
Healing through The Wisdom of Midwifery: Laura Erickson – Into Healing S2, Ep.10
12/16/24 • 66 min
Laura Erickson is the director and owner of Alma Midwifery. Laura’s calling to be a midwife showed up early and has stayed steadfast and strong ever since, she has been practicing midwifery for three and half decades. Our conversation delves into the ancient practice of midwifery, its evolution, and its profound impact on childbirth. Laura shares her personal journey into midwifery and describes the holistic approach that modern midwives use, blending traditional care with contemporary medical practices. The discussion highlights the importance of informed consent, prenatal education, and the postpartum support provided by midwives, including home visits that reduce postpartum depression and support successful breastfeeding. Laura addresses common misconceptions about midwifery, emphasizing its safety and effectiveness. Laura talks to the underrepresentation and payment disparities faced by midwives in the U.S., and the critical need for more midwives of color to improve outcomes for Black women and other women of color. Through personal anecdotes and statistical insights, Laura illustrates how midwifery can be a healing practice for both families and practitioners, fostering empowerment and deeper connections.
⭐️ In this episode, you’ll learn ⭐️
00:38 Introducing Laura Erickson: A Journey into Midwifery
01:42 The Art and Practice of Midwifery
03:50 Home Visits and Postpartum Care
07:37 Laura's Fascination with Birth: From Childhood to Career
10:20 Midwifery Education and Certification Paths
13:41 Building Relationships with Doctors and Hospitals
16:08 Risk Scoring and Transport Decisions
20:45 The Emotional Journey of Birth
28:10 Misconceptions and Cultural Perspectives on Midwifery
33:00 Generational Shifts in Birth Practices
34:13 The Sacredness of Midwifery
37:57 Healing Through Midwifery
40:53 Empowerment and Confidence in Birth
43:30 Challenges in Women's Healthcare
45:26 Insurance and Midwifery
52:20 The Role of Doulas
01:02:49 Spirituality in Midwifery
01:05:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
👉 Follow Laura
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almamidwifery
Website: https://www.almamidwifery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almamidwiferyservices/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlmaMidwifery
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-erickson-9749b9263/
📚 Episode References:
MariMikel Penn: https://rb.gy/ppgl8y
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin: https://rb.gy/pwys2w
✏️ Download Transcript (generated by an AI service):
https://www.intohealing.com/s/Into-Healing-Laura-Erickson-Transcript.docx
👂Listen to the Into Healing Podcast while you're on-the-go!
🎧 Apple podcast: https://apple.co/3wmd4sz
🎧 Spotify: https://rb.gy/ceqmkt
👉 Subscribe to the YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/@Into.Healing
👉 Follow Into Healing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intohealing/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@into.healing
Website: https://www.intohealing.com/
👉 Follow Mira
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirakaddoura
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mira.kaddoura
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirakaddoura/
💌 Sign up for the Healing newsletter
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🖐 Into Healing is produced by Red & Co.
https://redandco.com/
Disclaimers
• As a reminder, Into Healing is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.
• Into Healing recognizes that for people suffering under traumatic forces beyond their control, beginning a healing journey is often not possible. For these neighbors, both near and far, let us make a better world where all who wish to heal have the time, space, and resources they need.
Laura Erickson is the director and owner of Alma Midwifery. Laura’s calling to be a midwife showed up early and has stayed steadfast and strong ever since, she has been practicing midwifery for three and half decades. Our conversation delves into the ancient practice of midwifery, its evolution, and its profound impact on childbirth. Laura shares her personal journey into midwifery and describes the holistic approach that modern midwives use, blending traditional care with contemporary medical practices. The discussion highlights the importance of informed consent, prenatal education, and the postpartum support provided by midwives, including home visits that reduce postpartum depression and support successful breastfeeding. Laura addresses common misconceptions about midwifery, emphasizing its safety and effectiveness. Laura talks to the underrepresentation and payment disparities faced by midwives in the U.S., and the critical need for more midwives of color to improve outcomes for Black women and other women of color. Through personal anecdotes and statistical insights, Laura illustrates how midwifery can be a healing practice for both families and practitioners, fostering empowerment and deeper connections.
⭐️ In this episode, you’ll learn ⭐️
00:38 Introducing Laura Erickson: A Journey into Midwifery
01:42 The Art and Practice of Midwifery
03:50 Home Visits and Postpartum Care
07:37 Laura's Fascination with Birth: From Childhood to Career
10:20 Midwifery Education and Certification Paths
13:41 Building Relationships with Doctors and Hospitals
16:08 Risk Scoring and Transport Decisions
20:45 The Emotional Journey of Birth
28:10 Misconceptions and Cultural Perspectives on Midwifery
33:00 Generational Shifts in Birth Practices
34:13 The Sacredness of Midwifery
37:57 Healing Through Midwifery
40:53 Empowerment and Confidence in Birth
43:30 Challenges in Women's Healthcare
45:26 Insurance and Midwifery
52:20 The Role of Doulas
01:02:49 Spirituality in Midwifery
01:05:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
👉 Follow Laura
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almamidwifery
Website: https://www.almamidwifery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almamidwiferyservices/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlmaMidwifery
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-erickson-9749b9263/
📚 Episode References:
MariMikel Penn: https://rb.gy/ppgl8y
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin: https://rb.gy/pwys2w
✏️ Download Transcript (generated by an AI service):
https://www.intohealing.com/s/Into-Healing-Laura-Erickson-Transcript.docx
👂Listen to the Into Healing Podcast while you're on-the-go!
🎧 Apple podcast: https://apple.co/3wmd4sz
🎧 Spotify: https://rb.gy/ceqmkt
👉 Subscribe to the YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/@Into.Healing
👉 Follow Into Healing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intohealing/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@into.healing
Website: https://www.intohealing.com/
👉 Follow Mira
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirakaddoura
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mira.kaddoura
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirakaddoura/
💌 Sign up for the Healing newsletter
https://www.intohealing.com/newsletter
🖐 Into Healing is produced by Red & Co.
https://redandco.com/
Disclaimers
• As a reminder, Into Healing is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.
• Into Healing recognizes that for people suffering under traumatic forces beyond their control, beginning a healing journey is often not possible. For these neighbors, both near and far, let us make a better world where all who wish to heal have the time, space, and resources they need.
Previous Episode

Healing Trauma through Psychedelics & EMDR: Davida Moore – Into Healing S2, Ep.9
Davida Moore is an indigenous psychotherapist whose journey into the healing space is deeply rooted in bridging traditional psychotherapy with various modalities, including yoga, DBT, EMDR, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Davida’s passion stems from understanding the importance of self awareness. She believes increased self awareness leads to the capability and capacity to heal. She emphasizes the importance of awareness in trauma healing and the role of the nervous system in mental health. Additionally, we delve into the world of psilocybin, discussing the role of a guide, safety and the benefits it can bring to individuals.
⭐️ In this episode, you’ll learn ⭐️
00:00 Introduction to Emotional Suppression
00:34 Meet Davida Moore: Indigenous Psychotherapist
01:09 Davida's Journey into Healing
02:10 Exploring Eastern Medicine and Yoga
03:00 Transition to Psychotherapy
03:34 Specializing in Trauma Resolution
04:05 Pioneering Psychedelic Therapy
04:58 Integrating Indigenous and African Roots
07:09 Understanding Self-Awareness in Healing
07:49 Navigating Dissociation and Trauma
08:23 The Role of Awareness in Healing
11:51 Coping with Uncomfortable Emotions
13:22 Healing the Nervous System
16:14 The Power of Talk Therapy
17:32 Introduction to EMDR
17:42 How EMDR Works
23:57 Transformative Power of EMDR
25:51 Understanding Psilocybin
28:59 The Role of Guides in Psychedelic Therapy
30:48 Microdosing vs. Macrodosing
33:39 Historical Use of Psilocybin
38:25 A Deep Dive into Psilocybin Therapy
39:47 The Mystical Experience and Integration
41:12 Exploring PSIP: Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy
43:06 Personal Journey and Training Insights
45:52 Transformative Client Stories
47:34 Assessing and Choosing the Right Modality
54:23 The Role of Community and Nature in Healing
55:19 Balancing Treatment and Spirituality
57:06 Accelerating the Adoption of Psychedelics
59:12 Addressing Fears and Misconceptions
01:05:13 Empowerment Through Healing
01:12:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
👉 Follow Davida:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davida.c.moore
Website: https://www.davidacmoore.com/
📚 Episode References:
Lauren Ampolos, PhD, IFMCP Clinical Director / Psychologist: https://illuminatewellnessmaui.com/
Saj Razvi, LPC is the Director of Education at PSI: https://www.psychedelicsomatic.org/about
✏️ Download Transcript (generated by an AI service):
https://www.intohealing.com/s/Into-Healing-Davida-Moore-Transcript.docx
👂Listen to the Into Healing Podcast while you're on-the-go!
🎧 Apple podcast: https://apple.co/3wmd4sz
🎧 Spotify: https://rb.gy/ceqmkt
👉 Subscribe to the YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/@Into.Healing
👉 Follow Into Healing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intohealing/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@into.healing
Website: https://www.intohealing.com/
👉 Follow Mira
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirakaddoura
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mira.kaddoura
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirakaddoura/
💌 Sign up for the Healing newsletter
https://www.intohealing.com/newsletter
🖐 Into Healing is produced by Red & Co.
https://redandco.com/
Disclaimers
• As a reminder, Into Healing is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.
• Into Healing recognizes that for people suffering under traumatic forces beyond their control, beginning a healing journey is often not possible. For these neighbors, both near and far, let us make a better world where all who wish to heal have the time, space, and resources they need.
Next Episode

Healing through Empathy & Self-Compassion: Karen Faith – Into Healing S2, Ep.11
Karen Faith, Founder and CEO of Others Unlimited, is an ethnographer with over 20 years of experience. As a strategist and thought leader, she created the Others curriculum, a groundbreaking program that fosters empathy and transforms how people connect. Karen is passionate about teaching emotional intelligence, empowering individuals to shift perspectives and build meaningful relationships—whether among colleagues, communities, or nations. In this episode, Karen explores empathy’s transformative power, discussing unconditional welcome, the balance of judgment and acceptance, and the role of self-awareness. She shares practical advice on developing cognitive empathy, distinguishing it from compassion, and building genuine connections. Karen also reflects on her personal healing journey, highlighting shadow work, radical self-acceptance, and embracing all aspects of oneself. Join us to uncover ways to deepen relationships, navigate human complexities, and create a more compassionate world.
⭐️ In this episode, you’ll learn ⭐️
00:35 Meet Karen Faith: Ethnographer and Empathy Expert
02:25 Understanding Empathy: Types and Practices
06:08 Empathy as a Learnable Skill
07:41 Self-Reflection and Non-Judgment
13:21 Empathy in a Divisive World
13:52 Personal Stories of Empathy and Understanding
26:58 The Power of Acceptance and Honesty
29:59 Healing Through Shadow Work
35:11 The Journey of Self-Care and Kindness
41:24 Trauma and the Path to Forgiveness
55:03 Sharing My Story: A Personal Journey
55:57 The Grounding Room: A Safe Haven
56:47 Understanding Abuse and Its Impact
58:53 Discovering Internal Family Systems Therapy
01:02:17 The Power of Connection and Empathy
01:04:08 Exploring Healing Modalities
01:05:58 Unconditional Welcome and Non-Judgment
01:09:55 Practicing Empathy and Cognitive Understanding
01:14:41 The Journey to Self-Love and Acceptance
01:41:35 Final Reflections and Gratitude
👉 Follow Karen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/othersunlimited
Website: https://www.othersunlimited.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/othersunlimited
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KarenFaith
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/others-unlimited/
📚 Episode References:
Scale of The Universe: https://scaleofuniverse.com/en
Dr. Richard Schwartz: https://shorturl.at/kZVqt
✏️ Download Transcript (generated by an AI service):
https://www.intohealing.com/s/Into-Healing-Karen-Faith-Audio.docx
👂Listen to the Into Healing Podcast while you're on-the-go!
🎧 Apple podcast: https://apple.co/3wmd4sz
🎧 Spotify: https://rb.gy/ceqmkt
👉 Subscribe to the YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/@Into.Healing
👉 Follow Into Healing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intohealing/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@into.healing
Website: https://www.intohealing.com/
👉 Follow Mira
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirakaddoura
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mira.kaddoura
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirakaddoura/
💌 Sign up for the Healing newsletter
https://www.intohealing.com/newsletter
🖐 Into Healing is produced by Red & Co.
https://redandco.com/
Disclaimers
• As a reminder, Into Healing is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and does not constitute medical or psychological advice.
• Into Healing recognizes that for people suffering under traumatic forces beyond their control, beginning a healing journey is often not possible. For these neighbors, both near and far, let us make a better world where all who wish to heal have the time, space, and resources they need.
Into Healing with Mira Kaddoura - Healing through The Wisdom of Midwifery: Laura Erickson – Into Healing S2, Ep.10
Transcript
I don't want to be the expert on them,, their body, their baby. I'm not an expert on anybody,you I know a lot, but they're their own expert. And if you continue to take power away and be the expert, then they'll continue to feel like, it has to be the preschool teacher or the doctor or someone external that will tell them what to do instead of them really gaining confidence. They've learned the language of their baby. Yeah. And themselves, right? To trust themselves.
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