Is it possible for a birth experience to empower you and leave you feeling a little defeated at the same time? That was what Dr. Brittany Zis thought about her home birth, at first. For one thing, it was 55 hours long, and a couple of unplanned factors popped up - like her cervix being completely closed after almost a day of contractions, pushing challenges and baby changing position at the last minute.  But with the support of her birth team: her midwives, her husband Andrew and her family, Brittany sees how badass she is and how humbling the experience was, welcoming her son Russell into the world.  As a physical therapist specializing in women’s health and pediatrics, she had a goal of approaching her home birth decision with both a natural mindset as well as evidence-based information (the best of both worlds). We think this is something that many in the DIAH can connect with, and we’re so excited to share Brittany’s story with you! Links: Brittany’s website: https://www.motherandbabywellnesscollective.com/ Brittany’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.brittany_pt Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your partner planning on taking time off when baby arrives, or did they in the past? And what about going pain med free for your birth -- do you ever get questions or responses like, “what are you trying to prove??” Today’s episode, both of us are addressing listener emails and touching on things like paternity/partner leave, particularly when the partner isn’t interested in taking it. So we break that down a bit and share some of our thoughts and experiences. Plus, a few more comments that might come up when you’re choosing home birth, and what you can do to navigate them.  Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you hold onto any shame from your birth or postpartum experience? In today’s episode, our guest Dorit Palvanov is setting an example on how to let that go. She shares details of her 3 birth stories: from hospital to home to back to hospital. Dorit walks us through the processes and the ups and downs throughout her journey to motherhood. From interventions and a dissociated feeling with her first to primal sensations with her second and finally orgasmic energy around her third. Dorit brings her high energy and candor to her stories, and we know that so many mothers and families will benefit from hearing them. Click the links below to learn more about Dorit, listen to her podcast and connect with her. Links: Dorit’s website: https://doritpalvanov.com/ Dorit’s masterclass: www.doritpalvanov.com/energy-masterclass Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is Hypnobirthing? We dive into this in today’s episode with our guest Kristy Rodriguez, prenatal yoga instructor and coach and the host of the Pure Nurture podcast.  We talk about some of the details of hypnobirthing and the myths and common questions that come up around it.  So if you’ve ever thought about using it, you’re going to want to listen! AND be sure you check out the Pure Nurture podcast to hear Kristy interview us! Links: Kristy’s website: https://www.purenurture.com/ Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s a doula? This question comes up a lot around the birth world. And even for those who kinda have an idea, there still seems to be opportunity to understand more. Today’s guest is Heidi Snyderburn-Campbell, a doula of 15 years and the host of Birth Story Podcast. Heidi brings her experience to the table and shares with us some of her journey into becoming a doula. We also talk about the importance of doulas, particularly in the hospital setting, for advocacy and support. Heidi reads an excerpt from her upcoming book and trust us when we say, not only will you want to re-listen to it over and over again, you’re going to want to pick up her book when it comes out!  It was an honor to have Heidi in our space. AND - she interviewed us for Birth Story Podcast, so be sure to check it out! Links: Heidi’s Website: www.birthstory.com Heidi’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/birthstorypodcast Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does sex change before and after baby? This is a great question to ask ourselves. And this is an important topic to normalize and create space for - from both the physical and emotional perspectives. Today’s guest is Dr. Lauren Crigler, a sex pain therapist who specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy. In other words, she helps women have pain-free, pleasurable sex. So we chat with Dr. Lauren about these changes, about how sex helps in holding the relationship with your partner (and family) together. Plus tips for how we can address some of the challenges and dysfunctions, while having a healthy conversation that impacts, guess who...our kids!  Links: Dr. Lauren’s website: www.drlaurencrigler.com Dr. Lauren’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrLaurenCrigler Dr. Lauren’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlaurencrigler/ Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What role is the father-to-be (or parent-to-be) supposed to play in birth? How can that father/parent-to-be show up better in that role? In today's conversation, Sarah and Matthew dig in on this topic, focusing on the future fathers/parents who don't always get to be in the spotlight. This is a great episode to listen to if you're a father-to-be, OR if you know one then share this episode with them. Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What was a DIAH highlight for you this year? In today’s episode we’re recapping some of the takeaways from 2019, and sharing our intentions for 2020. Happy New Year! Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks The Dope Doula Etsy Page: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheDopeDoula Dope Doula DIAH episode: https://www.diahpodcast.com/single-post/HBAC-Story-of-Baby-3-with-the-Dope-Doula-Rachel-Cunningham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How is your mind space connected with the physical space and environment that you set for your birth? In today’s episode we have a powerful conversation with Kristen and Rodney about their birth journey. From the surprise of the pregnancy news to decision to have a home birth, we get both parents’ perspectives on the experience.  Kristen is a yoga instructor, and used much of her practice throughout her pregnancy and birth.  “My yoga practice afforded me this sweet opportunity to gain an understanding and cultivate an intimate relationship with my baby well before birth…" “Yoga had equipped me with the tools to choose my perspective. Yoga offered me the solace to stay present through uncomfortable times and floods of thoughts.” “Yoga in its essence is a practice of unity--with mind, body and spirit. On a logistic level, the breath techniques learned and practiced in yoga relax and slow the body which is virtuous during birth/contractions. I compare the space between each contraction as the space between each breath. It is a space of stillness, rejuvenation, symbolic of the end and beginning. Yoga strengthens the physical body to help with recovery and the 'bounce back'. Many poses open up the hips, the passageway. Prenatal yoga prepares women for a natural birth, by practicing presence and awareness. Yoga teaches us how to choose surrender over fear.” Plus we talk about the moment of birthgasm - when baby Aniya arrived! Links: Kristen’s Instagram Our website DIAH Shop Parents on Demand Network DIAH Instagram DIAH Facebook Page DIAH Facebook Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you’re expecting, it’s very common to hear the question, “Where are you delivering?” If not that specifically, people generally ask about your doctor or your doctor visits. Whether it’s close friends and family or total strangers, most will insert some sort of advice or personal experience to whatever birth plan it is you’ve chosen. It can be even more interesting when you share that your birth plan involves a home birth. Queue awkward silences, uncomfortable jokes and even sometimes downright judgement. That’s what we’re talking about in this episode: what we’re calling the “pushbacks.” They are the often well-intentioned but poorly executed gestures and words to share varying degrees of care and concern for yours and your baby’s well-being. But it’s great because it gives you a chance to exercise patience and understanding. It might even help you confirm why you’re considering or chose home birth. Matthew and I have grown to love the pushbacks, and we share some examples of ones we received. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can too much exercise during pregnancy become a detriment to your birth experience? We wouldn’t presume to give you a definitive answer to this question because frankly it’s not our place and we’re not the experts of your physical body, pregnancy, preferences or life experience. This is a question we explored with today’s guest Deb Flashenberg, founder and director of the Prenatal Yoga Center in New York. Deb has her own experience and story around exercising during pregnancy, as well as practicing yoga consistently.  We talk a little bit about Deb’s journey into the work she’s doing now, her own process of exploring birth options, fears around pregnancy and childbirth and honoring motherhood. Deb’s story and message is a powerful one. For her, it’s about “trusting yourself, and being okay when you’re not perfect.” Also to find your personal voice, own your autonomy and proclaim “this is my life!” And you can access Deb and all her wisdom on her own podcast “Yoga Birth Babies” and through the Prenatal Yoga Center’s podcast. LINKS Deb’s Podcast Prenatal Yoga Center Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Who's Afraid of the Pregnant Yogi. Use the PROMO code HOME BIRTH and receive the free video "Pregnancy Safe Abdominal Toning" “Doing It At Home” book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098GVJ9KL?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ Home Birth Support Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGoKeBfEZ143sWU7V9I5Gdg DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you’re planning a hospital or birth center birth, but labor starts and moves so quickly that you don’t have time to pack up, get in the car and leave?! Welp, an unplanned home birth, that’s what! And this is our first story of this on the podcast. Meet our guest, Katie Krimitsos, wife, mother of 2 and fellow podcaster, Sarah met Katie at the She Podcasts 2019 event in Atlanta earlier this year, and knew she had to be on DIAH. Katie shares the story of her daughter Savannah’s birth (this episode is actually publishing on her 1st birthday, yay!), which was a total of 20 minutes! Despite the unplanned circumstances, Katie felt calm and describes the whole experience as magical. We also get to hear from Katie about her podcast “Women’s Meditation Network,” and how she’s using meditation to reach millions of women all over the world.  Links: Women’s Meditation Network WMN Instagram “Doing It At Home” book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098GVJ9KL?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ Home Birth Support Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGoKeBfEZ143sWU7V9I5Gdg DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you know you’re making the best choice when it comes to planning for your birth? This is one of the themes we unpack in today’s episode. We’re joined by Nicole and Al, parents to Eli, Karin, Eliza and Atreyu. We get to hear both mom and dad’s perspective on the birthing journey. From the first birth - unmedicated in the hospital, attended by midwives. The second - unplanned twin cesarean. And finally their home birth. Nicole shares her experience as a childbirth educator and Bradley Method instructor and how that influenced her decisions and how she participated in her care and planning. Al talks about his role as her partner and holding the space for her during birth. Links: “Doing It At Home” book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098GVJ9KL?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ Home Birth Support Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGoKeBfEZ143sWU7V9I5Gdg DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if...? Probably the biggest question that comes up around the choice to have a home birth. Whether you ask it to yourself, your birth team, or you have other people ask you - it comes up. As today’s guest Janette puts it - “Things did not go to plan, birth never does.” We talk about Janette’s decision to have a home birth - both she and her husband work in a hospital (her as a childbirth educator and doula and her husband as an RN), and so after feeling hesitant to give birth there, she leaned in and took the time to see what felt best. They continued with joint care between their midwives and hospital visits, but planned for a home birth. We hear baby Liv’s birth story, plus the details of Janette’s postpartum transfer to address her blood loss, which had been managed effectively by her midwives and while she was no longer bleeding, a transfusion was the best course of action to support Janette in recovering and feeling better.  In Janette’s words: “When you say you are having a home birth people often respond with "what if there is an emergency?" My postpartum hemorrhage was definitely emergent and my midwife handled it like a bad ass! Most people don't understand the skill set of home birth midwives and the supplies that they carry for such emergencies. My husband and I always felt safe.” Links: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When did you realize you wanted a home birth? For our guest Mandy Moss, she shares how she realized the hospital was not the place for her after doing a tour during her first pregnancy. So at 34 weeks, she changed plans. At 41 weeks and 6 days pregnant and after 48 hours of active labor and 5 hours of pushing, she transferred to the hospital where she was able to deliver her daughter vaginally. When she became pregnant for the second time, she and her husband Jake planned for a home birth again.  So you get to hear two different birth stories within this episode. Listen in to hear the rest. Thank you to Mandy for sharing with us! Links: Episode 18 with Maria Mengel Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if birth was like a party? For today’s guest, Ann Kaplan, her fourth birth (second home birth) was exactly that. Seriously. Evites and everything. #birthparty. Ann had about 30 people in the room when she gave birth to her fourth child - friends, family members, and all spectrum of ages. So we dig into that experience and hear Ann’s inspiration for it and how it all played out, and what she’d share with anyone else thinking of doing something like it. Plus we talk about Ann’s work as a birth doula, childbirth educator and parent coach. Ann’s gifting our listeners with free access to her online birth seminar, so make sure you check out the links in the show notes to watch! Links: Ann’s website: https://www.mommeexperience.com/ Free Birth Seminar: https://www.mommeexperience.com/birthseminar Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How could a self-described “diva” ever have a home birth? This is a fun one, because there are a lot of misconceptions and stereotypes around home birth and those who chose it. For Brooke, she would have never thought about home birth as an option for herself. But after a traumatic birth experience with her first baby, followed by a challenge period of PPD (she doesn’t remember the first 6-9 weeks of postpartum) and breastfeeding. Brooke became very passionate about breastfeeding and helping other moms through pregnancy and postpartum so that they wouldn’t have to experience what she did.  With her second pregnancy, she knew she wanted things to be different. This was an opportunity to trust her body. Even through factors that could have impacted her qualifying for home birth, Brooke was steadfast and had her home birth. Links: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can care providers and patients work together to create greater understanding and better outcomes for mothers and babies? This is a question we found ourselves asking throughout our conversation with Dr. Nathan Riley, OBGYN. We’ve been in contact with Dr. Nathan for a bit and it was an incredible honor to have him on the show. This is the first kind of conversation like this on the show. It’s a deep and powerful discussion around the current culture around birth and where the opportunities lie to have “whole person care.” As a physician and a male, Dr. Nathan brings a perspective and approach that you’re not used to seeing or hearing about. For example, he shares how midwifery has influenced his practice and how he interacts with patients. Plus the experience of physicians in their years of schooling and training - how the burnout, expectations and highly monetized business world of medicine affects them and how they treat patients.  Dr. Nathan also shares some tips for those birthing in the hospital or transferring from home to hospital in how you can move forward powerfully in the situation to communicate and advocate for yourself. And get this - Dr. Nathan and his wife Stephanie are expecting their first baby! So we talk about their birthing plans and how his knowledge and experience play a part in the process. Links: Dr. Nathan’s website Our website DIAH Shop Parents on Demand Network Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does a certain age automatically make you high-risk when it comes to pregnancy and birth? The answer depends on who you ask. For Summer’s original OBGYN, the answer was yes. At 38 and having her first child, she was considered “high risk.” Even with a healthy lifestyle (a marathon runner) and no health conditions. Ultimately, Summer wasn’t very pleased with the care she was receiving, so she transferred to a midwife within the same network (still on path for a hospital birth). But she still felt like the care lacked - she and her husband David would have a ton of questions they’d want answered and appointments were too short to cover everything they wanted. So at 22 weeks, they shifted to home birth. Worth noting here that David had his fears to work through - so we talk about that. In her labor and birth, Summer used the birthing pool for most of the time. “It was like “aqua-dural,” she said.  The birth itself had a few surprises - listen in to find out! Links: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is it important for birth workers to be “trauma-informed?” In today’s episode, we have Ashley Mariani join us for a conversation on mental health and wellness in the birth world. Ashley is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist who specializes in perinatal mental health and couples. We talk about how birth workers can be informed to best serve their clients/patients in having an empowered and educated birth experience. Ashley shares her expertise, observations and own personal experience to stress the importance of inclusivity, accessibility and safe environment to create the best outcomes for everyone.  And for birthing parents and families, how they can “date” their care provider to make sure it’s the best fit and to have standards through which they’ll operate within the relationship. Plus, Ashley shares a little bit of her birth journey with her son Silas and what her plans are for future birth(s).  Links: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it ever too late to change your birth plan or mindset? What about over the years, after multiple pregnancies and births? One thing we’re big on here at DIAH is supporting your process of evolving and figuring out what works for you and your family - and that it can happen over the course of however many years and children. Enter our amazing guest in today’s episode, Sarah Bode. Sarah is a podcaster herself, host of the show “Raw As A Mother,” an author, coach, wife and mama to 4. After 3 natural hospital births, Sarah felt led towards home birth for her fourth. Her birthing journey remarkable for many reasons - like after suffering PCOS as well as holistically healing from thyroid cancer, she’s been able to birth 4 healthy children. Her third birth really influenced the choice for home birth, as it was the “most traumatizing” of her births and she felt like she had no sense of control of the experience. Sarah’s fourth birth was a paradigm shift - a reprogramming. Listen in to learn more about her story and her work. Links: Raw As A Mother podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raw-as-a-mother/id1377833776 Raw As A Mother episode with Sarah Bivens: https://bit.ly/2nDz1Af Sarah Bode’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbbode/?hl=en Resources Sarah Bode shared: Hypnobirthing: https://us.hypnobirthing.com/ Bradley Method: http://www.bradleybirth.com/ First 40 Days: https://www.amazon.com/First-Forty-Days-Essential-Nourishing/dp/1617691836 Mamaste: https://www.amazon.com/Mamaste-Discover-Authentic-Balanced-Motherhood/dp/145216956X Birth Light: https://www.birthlight.com/ Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When did you first learn about home birth? For today’s mama, Celia Donaldson, she herself was born at home. So for her growing up, it was just “normal.” So there didn’t have to be this explanation and deep dive into what it was or why people might choose it. It’s this normalcy that carries through how Celia shares her story, from research she did while pregnant, the conversations with her partner Ali and assembling a birth team that would support her in what she wanted to create (while also receiving prenatal care at a hospital). With about a month of “practice labor” prior to birth, Celia was ready to meet her baby, her son Nadir. We hear the birth story as well as some of Celia’s favorite resources, as a birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator herself. Check the links for more on her and the resources she shared. Links: Celia’s website: https://www.intuitivebirth.org/ Evidence Based Birth: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/ Birthful podcast: https://www.birthful.com/ The Birth Hour podcast: https://thebirthhour.com/ Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why home birth? This is a question we ask most guests on the podcast. Today we dive into that with Amelia Page, mama of 6. We chat about her first two births and the influence that moved her towards home birth for her remaining 4 children. We touch on the topic of circumcision (respecting all choices), as well as the inner work that supports in the pregnancy, birth and motherhood experience. Pregnancy was a challenging experience for Amelia, so for any mamas who can relate - this is a great one to feel understood. You are not alone! Plus we get highlights from all 4 home births and hear about both similarities and differences amongst them. Links: Amelia’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1uRvEaPD1II6WG3RSAZ2Ng Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you’re planning for a home birth and those plans could change because of a birth difference? This is something that Becca and her husband Mark had to face when they were pregnant with their second son, Evan and planning for a home birth. Anatomy scans revealed that Evan had cleft lip and possibly cleft palate, potentially shifting not only birth plans, but Becca’s plans to breastfeed (there can be issues with forming suction in cleft-affected babies). This was a devastating experience for Becca, challenging her to stay connected through the remainder of her pregnancy. However, supportive doctors gave them to green light to proceed with a home birth. The birth itself was peaceful and “normal.” This was also after a traumatic experience with her first birth of her son Tucker, which led her wanting a “do over.” We really appreciate Becca and Mark bringing this conversation to the podcast, because we haven’t shared a cleft-affected story before. Some of the things that Becca emphasized and wanted to make sure we share with listeners who are also going through this - to make sure your midwife (care provider) is very confident with resuscitation (this can be one of the things to be mindful of at the birth of a cleft-affected baby). From Becca: I think it's important for other cleft-mamas to know that my midwife had a laryngo mask and was experienced with it; she also does monthly refreshers on neonatal resuscitation. I also had 3 different cleft bottles on hand, syringes, and donor milk so that I could figure out feeding him no matter what, if his palate had been cleft. I also had a pump ready to go. I think these are important things to have if you're giving birth to a cleft kiddo at home. We also had a plan to meet with our cleft team within a week after birth or earlier, if there were feeding issues (within 24 hours). Also, mostly importantly, my home birth was the healing experience my mind, soul, body, and family needed! After he was delivered earthside, I physically bounced right back! He was 9lbs, and I didn't tear! I physically felt soooooo much better than I did after Tucker. I didn't even really need the peribottle...I felt great! Everything about Evan's birth was exactly what I needed in the end. Links: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you feel confident in your ability to birth? Today’s birth story features Naomi Jardine, sharing her journey to home birth. Naomi felt a loss of control with her first birth of her daughter Jasmine, followed by some traumatic stitches to repair her tearing. She was left feeling disappointed, not at peace. For her second birth, she wanted to do something different. So she prepared more this time - she read, listened to podcasts (like DIAH!) and joined local groups to connect with other mothers. It gave her the opportunity to get clear on what she wanted and what she didn’t want. For her home birth of her daughter Summer, it was a peaceful, powerful, transformative experience with the confidence and satisfying feeling of “I did it!” Links: Naomi’s blog: https://beingyourmummy.com/ Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the most common myths and misconceptions about home birth? This episode was inspired by a recent conversation we had when we were interviewed for the Revive show and helped debunk some of the things you read and hear to discredit or dissuade from home birth. And it was shocking to us that we hadn’t done an episode specifically dedicated to this topic, so here it is! Links: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Why Not Home: https://www.whynothome.com Episode with Jessicca Moore: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.diahpodcast.com/single-post/Why-Not-Home-Documentary-with-Jessicca-Moore%3f_amp_ Episode on “is home birth messy”: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.diahpodcast.com/single-post/2016/11/16/014-Is-Home-Birth-Messy%3f_amp_Article on home birth myths: https://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/homebirth-myths-about-homebirth-debunked/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we're talking with mom of 4 Jenny DiPietro, who has had multiple home births, a home birth turned hospital transfer, a water birth at home, and who performs placenta encapsulation for families. We get into a lot in this one! Oh yeah, and we’re also entering a new phase of the podcast! In addition to our episodes that feature Matthew and me discussing some topic related to home birth, we’re publishing our conversations with moms and families who have experienced home birth along with professionals and thought leaders on the subject. Jenny is the first to kick off this endeavor. As I said, she's a mom of 4, who has experienced both home and hospital birth. In our talk, we cover things like:The details of her birthsWhat went into her decision-making process to choose home birthHer work as a Placenta Encapsulation SpecialistThe importance of education in the pregnancy and birthing journey We’re very excited to bring other stories and perspectives of home birth to you. Enjoy!  Links: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a birth worker, how do you take your work and knowledge into your personal experience? That’s one of the topics we touch on in today’s interview with Olivia Friel, birth and postpartum doula and expectant mama. Olivia shares part of her journey with us and we also get into some great discussions around pregnancy, birth and going with the flow. AND Olivia is launching her podcast soon, so stay tuned! Links: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Olivia’s website - https://healthybalancedbirth.com/ Olivia’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/healthybalancedbirth/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever done some serious traveling with your kids? Are you planning on it but are terrified at how it might go? Well fear not! In today’s episode Matthew and I are giving you some tips on traveling with your little ones. We just returned from a 2 week trip to Europe where we went all over the place, did a bunch of stuff, and managed it all with a smile on our faces. Yes, you can have a great time traveling with kids and today we’re going to help you do just that. Links: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do we heal? One way is to share with others, create community and connection. In today’s episode, we chat with Ash Luna, photographer and founder of 4th Trimester Bodies Project. Ash shares part of their incredible story with us. From their interest and desire for home birth to their experience with loss, trauma and grief. Ash opens up their world and gives perspective of life with her family including her partner Flowers and their children Xavier (13), Nova (6) and Sol (8 months). We’ve followed Ash and part of their journey on social media for a while now, so we’re very grateful that they joined us for an honest and informative conversation. We learn about their experience of twin to twin transfer syndrome in their second pregnancy, which resulted in the passing of baby Aurora and the 24 week, 1 lb. birth of baby Nova. In their third birth, Ash had a magical home birth for baby Sol. We also talk about non-binary parenting and gender as a spectrum. Plus some of the story behind 4th Trimester Bodies Project and what an amazing community and following it has created. Links: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 4th Trimester Bodies Project website: https://www.4thtrimesterbodiesproject.com/ 4th Trimester Bodies Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4thtribodies/ Ash’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashdluna/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you listen to (or are you currently listening)yourself when it comes to your desires around your birth? In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Christy Robinson, holistic doula for birth as well as transition (death). Christy is not just a powerhouse of a woman and a pillar within her communities when it comes to service, education and creative work, but she’s a close friend of ours. In this interview we hear about Christy’s journey into doula work as well as some of her experiences and insights from her 10 plus years in the birth world. We also talk about advocacy, designing your birth and honoring your internal desires. And the topic of women of color and the birth world and how we can empower ourselves and our communities to give and receive better care and education. Links: Connect with Christy: [email protected] Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you trust in the process of your birth experience? In today’s birth story, we’re chatting with Charly and Dan Swanberg about the births of both of their daughters: Luna and Kaiya. Charly’s mother had 3 home births herself, so the experience was already familiar and normalized for Charly. Both chiropractic students, Charly and Dan have cultivated a strong understanding and trust in the human body and its abilities. We get to hear about both pregnancies, which went for about 42 weeks. As well as the surprise of getting pregnant 4 months after their first birth. It’s great to hear both perspectives from the whole journey and about the lessons that each learned. Links: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What and how should you eat during pregnancy? This is a big question that comes up often, and there are lots of thoughts around it. So where is a place where you can get all the info you need, in a clear, empowering and informative way? Enter Lily Nichols, our guest today. Lily is a real food dietitian, specialist in prenatal nutrition and gestational diabetes, and best-selling author of two books: Real Food for Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes.  In this interview we discuss:Benefits of real food for pregnancy (both for baby’s optimal development and also to minimize pregnancy complications and ease postpartum recovery for mama)Nutritional management of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, nausea, heartburn & moreMindfulness, stress management, exercise, avoidance of toxinsFoods to emphasizeFoods that can be helpful during labor (if you are able to eat and drink during the experience) Links: Lily’s website - https://lilynicholsrdn.com/ Lily’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lilynicholsrdn Lily’s Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PilatesNutritionist Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does your first pregnancy and birth experience impact your second? In today’s interview, we’re chatting with Carolyn about her pregnancy and birth story of her son Solomon, while pregnant with her second child. We go over her decision to have a home birth as well as the intense first trimester sickness she experienced. Also the denial around labor starting, which we’ve heard quite a few times from mamas on the show. Carolyn shares that while the birth went very well, it was still different from what she imagined in her mind. Following her birth, she experienced postpartum anxiety that involved separation anxiety and trouble sleeping. Addressing the anxiety and getting help around it has supported and encouraged her in preparation for her next child, due this fall. Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://bit.ly/2DuMBxP - use code DIAH to get 20% off your order Splash Blanket: https://bit.ly/3JPe1g0 - use code DIAH for 10% off your order Esembly: https://bit.ly/3eanCSz - use code DIH20 to get 20% off your order More From Doing It At Home: Send us your birth story: https://bit.ly/3jOjCKl Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH Website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Merch: www.diahpodcast.com/merch Give Back to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you process when things don’t go the way you planned in your birth? We deconstruct this question with mamas Amy and Mallory Caldwell in today’s episode by taking it back to the beginning of their pregnancy journey. Both Amy and Mallory knew that they’d like to carry children at some point in their marriage and growing their family. So for their first, they made the decision for Mallory to go first as the gestational parent. They share the process of insemination, selecting a donor, and how they’re aiming to use the same sperm for their future children. They made the decision to have a home birth around 16 weeks. They found a queer midwife who works largely in the LGBTQ community and fell in love with her. We also discuss the legality of home birth in their state of Ohio and what that looks like with cooperation of midwives and hospitals. And hey - creative, business savvy people out there - there’s a huge opportunity for expanding the options in maternity clothing. For Mallory, it was quite frustrating to find clothing that she liked. Wearing primarily men’s clothing when she’s not pregnant, it was challenging and disappointing. It’s a simple and yet profound example of how there are variations of normal in how pregnancy looks and how gestational parents can be represented in the pregnancy and birth world of products and services. We then get the full breakdown of the birth story, which includes an ECV (external cephalic version) procedure to flip baby from the breech position, and multiple trips back and forth from the hospital back to home. That’s all I’ll say here, and let you listen to get the rest of the story. It’s such a powerful and inspiring conversation, and we’re so grateful to Amy, Mallory and baby Sebastian for joining us on the podcast! Show Notes: Le Pooch - http://lepooch.net/ Cryo Bio - https://www.cryobio.com/ Milk and Hannah -  https://www.milkandhannahphoto.com/journal/2018/2/17/welcome-sebastian-birth-story-from-mama-columbus-birth-photographer-milk-Hannah?rq=Sebastian Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you stay in a space of trusting your body and the process when getting pregnant presents an emotional journey of challenges? This was Caitlin’s reality when she and her wife, Shona decided to start a family. First there were the conversations of who would be the gestational parent - which were relatively easy given that Caitlin wanted to be pregnant and Shona wanted to be a parent but didn’t necessary want to be pregnant. Then come the logistics of how they would conceive. As Caitlin puts it, “we couldn’t just hop in bed and make a baby!” So they explored the different routes of insemination. There are options of having a known or unknown donor. Then for the procedure itself you can have an IUI - intrauterine insemination, which is performed at a clinic and is a more “medical process” or an ICI - intracervical insemination, which you can do at home yourself and Caitlin refers to as the more DIY insemination. Caitlin walks us through their journey, from cycle monitoring to increase the likelihood of insemination success, the rounds of unsuccessful IUIs, a break in the middle of the process after such an emotional rollercoaster and obsession with the process. They eventually moved into the ICI route, where after a few more attempts and switching up donors (now using a close friend’s sperm), they finally got their successful insemination! And so now Caitlin and Shona are planning for a home birth! We’re so honored to share their story on the podcast in our first episode with an LGBTQ family! As Caitlin says in the interview, “families are something we build out of love.” We couldn’t agree more. Links: Part 2 of Caitlin and Sho's story: https://parentsondemand.com/podcasts/doing-it-at-home/185-home-birth-story-two-mamas-welcome-their-baby-with-caitlin-thompson-and-sho-selby/ Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you had to change your birth plans on your due date? This happened for Laura Smoker, as she prepared for and planned a home birth, however had to shift plans when she risked out due to concerns around her blood pressure and possible preeclampsia. Laura and her husband Joshua wanted a home birth following 3 miscarriages and some of the hospital experiences associated with them. Laura is beautifully open about her journey with loss and how she processed being pregnant for the fourth time and finally being able to hear a heartbeat at 13 weeks. And we hear all about baby Elliot’s entrance into the world. Despite the changes to the birth plan, Laura acknowledges that she got to experience everything she wanted minus the specific location. In her words, “I know there are many people who desire a home birth that can't have it for some reason and I feel that sharing my positive hospital experience and what made it that way could be helpful to others.” Links: The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Womans-Guide-Better-Birth/dp/0399525173 Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don’t all moms ultimately want what’s best for their children? This is a question that Katelyn Fusco addressed in her work as a certified health coach for pregnant mothers. This question and the answers to it evolved and applied to the world of pregnancy and birth as well when Katelyn shifted to become a student midwife. As a cesarean baby herself, Katelyn and her husband Thomas decided for a home birth when they became pregnant with their first child. Katelyn is currently pregnant with her second and planning for another home birth. She has birthed another project over the past year, The Happy Homebirth Podcast - a community for stories and sharing that launched in January 2019. So we are in great company with a fellow podcaster and birth enthusiast! And Katelyn interviewed Sarah for The Happy Homebirth Podcast, which you can listen to via the link below! In our conversation on DIAH, we cover Katelyn’s background and history, the birth story of her daughter Janie, planning for baby number 2 and her future plans for her podcast and community. Links: The Happy Homebirth Podcast: https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/ Happy Homebirth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyhomebirthpodcast/ Sarah’s interview on The Happy Homebirth Podcast: https://podcast.myhappyhomebirth.com/e/ep-27-doing-it-at-home-with-sarah-bivens/ Spinning Babies: https://spinningbabies.com/about/gail-tully/ Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when it’s difficult to come to terms with how your birth unfolded? In today’s episode, Katie Suder shares her journey with us. From her unexpected and joyful pregnancy to currently 9 months postpartum and still processing a lot of her birth experience. While waiting the few weeks before she could see an OBGYN for her first appointment, Katie had time to reflect and research on her options. This led her and her fiance Andrew to a home birth midwife. Fast forward to birth, baby Andrew Michael was 13 days past guess date. After laboring for 30 hours at home, Katie and her team transferred to the hospital. Katie and the supportive staff did everything possible to facilitate a vaginal birth. The cesarean, though necessary, was traumatic. Katie is beautifully honest about how she’s felt over the months and we know her story will touch the community and have a ripple effect of healing. Links:Our website: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you experienced postpartum PTSD? Today we’re talking with Stephanie Aberlich, not only about her home birth of her son Arlo (which she and her husband Dustin planned for and kept a secret from friends and family), but also the traumatic ER visit and hospital stay for baby Arlo just 24 hours after he was born and was experiencing fast breathing. Doctors later diagnosed him with polycythemia and kept him in the PICU and then the NICU for a total of 5 nights and 4 days. Stephanie talks about their experience, including all the procedures that Arlo underwent as well as the treatment and care from the hospital staff (particularly around their decision to home birth) and how she’s processed since the event.  Stephanie is beautifully open about the whole thing and shares with a reliability and vulnerability that we know will touch other families who have experienced something similar, as well as inform others who have not. Links: Stephanie’s website: https://inharmonylife.com/ Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does the experience of one birth influence the plans for births that follow? Today we chat with Emilee Petrill, and we pack a lot into a sub-hour conversation. Emilee has experienced a hospital birth with her first son Corbyn, a birthing center for her son Penn and finally a home birth for her son Moxy. She walks us through the processes and decisions around each of those experiences. Then we get into the details of her home birth, and why she’s thinking about a free/unassisted birth for a future baby. Bonus topics in this conversation include Emilee’s experience with consuming her placenta and why she’s a big advocate for it, the 10,000+ oz of breast milk she has donated and how the Doing It At Home podcast and community has impacted her body image and sex life! Links: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you felt like no one believed in your body’s ability to birth your baby? What if a care provider told you that just by being pregnant you were making an unsafe choice? Today we talk to Dedra Straka, mama of 4. Dedra had a home birth for her fourth, after 3 cesarean births. She had always dreamed of a home birth, but due to multiple circumstances and methods of care after her first cesarean, she would try for a VBAC for the next two but felt cornered and pressured. Following her third birth, doctors noticed a thin left lower uterine segment (essentially the thinning of the uterine lining, which could potentially cause future complications). After waiting the recommended 2-3 years before becoming pregnant again, Dedra and her husband Joshua thought it would be another cesarean for their fourth birth. But unpleasant encounters with a doctor who claimed she was putting her child’s life in danger by even being pregnant, she no longer wanted to be in his care. Utilizing resources like the local ICAN community and finding a midwife who could support her process, Dedra eventually moved into a plan for a home birth. This is an inspiring story of coming full circle in the process of informed, empowered choice and healing when it comes to birth. Links: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Kelly McDermott from Sage Femme - http://sage-femmemidwifery.com/about/meet-us/ ICAN - http://www.ican-online.org/ Dedra’s video - https://youtu.be/3QPfQM8i_GM ICAN Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/ICANonline/ ICAN Capital District - https://www.facebook.com/ICANoftheCapitalDistrict Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode we’re talking with Laura Fifield and Natalie Bancroft, two amazing women who are linked with a quite famous recent birth story. You see Natalie, a birth photographer and doula as well as a mama of 3, gave birth to her third baby earlier this year at home. And baby Simon weighed 11 lbs. 2 oz!!! And Laura, Natalie’s friend, birth photographer and mama of 2, was there to document the experience. Some of the amazing photos from the birth, namely one that features Natalie holding her newly birthed bundle of adorable squish with this elated, shocked, goddess-like expression of “wow!” has been featured far and wide. Publications like Today Show, Hello Giggles and even People have featured the image on their sites. We were so grateful and excited to speak with these awesome women. They share insights from the birth photography community, which is small in their city of Spokane, WA. We get to hear about some of the memorable births they’ve been able to document. Natalie talks about her journey to home birth, having her first in a hospital, and deciding that she wanted a different experience for future births. Her second was a beautiful home birth, and she knew she’d have another one for her third. It wasn’t long into the pregnancy that she realized baby number 3 was going to be larger than the others. Natalie’s belly was so much larger, in fact, that they went for an ultrasound towards the end of the pregnancy to find out if she was having twins! Turns out, she wasn’t. This baby was just that big. When birthing time came around, everyone was prepared and peaceful. And the whole experience was only about 4 hours! Both these women are total rockstars and inspiration for the birthing community. We’re honored to have them join the DIAH podcast and share a story that has reached so many. Enjoy! Links: Spokane River Midwifes - http://spokanerivermidwives.com/ Childbirth without fear - https://www.amazon.com/Childbirth-Without-Fear-Principles-Practice/dp/1780660553 Ina mays guide to childbirth - https://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156 Today - http://www.today.com/parents/mom-gives-birth-11-pound-baby-home-without-epidural-t110221 Hello Giggles - http://hellogiggles.com/shows-womens-bodies-incredible-meet-mom-gave-birth-11-lb-baby-home-without-epidural/ People - http://people.com/bodies/mom-11-lb-baby-without-epidural-at-home/ Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How long was your birth? We tend to made assumptions about the birth experience based on how long it was. Especially if it was very fast. Some might think, “Oh, wow that’s awesome! You’re so lucky!” But it’s not always that simple. In today’s episode, we talk to both mom and dad! Caitlin and Drew Hutcheon join us to talk about their pregnancy and birth of their son Harbor. Both Caitlin and Drew are in the birth world! They served on the board of the Birth Network of Monterey while living there. And Caitlin is also an Evidence Based Birth instructor, Birth Chemistry educator, Doula and birth activist.  Their birth lasted a total of 5 hours. Despite things moving very quickly, there were some challenges and things to move through, like not being totally prepared for birth and communication around how fast things were actually progressing. This is great support in the conversation of processing parts of your birth that don’t exactly go to plan. Your feelings are valid and everyone has their own experience and way to cope. Links:Our website: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you think it would be like to grow from a family of 2 to a family of 5 in just under a year? Well, you’ll hear a little bit about that today in our interview with Lynnea Krall. Lynnea is an RN turned doula who believes in the power of supporting women and families in birth. She and her husband Daniel struggled themselves when it came time to plan their family. After 2.5 years of infertility challenges, they were told that it would be medical impossible for them to have biological children. Already planning to foster at some point, they moved up that timeline when they brought two beautiful little girls into their lives, Winne and Lissa. A month and a half later, they found out they were pregnant! So listen in to hear the rest of this magical and wild ride - from the plan to have a home birth, to surprises during labor and now what life is like as a family of 5.  Links:Our website: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you heard the term geriatric pregnancy? (Matthew hadn’t before this interview). Any pregnancy after the age of 35 is actually technically considered a geriatric pregnancy. But in our conversation today with Stephanie Dunne, we’re shifting that narrative and dropping age as a defining factor in pregnancy and birth. Stephanie shares her birth story of her son Sebastian with us and makes a very powerful point in her sharing: “We create our own reality.” This is a great episode for mamas of all ages and birthing philosophies to listen to. We talk about the factors that led to choosing home birth for Stephanie and her husband Jerry, why they waited after 16 years of marriage and Stephanie turning 40 to have a baby, and how they processed the whole experience. Stephanie trusted her body (being a very active person, a registered dietician and Ironman athlete), prepared her mind and utilized her team and the strong partner that she had in her husband. Links:Our website: Stephanie’s Website - www.nutritionqed.com Birthing From Within - https://birthingfromwithin.com/ Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you train for the experience of birth? We’ve often heard birth compared to a marathon. Most people have a lot of intense and focused training when it comes to their marathons. So how can a woman prepare for the marathon of birth? In today’s birth story we’re chatting with Brooke Cates, the founder and CEO of The Bloom Method, a pre and postnatal fitness method and training for the modern mama. Brooke shares her home birth story of her son Leven and how she applied all of her knowledge and breath work to the experience. She talks about the strength and the ability to soften and surrender as important parts of birth. Plus she shares part of her postpartum journey and what it’s been like running TBM as a new mama, as well as talks about the viral video of some TBM breathing techniques. This is an empowering conversation for mamas interested in stepping into motherhood with more awareness of your body after giving birth. Links:Our website: The Bloom Method: https://thebloommethod.com/ The Bloom Method Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebloommethod/ The Bloom Method video featured on Today Show: https://www.today.com/video/the-pregnant-belly-pump-what-is-the-bloom-method-958060099916?v=raila Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If Tammy could, she would shout from every rooftop about how awesome her home birth experience was and how every woman can give birth without fear. Since finding every rooftop would take some time, having her on our “podcast rooftop” will suffice for now. Unsure of whether or not she’d be able to get pregnant, Tammy had a surprise first pregnancy at 38. In a circumstance where many women might find themselves fearful and worried about the risks, Tammy powered up and she and her partner David decided on home birth after a close friend who was also pregnant at the same time shared her intentions of having a home birth. Overwhelmed with emotion in an amazing way, Tammy sought out empowering information and resources with the support of her midwives that she selected from a nearby birthing center. Tammy is a powerful example of knowing her body and trusting the inner voice. To her, home birth is such an important opportunity to strengthen all aspect of your life from your relationship to your partner to how you raise your children. And through the course of her journey, she has actually inspired, influenced and encouraged other women and families in their home birth experiences as a resource and friend. “I truly believe that by sharing these stories we can educate women about the importance of birthing without fear and helping to change the stigma around home birth,” says Tammy. Links:Our website: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Store: https://yoursuccessfulhomebirth.com/ DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Donate to DIAH: https://bit.ly/3qgm4r9 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices