On today's episode, Sarah and Charli share an honest look at what it means to balance motherhood with the unpredictable, on-call life of a homebirth midwife. They discuss childcare, supportive partners, sleep deprivation, breastfeeding and pumping, the emotional intensity of birth work, and why protected time off call is essential for making the career sustainable. Alongside the challenges, they reflect on the flexibility, purpose, presence, and meaningful relationships that make midwifery deeply rewarding as mothers. Ultimately, they emphasize that with strong support systems, a trustworthy midwifery team, and a willingness to adapt, it is entirely possible to build a fulfilling life as both a parent and a midwife.

If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor.

Stay Connected With Us!

• Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206

The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Charli welcomes returning guest (and Hearth and Home client) Regan to explore one of the most meaningful aspects of her birth experiences: postpartum care in the midwifery model. Together they compare hospital and home postpartum experiences, discussing everything from individualized home visits and preventative care to emotional support, informed consent, and protecting the early bonding period between mother and baby. Regan candidly shares both difficult postpartum complications and the compassionate care that helped her recover, illustrating how continuity, trust, and personalized support shaped her experience across three births.

If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor.

Stay Connected With Us!

• Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206

The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, Sarah and Charli discuss Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy, including prevention strategies, probiotic use, and treatment options for families planning a home birth or physiologic birth. They explain what GBS is, why screening matters, and how they support clients before and after a positive GBS test through individualized midwifery care. The conversation also explores herbal remedies, gut health, informed consent, and the role of IV antibiotics during labor, giving expectant parents a balanced overview of the options available as they prepare for birth.

If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor.

Stay Connected With Us!

• Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206

The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, Sarah and Charli unpack the causes, risks, and screening options for gestational diabetes while addressing common fears and misconceptions surrounding the diagnosis. They explain why screening matters, discuss alternatives to the standard glucose test, and outline how gestational diabetes is managed in their practice. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize that a diagnosis is not a personal failure and does not necessarily mean the end of a planned home birth. With compassionate guidance, they show how information and individualized care can help families stay healthy and low risk.

If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor.

Stay Connected With Us!

• Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206

The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, Charli sits down with Hearth & Home Midwifery client Torie to discuss her remarkable journey through four very different home births. Torie shares how her experiences with midwifery care, freebirth, and witnessing a hospital birth shaped her evolving perspective on autonomy, intuition, and support in childbirth. Together, they explore how women can honor their inner knowing while still receiving skilled care that aligns with their values. The conversation also highlights the importance of postpartum support, family-centered care, and preserving the sacred transition into motherhood.

If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor.

Stay Connected With Us!

• Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206

The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

On this episode of The Homebirth Midwife Podcast, Sarah McClure sits down with Jess and Will to unpack their family's remarkable path through stillbirth, healing, and the birth of their twins. Together, they reflect on the emotional realities of loss, the importance of supportive care, and what it looked like to pursue a physiologic birth in a hospital setting after tragedy. It's a tender and hopeful conversation about honoring grief while embracing new life, and a powerful reminder that birth stories can hold sorrow, healing, and celebration all at once.

If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor.

Stay Connected With Us!

• Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206

The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, Sarah and Charli break down the full scope of newborn care provided by homebirth midwives, addressing common misconceptions, especially those encountered during hospital transfers. They walk through immediate postpartum care, first-day assessments, and ongoing follow-up, highlighting how midwives offer comprehensive, evidence-based support in the home setting. The conversation emphasizes a holistic, individualized approach that centers both the baby's well-being and the parent–infant relationship. Ultimately, the episode empowers families with knowledge so they can confidently advocate for the type of care they want after birth.

If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor.

Stay Connected With Us!

• Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206

The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

This episode explores how partners can meaningfully support someone during a homebirth, beginning with prenatal preparation and continuing through labor. Sarah and Charli emphasize that education, emotional presence, and calmness are the most impactful contributions a partner can make. Practical support (such as managing logistics, communication, and the home environment) helps create space for the laboring person to focus inward. They also share common mistakes to avoid and highlight the importance of teamwork with doulas and midwives. Ultimately, the episode reinforces that partner support plays a vital role in shaping a positive and connected birth experience.

If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor.

Stay Connected With Us!

• Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206

The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, Sarah and Charli explore the common and often frustrating experience of insomnia during pregnancy, offering both validation and practical support. They highlight how disrupted sleep is frequently linked to low blood sugar, encouraging nighttime nourishment and more consistent daytime eating. The conversation also covers key supplements like magnesium and iron, gentle herbal remedies, and strategies for managing restless leg syndrome. With a focus on nervous system regulation and sleep hygiene, the episode provides a holistic, midwifery-informed approach to improving rest.

If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor.

Stay Connected With Us!

• Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206

The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode, Sarah and Charli revisit Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnancy, offering updated, evidence-based guidance on screening and treatment. They explain what GBS is, why it matters for newborns, and how current protocols (like antibiotics in labor) significantly reduce risk while also introducing important tradeoffs. The conversation explores both standard U.S. practices and alternative approaches used globally, emphasizing informed consent and individualized care. Listeners are encouraged to weigh the benefits, limitations, and unknowns in order to make decisions that align with their values and birth goals. Overall, the episode balances clinical insight with a thoughtful, empowering approach to decision-making.

If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor.

Stay Connected With Us!

• Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206

The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.