Birth Story Podcast

Mae Yoshikawa is a mom, widow, author, model, yogi, and mindfullness guru in Tokyo, Japan. We spent 90 minutes together healing, chatting, and teaching YOU her recipe for peaceful birthing in Japan. In this healing episode, you’ll hear about…  What keeps a woman from making not just informed but empowered decisions during pregnancy and at the time of birth. Despite her youth, health, and extremely fit body, Mae learned that she had gotten in her own way. As she looks back at her first birthing experience, she reflects on how she didn’t know that safe, pain-free, natural birth was possible for her, and that she had unknowingly let the subliminal messages of her mother’s birthing advice paint the landscape of her mind negatively.  As a long-time yoga and meditation practitioner, Mae is adept at describing some of the energetic aspects of our minds and bodies; the yin and yang, masculine and feminine, as she discovered within herself.  Eight years after her first, Mae ultimately had a redemptive birthing experience with her second child. Even then, she almost missed her chance when she thought that being a “nice girl” was about listening to the nurse and going with the ways of culture. At this delicate moment, it was her husband who reminded her of her strengths, joy, and self-empowered choice.  Mae’s story of shifting from defeat to ecstasy in the experience of childbirth, as well as all of the learning lessons she has taken away from them, are sure to reach your heart too.  You’ll also hear about how she lost her beloved husband suddenly, only five months after this divine homebirth experience. Mae’s third book (her first in English) is a heart-wrenching and heart-arousing memoir titled Kizuki, which chronicles her experience of finding herself again through grief by metaphorically weaving through her experiences of childbirth and childrearing (coming soon).  Learn more about Mae and her upcoming book Kizuki at her Flagship Website: https://maey.live/Find Mae on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maeyoshikawa/  We have seats available in Birth Story Academy. Join today for $20 off with code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND at https://www.birthstory.com/online-course!  Resources: Birth Story Academy Online Course Shop My Birthing Workbooks and Guides I’m Heidi, a Certified Birth Doula, and I’ve supported the deliveries of over one thousand babies in my career. On the Birth Story Podcast, I’ll take you on a journey through your pregnancy by providing you education through storytelling. I provide high-level childbirth education broken down to make it super digestible for you because I know you are a busy parent on the go. Plus, because I am so passionate about birth outcomes, you will hear from many of the top experts in labor and delivery. Connect with Me! Instagram YouTube My Doula Heidi Website Birth Story Media™ Website

While Lauren was pitching Uber Health to their executive team, she felt a sharp, irregular pain in her stomach. With testing and a diagnostic surgery, she was diagnosed with an incredibly rare disease and was told she may not be able to have a biological child. As you can imagine, her first questions were: how do I navigate this disease? But also, how will I build a family some day?  Because so little is known about this disease, it was unclear if she could pursue egg-freezing, so she started looking into donation  and what stuck out to her was how antiquated and, for a lack of a better word, “icky” the traditional system felt.  While, ultimately, she was very fortunate to have her sister freeze her eggs and donate them to her to potentially use later, and was able to conceive her baby girl unassisted, she never stopped thinking about egg donation. I spent months thinking about the costly, and emotionally and physically taxing feats people go through to build a family, and couldn’t believe no one has been talking about this and yet, egg donation is at the crux of so many other pieces of the industry. It’s an essential part of LGBTQ+ family planning, it goes hand in hand with egg-freezing, and it’s part of the process for many couples who go through infertility.  That’s why in 2022, she founded Cofertility, to reshape fertility preservation and third-party reproduction so it’s more accessible, human and community-driven. The company offers a destigmatized, scalable approach to egg donation, which reshapes the cost structure of egg-freezing by matching women who want to freeze their eggs with families who could not otherwise conceive and by donating half, women can freeze their eggs for free. Since their launch last fall, tens of thousands of people have applied to be a part of their egg-freezing programs, and they have activated hundreds of donors. They’ve also taken a firm stance against the historical, predatory practices that involve cash compensation and failing to provide fertility education for the donor’s own reproductive future. In the egg-sharing model, which is what their Split program offers, there is a focus on shared outcomes rather than financial gain. All members get access to their online community, where people talk openly about their egg-freezing experience and support one another through it in real time and they welcome all intended parents — single or coupled, regardless of what brought them here — and support them with compassion and respect for whatever path is best for them.   Key takeaways from the podcast that listeners will learn today: The way we build families is more dynamic than ever and looks different for everyone. Cofertility exists to honor that and offers a destigmatized, scalable approach for bringing egg donation and egg-freezing together.  It’s our goal to fix the broken egg donation system. Matching with an Egg Donor should be a positive experience. If you're looking for an egg donor — either due to infertility, cancer, a genetic condition, or not having eggs — you may already feel like the odds are stacked against you. The last thing you need is to feel like you’re “shopping” for a human who plays a critical role in your family-building journey. And we’ll never make it feel that way. We agree with ASRM that egg donor compensation can open the door for exploitation. Plus, a 2021 Harvard study found that 62% of donor-conceived adults felt the exchange of money for donor gametes was wrong, and 41% were troubled by the fact that money was exchanged around their conception. By allowing our donors to freeze their eggs as part of the process, our unique model honors everyone involved. Lauren speaks to intended parents struggling with second infertility all the time at Cofertility, and it’s something her and her husband are going through right now on their journey to baby #2. It can be especially frustrating as it’s surprising and stressful, but it's estimated that nearly one-third of the women who experience infertility are impacted by it. Favorite baby product or new motherhood product? What would you buy for someone who was currently pregnant or a new parent?:  The Snoo and taking Cara Babies’ Sleep Schedule Who is Lauren? Lauren Makler is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cofertility, a human-first fertility ecosystem rewriting the egg freezing and egg donation experience. Previously Lauren was an early Uber employee and founded Uber Health, a product that enables healthcare organizations to leverage Uber’s massive driver network in improving healthcare outcomes through patient transportation and healthcare delivery. After a rare disease diagnosis, Lauren’s fertility journey led her to believe that everyone should have the opportunity to freeze their eggs–and that there should be better access to egg donors. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their miracle baby girl. Website: https://www.cofertility.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cofertility/ + https://www.instagram.com/familybyco/ + https://www.instagram.com/freezebyco/ + https://www.instagram.com/laurenmakler/  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/cofertility/  Other: https://twitter.com/cofertility + https://www.linkedin.com/company/cofertility/  XOXO -Heids We have seats available in Birth Story Academy. Join today for $20 off with code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND at https://www.birthstory.com/online-course!  Resources: Birth Story Academy Online Course Shop My Birthing Workbooks and Guides I’m Heidi, a Certified Birth Doula, and I’ve supported the deliveries of over one thousand babies in my career. On the Birth Story Podcast, I’ll take you on a journey through your pregnancy by providing you education through storytelling. I provide high-level childbirth education broken down to make it super digestible for you because I know you are a busy parent on the go. Plus, because I am so passionate about birth outcomes, you will hear from many of the top experts in labor and delivery. Connect with Me! Instagram YouTube My Doula Heidi Website Birth Story Media™ Website  

In this episode we discuss, my experience as a young mother growing up in Boston. Recap of my feelings when I learned I was expecting at the age of 12, prenatal care, foster care, losing my mother exactly one month before having my son. How I worked through pregnancy. Labor and delivery. Why I wrote my story. Who do I hope to reach?  Love,  Lisa Carter 3 Key takeaways from the podcast that listeners will learn today: Teen Pregnancy Postpartum Depression Black Maternal Health  3 Keywords that people would want to search when looking for content that you would provide in this episode: Teen Pregnancy Teen Mom Foster Care   Summary of guest experience: Lisa Carter, Author, Youth and Family Service provider, mother, wife, GiGi. UMass Boston graduate, Human Services/Community Planning, Originally from Boston, moved to Charlotte 15 years ago.  Website: LisaCarterSpeaks.com Instagram: @lisacarterspeaks YouTube Channel:Lisa Carter Speaks Other: LisaCarterSpeaks@gmail.com  XOXO -Heids   We have seats available in Birth Story Academy. Join today for $20 off with code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND at https://www.birthstory.com/online-course!    Resources: Birth Story Academy Online Course Shop My Birthing Workbooks and Guides   I’m Heidi, a Certified Birth Doula, and I’ve supported the deliveries of over one thousand babies in my career. On the Birth Story Podcast, I’ll take you on a journey through your pregnancy by providing you education through storytelling. I provide high-level childbirth education broken down to make it super digestible for you because I know you are a busy parent on the go. Plus, because I am so passionate about birth outcomes, you will hear from many of the top experts in labor and delivery. Connect with Me! Instagram YouTube My Doula Heidi Website Birth Story Media™ Website  

The birth of my first son was a deviation from my meticulously crafted plans, shrouding me in an unexpected sense of shame. The aftermath gave rise to a tempest of postpartum depression and anxiety, a labyrinthine struggle that eventually became a catalyst for self-discovery. As the years streamed by, the landscape shifted once more - our eagerly anticipated pregnancy dissolved into sorrow through a late miscarriage at 15 weeks, orchestrated by an incompetent cervix. Yet, from the ashes of despair emerged a phoenix of resilience. The subsequent pregnancy came adorned with its own challenges, demanding a cerclage stitch to fortify my cervix. Armed with newfound strength and the harmonious guidance of hypnobabies, I navigated the path to an empowering and joy-filled birthing experience. A journey from despair to triumphant repair and the reclamation of my empowered spirit. XOXO-Theresa Kinter 3 Key takeaways from the podcast that listeners will learn today: Pregnancy with a cerclage Birthing unmedicated with Hypnobabies Misscarriage and support building 3 Keywords that people would want to search when looking for content that you would provide in this episode: Cerclage Hypnobabies Miscarriage Favorite baby product or new motherhood product? What would you buy for someone who was currently pregnant or a new parent?: A pregnancy seat belt buckle (this is a game changer for car comfort) A pair of pregnancy leggings Postpartum underwear Blackout curtains Cosleeper Summary of guest experience: I’m Theresa Kinter, a Digital Art Director at a sports marketing agency in Charlotte, NC. I have a BA in web design but I appreciate art in all forms. When I’m not cosplaying as a business woman, I’m navigating life as a mildly crunchy mom of 2 fun-loving and wild boys. I currently moonlight as an Etsy Shop owner where I create helpful comprehensive guides and cozy comforts like herbal eye pillows. ebsite:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tkstitchyouneed Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TKStitchYouNeed Etsy: https://tkstitchyouneed.etsy.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tkstitchyouneed XOXO -Heids We have seats available in Birth Story Academy. Join today for $20 off with code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND at https://www.birthstory.com/online-course!  Resources: Birth Story Academy Online Course Shop My Birthing Workbooks and Guides I’m Heidi, a Certified Birth Doula, and I’ve supported the deliveries of over one thousand babies in my career. On the Birth Story Podcast, I’ll take you on a journey through your pregnancy by providing you education through storytelling. I provide high-level childbirth education broken down to make it super digestible for you because I know you are a busy parent on the go. Plus, because I am so passionate about birth outcomes, you will hear from many of the top experts in labor and delivery. Connect with Me! Instagram YouTube My Doula Heidi Website Birth Story Media™ Website  

Counting your baby’s movement starting at the 26th week for high-risk pregnancy and (twins, triplets) and at 28 weeks for all other pregnancies is important because it helps parents to bond with their baby and learn their baby’s specific movement patterns. Baby’s movement communicates their wellbeing. If their movement becomes less or weaker than normal, this can be your baby communicating that they may not be getting the nutrients or oxygen that they need and it is a sign to notify your provider for further evaluation. Monitoring your baby’s movement at the same time every day can help to determine what their normal is so that you can learn more about your baby and be able to be empowered to speak up to your provider if you notice a change in their normal movement patterns. 3 Key takeaways from the podcast that listeners will learn today: Count the Kicks is an organization that provides technology for parents to track their baby’s movements and the strength of their movements - you can track twins, it is in 16 languages, there is an app, web-based and printable tracker as well. A study Count the Kicks was a part of showed a decrease in stillbirth by 32% through the use of this app in Iowa alone and a survey of 809 moms who used Count the Kicks reported 77% of moms stated that counting their baby’s movements using the app decreased their anxiety about counting kicks and 84% felt more bonded to their baby. Common Myths about Kick Counting:  “My baby is always active, so I don’t need to count kicks.” A baby’s movement is the way they communicate their wellbeing with their parents, so it is important to know the normal movement patterns of the baby so that if there is a change, the parents can quickly notice it. Plus, counting kicks is a way to learn about your baby and bond with them as you learn when they are most active during the day. “Only those experiencing a high-risk pregnancy should pay attention to their baby’s movement.” During pregnancy, we cannot physically see a baby to know they are doing well, so we must pay attention to their movement. Every baby is different from pregnancy to pregnancy. Babies communicate their wellbeing by their movement, so even if a person doesn’t have a high-risk pregnancy, it is still important to learn their baby’s movement so they can notify a provider if that movement pattern changes. “My baby should get 10 kicks in two hours.” Research has shown that knowing a baby’s normal movement pattern will be a better gage to notify the provider if there has been a change. If a baby normally takes two hours to make 10 movements, then that is the baby’s normal. However, if a baby usually takes less time than two hours to make ten movements and it is taking them much longer to make ten movements, this is a sign to notify the provider since we know baby’s move less and may have weaker movements when they are not feeling their best and need evaluation. “I can just use a doppler device to monitor my baby’s wellbeing.” Every doppler device is different, and a change in heart rate can be one of the last signs that a baby’s wellbeing needs evaluation. A change in movement is one of the earliest signs, so that is why it is important to count a baby’s movements and know what the baby’s normal movement pattern is. “If my baby isn’t moving, I should drink something cold or eat something sugary to get my baby moving.” A change in a baby’s movement is one of the first signs that the baby’s wellbeing needs evaluation.  A baby’s movement pattern should be the same with or without something cold to drink or something sugary to eat. Therefore, it is best to have the baby evaluated if the parent needs to do something to get the baby moving. “Baby’s kick less near the end of pregnancy.” Baby’s move throughout the pregnancy, even throughout labor. The way the baby’s movement feels may change near the end of pregnancy as the baby has grown, but the time it takes for a baby to make 10 movements should be the same throughout the pregnancy, even towards the end. 3 Keywords that people would want to search when looking for content that you would provide in this episode: Kick Counts Reduce stillbirth Pregnancy App Summary of guest experience  Roxane McAllister. I have been a labor and delivery nurse for five years and currently I am a traveling nurse in California. I am an ambassador for Count the Kicks because I am passionate about maternal and infant health such as reducing stillbirth and promoting parental bonding with their babies before their babies are even born. Website: www.countthekicks.org Instagram: @countthekicksus TikTok: @countthekicks Facebook Group: @countthekicks YouTube Channel: @countthekicks Twitter: @countthekicksUS Other: my email: nurse.ambassador@countthekicks.org RESEARCH BJOG (Research published showing 32% reduction in stillbirth in Iowa by using Cout the Kicks app) https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.17426   AJOG (Research published showing how tracking fetal movement by mothers helps improve outcomes medically and emotionally) https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(21)01971-2/fulltext   Fetal Movement (Research about importance about fetal movement) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470566/   XOXO -Heids   We have seats available in Birth Story Academy. Join today for $20 off with code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND at https://www.birthstory.com/online-course!    Resources: Birth Story Academy Online Course Shop My Birthing Workbooks and Guides   I’m Heidi, a Certified Birth Doula, and I’ve supported the deliveries of over one thousand babies in my career. On the Birth Story Podcast, I’ll take you on a journey through your pregnancy by providing you education through storytelling. I provide high-level childbirth education broken down to make it super digestible for you because I know you are a busy parent on the go. Plus, because I am so passionate about birth outcomes, you will hear from many of the top experts in labor and delivery. Connect with Me! Instagram YouTube My Doula Heidi Website Birth Story Media™ Website

Laura and Heidi open up about their unique cardiac conditions in their pregnancies. Laura continues on about taking Birth Story Academy and crushing a twin vaginal birth!  Follow Laura at: https://www.instagram.com/laurajkamps/ XOXO -Heids We have seats available in Birth Story Academy. Join today for $20 off with code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND at https://www.birthstory.com/online-course!  Resources: Birth Story Academy Online Course Shop My Birthing Workbooks and Guides 3 Key takeaways from the podcast  Cardiac Conditions in Pregnancy Twins Point 3. I’m Heidi, a Certified Birth Doula, and I’ve supported the deliveries of over one thousand babies in my career. On the Birth Story Podcast, I’ll take you on a journey through your pregnancy by providing you education through storytelling. I provide high-level childbirth education broken down to make it super digestible for you because I know you are a busy parent on the go. Plus, because I am so passionate about birth outcomes, you will hear from many of the top experts in labor and delivery. Connect with Me! Instagram YouTube My Doula Heidi Website Birth Story Media™ Website  

In her own words, " I am a previous L&D RN now working as a nurse practitioner, but still have a passion for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pregnancy #1 (39+6 week elective induction at hospital with epidural and 9lb4oz baby boy and

Jenny Stinny is here to win us over! She chats all about her births including birthing her twins vaginally in an induction at 39 weeks. She continues to inspire us on IG with her at home work outs through her pregnancies and postpartum periods. She is an avid weight lifter and an incredible mama. We read her children's boo, Monster's Don't Do Yoga, at least once at week at bed time! Make sure to follow Jenny at https://www.instagram.com/jenny_stinny/ And, you can buy her children's book HERE! Make sure to tag both of us on IG when you read it!  Jenny first became pregnant in college at JMU and had to decide what to do. We talk about her decision to go to Planned Parenthood and then to keep her baby even though it would be a hard journey. She talks about pregnancy, mental health, loss, unmedicated vs medicated, twins vs singletons and so much more! Have a great time listening!  XOXO -Heids We have seats available in Birth Story Academy. Join today for $20 off with code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND at https://www.birthstory.com/online-course!  Resources: Birth Story Academy Online Course Shop My Birthing Workbooks and Guides   3 Key takeaways from the podcast The impact of exercise on mental health Twins vs. Singletons Medicated vs. Unmedicated births I’m Heidi, a Certified Birth Doula, and I’ve supported the deliveries of over one thousand babies in my career. On the Birth Story Podcast, I’ll take you on a journey through your pregnancy by providing you education through storytelling. I provide high-level childbirth education broken down to make it super digestible for you because I know you are a busy parent on the go. Plus, because I am so passionate about birth outcomes, you will hear from many of the top experts in labor and delivery. Connect with Me! Instagram YouTube My Doula Heidi Website Birth Story Media™ Website  

Straight from hot and steamy Texas, I bring you Morgan Salus. Morgan shares her incredible story of loss, fertility, gestational hypertension, being induced, and her wonderful rainbow birth story. Thanks for being here as Morgan teaches us through her stories.  XOXO -Heids We have seats available in Birth Story Academy. Join today for $20 off with code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND at https://www.birthstory.com/online-course!    Resources: Birth Story Academy Online Course Shop My Birthing Workbooks and Guides   3 Key takeaways from the podcast  Miscarriage Tips with Cytotec Fertility Awareness Navigating an Induction with Gestational Hypertension   I’m Heidi, a Certified Birth Doula, and I’ve supported the deliveries of over one thousand babies in my career. On the Birth Story Podcast, I’ll take you on a journey through your pregnancy by providing you education through storytelling. I provide high-level childbirth education broken down to make it super digestible for you because I know you are a busy parent on the go. Plus, because I am so passionate about birth outcomes, you will hear from many of the top experts in labor and delivery. Connect with Me! Instagram YouTube My Doula Heidi Website Birth Story Media™ Website  

This episode HAS IT ALL! Spinning Babies CHECK. Functional Midwifery CHECK. Prenatal Nutrition CHECK. Birth Stories  CHECK. Have an amazing time listening to Rhea, one of my favorite Nurse Midwives and Spinning Babies instructors! This episode is jam packed. You may even want to take some notes! XOXO- Heids You heard Kristen chat about her experience taking Birth Story Academy! I hope you will jump into my class soon too! It's 6 hours of self-paced content spread over 20 modules....everything you need for your best birth is included down to the birth plan templates and recorded birth affirmations! Head over to BIRTHSTORY.COM and use code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 OFF.  Resources: Birth Story Academy Online Course Shop My Birthing Workbooks and Guides   3 Key takeaways from the podcast What to do if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes How do know if you are in active labor What is Spinning Babies and how is it applied for vaginal births I’m Heidi, a Certified Birth Doula, and I’ve supported the deliveries of over one thousand babies in my career. On the Birth Story Podcast, I’ll take you on a journey through your pregnancy by providing you education through storytelling. I provide high-level childbirth education broken down to make it super digestible for you because I know you are a busy parent on the go. Plus, because I am so passionate about birth outcomes, you will hear from many of the top experts in labor and delivery. Connect with Me! Instagram YouTube My Doula Heidi Website Birth Story Media™ Website  

Stefanie Atunes is the Founder of Doula School in Canada. https://doulaschool.ca/ Stefanie has been a Lamaze® Educator and doula since 2002.  After the birth of her second son, Stefanie saw just how valuable it is to be prepared for birth and to have good support around you. Stefanie is a visionary in the childbirth field. She leads the Discover Birth organization providing a variety of services to expectant parents and training for those wishing to pursue work in the childbirth field. Stefanie is a former board member with the Association of Ontario Doulas and sits on many local boards and coalitions to improve our communities. She is a Doula Canada approved Birth Doula Trainer, and runs a Lamaze Lamaze-Accredited Childbirth Educator Program. She recently become the Director of Doula Canada, you can read more about their programs here. Stefanie is a contributing author in the best selling Power of Women United and the book Bearing Witness: Childbirth Stories Told by Doulas. She is a regular contributing writer and blogger, and has done many interviews online and for TV/radio. Her belief is that the world can be a better place if parents can have more positive childbirth experiences that allow them to bond properly with their babies. She works tirelessly to change the world in this aspect…one family at a time. Stefanie was awarded ‘Business Woman of the Year for 2022’ by CanadianSME Business Magazine recognizing her contributions to the families of Canada in improving perinatal health outcomes through Discover Birth’s childbirth education, birth and  postpartum doula offerings. XOXO- Heidi PS. We just hit 500 attendees to Birth Story Academy! I would love to have you join my online childbirth education course. It's a fun 20 modules of me teaching and entertaining you step by step. Birth plan templates, postpartum plans, hospital packing lists and so much more are all included for FREE including the Birth Story book. Use code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 OFF at BirthStory.com

This is a 2 part episode. Make sure to listen to Part 1 first! Still looking for a childbirth education course that you will LOVE? Join Birth Story Academy today and learn more from Heidi, a 20 year seasoned doula with a less than 7% cesarean section rate. 20 modules, 6 hours total, self paced and TONS of free downloads. Use code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 OFF at BirthStory.com About Hannah  (and I’m so glad you’re here) As a Registered Massage Therapist governed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) I’ve had the privilege of working in various environments including the High Risk Obstetrics Unit at Sunnybrook Hospital where my passion for working with pregnant folks fully emerged. After working at multiple different multidisciplinary clinics in Toronto, I’ve settled into a practice at my home clinic in the West End of Toronto.  In 2022, I began my training as a Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula and Childbirth Educator with Doula Training Canada. Over the past decade, I have worked with a wide variety of clients but have been continually drawn towards working with folks during pregnancy and postpartum. In 2020 I was given the privilege of welcoming my son into the world and went through the truly transformative journey of becoming a mother. This ignited a passion within me to fully enter the birth space and offer support for parents during the perinatal period.  My work inevitably weaves together my experiences as a mover, movement educator and body worker. I lead with my values. I believe that Black Lives Matter, Indigenous Lives Matter, Trans Lives Matter, and that the body is deeply political. I acknowledge my privileges as a white, cis-hetero, able bodied woman and remain committed to listening, reflecting and embodying the work of antiracism. I believe your body does not need to change in shape or size to become valuable.  I believe that movement has the capacity to heal and can be vital to wellness. Above all else, I believe that each person knows their body best. Now I’m on a mission to bring continuous care to the prenatal and postnatal wellness space for pregnant and birthing people (along with their partners and families) and to help you feel good and liberated in your body. Enjoy her stories! Enjoy her stories! You can contact Hannah at https://www.hannahetlinstein.com/about or https://www.instagram.com/hannahetlinstein.rmt/ XOXO Heidi

This is a 2 part episode. Still looking for a childbirth education course that you will LOVE? Join Birth Story Academy today and learn more from Heidi, a 20 year seasoned doula with a less than 7% cesarean section rate. 20 modules, 6 hours total, self paced and TONS of free downloads. Use code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 OFF at BirthStory.com About Hannah  (and I’m so glad you’re here) As a Registered Massage Therapist governed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) I’ve had the privilege of working in various environments including the High Risk Obstetrics Unit at Sunnybrook Hospital where my passion for working with pregnant folks fully emerged. After working at multiple different multidisciplinary clinics in Toronto, I’ve settled into a practice at my home clinic in the West End of Toronto.  In 2022, I began my training as a Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula and Childbirth Educator with Doula Training Canada. Over the past decade, I have worked with a wide variety of clients but have been continually drawn towards working with folks during pregnancy and postpartum. In 2020 I was given the privilege of welcoming my son into the world and went through the truly transformative journey of becoming a mother. This ignited a passion within me to fully enter the birth space and offer support for parents during the perinatal period.  My work inevitably weaves together my experiences as a mover, movement educator and body worker. I lead with my values. I believe that Black Lives Matter, Indigenous Lives Matter, Trans Lives Matter, and that the body is deeply political. I acknowledge my privileges as a white, cis-hetero, able bodied woman and remain committed to listening, reflecting and embodying the work of antiracism. I believe your body does not need to change in shape or size to become valuable.  I believe that movement has the capacity to heal and can be vital to wellness. Above all else, I believe that each person knows their body best. Now I’m on a mission to bring continuous care to the prenatal and postnatal wellness space for pregnant and birthing people (along with their partners and families) and to help you feel good and liberated in your body. Enjoy her stories! You can contact Hannah at https://www.hannahetlinstein.com/about or https://www.instagram.com/hannahetlinstein.rmt/ XOXO Heidi

In this episode we cover paving the way for VBAC's today with Sarah. Sarah is one of the pioneers of VBAC's in Charlotte, NC by advocating (and sneaking around) with the support of her midwife and OB teams. When the hospitals were still saying no, she found a team to say YES! This is such a cool story. Thank you Sarah for making VBAC's today possible by being one of the firsts! XOXO-Heids PS. I would love to have all my listeners join me in my online course, Birth Story Academy to plan and prepare for the birth they want. Let me help you navigate the stages of labor and all of those hospital nuances and policies. Use code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 off at BirthStory.com. You will get a free copy of the Birth Story book too and access into my private FB community! Let's do this! 

*show notes coming*

*show notes coming with Tallulah*

Rachel Campbell is a mom, doula, and leader in her local community. In this episode, she shares her two medicated hospital birth stories with her daughter and son. In this episode, we cover: Rachel's first birth, which was marked by a failed epidural, an extended pushing period, and a forceps-assisted delivery Her complicated postpartum period, which included an infection and difficult healing journey with a severe tear Rachel's second birth, which was remarkably similar to her first, but with a very different redemptive outcome Advocating for yourself with providers postpartum and taking care of your own medical needs, even when it seems like other people are not taking your concerns seriously A brief chat about the use of an SSRI medication to manage postpartum depression A doula chat with Heidi and Rachel about tips for staying hydrated during pregnancy, especially during hot weather XOXO -Heidi Resources: Birth Story Academy Online Course Use code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 off Shop My Birthing Workbooks and Guides I’m Heidi, a Certified Birth Doula, and I’ve supported the births of over a thousand babies in my career. On the Birth Story Podcast, I’ll take you on a journey through your pregnancy by providing you education through storytelling. I provide high-level childbirth education broken down to make it super digestible for you because I know you are a busy person on the go. Plus, because I am so passionate about birth outcomes, you will often hear from many of the top experts in pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the sacred postpartum period. Connect with Me! Instagram YouTube My Doula Heidi Website Birth Story Media™ Website

Dr. Jess Michaels is an osteopath, doula, and founder of The Birth Sling, a powerful tool for movement and support during labor. In this episode, she shares her own birth story of transferring from a home birth plan to a hospital birth, including laboring on the beach, listening to her body, and creating the Birth Sling for other birthing persons after DIY-ing her own for her daughter’s birth. In this episode, we cover: Jess’ experience in osteopathic medicine and as a birth doula Jess’ favorite birth tools for home births Her birth story of transferring from a home birth plan to a hospital birth Listening to your body and asking for more support How various movements help us progress labor and manage pain Sterile water injections for back pain relief Giving birth in a birthing pool in a hospital with your own midwife Processing and coping with changes in your birth plan What a birth sling is and how to use it during labor and birth Get 20% off your purchase with code “BIRTHSTORY” at https://www.thebirthsling.com/   XOXO -Heidi   Connect with Jess! The Birth Sling Instagram Dr. Jess Michaels’ Instagram Dr. Jess Michaels Website The Birth Sling Website   Resources: Birth Story Academy Online Course Use code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 off Shop My Birthing Workbooks and Guides I’m Heidi, a Certified Birth Doula, and I’ve supported the births of over a thousand babies in my career. On the Birth Story Podcast, I’ll take you on a journey through your pregnancy by providing you education through storytelling. I provide high-level childbirth education broken down to make it super digestible for you because I know you are a busy person on the go. Plus, because I am so passionate about birth outcomes, you will often hear from many of the top experts in pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the sacred postpartum period. Connect with Me! Instagram YouTube My Doula Heidi Website Birth Story Media™ Website

Heidi and Jen sit down and chat about all things birthy with love and affirmation for those of us in bigger bodies. This is an episode not to miss especially if things like scales in hallways, small blood pressure cuffs, and monitoring have you stressesd TF out! Let us pour some positivity into your day today! Follow Jen at plussizebirth.com and on IG at instagram.com/plussizebirth XOXO-Heids (IG @Birth.Story.Academy) PS. I would love for you to let me teach you all things pregnancy and birth in Birth Story Academy. Use code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 OFF at BirthStory.com

show notes coming...

show notes coming. Mama is tired.    XOXO-Heids

The second I saw Meg Thompson's Reel on IG about unmedicated birth, I was hooked. I devoured all of her content. She is funny, and open, and raw! She is an Urban Homesteader, and crunchy mom advocate! I shared one of my favorite reels on her page and it got over 1 million views! So, naturally, I had to have her on the show. Enjoy! You can follow meg here: https://www.instagram.com/flourishingmotherhood/ We have seats available in Birth Story Academy. Join today for $20 off with code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND at BirthStory.com  XOXO-Heidi Thanks to Kristen and Adam at Novice Studios CLT for producing this episode. As always, Thanks Tiffany for getting these episodes onto the website! It takes a village. 

O.M.G. This is my absolute favorite episode that I have published to date on the Birth Story Podcast. Britta Bushnell and her book, Transformed by Birth, are a gift to the birth world and I am beyond excited to share her and this book with each of you.  Grab a latte and get ready to learn all about Apollo and Artemis as she takes you on an incredible metaphor journey. Get ready for Greek mythology, transformation, surrendering and duality.  Need a copy of Britta's book, you can snag one HERE on AMAZON Want to connect with Britta? Follow her on INSTAGRAM HERE or at her website: Brittabushnell.com This episode is gold! Please share it with a friend who is pregnant! XOXO- Heids  If you would like a spot in Birth Story Academy, you can enroll today at BirthStory.com and use code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 OFF.

show notes tomorrow! This mama is tired! XOXO Heids

This episode is packed full of 2 birth stories. First, Julie walks us through being a party girl after a massive trauma in her life. She was pregnant after only a few dates with her now husband. We chatted and laughed about dating while pregnant. The conversation turns into the murder of her dad and needing a trauma informed birth team. She shares about changing plans from unmedicated birthing to an epidural and then what postpartum depression and anxiety looked like for her. Julie came on the Birth Story Podcast to help other mothers understand the delicate symptoms of PPD and PPA and when medications like Zoloft can help. 6 years later she becomes pregnant again with her second after marrying her husband. She was taking an antidepressant and wanted an unmedicated birth at a birth center. So how did it go....you will have to listen! XOXO Heids If you are looking for an awesome online childbirth course on a budget to prepare you for birth from a doula's perspective, then please join me in Birth Story Academy at BirthStory.com. Use code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 OFF and to let me know you found my childbirth education class from the pod!

Heidi chats wtih Rachael from Hey Sleepy Baby! about her thriving IG business supporting parents wtih healthy sleep habits....and her incredible birth stories! So how did her third delivery go? Hopefully Rachael will return to tell all! You are invite into Birth Story Academy with a friends and family code of BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 OFF for listening to this podcast episode to plan and prepare for your hospital birth! BirthStory

Woah. This episode took a turn I was not expecting.  Bri shares about her fertility journey with 2 egg retrievals and multiple losses with unexplained infertility-seriously the most annoying infertility diagnosis there is.  Her doula, Sabrina, joins us to share about laboring with her at home, transferring her to the hospital, hugging her good-bye on a stretcher. You see it was the beginning of COVID and the hospital would not allow doulas to come inside.  And then.....they banged her around in the elevator and then the elevator shut down and she was stuck.....pushing.  What happened next...you will have to listen! XOXO- Heids Please joing me for all of your childbirth education needs in Birth Story Academy. I would love to be your virtual doula and teach you all about birth, the stages of labor, birth plans, newborn care plans, and how to be prepared for spontaneous labor, inductions, and cesareans. I cover it all for you and all of my best tips for a beautiful hospital birth and how my clients have a less than 7% cesarean rate and you can too! Use code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 OFF at BirthStory.com

Heidi chats with Jess all about a surprise diagnosis of Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in her 20's and what that meant for Jess' fertility and family planning. Jess shares the RAW story behind how Mamas in Training came to be! Mamas in Training Podcast Suggest Episodes: https://www.mamasintraining.com/episodes/ 106 112 92 Jess' favorite baby products! Get 25 % Boom Boom Body Suits at https://boomboombabyco.com/collections/all-clothing-1 with code MAMASPOD25 Bjorn Bouncer https://www.babybjorn.com/products/baby-bouncers  

Thank you for being here and sharing this podcast episode with someone that you know that is parenting and/ pregnant and Down's Syndrome is part of their story.  Heidi sits down with Abby Rose Green of the HERself Podcast to chat about fertility, an unexpected anatomy scan, an amniocentesis, chromosomal uniqueness, Down's Syndrome, and birth.  Abby was originally planning an unmedicated homebirth. She shares how she changed plans and was still able to achieve the beautiful vaginal birth she so desired with her son Owen.  This episode brought Abby and Heidi to tears as they bonded over parenting children with a "diagnosis" they were not anticipating.  Follow along on Instagram: Abby: Instagram.com/abbyrosegreen Heidi: Instagram.com/birth.story.academy We would love for you to write a review for both the Birth Story Podcast and the HERself podcast if you have time today. Abby is giving away her Self Care course to one lucky listener who writes those reviews! XOXO PS. There is always room for you in Birth Story Academy. Join Heidi for all of your childbirth education needs at BirthStory.com. Use code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 OFF the course and a FREE copy of the Birth Story Pregnancy guidebook and journal. 

In this Doula Diaries episode, Heidi chats for a quick 10 minutes on being fat, fit, healthy, beautiful, capable and worthy. This episode is for encouragment and how to navigate pregnancy weight gain conversations with your medical provider especially if you have a history of disordered eating prior to pregnancy! Thanks for being here. If this episode resonates with you then please leave a review and share it with a friend who may need this positivity today! XOXO Heidi would love for you to join her in Birth Story Academy for all of your online childbirth education to prepare you for your hospital birth! Use code BIRTHSTORYFRIEND for $20 OFF.