In this episode of The Homebirth Midwife Podcast, Sarah and Charli explore advanced maternal age care for pregnancies over 40, unpacking what the data actually says about risk while keeping the conversation grounded and compassionate. They explain the difference between absolute and relative risk, discuss maternal and neonatal considerations, and highlight the lack of a universal standard of care for this population. Throughout the episode, Sarah and Charli emphasize informed choice, individualized care, and the importance of centering mothers, not just babies, in conversations about risk. With real-life examples and thoughtful reframing, they affirm that people over 40 can and do have safe, empowering, and positive birth experiences.

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 very special episode, Sarah interviews Olivia, a first-time mom who shares her warm, joyful, and honest story of choosing and experiencing a home birth. Olivia walks listeners through her decision to switch to midwifery care, her smooth but emotionally complex pregnancy, and her fast, powerful labor supported by loved ones. She describes the beautiful moment her son was born into his father's hands and the tender postpartum period that followed—complete with both bliss and bouts of anxiety. The conversation highlights the value of personalized midwifery care, postpartum support, and trusting oneself throughout the parenting journey. Listeners are left with encouragement, validation, and insight into the real dynamics of physiologic 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 heartfelt episode, Sarah interviews Kelly, a two-time Hearth and Home Midwifery client, who shares the stories of her two very different births. Kelly describes her long first labor that ultimately led to an empowered hospital transfer, where the skills and confidence she gained through midwifery care helped her advocate for herself and her baby. She then contrasts this with her fast, intuitive, and deeply supported home birth with her second child, which unfolded peacefully in the comfort of her bedroom. Throughout the conversation, Kelly reflects on the importance of informed choice, trust, and thoughtful prenatal care. Her stories offer warmth, honesty, and inspiration to anyone exploring their birth options.

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, midwife Sarah McClure welcomes back Melodie and Wes to share the story of their second home birth with Hearth and Home Midwifery. Melodie describes a calm yet powerful pregnancy and an incredibly fast two-and-a-half-hour labor that culminated in the birth of their son. The couple contrasts the warmth, relationship-based care of their midwives with the impersonal nature of traditional medical systems. Despite a postpartum hemorrhage, Melodie and Wes reflect on the safety, intimacy, and trust that define their home birth experience. Their story offers a heartfelt testament to the confidence and community that come from midwifery care.

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 of The Homebirth Midwife Podcast, Sarah and Charli explore placenta previa, explaining what it is, how it's diagnosed, and how it can impact pregnancy and birth planning. They discuss risk factors, potential complications, and the reality that most cases resolve naturally. The hosts also challenge conventional restrictions often given to those with previa, encouraging individualized decision-making and informed autonomy. With empathy and humor, they remind listeners that this condition is often out of one's control — and that compassionate, personalized care can make all the difference.

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 heartfelt episode of The Homebirth Midwife Podcast, Sarah McClure sits down with Ally, a two-time Hearth and Home client, to share her two very different birth stories. From an unexpected breech birth that led to a calm, supported hospital transfer to a peaceful, empowered home birth years later, Ally's story beautifully illustrates the range of experiences possible in midwifery care. Through laughter, emotion, and reflection, Sarah and Ally explore themes of trust, advocacy, and the power of being truly known by your care team. This episode invites listeners into an honest and uplifting conversation about birth, resilience, and the deep relationships that define midwifery practice.

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 of The Homebirth Midwife Podcast, Sarah and Charli explore the topic of preterm labor, answering common questions about what it is, how to recognize it, and what the risk factors may be. They discuss the unique role midwifery care plays in prevention, offering personalized attention and holistic support that helps many clients avoid complications. The conversation also highlights the special considerations for late preterm babies born at home, including both the challenges and successes they've seen in their practice. With a mix of evidence, experience, and heartfelt anecdotes, Sarah and Charli reassure families that risk factors do not define outcomes, and that informed, compassionate care makes all the difference.

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 heartfelt episode of The Homebirth Midwife Podcast, midwife Sarah sits down with Colby, a Hearth and Home Midwifery graduate, to share the story of her second home birth. Colby reflects on the challenges of her first birth, including placenta retention and delayed breastfeeding support, and how those experiences shaped what she wanted for her next pregnancy. She describes the deeply personal and empowering care she received from Hearth and Home, from thoughtful prenatal visits to an unhurried, peaceful birth at home. This episode is a warm reminder of the power of individualized care and the importance of honoring the postpartum journey.

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 of The Homebirth Midwife Podcast, Sarah and Charli unpack the challenging but vital topic of obstetric violence. They explore how mistreatment during pregnancy and birth can take many forms—from subtle dismissiveness and coercive language to invasive procedures performed without consent—and why these experiences are so often minimized or normalized. Drawing on their years of midwifery experience, they discuss the cultural and systemic roots of this issue, while also offering the midwifery model of care as a compassionate, respectful alternative. With warmth and honesty, they remind listeners that birth should be empowering, safe, and free of violence, and they offer hope for healing and change through informed, client-centered care.

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.

The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is back! Sarah McClure and Charli Zarosinski share the story of Charli's third birth — a joyful and empowering home water birth of her daughter, Daphne. Charli reflects on her more relaxed mindset during pregnancy, the humorous and sweet moments of early labor, and the calm, celebratory environment created by her birth team. She describes moving through labor with strong support, natural progression, and firm encouragement from Sarah, culminating in an immediate and powerful emotional connection with her baby. The episode highlights the intimacy, autonomy, and unique care possible in home birth midwifery, leaving Charli grateful to close her childbearing chapter on such a high note.

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.