Pain Free Birth

In this episode, Karen sits down with Dr. Lizzie Kieffer as she shares her personal birth experiences and professional insights. From her hospital birth to her empowering home birth, Lizzie opens up about the lessons learned along the way. Tune in as we dive into why relying solely on kegels might not be the best approach for birth and postpartum recovery, how diaphragmatic breathing helps relax the pelvic floor, and explore practical tips for avoiding severe diastasis recti. Plus, learn how to surrender to the natural timing of labor rather than trying to control it. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Lizzie’s first birth in the hospital vs. her second at home Why kegels aren't the only answer for pelvic floor health How diaphragmatic breathing can prevent postpartum issues The importance of surrendering to God's timing in birth Tips to help reduce the intensity of diastasis recti The benefits of training during pregnancy for postpartum recovery MORE ABOUT DR. LIZZIE KIEFFER: Lizzie is a doctor of physical therapy, a mom of two, and a strong advocate for movement as medicine. After earning her doctorate in 2018, she began her career in a traditional clinic but soon realized her passion lay in helping women navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic floor health. Motivated by the lack of specialized information in these areas, she opened her own practice and developed the Mind Body Core programs to empower and educate women worldwide. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys pickleball, hiking, and spending time with her daughters, Mia and Lily, her husband Matt, and their dog Snickers. A lifelong learner, she is dedicated to helping women feel confident, understood, and supported as they embrace the changes of womanhood and motherhood.  Instagram: @doclizziedpt PRENATAL: Mind Body Core Prenatal Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 off POSTPARTUM: Mind Body Core Postpartum Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 off Christian Hypnobirthing App — Get one month FREE with the purchase of the Faith-Filled Childbirth E-Course CONNECT WITH KAREN: Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE! Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you.  Instagram Facebook YouTube

While Tara was blacking out from pain, losing hope, and believing she didn't have enough faith for a pain free pregnancy, she experienced a deeply spiritual experience that led her to creating the first of its kind, her own app, for Christian Hypnobirthing. Tune in to find out how drastically different Tara's births were with and without the power of hypnobirthing, how our thoughts and emotions can imprint on our babies brains, and how you can use hypnobirthing beyond labor! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: How Tara started Christian Hypnobirthing Dealing with coercion and losing faith in Tara's first birth How hypnobirthing transformed Tara's second birth Cultivating peace throughout your pregnancy Using hypnobirthing beyond pregnancy Combining faith with neuroscience and how our babies brains are wired  MORE ABOUT TARA MENZIES: Tara Menzies is the creator of the Christian Hypnobirthing app and the Faith-Filled Childbirth Course. She created the app in early 2018 after the birth of her first son, because she wanted to combine traditional hypnobirthing techniques (breathing and visualisation exercises, positive affirmations etc) with the incredible love, strength and support that come from our Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit, to help expecting mamas feel confident relaxed and connected to God throughout their births. The Christian Hypnobirthing app has since become one of the most highly rated hypnobirthing apps worldwide, and has helped tens of thousands of women have more relaxed, confident and faith-filled birth experiences. Instagram: @christianhypnobirthing Christian Hypnobirthing Website   CONNECT WITH KAREN: Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE! Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you.  Instagram Facebook YouTube

Jessie thought she was prepared to have a smooth, natural, and pain free birth until... The hospital kept interrupting the labor room, asking for continuous monitoring, and made the birth experience something Jessie never wanted to relive again. When she got pregnant with her second child, Ava, she knew things would be different. She and her husband weren't 100% sold on having a home birth, but that's why we have peace that God's plan is greater. Tune in to hear all about Jessie's redemptive and unplanned home birth. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: What a majority of "natural births" look like in a hospital  Shifting the mindset of "women have to be strong" What created an entirely different experience for Jessie in her second pregnancy The power of visualization in pregnancy and through birth How children's temperaments can differ from hospital versus home births The woman's body: letting go of trauma & knowing we aren't cursed to have painful births MORE ABOUT JESSIE RITTER: Mom of two, wife, and musician living in the Florida Panhandle. Jessie had a difficult first birth in the hospital, and an absolutely blissful second time unplanned home birth. Instagram: @jessie.l.ritter TikTok: @jessieritter Facebook Twitter  YouTube CONNECT WITH KAREN: Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE! Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you.  Instagram Facebook YouTube

Right after high school, Brandyn witnessed a dear friend having excruciating menstrual cycles. After being prayed over by a team member in ministry school, her friend no longer experienced pain during her cycles! This was when Brandyn's eyes were open to the possibility that we don't have to experience pain and birth can be amazing. This was a very special episode to chat about as Karen and Brandyn shared so many similarities between their births.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Praying to release pain  What a "free pregnancy" is like "Do I have to go to the bathroom or am I in labor?" Instant pain relief: the double hip squeeze How to release tightness in your perineum Instinctually knowing the "right" and "wrong" birthing positions MORE ABOUT BRANDYN GIPE: Wife to Steven, mom to Quinn, dog mom of 3, and currently serving as the communications director at New Day for Children (a faith-based non-profit that supports kids recovered from sex trafficking in America) in the Shasta County, CA and the surrounding area. Brandyn loves Jesus, fun, adventure and exploring the world. Steven and Brandyn dream of one day starting a home for minor boys recovered from sex trafficking here in the USA. Instagram: @brandynpruettgipe Website CONNECT WITH KAREN: Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE! Instagram Facebook YouTube

In this episode, Gina Conley shares how impactful movement could be supportive for a strong and pain free pregnancy as an industry-leading perinatal fitness provider. What if the answer to a pain free pregnancy and birth was simply understanding the difference in mobility throughout our pregnancies and how we can support our body by moving optimally. I'm sure you've heard of kegels... think of that as step one. Kegels should not be your only form of movement to prepare for birth. Find out what Gina recommends you do in today's episode! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Using fitness to mentally & physically prepare for birth What you should do beyond kegels to lengthen & stretch the pelvic floor Mitigating a tight pelvic floor from traditional weightlifting Using movement to support your labor process The outdated fear surrounding exercise during pregnancy MORE ABOUT GINA CONLEY: Gina Conley is the founder of MamasteFit—a perinatal fitness training facility located in North Carolina. MamasteFit offers in-person and online pre/postnatal fitness training programs. Gina has her masters in exercise science and is a seasoned birth doula. She combines her expertise as both a perinatal fitness trainer and birth professional to provide full spectrum support from conception, birth, and recovery in the postpartum. Gina is the author of Training for Two, a book that explains how to use prenatal fitness to support a strong and pain free pregnancy, as you prepare for birth. Instagram: @mamastefit The MamasteFit Podcast Website PROGRAM: 40-Week Prenatal Fitness Program PROGRAM: 40-Week Mini Prenatal Fitness Program 💳📕 PREORDER: Training for Two: Safe & Smart Prenatal Exercises for a Smoother Pregnancy, Easier Birth, and Healthier CONNECT WITH KAREN: Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE! Instagram Facebook YouTube

In this episode, Emma shares her amazingly unexpected, yet so magical precipitous twin birth. Fascinated by birth by baby number two, Emma had done a lot of research and precipitous births had never stood out to her... that was until the twins came along. Her instincts were on fire. From the  midwife being minutes away, husband nearly passing out, and babies coming quick enough she almost forgot to undress?! This birth story is one to remember.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Previous hospital births versus a twin home birth Feeling contractions! Time for some hot tea? Nope! Husband's hilarious reaction to a precipitous 34-minute labor & birth The overwhelm that can come with a birth of this nature MORE ABOUT EMMA BRAKE: Emma is a young wife and mother of five. She grew up a missionary kid, marrying her high school sweetheart, a handsome Marine, at 18, and in the following seven years, five sweet little wildlings joined their family! Their youngest three were born at home, including most recently her twins, a precipitous, accidentally unassisted homebirth. It was all rather exciting and very, very messy! These days she's blessed to spend her days at home wrestling what feels like 764 toddlers, telling her husband not to buy it at the store because she can make it at home, and fumbling her way through homesteading, endless home projects, and raising five free range kiddos to love Jesus. Instagram: @thisredeemedmama Facebook Website CONNECT WITH KAREN: Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE! Instagram Facebook YouTube

In this episode, Whitney Baggett shares how about becoming a first-time mom, trusting your intuition, and the challenges of falling out of your mental zone in the hospital. As a new mom, Whitney questioned whether she was really in labor or if she was just having contractions. Tune in to hear the interesting story and timeline Whitney gave from the moment she experienced this "back cramping" to the minute she was wheeled into the hospital with shocking news! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: How Whitney's singing career helped during labor Faith impacting labor and feeling so deeply spiritual Going from feeling scared about birth to feeling empowered Laboring at home, being transported to the hospital, and having to tune out the noise in the L&D room MORE ABOUT WHITNEY BAGGETT: Whitney is a singer & songwriter and CEO of VOW Creative, a video production and social media marketing company. Whitney also runs an inspirational blog called, Vehicle of Wisdom, where she writes about deepening faith and offers bits of wisdom she’s learned along the way. Instagram: @whitneyvowcreative & @vowtobecreative Facebook Twitter Website  CONNECT WITH KAREN: Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE! Instagram Facebook YouTube

**Hey mamas, this episode was recorded with different equipment so please don’t mind the audio, we understand it can be frustrating, but we’ll be back to normal quality next week** This episode is quite different as Karen is actually the one being interviewed by the host of the Holy Confident Birth Podcast, Eve O'Brien. Check out the Holy Confident Birth Instagram here. We hope you enjoy this perspective shift as Karen shares her journey with her own pain free births, how she got into this industry, and how she changed the course of her first birth from painful to pain free in the span of just one contraction! In this episode, Karen describes how a pain free birth doesn’t mean you don’t experience hurt or intensity rather you get to enjoy your birth and feel full feelings of ecstasy as Karen has with her own three births. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: What led me down the path of pain free births Trusting my body & putting my faith in God that He created my body to birth without pain The individual nuances of each of my three, pain free home births How I was able to switch my birth from painful to pain free in just one contraction Allowing myself to fall into a deep state of consciousness to tune into my body Learning the difference between forceful pushing & physiologically pushing baby out Realizing my first birth experience is what catapulted me into becoming a doula Experiencing a true bliss, ecstasy, and an intense rush of natural drugs during birth RESOURCES MENTIONED: FREE MASTERCLASS {FOR A LIMITED TIME}: Unlocking A Pain Free Birth Masterclass In this masterclass, with over 10 years of experience supporting women as a doula and childbirth educator, Karen is sharing her best secrets and techniques to help you experience a pain-free, joyful birth. Learn practical ways you can partner with your body to overcome pain and step into an ecstatic, transformational birth. You do not want to miss this powerful masterclass - currently FREE for a limited time.

We are so excited to welcome holistic health advocate and dentist, Dr. Michelle Jorgensen on the podcast today! Through her years of general and cosmetic dentistry, she never questioned anything ⎯ until Dr. Michelle was so sick she could hardly hold a dental instrument. Dr. Michelle experienced severe mercury poisoning that opened up an entirely different can of worms within the dental industry. Tune in to hear how Dr. Michelle found out about her toxicity, how it affected her fertility, what she incorporates in her dental practice today, and what you can do to save your oral health. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: How Dr. Michelle stopped practicing general dentistry Mercury poisoning: How it affects dentists and patients How mercury affects fertility: Dr. Michelle's own fertility struggles Difference between holistic, functional, biological, and biomimetic dentists What's the right decision: Root canal versus tooth extraction The problem with fluoride: The three big strikes on the body Hidden infection: Why root canals may not be the best option Specifically how pregnancy contributes to oral health How the mouth is a dashboard for the body: Warning lights in the mouth MORE ABOUT DR. MICHELLE: Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, DDS, FAGD, TNC, CNAS, is a renowned holistic dentist, author of five books, and a holistic health advocate. Her transformative journey began when mercury exposure from traditional dentistry made her seriously ill. She evolved into a Board-Certified Naturopath and Therapeutic Nutritional Counselor, seamlessly integrating medicine and dentistry. For a decade, Dr. Jorgensen has been a pioneer in Functional Integrative dentistry through her Total Care Dental and Wellness Way, attracting patients from all corners of the globe. Beyond her dental practice, she's the founder of Living Well with Dr. Michelle, teaching essential life skills, with a charitable arm, the Living Well Today Foundation, supporting those in need. A busy mother of four, she is passionate about teaching and helping others and is a sought- after podcast guest, known for her knack in simplifying crucial topics and providing practical, real-world solutions for listeners. Instagram Facebook Website Living Well Shop 💵 Save 10% on all Living Well products with code: PAINFREEBIRTH RESOURCES MENTIONED: Dr. Michelle's Dentist Directory IAOMT.org IABDM.org Toothpillow

Jill is a joyful warrior as a mom of 8 beautiful babies including newborn twins who just successfully had her first home birth. Yes, Jill had six traditional births with a regular OB team in the hospital before her OB unfortunately passed away and she had to look elsewhere for the upcoming birth of her twins, Ruth and Samuel. She felt God calling her to have a home birth, but her husband Joe wasn't initially supportive. After a lot of prayer and giving it to the Lord, Jill & Joe had a beautiful home birth with the support of her birthing team! She had Ruth at 7 pounds 2 ounces and Samuel at 7 pounds 15 ounces! Despite Samuel being breech, Jill's team had the expertise to handle things with ease and keep a peaceful environment for the birthing mama. Join us today as Jill shares more about her magical experience giving birth at home to twins. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: The feeling Jill couldn't shake that led to her having her 7th birth, but 1st home birth Drowning out the noise to have a birth Jill dreamed of Home-birth hesitant husbands turned to the most supportive teammate during birth Measuring 52 weeks at 37 weeks pregnant Switching OB's at 34 weeks pregnant In denial about being in active labor even after Jill's water broke The feeling of finding out Baby B is breech seconds before delivery Two thick, healthy, and pulsating umbilical cords Anterior placenta semi-fused together for one big, healthy placenta MORE ABOUT JILL: Wife to Joe Reitz (former NFL player) Momma of 8 including newborn twins, oldest almost 13, 11, 9, 7, 5 and 3. Former collegiate Division 1 runner. Faithful Catholic. Resides in North suburb of Indianapolis. Huge lover and encourager of natural, physiological birth and all things motherhood, wifehood and family life! Follow Jill on Instagram RESOURCES MENTIONED: Pain Free Birth Course

Today we are joined by Emily Gardner, a first-time mom, who actually didn't want children prior to getting married due to the painful and traumatic experiences she'd heard of. Now, she is a happy mama of an 8-week old baby boy named Finnigan. She tells us all about how she found Karen on Instagram, how she adopted her determined pain-free-birth mindset, and what her labor experience was like inside a traditional hospital. No spoilers, but her labor & delivery came with a few surprises that resulted in a longer labor, yet still absolutely pain free. Emily said, "the IV line was probably the most painful part of the whole experience." EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Emily's pure determination & dedication to have a pain free birth Completely shutting away any negativity around pregnancy, labor, and birth Diving deep into Emily's spirituality helped ease her mind: "God has me. I am safe." Taking on random home improvement projects right before labor Emily's water broke without any contractions so they made their way to the hospital Hospital honoring Emily's wishes of having an unmedicated birth and assigning her a midwife as her OB was out of town Back laboring for quite a while and actively pushing for three hours Different positions & getting in the water to speed up labor Birthing a posterior baby with a compound arm presentation MORE ABOUT EMILY: Emily is a first-time mom (besides her two adorable fur babies) who lives in a small town in New York with her husband, Samuel, who doubles as her business partner. She attended University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and graduated with a degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine. Dr. Emily then made the long trip to Iowa and received her chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. She was able to study under amazing sports doctors and learn a lot of therapies that she implements at her clinic back home in New York! Emily is full of gratitude to be finding her way in her new role as mom. Follow Emily on Instagram Emily's Chiropractic Clinic Website RESOURCES MENTIONED: Pain Free Birth Course Birth Partner Bootcamp

If you have been on the fence about having an unmedicated birth, especially if you've had medicated births in the past, this story is going to be so inspiring to you. Whether you're currently planning a hospital birth or you simply want to hear an encouraging birth story Jilda is here to share her transformational story with us. After having two medicated hospital births that left her traumatized with epidurals gone wrong, she decided that her third birth was going to be unmedicated in the hospital. In most parts of the United States, that is unheard of! Tune in as Jilda shares her she determined her birth plan, if the hospital staff honored her plan, and the peaceful environment she was blessed to give birth in. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Jilda's experience of medicated versus unmedicated births Uncovering the misconception of how complicated inductions can be An induction, three failed epidurals & NICU stay with her first baby An elective induction & failed epidural with her second baby Creating a solid birth plan & switching birth teams for her third birth How to advocate for yourself in the hospital Affirmations & support for other moms desiring a natural birth MORE ABOUT JILDA: Jilda is a proud mother of three hailing from New Jersey. Her journey is all about empowering women, especially postpartum moms, through fitness. With years of dedication as a fitness instructor, Jilda's had the honor of transforming lives through group exercise, advocating for self-care and holistic health. Currently pursuing her doula license, her passion for nutrition during and after pregnancy drives her forward. Amidst the ebb and flow of motherhood, Jilda's resilience has soared while exercising her body and spirit through every one of her pregnancies. With her heart ablaze, she seeks to be a guiding light of support and positive change in every life she encounters. Follow Jilda on Instagram: @jacked.withjil RESOURCES MENTIONED: Pain Free Birth Course

Trisha, an amazing woman who has extensive knowledge, experience, and expertise with being a nurse midwife and IBCLC joins Karen on the podcast today! After virtually meeting on the Down To Birth podcast that Trisha co-hosts, Karen was eager to dive deeper into the conversation around breastfeeding and problems that can arise with each dyad. Trisha shares her unintentional, unattended birth as well as dives into the specifics of the difference between IBCLC's and LC's, her education & experience, as well as a lot of the problems and easy fixes that can be made to solve current problems like painful latches, low-milk supply, and even postpartum anxiety and depression! Join us as we uncover all these dyad hot takes!   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Trisha birthing and unintentionally catching her third baby ALONE because it happened so fast and unattended How birth can affect how a baby breastfeeds Baby's natural instincts to latch & breast crawling The most common problems with breastfeeding dyads The most common interferences with breastfeeding Trisha's number one tip for supporting breastfeeding mothers   MORE ABOUT TRISHA: Trisha Ludwig is a Yale educated Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She has experience as a homebirth midwife, is a holistic women’s gynecologic health practitioner, and has fifteen plus years working as an IBCLC (and works privately providing both in-person and virtual appointments anywhere in the world). She is also a podcaster and the co-host of the globally known birth podcast Down to Birth Show. She is a mother of three children all birthed at home. Follow Trisha on Instagram: @trishaoludwig Follow Down To Birth on Instagram: @downtobirthshow   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Pain Free Birth Course: https://painfreebirth.com/pain-free-birth/  Down To Birth Podcast Episode 208: Achieving A Pain Free Birth with Karen Welton: https://www.downtobirthshow.com/208-achieving-a-pain-free-birth-with-karen-welton-painfreebirth/

This episode is a real treat! Today, Karen is joined by both husband and wife, Harif & Jennifer Hazera. This beautiful couple ran into Karen at a Tony Robbins event where they were able to share their beautiful home birth story and thank Karen for all her help. Jennifer was a graduate of the Pain Free Birth Course and it didn't come very naturally ⏤ no pun intended. After experiencing a horribly traumatic birth with their first son in the hospital, Harif and Jennifer eventually came to the decision to have their second son in the comfort of their own home. Once a thought that Jennifer scoffed at turned into the most redemptive, God-ordained moment ever. Tune in to this episode to hear the stark difference between their two birth experiences and how fathers are dismissed throughout and left with trauma after the birth experience.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: The unnecessary epidural, pitocin, and all the interventions at the hospital for the birth of their first son despite progressing very well & naturally A father's take on birth & feeling dismissed throughout the whole process Father's dismissing the trauma they carried through labor, birth, and the postpartum journey Dreaming up their ideal birth & living it out in the comfort of their home for the birth of their second son   MORE ABOUT THE HAZERA'S: Harif and Jennifer are happily married and work together as entrepreneurs in the real estate space. Once they got pregnant with their first baby, they didn't question giving birth in a hospital, that is until there were too many disturbances and interventions that ruined the sacred experience they thought they were going to have by bringing their first son Leo into the world. Fast forward to getting pregnant with their second son, Max, they knew that it could be better. After getting three obvious signs from God to explore a home birth, Jennifer finally gave in. Little did they know, God would end up offering the most redemptive experience to them by giving birth inside their home in the way they dreamed of. Harif and Jennifer are just like you, they weren't professionals in home birth knowledge but after graduating from the Pain Free Birth Course, they gained the knowledge and empowerment needed to have the most beautiful, sacred, and pain free birth at home. Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @j_hazera   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Pain Free Birth Course: https://painfreebirth.com/pain-free-birth/  Healing Birth Trauma Course: https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ Birth Partner Bootcamp: https://painfreebirth.com/birth-partner-bootcamp/

In this episode, Karen is joined by Amanda Johnson, a mama of 4 beautiful babies. Despite all odds and one baby even being breeched up until delivery, Amanda had a successful home birth with her twins for her most recent pregnancy. Today we’ll get into all the nitty gritty of Amanda’s experience with hospital versus home births, how her pregnancies varied, and how her most recent pregnancy was a massive surprise up until the very last minute of delivery! After Amanda’s first labor and delivery experience that was less than ideal in the hospital, she knew she didn’t want to experience that again. With her second child, she successfully gave birth at home and knew she would repeat the experience when she fell pregnant the third time… little did she know, this home birth experience would be quite rare and one to remember!   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Amanda found out she was having twins at 32 weeks and decided to have a home birth, despite concerns from family and the traditional health system Going into labor at 40 weeks 3 days with an intense but smooth 2-hour labor, delivering both twins vaginally at home Her faith and trust in God's plan helped her through the physical and financial challenges of a twin pregnancy and homebirth A home birth with twins is possible with the right support team    MORE ABOUT AMANDA JOHNSON: I’m a SAHM to 4 babes ages five and under. We are a military fam currently stationed in Monterey CA! My first birth was an induction and after that whole experience, I knew it could be better. My induction was not traumatic as I truly believe I was on the brink of labor (11 days past my guess date) but the whole process from start to end felt very unnatural. When I got pregnant with my 2nd I knew I was going to have a homebirth, this was October of 2019. Luckily my midwife (Lindsey Meehleis) and I were totally aligned and she shut her office down for maybe a month during Covid. It was crazy, my husband was overseas and I thought I was going to have to deliver without him. I had my 2nd at home at the height of Covid in June 2020 and had a totally different experience than my hospital birth in the best way. When I got pregnant in 2021, I of course opted for home birth again. I didn’t find out until 32 weeks that I was having twins and I truly wasn’t surprised - the pregnancy felt totally different! I carried them to 40w3d and had a beautiful labor and delivery under 2 hours!!! Follow her on Instagram: @therealamandajohnson Check out her website: https://www.therealamandajohnson.com/   RESOURCES MENTIONED: Karen's Pain Free Birth Course: https://painfreebirth.com/pain-free-birth/ 

In this episode, Karen is joined by Dr. CeCe Brooks, a highly respected Functional Medicine Family Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. With preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum, there are so many myths spread or things missed by traditional medicine that will be busted today. Get ready to dive into the world of progesterone well into pregnancy, not relying on antibiotics during birth, and even vaginal steaming as part of postpartum care. Dr. CeCe explains how functional medicine can offer natural and effective health solutions whether you're planning to conceive, currently pregnant, or navigating the postpartum period. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: How to use functional medicine principles to prevent preeclampsia and naturally manage GBS so you don't have to erase the healthy bacteria for your baby in the vaginal canal The importance of progesterone during pregnancy (even into the third trimester) and how to maintain its levels Practical advice on nourishing your body to ensure both maternal and fetal health ⏤ Like the controversial yet beneficial practice of consuming beef liver during pregnancy Interesting insight into the growing issue of oral health ties in babies and how it will affect your breastfeeding journey Natural remedies for common postpartum challenges, including navigating mastitis, even if you have the fever & chills RESOURCES MENTIONED: Dr. CeCe's eBooks & guides including the 30-page comprehensive guide on must-have pregnancy and postpartum supplements, safe and effective pregnancy and postpartum healing modalities, & labor and postpartum nourishment! See all of Dr. CeCe's resources here: https://thediscoverydoc.com/resources Postpartum Bliss ⏤ Karen's guide to fall in love with the postpartum period: https://painfreebirth.com/postpartum-bliss/  CONNECT WITH DR. CECE: The Discovery Doc® was born after struggling with her own medical issues and a misdiagnosis that took years to correct. Now, by using holistic, integrative, and preventative medicine as a foundation, Dr. CeCe teaches parents how to make educated, informed decisions on behalf of their child’s health and wellbeing. By implementing fun + simple life changes, you can greatly reduce everyday toxic loads that parents may not even be aware of. Website: https://thediscoverydoc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thediscoverydoc/ 

In this episode… Rylee Portela, a resilient mom of three boys, shares with Karen how mental fortitude, lots of prayer, trusting in the Lord, and a supportive birth team – including hiring a doula – can make or break your birth experience. From having a cesarean with her first (simply due to a “big baby”), to a medicated VBAC during the challenging times of COVID shutdowns with her second (an even bigger baby!), and finally experiencing a nearly pain-free, physiological birth in the hospital with her third, Rylee’s journey is filled with hope and encouragement for any mom who is worried about vaginally birthing “big babies” or is simply dreaming of a redemptive birth experience like hers. Tune in and let Rylee’s inspiring story uplift your spirit and instill new confidence in your innate ability to birth! Check out Karen’s famous “Big Baby” IG story highlight here! Check out Rylee’s Third Birth Story featured on PFB’s IG here.   Connect with Karen: @painfreebirthfacebook.com/painfreebirthyoutube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Sign up for the new highly anticipated Unlocking a Pain Free Birth Masterclass HERE (releasing SOON)! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!   Connect with Rylee on IG and Facebook:@mrs.newtelaRylee Portela

In this episode… Erin Wilkins, mother of five, registered nurse, and online educator who embraces a holistic lifestyle, opens up with Karen about how childbirth has dramatically shaped her views on motherhood and the incomparable power of birth. She talks about the significant lessons learned through each of her birth experiences, emphasizing the importance of mindset, the role of discomfort in personal growth, and the transformative power of surrendering to the process while focusing on the benefits of homebirth and the support of her incredible midwives. Erin’s invaluable insight into how her hardest birth experience was actually her best is truly profound, and her heartfelt advice for new mothers encourages women to actively shape their birth experiences to reflect their innermost values and desires because it directly impacts the journey into motherhood.   Connect with Karen: @painfreebirthfacebook.com/painfreebirthyoutube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenweltonStay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE!Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE! Connect with Erin:@essentiallyerin__The Essentially Erin Podcastwww.essentiallyerin.com

In this episode… Karen delves into an enlightening discussion with Ashleigh Di Lello, founder and creator of Bio Emotional Healing®, to explore the transformative power of the mind-body connection especially as it relates to pregnancy and birth. Ashleigh shares her own remarkable story of overcoming life-threatening health challenges. Despite being told by doctors she wouldn't live past her teenage years, she refused to give up and her discoveries revealed a revolutionary healing approach that has the ability to reshape our responses to emotional trauma and chronic pain, limiting beliefs, and provide profound insights into pain, trauma, and anxiety during childbirth. She went on to become an elite athlete, TV and Broadway star, entrepreneur, Brain Coach, and Keynote Speaker. This conversation aims to empower women with the knowledge and tools to navigate their life and birthing experiences with strength and confidence. Special Note from Karen: Hey Mama, Is your body carrying birth trauma that you don’t want to bring into your next birth? You’re not alone – 1 in 4 women now report experiencing birth trauma. You can even experience trauma from a seemingly “positive” birth experience. Unpacking all of that can feel overwhelming and helpless. I’ve worked with hundreds of women to identify, feel, forgive, and release their birth trauma, and I’m here for YOU. Don’t waste another day struggling to keep your head above water. I don’t want you to miss out on the joy, bliss, and love that your next birth and postpartum experience can offer YOU! You can THRIVE, mama! Let’s do this.If listening to this episode struck a cord with you, I want to extend a special podcast listener discount [30% off] for my Healing Birth Trauma Masterclass HERE (now offered with lifetime access). Just use the code ‘TRAUMA’ at checkout.With love, Karen Connect with Karen:@painfreebirthfacebook.com/painfreebirthyoutube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE! Connect with Ashleigh:@ashleighdilellofacebook.com/ashleighdilelloyoutube.com/ashleighdilelloBio Emotional Healing Podcast with Ashleigh Di Lello Get Ashleigh’s FREE Brain-Body Blueprint HERE! Watch Ashleigh’s FREE Brain Training - The 4 Shifts My Clients Use to Break the Negative Though Loop & Master Anxiety & Self Doubt Schedule a FREE consultation for Ashleigh’s Bio Emotional Healing® Coaching on her website here.

In this special solo episode… Karen explores the transformational process of becoming a mother and the sacred journey from maiden to mother. She discusses the spiritual aspects of childbirth, the challenges and rewards of motherhood, and the importance of surrendering to this rite of passage, aiming to validate and celebrate all mothers while acknowledging both the joyous and trying aspects of motherhood. She delves into the societal pressures and self-doubt many mothers face, advocating for a culture that honors the feminine energy of childbirth and motherhood. This Mother’s Day, Karen encourages mothers to surrender to the changes, embrace their new identity, and find beauty in the journey of motherhood. Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!