Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant Individuals
Are you looking for a podcast to help you feel confident in your birth experience?Then The Birth Journeys Podcast® is for you! We share powerful and transformative birth stories that illuminate the realities of childbirth. Hosted by a labor nurse and prenatal coach who specializes in transformational coaching techniques, this podcast goes beyond traditional birth narratives to foster healing, build trust, and create transparency between birthing individuals and healthcare providers.In each episode, we dive into essential topics like birth preparation, debunking common misconceptions, understanding hospital procedures, and promoting autonomy in the birthing process. We also bring you the w...
Delayed Cord Clamping Explained: Timing, Benefits & What Actually Matters
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You’ve heard “30 seconds,” “a few minutes,” or “wait until it stops pulsing”… but how long should you actually delay cord clamping?
In this episode, we break down what the research shows, what current guidelines from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend, and why more time isn’t always more beneficial.
You’ll learn:
 ✔️ Why at least 60 seconds is the evidence-based baseline
 ✔️ How placental transfusion works after birth
 ✔️ The real benefits for term and preterm babies
 ✔️ When delayed cord clamping may not be safe
 ✔️ How to...
Mini-Episode: Why the Sounds You Make in Labor Can Change Everything
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Contractions don’t just hurt—they can trigger a full-body stress response. Many moms instinctively tense up, hold their breath, or make high-pitched sounds, which can push the nervous system into fight-or-flight and make labor feel more intense and harder to manage.
In this episode, we break down the science of labor breathing techniques and vocalization in childbirth, and how small shifts in your breath and voice can help you stay calm, grounded, and more in control during contractions.
You’ll learn how longer exhales support the pa...
Mini-Episode: Matresence: The Birth Of A Mother (Why Postpartum Feels So Overwhelming)
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Postpartum isn’t just physical recovery after birth, it’s the beginning of becoming a mother. In this episode, we talk about what postpartum really feels like and why so many women feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unlike themselves after having a baby.
If you felt prepared for birth but unprepared for postpartum, you are not alone. Many new moms experience intense changes, including hormone shifts, sleep deprivation, and pressure to feel confident. This can lead to thoughts like “something is wrong with me,” which often fuels anxiety, self-doubt, and shame.
We bre...
Mini-Episode: Why Birth Prep & Birth Goals Are Not The Same Thing
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How do you mentally prepare for labor — not just physically, but emotionally?
Many pregnant women spend months creating a birth plan and learning about labor positions, breathing, and hospital policies. But one of the most important parts of childbirth preparation is often missing: how you show up for the experience of labor itself.
In this episode of The Birth Journeys Podcast, labor and delivery nurse Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM, shares a powerful conversation with mentor Neri Life Choma, veteran ch...
Mini-Episode: Preparing Your Older Child for Labor and a New Baby
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Preparing Your Older Child for Labor and a New Baby
If you're pregnant with baby number two (or more) and wondering how to prepare your older child for labor, the hospital, and life with a new sibling — this episode is for you.
What happens to your toddler when labor starts?
 What if childcare falls through?
 Should your older child come to the hospital?
 How do you prevent sibling jealousy after baby arrives?
As a labor and delivery nurse and mom of two, I wal...
Mini Episode: From Pumps To Peace: Choosing What Works For Your Baby And You
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The first days of feeding a newborn can feel like a test you didn’t study for: alarms go off every two hours, pumps take over your counter, and every ounce feels like a verdict. We open up about low milk supply, the pull to “keep trying,” and the quiet relief that comes from choosing what actually works for your baby and your life. No shaming, no perfect-parent script—just honest stories and practical paths forward.
We dig into the real costs of chasing a plan that doesn’t fit: hours spent rese...
Mini Episode: What If Losing Control Is The First Lesson Of Motherhood
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A healthy baby and a healthy mom can still leave a complicated story behind. We open the door to a birth that didn’t follow the plan: an epidural that didn’t work, Pitocin contractions that crashed like waves, and a mind trying to keep pace with a body doing the unimaginable. What sounded like chaos turns out to be wisdom—instinctive movement that helped a baby rotate and descend, progress made in spite of pain, and a partner steadying the room when words ran out.
Together we examine where control slippe...
Hurricanes, Epidurals, And Holding On with Erin Hall
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A hurricane on the horizon, contractions five minutes apart, and a quick detour through a Chick-fil-A drive-thru—Erin’s first birth story doesn’t read like any class manual. What followed was a long labor, Pitocin without pain relief when an epidural failed, and a body contorting into whatever position brought a sliver of relief. When the anesthesiologist finally got it right and her waters were broken, everything shifted—one push and Kylie arrived. Together we unpack why that experience felt traumatic, how back labor can hint at a sunny-side-up baby, and why instinct...
Mini Episode: The REAL Purpose of a Birth Plan
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Control doesn’t create a meaningful birth experience—clarity does. We dive into the real purpose of a birth plan and show how to turn a rigid checklist into a living compass that anchors your values, guides decisions, and strengthens partnership with your care team. Instead of chasing a “perfect” script, we focus on agency, communication, and the skills that keep you grounded when labor takes an unexpected turn.
We trace the history of birth plans from the natural birth movement to modern templates and unpack how the purpose got lost. You’ll h...
Mini Episode - What Does Labor Actually Feel Like?
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Most moms are scared of labor because no one ever explains what the sensations actually feel like. So today, we’re breaking it down — in real, simple, honest terms.
In this video, we talk about:
 ✨ What early labor really feels like
 ✨ How contractions change as your body opens
 ✨ Why pelvic pressure feels so intense (and why it’s GOOD)
 ✨ The emotional “crisis moments” that happen right before progress
 ✨ How to reframe sensations so you feel confident instead of scared
When you unde...
Mini-Episode: What is Prenatal Coaching?
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Birth often feels like a test you can fail, even when you and your baby are healthy. We tackle the missing support layer that changes that feeling: prenatal coaching that builds a grounded mindset, clear communication, and a flexible plan you can trust when things get real.
We start by naming the gap most parents feel between medical safety and emotional steadiness. I walk through how prenatal coaching complements your OB, midwife, nurses, and doula by focusing on beliefs, boundaries, and language. Together, we surface the quiet stories—like “natural is the...
Mini Episode: You Can Fire Your OB or Midwife
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Your prenatal care should feel calm, respectful, and evidence-based—yet many of us hit a point where advice from a provider doesn’t match what we’ve learned or what our gut is telling us. That moment is disorienting. We break down why it feels so heavy, how to get grounded fast, and the practical steps to find alignment without burning bridges.
We start by naming the emotional waves that follow a shaken trust: fear that you’re missing something, grief for the relationship you thought you had, and the stress of choic...
Mini Episode: How to Interview a Doula
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Birth feels different when the room feels safe. We dig into how to choose a doula by focusing on connection, clarity, and calm rather than running a rigid checklist. Instead of quizzing someone for the “right” answers, we map the questions that actually reveal fit: their vibe during intensity, their range across home and hospital births, and how they help you stay informed without pushing an agenda. If your goal is a steadier nervous system and a smoother decision path, this conversation gives you the language to get there.
We break down...
Holiday Survival For Pregnancy And Postpartum: Scripts, Exits, And Peace
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The holidays ask a lot from anyone, and even more from someone navigating pregnancy or early postpartum. Between loud rooms, strong smells, and a conveyor belt of opinions about your body and your baby, your nervous system can hit overload fast. We dive into why this happens, how to spot it sooner, and the exact words you can use to step away without guilt or drama.
You’ll hear our favorite “golden ticket” exit lines that protect your peace while sounding perfectly reasonable to family and friends. For pregnancy, phrases like I’m ex...
Mini Episode: Know Your Rights In Labor
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When contractions hit and the baby feels low, the last thing any parent needs is a clipboard. We walk through the legal protections that guarantee timely care under EMTALA and translate them into practical steps you can use the moment you arrive at the hospital in labor. From spotting red flags of imminent birth to understanding exactly what “medical screening exam” and “stabilizing care” should look like, we break complex policy into clear, actionable moves that keep you and your baby safe.
You’ll hear a grounded, real-world analysis of a widely sha...
Mini Episode: What Does a C-Section Feel Like?
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Birth can be both clinical and deeply human, and few moments capture that better than a planned C-section. I wanted to remove the mystery and the fear, so I walk you step by step through what it actually feels like—from walking into a bright, cold OR to hearing that first cry and settling into recovery with your baby. This is not theory; it’s a grounded, nurse-led guide to sensations, timelines, and choices that help you feel safe and in control.
I start with the spinal: what the quick pinch feel...
What No One Tells You About Newborn Vitamin K
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Making informed decisions for your newborn can feel overwhelming—especially when advice around routine procedures like the vitamin K shot seems contradictory. As a labor nurse and mom, I created this episode to cut through the noise with evidence, empathy, and respect for your values.
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, and all newborns—no matter how healthy the pregnancy—are born with very low levels, about 1/50th of what adults have. The shot offers protection during those early months when even a small internal bleed could become serious. While VKDB i...
Embracing the Unexpected: Alex Wachelka's Third Birth Journey
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When Alex Wachelka predicted her third baby would arrive on December 15th—despite professionals insisting otherwise—her intuition was right. But the path to that moment wasn’t easy.
After two very different births—one at a birth center and one rapid home birth—Alex expected another fast delivery. Instead, she faced twelve hours of annoying, spaced-out contractions that woke her up every 10 minutes. It wasn’t until she voiced her frustration to her husband that everything shifted. In releasing her fears and feeling truly supported, her labor transformed—and her baby arrived j...
Building Your Birth Dream Team: Finding the Right Doula
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Navigating the search for your perfect birth doula can feel overwhelming. How do you find someone who aligns with your vision, fits your budget, and helps you feel secure during one of life’s most vulnerable moments?
Drawing from over a decade of obstetric nursing experience, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about finding the right doula for YOU. This isn’t about trends or checking boxes—it’s about building a support system that honors your unique journey.
We’ll start by clarifying what doulas actually do...
Making a Birth Plan? Here’s What You’re Probably Missing
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The birth plan has become a staple of pregnancy preparation, but most expectant parents are approaching it all wrong. What began as a revolutionary tool for restoring autonomy during the natural birth movement of the 1960s has too often devolved into a rigid checklist that sets birthing people up for disappointment and even trauma.
I reframe how we think about birth plans, explaining that they were never meant to be a list of demands but rather a foundation for communication, informed choice, and emotional preparation. Drawing on wisdom from pioneers like...
One Way or a Mother Episode 1: A New Podcast from Dr. Elliot Berlin, DC
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One Way or a Mother is a new narrative podcast from Dr. Elliot Berlin, DC, host of The Informed Pregnancy Podcast. Each season is an intimate story of one woman, one pregnancy, and all of the preparations, emotions, and personal history leading up to the birth. Episodes feature the expectant mother along with her family, doctors, and birth work team.
In season one of OWAM, we meet Arianna who is pregnant with her second baby after a traumatic first birth experience. Follow along over 10 episodes as we hear...
Reimagining Postpartum Care: The 100 Weeks Project with Dr. Venice Haynes
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"Congratulations, you're both alive."Â
This shockingly low bar for maternal healthcare success reveals everything wrong with how America treats new mothers. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Venice Haynes, Senior Director of Research and Community Engagement at United States of Care, shares the urgent mission behind the groundbreaking 100 Weeks Project - an initiative transforming postpartum care by acknowledging that maternal health needs extend far beyond delivery.
Dr. Haynes pulls back the curtain on America's maternal health crisis, sharing both data and personal s...
When Nurses Become Magicians: Getting Babies Unstuck with Marya Eddaifi
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From personal birth trauma to revolutionary solutions for laboring mothers—this conversation with Marya Eddaifi reveals how innovative manual techniques are changing birth outcomes worldwide.
Marya's journey begins with her own disappointing cesarean birth in 1995, a catalyst that eventually led her to become a labor and delivery nurse determined to find better ways to support women through childbirth. After nearly 24 years in the US Air Force and experience across four countries, Marya's quest to understand why some labors stall led her to a profound discovery: the critical role of fascia...
The Birth of Milk in Motion: One Mother's Journey to Help Others with Laci Tang, IBCLC
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When Laci Tang experienced painful breastfeeding with her first child, she had no idea it would launch her into a career transforming how mothers receive lactation support. Her journey from anxious first-time mom to innovative IBCLC offers a much-needed blueprint for better postpartum care.
Birthing at a midwifery center opened Laci’s eyes to a different kind of care—one where she was listened to, believed, and supported in finding real solutions. After navigating tongue ties, low supply, mastitis, and then oversupply with her second baby, she realized how vital individualized supp...
Balancing Knowledge and Intuition: Birth Insights with Dr. Elliot Berlin of Informed Pregnancy Media
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Dr. Elliot Berlin transforms how we view childbirth, challenging the check-box mentality that leaves many parents feeling they've failed when birth veers from their rigid plans. Through our conversation, he introduces a revolutionary alternative: approaching birth planning as a flow chart with multiple potential pathways rather than a single desired route.
The discussion delves into the delicate balance between modern medical systems and our innate bodily wisdom. As Dr. Berlin explains, "You're not driving a precision automobile, you're in a hot air balloon" – a perfect metaphor for the need to surrender so...
Podcasthon Special Episode: Breaking Barriers in Birth Work with BeboMia
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🎙️ Special Podcasthon Episode: Breaking Barriers in Birth Work with the BeboMia Doula Scholarship
This Birth Journeys Podcast® episode is part of Podcasthon, a global movement uniting podcasters to spotlight impactful causes. We’re shining a light on the BeboMia Doula Scholarship Program, which provides essential training to those who wouldn’t otherwise have access, transforming birth experiences worldwide.
Birth educator and doula trainer Bianca Sprague shares how birth experiences shape parenthood, yet modern healthcare often prioritizes efficiency over personalized care. D...
The Healing Power of Touch: Motherhood, Advocacy & Infant Massage with Khyati Desai-Seltzer
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What if the journey from womanhood to motherhood offered more transformation than you ever imagined? Join us in a heartwarming episode with Khyati Desai-Seltzer, a mompreneur with a passion for social impact, as she recounts how her own birth stories, including an unexpected cesarean delivery, propelled her into a world of empowerment and community support for new parents. Dive into Khyati's personal experiences with the invaluable support of a doula, as she shares the challenges and triumphs of the fourth trimester. Her transformative path reshaped not only her personal life but also her...
Pearls of Wisdom: If you could go back, what would you tell yourself?
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Imagine facing the transformative journey of motherhood armed with the insights you wish you'd known before your first contraction. Our latest episode in the Birth Journeys podcast, part of the Pearls of Wisdom series, does just that by unwrapping the wisdom shared by mothers who've navigated the unpredictable, often challenging experiences of childbirth. We promise to equip you with not only practical tips on managing societal pressures and preconceived notions about natural birth, akin to preparing for a marathon, but also to highlight the significance of staying flexible with your birth plans and...
United States of Care and 100 Weeks of Maternal Support with Natalie Davis
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Natalie Davis, a passionate advocate for maternal healthcare reform, joins us to share her journey and groundbreaking work with the 100 Weeks initiative. Natalie’s personal experiences, from navigating the challenges of preterm labor to working in healthcare policy at the forefront of the Obama administration, offer a compelling narrative. Through candid storytelling, she reflects on how these experiences shaped her commitment to extending postpartum support for mothers beyond the standard timeline.
Listeners are invited to explore the highs and lows of pregnancy and childbirth, including Natalie's frank discussion on the emotional an...
Birth Shame and Reconnecting with Your Body with Wendy Powell CEO of MUTU System
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When Wendy Powell, founder and CEO of Mutu System, first grappled with postpartum challenges, she unknowingly began a journey to revolutionize women's health conversations globally. In our latest episode, Wendy joins us to share her insights on the often-overlooked aspects of perinatal pelvic health and its profound effect on women's lives. Together, we explore the intricacies of dealing with issues like incontinence and prolapse, which extend beyond mere physical discomfort and touch upon deeper aspects like self-esteem and social participation. Wendy's collaboration with health insurers and hygiene companies globally underscores the pressing need...
Progesterone: Navigating Motherhood's Hormonal Maze with Dr. Shweta Patel
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Discover the underestimated power of progesterone with Dr. Shweta Patel, an OBGYN and women's health expert, who shines a light on its critical role in pregnancy and beyond. Gain insights into how this often-overlooked hormone supports everything from the menstrual cycle to postpartum health. Dr. Patel demystifies the scientific intricacies of progesterone, tracing its journey from conception to its protective functions during early pregnancy and its importance in postpartum birth control choices.
Navigate the cognitive whirlwind that new mothers face, as we unpack the hormonal rollercoaster that can leave many feeling...
Embracing Postpartum Emotions with Emily Finnell
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Emily Finnell returns to the podcast, sharing her deeply personal and emotional journey through the postpartum phase of motherhood. With a background as a certified HeartMath coach and former special education teacher, Emily opens up about the emotional turbulence she faced post-C-section, grappling with isolation, self-doubt, and societal pressures that often push new mothers to "bounce back" too quickly. Through candid conversations, we explore how connecting with one's own body can bring peace and alignment, and Emily shares the tools she developed to cultivate self-trust and well-being in both parenting and personal relationships.<...
Twins Born at Week 26: Jennifer Bernardo's Journey of Strength and Hope
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What happens when your carefully laid plans take an unexpected turn? Jennifer Bernardo, author of "Week 26," brings us into her world as she shares the complexities of premature birth and the NICU journey. Rushed to the hospital at just 26 weeks pregnant, what she thought was a false alarm quickly turned into the premature delivery of twins due to placenta previa complications. Jennifer's story pulls back the curtain on the unpredictability of childbirth and the emotional and physical hurdles of suddenly becoming a NICU mom. Her candid reflections on her previous miscarriage and its...
Emily Finnell's Path Through Loss and the Gift of Adoption
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To kick off Season 3, we’re going back to where it all began. Emily Finnell’s story of a harrowing birth experience and a “free-fall into faith” culminates in a beautiful open adoption that was more life-changing than she could have imagined.
Have you ever faced a life-altering moment that shattered your expectations and reshaped your path? In this remastered episode, Emily Finnell, a former special education teacher who's become a Leadership Mindset Coach, shares her incredibly moving journey through pregnancy and loss. Emily opens up about her first pregnancy, meticulously planned...
Dr. Shweta Patel: Demystifying Hormones and Empowering Women's Health
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Dr. Shweta Patel, a respected and innovative OB-GYN, joins us to unveil her upcoming book, "The Book of Hormones," promising a fresh perspective on the complex role of hormones in women's health. Her journey from wanting to write an all-encompassing guide to a focused exploration of hormones reveals untold stories and overlooked aspects of women's experiences. You'll gain invaluable insights into how hormones like cortisol shape everyday life, often dismissed by healthcare providers, empowering you to better understand your body.
Through engaging conversations, we explore the scope of pregnancy, childbirth, and...
Nurturing Strength: Brigette Panetta's Path Through Adversity and Renewal
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Facing the daunting challenges of new motherhood amid a pandemic, Brigette Panetta's story is a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication. Just days before giving birth to her daughter Emerald, Brigette found herself embroiled in an unexpected legal battle over her family business, all while navigating the tumultuous waters of a global pandemic. Journey with us as Brigette shares her harrowing experience of an attempted home birth that led to severe complications and an ICU stay. Her narrative is one of strength, as she remained a pillar of support for her partner, James...
Ashley Martin: From Birth Complications to Creating the NICU Notebook
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How does a mother endure the stress of a high-risk pregnancy and the NICU during the early days of the pandemic? Join us as Ashley Martin from Southern Missouri bravely shares her incredible journey, from the initial excitement of a planned pregnancy to the harrowing moments of dealing with complications like a subchorionic hemorrhage and a diagnosis of PPROM and incompetent cervix. Ashley’s candid storytelling sheds light on the overwhelming emotions of facing her daughter’s premature birth at just 24 weeks and four days, and how she transitioned her experience into creating the...
Suzzie Vehrs Shares Insights on Doula Support and Maternal Care
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Unlock the secrets to a more empowering childbirth experience! Join me as I sit down with Suzzie Vehrs, a dedicated doula and mother of two, who made a remarkable transition from finance to birth advocacy. Suzzie opens up about her personal journey through pregnancy, loss, and the incredible power of support during childbirth. You'll gain insight into the vital role doulas play in helping mothers make informed decisions and letting their voices be heard in the delivery room. Plus, we dive into the recent legislative changes that have made insurance coverage for doula...
Katie Bayer: Transforming Postpartum Recovery with Pelvic Floor Therapy
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Can pelvic floor therapy be the missing piece in postpartum recovery? Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Katie Bayer, PT, DPT, owner of Transition Physical Therapy and co-founder of Behive Wellness. Katie shares her deeply personal journey through a twin pregnancy, a premature delivery at 33 weeks, and the emotional rollercoaster of a NICU stay. Her experiences, culminating in a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), have shaped her dedication to specializing in pelvic floor therapy for pregnant and postpartum women. Listen as Katie recounts the vital role family support...
Neri Life Choma: Revolutionizing Childbirth Through The Birth Coach Method
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Discover how to transform your childbirth experience with insights from Neri Life Choma, a seasoned childbirth educator, birth doula, and the visionary behind the Birth Coach Method. We delve into the emotional and mental readiness that modern childbirth demands and explore how traditional methods may no longer suffice. Neri shares her vast experience, emphasizing the significance of aligning internal motivations with birthing plans and preparing for potential medical interventions. This episode promises to offer a fresh perspective on childbirth preparation, especially for those facing high-risk pregnancies.
What if societal expectations and...
