In this gentle and grounded episode, Blyss sits with Kelly Frohnauer, a retired traditional midwife from Merlin, Oregon. Kelly’s story is one of trust—in birth, in women, and in the quiet power of simplicity. She shares how her path unfolded outside the bounds of licensure, guided instead by elder midwives, spiritual conviction, and hands-on learning.

Kelly shares:

• Practicing outside licensure in pre-regulation Oregon
• How a postpartum hemorrhage reshaped her herbal approach
• Her signature use of hot ginger towels for pain relief during labor
• Why more women are turning to free birth
• The midwife as “birth guardian,” grounded in presence and prayer
• Her transition from midwifery into natural skincare and art

Kelly’s presence is a reminder that birth can still be a sacred, sovereign experience—free from fear, rich with faith, and rooted in trust.

To explore Kelly’s handcrafted skincare line, visit: naturalfamilybotanicals.com

Mentioned in this episode:

• Red Raspberry Leaf Tea – used during pregnancy to tone the uterus and support gentle labor
• Shepherd’s Purse – a hemostatic herb Kelly no longer recommends postpartum due to clotting concerns
• Alfalfa – taken during pregnancy to build blood volume and prevent hemorrhage
• Cinnamon – used in tincture form to stop postpartum bleeding
• Cayenne Pepper – given to redirect blood flow during hemorrhage and buy time for other herbs to work
• Angelica & Dong Quai – used to encourage delivery of a retained placenta

Further Reading & Support:

• Special Delivery by Rahima Baldwin – the book and educator who certified Kelly in childbirth education
• Surja Johnson – a Santa Cruz midwife who mentored Kelly in her early apprenticeship
• Penny Simkin – beloved birth educator known for her pain-relief techniques, though Kelly’s hot towel method came through a different lineage

Thank you to all the elders, donations and volunteers that have made this project possible.

Together, we can preserve the wisdom of elder midwives for generations to come. Give today and be part of this legacy.…please visit bridgemidwives.com for more information on how to donate.

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Podcast Editor: Shea Lyons

Archivist and Producer: Blyss Young

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