Doing It At Home - The Home Birth Podcast

Today we bring you Laura’s incredible birth story. Laura and her partner Mikey live in Homer, Alaska with their daughter Hannah.  I honestly don’t know the best manner or order to present all of the awesome elements of this story, so I’ll do my best to share it all as it hits me. First of all, Laura is an incredibly strong young woman. She experienced 4 miscarriages over the course of 2 years, as well as the miscarriage of an adopted baby. After ending her marriage, she packed up her life and moved to Fairbanks, Alaska. She eventually met her partner Mikey and they became pregnant shortly after dating. Not knowing if she’d be able to carry a pregnancy to full-term, along with the new relationship, a lot of things seemed uncertain.  But as love and life would have it, Laura did carry to term. She gave birth to their daughter Hannah in a cabin (with no running water!) on a day when the temperature was twenty degrees below zero! Laura describes her birth as a dream come true. She’s also a birth doula, postpartum care specialist, placenta specialist, and certified lactation counselor - so as a fellow birth junkie, she had lots to share! Listening to Laura’s story gave me goosebumps - it gave me warm and fuzzies - it made me tear up - it made me grateful - it made me hopeful.  We’re so thankful for Laura and her tenacity and willingness to share with us. Oh and major PS - she straight up ate part of her placenta after giving birth. Like, her midwife cut off a piece and she held it in her mouth for a few minutes before eating. Total badass. Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Warning: this is an amazing episode. Full of conversation around pleasurable, joyful, ecstatic birth. It may cause you to feel empowered and excited around birth. There, we gave you a heads up! But seriously, we are so honored to have Debra Pascali-Bonaro join us on the show. She’s another one of the powerhouses of the birthing community that we’ve been anxious to meet and chat with. She is the creator and director of the documentary, “Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret.” She’s also the co-writer of “Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth.” Oh and also a Lamaze International childbirth educator,  birth and postpartum doula trainer with DONA International. And the Founder & President of the revolutionary online childbirth class Pain to Power, which prepares expectant mothers, fathers, and partners to be positively prepared for birth and focuses on the intimate and sacred nature of birth. In our interview, we talk about her path to being obsessed with birth, learning from her own birth story. We also chat about the concept for the documentary and where it came from. We explore themes from the documentary and the impact it’s had on the conversation of birth. Plus we talk about other cool projects that Debra has her hand in, and a surprise for any of those interested in checking out her online childbirth class “Pain to Power.” Thank you to Debra for her knowledge, passion and tireless effort to serve and inspire! Links From This Episode: Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret - https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/ Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth - https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/products/books/ Pain To Power Childbirth Class - https://www.paintopowerchildbirth.com/ Happy Healthy Child - http://www.happyhealthychild.com/ Eat Pray Doula - https://www.eatpraydoula.com/ Sign up for 3 Free Videos on finding your power and pleasure in birth:  http://www.paintopoweroptin.respond.ontraport.net/optin Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we’ve got the whole family on the phone - Meggie and Steve Andrews join us, along with their baby William, or Liam as they refer to him. Meggie reached out to us during her pregnancy, thanking us for what we’re doing on the show and sharing how helpful it had been for her as she planned for the home birth of her first child with her husband Steve (we’ve copied her original email below). And interesting fact - they weren’t planning on having children. But, surprise!  So they worked through some of the mental and emotional adjustments that come with this huge unexpected life change. Meggie happened to have a friend who birthed at home, so after speaking with her and watching Business of Being Born, they explored the midwifery model of care. And then one of the biggest things throughout the pregnancy - they decided to move from Virginia to Michigan. So that meant finding different midwives, who could collaborate with each other and support Meggie and Steve as much as possible in making the transition and keeping up with the best prenatal care and birth planning as possible. Another interesting fact - they had their home birth in the same house that Meggie grew up in! So listen in as we talk about some of the interesting questions and comments you get when you have a home birth like, “Is that witchcraft or something?” and advice for those home birth dads and birth partners. Added bonus of Liam’s presence in the interview. We love having newborn coos in the background!  Links From This Episode: https://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156 http://gentlenaturalbirth.com/product/gentle-birth-gentle-mothering-2nd-ed-amazon-usa/ https://www.birthingfromwithin.com/products/birthing-from-within https://us.hypnobirthing.com/ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we get to speak with both mom and dad! We love when we get to chat with a home birth couple and hear both perspectives from the decision-making process to the experience itself. So we’re chatting with Jarmar and Jonnelle Dupas.  They live in Austin, Texas with their 4 children. Their switch to home birth happened with their most recent baby, Jase. For them, they were interested in something different and evolving from some of the coldness they noticed in the hospital setting. They had always used midwives with their births, so transitioning into home seemed like the next step.  Jarmar and Jonnelle both described their home birth as much more peaceful. Basically, a thousand times better and something they would’ve done sooner had they known.  A highlight from their story is that “divine connection” with their midwife Afua. We certainly know the difference that the level of care can make, and how important it was for us to feel connected and have a deep sense of trust with our midwives.  And get this - they are a podcasting couple as well! Their show “Get Your Money Right” is all about financial well-being. We can dig that (since babies aren’t cheap!). Listen in and enjoy as we get to know more about Jarmar and Jonnelle, their family and their magical home birth! Links From This Episode:  Birth Without Fear Website - http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/ Birth Without Fear Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/birthwithoutfear/ Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth - https://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156%3FSubscriptionId%3D04FYKDC4BW6PJ6HFG002%26tag%3Dinamaygaskina-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0553381156 Business Of Being Born - http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/ Afua Hassan from The Birthing Place - http://www.thebirthingplace.com/our-team/afua-hassan/ The Get Your Money Right Podcast - https://yourmoneyright.com/ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lindsay Bonnar was one of the first moms we spoke with when we started doing interviews back in the day. In our part 1 with her (episode 20) we talked about the birth of her daughter Charlie, whom she originally planned to birth at home, and eventually transferred to a birthing center to have an awesome birth experience. At the time, she was pregnant with baby number two and planning another home birth. Now, our part two (and episode 85!) with Lindsay is about the birth of her son, Linken. Spoiler alert: they did it at home! Linken was born at home, surrounded by love and support. There were a few curve balls during the birth. Lindsay would later learn that some cord compression was occurring and it was causing Linken’s heart rate to drop. At one point, Lindsay’s midwife thought they might have to go to the hospital. Paramedics were called and as if orchestrated, Linken made his entrance just as the responders arrived at their home. Everyone was healthy, safe and did not need to be transported. With the concern of the cord compression, this meant Lindsay had to push baby out efficiently and in a short amount of time. She told us how she pushed him all the way down the birth canal in less than 10 minutes. She cannot emphasize enough how important it is for mamas to do their squats in preparation for birth! Lindsay’s part 2 is really a testament to stellar care in the form of her midwife, a loving, safe environment to support her and the incredible tenacity and power that is the birthing woman. Links From This Episode: Lindsay’s blog on Linken’s birth story - ⁠https://feedingyourgenes.com/2017/04/23/linkens-birth-story/⁠ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We love the little synchronicities that the universe throws out there. Like publishing this episode right after our previous episode - completely unplanned. If you missed our last episode, we spoke with Jessicca Moore, the creator of the documentary, “Why Not Home?” a film that explores the decisions of hospital birth care providers (nurses, doctors, midwives, etc.) who chose home birth.  Well in this episode, we have Alyssa’s story. The synchronicity that we mentioned? Alyssa is a registered nurse, with most of her experience in the postpartum and nursery units. Our conversation with Alyssa is the perfect follow up to our interview with Jessicca last week, where we talk about birth professionals choosing home birth. Alyssa is this person! How awesome is that? And Alyssa is super knowledgeable. We were just in awe of all the information she has and can rattle off. There’s so much that we included parts of her emails and additional resources in the extra notes with the episode on our website.  Alyssa shares her passion for birth with us along with her journey of pregnancy and birth for her daughter Zoey with her husband Chris. They actually switched over to a home birth plan and midwifery model of care in the third trimester (so it’s never too late for you to use the care provider that aligns best with you!). Like many of our guests, Chris and Alyssa watched “Business of Being Born.” Chris’s response, “We can do this. Let’s just do it at home!” We like his style! Alyssa has firsthand experience of what it feels like to choose home birth, when you work in an environment that does not typically support it. Fears, reactions and judgements from friends, family, co-workers come up in our talk. Also what evidence-based practice is about, the details around informed consent and why birth is not a pathological process. Alyssa’s amazing birth experience and fascinating perspective given her profession make this a must-listen episode! Links From This Episode: http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/ https://us.hypnobirthing.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156%3FSubscriptionId%3D04FYKDC4BW6PJ6HFG002%26tag%3Dinamaygaskina-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0553381156 CDC study - https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr63/nvsr63_05.pdf Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have the honor of speaking with Jessicca Moore, a family nurse practitioner and a filmmaker. She is the creator of the documentary film “Why Not Home?” which explores why labor and delivery medical professionals are choosing to give birth outside of the hospital, in this case - home! The documentary itself is amazing. And there’s no better time to watch it than right now. For one thing, today is Labor Day! And also, they’re launching the film in both iTunes and Amazon today, so plenty of platforms and opportunities for you to check it out. In our conversation with Jessicca, we talk about her own decision to choose home birth, and through that process how she picked up on the trend of colleagues of hers making the same choice. What would it look like to dive further into the pattern of health professionals, who understand most of the risks, procedures and protocols, and yet are looking to experience birth outside of the general atmosphere where they provide their services?  So Jessicca felt pulled to document this. We talk about some key subjects in the film, themes and topics it brings up that were particularly impactful for Matthew and me. Like some of the mind-blowing statistics around birth and a lot of the misinformation that is spread throughout the birth community.  We even address some questions from listeners about the documentary. If you are considering or planning a home birth, “Why Not Home?” needs to be on your list of resources. Thank you again to Jessicca for seeing her vision through and for taking the time to hang out with us at Doing It At Home! Notes From This Episode: http://www.whynothome.com/ https://www.instagram.com/whynothome/ https://www.facebook.com/whynothome/ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we’re chatting with Thea. She and her husband Alex planned for a home birth for their daughter Harley. They envisioned a peaceful, serene environment and she knew she wanted water.  The decision to home birth was influenced by an awesome naturopath that she had been working with.  Health and wellness is big for Thea - having her masters in integrative health and healing. So it was important that she have the type of care and plan that aligned best with her wellbeing.  In addition to her birth planning and story, Thea shares part of her journey of a miscarriage before having Harley. She was firm on experiencing a natural miscarriage. We talk about how to support someone with a miscarriage, an area that a lot of people don’t know how to approach or handle, despite great intentions and desire to help. Thea’s labor was long and tiring. She eventually made the decision to transfer to a hospital. She reminded herself, “I chose to be here.” And with that awareness, she was able to stand in her power and advocate for herself to still ultimately have the experience she wanted. She ended up at peace with the decision and was not disappointed. And we can understand - because when you see baby Harley, you’ll get it! Thank you to Thea for being another beautiful tale in our collection of home birth narrative - showing that every experience is so unique, beautiful and powerful in its own right. Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode we're talking about all of the amazingly helpful resources we used when planning our home birth: from Ina May Gaskin books, to the Hypnobabies audio course, to The Business Of Being Born documentary, to conversations with our amazing midwives. We go through the home birth resources that we personally used, along with pregnancy and birth planning resources we intend to use for baby #2. Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we’re chatting with Jessica Thomas to hear about her empowered birth choice to deliver in a hospital. Her story is beautiful and it's almost like she had a home birth experience in a hospital! Enjoy :) Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we have the awesome honor and privilege of bringing you an empowering conversation with Ashley Woolsey - mother of 3, doula and creator of Motherhood Tabutiful (pronounced “ta-beautiful”) - a blog and online community for mothers to come together and share their stories of motherhood. To give some more context on Motherhood Tabutiful, here is it’s mission statement straight from the site: “Our mission is to create a safe and judgment free space for women and mothers to share their stories of the taboo subjects that surround motherhood.  It is with this space, that we hope to help normalize these subjects.  It is with this space, that we hope to offer comfort and solidarity among those who are hurting.  It is with this space, that we hope to encourage those struggling, to speak up and reach out.  We realize that motherhood is beautiful, and amazing, and fulfilling. But we also know that it is ugly, and dark, and difficult.  And so, it is with this space, that we hope to wrap our arms and our hearts around you, for a virtual hug, so that even in the ugliest, and darkest, and most difficult of times, you will find solace in knowing that you are not alone.” Ashley and Sarah connected a while back on Instagram. Then with the birth of Motherhood Tabutiful, we knew we wanted to have Ashley on to share her perspective and riff on some topics with us. We chat about that isolation that many women feel during motherhood. And for Ashley, she found that social media and finding a community was extremely helpful. So why not create an easy-to-access platform for moms to share, read, learn, inspire...particularly around topics that others will shy away from due to fear or discomfort. Ashley has crafted Motherhood Tabutiful to be judgment-free and a safe space to delve into these types of things and normalize them. So of course, we chat about home birth and how that ties into the categories of “taboo” and uncomfortable conversations.  Listen in to hear more, and check out Motherhood Tabutiful to learn about what Ashley’s up to! Links From This Episode: Tabutiful website: ⁠http://www.motherhoodtabutiful.com/⁠ Tabutiful Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/motherhoodtabutiful/⁠ The Peanut Gallery Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thepeanutgallery/⁠ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you set intentions for your birth(s)? The last time we spoke with Kayleigh Johnson, DIAH mama from episode 77, she was setting some powerful intentions and visions for her upcoming birth. Today, we get to hear the full birth story! Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, we’re talking with Kayleigh Johnson, mama to 14-month-old Amelia and wife to DJ. Kayleigh and her family live in Massachusetts, where they are planning for the birth of baby number two. Amelia was born in a hospital with an epidural and pitocin experience. To Kayleigh, the pitocin contractions felt very unnatural. They way she puts it, “it felt like it was happening to me.” So after some soul searching, they decided on a home birth for this pregnancy. A big influence? Podcasts and social media! Kayleigh got to see and connect with real people, real stories that seemed attainable and allowed her to see the experience for herself. Kayleigh’s faith is integral in her life, and so it’s been a part of her birth planning as well. She was able to find a Christian midwife who aligned with her belief system (she even found her midwife on social media! Thank you, technology!). This synergy has been important for the connection she’s seeking with her birth team. Kayleigh also has visions she is praying for in her birth. She’s believing for a pain-free, no tear, en caul birth. We’re happy and honored to hold that intention for her. And we’re very excited to share her story with you! Links From This Episode: Supernatural Childbirth - ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Supernatural-Childbirth-Jackie-Mize/dp/0892747560⁠ Birthfit Prenatal Training: ⁠https://birthfit.com/b-prenatal⁠ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have a fun and little different kind of episode for you today. Katy emailed us after her great friend and fellow DIAH mama Katie McCormick (from episode 73) shared the podcast with her. Katy thanked us for what we’re up to with the show. As a “non-mom” (though she plans to be in the future), she’s always been fascinated by pregnancy and birth. She’s been exploring the option of home birth for herself when that time comes.  So we figured...let’s get on the phone, hit record and see what happens!  We believe that what Katy’s doing is an awesome example. If women who are not yet mothers are interested in exploring their future options, educating themselves, having conversations with other women at different stages of motherhood, then that means we have a lot more women empowered, confident and supported in their decisions. We are all for that! This doesn’t mean all women need to be doing this. It’s whatever works for you. We would just like to see more positive energy around conversations of pregnancy and birth, regardless of what phase of it someone is in.  So Katy shares with us some of her thoughts on why home birth would be a good fit for her. For one, she likes to take the most natural route possible with things. She’s also a more private person, and looks at birth as a very sacred time.  We also talk about how resources like the Doing It At Home podcast have helped, supported and informed on home birth related topics.  So if you are not pregnant yet, but considering home birth as an option, this is a perfect episode for you! Links From This Episode: Ann Margolis episode - ⁠https://www.diahpodcast.com/single-post/2017/01/27/Normal-Natural-and-Joyful-Childbirth-with-Anne-Margolis⁠ Ann Margolis website - ⁠http://homesweethomebirth.com/⁠ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, we’re talking with Becky Diaz - a personal trainer, nutritionist, and placenta encapsulator who used fitness and nutrition to help prepare for her most recent home birth.  Becky and her husband Hugo live in Los Angeles, California and have 3 children: Riley, Julian and River. Her first was born in a hospital, where she experienced an epidural and pitocin. For babies 2 and 3, they decided to go with home birth. Becky was really interested in how she could use the experiences of pregnancy and birth to really push herself and learn about herself more. In our conversation, we talk a lot about the preparation she did for her third birth for baby River. This pregnancy involved a lot more mental work - being more mindful and not just muscling through the birth. This was more about trust and surrender to the process. Becky utilized techniques like meditation to support her. She used a visualization practice of seeing the sensations as waves crashing and washing away, rather than a painful contraction. Birth for her was incredibly spiritual, and she says it was the most meditative she’s ever felt.  Becky is a beautiful examples of knowing yourself, tapping into that and using it to help you prepare for such an incredible experience like birth is. Another key piece of advice from her that we totally agree with: “Don’t listen to someone else’s horror story.” In other words, be mindful of the material you take in during pregnancy and birth preparation. It can really make an impact.  Links From This Episode Becky's Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beckydiazfit/⁠⁠ Becky's website: ⁠⁠http://beckydiazfitness.blogspot.com/⁠⁠ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when birth becomes a full-circle moment? From being born at home yourself to bringing your own baby earthside in the same spirit of trust and peace? In today’s episode, we sit down with Kasiah, a second-generation home birther, to hear her beautiful journey through loss, faith, and ultimately a redemptive and calm home birth with her third son. Kasiah opens up about: Navigating two back-to-back miscarriages and finding healing Choosing home birth again after loss Her husband’s transformation from skeptic to home birth advocate The role of faith, prayer, and sisterhood in her pregnancy The moment she surrendered completely and birthed in total peace Her story is a powerful reminder that healing can follow heartbreak, and that calm, joyful birth is possible. Links From The Episode: Madison Area Midwives - Midwife Directory in Dane County: www.madisonmidwives.com Kasiah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasiahterp/ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Dr. Wholeness and Blood Vitality: https://drwholeness.myshopify.com/products/blood-vitality-1?variant=31396528062517 - use the code DIAH15 for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode we're talking with Katie McCormick, an American ex-pat living in Ireland who is choosing home birth to welcome her baby into the world. Katie and her husband Ryan decided to leave their life in Portland, Oregon - quit their jobs and travel across Europe. About a year ago, they decided to settle in Ireland, eloped and got pregnant shortly after.  Katie knew immediately that she wanted to have a home birth. But being an expat in a new country, she had no idea where to begin as far as planning and resources. To use her words from her email to us: “When we got pregnant we were still living in a very temporary living space (think garage remodeled into a loft) on a sheep farm where we were 2 hours from the hospital, and no midwifes were willing to travel to us, so my initial search for beginning the birth plan kept coming up dry until one day through some magical universal energy I found a woman that recommended our midwife to us! However we would have to move 2 hours south to be close enough to be in her “region,” so thank  the stars we just recently have found a home on the southern coast of Ireland and got the “go ahead” from our midwife that we can birth in this house as we are close enough to her….. We are away from all our family, we are still foreigners in a new environment, yet we just know this is divine timing and this is where our child is meant to be born. The house we are living in now is a 150 year old stone cottage, and our landlady said many many babies have been born here; it feels quite kismet. Most people back in the states think we are little crazy/can’t believe we are doing this without family around etc, but truly we have never felt more supported than the community of people in our village, and little did I know we moved to an area where most women prefer home birth and have multiple stories to share. It is a small community, but because it is on the ocean, rugged, and so natural in this area, it is like a vortex of very creative and earthy people-it is an energy that makes you feel invincible.” We speak with Katie in the last few weeks of her pregnancy and get to hear how she’s feeling as the time in her pregnancy winds down and they prepare for baby’s arrival. She also shares the experience of what’s it like to have all of their family back in the States as they plan for home birth in their new home and country. Tune in and get ready for another inspiring pre-home birth story! Links From This Episode: Dublin Doulas - ⁠http://www.dublinfamilydoulas.com/⁠ Hypnobirth course - ⁠https://us.hypnobirthing.com/⁠ Ina may  spiritual midwifery - ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156⁠ www.wakingupinireland.com Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it look like to give birth at home five times over the span of 20 years? In today’s episode, we talk with Melissa — mama of five and seasoned home birth veteran — about her powerful, unique journey through two decades of birthing at home. From her first home birth at age 19 to her fifth birth at 39, Melissa shares the rich tapestry of her experiences: the growth, the healing, the joy, the challenges, and all the moments in between. This is a celebration of home birth in all its forms — fast births, long labors, water births, VBAC fears, healing after miscarriage, and welcoming a baby with both joy and strength. Melissa’s message is clear: You are powerful. Your body is wise. Birth can be sweet, sacred, and sovereign. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Why Melissa chose home birth from her very first pregnancy, and never looked back What has (and hasn’t) changed in the world of home birth since the 90s How she navigated birth across two marriages and five children The differences in labor and recovery from her 20s to her late 30s Planning home births with supportive partners and what that looked like for her Her experience with miscarriage, healing, and conception after loss The emotional and physical aspects of preparing for birth at age 39 Involving older siblings in the birth space and their beautiful role in the process Why she describes home birth as “addicting” in the best way The power of midwifery care and creating sacred, intimate birth environments Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode we're talking with new mama Sam Peters about her truly amazing and inspiring home birth story of her son Brooks. Sam reached out to us via email a few months ago, thanking us for doing the show and spreading the empowering conversation around home birth. She opened up and shared part of her story with us. We had to have her on the show. Sam represents empowered, magical, healing birth after the trials and heartache of trying to conceive (TTC). She and her husband Brady were faced with numerous obstacles over the course of 2 years. From reproductive endocrinologists to urologists, tests, inseminations, procedures….it was a lot to handle. Once they became pregnant, they were interested in less intervention for the pregnancy and birth because of all of what they experienced to conceive. Sam describes her fairytale pregnancy - how vibrant she felt. Beautiful. Like a goddess. You know that’s speaking our language! Sam also shares the experience of finding a midwife in a small town in Indiana. And guess what?! They’re pregnant with baby number 2 - due in a few months. And they’re planning for another home birth. We’re so happy and excited for this sweet family to keep growing! Links From The Episode ⁠The Birth Partner⁠ ⁠Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way⁠ ⁠Ina May Gaskin’s⁠ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you have a holistic preconception, pregnancy and postpartum experience? In this conversation with naturopathic physician and father of eight, Dr. Matt Angove of Dr. Wholeness, we explore a holistic approach to pregnancy from preconception to postpartum. Dr. Matt is known for his expertise on iron and ferritin levels in pregnancy, and in this episode, we expand beyond that topic to discuss the full journey of preparing for, experiencing, and recovering from birth with health and wholeness in mind. We talk about: The emotional and physical components of preconception and fertility How mindset and stress influence conception and pregnancy Nutrients and habits that make the biggest impact before and during pregnancy What Dr. Matt wishes more moms knew about pregnancy and birth Common postpartum blind spots (and how to support healing and recovery) The role of partners in a truly holistic approach to birth and parenthood Dr. Matt shares his wisdom as both a doctor and a dad of eight (including six home births and twins born at home!) — giving practical, grounded insights for families who want to feel empowered through the entire journey. Links From The Episode: Dr. Wholeness - https://drwholeness.com Holistic Pregnancy resources - drwholeness.com/preconception Optimal Pregnancy - https://optimalpregnancy.com/ Blood Vitality - https://drwholeness.myshopify.com/products/blood-vitality-1?variant=31396528062517 - use the code DIAH15 for 15% off Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices