Ep 41: Birth Story - Birthing in Community with Tia DeShazor
06/05/22 • 55 min
I had the pleasure of working with Tia during her pregnancy as her “space-holder,” resource-connector, co-strategist, and emotional healing guide. I’ve been excited to share our follow-up conversation because Tia’s story is such a powerful example of what’s possible when pregnancy and birth are supported by community—family, friends, and professionals who are equally competent as they are caring.
It’s a model that doesn’t simply center the pregnant / birthing person, but also makes them the director of their experience, and at the same time, allows them to feel safe enough, held enough so that they can surrender to the process.
The magic that unfolded in Tia’s birth is typically reserved for fantasies. But it was real and it came after a fair amount of self-advocacy and intentionality.
I also want to acknowledge that when you’ve gone through a loss or fertility challenges, it may feel safer to go with the hospital care we’ve learned to accept as the norm. But if you’ve been finding that unsatisfactory, I hope Tia’s story will spark ideas for the alternatives you have access to regardless of who you choose to be on your birthing team and where you choose to birth.
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Tia and I discuss:
Challenges she experienced receiving care within the hospital model
The ways she advocated for herself amidst push-back
Choosing a midwife and homebirth
Feeling supported by “prayers, friends, and angels” as she welcomed her baby earth-side
Links & Resources We Reference:
Bronx (Re)Birth & Progress: www.instagram.com/bxrebirthcollective
Midwife Nubia-Earth Martin: https://birthfromtheearth.vpweb.com/
Birth Doula, Jazzmin Brown: https://www.instagram.com/birthingfarah/
Tia’s Bio:
Tia DeShazor works in the performing arts as an actor, writer of musicals, and career coach for artists. She’s also the co-founder of BOLD, an organization for Black Women in the Performing Arts. Originally from Detroit, she currently lives in Harlem with her husband CK Edwards and baby Lexington. Learn more about her at tiadeshazor.com.
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And if you’d like support in your emotional healing, here are ways I can help:
1. Get on the Birth Warrior Mailing List to receive inspiration and resources for your emotional healing. You’ll also be the first to learn about upcoming workshops and Healing Circles. AND you get two bonus gifts lovingly created by me when you sign up! https://www.subscribepage.com/k8l9d0
2. Work 1:1 with me for your emotional healing or to gently guide you through a conception to childbirth plan for your next pregnancy. Pregnancy after loss or infertility is tough, and you do not have to feel overwhelmed or alone. You’ve been through enough, warrior! And you are so much stronger with the right support! Book a complimentary strategy call with me to help you get clarity for the next phase of your journey: https://calendly.com/nataleefacey/20min
3. Learn More About “Rebirth,” my group course kicking off again later this year. This will support you in diving even deeper into your healing and giving birth to a more powerful you. Learn more about Rebirth Here: https://www.nataleefacey.com/rebirth. And let’s chat to see if the program is a good fit for you: https://calendly.com/nataleefacey/rebirth-discovery
LEARN MORE
>> Learn more about who I am and why I love to do this work at nataleefacey.com
SAY HELLO
>> On Instagram: @thebirthwarriors
>> Via Email: [email protected]
I had the pleasure of working with Tia during her pregnancy as her “space-holder,” resource-connector, co-strategist, and emotional healing guide. I’ve been excited to share our follow-up conversation because Tia’s story is such a powerful example of what’s possible when pregnancy and birth are supported by community—family, friends, and professionals who are equally competent as they are caring.
It’s a model that doesn’t simply center the pregnant / birthing person, but also makes them the director of their experience, and at the same time, allows them to feel safe enough, held enough so that they can surrender to the process.
The magic that unfolded in Tia’s birth is typically reserved for fantasies. But it was real and it came after a fair amount of self-advocacy and intentionality.
I also want to acknowledge that when you’ve gone through a loss or fertility challenges, it may feel safer to go with the hospital care we’ve learned to accept as the norm. But if you’ve been finding that unsatisfactory, I hope Tia’s story will spark ideas for the alternatives you have access to regardless of who you choose to be on your birthing team and where you choose to birth.
------
Tia and I discuss:
Challenges she experienced receiving care within the hospital model
The ways she advocated for herself amidst push-back
Choosing a midwife and homebirth
Feeling supported by “prayers, friends, and angels” as she welcomed her baby earth-side
Links & Resources We Reference:
Bronx (Re)Birth & Progress: www.instagram.com/bxrebirthcollective
Midwife Nubia-Earth Martin: https://birthfromtheearth.vpweb.com/
Birth Doula, Jazzmin Brown: https://www.instagram.com/birthingfarah/
Tia’s Bio:
Tia DeShazor works in the performing arts as an actor, writer of musicals, and career coach for artists. She’s also the co-founder of BOLD, an organization for Black Women in the Performing Arts. Originally from Detroit, she currently lives in Harlem with her husband CK Edwards and baby Lexington. Learn more about her at tiadeshazor.com.
—
And if you’d like support in your emotional healing, here are ways I can help:
1. Get on the Birth Warrior Mailing List to receive inspiration and resources for your emotional healing. You’ll also be the first to learn about upcoming workshops and Healing Circles. AND you get two bonus gifts lovingly created by me when you sign up! https://www.subscribepage.com/k8l9d0
2. Work 1:1 with me for your emotional healing or to gently guide you through a conception to childbirth plan for your next pregnancy. Pregnancy after loss or infertility is tough, and you do not have to feel overwhelmed or alone. You’ve been through enough, warrior! And you are so much stronger with the right support! Book a complimentary strategy call with me to help you get clarity for the next phase of your journey: https://calendly.com/nataleefacey/20min
3. Learn More About “Rebirth,” my group course kicking off again later this year. This will support you in diving even deeper into your healing and giving birth to a more powerful you. Learn more about Rebirth Here: https://www.nataleefacey.com/rebirth. And let’s chat to see if the program is a good fit for you: https://calendly.com/nataleefacey/rebirth-discovery
LEARN MORE
>> Learn more about who I am and why I love to do this work at nataleefacey.com
SAY HELLO
>> On Instagram: @thebirthwarriors
>> Via Email: [email protected]
Previous Episode
Ep 40: Meet Birth & Postpartum Doula, Kris Bailey
Today’s episode features one of my favorite Birth & Postpartum Doulas, Kris Bailey. Knowing that you can add a Birth and Postpartum Doula to your birthing team helps to take the “scary” out of childbirth. And so, I’m thrilled to have Kris share more about how doulas can improve your birthing experience.
Kris is also the founder of Birth Sent Lisi, an organization whose mission is to inform, educate and support birthing people on the island of Saint Lucia by providing access to maternal health services during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period.
Kris and I discuss:
Her journey to becoming a Birthworker
Why a Birth and/or Postpartum Doula is an important part of your birthing team
Having awareness of the “strong, independent woman” archetype and asking for support
The difficult experiences of Black and Brown birthing people
The wonderful work she’s cultivating in her home country of St. Lucia and how you can play a part in its success
Links & Resources:
Kris’ Website: https://birthandbabyservices.com
Birth Sent Lisi on IG: https://www.instagram.com/birthsentlisi
Donate to Birth Sent Lisi buying a birth positive T-shirt: https://birthandbabyservices.com/community-initiatives-1
Donate to Birth Sent Lisi’s fundraiser: https://givebutter.com/BIRTHSENTLISI
Ancient Song Doula Training: https://www.ancientsongdoulaservices.com/
Kris’s Bio:
Kris Bailey is a perinatal professional based in NYC with 8 years of experience in the birth and postpartum wellness industry. She offers a well rounded doula experience: Birth doula, postpartum doula, attachment parent coach, childbirth educator. She’s also a Certified lactation counselor and fertility advocate in training.
Kris’ role as a birth doula is to provide emotional and physical support to a birthing individual during their labor and delivery and reassurance and perspective to partners. Her goal during your pregnancy is to provide you with enough information and tools to feel confident on the onset of labor.
—
And if you’d like support in your emotional healing, here are ways I can help:
1. Get on the Birth Warrior Mailing List to receive inspiration and resources for your emotional healing. You’ll also be the first to learn about upcoming workshops and Healing Circles. AND you get two bonus gifts lovingly created by me when you sign up! https://www.subscribepage.com/k8l9d0
2. Work 1:1 with me for your emotional healing or to gently guide you through a conception to childbirth plan for your next pregnancy. Pregnancy after loss or infertility is tough, and you do not have to feel overwhelmed or alone. You’ve been through enough, warrior! And you are so much stronger with the right support! Book a complimentary strategy call with me to help you get clarity for the next phase of your journey: https://calendly.com/nataleefacey/20min
3. Learn More About “Rebirth,” my group course kicking off again later this year. This will support you in diving even deeper into your healing and giving birth to a more powerful you. Learn more about Rebirth Here: https://www.nataleefacey.com/rebirth. And let’s chat to see if the program is a good fit for you: https://calendly.com/nataleefacey/rebirth-discovery
LEARN MORE
>> Learn more about who I am and why I love to do this work at nataleefacey.com
SAY HELLO
>> On Instagram: @thebirthwarriors
>> Via Email: [email protected]
Next Episode
Ep 42: Rada's Story - IVF, Pregnancy After Loss, & Inner Healing
In this episode, Rada, a client of mine, reflects on our time working together and the impact that had on her pregnancy journey, inner healing, and her relationships.
She shares:
Feeling discouraged to try again after her losses even though she wanted to grow her family
The difference between listening to the podcast and being in a session
The different tools and practices we used during her IVF, pregnancy, and postpartum journey
Ways that she’s changed as a result of her inner healing
How her inner healing has impacted her relationship with her family
Thank you again for sharing your story, Rada!
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If you’re curious as to what support might look like for you on your journey, here are some next steps to explore:
1. Subscribe to the Birth Warrior Mailing List to receive inspiration and resources for your emotional healing. You’ll also be the first to learn about upcoming workshops and Healing Circles. AND you get two bonus gifts lovingly created by me when you sign up! https://www.subscribepage.com/k8l9d0
2. Attend this Month's Workshop on "Thriving in Your Pregnancy After Loss." This is being offered in 2 sessions: on Weds, July 20th at 7PM - 8:30PM ET for women/femmes who are currently pregnant and on Sat, July 30th at 1PM - 2:30PM ET for expectant parents. The workshop will provide the tools to release the impact of fear and anxiety on your body and baby, and prepare for an empowering birth. Learn More or RSVP at https://www.nataleefacey.com/events
3. Schedule a Free Consultation Call to get clarity on what next steps can help with your healing and pregnancy journey. This entire journey can be so tough, and you do not have to feel overwhelmed, defeated, or alone. You’ve been through enough, warrior! And you are so much stronger with the right support! Book a complimentary call via this link: https://calendly.com/nataleefacey/20min
4. Learn More About “Rebirth,” my group course kicking off again later this year. This will support you in diving even deeper into your healing and giving birth to a more powerful you. Learn more about Rebirth Here: https://www.nataleefacey.com/rebirth. And let’s chat to see if the program is a good fit for you: https://calendly.com/nataleefacey/rebirth-discovery
LEARN MORE
>> Learn more about who I am and why I love to do this work at nataleefacey.com
SAY HELLO
>> On Instagram: @thebirthwarriors
>> Via Email: [email protected]
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