Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant Individuals

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Welcome to an insightful conversation I had with Megan McCutchen, a therapist who dedicates her career to perinatal mental health. We navigate the murky waters of intrusive thoughts, a common yet unsettling phenomenon among women during pregnancy and after birth. These fleeting thoughts, ranging from harmless fears to catastrophic scenarios, often serve as indicators of postpartum OCD or perinatal anxiety. Megan and I explore how to perceive these thoughts as they are - just thoughts, not reality. We also share practical exercises to steer your mind away from these intrusive thoughts and manage them effectively.
Moving forward, we shed light on postpartum anxiety, a condition that can sometimes present with intrusive thoughts. For new mothers, this can be an overwhelming and bewildering experience. To help you navigate this, Megan offers strategies on how to confront these feelings of anxiety, instead of resisting or running away from them. In cases where these thoughts become too overpowering, we provide various coping mechanisms. We also delve into the role that medication can play when dealing with postpartum anxiety that feels all-consuming.
In the final segment of our conversation, we explore societal pressures and how they can contribute to heightened levels of anxiety. We dissect the societal push for 'toxic independence' and the influence of social media, and how they contribute to escalating stress levels. We also discuss the importance of letting go of the pursuit of perfection when it comes to parenthood. It's crucial to understand that everyone is working hard and deserves compassion and understanding. Remember, there's no such thing as a perfect parent - we're all just doing our best. So join us for this enlightening episode and equip yourself with strategies to better manage intrusive thoughts and anxiety during the perinatal period.

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Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

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Connect with Kelly Hof!
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Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

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When Trishia Plett stepped into the world of motherhood, it wasn't just a birth story she was crafting—it was a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the intimate dance between autonomy and wellness. As a health and wellness ambassador, Tricia opens the doors to her deeply personal journey through the challenges and triumphs of pregnancy, especially under the shadow of PCOS and a health scare. Gripping from start to finish, her narrative is a vibrant tapestry of emotional revelations, the push for unmedicated childbirth, and the pursuit of balance in her newfound role as a parent.
Navigating the healthcare system is no small feat, and Trishia’s experience is a masterclass in standing your ground and voicing your birth preferences. She pulls back the curtain on the complexities of high-risk pregnancies and the significance of aligning her birth plan with her values. Through this episode, listeners will witness the evolution of a mother's determination, the importance of prenatal preparation, and the influence of family history on birthing expectations. Trishia’s story resonates with power and encouragement, underlining her commitment to maintaining autonomy during childbirth and the tender moments that define the transition into parenthood.
In the dynamic interplay of career and motherhood, Trishia’s return to her profession adds a new dimension to her story. We unpack the nuances of integrating work and family life, the influence of understanding one's body, and the unexpected joys of natural postpartum recovery. The conversation culminates in a heartwarming expression of gratitude and a candid reflection on societal pressures and family planning. Each chapter of this episode is a mosaic of support and insight, offering a guiding light to parents and parents-to-be on similar voyages. Join us as we celebrate personal victories and navigate the tides of family life with Trishia Plett, whose story is nothing short of inspiring.

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof!
Grab The Book of Hormones
Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

Send us a text

Discover the intricate dance of midwifery care and the empowering role of patients in healthcare through the expert eyes of Jodilyn Owen, LM, CPM, and Arya Pretlow, MSN, CNM, IBCLC, C-IYAT. For those curious about the meticulous qualifications behind safe home or birth center deliveries and the scenarios that necessitate a hospital transfer, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. We cut through the common myths surrounding non-hospital births, celebrating the proactive, data-driven approaches that characterize midwifery, and the vital collaboration with obstetricians. Meanwhile, the conversation also turns to the dedication of labor and delivery nurses who, despite the challenges of being understaffed and the emotional toll of the job, tirelessly prioritize the wellbeing of mothers and babies.
Step into the world of maternity care, where patient autonomy is nurtured and the resilience of healthcare providers shines bright. We examine the pressures new nurses face and the wisdom of experienced professionals in creating a personalized birth experience. This episode underscores the importance of encouraging patients to voice their needs, further highlighting the role of healthcare professionals in facilitating a birth experience that honors the physiological processes of labor. It's a heartfelt homage to those who navigate the high-stakes environment of hospitals, striving to maintain patient-centered care amidst a myriad of challenges.
Wrapping up, we delve into the transformative impact of collaborative care models, which bridge the gap between midwives and healthcare systems. Whether you're a healthcare professional or a first-time parent seeking guidance, join us on this exploration of birth environments and the profound respect for life that midwives bring to every delivery. Our conversation aims to connect you to a community that values every aspect of the birthing process and inspire collective efforts to improve maternity care for all.
https://www.birthcenters.org

https://mana.org

https://narm.org

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be!

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof!
Grab The Book of Hormones
Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

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Ever wonder how drastically different two births can be? Imagine one which is calm and another being a chaotic rush - that's the compelling narrative of our guest Lindsay Bermudez, co-founder of Babycito. Lindsay takes us on a journey through her two unique childbirth experiences, the support she received, and the subsequent inspiration to create a platform connecting new parents with resources in Northern Virginia (and one day beyond1!)
As we delve deeper, we unravel the unspoken physical and emotional challenges of natural childbirth, highlighting the significance of equipping oneself adequately. Sharing our personal struggles, we bring up the topic of breastfeeding, including challenges faced with milk protein intolerance and the quest to find the perfect formula. We explore the necessity of having a strong mindset and support system, whether it's through childbirth classes or a comprehensive platform for new parents.
To wrap up our conversation, we delve into Babycito and the critical role it plays in bridging the gap between families and crucial services like doulas and lactation consultants. One thing is clear - the need for support extends beyond childbirth and evolves as the child grows. Tune in to learn how Babycito aims to support families and connect them with the resources they need throughout this incredible journey called parenthood.
Connect with Lindsay at babycito.co

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof!
Grab The Book of Hormones
Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

Send us a text

How does trauma from sexual abuse affect pregnancy and postpartum experiences? This pressing question forms the crux of our conversation with Jennifer Byrnes, LPC a seasoned therapist certified in perinatal mental health and EMDR. Unveiling some profound insights, Jennifer helps us dissect the complexities of consent, the way trauma imprints itself on our bodies, and how these elements can affect a woman's journey through pregnancy and beyond.
We journey further into the shadows of trauma, exploring its impacts on pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experiences. Jennifer guides us through the nuances of how trauma can manifest as dissociation and a sense of lost control during childbirth, and the essential role that trust and consent play in this process. Through a frank discussion, we tackle the realities of PTSD and postpartum depression, underscoring the need for a trusted support person, mindfulness techniques, and the importance of patient involvement in decision-making.
Finally, we turn our attention to the empowering process of delivery decision-making. Jennifer carves out a path for survivors, highlighting the importance of communication with providers and exploring various delivery options. We delve into the treatability of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, a condition affecting one in five individuals. Jennifer strongly encourages seeking help and finding a supportive provider, emphasizing that you are not alone. Let's navigate this challenging terrain together, learning, healing, and empowering each other.
To connect with Jennifer, go to:

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof!
Grab The Book of Hormones
Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.