MyMaine Birth

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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

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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

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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

Send us a text

Unlock the secrets to better pelvic health with Dr. Emily Wilson of Pelvic Wisdom Physical Therapy.  Emily shares her compelling journey into pelvic floor therapy, starting from an unexpected discovery during her education, to becoming a passionate advocate for personalized care. Learn about the transformative power of pelvic floor therapy, especially during pregnancy, conception, and postpartum care, and how it can radically improve your well-being.

Discover why Emily emphasizes the importance of relaxation and breath work in preparing your pelvic floor for labor. She explains how stress and tension in the sacrum and pelvic floor can lead to discomfort, and how personalized assessments can make all the difference.  Emily also sheds light on postpartum healing practices, including the closing of the bones ceremony and methods to address diastasis recti.  Get practical advice and holistic support tips that can help new mothers feel balanced and comfortable in their bodies again.

Finally, explore the deep impact of birth trauma and the importance of healing for the entire family. Emily offers insightful techniques like meditative practices and scar tissue work to help mothers reclaim and rewrite their birth stories. Learn about the hands-on, patient-centered services provided by Dr. Wilson at Pelvic Wisdom Physical Therapy and find out how to connect with her for future classes focused on embodiment and pleasure as medicine. Whether in-person or virtual, her holistic approach blends energetic and somatic trauma work with physical therapy for comprehensive care.

You can connect with Dr. Emily Wilson through her website by clicking here:   https://www.pelvicwisdom.com/

Or over on Instagram by clicking here:   https://www.instagram.com/pelvic_wisdom/?hl=en

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 message me over on instagram by clicking here:  https://www.instagram.com/mymainebirth

Birth Plan Essentials - September 21, 2024  11am- noon - Join me for a Free Workshop, hosted each month for the rest of this year at the Old Town Public Library.  

In this workshop we dive into the intricacies of creating your own personalized birth plan, and how to navigate the decision making process with confidence and clarity.  

We cover ALL of your options including - general labor options, variations of normal, induction and augmentation options, comfort measures and medical pain relief options that may be available to you, the second stage and pushing options, the third stage and immediate postpartum options, uncommon labor complications and so, so much more...  I literally cover every single thing that could come up for you, so don't miss out!

I plan to host these for free once a month until the end of this year at the Old Town Public Library.  The next one is on Saturday September 21, from 11am to noon.

As a special gift, you'll receive a complimentary template to help you craft your ideal birth plan - whether you're planning to birth in the hospital, at a birth

Send us a text

Join me as we uncover the emotional rollercoaster of twin pregnancies and an unexpected, and coerced C-section.  Crystal opens up about her scheduled C-section, exposing the fears and confusion that led to her decision and expressing her regret over not being fully informed. Her honest account highlights the critical need for thorough childbirth education and unwavering support during these pivotal moments.

Crystal Chapman brings us into her life-changing journey of an unexpected twin pregnancy when she was 20 years old, recounting the myriad of emotions from the first ultrasound to the preterm birth of her twins at 34 weeks. Her story sheds light on the often-overlooked, and in some cases pharmaceutically induced, mental health challenges that arise during such times and the profound impact of preterm labor. Listen as she navigates the trials of NICU stays, postpartum health battles, and the relentless task of managing neonatal care for her preemies.

This episode doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities: the emotional toll of NICU stays, the physical recovery from C-sections performed at a teaching hospital, and the mental exhaustion that accompanies such trials. Crystal's experiences underscore the importance of informed decision-making, robust support systems, and the incredible strength required to face unexpected medical hurdles in motherhood. Tune in to hear her powerful narrative and the valuable lessons she's learned on her path to recovery and resilience.

Crystal is also a photographer based out of Newry, Maine.  Her business is Evergreen Imagery Me, she loves photographing maternity, lifestyle newborn and family photography in the beautiful mountains in western Maine.  You can connect with her by clicking here https://www.instagram.com/evergreen.imagery.me/ 

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 Doula support or Birth Photography for your upcoming birth, head over to my website head over to my website to inquire about your due date. 
https://www.mymainebirth.com 

You can also message me over on instagram by clicking here: https://www.instagram.com/mymainebirth/

I want to share about a free workshop I’m hosting called Birth Plan Essentials   In this workshop we're going to be diving into the intricacies of creating your own personalized birth plan, and how to navigate the decision making process with confidence and clarity.  
We will cover ALL of your options including - general labor options, variations of normal, induction and augmentation options, comfort measures and medical pain relief, the second stage and pushing options, the third stage and immediate postpartum options, the breakdown on all of the newborn tests and procedures, the cesarean options, uncommon labor complications and so, so much more… we literally cover every single thing that could come up for you, so don’t miss out… 

I’m going to be hosting these for free each month until the end of the year at the Old Town Public Library.   The next one is on Saturday September 21, from 11am to noon.   

As a special gift, you’ll receive a complimentary template to help you craft your ideal birth plan - whether you’re planning to birth in the hospital , at a birth center, or even at home - ensuring that your wishes are clearly communicated to your birth tea

Send us a text

Katie's path to motherhood is fraught with heartache and hope, from the devastating loss of her first pregnancy at 16.5 weeks to enduring four more miscarriages before successfully carrying her daughter, Fiona. She shares the emotional turmoil of each loss and the daunting task of finding the right OB-GYN in Maine, shedding light on the importance of patient advocacy and support in navigating high-risk pregnancies. Her story is a testament to the strength and perseverance required to face such trials and emerge with a family of four children.

Katie discusses the psychological hurdles of surpassing previous loss milestones, the pressures of medical interventions, and the surprise of a naturally onset labor despite planned inductions. Her candid recollections of labor pains on Pitocin, the challenges of birthing plans, and the joy of finally holding her newborns highlight the raw and transformative experience of childbirth. 

Join me in celebrating Katie's journey and the lessons she imparts on finding strength and support in the face of adversity.

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.  

Are you interested in Doula Support or Birth Photography for your upcoming birth?  Head over to my website to inqure about your due date.  

https://www.mymainebirth.com

Thank you again for tuning in and I look forward to bring you more amazing birth stories.  Don't forget to subscribe and leave me a review and I'll see you back here again next week!

Send us a text

What would you do if faced with the terrifying possibility of your unborn child having severe brain and heart conditions? Capri's harrowing yet inspiring journey through her pregnancy with her son, Bellamy, offers a profound lesson in the power of intuition and the importance of seeking second opinions.

Despite being advised to consider a medical abortion by a genetic counselor, Capri chose to trust her instincts.

Tune in to hear how Bellamy defied the odds, being born without the initially diagnosed brain condition and overcoming significant medical challenges, including open-heart surgery at just three months old.

This episode chronicles the arrival of Bellamy, the emotional rollercoaster of NICU life, and the strength and resilience required to navigate parenting a child with serious health conditions. Capri share's invaluable advice on advocating for your child's healthcare and the importance of cherishing every family moment.

Their story also highlights the critical support provided by the Ronald McDonald House during their journey. Join us for an episode filled with heartfelt moments and empowering insights that will leave you inspired by Capri's courage and unwavering love for her son.

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. 

Are you interested in Doula Support or Birth Photography for your upcoming birth?  Head over to my website to inqure about your due date.

https://www.mymainebirth.com

Thank you again for tuning in and I look forward to bringing you more amazing birth stories.  Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review and I'll see you back here again, next week!  

Send us a text

How do you navigate childbirth when your intuition clashes with medical advice? Join us as we welcome Cashlyn, a resilient mother of four, whose powerful experiences in advocating for natural birth methods will leave you inspired. Hear about her memorable encounter with a doctor who resembled the Monopoly man, and how her midwife’s support guided her through challenging decisions. Cashlyn’s vivid storytelling brings to life the swift hospital births of her three daughters and the enchanting home birth of her son, all while celebrating the joy of growing a family close in age to their cousins.

Journey with us through the unexpected hurdles of Cashlyn’s fourth pregnancy during 2020, a year marked by personal loss and global upheaval. As an herbalist and naturopath, Cashlyn reflects on the emotional impact of losing a beloved pet, and how folklore provided comfort amidst grief. Her resilience shines through as she navigates restrictive hospital policies and stands firm against the pressure to induce labor, emphasizing the critical role of self-advocacy in childbirth. Through her experiences, we gain insight into the resolve it takes to pursue natural birthing methods within a medicalized system.

Experience the transformative power of home birth and the profound journey of self-discovery that accompanies it. Cashlyn shares intimate moments from her home water birth, recounting the meticulous preparations and the unexpected challenges of labor. The discussion extends to the benefits of hypnobirthing and managing Lyme disease, encouraging listeners to visualize a positive birth experience and create personalized healing schedules. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to trust, intuition, and the diverse experiences of motherhood.