#34. From A Traumatic Birth To 4 Successful VBACs & How This Mama Turned Her Trauma Into Her Full Time Career As An OBGYN with Naomi Whittaker
11/21/24 • 56 min
In this empowering episode of The Labor Room, I sit down with Dr. Naomi Whittaker, an OBGYN and mom of five (soon to be six), to discuss her inspiring journey of reclaiming her birth experiences after a traumatic first delivery. Dr. Whittaker shares how her first birth, a primary cesarean due to a misdiagnosis of Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD), shaped her determination to achieve four successful VBACs.
We dive into her transformative birth stories, exploring the emotional and physical aspects of healing from trauma and navigating VBACs. Dr. Whittaker also opens up about how her personal experiences influenced her decision to become an OBGYN and how she’s now making a difference for moms navigating their own pregnancy journeys.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Dr. Whittaker’s traumatic first birth story and what she learned from her misdiagnosis of CPD.
- How she successfully achieved four VBACs, even after a challenging start.
- The connection between her personal birth experiences and her professional career as an OBGYN.
- Practical, actionable advice for moms on advocating for themselves and their ideal birth experience.
Whether you're preparing for a VBAC, healing from a past birth trauma, or just looking for inspiration to feel empowered as a birthing mom, this episode is packed with heartfelt insights and expert advice.
Resources Mentioned:
The Birth Plan Accelerator Course
The FREE BIrth Plan Blueprint
The Reel that connected Heather & Naomi
The Reel Heather mentioned about a resident who pushed her over the edge
The Reel Naomi mentioned about C-Section preferences
The Reel Naomi mentioned about sewing up a chicken breast
Connect with Heather:
- Visit my website: https://alifeinlabor.com
- Follow me on Instagram: @alifeinlabor
Connect With Naomi:
- IG: @napro_fertility_surgeon
- Dr. Naomi Whittaker's Website
The Birth Plan Accelerator is your ultimate step-by-step guide to creating a birth plan that works for you. This course empowers you to confidently communicate your preferences, navigate unexpected situations, and ensure your birth experience feels supported and informed. Whether you're planning a hospital delivery, home birth, or anything in between, you'll gain the tools to make your voice heard, reduce fear, and feel prepared for the birth you’ve envisioned. Take charge of your birth journey with clarity and confidence—because every mom deserves to feel in control on the big day.
Subscribe and leave a review to let us know how this episode inspired or helped you! Together, we’re elevating births and empowering moms every step of the way.
*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*
In this empowering episode of The Labor Room, I sit down with Dr. Naomi Whittaker, an OBGYN and mom of five (soon to be six), to discuss her inspiring journey of reclaiming her birth experiences after a traumatic first delivery. Dr. Whittaker shares how her first birth, a primary cesarean due to a misdiagnosis of Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD), shaped her determination to achieve four successful VBACs.
We dive into her transformative birth stories, exploring the emotional and physical aspects of healing from trauma and navigating VBACs. Dr. Whittaker also opens up about how her personal experiences influenced her decision to become an OBGYN and how she’s now making a difference for moms navigating their own pregnancy journeys.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Dr. Whittaker’s traumatic first birth story and what she learned from her misdiagnosis of CPD.
- How she successfully achieved four VBACs, even after a challenging start.
- The connection between her personal birth experiences and her professional career as an OBGYN.
- Practical, actionable advice for moms on advocating for themselves and their ideal birth experience.
Whether you're preparing for a VBAC, healing from a past birth trauma, or just looking for inspiration to feel empowered as a birthing mom, this episode is packed with heartfelt insights and expert advice.
Resources Mentioned:
The Birth Plan Accelerator Course
The FREE BIrth Plan Blueprint
The Reel that connected Heather & Naomi
The Reel Heather mentioned about a resident who pushed her over the edge
The Reel Naomi mentioned about C-Section preferences
The Reel Naomi mentioned about sewing up a chicken breast
Connect with Heather:
- Visit my website: https://alifeinlabor.com
- Follow me on Instagram: @alifeinlabor
Connect With Naomi:
- IG: @napro_fertility_surgeon
- Dr. Naomi Whittaker's Website
The Birth Plan Accelerator is your ultimate step-by-step guide to creating a birth plan that works for you. This course empowers you to confidently communicate your preferences, navigate unexpected situations, and ensure your birth experience feels supported and informed. Whether you're planning a hospital delivery, home birth, or anything in between, you'll gain the tools to make your voice heard, reduce fear, and feel prepared for the birth you’ve envisioned. Take charge of your birth journey with clarity and confidence—because every mom deserves to feel in control on the big day.
Subscribe and leave a review to let us know how this episode inspired or helped you! Together, we’re elevating births and empowering moms every step of the way.
*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*
Previous Episode
#33. Strength Training In Pregnancy with Amy Keifer
In today’s episode of The Labor Room Podcast, I’m sitting down with Amy Kiefer, co-founder of Expecting and Empowered, to talk all about strength training during pregnancy. Amy is an expert in prenatal fitness, and through her work at Expecting and Empowered, she’s empowering moms to maintain their strength and health during pregnancy and beyond.
In this episode, we cover:
- The importance of strength training during pregnancy
- How proper exercise can support an easier labor and delivery
- Tips for safely incorporating strength training into your prenatal routine
- How to listen to your body and adjust your workouts as your pregnancy progresses
- Busting myths about pregnancy fitness and finding what works for you
Why strength training matters during pregnancy
Amy shares valuable insights into how strength training can benefit pregnant women, from improving endurance during labor to enhancing postpartum recovery. Whether you're new to exercise or an experienced fitness enthusiast, there’s something in this episode for you!
Mentioned in the episode:
Amy has generously offered my listeners a 15% discount on the Expecting and Empowered app! Just use the code alifeinlabor at checkout on https://app.expectingandempowered.com/subscriptions/.
Connect with Heather:
- Website: alifeinlabor.com
- Instagram: @alifeinlabor
Connect with Amy:
- Website: expectingandempowered.com
- Instagram: @expectingandempowered
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Expecting and Empowered App: expectingandempowered.com
- The Empowered Birth Academy: alifeinlabor.com/eba
- use the code THELABORROOM to get $50 off
Follow and Subscribe:
Don’t miss out on future episodes of The Labor Room Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. You can follow me on Instagram at @alifeinlabor and check out more resources on my website, alifeinlabor.com.
*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*
Next Episode
#35. 16 Game-Changing Pregnancy and Labor Tips You Need to Know
🎙️ Episode Title: 16 Game-Changing Pregnancy and Labor Tips You Need to Know
Are you ready to transform your pregnancy and labor experience with practical, proven advice? As a seasoned labor and delivery nurse, I’ve gathered 16 of the most game-changing tips to help you navigate this incredible journey with confidence and ease.
In this episode, I’m sharing insider knowledge that can make all the difference in how you prepare for labor, advocate for yourself, and stay in control throughout the process. From those last days of pregnancy to the final push, these tips will empower you to approach labor and delivery with calm, control, and clarity.
Whether you're a first-time mom or looking to have a better birth experience this time around, these tips are for YOU.
🎁 Free Resource:
Don’t forget to grab your FREE Hospital Bag Checklist to take the guesswork out of packing for the big day. Download it here: Hospital Bag Checklist.
🌟 Take Your Preparation to the Next Level with My Signature Courses!
- Empowered Birth Academy: Everything you need to feel confident and prepared for a calm, empowering labor and birth. Learn more and enroll here: Empowered Birth Academy. *get $50 off with the code THELABORROOM*
- Postpartum: Life After Labor: Navigate the postpartum season with ease, confidence, and support. This course covers recovery, mental health, and adjusting to life with a newborn. Enroll here: Postpartum: Life After Labor.
- Milkies Like You Mean It: Breastfeeding & Pumping Course: Master breastfeeding and pumping with expert advice and step-by-step guidance. Start your breastfeeding journey with confidence. Sign up here: Milkies Like You Mean It.
- Momming Like You Mean It: Mastering the Newborn Stage: Your ultimate guide to thriving in the newborn stage with practical tips and expert insights. Join now: Momming Like You Mean It.
💬 Let’s Connect!
- Visit my website: https://alifeinlabor.com
- Follow me on Instagram: @alifeinlabor
- Join my Facebook community: The Labor Room
🌟 If you loved this episode, please leave a review and share it with a mom-to-be who could use these tips.
*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*
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