Resilient Birth

By Justine Leach and Sarah AdelmannEducation Parenting Kids & Family How To

Resilient Birth episodes

May 21, 2025When Women Gather Together
On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.
Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.
Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.
Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence and is currently working towards a Masters in Counselling.
Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops
Keywords women's voices, motherhood, feminism, postpartum experience, postpartum support, mom’s groups, parenthood, maternal health, women's rights, childbirth,
Takeaways
Justine reflects on the importance of women's voices.
The postpartum experience is often isolating.
Support groups for mothers were vital for Justine’s mental health.
Society often dismisses the struggles of motherhood.
Cultural narratives can silence women's experiences.
Women are often taught their worth is tied to their bodies.
Feminism has not fully addressed the needs of mothers.
There is a societal fear of women gathering and sharing their stories.
Financial assistance for becoming a parent is inadequate.
True support for parents goes beyond financial aid.
Community and healthcare access are critical for new parents.
The isolation of modern families impacts parenting experiences.
Support services for parents are often lacking in the U.S.

In this conversation, Justine and Sarah explore the importance of mothers’ voices, and the cultural perceptions surrounding women's experiences. They discuss the isolation many mothers feel, the need for support, and how societal narratives often diminish the value of women's experiences. The conversation highlights the power of collective voices and the ongoing challenges women face in being heard and respected in their journeys through motherhood and beyond. In this conversation, Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann discuss the societal implications of parenthood, the inadequacy of financial support for new parents, and the systemic failures in maternal healthcare. They emphasize the need for community support and the importance of collective voices in advocating for better maternal rights and services. The dialogue highlights the limitations of monetary assistance and calls for a more comprehensive approach to supporting families, particularly in the context of the current political climate.
Sound Bites
"We should be revered for what we do."
"There's no monetary value on parenthood"
"We live in very isolated societies"
"When women gather, there's power in that"

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
03:44 The Importance of Women's Voices
12:11 Cultural Perceptions of Motherhood
20:09 The Visibility of Women's Experiences
21:28 Choices and Freedom in Womanhood
22:45 The Value of Parenthood in Society
24:05 Financial Support vs. Real Needs
28:17 The Limitations of Monetary Assistance
33:37 Systemic Failures in Maternal Support
39:32 The Power of Collective Voices
36 min
May 14, 2025Hope and Choice in Healing
On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.
Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.
Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.
Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence and is currently working towards a Masters in Counselling.
Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops
In this episode of the Resilient Birth Podcast, Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann discuss trauma, healing, and the power of choice as reflected in Dr. Edith Eager's book, The Choice. They explore how trauma impacts self-worth, the importance of relationships in healing, and the small choices we can make to reclaim our lives. The conversation emphasizes the need for support and connection when we feel our choices in childbirth have been taken away, (for example, when a cesarean becomes necessary for medical reasons) , highlighting that while we cannot change what might be happening, we have some control over how we respond. As an example of this, Sarah shares her story of leaning in to her midwife’s belief in her during her emergency C-section with her first child.
Keywords: trauma, healing, choice, self-worth, childbirth, cesarean, C-section birth, birth story, birth support planning.

Takeaways
Trauma can distort our self-perception.
Healing is a journey that often requires support from others.
Small moments of hope can lead to significant changes in our lives.
Relationships play a crucial role in our healing process.
It's important to recognize the choices we have, even in difficult circumstances.
Practicing positive thinking can lead to positive actions and outcomes.
Believing in others' potential can empower them on their healing journey.

Sound Bites
"The truth is we will all have unpleasant experiences."
"We have a choice to reclaim our lives."
"You're going to be 50 anyhow."
"We need each other to escape the prisons of our minds."
"I believe my clients have the ability to heal."
"I can be there as a champion and a support."
"I just recommend this book to anyone."
Chapters
00:0 0Introduction and Book Reflection
02:04 The Impact of Trauma on Self-Worth
06:21 The Power of Choice in Healing
10:21 Understanding Responsibility and Control
12:25 Finding Hope in Small Moments
16:41 The Role of Relationships in Healing
20:53 Exploring Choices in Birth Experiences
24:20 The Journey of Acceptance and Reframing
28:09 The Importance of Support in Healing
32:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
34 min
May 07, 2025 (Rerun) I Just Want to Hold Your Hand
In this return episode from Season 1, Sarah shares a quote from James Arthur's song "Finally" that connects to her grief as a parent who has also lost a parent.
On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.
Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.
Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.
Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence and is currently working towards a Masters in Counselling.
Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops
42 min
April 30, 2025Navigating Intimacy After Parenthood
On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.
Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.
Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.
Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence and is currently working towards a Masters in Counselling.
Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops
Keywords: intimacy, motherhood, postpartum relationships, postpartum sex, perimenopause, postpartum body image, emotional connection, parenting,
In this episode of the Resilient Birth Podcast, hosts Sarah Adelmann and Justine Leach explore the complexities of intimacy after becoming parents. They discuss the societal expectations surrounding postpartum sex at six weeks, physical touch on relationships, and the challenges of reclaiming one's body and identity after having a baby. The conversation also delves into the fears and trust issues that can arise in intimate relationships, particularly after childbirth, and the myths surrounding postpartum recovery. Thay also discuss the changes that come with aging and perimenopause, emphasizing the importance of creating space for emotional connection with self and other, as well as, understanding the evolving nature of desire.
Takeaways
Intimacy changes after becoming a parent.
Societal expectations can create pressure for postpartum intimacy too quickly.
Physical touch from children can make adult intimacy challenging.
Reclaiming one's body is a journey that takes time.
Non-sexual touch is crucial for emotional connection.
Motherhood often places a burden on intimacy.
Changing bodies can affect sex and confidence.
Perimenopause is a significant life transition that is often overlooked.
Desire for intimacy can fluctuate throughout life.

Sound Bites
"I didn't feel like my body was mine for so long."
"Those moments of not being touched feel precious."
"Intimacy is a dance that changes with time."
"Our bodies change, and so do our identities."
"Perimenopause is as intense as puberty."

Chapters
00:00 Navigating Intimacy After Parenthood
02:57 Expectations vs. Reality of Postpartum Intimacy
05:59 The Impact of Touch on Relationships
09:04 Reclaiming Your Body and Identity
11:58 The Complexity of Sexual Intimacy
15:00 The Burden of Motherhood on Intimacy
18:04 Coping with Changing Bodies
21:02 Fear and Trust in Intimacy
23:58 The Myths of Postpartum Recovery
27:02 Understanding Perimenopause
29:58 The Journey of Aging and Intimacy
33:09 Cultural Perceptions of Aging Women
36:04 Creating Space for Closeness
38:59 Embracing Change in Desire
41:54 Conclusion and Reflections
35 min
April 24, 2025Journey to Self: Sarah's Experience of Psilocybin
Keywords: psychedelics, mental health, therapy, self-discovery, anxiety, healing, research, consciousness, addiction, trauma, psilocybin
In this episode of the Resilient at Birth podcast, Sarah shares her personal experience of a journey with psilocybin in the State of Oregon, where it is legal. Sarah speaks from her personal experience and beliefs. Nothing Sarah or Justine says should be taken as medical advice. Additionally, Sarah and Justine encourage all listeners to follow the laws of their country. Sarah’s experience led her to profound self-discovery and healing from anxiety. The conversation explores Sarah’s experience and its impact on her mental health, the scientific research behind psychedelics, their therapeutic applications, and the cultural shifts surrounding their use. Sarah emphasizes the importance of guided experiences and the need for access to psychedelic therapy, while also addressing the fears and misinformation that often accompany discussions about these substances. In this conversation, Justine shares her concerns as someone who knows little about the topic and who lives in a country where these substances are illegal. They explore the importance of guided experiences, Sarah's understanding of the legal landscape in the U.S., and whether psychedelics can become an accepted form of healing. Sarah emphasizes the right of individuals to knowledge and her belief that people should have access these treatments for their mental health.
takeaways
Sarah speaks about how psychedelics can lead to profound self-discovery.
Psychedelics have shown promise in treating anxiety and depression.
Cultural perceptions of psychedelics are shifting positively.
Research indicates psychedelics can facilitate rapid healing from trauma and other mental health conditions.
Personal experiences with psychedelics can vary widely.
Sarah and Justine are not advocating listeners take psychedelics illegally.
Misinformation about psychedelics can create unnecessary fear.
Psychedelics are not addictive and have unique healing properties.
Cultural perceptions of psychedelics have been shaped by historical stigma.
Research supports the therapeutic use of psychedelics for mental health issues.
Guided experiences can help manage potential negative emotions during psychedelic journeys.
Legal status of psychedelics varies by state in the U.S. and is illegal in the UK
Education and awareness are crucial for changing public perception of psychedelics.
Psychedelics can be part of holistic healing practices in various cultures.
The conversation around psychedelics needs to be informed and open-minded.

Sound Bites
"I got to meet my true self."
"I was really nervous”
"I just knew I had made true healing with my anxiety."
"I don't want that weight. Like that's your work."
"Psychedelics are not addictive like other drugs."
"Our numbers of anxiety and depression are exploding."
"People should have access to this type of healing."

Chapters
00:00 Exploring Psychedelics and Mental Health
03:03 The Journey of Self-Discovery
05:56 The Therapeutic Experience
08:49 The Impact of Psychedelics on Anxiety
12:07 The Science Behind Psychedelics
15:01 Cultural Perspectives on Psychedelics
18:01 Navigating Fear and Misinformation
32:06 The Promise of Psilocybin: A New Perspective
34:50 Cultural Attitudes Towards Psychedelics
36:45 The Healing Potential of Psychedelics
39:05 Bad Trips and Emotional Processing
42:18 The Importance of Guided Experiences
45:18 Legal Landscape of Psychedelics in the U.S.
47:43 The Need for Informed Conversations on Psychedelics
On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.
Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.
Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.
Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence and is currently working towards a Masters in Counselling.
Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops
45 min
April 10, 2025Stars in the Darkness: A Birth Story with Ashley Herrera
Keywords: childbirth, prenatal yoga, birth story, pregnancy complications, birth stories, parenting, postpartum, holistic health, labor support, postpartum experience, midwifery care, birth trauma, motherhood
In this episode of the Resilient Birth podcast, hosts Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann welcome Ashley Herrera, a certified yoga teacher specializing in prenatal and postnatal yoga. The conversation explores the complexities of childbirth, acknowledging that while the physiological process can be simple, it is not always so; moreover, the emotional and mental aspects are often not easy either. They discuss the duality of birth experiences, the impact of complications during pregnancy, and the importance of support systems. Ashley shares her personal journey through IVF and birth trauma, and the challenges she faced during her pregnancies, highlighting the need for empowerment and advocacy in the birthing process. In this conversation, Ashley Herrera shares her profound birth story, highlighting the critical role of support during labor and postpartum when her daughter was diagnosed with an issue with her heart necessitating a change of birth plan. She discusses the challenges faced in switching from a birth center to hospital environment, the importance of having a supportive team, and how these experiences shaped her transition into motherhood. The conversation also delves into the emotional and physical aspects of labor, the significance of connection to baby, and the lasting impact of trauma.
Takeaways:
Childbirth is a simple physiological process but can be physically and emotionally complex.
Support systems are crucial during pregnancy and childbirth.
It's important to honor both the simplicity and the challenges of birth.
The connection between parent and child can remain unwavering despite complications.
Finding moments of joy can help navigate fear and uncertainty.
Empowerment comes from reclaiming choices during the birthing process.
Emotional preparation is as important as physical preparation for childbirth.
Every birth story is unique and valid, regardless of complications.
The journey of parenthood involves continuous self-growth and learning.
It's okay to feel a range of emotions during the birthing experience.
Asking for what you need in labor is essential.
The hospital environment can feel alien and restrictive.
Practicing through movement and sound can help prepare for labor.
Postpartum experiences can be affected by birth trauma.
Midwifery care provided comfort and reassurance after birth.
Advocating for your needs is important for both mother and baby.

Sound Bites
"The body knows how to birth."
"One moment can thieve your hope."
"It's okay to feel all the feelings."
"We flipped the narrative on it."
"We got our power back."
"I had to ask for everything"
"I could conquer the world"

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Resilient Birth Podcast
00:58 The Complexity of Childbirth
04:11 The Duality of Birth Experiences
06:53 Navigating Complications in Pregnancy
13:58 Finding Beauty Amidst Fear
16:57 Empowerment Through Support
24:07 The Journey of Induction and Advocacy
25:11 Navigating Labor: The Role of Support
28:06 The Birth Experience: Challenges and Triumphs
32:17 The Power of Support in Birth
37:01 Creating Connection in Prenatal Classes
42:04 Postpartum Journey: Trauma and Healing
On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.
Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.
Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.
Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence and is currently working towards a Masters in Counselling.
Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops
Ashley Herrera is a certified yoga teacher, specializing in prenatal and postnatal yoga, a mother of two, and a passionate advocate for empowering parents on their unique pregnancy and birth journeys. Inspired by her own transformative experiences, Ashley dove deeper into her work to support expectant parents through both in-person offerings in Calgary, AB, Canada, and online programs like the Confident Labor Prep Program and From Bump to Birth prenatal yoga series. Currently training as a Birthing from Within childbirth educator and doula, Ashley will also complete the Spinning Babies® Certified Parent Educator Training this Spring, further enhancing her ability to guide parents toward confident, connected births.
45 min
April 03, 2025(Rerun) Navigating Miscarriage and IVF with Marissa Hathaway
In this episode, Justine and Sarah are joined by Marissa Hathaway, a certified birth and postpartum doula. They discuss the harmful impact of 'at least' statements and how they can be invalidating to individuals who have experienced trauma or infertility. Marissa shares her personal journey of going through IVF and the challenges she faced as a doula supporting families while navigating her own miscarriage and infertility journey. They also discuss the importance of recognizing and honoring each person's unique story and the need for more support and understanding in the perinatal field.
Keywords
birth, postpartum, doula, trauma, infertility, IVF, ‘at least’ statements, miscarriage reproductive health
Takeaways
The harmful impact of 'at least' statements and how they can be invalidating
The challenges faced by individuals who have experienced trauma or infertility while supporting others in the perinatal field
The importance of recognizing and honoring each person's unique story
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
03:30 The Harmful Impact of 'At Least' Statements
11:17 Supporting Others While Navigating Personal Trauma
15:01 Navigating Reproductive Health Challenges as a Doula
26:45 Recognizing and Honoring Each Person's Unique Story
34:56 Conclusion and Takeaways
On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.
Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.
Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.
Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.
Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals
Marissa Hathaway is a full spectrum doula (certified in birth and postpartum), Childbirth Educator, and photographer. She came to doula through starting her career in global maternal health, human rights, and reproductive justice. She is dedicated to reducing maternal health inequities via intersectional collaboration and cultural humility. After studying Public Health & International Relations at Boston University, she attended the University of Haifa, in Israel, for her Masters in Public Health. Marissa has experience in rape crisis counseling, family planning/contraception counseling, and refugee health. Marissa’s approach to supporting families is centered around: embodied consent and informed decision-making; support for partners; and mental health and wellbeing
44 min
March 27, 2025Grief Has No Timeline with Jennifer Jamieson
In this episode of the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann welcome Jennifer Jamieson, a bereaved mother and advocate for families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. Jennifer begins with a quote from Glennon Doyle’s Untamed: “Every world changer’s work begins with a broken heart.” She shares her personal journey grieving the children she lost through miscarriage and stillbirth, the importance of community support, and the transformative power of sharing stories in group settings. The conversation emphasizes the uniqueness of each person's grief experience, the significance of rituals in mourning, and the necessity of giving oneself permission to grieve. Jeniffer share how in peer support groups grieving parents can find their own experiences reflected in those of others and discover they are not alone.
Keywords: grief, loss, support groups, bereaved parents, healing, community, stillbirth, miscarriage, peer support, pregnancy loss

takeaways
Every world changer’s work begins with a broken heart.
Grief has no timeline; it is a lifelong journey.
Loss is a loss and grief is grief, regardless of circumstances.
Community support can provide validation and understanding.
Rituals for mourning are essential for honoring lost loved ones.
It's never too late to acknowledge and process grief.
Grief work is akin to building a muscle; it requires effort.
We can carry our grief with us rather than trying to move on.
Sharing stories in a group can lead to transformative moments.
Authenticity in grief allows for deeper connections and healing.

Sound Bites
"Grief has no timeline."
"Loss is a loss and grief is grief."
"We're sure glad that we have this community."
"Grief work is like building a muscle."
"It's a myth that we move on from our lost loved ones."
"We create coping mechanisms that build strength."
"Your story has a place to be."
"It's never too late to acknowledge your grief."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Grief and Healing
01:01 The Impact of Personal Loss
08:25 The Power of Group Support
11:41 Navigating Grief: Individual vs. Group Support
18:07 Resonating Stories and Shared Experiences
21:22 Transformative Moments in Grief
26:37 Creating Rituals for Mourning
30:50Community Events and Collective Healing
37:34 Permission to Grieve
42:18 The Uniqueness of Grief in Community
On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.
Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.
Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.
Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence and is currently working towards a Masters in Counselling.
Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops
Jennifer Jamieson is a bereaved mother and advocate for families who have also suffered the loss of a baby. She volunteers as a grief group peer facilitator in person for various types of pregnancy and infant losses, and as well as provides phone and online support to parents who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth. Alongside other volunteers in her community, Jennifer co-hosts events such as remembrance walks in honour of these babies and holds a Wave of Light each year on October 15th, International Pregnancy And Infant Loss Awareness Day.
37 min
March 13, 2025Vulnerability, Love and Loss with Anna Pfundstein
In this episode of the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann engage in a heartfelt conversation with Anna Pfundstein, a birth doula, about the profound themes of vulnerability and love in the context of motherhood, loss and birth. Anna shares her personal experience of being a doula, mother and someone who has lost four babies through miscarriage. She shares how she found strength and connection being vulnerable with loved ones, emphasizing that vulnerability is not just about seeking peace but also about embracing the complexities of life, including the pain and risk that can come with vulnerability. The discussion explores how vulnerability can lead to deeper connections and the beauty that can emerge from difficult experiences, ultimately highlighting the intersection of love and loss in the journey of parenthood.
Keywords: vulnerability, love, birth, grief, loss, miscarriage, motherhood, doula, personal stories, home birth transfer
Takeaways
Vulnerability is essential for deep connections.
Sharing experiences of loss can foster community and support.
We can allow ourselves to feel both joy and sorrow.
Vulnerability does not guarantee peace but is still worth pursuing.
Being open about one's journey can help others feel less alone.
The beauty of birth is intertwined with the risks of vulnerability.
Navigating personal loss requires time and self-compassion.
It's okay to not be ready to be vulnerable at all times.
Sound Bites
"To love at all is to be vulnerable."
"Vulnerability is a really scary thing."
"I think vulnerability is worth the risk."
"There's so much beauty in vulnerability."
"We were made to love, we were made to be loved."
"It's okay to say I'm not ready for that right now."
"Letting both things be true helps me a lot."
Chapters:
00:00 The Power of Vulnerability
12:54 Navigating Personal Loss and Grief
25:07 The Intersection of Love and Vulnerability
38:55 Finding Joy Amidst Pain
On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.
Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.
Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.
Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence and is currently working towards a Masters in Counselling.
Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops
Anna Pfundstein lives in Northern Illinois with her husband, Teddy, her son, Charlie, and she has a little girl on the way! Anna is a Birth Doula who is passionate about physiological birth and supporting families as they welcome their little ones. She loves being creative and granny hobbies; you can frequently find her crocheting or embroidering something and she loves to paint or draw when she gets some kid free time :)
39 min
March 06, 2025Does Healing Mean Taking Responsibility For Our Role in Suffering? With Alex Schoenberger
In this episode, hosts Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann welcome Alex Schoenberger, a certified birth and postpartum doula, to discuss whether healing means taking responsibility for one’s own part in ongoing suffering. We are not all on the same page on this one and the conversation leads us to a rich discussion on how sentiments such as this land differently with different people – these kinds of sayings can feel empowering to some, but can also add to the trauma of others. The conversation explores the importance of seeking help, the role of support systems, and the need for validation in maternal care. Alex shares her personal journey through postpartum challenges especially after her baby needed resuscitation after birth and spent time in the NICU. She emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and understanding in the doula's role.
Keywords: birth trauma, NICU story, postpartum support, maternal health, doula, perinatal mental health, childbirth education, self-responsibility, seeking help, emotional support,
Takeaways
Postpartum experiences can deeply impact mental health.
Empowerment in motherhood is subjective and personal.
Seeking help is crucial for healing and support.
Validation of experiences is vital in maternal care.
Doulas play a unique role in providing emotional support.
Proactive planning can mitigate postpartum challenges.
The importance of active listening in support roles.
Recognizing the diverse experiences of motherhood is key.
Sound Bites
"I was deep in suffering."
"I just needed someone to witness how deeply I was drowning."
"We need to prepare for parenthood."
"I didn't want help because I didn't know if I could trust."
"It takes a very strong person to be willing to switch OBs."
"There's truth in all of our experiences."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Resilient Birth Podcast
01:28 The Impact of This Language Around Healing and Responsibility
06:31 Navigating Postpartum Challenges
12:40 The Role of Support in Healing
19:34 Trust and Seeking Help in Maternal Care
25:07 The Importance of Validating Experiences
32:43 The Doula's Role in Maternal Support
39:23 Tension Between Support and Advocacy
45:31 Takeaways and Reflections
On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.
Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.
Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.
Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence and is currently doing a Masters in Counselling.
Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops
Alex Schoenberger is a Canadian mother to two boys, a certified birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator. While newer to this field of work, she is passionate about helping other families to dive into their fears around pregnancy, birth and postpartum and set up supports to help them feel empowered and fearless. This passion stems from her own story of acute birth trauma.
40 min

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Conversations about trauma in the perinatal period

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