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

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

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

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

Sound Bites

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

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

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

Sound Bites

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

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

Sound Bites

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

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:

Sound Bites

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.  

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

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

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

Sound Bites

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. 

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

 Sound Bites

 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 :)

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

Sound Bites

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.