Avsnitt
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Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/
Sign up for the Pain Free Birth Doula Mastermind HERE https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/doula-certification-waitlist
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!
In this episode we’re meeting Madeleine Van Gorp. This is one of the most redeeming and beautiful pain free birth stories I have ever had the privilege of hearing, but it’s also filled with some very sensitive and painful experiences. If you’re sensitive about listening to content involving infant loss please consider listening with grace to this episode. We explored Madeline’s story of her baby’s bilateral renal agenesis, her decisions on how to handle her pregnancy despite that, including special moments, connecting to her baby through exercise, and her spiritual preparation. We also cover her labor experience including the ultimate passing of her son, Nicky and how it was not a traumatic experience.
CHAPTERS
00:50 – Introduction to Madeleine Van Gorp’s story and her baby’s diagnosis of bilateral renal agenesis.
00:21 – Madeleine discusses the redemptive and inspirational aspects of her birth story despite the challenges.
02:47 – Receiving the diagnosis during the 21-week anatomy scan and deciding not to do early ultrasounds.
06:36 – The emotional response to the diagnosis and Madeleine's decision to continue her pregnancy.
12:05 – Transitioning from devastation to leaning into faith for strength during the pregnancy.
18:49 – Special moments during pregnancy, including a trip and her connection to her baby through exercise.
31:36 – The emotional and spiritual preparation for labor and delivery.
40:11 – The unique labor experience: focusing on breathing, peace, and connection with her baby.
01:02:11 – Madeleine’s perspective on choosing life and her labor process with a breech birth.
01:05:36 – The birth of her son, Nicky, and the first moments holding him.
01:08:09 – Sharing the peaceful passing of her son and how it was not a traumatic experience.
01:10:24 – The deeply emotional decision to personally transport Nicky to the funeral home and its significance.
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in
CONNECT WITH MADELINE:
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/paradigmbymadsWebsite - babyvangorp.com (to learn more about Nicky’s story) -
Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/
Sign up for the Pain Free Birth Doula Mastermind HERE https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/doula-certification-waitlist
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!
In this episode we’re meeting one of my personal doula clients Sondra Almeter - I’ve been hounding her to come on the show for a YEAR and she finally did. I’m so excited to share her amazing birthing stories, including a breech vbac birth. We explored Sondra’s transformative journey into motherhood, starting with her first birth's challenges and the vital role of a doula. From informed consent to the "birth high," and even an unexpected home birth, we celebrated every birth's uniqueness and the miracle of unmedicated experiences.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Sondra's Unique Journey
06:02 First Birth Experience: Challenges and Triumphs
12:02 Finding Support: The Role of a Doula
18:00 The Importance of Informed Consent
23:57 Labor and Delivery: Overcoming Obstacles
29:43 The Importance of Support in Labor
35:51 The Role of the Doula
45:41 The Birth High and Aftermath
52:30 Witnessing Miracles: The Impact of Unmedicated Births
01:01:18 The Unexpected Home Birth Experience
01:06:36 Celebrating the Journey: Every Birth is Unique
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-inTo connect with Sondra on ig: @s_almeter
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Sign up for the Pain Free Birth Doula Mastermind HERE https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/doula-certification-waitlist
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!
In this episode we’re meeting two doulas, Jessica Grant and Kallie Caton, the founders of the “Birth Belongs to Women” movement. We discuss why birth does, indeed, belong to women, and how the medical system and current social/political movements are unfairly marginalizing women and doulas who believe birth belongs to women. We discuss many of the contemporary debates around being a doula and how Mamas like you can best prepare to work with doulas in today’s climate.
CHAPTERS
00:38 - The origin story of the Birth Belongs to Women movement, and the state of the Doula and medical birthing industries
07:26 - How birth should be (and why the birthing industry system is rigged)
13:13 - Why the phrase “birth belongs to women” is so resonant for some and polarizing to others in today’s social climate
15:37 - “Inclusivity” in birthing
17:33 - Birth Belongs to Women is not anti-trans at all, it is pro-women. Karen’s thoughts on forced gender-inclusive language.
22:53 - Doulas should stay true to themselves regardless of social or political pressure
25:50 - Many women have felt silenced or unable to speak their mind
27:36 - Restoring the sacredness to the experience and tradition of birthing
32:48 - Doula v Birth Worker and how centralized certification regimes effect the Doula tradition
36:53 - Is it possible for doulas to do good work within the hospital system?
38:51 - The doula is not the “rescuer” - and avoiding unfair dynamics between mothers and doulas
40:29 - What women getting pregnant now most need to understand
42:07 - Advice for women who want a doula but still need to give birth in a hospital
46:25 - Doula burnout and creating sustainable work for birthing professionals without “turning it into a business”
53:00 - The true calling and passion of Doulas to serve mothers
55:05 - The “scope” of a doula’s work, and allowing the mother to have room for her own spiritual journey
56:25 - Healthy boundaries in doula work and why clients sometimes need to be turned down
1:00:10 - The future of the doula space
1:05:45 - Why there’s so much fear and dogma in the medical birthing system
CONNECT WITH BIRTH BELONGS TO WOMEN:
Connect with Kallie here: instagram.com/kalliecatonConnect with Jessica here: instagram.com/jessiesvibe
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in
Learn more about Birth Belongs to Women → https://www.birthbelongstowomen.com/
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In this episode, Karen sits down with Dr. Lizzie Kieffer as she shares her personal birth experiences and professional insights. From her hospital birth to her empowering home birth, Lizzie opens up about the lessons learned along the way. Tune in as we dive into why relying solely on kegels might not be the best approach for birth and postpartum recovery, how diaphragmatic breathing helps relax the pelvic floor, and explore practical tips for avoiding severe diastasis recti. Plus, learn how to surrender to the natural timing of labor rather than trying to control it.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Lizzie’s first birth in the hospital vs. her second at homeWhy kegels aren't the only answer for pelvic floor healthHow diaphragmatic breathing can prevent postpartum issuesThe importance of surrendering to God's timing in birthTips to help reduce the intensity of diastasis rectiThe benefits of training during pregnancy for postpartum recoveryMORE ABOUT DR. LIZZIE KIEFFER:
Lizzie is a doctor of physical therapy, a mom of two, and a strong advocate for movement as medicine. After earning her doctorate in 2018, she began her career in a traditional clinic but soon realized her passion lay in helping women navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic floor health. Motivated by the lack of specialized information in these areas, she opened her own practice and developed the Mind Body Core programs to empower and educate women worldwide. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys pickleball, hiking, and spending time with her daughters, Mia and Lily, her husband Matt, and their dog Snickers. A lifelong learner, she is dedicated to helping women feel confident, understood, and supported as they embrace the changes of womanhood and motherhood.
Instagram: @doclizziedpt
PRENATAL: Mind Body Core Prenatal Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 off
POSTPARTUM: Mind Body Core Postpartum Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 off
Christian Hypnobirthing App — Get one month FREE with the purchase of the Faith-Filled Childbirth E-Course
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!
Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you.
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
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While Tara was blacking out from pain, losing hope, and believing she didn't have enough faith for a pain free pregnancy, she experienced a deeply spiritual experience that led her to creating the first of its kind, her own app, for Christian Hypnobirthing. Tune in to find out how drastically different Tara's births were with and without the power of hypnobirthing, how our thoughts and emotions can imprint on our babies brains, and how you can use hypnobirthing beyond labor!
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
How Tara started Christian HypnobirthingDealing with coercion and losing faith in Tara's first birthHow hypnobirthing transformed Tara's second birthCultivating peace throughout your pregnancyUsing hypnobirthing beyond pregnancyCombining faith with neuroscience and how our babies brains are wiredMORE ABOUT TARA MENZIES:
Tara Menzies is the creator of the Christian Hypnobirthing app and the Faith-Filled Childbirth Course. She created the app in early 2018 after the birth of her first son, because she wanted to combine traditional hypnobirthing techniques (breathing and visualisation exercises, positive affirmations etc) with the incredible love, strength and support that come from our Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit, to help expecting mamas feel confident relaxed and connected to God throughout their births. The Christian Hypnobirthing app has since become one of the most highly rated hypnobirthing apps worldwide, and has helped tens of thousands of women have more relaxed, confident and faith-filled birth experiences.
Instagram: @christianhypnobirthing
Christian Hypnobirthing Website
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!
Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you.
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
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Jessie thought she was prepared to have a smooth, natural, and pain free birth until... The hospital kept interrupting the labor room, asking for continuous monitoring, and made the birth experience something Jessie never wanted to relive again. When she got pregnant with her second child, Ava, she knew things would be different. She and her husband weren't 100% sold on having a home birth, but that's why we have peace that God's plan is greater. Tune in to hear all about Jessie's redemptive and unplanned home birth.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
What a majority of "natural births" look like in a hospital Shifting the mindset of "women have to be strong"What created an entirely different experience for Jessie in her second pregnancyThe power of visualization in pregnancy and through birthHow children's temperaments can differ from hospital versus home birthsThe woman's body: letting go of trauma & knowing we aren't cursed to have painful birthsMORE ABOUT JESSIE RITTER:
Mom of two, wife, and musician living in the Florida Panhandle. Jessie had a difficult first birth in the hospital, and an absolutely blissful second time unplanned home birth.
Instagram: @jessie.l.ritter
TikTok: @jessieritter
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!
Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you.
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
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Right after high school, Brandyn witnessed a dear friend having excruciating menstrual cycles. After being prayed over by a team member in ministry school, her friend no longer experienced pain during her cycles! This was when Brandyn's eyes were open to the possibility that we don't have to experience pain and birth can be amazing. This was a very special episode to chat about as Karen and Brandyn shared so many similarities between their births.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Praying to release pain What a "free pregnancy" is like"Do I have to go to the bathroom or am I in labor?"Instant pain relief: the double hip squeezeHow to release tightness in your perineumInstinctually knowing the "right" and "wrong" birthing positionsMORE ABOUT BRANDYN GIPE:
Wife to Steven, mom to Quinn, dog mom of 3, and currently serving as the communications director at New Day for Children (a faith-based non-profit that supports kids recovered from trafficking in America) in the Shasta County, CA and the surrounding area. Brandyn loves Jesus, fun, adventure and exploring the world. Steven and Brandyn dream of one day starting a home for minor boys recovered from trafficking here in the USA.
Instagram: @brandynpruettgipe
Website
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
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In this episode, Gina Conley shares how impactful movement could be supportive for a strong and pain free pregnancy as an industry-leading perinatal fitness provider. What if the answer to a pain free pregnancy and birth was simply understanding the difference in mobility throughout our pregnancies and how we can support our body by moving optimally. I'm sure you've heard of kegels... think of that as step one. Kegels should not be your only form of movement to prepare for birth. Find out what Gina recommends you do in today's episode!
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Using fitness to mentally & physically prepare for birthWhat you should do beyond kegels to lengthen & stretch the pelvic floorMitigating a tight pelvic floor from traditional weightliftingUsing movement to support your labor processThe outdated fear surrounding exercise during pregnancyMORE ABOUT GINA CONLEY:
Gina Conley is the founder of MamasteFit—a perinatal fitness training facility located in North Carolina. MamasteFit offers in-person and online pre/postnatal fitness training programs. Gina has her masters in exercise science and is a seasoned birth doula. She combines her expertise as both a perinatal fitness trainer and birth professional to provide full spectrum support from conception, birth, and recovery in the postpartum. Gina is the author of Training for Two, a book that explains how to use prenatal fitness to support a strong and pain free pregnancy, as you prepare for birth.
Instagram: @mamastefit
The MamasteFit Podcast
Website
PROGRAM: 40-Week Prenatal Fitness Program
PROGRAM: 40-Week Mini Prenatal Fitness Program
💳📕 PREORDER: Training for Two: Safe & Smart Prenatal Exercises for a Smoother Pregnancy, Easier Birth, and Healthier
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
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In this episode, Emma shares her amazingly unexpected, yet so magical precipitous twin birth. Fascinated by birth by baby number two, Emma had done a lot of research and precipitous births had never stood out to her... that was until the twins came along. Her instincts were on fire. From the midwife being minutes away, husband nearly passing out, and babies coming quick enough she almost forgot to undress?! This birth story is one to remember.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Previous hospital births versus a twin home birthFeeling contractions! Time for some hot tea? Nope!Husband's hilarious reaction to a precipitous 34-minute labor & birthThe overwhelm that can come with a birth of this natureMORE ABOUT EMMA BRAKE:
Emma is a young wife and mother of five. She grew up a missionary kid, marrying her high school sweetheart, a handsome Marine, at 18, and in the following seven years, five sweet little wildlings joined their family! Their youngest three were born at home, including most recently her twins, a precipitous, accidentally unassisted homebirth. It was all rather exciting and very, very messy! These days she's blessed to spend her days at home wrestling what feels like 764 toddlers, telling her husband not to buy it at the store because she can make it at home, and fumbling her way through homesteading, endless home projects, and raising five free range kiddos to love Jesus.
Instagram: @thisredeemedmama
Facebook
Website
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
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In this episode, Whitney Baggett shares how about becoming a first-time mom, trusting your intuition, and the challenges of falling out of your mental zone in the hospital. As a new mom, Whitney questioned whether she was really in labor or if she was just having contractions. Tune in to hear the interesting story and timeline Whitney gave from the moment she experienced this "back cramping" to the minute she was wheeled into the hospital with shocking news!
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
How Whitney's singing career helped during laborFaith impacting labor and feeling so deeply spiritualGoing from feeling scared about birth to feeling empoweredLaboring at home, being transported to the hospital, and having to tune out the noise in the L&D roomMORE ABOUT WHITNEY BAGGETT:
Whitney is a singer & songwriter and CEO of VOW Creative, a video production and social media marketing company. Whitney also runs an inspirational blog called, Vehicle of Wisdom, where she writes about deepening faith and offers bits of wisdom she’s learned along the way.
Instagram: @whitneyvowcreative & @vowtobecreative
Facebook
Twitter
Website
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
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**Hey mamas, this episode was recorded with different equipment so please don’t mind the audio, we understand it can be frustrating, but we’ll be back to normal quality next week**
This episode is quite different as Karen is actually the one being interviewed by the host of the Holy Confident Birth Podcast, Eve O'Brien. Check out the Holy Confident Birth Instagram here.
We hope you enjoy this perspective shift as Karen shares her journey with her own pain free births, how she got into this industry, and how she changed the course of her first birth from painful to pain free in the span of just one contraction! In this episode, Karen describes how a pain free birth doesn’t mean you don’t experience hurt or intensity rather you get to enjoy your birth and feel full feelings of ecstasy as Karen has with her own three births.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
What led me down the path of pain free birthsTrusting my body & putting my faith in God that He created my body to birth without painThe individual nuances of each of my three, pain free home birthsHow I was able to switch my birth from painful to pain free in just one contractionAllowing myself to fall into a deep state of consciousness to tune into my bodyLearning the difference between forceful pushing & physiologically pushing baby outRealizing my first birth experience is what catapulted me into becoming a doulaExperiencing a true bliss, ecstasy, and an intense rush of natural drugs during birthRESOURCES MENTIONED:
FREE MASTERCLASS {FOR A LIMITED TIME}: Unlocking A Pain Free Birth Masterclass
In this masterclass, with over 10 years of experience supporting women as a doula and childbirth educator, Karen is sharing her best secrets and techniques to help you experience a pain-free, joyful birth. Learn practical ways you can partner with your body to overcome pain and step into an ecstatic, transformational birth. You do not want to miss this powerful masterclass - currently FREE for a limited time.
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We are so excited to welcome holistic health advocate and dentist, Dr. Michelle Jorgensen on the podcast today! Through her years of general and cosmetic dentistry, she never questioned anything ⎯ until Dr. Michelle was so sick she could hardly hold a dental instrument. Dr. Michelle experienced severe mercury poisoning that opened up an entirely different can of worms within the dental industry. Tune in to hear how Dr. Michelle found out about her toxicity, how it affected her fertility, what she incorporates in her dental practice today, and what you can do to save your oral health.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
How Dr. Michelle stopped practicing general dentistryMercury poisoning: How it affects dentists and patientsHow mercury affects fertility: Dr. Michelle's own fertility strugglesDifference between holistic, functional, biological, and biomimetic dentistsWhat's the right decision: Root canal versus tooth extractionThe problem with fluoride: The three big strikes on the bodyHidden infection: Why root canals may not be the best optionSpecifically how pregnancy contributes to oral healthHow the mouth is a dashboard for the body: Warning lights in the mouthMORE ABOUT DR. MICHELLE:
Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, DDS, , TNC, CNAS, is a renowned holistic dentist, author of five books, and a holistic health advocate. Her transformative journey began when mercury exposure from traditional dentistry made her seriously ill. She evolved into a Board-Certified Naturopath and Therapeutic Nutritional Counselor, seamlessly integrating medicine and dentistry.
For a decade, Dr. Jorgensen has been a pioneer in Functional Integrative dentistry through her Total Care Dental and Wellness Way, attracting patients from all corners of the globe. Beyond her dental practice, she's the founder of Living Well with Dr. Michelle, teaching essential life skills, with a charitable arm, the Living Well Today Foundation, supporting those in need. A busy mother of four, she is passionate about teaching and helping others and is a sought- after podcast guest, known for her knack in simplifying crucial topics and providing practical, real-world solutions for listeners.
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Living Well Shop 💵 Save 10% on all Living Well products with code: PAINFREEBIRTH
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Dr. Michelle's Dentist Directory
IAOMT.org
IABDM.org
Toothpillow
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Jill is a joyful warrior as a mom of 8 beautiful babies including newborn twins who just successfully had her first home birth. Yes, Jill had six traditional births with a regular OB team in the hospital before her OB unfortunately passed away and she had to look elsewhere for the upcoming birth of her twins, Ruth and Samuel. She felt God calling her to have a home birth, but her husband Joe wasn't initially supportive. After a lot of prayer and giving it to the Lord, Jill & Joe had a beautiful home birth with the support of her birthing team! She had Ruth at 7 pounds 2 ounces and Samuel at 7 pounds 15 ounces! Despite Samuel being breech, Jill's team had the expertise to handle things with ease and keep a peaceful environment for the birthing mama. Join us today as Jill shares more about her magical experience giving birth at home to twins.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
The feeling Jill couldn't shake that led to her having her 7th birth, but 1st home birthDrowning out the noise to have a birth Jill dreamed ofHome-birth hesitant husbands turned to the most supportive teammate during birthMeasuring 52 weeks at 37 weeks pregnantSwitching OB's at 34 weeks pregnantIn denial about being in active labor even after Jill's water brokeThe feeling of finding out Baby B is breech seconds before deliveryTwo thick, healthy, and pulsating umbilical cordsAnterior placenta semi-fused together for one big, healthy placentaMORE ABOUT JILL:
Wife to Joe Reitz (former NFL player) Momma of 8 including newborn twins, oldest almost 13, 11, 9, 7, 5 and 3. Former collegiate Division 1 runner. Faithful Catholic. Resides in North suburb of Indianapolis. Huge lover and encourager of natural, physiological birth and all things motherhood, wifehood and family life!
Follow Jill on Instagram
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Pain Free Birth Course
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Today we are joined by Emily Gardner, a first-time mom, who actually didn't want children prior to getting married due to the painful and traumatic experiences she'd heard of. Now, she is a happy mama of an 8-week old baby boy named Finnigan. She tells us all about how she found Karen on Instagram, how she adopted her determined pain-free-birth mindset, and what her labor experience was like inside a traditional hospital. No spoilers, but her labor & delivery came with a few surprises that resulted in a longer labor, yet still absolutely pain free. Emily said, "the IV line was probably the most painful part of the whole experience."
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Emily's pure determination & dedication to have a pain free birthCompletely shutting away any negativity around pregnancy, labor, and birthDiving deep into Emily's spirituality helped ease her mind: "God has me. I am safe."Taking on random home improvement projects right before laborEmily's water broke without any contractions so they made their way to the hospitalHospital honoring Emily's wishes of having an unmedicated birth and assigning her a midwife as her OB was out of townBack laboring for quite a while and actively pushing for three hoursDifferent positions & getting in the water to speed up laborBirthing a posterior baby with a compound arm presentationMORE ABOUT EMILY:
Emily is a first-time mom (besides her two adorable fur babies) who lives in a small town in New York with her husband, Samuel, who doubles as her business partner. She attended University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and graduated with a degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine. Dr. Emily then made the long trip to Iowa and received her chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. She was able to study under amazing sports doctors and learn a lot of therapies that she implements at her clinic back home in New York! Emily is full of gratitude to be finding her way in her new role as mom.
Follow Emily on Instagram
Emily's Chiropractic Clinic Website
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Pain Free Birth Course
Birth Partner Bootcamp
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If you have been on the fence about having an unmedicated birth, especially if you've had medicated births in the past, this story is going to be so inspiring to you. Whether you're currently planning a hospital birth or you simply want to hear an encouraging birth story Jilda is here to share her transformational story with us. After having two medicated hospital births that left her traumatized with epidurals gone wrong, she decided that her third birth was going to be unmedicated in the hospital. In most parts of the United States, that is unheard of! Tune in as Jilda shares her she determined her birth plan, if the hospital staff honored her plan, and the peaceful environment she was blessed to give birth in.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Jilda's experience of medicated versus unmedicated birthsUncovering the misconception of how complicated inductions can beAn induction, three failed epidurals & NICU stay with her first babyAn elective induction & failed epidural with her second babyCreating a solid birth plan & switching birth teams for her third birthHow to advocate for yourself in the hospitalAffirmations & support for other moms desiring a natural birthMORE ABOUT JILDA:
Jilda is a proud mother of three hailing from New Jersey. Her journey is all about empowering women, especially postpartum moms, through fitness. With years of dedication as a fitness instructor, Jilda's had the honor of transforming lives through group exercise, advocating for self-care and holistic health. Currently pursuing her doula license, her passion for nutrition during and after pregnancy drives her forward. Amidst the ebb and flow of motherhood, Jilda's resilience has soared while exercising her body and spirit through every one of her pregnancies. With her heart ablaze, she seeks to be a guiding light of support and positive change in every life she encounters.
Follow Jilda on Instagram: @jacked.withjil
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Pain Free Birth Course
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Trisha, an amazing woman who has extensive knowledge, experience, and expertise with being a nurse midwife and IBCLC joins Karen on the podcast today! After virtually meeting on the Down To Birth podcast that Trisha co-hosts, Karen was eager to dive deeper into the conversation around breastfeeding and problems that can arise with each dyad. Trisha shares her unintentional, unattended birth as well as dives into the specifics of the difference between IBCLC's and LC's, her education & experience, as well as a lot of the problems and easy fixes that can be made to solve current problems like painful latches, low-milk supply, and even postpartum anxiety and depression! Join us as we uncover all these dyad hot takes!
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Trisha birthing and unintentionally catching her third baby ALONE because it happened so fast and unattendedHow birth can affect how a baby breastfeedsBaby's natural instincts to latch & breast crawlingThe most common problems with breastfeeding dyadsThe most common interferences with breastfeedingTrisha's number one tip for supporting breastfeeding mothersMORE ABOUT TRISHA:
Trisha Ludwig is a Yale educated Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She has experience as a homebirth midwife, is a holistic women’s gynecologic health practitioner, and has fifteen plus years working as an IBCLC (and works privately providing both in-person and virtual appointments anywhere in the world). She is also a podcaster and the co-host of the globally known birth podcast Down to Birth Show. She is a mother of three children all birthed at home.
Follow Trisha on Instagram: @trishaoludwig
Follow Down To Birth on Instagram: @downtobirthshow
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Pain Free Birth Course: https://painfreebirth.com/pain-free-birth/
Down To Birth Podcast Episode 208: Achieving A Pain Free Birth with Karen Welton: https://www.downtobirthshow.com/208-achieving-a-pain-free-birth-with-karen-welton-painfreebirth/
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This episode is a real treat! Today, Karen is joined by both husband and wife, Harif & Jennifer Hazera. This beautiful couple ran into Karen at a Tony Robbins event where they were able to share their beautiful home birth story and thank Karen for all her help. Jennifer was a graduate of the Pain Free Birth Course and it didn't come very naturally ⏤ no pun intended. After experiencing a horribly traumatic birth with their first son in the hospital, Harif and Jennifer eventually came to the decision to have their second son in the comfort of their own home. Once a thought that Jennifer scoffed at turned into the most redemptive, God-ordained moment ever. Tune in to this episode to hear the stark difference between their two birth experiences and how fathers are dismissed throughout and left with trauma after the birth experience.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
The unnecessary epidural, pitocin, and all the interventions at the hospital for the birth of their first son despite progressing very well & naturallyA father's take on birth & feeling dismissed throughout the whole processFather's dismissing the trauma they carried through labor, birth, and the postpartum journeyDreaming up their ideal birth & living it out in the comfort of their home for the birth of their second sonMORE ABOUT THE HAZERA'S:
Harif and Jennifer are happily married and work together as entrepreneurs in the real estate space. Once they got pregnant with their first baby, they didn't question giving birth in a hospital, that is until there were too many disturbances and interventions that ruined the sacred experience they thought they were going to have by bringing their first son Leo into the world. Fast forward to getting pregnant with their second son, Max, they knew that it could be better. After getting three obvious signs from God to explore a home birth, Jennifer finally gave in. Little did they know, God would end up offering the most redemptive experience to them by giving birth inside their home in the way they dreamed of. Harif and Jennifer are just like you, they weren't professionals in home birth knowledge but after graduating from the Pain Free Birth Course, they gained the knowledge and empowerment needed to have the most beautiful, sacred, and pain free birth at home.
Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @j_hazera
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Pain Free Birth Course: https://painfreebirth.com/pain-free-birth/
Healing Birth Trauma Course: https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/
Birth Partner Bootcamp: https://painfreebirth.com/birth-partner-bootcamp/
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In this episode, Karen is joined by Amanda Johnson, a mama of 4 beautiful babies. Despite all odds and one baby even being breeched up until delivery, Amanda had a successful home birth with her twins for her most recent pregnancy. Today we’ll get into all the nitty gritty of Amanda’s experience with hospital versus home births, how her pregnancies varied, and how her most recent pregnancy was a massive surprise up until the very last minute of delivery! After Amanda’s first labor and delivery experience that was less than ideal in the hospital, she knew she didn’t want to experience that again. With her second child, she successfully gave birth at home and knew she would repeat the experience when she fell pregnant the third time… little did she know, this home birth experience would be quite rare and one to remember!
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Amanda found out she was having twins at 32 weeks and decided to have a home birth, despite concerns from family and the traditional health systemGoing into labor at 40 weeks 3 days with an intense but smooth 2-hour labor, delivering both twins vaginally at homeHer faith and trust in God's plan helped her through the physical and financial challenges of a twin pregnancy and homebirthA home birth with twins is possible with the right support teamMORE ABOUT AMANDA JOHNSON:
I’m a SAHM to 4 babes ages five and under. We are a military fam currently stationed in Monterey CA! My first birth was an induction and after that whole experience, I knew it could be better. My induction was not traumatic as I truly believe I was on the brink of labor (11 days past my guess date) but the whole process from start to end felt very unnatural. When I got pregnant with my 2nd I knew I was going to have a homebirth, this was October of 2019. Luckily my midwife (Lindsey Meehleis) and I were totally aligned and she shut her office down for maybe a month during Covid. It was crazy, my husband was overseas and I thought I was going to have to deliver without him. I had my 2nd at home at the height of Covid in June 2020 and had a totally different experience than my hospital birth in the best way. When I got pregnant in 2021, I of course opted for home birth again. I didn’t find out until 32 weeks that I was having twins and I truly wasn’t surprised - the pregnancy felt totally different! I carried them to 40w3d and had a beautiful labor and delivery under 2 hours!!!
Follow her on Instagram: @therealamandajohnson
Check out her website: https://www.therealamandajohnson.com/
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Karen's Pain Free Birth Course: https://painfreebirth.com/pain-free-birth/
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In this episode, Karen is joined by Dr. CeCe Brooks, a highly respected Functional Medicine Family Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. With preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum, there are so many myths spread or things missed by traditional medicine that will be busted today. Get ready to dive into the world of progesterone well into pregnancy, not relying on antibiotics during birth, and even vaginal steaming as part of postpartum care. Dr. CeCe explains how functional medicine can offer natural and effective health solutions whether you're planning to conceive, currently pregnant, or navigating the postpartum period.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
How to use functional medicine principles to prevent preeclampsia and naturally manage GBS so you don't have to erase the healthy bacteria for your baby in the vaginal canalThe importance of progesterone during pregnancy (even into the third trimester) and how to maintain its levelsPractical advice on nourishing your body to ensure both maternal and fetal health ⏤ Like the controversial yet beneficial practice of consuming beef liver during pregnancyInteresting insight into the growing issue of oral health ties in babies and how it will affect your breastfeeding journeyNatural remedies for common postpartum challenges, including navigating mastitis, even if you have the fever & chillsRESOURCES MENTIONED:
Dr. CeCe's eBooks & guides including the 30-page comprehensive guide on must-have pregnancy and postpartum supplements, safe and effective pregnancy and postpartum healing modalities, & labor and postpartum nourishment! See all of Dr. CeCe's resources here: https://thediscoverydoc.com/resources
Postpartum Bliss ⏤ Karen's guide to fall in love with the postpartum period: https://painfreebirth.com/postpartum-bliss/
CONNECT WITH DR. CECE:
The Discovery Doc® was born after struggling with her own medical issues and a misdiagnosis that took years to correct. Now, by using holistic, integrative, and preventative medicine as a foundation, Dr. CeCe teaches parents how to make educated, informed decisions on behalf of their child’s health and wellbeing. By implementing fun + simple life changes, you can greatly reduce everyday toxic loads that parents may not even be aware of.
Website: https://thediscoverydoc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thediscoverydoc/
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In this episode…
Rylee Portela, a resilient mom of three boys, shares with Karen how mental fortitude, lots of prayer, trusting in the Lord, and a supportive birth team – including hiring a doula – can make or break your birth experience. From having a cesarean with her first (simply due to a “big baby”), to a medicated VBAC during the challenging times of COVID shutdowns with her second (an even bigger baby!), and finally experiencing a nearly pain-free, physiological birth in the hospital with her third, Rylee’s journey is filled with hope and encouragement for any mom who is worried about vaginally birthing “big babies” or is simply dreaming of a redemptive birth experience like hers. Tune in and let Rylee’s inspiring story uplift your spirit and instill new confidence in your innate ability to birth!
Check out Karen’s famous “Big Baby” IG story highlight here!
Check out Rylee’s Third Birth Story featured on PFB’s IG here.
Connect with Karen: @painfreebirthfacebook.com/painfreebirthyoutube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton
Sign up for the new highly anticipated Unlocking a Pain Free Birth Masterclass HERE (releasing SOON)!
Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!
Connect with Rylee on IG and Facebook:@mrs.newtelaRylee Portela
- Visa fler
