Children About Adoption

26:51 Respecting Haley and Hannah's Story

27:10 The Evolution of Adoption Practices

28:36 Adoption in the Next Generation

29:12 Challenges and Blessings in Adoption

36:26 Creating a Family Motto

44:04 Bedtime Conversations: A Parenting Hack

47:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Jill: 

Instagram: @jillhickerson https://www.instagram.com/jillhickerson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jill.h.hickerson

Resources: 

The Day We Met You by Phoebe Koehler  (Kids Book)

Adoption Book Library 

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/⁠

@Michelle_Barnett_ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/⁠

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠

Redemptive Birth: My Unmedicated VBAC Story

In this episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett shares her beautiful and redemptive birth story of her third child, Josie Mae. Michelle recounts the emotional journey from the surprise positive pregnancy test on their 10th anniversary to the blessed unmedicated natural birth on her husband's birthday. Despite past birth trauma, Michelle found solace in her faith and careful planning for an unmedicated VBAC. With the support of her husband, mother, and a dedicated medical team, she navigated through labor with determination and gratitude. The birth story highlights the importance of having a supportive community and the right providers, culminating in the joyous and healthy arrival of Josie Mae.

00:00 Welcome to the Mommin' Together Podcast

00:30 Introduction to My Redemptive Birth Story

00:54 Discovering Our Third Miracle Baby

03:18 Preparing for Labor

04:54 The Labor Begins

05:59 Heading to the Hospital

07:01 Labor and Delivery at the Hospital

09:34 The Birth of Josie Mae Barnett

12:51 Post-Birth Reflections and Gratitude

15:53 Encouragement for Other Moms

17:38 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Resources: 

Listen to My Birth Trauma Episode

Queen of Thrones Castor Oil

Castor Oil Smoothie - 1 Cup Mango Juice, 1 Tbsp Almond Butter, 2 Tbsp Castor Oil, Ice. Blend and drink after a big breakfast. 

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/⁠

@Michelle_Barnett_ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/⁠

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠

Scripture-Centered Parenting: Practical Ways to Disciple Your Kids Every Day

In this episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett interviews Kristin Coffey from the Instagram account 'Mom Life Rooted', about effectively incorporating scripture into the daily lives of mothers and their children. Kristin shares her heartfelt journey through struggles and mentorship that led her to prioritize deep engagement with God's word and discipleship in her home. Listeners are provided with practical advice on starting young, redeeming time, and creating impactful scripture-based routines. The episode emphasizes the significance of modeling faith through everyday moments and offers encouragement for moms to find simple and grace-filled ways to disciple their children.

00:00 Welcome to the Mommin' Together Podcast

00:29 Introducing Kristin Coffey: Rooting Homes in Christ

02:16 Kristin's Journey: From Darkness to Light

06:41 Practical Tips for Moms: Integrating Scripture Daily

14:43 Modeling Faith: Everyday Discipleship

25:08 The Power of Repentance and Humility in Parenting

30:34 Understanding and Addressing Anger

31:14 Repent and Repair: A Guide

31:45 Planting Seeds of Truth in Young Children

32:37 Foundational Scriptures for Toddlers

37:07 Tools and Resources for Scripture Memory

45:09 Prioritizing Personal Time in the Word

51:16 Redeeming the Time: Practical Tips

56:58 Encouragement for Overwhelmed Moms

Connect with Kristin:

Kristin Coffey is a Christian wife, homeschooling mom of four, and the founder of MomLifeRooted, a Scripture-centered discipleship platform that equips moms to lead their homes with confidence and clarity in God’s Word. After studying biblical theology at Moody Bible Institute and being personally discipled during a challenging season of motherhood, she now creates practical Scripture-based resources and encouragement to help moms build simple, consistent rhythms of faith in everyday family life.

Instagram: @MomLifeRooted

Website: www.momliferooted.com

Resource Links:

• Don't Make Me Count to Three (Ginger Hubbard) - https://a.co/d/jiv0xxe

• Uprooting Anger (Robert D Jones) - https://a.co/d/fQemolN

• Discount Code: FRIEND10 for 10% off any Scripture Kit, Devotional or Discipleship Program. (https://momliferooted.com/)

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/⁠

@Michelle_Barnett_ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/⁠

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠

Perimenopause Explained: Symptoms, Hormonal Shifts & Homeopathic Support

In this episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett discusses perimenopause with homeopathic practitioner Amanda Edgell. Michelle and Amanda delve into the often misunderstood transition of perimenopause, covering common symptoms, the limitations of conventional care, and the benefits of homeopathy in supporting hormonal balance. Amanda shares her personal journey into homeopathy and how it has helped her family and clients. The conversation also explores the role of nutrition, stress, and the nervous system in managing perimenopause symptoms. Amanda provides practical advice for moms in their late thirties and early forties to embrace and navigate this new season with grace and health. The episode aims to empower women by offering alternative approaches to hormonal health and emphasizing the importance of listening to their bodies.

00:00 Welcome to the Mommin' Together Podcast

00:30 Introduction to Perimenopause and Homeopathy

01:31 Meet Amanda Edgell: Homeopathic Practitioner

03:56 Understanding Homeopathy and Hormone Balance

06:45 Common Perimenopause Symptoms and Misdiagnoses

09:38 Navigating Perimenopause with Homeopathy

17:03 The Role of Stress and Emotional Health

22:00 Hormone Replacement Therapy vs. Homeopathy

26:53 Understanding Homeopathy for Women's Health

27:33 Long-term Health Risks During Perimenopause

28:52 Progesterone and Homeopathy

32:48 Using Oils and Homeopathy Together

35:52 Embracing Perimenopause as a New Season

36:56 Managing Hot Flashes and Nutrition Tips

40:57 Motherhood Advice for Perimenopausal Women

45:03 Connecting with Practical Wellness Community

48:02 Conclusion and Encouragement

Connect with Amanda: 

Amanda Edgell is a homeopath and holistic practitioner passionate about helping women and families feel confident caring for their health naturally. Through Practical Wellness, she provides education, community, and one-on-one consulting rooted in whole-person wellness.

Join Amanda’s Practical Wellness Homeopathy Community (first month free)

https://practical-wellness-community.mn.co/plans/1906634?bundle_token=86c2b46972070f8e851747bf661e77eb&utm_source=manual

Book a Session with Amanda:

https://practicalwellnessllc.practicebetter.io/#/657a14b68a7301b39eb9cb21/bookings

Resources:

The Hormone Repair Manual by Dr. Lara Briden

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

Every Moment Holy, Volume 1 by Douglas Kaine McKelvey

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together

@Michelle_Barnett_

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠

The Surprising History of Christmas: Uncovering the Origins of our Traditions

In this episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett is joined by Chastity Jameson, host of the Ancient Conspiracies podcast, to explore the surprising pagan roots of modern Christmas traditions. The episode dives into the historical origins of Santa Claus, December 25th as a significant date, and various Christmas practices like Christmas trees and gift-giving. They discuss how these elements were woven into Christian celebrations and offer perspectives for believers on how to navigate this information. By examining these traditions, they aim to encourage listeners to align their celebrations more closely with their faith.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:23 Unveiling the Origins of Modern Christmas

01:57 The Surprising History of Santa Claus

03:45 The Pagan Roots of Christmas Traditions

07:27 The Influence of Coca-Cola on Santa Claus

11:46 The True Date of Jesus' Birth

22:32 The Feast of Tabernacles and Jesus' Birth

28:04 Connecting Ancient Traditions to Modern Celebrations

30:08 Pagan Origins of Christmas Traditions

33:29 Christian Adaptation of Pagan Customs

34:44 Medieval and Modern Influences on Christmas

37:04 Personal Reflections on Celebrating Christmas

37:24 Encouragement for Believers

40:47 Balancing Traditions and Faith

44:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

50:19 Connecting with the Speaker

Connect with Chasity:

Bio: Chasity Jameson is a wife, a mom, a gardener, a chicken lady, and a beekeeper... with a passion for biblical history that decided, one day, to turn it into a podcast. The Ancient Conspiracies Podcast connects everyday conspiracies to biblical history. It also brings a biblical perspective to esoteric topics that aren't often discussed in church.

Website: www.ancientconspiracies.com

FB/Instagram/Truth Social: @ancientconspiracies

Ancient Conspiracies Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5kPqRmYHBf1TB2KWxIux8h?si=d46874cf4c314e96

Ancient Conspiracies Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ancient-conspiracies/id1644256511

RESOURCES:

Ancient Conspiracies Episode 15: The Pagan Origins of Christmas https://open.spotify.com/episode/3xfHwh1hrufQAUYup8vllr?si=9qqtZIztRqWeuMIcatF5gw

Ancient Conspiracies Episode 8: The Pagan Roots of Halloween https://spotify.link/JMUX7fA7sXb

Mommin' Together Episode 27: Should Christians Celebrate Halloween: A Thoughtful Approach to Halloween for Christian Moms https://open.spotify.com/episode/1aem93uVFXowll7SxXYw0b?si=65hAXmgMRRW1JSEOXh8UNw

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/⁠

@Michelle_Barnett_ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/⁠

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠

The Trauma-Health Connection Every Mom Should Know - The Surprising Ways Trauma Lives in the Body

In this episode of the Mommin Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett welcomes guest Kimball, who shares her powerful journey of overcoming deep physical and emotional pain linked to unresolved trauma. Kimball discusses her upbringing in a Mormon household, her lifetime of health challenges including anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal issues, and autoimmune disorders, and her eventual path to miraculous healing through faith and holistic practices. Key topics include the impact of stress on physical health, the power of EMDR therapy, the importance of foundational health habits, and how God can bring full restoration to body, mind, and spirit. This deeply encouraging conversation offers hope to those navigating similar struggles and emphasizes the importance of community and faith in the journey to wellness.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:19 Introducing Today's Topic and Guest

01:29 Kimball's Background and Health Journey

04:07 Linking Health Issues to Trauma

08:42 The Turning Point: Diagnosis and Faith

11:14 Living with Addison's Disease

15:54 The Role of Faith and Family

20:01 Realizing the Trauma Connection

22:49 A Spiritual Awakening

24:01 Understanding the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection

24:37 The Role of EMDR Therapy

28:52 Healing Through Faith and Nutrition

29:49 Personal Testimonies of Healing

35:12 Practical Advice for Moms

42:26 Sharing Your Story with Your Children

43:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Kimball: 

Kimball is a Certified Functional Nutritionist, Certified Holistic Health Coach, and is in the midst of getting a certification as a Naturopathic Practitioner. She teaches nutrition and culinary arts at a private Christian school. She and her husband have 4 children- two in high school and two in college. Their oldest son is married. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimballdyoung/

Resources:

The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. https://amzn.to/3MyJJTw

EMDR Therapy Explained

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together

@Michelle_Barnett_

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠

Mom Burnout Is Real: Early Signs, Practical Tools & How to Heal

In this episode of the Mommin Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett welcomes Elizabeth Guess, a life coach who specializes in helping women transition from burnout to breakthrough. They discuss what burnout looks like for moms, how to recognize the early signs, and practical ways to restore peace, purpose, and joy in motherhood and marriage. Elizabeth shares her journey from teaching to life coaching, emphasizing the importance of community, self-care, and intimate connection in overcoming burnout. The conversation also covers how to manage expectations, stay regulated, and create sustainable change through small, consistent actions.

00:00 Welcome to the Mommin Together Podcast

00:29 Introducing Elizabeth: From Burnout to Breakthrough

01:28 Elizabeth's Journey: From Teaching to Life Coaching

06:45 The Invisible Load of Motherhood

10:07 Recognizing and Addressing Burnout

13:29 Practical Steps to Combat Burnout

21:26 Balancing Family and Personal Well-being

26:38 Protecting Your Marriage from Burnout

28:04 Embracing Vulnerability in Marriage

28:42 The Importance of Scheduled Intimacy

31:13 Managing Expectations in Relationships

34:24 Overcoming Guilt and Perfectionism

40:31 The Power of Self-Care for Moms

43:34 Building and Maintaining Female Friendships

48:52 Achieving Sustainable Breakthroughs

55:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Elizabeth Guess:

Email: [email protected]

Listener Offer: 

Get a free 20 minute connection call for (women & teen girls) who want to explore what working together could look like. Email Elizabeth to set that up and mention Mommin’ Together podcast.

About Elizabeth:

Elizabeth Guess is a Certified Professional Life Coach (CPC, ICF accredited), born and raised in Austin, Texas, and a proud Texas A&M Aggie. She is a wife to Taylor, an adoptive mom, and a mom of three. Before becoming a coach she built and led a large international sales organization of more than 30,000 women in the social selling space and held the top title for 14 years. That experience gives her a unique blend of business strategy, leadership development, identity work, and real-life experience in motivating women through seasons of expansion, transition, and overwhelm. Today she coaches women and teenage girls one-on-one, helping them move from burnout to breakthrough in motherhood, marriage, identity, and purpose. She also loves to help her clients navigate tricky relationships. She serves locally on the Young Life Committee and is passionate about helping women stop trying to make everyone else happy and start living in alignment with who God created them to be.

Resources: 

Book: Think Like a Monk - Jay Shetty

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: ⁠@Mommin_Together ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/⁠

@Michelle_Barnett_ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/⁠

Join our ⁠Mommin’ Together Facebook Community⁠: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993⁠

When Birth Doesn’t Go As Planned: My Birth Trauma Story

In this episode of the Mommin Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett shares her personal experience with birth trauma and the unexpected challenges she faced during the birth and delivery of her second child, Eli. Michelle offers a real, raw, and vulnerable account of her journey, from planning a home water birth to dealing with a breech position that resulted in an emergency C-section. Throughout, she emphasizes the importance of community, faith, and trusting God's plan, even when things don't go as intended. Michelle also provides valuable insights for other mothers dealing with similar situations, including tips on processing birth trauma and finding support. Join Michelle as she navigates the complexities of motherhood with grace and resilience.

00:00 Welcome to the Mommin Together Podcast

00:22 Sharing My Birth Trauma Experience

01:24 A Special Scripture and Its Significance

03:13 The Unexpected Breech Discovery

11:10 Labor and the Emergency C-Section

18:53 Reflecting on the Birth and Moving Forward

23:16 Encouragement and Community Support

24:40 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Resources:

Breech Birth Episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7hFfohuuTVYFeTWVrhcD4r?si=3jvncZXiTZ29L19eehA-Ww

Breech Birth Episode on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mommin-together/id1787094979?i=1000686736292

Fast Recovery C-section: https://chatgpt.com/s/t_69149a4780708191b578b8b14ebacf71

Mom Friendly C-section (Gentle C-section): https://www.thebump.com/a/gentle-c-section

Connect with Michelle: 

Instagram: @Mommin_Together https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/

@Michelle_Barnett_ https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/

Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993

Equipping Christian Parents for ‘The Talk’: Puberty, Sex, Identity and Parenting Teens with Dr. Alyson Denson

In this episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett interviews Dr. Alyson Denson, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of 'The Talk'. They discuss the importance of parents having crucial conversations with their children about puberty, sex, and identity from a biblical perspective. Dr. Denson shares her journey, her program's structure, and valuable tips for parents to approach these topics. The discussion addresses elements such as hygiene, mental health, social media, and the integration of spirituality in understanding bodily changes. They also provide insights on managing technology and overcoming resistance to these conversations.

00:00 Welcome to the Mommin' Together Podcast

00:21 Introducing Dr. Alyson Denson and The Talk Program

01:46 Dr. Denson's Personal and Professional Journey

04:59 The Biggest Mistakes Parents Make

06:05 The Inspiration Behind The Talk

08:45 Who is The Talk For?

15:17 Structure of The Talk Seminar

23:06 Integrating a Biblical Worldview on Sexuality

28:51 The Importance of Positive Conversations About Sex

29:37 Concrete Takeaways for Parents

31:31 Addressing Pornography with Teens

34:01 Managing Technology and Social Media

39:58 Encouraging Open Communication

44:30 Booking and Hosting 'The Talk'

50:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Book Dr. Denson on her Website: TheTalkbyDenson.com 

Instagram TheTALKbyDenson

⁠thetalkbydenson.com/resources

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together https://www.instagram.com/mommin_together/

@Michelle_Barnett_ https://www.instagram.com/michelle_barnett_/

Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1484794095771993