The Mindful Womb Podcast

Pregnancy is often celebrated as a magical time, but for some, being labeled “high-risk” can bring uncertainty and fear. In this episode, I’m joined by Amber Matteson (she/they), a highly experienced doula specializing in supporting high-risk birthing people. Whether you’ve just received a high-risk diagnosis or want to better understand your options, Amber shares practical strategies to reclaim your power and prepare for birth with confidence.

We’ll Cover:

• What a high-risk pregnancy really means and why the term can be misleading
• Tips for unpacking the emotional weight of a high-risk diagnosis
• Advocacy strategies to communicate effectively with healthcare providers
• How to create a flexible birth plan that aligns with your values
• Why doula support is invaluable, especially for high-risk pregnancies

Amber shares insights to help you turn the label “high-risk” into an empowering journey toward the birth you deserve.

Don’t forget to check out the blog post

You can learn more about Amber Matteson and her work at:

Website: www.intimateconnectionsdoula.com/
Instagram: @intimateconnectionsdoula

Resources mentioned:

>> A Path to A Powerful Birth Class - Learn about preparing for birth with confidence (and add it to your registry!)

>> https://evidencebasedbirth.com/

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🎁 Use discount code: CLEARLIGHTBIRTH

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***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.

After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you 70 printable affirmation cards as a thank you.

Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Welcome to the Mindful Womb Podcast! Pregnancy and the transition to parenthood present a LOT of changes and stress. They also offer a unique opportunity to create new patterns and practices so we can ditch stress and anxiety and embrace change with ease....and in the process...become the best versions of ourselves as we enter parenthood.
In this show, host Clara O’Rourke (she/her), a certified doula, childbirth educator, applies the principles of mindfulness, science, and the sacred womb so you can feel calm, grounded, informed, and, most importantly, confident throughout the transformational cycles of your ever-changing life.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

When discussing birth, we often hear the phrase, “As long as the baby is healthy, that’s all that matters.” While this sentiment comes from a place of love, it can unintentionally dismiss the emotional, physical, and psychological needs of the birthing person. In this episode, we’re diving deep into why birth isn’t just about the baby—it’s also about the person giving birth and the experience they have.

We’ll explore how the glorification of sacrifice in childbirth can lead to dismissive care, the emotional and physical consequences of a narrow birth focus, and how we can reframe birth goals to prioritize both safety and autonomy. Plus, I’ll share actionable steps to help you advocate for a truly empowered birth experience.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✨ Why the phrase “as long as the baby is healthy” is limiting and dismissive
✨ How medical care often prioritizes efficiency over the birthing person’s holistic well-being
✨ The emotional, physical, and long-term effects of a disempowered birth experience
✨ How to create a comprehensive birth plan that includes emotional and psychological needs
✨ The importance of choosing the right birth team and advocating for your preferences

Actionable Takeaways:

✅ Educate yourself on medical options and advocacy strategies
✅ Hire a birth team that respects and centers your experience
✅ Practice mindfulness techniques to prepare for a confident birth
✅ Take a childbirth education class, like A Path to A Powerful Birth, to help you navigate your choices

Your birth experience matters. You deserve to feel heard, respected, and empowered—not just to have a healthy baby, but to walk away from birth feeling strong and supported.

Resources Mentioned:

• Birth Preparation Classes
• Guide to Creating a Birth Plan (preferences)
• Clear Your Birth Fears Guide

Get 20% off your first monthly subscription with NEEDED Vitamins

🎁 Use discount code: CLEARLIGHTBIRTH

***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.

After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you 70 printable affirmation cards as a thank you.

Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Ever wondered how to stay calm amidst some of life’s most challenging transitions
Today we are joined by Gabby Arriaza, who shares her story of navigating fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, life-threatening brain survey, and divorce all within 6 months.
In this episode, we dive into the following:

• How to find blessings during challenging times
• Trusting your intuition and advocating for your needs
• Finding legacy and hope after pregnancy loss

Follow Gabby on Instagram: @Gabby_arriaza

Resources mentioned:
>> Clear Your Birth Fears Guide

If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening from.

After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.
Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support!
Trigger warnings: gendered language, pregnancy loss

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

This episode dives into advocacy strategies for pregnancy and birth and infuses mindfulness practices throughout. We are joined by Dawn Hancock aka Nurse Dawn, a seasoned Labor and Delivery Nurse certified in Obstetric Nursing, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Lactation Counselor, and Board Certified Nurse Coach.

In this episode, we dive into the following:

• Advocacy strategies for pregnancy, labor, and beyond
• Communication skills for birthing people and partners to use with the medical team
• How to make mindful decisions in pregnancy and labor
• Using mindfulness to manage pain during labor
• Meditative tips for racing thoughts

Don’t forget to check out the blog post

You can find more about Dawn’s work at: www.pivotalbirth.com

And follow her on TikTok at @pivotalbirth

Resources mentioned:

>> FREE Clear Your Birth Fears Guide

>> FREE WORKSHOP: 3 Essentials for Having an Empowering Birth

>> A Path to A Powerful Birth Class

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Get 20% off your first monthly subscription with NEEDED Vitamins

🎁 Use discount code: CLEARLIGHTBIRTH

************************

***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.

After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.

Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support!

Trigger warning: Gendered language, mention of obstetric violence

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.