
Birth By Design
Darby Swan
Welcome to "Birth By Design," the podcast that guides you through the incredible journey through pregnancy, birth, and the birth world itself.
Join your host, Darby, as she explores the diverse experiences of expectant parents, expert advice on prenatal care, birthing options, and the beautiful stories of new beginnings.
Whether you're a first-time parent or expanding your family, "Birth By Design" is your go-to source for information, support, and inspiration on the road to parenthood. Tune in every Monday and embark on this transformative adventure with us!
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Top 10 Birth By Design Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Birth By Design episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Birth By Design for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Birth By Design episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Episode 003 Advocating for Birth: How to Prepare for A Safer Childbirth with Attorney/Author Gina Mundy
Birth By Design
01/01/24 • 57 min
On today’s episode of Birth By Design we talk to Attorney and Best-Selling Author, Gina Mundy! Gina is an attorney who specializes in childbirth-related cases and she sees the tragic cases that we pray we never experience. It’s those tragedy-stricken cases, as well as some personal experiences, that inspired her to write a book on how to AVOID the mistakes she so often sees being the cause of the trials she is part of.
In her book “A Parent’s Guide to Safer Childbirth” she highlights the different mistakes she commonly sees and gives you advice on how to make sure you never enter the courtroom. Listen as Darby and Gina talk about the most common factor in her cases, as well as how YOU can have a beautiful and SAFE birth experience!
Buy Gina’s Best-Selling book here!
Follow Gina on social media! @ginamundy
Gina’s website ➡️ https://ginamundy.com/
As always, if you liked what you heard, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your feedback means the world to me and helps us to continue to talk about birth... and maybe, just maybe inspire a listening mama to reclaim her confidence.
Thanks so much for listening today! Please leave a review because that helps others find me too!! I love hearing your thoughts on the show and learning about what you take away from each episode!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to always be notified when a new show is released! You can do that here>> https://boundlessgracebirth.com/podcast
Have a question you want answered on a future episode?? Submit your question here!
Do you have a birth story to tell?? Fill out this form!
Connect with me! Reach out on my site or through Instagram!
Website || www.boundlessgracebirth.com << Explore offers and content here!!
Instagram || @boundlessgracebirth << Follow me here!!

04/29/24 • 46 min
In today's episode, we are talking about healing after birth trauma and postpartum recovery from a physical perspective with Lynn Schulte, PT.
Lynn Schulte has been a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist for over 30 years. She is the principle instructor and founder of the Institute for Birth Healing. She has successfully healed thousands of women from all the issues they experience after birth and is now teaching courses to bodyworkers to help them do the same.
She found a common birth pattern that shows up in the pelvis after birth and knows how to effectively release these patterns. Knowing we are more than just our bodies, Lynn works on all levels, physically, energetically, and spiritually with women to help them access their full potential. She also teaches bodyworkers how to work with the energy of the body and how to access/use their intuition in bodywork sessions. She offers a certification process to help birth professionals become Birth Healing Practitioners.
Lynn holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from St. Louis University, St. Louis Missouri.
Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:
Educational Platform: https://instituteforbirthhealing.com/
Clinical Practice: https://centerforbirthhealing.com/
Directory: https://directory.instituteforbirthhealing.com/
Confidence in your Core, Pelvic Floor and More course: https://instituteforbirthhealing.com/confidence-core-pelvic-floor/
Youtube Videos Mentioned in Today's Episode:
How to Massage your C-Section Scar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-VfUJ6JcWo
Close the Pelvic Bones After: https://youtu.be/JRUPAwTN1P4?si=LboAGVpqZ2XW6vdm
Thanks so much for listening today! Please leave a review because that helps others find me too!! I love hearing your thoughts on the show and learning about what you take away from each episode!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to always be notified when a new show is released! You can do that here>> https://boundlessgracebirth.com/podcast
Have a question you want answered on a future episode?? Submit your question here!
Do you have a birth story to tell?? Fill out this form!
Connect with me! Reach out on my site or through Instagram!
Website || www.boundlessgracebirth.com << Explore offers and content here!!
Instagram || @boundlessgracebirth << Follow me here!!

Episode 033 Capturing the Beauty of Birth: A Conversation with Birth Photographer Samantha Tollison
Birth By Design
10/07/24 • 44 min
In this episode of Birth By Design, I sit down with Samantha Tollison, a talented birth photographer from the DFW area, to discuss the art and heart behind birth photography. Samantha shares her journey into the world of birth work, how she captures those sacred first moments, and why preserving the story of birth is so important for families.
We also chat about her podcast Birth in Focus, where she highlights other birth professionals and what birth is like through "their lens." Whether you're a mama looking to document your own birth or just curious about this unique art form, Samantha’s wisdom and passion will inspire you!
✨ Connect with Samantha:
Instagram: @samanthatollisonbirth
Podcast: Birth in Focus https://www.samanthatollison.com/birthinfocus?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYKh3hCLKDCzodC9GM1PM6mX1SbcszkKKfibMIeVXe-PYyIGLVi9L31LVE_aem_sbRvN20aUljpbTotGx_x2w
Don't forget to listen and subscribe to Birth By Design for more faith-filled birth stories and expert interviews!
#BirthByDesign #BirthInFocus #BirthPhotography #FaithFULLBirth #DFWBirth
Thanks so much for listening today! Please leave a review because that helps others find me too!! I love hearing your thoughts on the show and learning about what you take away from each episode!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to always be notified when a new show is released! You can do that here>> https://boundlessgracebirth.com/podcast
Have a question you want answered on a future episode?? Submit your question here!
Do you have a birth story to tell?? Fill out this form!
Connect with me! Reach out on my site or through Instagram!
Website || www.boundlessgracebirth.com << Explore offers and content here!!
Instagram || @boundlessgracebirth << Follow me here!!

Episode 034 Understanding High-Risk Pregnancy and Birth Trauma with Parijat Deshpande
Birth By Design
10/14/24 • 47 min
In this enlightening episode of Birth By Design, I sit down with Parijat Deshpande, a leading expert in high-risk pregnancy and birth trauma. Parijat shares her journey as a high-risk pregnancy survivor and how her experiences shaped her mission to support others facing similar challenges.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The realities of navigating a high-risk pregnancy and the emotions that come with it.
- The impact of birth trauma on mental and emotional well-being, and how it can affect new parents.
- Practical tools and resources for healing and recovery, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care.
Whether you’re an expectant parent, a support person, or a birth professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights and hope for anyone who has faced the challenges of high-risk pregnancy or birth trauma.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Check out Parijat's book, Pregnancy Brain, for more insights on managing high-risk pregnancies: Find it here.
- Learn more about Ruvelle, a platform that provides support and resources for pregnant individuals: Visit Ruvelle.
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation about the importance of understanding and supporting high-risk pregnancies!
Thanks so much for listening today! Please leave a review because that helps others find me too!! I love hearing your thoughts on the show and learning about what you take away from each episode!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to always be notified when a new show is released! You can do that here>> https://boundlessgracebirth.com/podcast
Have a question you want answered on a future episode?? Submit your question here!
Do you have a birth story to tell?? Fill out this form!
Connect with me! Reach out on my site or through Instagram!
Website || www.boundlessgracebirth.com << Explore offers and content here!!
Instagram || @boundlessgracebirth << Follow me here!!

02/05/24 • 50 min
Hey friends! Today we are starting a special 4 part series all about LABOR INDUCTIONS! I am joined by my doula bestie and co-host, Dusti Murray from The Journey Doula. We will be discussing briefly the information surrounding labor inductions.
In this first episode, we dive into what an induction is, how inductions happen, and why you may want to have an induction OR why you do NOT want an induction.
Stay tuned over the next few weeks as we talk about how to prepare your body, mind, and partners for inductions – as well as how YOU as a birth worker can support an induced labor. I’m excited, Dusti’s excited... let’s get into it!
You can connect with Dusti on Instagram here ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/thejourneydoulaservices/
You can also visit her website here ➡️ https://thejourneydoula.wixsite.com/the-journey-doula
Previous Birth By Design Episodes Mentioned ⬇️
Episode 007 Navigated Birth World Bias with Victoria Wilson (The MotherWell Doula)
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Darby’s FREE Guide to Informed Decision Making – https://boundlessgracebirth.com/free-guide
Thanks so much for listening today! Please leave a review because that helps others find me too!! I love hearing your thoughts on the show and learning about what you take away from each episode!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to always be notified when a new show is released! You can do that here>> https://boundlessgracebirth.com/podcast
Have a question you want answered on a future episode?? Submit your question here!
Do you have a birth story to tell?? Fill out this form!
Connect with me! Reach out on my site or through Instagram!
Website || www.boundlessgracebirth.com << Explore offers and content here!!
Instagram || @boundlessgracebirth << Follow me here!!

01/22/24 • 49 min
In today’s episode we hear from Laura as she shares her beautiful VBAC story...
Listen as she describes overcoming hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnancy and conquering her induced, unmedicated VBAC!!!
Laura is a mom of 3 earth-side kiddos, 2 girls, and a sweet little boy. Of whom we will be hearing about his beautiful entrance into the world. Laura also has recently embarked on her birth-work journey to being a Doula. She proudly specializes in Miscarriage/Pregnancy loss/and bereavement. This specialty came after she experienced her own loss in May of 2022.
You can connect with Laura on her Facebook page at Redwood Bereavement and Birth Services!
Laura’s Email >> [email protected]
Laura’s Website >> Home | Redwood Bereavement & Birth Services (redwooddoulaservic.wixsite.com)
Thanks so much for listening today! Please leave a review because that helps others find me too!! I love hearing your thoughts on the show and learning about what you take away from each episode!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to always be notified when a new show is released! You can do that here>> https://boundlessgracebirth.com/podcast
Have a question you want answered on a future episode?? Submit your question here!
Do you have a birth story to tell?? Fill out this form!
Connect with me! Reach out on my site or through Instagram!
Website || www.boundlessgracebirth.com << Explore offers and content here!!
Instagram || @boundlessgracebirth << Follow me here!!

Episode 020: 10 Tips for Birth Partners for Pregnancy/Labor/Birth Support (from a Birth Doula)
Birth By Design
04/15/24 • 15 min
10 Tips for Birth Partners for Labor & Birth
In today’s episode, I wanted to do something a little different and let you guys decide if you like this or not... if you like it, I might do some more solo podcasts soon on some audience-suggested topics, but for now, let's see how it goes!
If you liked today’s episode and have a topic suggestion for a future episode, submit it here!
Thanks so much for listening today! Please leave a review because that helps others find me too!! I love hearing your thoughts on the show and learning about what you take away from each episode!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to always be notified when a new show is released! You can do that here>> https://boundlessgracebirth.com/podcast
Have a question you want answered on a future episode?? Submit your question here!
Do you have a birth story to tell?? Fill out this form!
Connect with me! Reach out on my site or through Instagram!
Website || www.boundlessgracebirth.com << Explore offers and content here!!
Instagram || @boundlessgracebirth << Follow me here!!

03/25/24 • 68 min
Hi friends!! I’m so excited for Petra to share her story with you of her VBA3C (vaginal birth after 3 c-sections).
Petra is a Birth Doula, Birth Educator, and VBA3C mom from Modesto, California. She channels her profound passion for empowering birth experiences into every aspect of her work. Her transformative Vaginal Birth After 3 Cesareans fuels her commitment to guiding women toward giving birth on their terms, no matter what that looks like.
You can connect with Petra a few different ways 👇
Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/birthing_come_true/
Podcast 👉 https://thevbacjunkiepodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Website 👉 https://birthingcometrue.com/
VBAC Resources 👇
International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) 👉 https://www.ican-online.org/
The VBAC Link 👉 https://www.thevbaclink.com/
Thanks so much for listening today! Please leave a review because that helps others find me too!! I love hearing your thoughts on the show and learning about what you take away from each episode!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to always be notified when a new show is released! You can do that here>> https://boundlessgracebirth.com/podcast
Have a question you want answered on a future episode?? Submit your question here!
Do you have a birth story to tell?? Fill out this form!
Connect with me! Reach out on my site or through Instagram!
Website || www.boundlessgracebirth.com << Explore offers and content here!!
Instagram || @boundlessgracebirth << Follow me here!!

Episode 015 Mindful Motherhood: Postpartum Mental Health Unmasked with Perinatal Mental Health Counselor, Sara Wright
Birth By Design
03/11/24 • 60 min
** TRIGGER WARNING **
Mention of intrusive thoughts, pregnancy loss, miscarriage, and postpartum mood disorders.
Today’s show is a BIG one. Sara Wright from The Mindful Mama is discussing mental health as it pertains to prenatal and postpartum mamas. This is a BIG conversation with BIG feelings. So grab yourself a fresh cup of coffee, curl up in your favorite chair, and join us as we start a new conversation surrounding mental health.
Connect with Sara here! 👇
Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/themindfulmamaky/
The Mindful Mama website 👉 https://www.themindfulmamaky.com/
Postpartum Resource: https://www.postpartum.net/
Resources mentioned in today’s episode:
“The First Forty Days” by Heng Ou: Buy it on Amazon here!
“Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts” by Karen Kleiman: Buy it on Amazon here!
“What About Us?: A New Parent’s Guide to Safeguarding Your Over-Anxious, Over-Extended, Sleep-Deprived Relationship” by Karen Kleiman:
Thanks so much for listening today! Please leave a review because that helps others find me too!! I love hearing your thoughts on the show and learning about what you take away from each episode!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to always be notified when a new show is released! You can do that here>> https://boundlessgracebirth.com/podcast
Have a question you want answered on a future episode?? Submit your question here!
Do you have a birth story to tell?? Fill out this form!
Connect with me! Reach out on my site or through Instagram!
Website || www.boundlessgracebirth.com << Explore offers and content here!!
Instagram || @boundlessgracebirth << Follow me here!!

03/18/24 • 53 min
Join us as we dive into how cultivating mindfulness can empower you and your partner to navigate childbirth with grace and confidence. From managing pain to fostering a deeper connection with your baby, Suzzie offers invaluable insights that will revolutionize your approach to labor and childbirth.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation—it's a must-listen for every expectant mom preparing for the miracle of birth.
Suzzie Vehrs is a doula and childbirth educator passionate about helping moms create a birth they love. She is passionate about helping moms gain confidence in their body, in their ability, and in their team. She believes prevention in the form of movement and nutrition is foundational to a healthy pregnancy, that all moms can handle contractions like a boss, and that there are safe ways to use epidural and inductions if that is a moms preference. Suzzie has attended over 200 births as a doula. She is passionate about lowering c-section rates, inspiring self-care, and building the village. She has had the opportunity to work with all kinds of moms in all kinds of birth locations!
You can connect with Suzzie on Facebook and Instagram below!
👉 https://www.facebook.com/shebirthsbravely
👉 https://www.instagram.com/shebirthsbravely/
She Births Bravely website 👉 www.shebirthsbravely.com
Thanks so much for listening today! Please leave a review because that helps others find me too!! I love hearing your thoughts on the show and learning about what you take away from each episode!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe to always be notified when a new show is released! You can do that here>> https://boundlessgracebirth.com/podcast
Have a question you want answered on a future episode?? Submit your question here!
Do you have a birth story to tell?? Fill out this form!
Connect with me! Reach out on my site or through Instagram!
Website || www.boundlessgracebirth.com << Explore offers and content here!!
Instagram || @boundlessgracebirth << Follow me here!!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Birth By Design have?
Birth By Design currently has 35 episodes available.
What topics does Birth By Design cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Parenting, Labor, Kids & Family, Motherhood, Mental Health, Pregnancy, Doula, Podcasts, Small Business, Health and Birth.
What is the most popular episode on Birth By Design?
The episode title 'Episode 016 Mindfulness Practices for Pregnancy & Birth with Suzzie Vehrs' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Birth By Design?
The average episode length on Birth By Design is 50 minutes.
How often are episodes of Birth By Design released?
Episodes of Birth By Design are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Birth By Design?
The first episode of Birth By Design was released on Dec 5, 2023.
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