If you know you want kids at some point, are actively trying or currently pregnant, the thought of birth (and how scary it seems) has probably been living in your head rent free.
In this episode, I am interviewing Laine Ferguson, a full-spectrum birth doula, childbirth educator and founder of The Birth Laine. This is everything you’ve wondered about pregnancy, birth and planning for delivery. We talk about the role of a Doula, how to know when/if you need one, how to create a birth plan, hospital vs. at-home births, techniques for pain management, the most common pregnancy and birth myths we’re all taught, and soooo much more.
I’m not currently pregnant or trying for kids, but I know I want a family in the nearish future so this episode was insanely eye-opening for me when it comes to feeling more confident about pregnancy and birth as a whole, how to make the choices that best support my body, what I want and how enjoyable (not excruciatingly painful and traumatizing) the process can actually be.
Laine is a full-spectrum birth doula, childbirth educator, and founder of The Birth Laine, based in Nelson, BC. She provides inclusive, evidence-based, and trauma-informed support for families through pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum. Her work is rooted in helping people feel confident, informed, and deeply supported — whether they're planning a home birth, hospital birth, medicated birth or anything in between. She's also a mom-of-two, and her own experiences with birth and pregnancy loss have shaped her passion for supporting families in a way that is grounded, compassionate, and real. Beyond her client work, Laine is also the Founder of kaye — a client care platform that's built specifically for Canadian Doulas and Birthworkers.
We both wanted to note that this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Birth doulas and childbirth educators provide informational, physical, and emotional support - not medical care. Always consult your doctor, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual care for your pregnancy and birth.
Connect with Vanessa:
- Instagram
- TikTok
- Testimonials
Want to work 1:1 with me? Apply HERE.
Connect With Laine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebirthlaine/
Virtual 1:1 Birth Prep & Planning: https://www.thebirthlaine.com/childbirth-education-birth-planning
Book a free consultation with Laine: https://www.thebirthlaine.com/contact
Laine's Favourite Books for Pregnancy, Birth Prep & Beyond:
- Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood - and Trusting Yourself and Your Body, by Erica Chidi
- The Birth Partner, by Penny Simpkin (a MUST read for anyone that is supporting anyone through pregnancy and birth)
- The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality, by Kimberly Ann Johnson
- Cookbook: The Nourished Mother, by Lindsay Taylor
Other resources:
- The Great Birth Rebellion Podcast by Dr. Melanie Jackson
- Evidence Based Birth - Handouts and Website Resource
- The Birth Hour Podcast - Real people's stories of birth
- Hypnobirthing by Poppy Child "Pop That Mumma"
Referenced in our conversation:
- Dr. Melanie Jackson on the study review for place of birth (home, birth centre, hospital) and maternal and neonatal outcomes - https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/podcasts/the-great-birth-rebellion/episodes/2149072162
- Evidence Based Birth Podcast - Effects of Epidurals on the Second Stage of Labour (Pushing Phase) - https://evidencebasedbirth.com/effects-of-epidurals-on-the-second-stage-of-labor/