Happy Homebirth

Ep 299: The Birth That Rewrote Her Story: Alicia’s VBAC at Home

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:

 

1. 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.
2. 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.  
3. 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!
4. 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)

Ep 298: Entering Motherhood with Homebirth and Storytelling

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

 

 

 

Ep 297: From Darkness to Sunrise: A Freebirthed First Baby

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: 

 

1. 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.  
2. 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)

 

Ep 296:When Birth Becomes Unpredictable: A Beautiful Homebirth with Complications

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:

 

1. 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.  
2. 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.  
3. 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)

Ep 295: When Prayer and Mental Preparation Lead to a Dream Birth

 

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: 

 

1. 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.
2. 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

Ep 294: The Root Cause of Your Painful Pregnancy Symptoms

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:

 

1. 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.  
2. 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.  
3. 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)

 

 

Ep 293: What it Means to Be a Midwife- to Be With Woman- with Janelle Alier

The word Midwife means ‘with woman’-- what does it mean to be ‘with woman’? What does it look like, and how does it feel?

 

This week we are speaking with the incredible midwife, published author and poet, Janelle Alier, who in my opinion is the embodiment of genuine midwifery care.  We’re going to hear how she became a midwife, or how midwifery happened to her, we’ll hear her journey through her own births, and you will get to hear about the beautiful project that she recently completed: The Shortest Stories, a book of birth haiku that odes to the births she has attended.  

 

This episode is going to be a favorite for mothers and midwives alike, and a beautiful reminder of what it means to be– with woman.  

 

Episode Roundup:

 

1. Your true identity is your gift to the world.  Whatever it is.  Janelle, acting as the midwife that she is, is her gift and contribution, and what a gift it is.  What is that for you?  Maybe it’s not your career– that’s okay, your career itself is not your identity.  You bring your identity into whatever it is that you do.  Whether you’re raising the next generation by homeschooling your children, or you’re in the marketplace sharing who you are with those around you– what you’re doing in your true identity is such a gift.
2. Next, not everything that happens is good or “for a reason”. Bad things happen.  Things we don’t want to have happen— sometimes happen.  What’s incredible is to see those very things be used and woven into something beautiful– durable.  No, Janelle didn’t need to have the births that she had to be a good midwife.  She was already an amazing midwife with a thorough philosophy.  Yet, over time, she has allowed these experiences to integrate into her life.  That does not take away from the “not good” aspects.  But to see these events bolster what was already true of Janelle is inspiring.  It’s something that we can all do with our births, whether they went seemingly perfectly or far off course.  There are so many pieces of wisdom that we can recover, and over time, even find appreciation for.  
3. And finally, here’s to midwives like Janelle.  Who listen to their clients, surrender their own egos, recognize both the beauty and heaviness of birth, and are willing to be with women as they emerge from the chrysalis and transform into mothers. 

 

 

Links:

 

The Shortest Stories | https://goodprintedthings.com/products/the-shortest-stories?srsltid=AfmBOoqG8GZ--HlrIJKsr-Jy9unqL2cRv1p1rUmiEDrJGvp7EE6jCz6q

 

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)

Ep 292: Husbands weigh in - supporting postpartum healing, nutrition & homebirth w/ Eric Stein of Restorative Roots

Husbands, what can you tangibly do to support your wife during postpartum, especially those first few critical weeks?  

 

And today we’re having a GUEST interviewer! My very own hero of a husband, Thomas Fusco.  Thomas will be taking over the interview reins as he sits down with a father-to-father chat with Eric Stein, CEO of Restorative Roots, and husband to Holly Stein, last week’s podcast guest.  If you didn’t hear my interview with Holly, make sure to click the link in the show notes and give it a listen next.  Moms, this week’s dad chat episode is going to be one that you’ll want to go ahead and send to your spouse so that he can feel ready and prepared for the postpartum phase.

 

On an unrelated but exciting note, do you have birth photos and videos that you feel deserve to be shared with the world?  I want you to send them to me!  I’m collecting birth photos and videos to share on social media platforms, my website that’s in the process of being rebuilt, AND… I want to feature your photos and videos inside of the new weekly newsletter that I will be sending out.  Both mothers and birth photographers, you’re welcome to submit!  

 

Episode roundup:

 

1. Preparation can make or break your postpartum experience — Eric and Holly’s shift from a stressful first postpartum to a deeply supported experience for their second and third children shows how meal prep and intentional planning can deeply impact recovery and bonding.
2. Next, isn’t the story behind Restorative Roots so inspiring? — A personal need was transformed into a national impact. What started as preparing meals for themselves grew into Restorative Roots, a regenerative postpartum meal company now shipping 900 meals weekly and offering resources to educate and empower other families.
3. Finally, and I believe most importantly: The partner’s role matters — Dads, you truly can become the hero of the postpartum experience, AND you can take the lead on making this happen for your wife.  Eric highlighted the importance of the masculine role in birth and postpartum.  He shared about presence, support, and setting aside his own ego to truly care for his wife and family.  This is your time to shine, fathers.  If this becomes important to you, it will make your wife feel so loved and cherished.  If you can help her achieve a restful, healing postpartum, you are investing in your family for weeks, months and years to come.  It blows my mind just how much YOU can steer the ship towards deep connection.  What a gift.

 

Links:

Ep 291: Postpartum Healing & Nutrition with Holly Stein of Restorative Roots | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-291-postpartum-healing-nutrition-with-holly-stein/id1446934537?i=1000724335999

Submit your Birth Photos and Videos: https://happyhomebirth.myflodesk.com/birthphotos

Youtube | https://youtu.be/S_LLorCMlEs

 

Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

 

Ep 291: Postpartum Healing & Nutrition with Holly Stein of Restorative Roots

What do you think you’ll want your first meal to be after having your baby?  And does it really matter how we’re fueling our bodies after the baby is born?  

 

Holly, her husband Eric, and their 3 children live in Southern California, where they love homeschool, skateboard, and cook.  They have built an incredible company, Restorative Roots, that delivers nutrient-dense postpartum meals to mothers across the country. From a tiny kitchen venture to a nationwide business, Holly and Eric are proud to offer support during such a transformative time- the postpartum experience.

 

This week, we’ll be speaking to Holly about her 3 birthing experiences, how postpartum has changed for her over time, and ways in which we can be set up for success and healing in the critical first few days and weeks after birth.  

 

Episode Roundup:

1. Isn’t there so much beauty in the concept of taking radical responsibility for what we can control, and then allowing grace and faith to fill in that which we cannot?  I can see this both in birth, along with postpartum.  Holly mentioned how she did what she could to prepare for a healthy labor and birth, but she knew that there was ultimately a level that she could not control.  Let’s apply this to postpartum.  There are things that we CAN do: We can plan.  We can make or purchase nutrient-dense meals and ready our space for rest.  We can seek to have support as much as possible.  However, some things may truly be out of YOUR control.  Maybe you don’t live near family, or you don’t have income to spare to hiring help… Let’s take charge where we can, do the best that we can with what we have, and give grace where we are not in complete control.
2. I loved all of the creativity that Holly shared about preparing for a nutrient-dense postpartum: Having cooking days with your friends, sharing a list of approved recipes or instructions on your meal train, asking for friends and family to pitch in for a box from Restorative Roots as a pregnancy gift instead of some random contraption that your baby will probably outgrow in a week anyway… nourishment and healing after birth are the gifts that keep on giving and impact you for months to come.
3. And finally, Holly ended so beautifully with this: Let’s all practice asking for and accepting help.  Let people help you.  Let them bring you food.  Let them refill your water.  Let them put your groceries in the car for you.  What a beautiful thing it can be both for you as the receiver, but also for the other person– allowing them to truly be helpful and a blessing.  

Links:

Whole Mother Homebirth | wholemotherhomebirth.mykajabi.com/presale

Youtube | 

Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

Ep 290: Unmedicated Birth, Unfiltered Business: Lisa’s “Loudmouth” Journey

We talk about trusting your instincts a decent amount around here– but what does it look like to LEARN how to lean into those instincts?  

 

This week we’re speaking with Lisa, who found the confidence to trust her instincts during pregnancy, which has changed her trajectory both as a mother as well as an entrepreneur and coach. Lisa Villani is a rebellious doula, sassy sales coach, hip-hop dancer, and mama to her spunky son in Buffalo, NY. She's married to her ride-or-die and believes fiercely in building a life where both parents get to thrive. After an unmedicated, out-of-hospital birth cracked her wide open, Lisa made it her mission to help women rewrite the narrative of motherhood, money, and identity. A survivor in every sense—of divorce, disordered eating, and a medical system that tried to silence her—she now stands as the loudest voice in the room for women ready to own their power, whether they're giving birth or selling their offers. She's also the host of the Loudmouth Lisa podcast—because playing small was never an option.

 

Episode Roundup:

1. Connection.  We see the theme of connection flowing through Lisa’s story, and I think that we also see connection in the way that Lisa tells her story.  Lisa is so clearly a connector.  One of my favorite parts of this interview was hearing the beauty in Lisa’s connection with her son, Enzo, from the very beginning.  She spent time dancing with him en utero, and she felt this pull their physical connection together.  During the first part of the day as she went into labor, she spent time connecting with him as she labored alone, during her pushing phase, we see her turn inward to reconnect with her baby and to tell him that they were going to work together to push him out now— and they did!  And then immediately postpartum, Lisa spent those six hours that her husband needed to sleep connecting individually with this beautiful little soul that was now on the outside.  As I think of Lisa stepping into this new area of motherhood, where she allows Enzo to go spread his wings through beginning his new co-op, I think of how that connection is what is allowing that little boy the confidence to try new things.  Lisa cut the cord after her birth and traded one connection for another, and she like all of us as mothers, will experience those cord cutting moments again and again.  The connection didn’t end when she cut the cord, but it transformed.  And here she is again with a transforming connection as her little one starts something new.  My goodness, the depth and beauty of growing and changing while maintaining tethered to one another.  
2. And next, I want to emphasize the power of what Lisa is sharing with other mothers, women and mompreneurs through her deep understanding of sales.  She sees that her ability to trust herself and to know and accept the value that she brings to others is what makes herself and the women that she works with successful.  These very same lessons that she has learned through motherhood: To listen to her instincts, to be the vibrant, bold mother and woman that she was designed to be.  That is her gift to her family, and that is her gift to the world and those whom her work touches. 

Links:

Whole Mother Homebirth | wholemotherhomebirth.mykajabi.com/presale

Interview Application | interviewwithkatelyn.my.canva.site/direct-to-landing-page

Youtube | https://youtu.be/vOX6ZwIKrB0?si=89yOWGXndtEa5yVe

Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)