Transformed by Birth

In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by Ellie Knaus, creator and host of the Atomic Moms podcast and co-writer and producer of the film Let's Have Kids, for an unfiltered conversation about motherhood, friendship, and finding humor in life's unexpected moments. We explore the gap between expectations and the realities of parenthood, the complexities of family relationships, and why seeing the messier sides of motherhood reflected on screen matters. Along the way, we discuss the healing power of laughter and self-compassion, and how sharing our stories reminds us we're not alone.

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In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by Christine D'Esposito, co-owner of Birthing from Within, to explore archetypes and the heroic journey of birth and parenthood. Drawing on our shared history with Birthing from Within, we discuss the different archetypes that emerge during this transformative time. We explore why disorientation is a natural part of the journey and how mentors can help parents recognize the wisdom and resilience they already carry within themselves.

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In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by Bryn Huntpalmer, founder of The Birth Hour podcast and author of The Birth Hour: Real Birth Stories to Inform, Inspire, and Empower, to explore the power of birth stories and what we can learn from hearing the many ways birth unfolds. Drawing on Bryn's experience listening to thousands of birth stories, we discuss how these stories shape our expectations, why feeling informed and supported matters more than having a "perfect" birth, and how our understanding of our own birth experiences can change over time.

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In this deeply personal episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by my goddaughter/bonus daughter and the mother of my grandchildren, Aleksa Mara Dalton, to talk about chosen family, birth, and the relationships that shape our lives. From our early days as neighbors in Topanga Canyon to the two very different home births I had the privilege of supporting, we reflect on how our relationship has grown across generations and what it means to create family through love, commitment, and choice.

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In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by Nina Spears, founder of Baby Chick and author of The Baby Chick Guide to Positive Pregnancy, to talk about preparing for birth, parenthood, and the many changes that come with both. Drawing on our years supporting families, we reflect on how birth preparation has evolved, why having more information doesn't always make decisions easier, and what happens when we become attached to one "right" way to give birth.

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In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by doula, former labor and delivery nurse, mother of six, and modern mystic Joni Edelman to talk about agency, autonomy, and learning to trust yourself in birth. We explore why the voices around us can make our own wisdom harder to hear, how slowing down can create space for discernment, and what it means to make the next best decision when birth takes an unexpected turn.

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In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by nurse, educator, and founder of The Birth Nurse, Mandy Irby, for a conversation about the complicated role nurses hold inside the birth room.

We talk about what it's like for nurses to advocate for patients while working within a hospital hierarchy, how their own experiences can follow them into the birth room, and what happens when they witness something they want to change but don't always have the authority to do so. We also explore the real power nurses have to help change birth care from the inside.

This conversation invites us to see nurses not simply as part of the system, but as whole humans navigating it, with tremendous opportunities to help people feel respected, safe, and heard during one of the most transformative experiences of their lives.

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In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by writer, editor, advocate, and author Avital Norman Nathman to unpack the myth of the perfect birth and why the desire to control an inherently unpredictable experience can leave parents carrying responsibility that was never entirely theirs.

We talk about agency, vulnerability, and the systems that shape maternity care. We also explore finding support, asking questions, and remembering you don't have to navigate this alone.

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In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by midwife, educator, doula trainer, and founder of Mama Atoosa, Atoosa Benji, to talk about the nonlinear nature of birth, parenthood, grief, and transformation. Together, we discuss why change rarely unfolds according to our timelines, the grief woven into major life transitions, trauma-informed care, and why birth professionals are there to guide and support, not clear every obstacle from the path.

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In this episode of Transformed by Birth, I'm joined by pelvic health physical therapist and author Dr. Anietie "Tia" Ukpe-Wallace for a conversation about pelvic health, body literacy, and reconnecting with our bodies. Tia shares her journey through pelvic pain and pregnancy loss, the connection between pelvic health and the whole body, the role of touch in healing, and how curiosity can help us better understand and advocate for ourselves. We explore moving beyond shame and disconnection and toward a deeper relationship with our bodies.

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