Happy Homebirth

Have you ever noticed how each birth teaches us something different—no matter how many times we’ve done this before?   Today, I’m welcoming back a dear friend of the show, Madeline Murray—midwife, mother of four, and someone whose story has unfolded alongside this podcast over the years. Madeline has been here before to share her first and second homebirths, and today she’s bringing us into her third and fourth. Two births that took place in very different seasons of life, and yet both marked by growth, presence, and a deepening sense of trust.   Episode Roundup: First, I’m struck by how much presence mattered in these later births. Madeline talks about the difference between surviving a birth and actually participating in it—and that distinction feels so important. Sometimes peace doesn’t come from changing the circumstances, but from being able to stay with yourself through them. Second, I love her honesty about how seasons of life affect birth. Giving birth while navigating business ownership, older children, and a body that’s changed with time looks different than it did before—and that doesn’t make it lesser. In many ways, it makes it richer. There’s wisdom there. There’s perspective. And finally, Madeline’s story reminds us that even when we’re experienced—even when we’ve attended births or lived inside this world for years—birth still has something to teach us. It continues to shape us, humble us, and invite us into deeper trust. So wherever you are on your own journey—first baby or fourth—may this story remind you that growth doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like calm. Sometimes it looks like confidence. Sometimes it looks like finally feeling at home in your body.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)    

Which is more important when it comes to birth: preparation or intuition? In this week’s episode, we’re hearing from Kaylee Matthews, a first-time mom from the mountains of Southern California whose story is a reminder that intuition and preparation can coexist beautifully with surrender. Before she even met her husband, Kaylee was learning the fertility-awareness method, studying midwifery podcasts, and building an understanding of her body. So when she and her husband conceived—on their very first try—she felt both prepared and grounded. Her pregnancy unfolded with ease until an unexpected “high-risk” label and pressure from hospital providers tested her confidence. Leaning on research, prayer, and intuition, Kaylee chose to continue midwifery care, learning firsthand the value of informed decision-making and peace over fear. When labor finally began at 40 weeks + 6 days, it moved from calm to intense quickly—so quickly that her earlier intuition proved true: her midwife nearly missed the birth. What followed was a long, determined labor that called for patience, movement, and deep trust. Kaylee’s story highlights the balance between preparation and surrender—the way knowledge can empower us, but peace is what carries us through. First, knowledge really is power—but trust and peace are even greater powers. Kaylee studied, planned, and prepared for this birth. But when things went off-script, she leaned not on fear or outside pressure, but on the peace and confidence she had in her body as it did exactly what it was designed to do. Second, I love how her preparation allowed her husband to step confidently into birth, too. From the packet of questions at their first appointment to the way he supported her through every phase, their teamwork is a picture of partnership in birth, and the way that birth can truly bring couples together as they enter or re-enter parenthood.  And finally, Kaylee’s intuition was spot-on. Even when it didn’t make logical sense—like feeling her midwife might miss the birth—she honored that God-given intuitive thought and made space for it. What a reminder that we are so connected to our Creator, and when it’s intuition, that knowing you feel isn’t scary, it’s simply confident. Here’s to quiet confidence, to listening inward, and to letting birth be the teacher it’s meant to be.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)        

What if understanding midwifery care didn’t require convincing—but simply seeing? This week on The Happy Homebirth Podcast, I’m joined by Caleb Phipps, filmmaker and father of four, and Midon Wingo, licensed midwife and passionate advocate for family-centered birth care. Together, they’re creating a documentary called Birthing Revolution—a film designed to show what midwifery care actually looks like. Prenatal visits. Birth spaces. Families. Trust. One of the most powerful ideas from this conversation is the way they frame birth as a story: the mother as the hero, the midwife as the guide.   Episode Roundup:   First, I’m struck by the power of seeing. Caleb shared how witnessing midwifery care firsthand changed his understanding in a way facts and statistics never could. That’s exactly why Birthing Revolution matters—because when people can actually see birth unfolding with trust and respect, fear begins to loosen its grip. Second, I love the way both Caleb and Midon frame birth as a journey where the mother is the hero and the midwife is the guide. That story deserves to be told well—and protected—so families everywhere can understand what’s possible. And finally, I want to invite you into this work. If this episode resonated with you—if you’ve ever wished your partner, your parents, or your friends could see what midwifery care really looks like—this film could be that bridge. If you’re able, consider supporting the Birthing Revolution project. Even a small contribution helps move this vision forward and makes these stories accessible to families who need them.   Links:   Donate to Birthing Revolution: https://phippsphilms.com/birthing-revolution-movie/   Birthing Joy: A Home Birth Experience | https://youtu.be/iyhCAG2CQE8?si=YzgT2NRb3J_rd87E   Midon Wingo Beautiful Blessings | https://www.beautifulblessingsbirthservices.com/   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)    

Do you have any highly specific desires in regards to your upcoming birth? Maybe that it will be at a certain time of day, or that you’ll labor for a specific amount of time…? What happens when those desires are unfulfilled and you’re given a very different experience instead? This week we’re speaking with Jamie, a first-time mom from Chicago who had some very beautiful ideas of what she wanted her birth to look like. After a very long pregnancy, she hoped for a very short labor… and today we will hear how she learned to surrender both her plans and her fears.   Episode Roundup:   First, I love how Jamie’s story began before pregnancy — with a season of deep healing. When she leaned into holistic restoration, she wasn’t just preparing her gut or her body; she was preparing her spirit for motherhood. That alignment and surrender created the foundation for the birth that would later test her faith in such profound ways. Second, her honesty about fear is so relatable. Even with all the preparation, the reading, and the prayer, fear can creep in. And yet, in those moments when she felt she couldn’t go on, God’s Word met her — “My grace is sufficient for you.” What a testimony to the truth that sometimes the victory in birth doesn’t come through ease, but through endurance. And finally, the image of her midwife stepping in, calm and capable, to help her baby take his first breath — that moment captured the essence of womanly strength and care. It’s such a powerful reminder that when birth is held in reverence, even the most intense moments can become sacred. Jamie’s story reminds us that birth is both holy and humbling. It’s where heaven meets earth, and where a woman’s body, soul, and spirit are refined in love.     Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)  

What does it look like to walk through birth with deep peace — even when things don’t go exactly as planned?   This week we’re speaking to Paige Schwickerath, a young mom from central Iowa whose life has been beautifully transformed through marriage, motherhood, and her first home birth. Paige and her husband welcomed their son, Boaz, at home in an experience that tested their faith, strengthened their trust, and revealed the calm presence of God in every moment. In this episode, Paige shares how her husband’s encouragement first led her to explore home birth, the ways she prepared physically, mentally, and spiritually for labor, and how her peaceful birth at home unfolded — even when her baby needed a little extra help transitioning earthside. Her story is one of surrender, support, and steady faith — a powerful reminder that birth can be both holy and human, unpredictable and yet perfectly held by God’s design.   Episode Roundup: First of all, I love the role that Paige’s husband played in leading their family toward a more holistic way of living—before they were even pregnant. It’s not often that we hear about the husband introducing the idea of homebirth, but what a beautiful example of partnership and trust. His faith in God’s design and confidence in Paige’s ability to birth set such a peaceful tone for their entire experience. What a gift it is when husband and wife move forward in unity like that. Next, I was struck by how Paige prepared—physically, mentally, and spiritually—while still holding her plans with open hands. She stayed active, saw a pelvic floor therapist and chiropractor, and filled her mind with encouraging homebirth stories, all while surrendering her timeline and experience to the Lord. That blend of readiness and release—that’s such a powerful lesson for all of us. And finally, what a testimony of peace under pressure. When her son needed help transitioning after birth, Paige didn’t spiral into fear. She began quietly saying the name of Jesus over and over, trusting that He was present and that her birth team was equipped to care for her baby. Within minutes, her son was breathing in her arms. From the outside, someone might see this as a scary story, but for Paige, it was a story of God’s sovereignty and the calm assurance that she was exactly where she was meant to be. Wow—what an incredible reminder that even when our stories don’t unfold perfectly, they can still be perfectly the Lord’s.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)

Change can be tough. How do we integrate the arrival of our new baby? Moreover, how do we integrate the arrival of our new baby mere weeks after the arrival of our foster child and a move into a new home?   This week, we're speaking to Alexis. A foster-turning adoptive mother to a 7-year-old daughter, and homebirth bio mom to a 1 year old baby boy at the time of this recording. Alexis and her family experienced so. much. change. during her pregnancy, and leading up to her birth, and yet you will love the attitude and perspective with which she holds all of this as we hear her journey.   Episode Roundup:    Alexis found confidence in herself as she navigate pregnancy and motherhood, and so much of this was because she was in control of her care. She wasn't being told what to do or forced or coerced. Alexis was surrounded by midwives who truly cared for her and wanted her to be in charge of her experience. What a massive difference this makes in terms of how we feel about ourselves as mothers. What a beautiful gift of an experience to know that we've got the stuff we need to be who we were designed to be. Alexis said that, overarching, she sees how God's timing was so perfect in her story, despite the fact that she certainly couldn't see that or even fully feel that during the process at times. Isn't it so humbling to realize that our perspective just isn't as big as that of our Creator's? What feels like pain, a struggle, something incredibly difficult or even wrong from where we're standing.... that can be used, too. Alexis celebrates the fact that in His timing, she gained two beautiful children-- two children she wouldn't trade for the world. How amazing. Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)

When you found out you were pregnant, what emotions ran through your brain? Excitement? Thrill? Joy? Or did you experience fear, shame, or a resurgence of old traumas?   This week, we're speaking to Amanda Lopez. A mama to 3 children, two of whom were born to her while Amanda was still a teenager. We'll be discussing Amanda's experiences as a teen mother, and how her most recent homebirth (at the time of this recording) brought incredible healing to her previous perceptions of pregnancy and birth.    Episode Roundup:     I am so blown away by how Amanda used her experience of becoming pregnant at 14, having a baby at 15 to propel her forward in her aspirations. At a time when she felt so alone and was struggling so deeply, she still saw the worth of her child and knew that she was worth the struggle and toil. She turned something so difficult into something so triumphant, even graduating from high school with a 4.0 GPA. When Amanda became pregnant for the second time as a teen, she felt so much pain and confusion, and yet... she looked at her other daughter and knew that this baby was going to be a blessing. I am so overwhelmed at the beauty of Amanda's choices to celebrate life. And what seemed so tragic at the time, having two daughters as a teen herself, turned into the beautiful blessings of her daughters. As Amanda and her mother discussed, sometimes the things that seem so difficult at the time are, in retrospect, the things that save us. Praise God for his provision for Amanda in terms of her ability to raise her babies, and in the loving support, yet firm boundaries that her parents set out for her in the process. And finally, when Amanda became pregnant with her third child... DESPITE the fact that she is a fully grown adult woman and certainly capable of taking care of another baby, one of the first things that happened when she sat looking at the pregnancy test was a rush of old traumas... of feeling down on herself because this pregnancy was "unexpected". But what I loved about this story was the fact that Amanda now so clearly sees... this pregnancy, along with her two other pregnancies... they weren't unexpected. They were known, they were seen, and they were expected by the Creator. Amanda was able to triumphantly and confidently give birth to her third baby, safely in her own home. She was able to reclaim motherhood with a new sense of power and confidence, and I am so thrilled that Amanda's children are able to see what a strong, loving, beautiful mother they have-- one who will lay it all down for them.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)    

What was life like for you before you became pregnant? Were you pretty much the same person then as you are now, or have you changed drastically?   Today we'll be speaking with Gabrielle, and precious mother who has truly been pulled from death to life. From addiction to heavy narcotics and homelessness to being pulled out and called into life through Jesus. This story is unbelievably powerful, and I'm so thrilled that Gabrielle's heart desires to share how she has been forever reborn.   Episode Roundup: God makes messy things beautiful. I've seen it time and time again in my own life and in the lives of others, and how clearly was this put on display in Gabrielle's story. Gabrielle shares how she overdosed and flatlined 3 times-- died- and yet now is a whole new, reborn creation who is pointing others to her Savior. What a beautiful testimony. And next, I think it's so incredible to see how the life experiences that she's had, of dysfunction, of such severe struggle-- she's used those to change the paradigm for her own family. Gabrielle and her husband are taking their children down an entirely new path-- one that's functional and full of love and grace. And lastly, I just want to share about the beauty in Gabrielle's decision making. Despite the fact that she's off of social media and thus not being bombarded with pretty homebirth images, she prayed for discernment and knew that what she wanted for her babies was different from the conventional path. I just find it so powerful that Gabrielle trusted and obeyed and had two beautiful girls in a way that empowered her and granted her confidence in motherhood. Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)  

First births: You don't know what's going on with your body, they're long, and mothers enter them feeling uncertain and needing reassurance.... right? This week we're speaking to Sara, who lives in Travelers Rest, South Carolina with her husband Rob, their first child and son, Charlie, and their two big all american mutts, Captain and Bucky. Sara and her husband Rob strive to live a gospel-centered and holistic/ancestral lifestyle to create the best and safest environment for their children to learn and thrive. Homebirth was their Plan A and Charlie’s birth Story wasn’t exactly what Sara envisioned, it was BETTER and one of the best and most intimate memories she and Rob will ever share together.   Sara is a former student of mine, and she’s gone on to have a second beautiful experience.  I love hearing the power and confidence in her story, and that’s my desire for every single mother that I work with inside of Whole Mother Homebirth.     Episode Roundup:   Just because it's your first birth does not mean that it's going to be long, that you're going to feel uncertain and need reassurance and that you don't know what to do. Sara walked into birth with confidence. Did she expect to give birth to her baby in the closet? No. But did her body know exactly what it was doing? Absolutely. Sara had admitted that she felt totally confident in her ability to birth her baby, and Rob's ability to support her. With their lifestyle and their deep trust in the birthing process and the Lord, this experience was so... them. And postpartum- there is just so much going on during this time. Physically, mentally and emotionally. I love hearing Sara gush about how Rob has been such an incredible support throughout. This is such a special time for your spouse to step up. To shower you with care, to be your hero, and to leave the two of you feeling more drawn together than ever before.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)   Your Brilliant Body Course:  https://www.intelligentmovementlab.com/your-brilliant-body-1fde4c68-3b5d-4a67-aa51-3541ad2262b   $50 discount  code: HAPPYHOMEBIRTH50 expires: 1/4/26   Previous episodes with Paris: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-homebirth/id1446934537?i=1000614823851   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-homebirth/id1446934537?i=1000715087698   Paris on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@ParisLatka    

When you’re unable to have a homebirth in your area, what happens?  Are you totally out of luck…. Or are there other ways to get creative?   This week we’re speaking with my friend Shanies Pearcey- a stay at home mother to 8 children at the time of this recording, but she’s since had a few more sweet babies, and a minister's wife in Northwest NJ. Shanise enjoys cooking, sewing, and spending time with her precious kids, and I can tell you right now you are going to gain SO MUCH from this interview, as we unpack her journey to a homebirth… across the country from her own home. Get ready for a beautiful, uplifting story.   One thing I love about Shanise is the confidence she’s gained throughout her experiences of birth and motherhood, and that is my goal for all of the mothers I get to work more closely with inside of Whole Mother Homebirth.  You were gloriously designed to give birth.  With this as my driving truth, it is my greatest pleasure and privilege to come alongside mothers seeking to give birth not only at home, but more importantly, with a deep sense of connection to their instincts and intuition. This birth course is for the woman who is ready to be transformed into the new, powerful iteration of herself as Mother.    Episode Roundup: Question everything, unfortunately.  Shanise was told with her twins that her hips were “too small” for a 5 pound baby– and yet, she was able to give birth to an 8 pound baby just fine later on.  Another example of this could be seen when her OB told her that if she wanted to give birth without an epidural, they should totally break her water.  It’s so unfortunate when we hear these examples of care providers looking out for themselves and not for their patients. If you find yourself in a situation that seems unfavorable, like Shanise did with her 8th pregnancy and upcoming labor, keep your mind open to other ideas.  It could have been so easy for Shanise and her husband to dismiss the idea of traveling to Texas for a homebirth, but look at what they would have missed if they’d ignored the idea– and consider the hostility that so many women were facing in hospitals in that area at the time.  What a beautiful experience Shanise’s family had– all because they were open to ideas outside of the norm. And finally, how incredible are our bodies.  The way that Shanise’s body gave her an opportunity to process her fears and anxieties by stopping labor– that was so beautiful to me.  She was able to reach out to a friend, who, by the way owns a beautiful merino wool shop called Truly Charis, for all of the cloth diapering mamas out there, be sure to look her up– and process the feelings and emotions that were welling up inside of her.  And once she did that– her body knew that it was now safe to give birth.  What a blessing that entire experience was.  As we wrap up this amazing episode, I can’t help but share Philippians 4: 4-9 “4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)    

What if you had the know-how to help your newborn baby relax and release all of the tension accumulated from growing in utero, and from his or her birth experience?  What if you were able to regulate your baby’s nervous system?  Wouldn’t that be incredible?   Today I’m sharing a conversation I had with Kim Sherlock and Holly Steflik several years back, in 2022– Holly and Kim are the two trainers for the Gillespie Approach, otherwise known as Craniosacral Fascial Therapy.   This conversation was had in anticipation of the first CFT training event I hosted in Greenville South Carolina, and I’m sharing this episode again in preparation for the THIRD event that we will be hosting in Greenville from March 19th- 21st for the foundations training, and March 22nd- 24th for the Infant training.  My friends, I cannot say enough about CFT and how it has changed my life as a mother.  Being able to help my children unwind and heal has been such a blessing.  I love that I have the confidence to put my hands on their bodies and support them as opposed to always having to outsource to some other “expert”.  While I am completely willing to do that if I think they need something complementary, it’s a gift to be able to support my children, my husband, and even myself through this modality.  The investment has been wildly worth it to me.  I took this training 2 months before my son was born, and it blows me away the difference that being able to help a baby release from birth makes on their experience as a newborn, baby and toddler.  Bubs, as we call my son, is the most flexible, strong and bodily-aware child that I know.  It’s amazing all of the ways that his body and brain are connected.  His fine and gross motor skills have knocked us off our feet from the very beginning, and I know it’s the CFT that made such an incredible impact on him.  I love having this skill, and I would LOVE to see you at the Greenville training.   Episode Roundup:   You're the expert on your family. We talk about this in relation to birth, but it certainly doesn't stop there. You are allowed to take radical responsibility, and you are allowed to acquire the skills it takes to help your family heal. Motherhood is powerful, and you are not "just" a mom. You are the expert.   And speaking of being the expert, I want you to know that that’s what I encourage you in inside of Whole Mother Homebirth.  You were gloriously designed to give birth.  With this as my driving truth, it is my greatest pleasure and privilege to come alongside mothers seeking to give birth not only at home, but more importantly, with a deep sense of connection to their instincts and intuition. This birth course is for the woman who is ready to be transformed into the new, powerful iteration of herself as Mother.   Birth is safest when the mother is the leader, and inside of Whole Mother Homebirth, we provide both knowledge and wisdom that will lead you to a sense of confidence and excitement when it comes to your birthing experience.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)

How long did you wait to tell your friends and family about your pregnancy?  No time? 8 weeks? 12 weeks?  What about 6 months?    Today’s episode with Alissa covers an incredible array of stories, and she bears her soul with her experience.  I feel so honored that she shared her stories, and I know you’ll feel the same when you hear them.  I do of course like to mention when stories contain especially difficult situations, and I will inform you that she did have some very traumatic events occur at the hospital, and we will discuss a miscarriage.  These topics are so important to discuss, but of course I want to be sensitive to those who are approaching birth or who are in a place where they would prefer to wait until a later time to listen.  Otherwise, enjoy this amazing woman’s stories.   Episode Roundup:   Birth trauma is real, and it can impact our postpartum, our bond, and our mental and physical health.  This is a reminder that if you experience trauma or abuse with your care provider or nurses, you can report it.  There can be serious consequences for these types of situations for mother and baby, and those responsible should be held responsible.   Miscarriages are labor and miscarriages are birth.  I’m so grateful for Alissa sharing how her natural miscarriage happened, how she experienced it, and how it impacted her.  I know so many of you have been in her shoes, and my heart goes out to you.  Your baby matters, and your experience matters. And finally, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  After several incredibly difficult experiences, Alissa went on to have a glorious, triumphant homebirth.  A birth that was a huge step in the direction of healing, and that is what I wish for us all. Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)          

What does it mean to fully embrace motherhood? To fully embrace the God-given responsibility of caring for your children?   This week, we're speaking to Courtney Valdez, a 26-year old mom of two beautiful girls + a business owner/hairstylist, with a love of homemaking and holistic wellness. Courtney's experience of pregnancy and birth has changed the way her family lives in every way for the better, as we are going to hear in this powerful journey of growth and strength. And not to give a huge spoiler alert, but I do want to say this. The mother that Courtney becomes during this experience-- powerful, confident, radically responsible-- that is who I want you to meet and become inside of Whole Mother Homebirth.  You were gloriously designed to give birth.  With this as my driving truth, it is my greatest pleasure and privilege to come alongside mothers seeking to give birth not only at home, but more importantly, with a deep sense of connection to their instincts and intuition. This birth course is for the woman who is ready to be transformed into the new, powerful iteration of herself as Mother.   Birth is safest when the mother is the leader, and inside of Whole Mother Homebirth, we provide both knowledge and wisdom that will lead you to a sense of confidence and excitement when it comes to your birthing experience.   Inside of Whole Mother Homebirth, I provide you with COMPREHENSIVE education.  Not just silly little coping techniques… No, this is revolutionary information, and I am confident that you will finish this course feeling equipped and excited to give birth, and that your spouse will be on the exact same page.  And hey, when you purchase this course, you are supporting the continuation of this podcast as a free resource.  I am so grateful to be able to provide deep transformation for you, and for your support in return.  Click the link in the show notes and get a 10% discount when you use the code PODCAST at checkout.   Episode Roundup:   I want to begin with how Courtney views her first birth experience. While there is plenty for her to be upset and frustrated about in regards to her care, I love the way that Courtney chooses to frame her experience. She isn't sitting in victimhood, but accepting responsibility-- accepting the experience for what it was, and choosing to see and appreciate the beautiful moments. Sometimes we've got to tease through the event to find the beauty, and that can feel frustrating, but how much more powerful than to allow the event to pull you down into despair? We don't always have a choice in regards to outcomes, but we can ALWAYS choose our perspective. Sovereign motherhood. Courtney felt that she shed her old skin-- the questioning, uncertain skin of the past-- in the birth pool when she met her second daughter. She was reborn as the sovereign mother to her two daughters that she was designed to be. No more questioning herself, no more outsourcing... she understands that her intuition was given by God, and she will us it. And lastly, I want to take a moment to touch on care providers. Courtney's experience were both at the hands of midwives. We've got to remember that a title alone means absolutely nothing. One manipulated and pushed for her own way, while the other sat on her hands, peacefully watching Courtney enter back into motherhood. We've got to remember that who we select as our care provider does carry a massive amount of weight. I understand that some of us have more options than others, but this is something to be considered deeply. Does your midwife see herself as a hero or a servant? The answer will dictate much. Links:     Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)  

What happens when God uses birth — and even loss — to refine your faith in ways you never imagined? Welcome to Episode 300 of the Happy Homebirth.  Wow, 300 episodes of real, raw homebirth stories, and you’re about to meet your match with this week’s guest. This week, we’re speaking to Rachael Nalley, a home birth doula, micro-baker, and mother of four living in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Rachael’s story is one of beauty, resilience, and radical trust. From her first birth in a hospital, to the redemptive peace of her home birth years later, her journey reveals the Lord’s hand through every high and low.  In this conversation, Rachael shares not only her powerful home birth story, but the incredible season of testing and provision that surrounded it — including how her family faced financial hardship, miraculous provision, and even the total loss of their home… only to witness God’s faithfulness unfold again and again.  I cannot warn you enough… please grab a tissue in the best way.   Rachael’s testimony is raw, redemptive, and overflowing with grace — a reminder that even in our most broken moments, God is near, and His plans are good.   Episode Roundup:   First, I love how Rachael’s faith journey and birth journey mirror one another — both required surrender, both demanded trust, and both revealed God’s sustaining grace. Through every contraction, every hardship, every loss, He was preparing her for deeper intimacy with Him. Next, I’m struck by the theme of refinement through fire. When Rachael’s family lost everything — their finances, their stability, even their home — God met them with unmistakable provision and peace. From a hundred-dollar miracle to an unexpected home that met their every prayer, the Lord showed Himself as Provider in the most tangible ways. And finally, I’m moved by Rachael’s courage to share the fullness of her story. She reminds us that our worth is not in our circumstances or our success, but in Christ alone. When everything else is stripped away, He remains — faithful, kind, and near to the brokenhearted. Friends, Rachael’s story is a testimony to what happens when we choose to trust God moment by moment, even when we can’t see the way forward.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)

What do you do when an OB refuses to support your VBAC, and then no other local OBs will take you on as a patient because they don’t accept transfers from other OBs?  Where do you go? This week we’re speaking to Alicia Downey, a military spouse who has lived in 4 states over the last 5 years, is a mother to two wonderful daughters, and a registered nurse. Alicia is currently staying at home with her babies. She is a c-section mom, and a home birth mom, and she is passionate about sharing her birth story and the empowerment that came with choosing to VBAC at home, as we will get to hear today.   Episode Roundup:   I know that some of the mothers listening to this podcast plan to give birth in the hospital.  For any number of reasons, that may feel like the best and safest place for you to give birth.  I don’t want stories of what happens in the hospital to scare you as you ready yourself for birth, but I do hope that it serves to prepare you for what you need to do to advocate for yourself.  The unfortunate reality is that labor in the hospital does require a level of toughness and willingness to fight for your rights and desires that is not always present at home, though of course it can be.  Being prepared for this and understanding how to navigate the system is critical. Next, can we just take a moment to talk about how crazy it was that Alicia’s OB not only refused to support her in a VBAC, but essentially threatened her with zero care unless she submitted to the OB’s wishes?  You won’t be able to receive care anywhere else… and…. I won’t schedule another appointment with you unless you agree to have a c section now.  Absolutely wild.  Thank goodness this pushed Alicia right into the arms of a homebirth midwife.   Another little point– prodromal labor stinks.  It really can be such a mind game, but I do want you all to remember that it does have a purpose.  Whether it’s actually causing dilation like it did for Alicia, or it’s helping your baby reposition, prodromal labor is doing SOMETHING.  I think it can be so helpful to keep that in mind when you’re in the throes of it! And lastly, birth can be healing.  It doesn’t have to be the thing that heals you from previous traumas.  Let’s be clear about that.  I think that nervous system-based therapy like emotional freedom technique, havening, and ART or sldkfjsldk therapy are wildly helpful for birth trauma healing, specifically.  But– there is something so healing about having a new experience.  If you’ve had a traumatic birth before and you want more babies, know that your next birth can be different.  It can be beautiful, and it can be deeply healing.     Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

Hey there Happy Homebirthers, I’ve got a fun little treat for you for this week.  Instead of our usual interview setup, I wanted to share a podcast that I was on recently.  My friend Sarah at Entering Motherhood recently had me on her show to discuss homebirth and storytelling–particularly healing through storytelling.  These are two of my favorite topics, so I wanted to give you a chance to listen in.  I’ll link Sarah’s podcast and instagram, so you can follow along for more of her incredible content.  Enjoy!   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Episode 260: Homebirth Stories, Safety & Self-Advocacy with Katelyn Fusco Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify   Listen on Podbean   Entering Motherhood Website

If you choose to have a freebirth, you must be some kind of fearless superwoman, right?     This week we’re speaking to Charissa Blair.  Charissa is wife to Adam and mother to her freebirthed first baby, Leviticus, with a second baby on the way.  In this week’s episode, we’ll hear why Charissa decided to give birth unassisted with her first baby, how the birth unfolded, and how it has impacted Charissa as a mother.     Episode Roundup:    I love the reasoning behind why Charissa decided to fully commit to freebirth.  It wasn’t because she felt she had something to prove to others, but because she sensed that it was right for her.  She felt the Lord calling her into a specific experience– and one that made sense based on her own preferences of being alone, and especially not being at the hospital.  She felt peace over the decision to give birth unassisted.   And that leads me to my second point– Just because she felt peace about giving birth unassisted, that did not mean that 1. She wouldn’t be prepared and willing to change her location if she needed to.  She even had a bag packed for such a scenario. It also did not mean that she would have an easy birth.  Charissa experienced a sense of coming to the bottom of herself… she felt a sense of darkness and struggle that she had no choice but to move through.  But what awaited her on the other side?  A beautiful sunrise with her brand new baby, born safely in her arms at home. Birth is a transformative process.  It is not always easy, in fact, it’s rarely free of big challenges.  That’s what MAKES it transformative.  Wherever you give birth, however you give birth, this experience is designed to change you if you’ll let it.   Links: Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)  

Homebirth is great, but if you do happen to have an emergency at home, you’ll always wish you were at the hospital, right? This week we’re speaking with Kennedy Voetberg.  At 18, Kennedy became fascinated by the birthing process and underwent training to become a certified birth doula. Almost a decade later, Kennedy is married to her husband, Deter, and together they have 3 children with their fourth on the way. She is grateful to say that she birthed all three of their children at home, and today we will hear specifically how her first birth unfolded.   Epsiode Roundup:   First of all, I wish that every teenager felt the excitement to give birth that Kennedy did at 18.  What a blessing to have such a positive outlook well before she even met her husband and decided to begin having children.  So many girls grow up with minimal understanding of birth, and often the stories they have heard are not examples of the brilliance of how the female body was created to bring forth life.  I pray that we as mothers are able to provide to our children a new outlook on pregnancy and birth– that we can use our own stories, however they unfold, to encourage our girls and excite them about what they have to look forward to.  What a gift it is to be able to grow, birth, nourish and care for our babies.   Next, what a special connection.  Kennedy had become fascinated with physiological birth and knew that whenever she gave birth, she wanted it to be at home– and she married a man who himself was born at home.  That, my friends, is what they call a match made in heaven.   And finally, let’s tie this up with the beginning of our episode.  Homebirth sounds great unless there’s an emergency… But for Kennedy, homebirth was great, even with an emergent situation, and in fact, the way that her emergent situation was handled brought Kennedy even more confidence in the process of giving birth at home.  When her baby needed support breathing, Kennedy and her midwife worked together to begin stimulating her baby, and her midwife was able to provide a full resuscitation when it became necessary. Remember.  There are no guarantees in life– not in the hospital, not at home, but we can do our part by surrounding ourselves with a supportive team, by preparing our hearts and our bodies, and by leaning on The Lord and his goodness in all situations.    Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

  How would it feel to be supported in your pregnancy and birth by the women of your family?    This week we are speaking to Miriam McCuiston, a stay at home mom to her daughter Zoe. She is married to her husband and best friend, Kyle. Miriam is learning all new things about being a homemaker and mama, and as we’ll hear in her story, she has women around her who are deeply encouraging her and cheering her on.   Episode Roundup:    First of all, it was so clear to me from the very beginning this them of feminine care in Miriam’s story.  From her group of women praying over her on Thanksgiving, to her mother and sister in law supporting her and sharing with her their own birthing experiences….. Her sisters coming over to clean hear home for her… my goodness.  That alone was beautiful to hear.  But, wow.  The way that Miriam’s sister played such an integral part in the birthing process just blew me away.  How she came over and talked with her, told her stories and shared about her day, provided counter pressure, and then moaned with her through contractions to keep her grounded.  I just felt chills the whole time.  I pray this relationship over my own daughters, my goodness.  And it didn’t stop there.  Her mother came over to help during the first few days, and her mother in law brought them warm meals… this is what it looks like to be surrounded by women.  This is what compassionate care looks like.  This is the goal. And next, I want to take a moment to focus on the point of Miriam’s labor that stood out so strongly to me.  She’s in the birth pool, likely going through transition, where she begins to feel like she just can’t do it.  What does Miriam do?  She calls out to her creator.  She knows that He hears her.  She asks for his strength.  She reaches out to Jesus– physically reaches out to Him, and she feels the love of the father wrapping around her and providing her with the strength she needs to complete her task.  Jesus is in the room, my friends.  He’s Emmanuel, God with Us.  Call to him.  Expect him to answer.  He is there. He can strengthen you, whatever your birth is looking like.  He can strengthen you NOW, in whatever situation you are in.  He’s right here, just as Miriam sensed and experienced.  There’s nothing greater.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Pelvic Floor Freedom | https://www.intelligentmovementlab.com/pelvic-floor-freedom   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Youtube | https://youtu.be/Nb4moaQP-uA

Raise your hand if you’ve experienced a symptom or two in pregnancy that you wish you could get to the root of and heal.  Food aversions?  Morning sickness?  Full on Hyperemisis Gravidarum?   This week we are speaking to Jes Reynolds, a holistic health practitioner and founder of The Wellness Element, where she guides mothers to protect the health and wellbeing of children by reclaiming their intuition and sovereignty in pregnancy and motherhood.  After healing herself from autoimmune illness and reversing her own hyperemesis gravidarum, Jes now supports women worldwide through her signature course, Healing HG Blueprint. Her work weaves together biology, nutrition, detox and ancestral wisdom to address the root causes of pregnancy complications.  She is passionate about transforming the cultural narrative of pregnancy—from one marked by fear and medical control to one of initiation, power, and remembrance.  Through education, advocacy, and community, Jes equips women to fiercely safeguard their children’s health from preconception through postpartum.     Episode Roundup:   Jes mentioned the importance of listening to your intuition, especially during pregnancy.  Pregnancy is THE time to interact with our intuition and gain an understanding of what it feels like to be in tune, especially if we haven’t had many opportunities to exercise this kind of practice before.   At the same time, Jes’ story also shares the reality that even when we are listening to our intuition and following its guidance, there can be other factors at play that can deeply influence our experience, particularly our care provider. Jes knew what she wanted for her pregnancy and birth, but her midwife was not on the same page, which led to Jes trying to advocate for herself while also trying to recover immediately postpartum. As Jes attested, this is NOT the situation you want to find yourself in postpartum, or any time in your care.  Not only do you need to know what you stand for, but finding a care provider who will support you in that, is key.   And finally, I love how Jes approaches health by looking at the “issue” or “symptoms” with different lenses, seeing where those lenses intersect, and beginning there.  Trauma, illness, nutritional depletion, trapped emotions– they can all be factors.  When we can remove some of the biggest pieces, oftentimes the rest begins to fall into place.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/the_wellness_element/   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)