MyMaine Birth

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What if your birth experience could be as instinctual and serene as the natural world that surrounds us? Join me in this final episode of Season 2 as Nicole shares her profound journey of free birthing as a first time mother in the tranquil landscape of Maine, inspired by a remarkable ocean birth video that set her on this increasingly traveled path. 

With each contraction and spiritual realization, she embraced the power of wild pregnancy, choosing to trust her body over the typical medical management norms.  Nicole's story of delivering her son at her family camp in Unity, Maine, unveils the beauty and power found in unassisted birth, also known as just - normal birth.  

Throughout this episode, we explore the intricate dance between fear and claiming your power while taking full responsibility for your own baby and body in prenatal care, as she recounts her path of prioritizing self-care and holistic approaches over traditional medical procedures. 

With the support of Anna Fox, a dedicated birth keeper, along with resources from the Free Birth Society such as their Complete Guide to FreeBirth - childbirth education course, her and her husband prepared for an unmedicated home birth. This journey wasn't just physical but a spiritual one, where she learned to embrace every anxious moment and prodromal labor sign as part of her readiness for the transformative experience of childbirth.

As the narrative unfolds, Nicole finds herself immersed in the raw and intimate moments of labor and postpartum recovery.  Her husband's unwavering support and the spiritual connections formed during labor were a crucial aspect to this life-changing event. 

The postpartum phase brought its own set of challenges and joys, as she adjusted to life with a newborn and celebrated the freedom to birth naturally.  Sharing about her experience highlights the inspiration to trust your body and consider the power that can come from embracing the wild, natural process of childbirth.

Nicole shared her story with me just one week postpartum, and the joy and awe are very fresh for her in this episode!  You won't want to miss it.  

MyMaine Birth is a space where we share the real life stories of families and their unique birth experiences in the beautiful state of Maine.  From our state's biggest hospitals to birth center births and home births, every birth story deserves to be heard and celebrated.  Whether you are a soon to be mom, a seasoned mother, or simply interested in the world of birth, these episodes are for you!

If you're interested in birth photography and doula support for your upcoming birth, head over to my website https://www.mymainebirth.com

Send me a message to inquire about your due date!

Thank you again for tuning in and I look forward to bringing you more amazing birth stories.  Don't forget to subscribe and leave me a review!

Season 2 is coming to an end with this episode but stay tuned for Season 3 coming in January 2025!

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What if you could embrace the idea of birth as a transformational power rather than a medical event?  Join me as Kiley, a returning guest, shares her third birth story, filled with intuition, and power.

To hear the first part of Kiley's story, check out Episode 28 of MyMaine Birth. 

Listen in to this episode as Kiley recounts the memorable way she revealed her pregnancy and the challenges they faced together, including balancing medical reassurance with their desire for an unassisted birth experience.

Hear about Kiley's decision to have an unassisted home birth, emphasizing trust and patience in the physiological process of birth as cornerstones of her journey.

Experience the essence of an unassisted home birth through Kiley's narrative, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment and the freedom it offers. As she touches on postpartum recovery, we discuss the benefits of family support, delayed cord clamping, and holistic health practices. Learn how these elements contributed to a positive postpartum journey, making the transition into motherhood smoother and more fulfilling.

MyMaine Birth is a space where we share the real life stories of families and their unique birth experiences in the beautiful state of Maine.  From our state's biggest hospitals to birth center birrths and home births, every birth story deserves to be heard and celebrated.  Whether you are a soon to be mom, a seasoned mother, or simply interested in the world of birth, these episodes are for you!

If you're interested in birth photography or doula support for your upcoming birth, head over to my website https://www.mymainebirth.com  

Send me a message to inquire about your due date.

Thank you for tuning in and I look forward to bringing you more amazing birth stories.  Don't forget to subscribe and leave me a review!  

Season 2 is coming to an end with Episode 100 but stay tuned for Season 3 coming in January 2025! 

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What happens when a mother chooses a path less traveled in her pregnancy journey and claims her full power in childbirth?

Join me for an eye-opening episode as we explore Rendalyn's powerful, story.  From the surprises faced during her unexpected induction during her first birth experience at a Birth Center, to Rendalyn's inspiring free birth experience in Presque Isle, her story captures the resilience and adaptability that define the remarkable journey of childbirth. 

The episode also peers into the world of wild pregnancies, where choosing a natural path leads to both poignant losses and empowering insights.

Reflecting on these varied experiences, Rendalyn opens up about postpartum journeys, the autonomy of free birthing, and the importance of support systems. We discuss the emotions that follow childbirth, the highs and lows of recovery, and how sharing these stories not only strengthen the families involved but also inspires listeners to trust and embrace their own unique birthing journeys.

Whether you're preparing for parenthood or are just intrigued by powerful birth stories, this episode offers valuable perspectives and celebrates the strength found in embracing the unknown.

MyMaine Birth is a space where we share the real life stories of families and their unique birth experiences in the beautiful state of Maine.  From our state's biggest hospitals to birth center births and home births, every birth story deserves to be heard and celebrated.  Whether you are a soon to be mom, a seasoned mother, or simply interested in the world of birth, these episodes are for you!

If you're interested in birth photography or doula support for your upcoming birth, head over to my website https://www.mymainebirth.com 
Shot me a message to inquire about your due date.  

Thank you for tuning in and I look forward to bringing you more amazing birth stories.  Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Season 2 is coming to an end with Episode 100 but stay tuned for Season 3 coming in January! 

Send us a text

Imagine being told you might never have children at a young age, and then you grow up and find yourself pregnant. This is the raw and inspiring journey of Desiree, who, against odds, embarked on the path to motherhood. Join us as Desiree shares the rollercoaster of emotions and the unwavering support she received from her partner, James, her mother, and the incredible team at Northern Lights Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine, as she navigated a high-risk pregnancy with remarkable resilience.

Throughout her pregnancy, Desiree faced significant challenges, including a subchorionic hematoma that threatened to derail her hopes of carrying her baby to term. She candidly accounts these daunting moments, balanced with the exceptional care and reassurance offered by her medical providers. We also explore how Desiree prepared for childbirth utilizing hypnobirthing techniques, building her confidence and overcoming fears as she anticipated the arrival of her daughter, Ivy.

But the journey never ends with birth. Desiree emphasizes the transformative power of postpartum support and community resources, such as Birth Roots classes and The Postpartum Project, which aim to provide invaluable assistance to new mothers. Through her story, Desiree highlights the importance of advocating for your wishes, finding your voice as a parent, and the crucial role of a support system in creating a positive parenting experience. Whether you're a parent, expecting, or simply moved by stories of resilience, this episode offers heartfelt insights and invaluable resources for navigating the journey of parenthood.

If you're looking to connect with The Postpartum Project you can find them on facebook or instagram https://www.instagram.com/_thepostpartumproject/
You can head to their website by clicking here https://postpartumproject.me/
Email - [email protected]

MyMaine Birth is a space where we share the real life stories of families and their unique birth experiences in the beautiful state of Maine.  From our state's biggest hospitals to birth center births, and home births, every birth story deserves to be heard and celebrated.  Whether you are a soon to be mom, a seasoned mother, or simply interested in the world of birth, these episodes are for you.

If you're interested in birth photography or doula support for your upcoming birth, head over to my website https://www.mymainebirth.com and send me a message to inqure about your due date.

Thank you for tuning in and I look forward to bringing you more amazing birth stories.  Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!  

I'll see you back here again, next week.  

Send us a text

Leah's story is one of resilience, courage, and the power of hope as she navigates what she was told was a high-risk pregnancy. 

Despite being told from a young ages that she might not conceive due to PCOS, after a recent gastric sleeve surgery, Leah found herself expecting. 

Join me in this episode as she shares her experience of feeling forced to deliver at Maine Medical Center, confronting past traumas associated with this hospital, and the difficult choices faced when your birth plan is no longer your own.

Leah's childbirth journey takes a dramatic turn when her newborn, starts experiencing seizures just hours after being born.  Leah details the emotional and physical toll of navigating the NICU and the medical interventions, including phenobarbital  to sedate her newborn and try to stop the seizures. 

This episode paints a vivid picture of the harrowing hours spent watching over her newborn, the anxiety of seeing her connected to monitors, and the incredible fortitude of a mother fighting for her child's well-being amidst the uncertainty of perinatal strokes and the unknown potential for long-term implications.

Amidst the chaos, Leah found solace and strength at the Ronald McDonald House, allowing her to be near her daughter during her hospital stay.  Through her candor about postpartum anxiety and proactive steps in seeking therapies for her daughter, Leah's journey offers a powerful testament to maternal strength.

Her story encourages a conversation about the necessity of medical interventions, and whether or not her daughters seizures were caused by the induction medications themselves, or the aggressive use of the forceps during delivery.


 

MyMaine Birth, a space where we share the real life stories of families and their unique birth experiences in the beautiful state of Maine.  From our state’s biggest hospitals to Birth Center Births, and home births, every birth story deserves to be heard and celebrated.  Whether you are a soon to be mom, a seasoned mother, or simply interested in the world of birth, these episodes are for you.

If you're interested in Birth Photography or Doula Support for your upcoming birth, head over to my website https://www.mymainebirth.com

Don't miss - Birth Plan Essentials, a FREE workshop where I help you create your own personalized birth plan, hosted at the Old Town Public Library from 11am - noon on  November 23, and December 14.  You can register HERE   https://mymainebirth.myflodesk.com/birthplanessentials

Don't miss - Birth Bliss: Embracing Knowledge as Power for Your Natural Birth, enrollment is now OPEN for this 3 part, in-person comprehensive natural childbirth education course hosted by myself and fellow childbirth educator Katie Stroud.
   
Birth Bliss is designed to guide you in claiming your power on your birth journey, you'll develop a deep understanding of birth physiology, variations of normal and true emergencies, as well as techniques for relaxation and navigating and eliminating fears.  Learn about how to create your optimal support team, set up for a blissful postpartum, breastfeeding, early mothering... and so much more! 

Whether you are birthing at a Hospital, a birth center, or at home - Birth Bliss is designed to support you every step of the way! 

Birth Bliss is hosted at Mainely Succulents in Orono on October 27, November 3, and November 10th from 9am - 11am. 

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Have you ever questioned the conventional norms of childbirth and wondered about embracing a more natural approach?

Join me in this episode as we reconnect with Katie Stroud, my dear friend, inspiring fellow childbirth educator, and co-creatrix of Birth Bliss.   

Katie shares her transformative journey, influenced by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it led her to explore the philosophy of sovereign birth during her second pregnancy and now again in her current pregnancy.

Together, we introduce our exciting new collaboration, Birth Bliss, a comprehensive childbirth education course designed to guide you on your journey to pursuing a natural and undisturbed birth experience, regardless of the setting.

This episode, and our Birth Bliss course, isn't just about the mechanics of childbirth; it’s a deep exploration of the emotional and physical journey that comes with it.

Whether you're about to have your first child or are on a subsequent pregnancy, our conversation and our Birth Bliss Childbirth Education Course offers valuable perspectives and heartfelt encouragement for those considering a natural birth approach.

MyMaine Birth is a space where we share the real life stories of familes and their unique birth experiences in the beautiful state of Maine.  From our state's biggest hospitals to birth center births, and home births - every birth story deserves to be heard and celebrated.  Whether you are a soon to be mom, a seasoned mother, or simply interested in the world of birth - these episodes are for you.

Thank you again for listening, don't forget to subscribe and leave me a review - and I'll see you back here again next week!

Enrollment for Birth Bliss is Now OPEN - Save Your Spot & Embrace Knowledge as Power for Your Natural Birth

October 27, November 2, and November 10
9am - 11am

Lead by Childbirth Educators Katie Stroud and Angela Laferriere
Location: Mainely Succulents, Orono Maine
Register: HERE


Birth Plan Essentials - A FREE Workshop where I walk you through all of the intracacies of creating your own personalized Birth Plan.

October 12, November 23, & December 14  from 11am - Noon
Location: Old Town Public Library

Register: HERE

Send us a text

Bekah's story is an emotional journey of unexpected challenges and resilience, tracing her path from a bustling life in California to her new beginnings in Maine.

After meeting her fiancé, Logan, Becca shares the ebbs and flows of her pregnancy, including her initial birthing plans and the eventual decision to deliver at Maine General Hospital.

Bekah's experience takes an intense turn at 39 weeks when a scheduled appointment revealed preeclampsia, leading to an unplanned labor induction. She candidly discusses the highs and lows of this unexpected path, including opting for an epidural and facing moments of insensitivity from medical staff.

The story continues into the postpartum phase, where Becca confronts birth trauma, breastfeeding struggles, and the emotional intricacies of early parenthood.

Her reflections offer heartfelt advice for new parents, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's instincts and ensuring open communication with healthcare providers. Tune in for a story that is both a testament to resilience and a source of guidance for those embarking on their own birthing journeys.

MyMaine Birth is a space where we share the real life stories of families and their unique birth experiences in the beautiful state of Maine.  From our state's biggest hospitals to birth center births, and home births, every birth story deserves to be heard and celebrated.  Whether you are a soon to be mom, a seasoned mother, or simply interested in the world of birth, these episodes are for you. 

Thank you for listening, don't forget to subscribe and leave me a review - and I'll see you back here again next week!

To sign up for a Birth Healing Session with me click HERE

Enrollment for Birth Bliss is now OPEN - Save Your Spot & Embrace Knowledge as Power For Your Natural Birth

October 27, November 2, & November 10 from 9am - 11am
Lead by Childbirth Educators Katie Stroud and Angela Laferriere
Location:  Mainely Succulents in Orono, Maine


Birth Plan Essentials - A FREE Workshop where I walk you through all of the intracacies of creating your own personalized Birth Plan.

October 12, November 23, & December 14  from 11am - Noon
Location: Old Town Public Library
RSVP to Birth Plan Essentials FREE Workshop by clicking HERE

And Click HERE for instant access to MyAutonomous Birth the comprehensive online, self-paced, child birth education course that I created specifically for mom's who  don't want to be told what to do.  If this is you, and you are desiring a hands off hospital birth, powerful birth center birth, or even a birth with a homebirth midwife, this course is for you!  

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Join me in Episode 93 of MyMaine Birth  as Emily shares her raw and emotional story of navigating motherhood with her boyfriend Curtis.  Discover how she found out she was pregnant while on birth control and the prenatal care she received from Intermed in Portland, Maine.  Emily’s narrative takes a dramatic shift at the 36th week with concerns over preeclampsia, leading to an unplanned induction immediately following her 37 week appointment at Maine Medical Center. 

Through her experiences, Emily underscores the crucial need for being informed and proactive about medical decisions during pregnancy. 

Emily’s labor and delivery journey is a testament to resilience amidst adversity. Learn about the early labor coping techniques like warm water and breathing, the decision to opt for an epidural after over 24 hours of intense Pitocin contractions, and the emotional rollercoaster of having her baby’s heart rate plummet several times after medication was started to induce labor early.  Emily vividly recounts the harrowing moments of her son, Lincoln, being born blue and unresponsive, which was handled by immediately cutting the cord and removing her baby to the NICU.   Emily also shares about Curtis's unwavering support and the profound emotional impact of her initial separation from Lincoln which highlights the stark realities of childbirth complications during highly managed birth experiences, and their long-lasting effects.

After facing a traumatic birth, Emily’s path to healing was paved with sleepless nights, anxiety, and significant challenges such as a car accident that exacerbated her struggles.  Therapy became a beacon of hope, helping her process the trauma and regain her emotional footing.  Emily candidly discusses the importance of validating one’s emotions, seeking community support, and trusting maternal instincts. 

Join me for an episode filled with heartache, hope, and practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of pregnancy and childbirth.

MyMaine Birth is a space where we share the real life stories of families and their unique birth experiences in the beautiful state of Maine.  From our state’s biggest hospitals to Birth Center Births, and home births, every birth story deserves to be heard and celebrated.  Whether you are a soon to be mom, a seasoned mother, or simply interested in the world of birth, these episodes are for you.

Thank you for tuning in and listening, don't forget to subscribe and leave me a review - and I'll see you back here again next week!


To sign up for a Birth Healing Session with me click HERE


Enrollment for Birth Bliss is now OPEN  - Save Your Spot today to Embrace Knowledge as Power for Your Natural Birth
October 27, November 3, November 10 from 9am - 11am 
Lead By ChildBirth Educators Katie Stroud and Angela Laferriere
Hosted at Mainely Succulents in Orono, Maine


Birth Plan Essentials - a FREE workshop where I walk you through all of the intricacies of creating your own personalized Birth Plan
October 14, November 23, December 14  11am - Noon
Lead by Angela Laferriere
Hosted at the Old Town Public Library
RSVP to Birth Plan Essentials HERE


And click HERE for MyAutonomousBirth the comprehensive online child birth education course that I designed specifically for mom's who don't want to be told what to do.  If you are desiring a Hands Off Hospital Birth - prepare yourself for that, with

Send us a text

In episode 92 of MyMaine Birth we hear from Christi as she shares her journey through pregnancy, labor, and the birth of her son, Oscar.  I had the incredible honor of being Christi's fly-on-the-wall-birth-photographer, so I'm SUPER excited she is here to share her story with you all today! 

Christi shares how the trust she built with her healthcare team at Intermed and Maine Medical Center guided her through pivotal decisions during her birth process.

Her story underscores the critical role of being informed and confident in your choices during childbirth.

Christi recounts her discovery of pregnancy, her active lifestyle, and dedication to educational resources.  Listen as Christi reveals the heartfelt moment she shared the pregnancy news with her husband and her decision to opt for a hospital birth for her own added peace of mind.

As labor approached, Christi’s thorough preparation continued to play a crucial role.  We explore her birth plan, which included a heat pad, TENS machine, comb, and hypno-birthing techniques.

Christi also opens up about the benefits of hiring a birth photographer, for capturing the raw and emotional moments leading up to and following Oscar's birth.

Her candid reflections offer invaluable insights and serve as a testament to the power of well-laid plans and supportive partnerships in creating a positive birth experience.

MyMaine Birth, a space where we share the real life stories of families and their unique birth experiences in the beautiful state of Maine.  From our state’s biggest hospitals to Birth Center Births, and home births, every birth story deserves to be heard and celebrated.  Whether you are a soon to be mom, a seasoned mother, or simply interested in the world of birth, these episodes are for you.

If you're interested in Birth Photography or Doula Support for your upcoming birth, head over to my website https://www.mymainebirth.com

Don't miss - Birth Plan Essentials, a FREE workshop where I help you create your own personalized birth plan, hosted at the Old Town Public Library from 11am - noon on September 21, October 12, November 23, and December 14.  You can register HERE - https://mymainebirth.myflodesk.com/birthplanessentials

Don't miss - Birth Bliss, Embracing Knowledge as Power for Your Natural Birth: enrollment is now OPEN for this 3 part, in-person comprehensive natural childbirth education course hosted by myself and fellow childbirth educator Katie Stroud.
   
Birth Bliss is designed to guide you in claiming your power on your birth journey, you'll develop a deep understanding of birth physiology, variations of normal and true emergencies, as well as techniques for relaxation and navigating and eliminating fears.  Learn about how to create your optimal support team, set up for a blissful postpartum, breastfeeding, early mothering... and so much more! 

Whether you are birthing at a Hospital, a birth center, or at home - Birth Bliss is designed to support you every step of the way! 

Birth Bliss is hosted at Mainely Succulents in Orono on October 27, November 3, and November 10th from 9am - 11am.  At the end of our last class you'll create a succulent birth arrangement to take with you.   Enrollment is only $129 and we have payment plans available!  Space is limited, save your spot today!  

Sign Up HERE  https://www.mymainebirth.com/

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Welcome to Episode 91 of MyMaine Birth, I can’t believe we’re almost at 100 episodes!  Thank you so much to all of you who have supported me through this really incredible journey of collecting and publishing Birth Stories from across Maine and to all of you who have offered to share your own birth story on the podcast, it literally wouldn’t be possible without you... so Thank You!   

For those of you who might not know, all of my guests on the podcast also receive a gift certificate for a family photo session with me, it is good for a family adventure photo session on the session day of your choice - I host session days for my podcast guests at iconic locations across Maine in the spring, summer and fall.  This gift certificate covers the session fee completely and includes 5 of your favorite digital images from the session.  I still have some openings for this fall, if you have been a guest on the podcast and haven’t chosen your date yet or if you have any interest in sharing your birth story, there’s still time to get in and claim your incredible fall photo session. 

If you’re interested in sharing your birth story on the podcast, fill out the form on the podcast page over on my website  https://www.mymainebirth.com/mymainebirth

Have you ever faced the whirlwind of emotions that come with pregnancy during a pandemic? In this episode Faith share's her intimate journey through prenatal care at Coastal Women's Healthcare in Scarborough. From the solitude of attending appointments alone to the tough decision to decline the COVID vaccine despite medical advice, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on the empowerment that comes with making informed choices for the wellbeing of yourself and your baby.

Faith's story is one of meticulous planning and proactive care, despite the hurdles posed by COVID-19. She opens up about her preconception efforts, detailed cycle tracking, and the pressures surrounding the COVID vaccine. Her experiences offer valuable lessons and a sense of camaraderie for expectant mothers and those on the journey to parenthood. Faith's narrative is a testament to the resilience and strength of mothers navigating pregnancy during uncertain times.

She recounts the physical and emotional rollercoaster of being induced at nearly 42 weeks.  From the initial hesitation to the relief of a smooth delivery, her story captures the highs and lows of childbirth and the postpartum journey. Her husband Patrick's unwavering support, from nutritious meals to nighttime feedings, played a critical role in easing postpartum challenges, especially with anxiety. She offer's heartfelt advice to new and expecting parents on trusting their instincts and finding joy in the unique path of parenthood.

You can connect with Faith on instagram to follow along and learn about kid friendly adventures in Central Maine   https://www.instagram.com/meblueberriesforlucy/

MyMaine Birth is a space where we share the real life stories of families and their unique birth experiences in the beautiful state of Maine.  From our state's biggest hospitals to Birth Center Births, and home births, every birth story deserves to be heard and celebrated.  Whether you're a soon to be mom, a seasoned mother, or simply interested in the world of birth, these episodes are for you. 

If you're interested in Doula Support or Birth Photography for your upcoming Birth, head over to my website to inquire about your due date.
https://www.mymainebirth.com

You can also connect with me on Instagram by clicking HERE - https://www.instagram.com