The Birth Journeys Podcast®️: Lifting the veil on the birth experience

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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.

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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!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof at kellyhof.com
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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Jennifer Byrnes, LPC is a therapist specializing in perinatal mental health and trauma. She is the mother of 2 boys, and she is here today to share her birth experience, which involves shoulder dystocia.

If you'd like to reach out to Jennifer you can find more information about her at www.mytherapygoals.com or email her at [email protected]. If you or a loved one is struggling in the postpartum period, Postpartum Support International (PSI) has a listing of perinatal providers available in your area as well as free support groups for birthing people and partners in English and Spanish. You can find more information at www.postpartum.net. Additionally, for those in Virginia, you can access listings of perinatal therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups on the Postpartum Support Virginia website: www.postpartumva.org. If you or a loved one has experienced a trauma (birth or otherwise) you can find available providers trained in EMDR on the EMDRIA website: www.emdria.org.

You are not alone and you are not to blame. Help is available. You will get better. - PSI

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 at kellyhof.com
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

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, during his legal struggles, while also ensuring the well-being of their newborn.
Brigette’s healing journey post-birth is a profound exploration of resilience through transformative practices like forgiveness, kinesiology, breathwork, and cold showers. She opens up about how these practices helped her address and release the emotional trauma stored in her body, bringing a sense of peace and balance to her new role as a mother. The discussion shines a light on the importance of balancing hormones, embracing discomfort to build mental fortitude, and learning to control emotions, which is crucial in parenting and personal growth. Brigette's insights offer invaluable lessons on how acknowledging and processing past experiences can lead to liberation and greater personal strength.
Coping with isolation during motherhood, Brigette's experience highlights the importance of self-care and mental health in navigating the challenges of parenthood without immediate support. She candidly discusses the identity transformation motherhood brings, the pressures of social expectations, and the necessity of releasing mom guilt. Brigette’s story encourages embracing imperfections and prioritizing self-love, all while maintaining family responsibilities and adapting to a new normal. Her journey underscores the power of resilience, the value of support systems, and the need for prioritizing one's well-being amidst life's challenges.
Connect with Brigette here:

• https://media.com/brigettepanetta
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/brigette-panetta-80967545/

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 at kellyhof.com
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

What if you could have a more positive and empowered childbirth experience with the help of a doula? Join me as I sit down with Micah Burgess, a mother of six, doula, and host of the My Doula Micah podcast. Together, we uncover the vital role of teamwork in the delivery room and how a doula can create a comforting atmosphere for mothers during labor and delivery.
Our insightful conversation explores the critical relationship between labor and delivery nurses and doulas, emphasizing the importance of comfort techniques and data points in ensuring a safe and positive birthing process. We also dive into the complexities of navigating medical interventions, sharing how a doula's support can facilitate informed decision-making between medical staff and patient.
Finally, we discuss the power of empowering women to make their own choices during childbirth, regardless of whether they opt for medical interventions like epidurals. Micah highlights the importance of leaving personal agendas at the door and focusing on the needs of the laboring mother to foster a memorable birth experience. Don't miss this eye-opening episode with Micah Burgess as we uncover the transformative impact doulas and labor nurses working as a cohesive team can have on the birthing experience.
To connect with Micah, visit www.mydoulamicah.com

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 at kellyhof.com
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

When Kiona Nessenbaum, a dedicated doula and birth worker, shares her story, you can't help but feel the room change. As she recounts her own unexpected journey into motherhood at a young age and her evolution into a professional guiding others through the birthing process, it's a reminder of the resilience and transformative power of women. From humorous labor moments to the nitty-gritty of breastfeeding challenges, Kiona invites us into her world, offering unfiltered insights that highlight the emotional and practical aspects of childbirth.
Navigating the delicate balance between professional aspirations and parenting is no small feat, and Kiona's candid discussions on the subject shed light on a reality many mothers face. She articulates the complexities of birth decisions, the emotional landscape of motherhood, and the critical importance of creating culturally sensitive birthing environments. Her personal narratives underscore the varied experiences of childbirth and the necessity for healthcare providers to foster empathetic spaces, especially for people of color. Kiona's warmth and wisdom resonate, offering connection and inspiration whether you're a new parent, a birth worker, or someone with a curiosity about the world of childbirth.
Join us for an episode that explores the intersection of personal experience and professional dedication. Kiona not only shares her profound birth stories but also extends an open invitation to continue the conversation about birthing in our community. If you've ever wondered about the power of support during labor or the impact of informed care, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and perhaps even guide your own birthing choices. With Kiona's encouragement, we're reminded of the importance of sharing these stories, fostering inclusivity, and the beauty of finding kindred spirits in life's most transformative journeys.
Connect with Kiona:
kionanessenbaum.com
https://www.instagram.com/birthasweknowitpodcast

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 at kellyhof.com
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.