Happy Homebirth

Ep 303: The Gillespie Approach: How Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Can Optimize Health For Your Infant

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)

Ep 302: Teen Pregnancy, Threats From the Hospital, Home Miscarriage and a Rainbow Homebirth

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)

 

 

 

 

 

Ep 301: Birth is Medicine: Courtney Valdez Steps into Sovereign Motherhood

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)

 

Ep 300: 🔥 Refinement Through Fire: Rachael Nalley’s Story of Faith and Redemption

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)

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)