Orgasmic Birth: Podcast

Imagine unlocking the healing power of pleasure during the miraculous journey of pregnancy and childbirth. Dive with us into a transformative conversation that challenges old norms and redefines birthing narratives with Shawnee Benton Gibson.

Shawnee Benton Gibson, LMSW / FDLC, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Spirit of A Woman (S.O.W.) Leadership Development Institute, an organization established in 2002 and designed to educate, elevate, and effect positive and sustainable transformation in the lives of individuals, groups, families, and communities. Under Shawnee's leadership and vision, S.O.W. offers innovative coaching, counseling, workshop, and training experiences to individuals, groups, and organizations seeking to expand their power, purpose, and impact in the world. Ms. Benton Gibson is a graduate of New York University's Silver School of Social Work and is a licensed practitioner with over 28 years of professional experience in the areas of substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery, adolescent development, individual, family and group counseling, women's health, birth equity, social justice, grief, loss, bereavement and trauma. 

Shawnee unearths how patriarchal and misogynistic notions have altered the birthing narrative, making women feel they can't trust their own bodies without medical intervention. From rites and rituals before childbirth to the role of doulas and midwives who resonate with their cultural backgrounds, we dig deep. Shawnee underscores the essence of daily introspection and the continuous journey of anti-racist education.

In this episode:

• Shawnee talks about the impact of culture and how history impacts the birthing experience.
• Learn about how patriarchy and misogyny have muted the power of black wombkeepers.
• Get to know how sacred wombkeepers, birth workers, midwives, and granny midwives have been replaced by a patriarchal white supremacist framework.
• Understand what it means to create sacred spaces to prepare women for the birthing process.
• Shawnee discusses how activism and art become the key formula for restoring our wombs and reawakening orgasmic power.
• Shawnee introduces the Aftershock documentary - know more about what could happen during pregnancy. 
• Discover the benefits of being in a tribe for support throughout the pregnancy journey and beyond. 

Key Takeaways:

• Commodification and medicalization of birthing have put us in a box
• Living an orgasmic life is about more than just physical pleasure
• We can use sacred exchange to co-create the outcomes we want
• Using orgasmic energy in life can help us manifest a lifetime beyond our existence
• Do work around the racist and patriarchal postures that we take. 

Tweetable Quotes:

"Sometimes trauma can be the catalyst for these amazing revelations about life and living." - Shawnee Benton Gibson

"Black wombs and words create worlds. So watch what you say and watch how you care for black birthing people because you never know who's in the womb and what they're here to create in the world." - Shawnee Benton Gibson

Connect with Shawnee!

Website: https://www.theariahfoundation.org/ 

Instagram: @shawneethehealer

Connect with Debra!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1   

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471/  

Visit https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ for more information on how to Positively Prepare for birth and parenting

Check out Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, the film creating buzz around the world! 

Listen to a story that redefines birth, resilience and the power of human connections!

Today, Taylor O'Bryan unfolds a story that challenges conventions, delving into relationships, unforeseen turns, and the inherent potency of birth. Taylor's sister emerges as an indispensable pillar of support, while her own rituals provide solace amid the unpredictable. Her journey emanates empowerment, revealing the resilience birth demands and highlighting the vulnerability, strength, connection, and birth's profound transformation.

Taylor O'Bryan is a mother, amateur home chef, travel enthusiast, and a newly minted postpartum doula based on the border of Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Following her experiences as a foster parent and her own postpartum journey, she founded The Ginger Goose, an antepartum and postpartum doula service to provide personalized care and support to families during their transition. In her free time, Taylor enjoys cooking, visiting farmer's markets, exploring local towns, and spending time with her family.

In this episode:

• Taylor O'Bryan reveals her journey from loss to pregnancy, highlighting resilience in the face of adversity
• Her midwife sister becomes her rock, showcasing the strength of sisterhood in times of need
• Taylor's story reflects transformation through compassionate connection, reshaping her path to pregnancy and motherhood
• Her journey reveals unexpected beauty in the face of labor challenges and a C-section birth
• Her story emphasizes childbirth's transformative nature, urging embracing preferences, unforeseen moments, and the growth that follows
• She highlights the potential for transformation within the birthing experience
• Taylor founded the Ginger Goose to provide personalized care and support to families during life transition

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing unexpected twists can lead to powerful transformations, reshaping the narrative of birth experiences
• Personal rituals like scents and music offer comfort and familiarity, providing resilience during challenging birthing moments
• Birth experiences, whether natural or cesarean, can be transformative
• Supportive birthing teams, including doulas and midwives, play a vital role in positive outcomes, providing guidance, emotional backing, and advocacy
• Nonverbal connections show how intuitive understanding can provide unparalleled comfort

Tweetable Quotes: 

"Whether if your birth is a belly birth, or a vaginal birth, even if you're using a surrogate or adoption, there is something about birth and family creation that is transformative and uniquely feminine." - Taylor O'Bryan

"And my body did this. My body that I was living with, thinking that could only have death in it, had life, a transformative life." - Taylor O'Bryan

Connect with Taylor!

Instagram,

Or visit her website: https://www.thegingergoose.com/

Connect with Debra!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1   

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471/  

Visit https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ for more information on how to Positively Prepare for birth and parenting

Check out Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, the film creating buzz around the world! 

Orgasmic Birth Podcast: Pleasure in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I believe pleasure is our birthright - from our sexuality, birth, parenting, and beyond, we can find pleasure when we create space for joy and intimacy in our lives. Join me to have deep conversations about breaking the taboos of Sexuality + Motherhood/Parenthood.

Listen to leading experts in sexuality, healing, and childbirth, as well as stories from new parents, doulas, doctors, midwives, and nurses. We will discuss how to positively prepare for childbirth and parenting by expanding love and intimacy in your life.

Dive into the world of post-childbirth intimacy with our guest Londin Angel Winters. Drawing from her experience of giving birth to her daughter Ava at 48, she shares her story of how surrendering to the process opened her up to a new level of orgasmic pleasure and connection with her partner. Learn how couples can stay connected amidst newborn challenges through synchronized breathing, deep understanding, and the magic of sexual yoga. For those seeking more, London offers insights from her books and courses.

A must-listen for anyone navigating relationships after welcoming a baby!

Londin Angel Winters is an author, teacher, and thought leader in the conversation of sacred intimacy. Her passion is helping others reclaim pleasure, thrive in sacred relationships, and love like they've never been hurt. She and her life partner, Justin Patrick Pierce, are the authors of Playing With Fire: The Spiritual Path of Intimate Relationship and The Awakened Woman's Guide to Everlasting Love, owner's manuals for attracting love, creating passion, and sustaining sacred relationships. Together, they lead transformative, high-end retreats that immerse attendees in their signature training, Yoga of Intimacy.

In this episode:

• Londin's synchronistic moment of birthing her book and finding out about her pregnancy
• Londin had a healthy pregnancy at 48 years old and chose to have her baby at home
• Childbirth emerges as a deeply transformative personal growth experience for her
• Her birth experience was a total mirror miracle that accelerated her sexual awakening and bonded her deeper
• London's story underscores a partner's pivotal role during the emotional intensity of labor
• Childbirth experience offers her profound insights into the nature of orgasm and the spiritual aspect of sexuality
• She sees birth as a transformative portal, deepening connections and inviting exploration into sexual awakening
• The newborn's raw emotions demonstrated the true essence of uninhibited expression

Key Takeaways:

• Sacred sexuality and sexual yoga are about what you do with your body, not what you think
• Sex as a living prayer and pleasure as a way to create with divine source energy
• Trust in life and the power of co-creation
• Learn to breathe together with your partner and baby for the birth
• Be honest with your partner, and don't force yourself to have sex before you're ready
• Involve your partner as a dad, not just a Mr. Mom, to bond them with the baby
• Birth is a portal to open up to new ways of orgasm
• Learn from newborns how to unleash without apology or rationalization

Tweetable Quotes: 

"I would recommend new moms to really include their husbands in the process. Communicate with him, tell him what you need, and pay attention to him too. I did that, and it really helped us stay close together." - Londin Angel Winters

"We did labor together, we got pregnant together, we did pregnancy together. And then in labor, it was as hard for him as it was for me because he was there for every single breath and his breath through my breath." - Londin Angel Winters

"You don't have to be happy, horny, and grateful all the time. You just want to be expressed. That's what my birth looked like. It was a total mess, and I loved it." - Londin Angel Winters

Connect with Londin!

Instagram,Facebook,

Or visit her website: Londin Angel Winters

Resources Mentioned:

Books

The Awakened Woman's Guide to Everlasting Love

Playing with Fire: The Spiritual Path of Intimate Relationship

Connect with Debra!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1   

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471/  

Visit https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ for more information on how to Positively Prepare for birth and parenting

Check out Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, the film creating buzz around the world! 

Orgasmic Birth Podcast: Pleasure in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I believe pleasure is our birthright - from our sexuality, birth, parenting, and beyond, we can find pleasure when we create space for joy and intimacy in our lives. Join me to have deep conversations about breaking the taboos of Sexuality + Motherhood/Parenthood.

Listen to leading experts in sexuality, healing, and childbirth, as well as stories from new parents, doulas, doctors, midwives, and nurses. We will discuss how to positively prepare for childbirth and parenting by expanding love and intimacy in your life.

Ready to be inspired by a transformational childbirth journey?

Dive into this episode as Merri Gruesser takes us on her journey from an expectant mother to a DONA-certified doula. Be prepared to be swept up in Merri's tales of preparation, determination, and resilience during her own childbirth. Discover how she maintained unwavering optimism during the intense 3.5-hour push to delivery. Listen in as she uncovers the obstacles she overcame, the strategies she used to manage pain, and her passionate plea for every mother-to-be to embrace knowledge. This isn't just Merri's story; it's a call to action for all expecting mothers to step into their birth experience with confidence and strength. Don't miss out!

Merri Gruesser, works in media in New York City. She was so inspired by her own birth and experience with a doula that she recently attended a DONA birth doula training with me. She's now in the process of becoming DONA certified to birth forward the care she received to others. Merri is passionate about the birth space and helping women take back their power in birth. She lives in Connecticut with her husband Andrew and their beautiful 14M old son Jackson.

In this episode:

• Merri recounts her experiences with recurrent miscarriages and her journey to midwifery and doula services
• Merri's deep connection with the midwifery model of care is highlighted as a turning point in her childbirth journey
• Through her midwives, Merri learns about doulas and their significant role in childbirth
• Merri's dedication to preparing both mentally with hypnobirthing and physically using methods like the Body Ready Method is emphasized
• Merri undertook extensive physical activities to try to induce labor
• She relied heavily on her doula during the challenging labor moments
• Merri felt excitement, intensity, and safety during her birth
• Early physical preparation, especially baby positioning, is essential

Key Takeaways:

• Women have varied options in childbirth, from traditional models to midwifery and doulas
• Affirmations practiced daily can help emotionally prepare for birth
• Birth plans are guides, but flexibility is key
• Having a trusted individual during labor is vital
• Understanding the birth process provides comfort
• Both physical and mental preparations are vital for birth
• Each birth experience is unique

Tweetable Quotes: 

"Once the door was opened for me regarding the midwifery model of care, I understood that you have choices. There are so many different paths you can take in preparing for birth, as well as in laboring and giving birth." - Merri Gruesser

"It's a lot of preparation and a little bit of luck." - Merri Gruesser

Connect with Merri!

Instagram

Connect with Debra!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1   

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471/  

Visit https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ for more information on how to Positively Prepare for birth and parenting

Check out Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, the film creating buzz around the world! 

Orgasmic Birth Podcast: Pleasure in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I believe pleasure is our birthright - from our sexuality, birth, parenting, and beyond, we can find pleasure when we create space for joy and intimacy in our lives. Join me to have deep conversations about breaking the taboos of Sexuality + Motherhood/Parenthood.

Listen to leading experts in sexuality, healing, and childbirth, as well as stories from new parents, doulas, doctors, midwives, and nurses. We will discuss how to positively prepare for childbirth and parenting by expanding love and intimacy in your life.

Why are both childbirth and sex often taboo subjects that evoke shame and silence rather than being seen as a fulfilling and completely natural sexual experience?

In order to discuss this, Debra Pascali Bonaro explores the connection between birth and sex, tackling taboos and shared characteristics like movement and sound. She highlights the harm in separating birth from sexuality and emphasizes understanding anatomy in both contexts, uncovering historical medical practices that disassociated birth from sexuality. Debra urges reclaiming birth's empowering and sensual aspects, paralleling intimacy and birth while addressing fear and stress. In today's episode, listeners are encouraged to challenge taboos, infuse pleasure, and reflect on their beliefs, inviting them to share birth stories and offering comprehensive childbirth education to honor the profound link between birth and sex.

In this episode:

• Host Debora Pascali Bonaro delves into the intriguing link between birth and sex, challenging listeners to explore shared taboos and shame
• Viewing birth as part of one's sexual continuum is advocated
• She traces the disassociation of birth from sexuality through medical practices like hospital gowns, emphasizing the need to reclaim sensuality in birth
• Embracing and celebrating anatomy, fostering empowerment in both sexual and birthing contexts, is highlighted
• Debra emphasizes the importance of reclaiming sensuality and intimacy in the birthing process, urging listeners to consider creating a birth environment that mirrors the ambiance of a satisfying sexual experience
• The significance of rhythmic movements, sounds, and privacy in both experiences, fostering comfort and empowerment, are discussed
• Debra concludes by encouraging listeners to challenge norms, share stories, and seek comprehensive education that integrates birth and sex connections

Key Takeaways:

• Birth and sex are two taboo topics that can bring shame and silence
• Anatomy and physiology of birth are the same as sex
• Home births allow people to wear their own clothes, move in the way they want, and choose who is present
• Religion and patriarchy have played a role in separating sexuality and motherhood.
• Essential for safe and gentle birth: privacy, movement of body, sounds, and breath changes
• Get out of the mind to have an orgasm or a gentle birth.
• Bring back birth as part of a woman's sexual life
• Partners should talk together and clear any taboos

Tweetable Quotes: 

"We must bring together birth and sex." - Sheila Kittinger

"Both sex and birth should be incredible, orgasmic, pleasurable, joyful, loving, and ecstatic." - Debra Pascali Bonaro

"It's so important that we start bringing back birth as a part of a woman's sexual life. And partners, if you're listening, this is so important for you to think about for you to clear whatever taboos and things are there and to talk as partners together." - Debra Pascali Bonaro

Connect with Debra!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1   

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471/  

Visit https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ for more information on how to Positively Prepare for birth and parenting

Check out Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, the film creating buzz around the world! 

Orgasmic Birth Podcast: Pleasure in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I believe pleasure is our birthright - from our sexuality, birth, parenting, and beyond, we can find pleasure when we create space for joy and intimacy in our lives. Join me to have deep conversations about breaking the taboos of Sexuality + Motherhood/Parenthood. 

Listen to leading experts in sexuality, healing, and childbirth as well as stories from new parents, doulas, doctors, midwives, and nurses. We will discuss how to positively prepare for childbirth and parenting by expanding love and intimacy in your life.

Are you letting fear dictate your birth choices?

In this episode, Betty Ann Davis, an experienced midwife, discusses the culture of fear surrounding childbirth and breech birth. She advocates for normalizing breech birth as a safe option and emphasizes the importance of empowering women with evidence-based information. The conversation calls for a shift towards a more inclusive and empowering approach to childbirth practices.

Betty-Anne Daviss MA, RM has been a midwife for 47 years on various continents and a researcher in the social sciences and clinical epidemiology for 30. She cites learning from traditional midwives from Guatemala to Afghanistan as one of the highlights of her career. While acting as the project coordinator for the Safe Motherhood Initiative of FIGO in 2004, the follow-up to the Term Breech Trial was published, and she switched focus to searching across Europe for best breech practice. She has provided lectures in China, India, Africa, and Latin America on Human Rights in Childbirth, using the return to breech as one model solution.

In This Episode: 

• Betty-Anne Daviss, a seasoned midwife, and researcher, shares her experiences from working in challenging situations, such as earthquakes in Guatemala and dealing with the Taliban in Afghanistan, highlighting how she overcame fear in those circumstances.
• The discussion touches on the societal language of risk, which extends beyond childbirth and affects various aspects of modern life
• The importance of challenging the language of risk and understanding that with proper techniques and approaches, many perceived risks in childbirth, such as breech births, can be managed effectively is stressed.
• Betty-Anne shares personal experiences of dealing with fear in the medical community, especially when advocating for breach birth practices
• She also focuses on how practitioners may be driven by fear of litigation, which can hinder humanistic birth practices
• The importance of facing fear and rising above it in the context of childbirth is emphasized
• Betty-Anne shares instances where healthcare providers faced the fear of litigation, leading to the discontinuation of breach birth services or restrictions on certain birth practices
• She has written two books on vaginal breach birth and upright delivery, and she provides classes online via Zoom

Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming fear is a crucial aspect of providing effective care during challenging situations, such as childbirth
• Society tends to focus on worst-case scenarios, creating unnecessary fear and limiting risks that are relatively safe
• Fear surrounding breach birth is impacting normal childbirth practices
• Fear is a complex emotional response rooted in the amygdala, and it can influence decision-making during childbirth
• Fear surrounding breach birth has far-reaching effects, not only impacting breach deliveries but also influencing perceptions of normal childbirth practices
• Birth professionals should strive to rise above fear and advocate for evidence-based, humanistic approaches to childbirth

Tweetable Quotes:

"I think you can almost overcome any bit of fear by asking your community for help. And that's what I've always done, It's always worked." - Betty-Anne Daviss

"There are two ways to deal with fear: One is to forget everything and run. And the other one is to face everything and rise." - Zig Ziglar

Connect with Betty-Anne!

Linkedin and Facebook

or visit the website: understandingbirthbetter.com

Email: [email protected]

Resources Mentioned:

Books:

• Birthing Models on the Human Rights Frontier Speaking Truth to Power
• Rethinking the Physiology of Vaginal Breech Birth Evidence based Guide to Upright Delivery

Connect with Debra!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1  

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth   

Visit https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ for more information on how to Positively Prepare for birth and parenting 

Check out Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, the film creating buzz around the world: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/the-film/

Orgasmic Birth Podcast: Pleasure in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I believe pleasure is our birthright - from our sexuality, birth, parenting, and beyond, we can find pleasure when we create space for joy and intimacy in our lives. Join me to have deep conversations about breaking the taboos of Sexuality + Motherhood/Parenthood. 

Listen to leading experts in sexuality, healing, and childbirth as well as stories from new parents, doulas, doctors, midwives, and nurses. We will discuss how to positively prepare for childbirth and parenting by expanding love and intimacy in your life.

In this powerful and inspiring episode, Leen Leysen, a doula and hypnobirthing teacher, shares her three unique birthing experiences and her incredible journey as a surrogate mother for a gay couple. Throughout her journey, Leen highlights the significance of trusting the birthing process, making informed choices, and surrounding oneself with a supportive and loving birth team. Her story exemplifies the power of love, connection, and empowered birth experiences.

Leen is a mother of 3, a mom of 2, and married to her soulmate. After the birth of her son, she felt the calling to become a birthkeeper. She is a birth and death doula, Doula trainer, Pregnancy yoga teacher, Hypnobirthing teacher, Birth photographer, Vice president of the Belgian Federation of Doula's. After the beautiful orgasmic births of their own children, she wanted to experience the magic of pregnancy and birth one last time, so they decided to become a surrogate family.

In this episode:

• Leen Leysen is a mother of three, doula trainer, pregnancy yoga teacher, hypnobirthing teacher, and birth photographer
• Leen's journey highlights embracing the miraculous aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, transforming skepticism into becoming a birth keeper
• Leen's informed choice for natural labor empowered her during a positive home birth experience
• Having a strong circle of support from a doula and midwife friends positively impacted Leen's second birth journey
• Her ability to address and overcome potential complications at home showcases the possibility of safe and empowering home births
• As a surrogate for a gay couple, Leen experienced a beautiful and transformative birth, affirming the power of love and connection
• Because of her loss, the significance of community and rituals in healing after a pregnancy loss is highlighted
• For her third birth, trusting her body and the birthing process allowed Leen to experience a more empowering and transformative birth

Takeaways:

• Love and support during childbirth create beautiful and transformative birthing experiences
• Being well-informed empowers decision-making during childbirth
• Surrounding oneself with love and care enhances the birthing journey
• Creating a positive and trusting birthing environment with a supportive team can enhance the birthing experience for the mother
• Spread love and kindness instead of fighting and aggression

Tweetable Quotes: 

"It was so transformative and so beautiful. I think that the biggest part for me of orgasmic birth is that you're birthing in your way with the information that you need and then the collaboration and care of that team around you, that circle of support." - Leen Leysen

"Knowing what happens in your body takes the fear away." - Leen Leysen

Connect with Leen!

Facebook and Instagram

Website: https://doulaleen.be/

Connect with Debra!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1   

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471/  

Visit https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ for more information on how to Positively Prepare for birth and parenting

Check out Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, the film creating buzz around the world: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/the-film/

Orgasmic Birth Podcast: Pleasure in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I believe pleasure is our birthright - from our sexuality, birth, parenting, and beyond, we can find pleasure when we create space for joy and intimacy in our lives. Join me to have deep conversations about breaking the taboos of Sexuality + Motherhood/Parenthood. 

Listen to leading experts in sexuality, healing, and childbirth as well as stories from new parents, doulas, doctors, midwives, and nurses. We will discuss how to positively prepare for childbirth and parenting by expanding love and intimacy in your life.

How can we build a cohesive team that fosters collaborative care in childbirth? Explore this conversation between Debra Pascali Bonaro and Robin Lim, and learn about the transformative impact of doulas, midwives, and respectful birthing environments.

In this episode, they also discuss the importance of respectful and gentle prenatal care, the recognition of doulas as essential caregivers, and the collaboration between midwives and doulas, highlighting the significance of preserving the baby's blood supply through delayed cord clamping and emphasizing the need for cohesive teams and access to safe and culturally sensitive care. They also mention Robin Lim's books and the opportunity to support Bumi Sehat through donations. Overall, it serves as a call to action for creating positive childbirth experiences and celebrating the miracle of every birth.

Robin Lim is the founder of Bumi Sehat, an NGO which maintains clinics in Indonesia and the Philippines. Ibu Robin's Passion is respectful, skilled, culturally informed, gentle prenatal/postnatal care, childbirth services, and healthcare as a human right. She is the author of many books, including After the Baby's Birth, Wellness for Mothers, Ecology of Gentle Birth, Awakening Birth, and Eating for Two. Robin was CNN Hero of the Year in 2011.

In this episode:

• Today's guest Robin Lim, the founder of Bumi Sehat Clinics, is dedicated to providing respectful and gentle prenatal care, postnatal care, and childbirth services, advocating for healthcare as a human right
• The conversation emphasizes the vital role of doulas in facilitating access to appropriate care providers and birthing environments where mothers feel safe and supported
• Doula care, encompassing prenatal and postnatal support, childbirth services, and emotional assistance, is highlighted as a crucial aspect of maternal and infant well-being
• Doulas demonstrated resilience and dedication by making sacrifices to be present during births amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19, ultimately leading to their recognition as essential caregivers
• The personal experience of Robin, who initially questioned the role of doulas while being a midwife, is shared, highlighting the realization of the importance of doulas in providing emotional support and contributing to safe births
• The significance of preserving the baby's blood supply by delaying cord clamping is discussed, emphasizing the positive effects it has on hormonal release, bonding, and the overall well-being of mother and baby
• The importance of building collaborative care is crucial in ensuring safe and respectful childbirth experiences, necessitating a well-functioning team that includes midwives, doulas, doctors, and other healthcare professionals
• Information is provided on how to contact Robin Lim, access her books, and support the work of Bumi Sehat through donations

Key Takeaways:

• Doula care, encompassing prenatal and postnatal support, childbirth services, and emotional assistance, is a crucial aspect of maternal and infant well-being
• Doulas serve as valuable guides for mothers, helping them navigate choices related to care providers and birthing environments, ultimately ensuring access to safe and supportive experiences
• Midwives and doulas complement each other in providing comprehensive care during childbirth, with midwives focusing on medical expertise and doulas offering emotional support and advocacy
• Cultural safety and access to quality care are essential for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances
• Every birth is a miracle, and the efforts of doulas, midwives, and individuals involved in childbirth deserve recognition and celebration for the positive impact they make on the world

Tweetable Quotes:

"It's our responsibility to have our skills in order to have our hearts and minds set on what our potential is for creating access for every mother to safely bring her baby." - Robin Lim

"Doulas are essential caregivers. You are the entry point where mothers can find access." - Robin Lim

Connect with Robin!

Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube,

or visit her Websites: https://bumisehat.org/ and https://www.eatpraydoula.com/

Connect with Debra! 

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1    

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth    

Visit https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ for more information on how to Positively Prepare for birth and parenting 

Check out Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, the film creating buzz around the world: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/the-film/

Orgasmic Birth Podcast: Pleasure in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I believe pleasure is our birthright - from our sexuality, birth, parenting, and beyond, we can find pleasure when we create space for joy and intimacy in our lives. Join me to have deep conversations about breaking the taboos of Sexuality + Motherhood/Parenthood. 

Listen to leading experts in sexuality, healing, and childbirth as well as stories from new parents, doulas, doctors, midwives, and nurses. We will discuss how to positively prepare for childbirth and parenting by expanding love and intimacy in your life. 

What can dads do to overcome fear and become empowered participants in the transformative journey of pregnancy and birth? 

In this episode of the Orgasmic Birth podcast, Debra Pascali Bonaro, joins with Red Miller to delve into the role of fathers in the birthing process. Red offers invaluable advice for dads who may be grappling with fear and uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of their involvement and passion through conversations and educational classes. Listeners will gain a profound understanding of how dads can make informed decisions for a safe and successful birth, fostering alignment within the family unit and paving the way for advocacy in their wider communities.

Red is a Mother, Biodynamic Midwife, Author, and Creatrix of Love Based Birth. 

She helps women navigate their pregnancies with sacred intuition and embodied love, so they can connect to their magic, be fully empowered in their choices, and birth with more ease and pleasure. As a biodynamic midwife, Red has guided thousands of women from around the globe to bridge the gap between the birth of their dreams and everything that is keeping them from experiencing exactly that. Red's unique approach provides women with tools to build support structures, navigate the health system they are working in and transform their fears into positive action.

In this episode:

• Debra Pascali-Bonaro interviews Red Miller, a biodynamic midwife, who shares her experiences attending over a thousand births worldwide in diverse settings
• Red shares insights on gentle and pleasurable births, highlighting the importance of including and informing dads, who become powerful advocates for their partners and other expectant fathers
• She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging fathers' fears and providing them with support and information from birth professionals and fellow dads
• The father's role in creating a supportive environment is emphasized, showing the positive impact across diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Red Miller highlights the importance of helping dads understand the "why" behind gentle birth and its long-term health benefits
• Advises to ads are given to act as gatekeepers and advocates, ensuring their partner's needs are met during hospital births

Key Takeaways:

• Partner alignment and connection during pregnancy impact the birthing experience, postpartum period, and family dynamic
• Building a community and receiving guidance helps fathers transition from fear to love during childbirth
• Practical techniques, such as supporting the mother's changing body and practicing massages, empower fathers and enhance the birthing experience
• Flexibility and open communication are crucial for dads to adapt to their partner's changing needs during labor, fostering a strong sense of teamwork and mutual decision-making
• Dads should be prepared as interior designers, creating a comfortable birthing environment
• Dads often feel regret and a desire for advocacy after realizing they lacked important information earlier

Quotes: 

"Dads really just want to be included; they want to be informed. And when they do feel included, and they know what to do, and they feel informed, they actually become the most amazing advocates." - Red Miller

"It's about really acknowledging Dads also have fears, and as women, we have limited spaces somehow to talk about this, but we have so many more spaces than dads do".- Red Miller

Connect with Red!

Linkedin and Instagram

or visit her websites: https://vibrantpregnancy.com/ and https://www.lovebasedbirth.com/

Connect with Debra! 

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1    

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth  

Visit https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ for more information on how to Positively Prepare for birth and parenting

Check out Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, the film creating buzz around the world: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/the-film/

Orgasmic Birth Podcast: Pleasure in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I believe pleasure is our birthright - from our sexuality, birth, parenting, and beyond, we can find pleasure when we create space for joy and intimacy in our lives. Join me to have deep conversations about breaking the taboos of Sexuality + Motherhood/Parenthood. 

Listen to leading experts in sexuality, healing, and childbirth as well as stories from new parents, doulas, doctors, midwives, and nurses. We will discuss how to positively prepare for childbirth and parenting by expanding love and intimacy in your life.

Join Debra Pascali Bonaro and Suzannah Weiss as they explore the transformative power of pleasure in childbirth. Discover how living orgasmically can heal trauma, cultivate breast sensitivity through massage, and create a birth plan that supports orgasmic births. Uncover techniques for staying calm during labor and envisioning the energy of your baby spiraling around you.

Suzannah Weiss is a sex and relationship writer, multi-certified sex educator, sex and love coach, sexual assault counselor and birth doula, helping people to live their lives orgasmically. Suzannah has been published in The New York Times wedding section, Glamour's sex guides, with writing on gender, sexuality, love, and social justice all over the internet, with over 8,700 articles published. She is a regular contributor to The Washington Post and New York Magazine.

Don't miss this conversation on embracing pleasure in childbirth!

 In this episode:

• Suzannah Weiss's research on orgasmic birth challenges societal misconceptions about women's bodies and the notion that childbirth must be painful.
• Practical techniques like visualization, breathwork, and meditations are shared for preparing for an orgasmic birth.
• Tips for preparing for an orgasmic birth include mindfulness practices, embracing intense sensations, and experimenting with different forms of touch, emphasizing the integration of sexuality and childbirth.
• Ideas like using personal mementos or exploring hypnobirthing techniques to address fear and promote relaxation are recommended.
• The importance of embracing sensations and energy for a fulfilling birthing experience is highlighted
• Suzannah aims to assist trauma survivors in experiencing childbirth as a positive and healing event.

Key Takeaways:

• Importance of a supportive team and comfortable birth setting in facilitating an orgasmic birth, even within a medical environment.
• Birth is part of a birthing person's sexuality and should not be shamed.
• Orgasmic breath work and breast massages help to cultivate breast sensitivity
• Keeping a healthy sex life during pregnancy can help with an orgasmic birth.
• Take a moment to connect with the calmness and love in your heart for your child.
• Consider taking something with you that reminds you of your child.

Tweetable Quotes:

"Fear escalates into more tension. So you can find a way to just knit the fear in the bud, whatever that is." - Suzannah Weiss

"Imagine the baby or the energy spiraling around you and making its way out, and you're just there to facilitate it." - Suzannah Weiss

Connect with Suzannah!

Website: https://suzannahweiss.com/contact/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannahweiss/

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

Connect with Debra!

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1    

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth    

Visit https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ for more information on how to Positively Prepare for birth and parenting 

Check out Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, the film creating buzz around the world: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/the-film/

Orgasmic Birth Podcast: Pleasure in pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I believe pleasure is our birthright - from our sexuality, birth, parenting, and beyond, we can find pleasure when we create space for joy and intimacy in our lives. Join me to have deep conversations about breaking the taboos of Sexuality + Motherhood/Parenthood. 

Listen to leading experts in sexuality, healing, and childbirth as well as stories from new parents, doulas, doctors, midwives, and nurses. We will discuss how to positively prepare for childbirth and parenting by expanding love and intimacy in your life.