Pain Free Birth

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! In this episode I have a couple, Jessica and Shane Winnings, who are Pain Free Birth students joining us with their experience of two very different births - both natural home births, but one being pain free and another being a posterior birth. We compare and contrast the birth experiences and talk about the Pain Free Birth teachings as well as a strong sense of faith helped Jessica during both of her experiences. 

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Pain-Free Birth

02:53 Discovering the Concept of Pain-Free Birth

05:51 The Journey to Home Birth

09:06 Support and Preparation for Birth

11:59 The First Birth Experience

15:14 The Intensity of Labor and Pushing

17:59 The Emotional Experience of Birth

20:52 Postpartum Reflections

24:00 Transitioning to the Second Birth

27:00 Contrasting Birth Experiences

32:10 Navigating Posterior Presentation

34:07 The Birth Experience: Water Breaking and Contractions

36:55 Short and Intense Labor

40:11 The Pain of Labor: A Personal Journey

44:34 Pushing and the Fetal Ejection Reflex

49:24 Choosing Free Birth: A Personal Decision

51:30 Lessons Learned from Intense Births

56:20 Releasing Control and Embracing Gratitude

01:03:08 Encouragement for Expecting Mothers

INSTAGRAM: @shane.winnings @jessicawinnings

Shane’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WAkDKSAoHbvSl7Z0ZTIhP?si=LsCcUTpsSmOId_B4GsLTMA

Shane’s website: 

https://promisekeepers.org/overcomers/

Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE.

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE

Submit Your Birth Story

Apply to Come on the Podcast

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE.

Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! In this episode I have a solo episode for you where I address critics of the pain free birth and natural birth movements and share my mindset around birthing and doula work. I ultimately try to empower you to decide for yourself: Is a Pain Free Birth Possible?

TIMESTAMPS

00:31 - What is Pain Free Birth?

04:23 - History of Pain Free Birth, Division in Birth Community

09:47 - Removing a Culture of Birth Hierarchy

13:38 - My Faith has Grown from My Clients’ Births

16:05 - The Birthing Mindset I Teach My Students

17:56 - Understanding Physiology Increases Faith

20:19 - Is Pain Free Birth Possible?

22:09 - Challenging Your Belief Systems

24:10 - Defining Our Own Beliefs About Birth

25:14 - Your Birthing Journey

26:09 - Learn How to Have a Pain Free Birth

Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE.

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE

Submit Your Birth Story

Apply to Come on the Podcast

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE.

Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!

In this episode we’re sharing an incredible 3-hour car birth story with you from Kira Aho 

We dove into what it was like to give birth in a car, dealing with insurance claims in unique birthing scenarios like that, and spiritual empowerment lessons useful for Mamas in any birthing scenario. Enjoy!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Introduction to Kira's Birth Story

01:14 Preparing for a Natural Birth

03:29 Labor Begins: The Journey to the Car

05:52 The Intensity of Labor in the Shower

09:31 Transitioning to the Car: A Rapid Progression

12:30 The Car Ride: A Unique Birth Experience

15:30 The Birth: Catching the Baby

18:06 Post-Birth Reflections and Insurance Claims

20:35 Lessons Learned from a Car Birth

23:28 The Spiritual Aspect of Birth

26:11 Empowerment Through Natural Birth

29:39 Mindset and Preparation for Birth

31:04 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

CONNECT WITH KIRA

• IG Handle: @Kiraaho_

Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE.

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE

Submit Your Birth Story

Apply to Come on the Podcast

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE.

Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! 

In this episode we’re meeting the creator of Mama Meals, Holly Stein! You can follow Holly on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/eat.mamameals

We dove into holistic postpartum care with Holly, discussing Mama Meals, the power of nutrition, Holly's own amazing birthing stories and breaking free from diet culture. From Ayurvedic practices to meal services for new moms, we explored how rest, recovery, and support shape a joyful postpartum journey.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Introduction to Mama Meals and Holistic Nutrition 

05:30 Empowering Women Through Nutrition and Business 

07:00 Preparing for Postpartum: The Importance of Nutrition 

09:59 Breaking Free from Diet Culture 

13:57 Nourishing the Body: The Role of Fats and Proteins 

15:55 Budget-Friendly Nutrition: Simple Swaps for New Moms 

18:57 Ayurvedic and Eastern Medicine Principles in Postpartum Care 

21:51 Cultural Shifts: Embracing Rest and Recovery 

24:47 Personal Birth Experiences: Lessons Learned 

35:10 Mindset Matters in Birth 

36:31 The Role of Supportive Partners 

38:19 Creating a Normal Birth Experience 

39:10 Confidence Through Experience 

41:21 Embracing the Hard and Enjoying Birth 

42:27 The Impact of Birth on Postpartum 

43:28 Pushing Phase and Its Effects 

45:31 The Importance of Preparation 

47:14 Postpartum Bliss and Support 

49:39 Nourishing the Body After Birth 

50:08 Meal Services for New Mothers 

57:29 Asking for Help and Support

CONNECT WITH HOLLY

- IG Handle: @eat.mamameals

- Website: www.mama-meals.com

- Code PAINFREEBIRTH for $20 off first purchase of Mama Meals 

- Free postpartum recipe guide: https://mama-meals.com/pages/resources 

Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE.

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE

Submit Your Birth Story

Apply to Come on the Podcast

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE.

Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!

In this episode we’re meeting Madeleine Van Gorp. This is one of the most redeeming and beautiful pain free birth stories I have ever had the privilege of hearing, but it’s also filled with some very sensitive and painful experiences. If you’re sensitive about listening to content involving infant loss please consider listening with grace to this episode. We explored Madeline’s story of her baby’s bilateral renal agenesis, her decisions on how to handle her pregnancy despite that, including special moments, connecting to her baby through exercise, and her spiritual preparation. We also cover her labor experience including the ultimate passing of her son, Nicky and how it was not a traumatic experience.

CHAPTERS

00:50 – Introduction to Madeleine Van Gorp’s story and her baby’s diagnosis of bilateral renal agenesis.

00:21 – Madeleine discusses the redemptive and inspirational aspects of her birth story despite the challenges.

02:47 – Receiving the diagnosis during the 21-week anatomy scan and deciding not to do early ultrasounds.

06:36 – The emotional response to the diagnosis and Madeleine's decision to continue her pregnancy.

12:05 – Transitioning from devastation to leaning into faith for strength during the pregnancy.

18:49 – Special moments during pregnancy, including a trip and her connection to her baby through exercise.

31:36 – The emotional and spiritual preparation for labor and delivery.

40:11 – The unique labor experience: focusing on breathing, peace, and connection with her baby.

01:02:11 – Madeleine’s perspective on choosing life and her labor process with a breech birth.

01:05:36 – The birth of her son, Nicky, and the first moments holding him.

01:08:09 – Sharing the peaceful passing of her son and how it was not a traumatic experience.

01:10:24 – The deeply emotional decision to personally transport Nicky to the funeral home and its significance.

CONNECT WITH MADELINE:

• Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/paradigmbymads
• Website - babyvangorp.com (to learn more about Nicky’s story)

Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE.

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE

Submit Your Birth Story

Apply to Come on the Podcast

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE.

Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!

In this episode we’re meeting one of my personal doula clients Sondra Almeter - I’ve been hounding her to come on the show for a YEAR and she finally did. I’m so excited to share her amazing birthing stories, including a breech vbac birth. We explored Sondra’s transformative journey into motherhood, starting with her first birth's challenges and the vital role of a doula. From informed consent to the "birth high," and even an unexpected home birth, we celebrated every birth's uniqueness and the miracle of unmedicated experiences.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Sondra's Unique Journey

06:02 First Birth Experience: Challenges and Triumphs

12:02 Finding Support: The Role of a Doula

18:00 The Importance of Informed Consent

23:57 Labor and Delivery: Overcoming Obstacles

29:43 The Importance of Support in Labor

35:51 The Role of the Doula

45:41 The Birth High and Aftermath

52:30 Witnessing Miracles: The Impact of Unmedicated Births

01:01:18 The Unexpected Home Birth Experience

01:06:36 Celebrating the Journey: Every Birth is Unique

To connect with Sondra on ig:  @s_almeter

Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE.

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE

Submit Your Birth Story

Apply to Come on the Podcast

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE.

Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!

In this episode we’re meeting two doulas, Jessica Grant and Kallie Caton, the founders of the “Birth Belongs to Women” movement. We discuss why birth does, indeed, belong to women, and how the medical system and current social/political movements are unfairly marginalizing women and doulas who believe birth belongs to women. We discuss many of the contemporary debates around being a doula and how Mamas like you can best prepare to work with doulas in today’s climate.

CHAPTERS

00:38 - The origin story of the Birth Belongs to Women movement, and the state of the Doula and medical birthing industries

07:26 - How birth should be (and why the birthing industry system is rigged)

13:13 - Why the phrase “birth belongs to women” is so resonant for some and polarizing to others in today’s social climate

15:37 - “Inclusivity” in birthing

17:33 - Birth Belongs to Women is not anti-trans at all, it is pro-women. Karen’s thoughts on forced gender-inclusive language.

22:53 - Doulas should stay true to themselves regardless of social or political pressure

25:50 - Many women have felt silenced or unable to speak their mind

27:36 - Restoring the sacredness to the experience and tradition of birthing

32:48 - Doula v Birth Worker and how centralized certification regimes effect the Doula tradition

36:53 - Is it possible for doulas to do good work within the hospital system?

38:51 - The doula is not the “rescuer” - and avoiding unfair dynamics between mothers and doulas

40:29 - What women getting pregnant now most need to understand

42:07 - Advice for women who want a doula but still need to give birth in a hospital

46:25 - Doula burnout and creating sustainable work for birthing professionals without “turning it into a business”

53:00 - The true calling and passion of Doulas to serve mothers

55:05 - The “scope” of a doula’s work, and allowing the mother to have room for her own spiritual journey

56:25 - Healthy boundaries in doula work and why clients sometimes need to be turned down

1:00:10 - The future of the doula space

1:05:45 - Why there’s so much fear and dogma in the medical birthing system

CONNECT WITH BIRTH BELONGS TO WOMEN:

Connect with Kallie here: instagram.com/kalliecatonConnect with Jessica here: instagram.com/jessiesvibe

Learn more about Birth Belongs to Women → https://www.birthbelongstowomen.com/

Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE.

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE

Submit Your Birth Story

Apply to Come on the Podcast

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE.

Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...

In this episode, Karen sits down with Dr. Lizzie Kieffer as she shares her personal birth experiences and professional insights. From her hospital birth to her empowering home birth, Lizzie opens up about the lessons learned along the way. Tune in as we dive into why relying solely on kegels might not be the best approach for birth and postpartum recovery, how diaphragmatic breathing helps relax the pelvic floor, and explore practical tips for avoiding severe diastasis recti. Plus, learn how to surrender to the natural timing of labor rather than trying to control it.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Lizzie’s first birth in the hospital vs. her second at home
• Why kegels aren't the only answer for pelvic floor health
• How diaphragmatic breathing can prevent postpartum issues
• The importance of surrendering to God's timing in birth
• Tips to help reduce the intensity of diastasis recti
• The benefits of training during pregnancy for postpartum recovery

MORE ABOUT DR. LIZZIE KIEFFER:

Lizzie is a doctor of physical therapy, a mom of two, and a strong advocate for movement as medicine. After earning her doctorate in 2018, she began her career in a traditional clinic but soon realized her passion lay in helping women navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic floor health. Motivated by the lack of specialized information in these areas, she opened her own practice and developed the Mind Body Core programs to empower and educate women worldwide. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys pickleball, hiking, and spending time with her daughters, Mia and Lily, her husband Matt, and their dog Snickers. A lifelong learner, she is dedicated to helping women feel confident, understood, and supported as they embrace the changes of womanhood and motherhood. 

Instagram: @doclizziedpt

PRENATAL: Mind Body Core Prenatal Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 off

POSTPARTUM: Mind Body Core Postpartum Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 off

Christian Hypnobirthing App — Get one month FREE with the purchase of the Faith-Filled Childbirth E-Course

Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you. 

Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE.

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE

Submit Your Birth Story

Apply to Come on the Podcast

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE.

Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...

While Tara was blacking out from pain, losing hope, and believing she didn't have enough faith for a pain free pregnancy, she experienced a deeply spiritual experience that led her to creating the first of its kind, her own app, for Christian Hypnobirthing. Tune in to find out how drastically different Tara's births were with and without the power of hypnobirthing, how our thoughts and emotions can imprint on our babies brains, and how you can use hypnobirthing beyond labor!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• How Tara started Christian Hypnobirthing
• Dealing with coercion and losing faith in Tara's first birth
• How hypnobirthing transformed Tara's second birth
• Cultivating peace throughout your pregnancy
• Using hypnobirthing beyond pregnancy
• Combining faith with neuroscience and how our babies brains are wired 

MORE ABOUT TARA MENZIES:

Tara Menzies is the creator of the Christian Hypnobirthing app and the Faith-Filled Childbirth Course. She created the app in early 2018 after the birth of her first son, because she wanted to combine traditional hypnobirthing techniques (breathing and visualisation exercises, positive affirmations etc) with the incredible love, strength and support that come from our Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit, to help expecting mamas feel confident relaxed and connected to God throughout their births. The Christian Hypnobirthing app has since become one of the most highly rated hypnobirthing apps worldwide, and has helped tens of thousands of women have more relaxed, confident and faith-filled birth experiences.

Instagram: @christianhypnobirthing

Christian Hypnobirthing Website

Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you. 

Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE.

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE

Submit Your Birth Story

Apply to Come on the Podcast

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE.

Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...

Jessie thought she was prepared to have a smooth, natural, and pain free birth until... The hospital kept interrupting the labor room, asking for continuous monitoring, and made the birth experience something Jessie never wanted to relive again. When she got pregnant with her second child, Ava, she knew things would be different. She and her husband weren't 100% sold on having a home birth, but that's why we have peace that God's plan is greater. Tune in to hear all about Jessie's redemptive and unplanned home birth.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• What a majority of "natural births" look like in a hospital 
• Shifting the mindset of "women have to be strong"
• What created an entirely different experience for Jessie in her second pregnancy
• The power of visualization in pregnancy and through birth
• How children's temperaments can differ from hospital versus home births
• The woman's body: letting go of trauma & knowing we aren't cursed to have painful births

MORE ABOUT JESSIE RITTER:

Mom of two, wife, and musician living in the Florida Panhandle. Jessie had a difficult first birth in the hospital, and an absolutely blissful second time unplanned home birth.

Instagram: @jessie.l.ritter

TikTok: @jessieritter

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you. 

Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE.

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE

Submit Your Birth Story

Apply to Come on the Podcast

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE.

Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...