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Today’s birth story features Briahnna Roy and Jerry Scott, a couple sharing their journey to home birth. For their first baby, Briahnna and Roy chose to deliver in a birth center. The experience wasn’t everything they wanted, and when it came time to decide on the location for baby number two, they opted for home birth. From Briahnna:“The second birth was incredible. It was the most unreal, beautiful experience. Everything was so calm. I was very quiet and so in control. I was surprised by myself. I can honestly say that it was not painful. It was everything I ever wanted.”Links: Briahnna and Roy’s Youtube Channel “ReadyScottsGo”: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChtvyYJ7xRVehO5UydyHZAw Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: ttps://bit.ly/3qhwgAe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

How do we move through the discomforts of pregnancy and birth?This comes up in today’s interview with Melanie Meador. Melanie shares her journey with both of her home birth experiences. Melanie had hyperemesis gravidarum with both pregnancies (extreme and persistent nausea during pregnancy, often with frequent vomiting). With her first birth experience, she was feeling a little rushed going into the process, because her midwifery practice was going to close 3 days after her due date. Plus she was working full-time. The birth lasted 34 hours with her waters broken. This is a stark contrast from her second birth, 6 hours and baby was born en caul (waters still intact). Melanie is the only person in her group of friends to have had a home birth. And with her mother and almost all of her aunts having cesarean births, this was something unique. Melanie says, “My mom was so excited to be at the birth of my son that she told anyone that would listen for the first 2 years!”This birth story includes: hyperemesis gravidarum, doula, acupuncture, TENs machine, membrane stripping, en caul, cervical lip, and red raspberry leaf tea.Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: ttps://bit.ly/3qhwgAe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

How do you know when labor is starting?This is a question we put out there into the community, and received some really great answers and examples. So we’re sharing them with you! Plus our experience of what it was like when we realized it was “game time” -- what it felt like, what was going on, and what we did once it was clearly active labor.There’s a wide range of possibilities and experiences when it comes to discovering you’re in labor. Our goal in sharing this conversation with you is to help you should you find yourself experiencing anything similar to these situations. And for those who have already been through the birthing experience, something to reflect back on and connect with.We also share some bonus tips on what you can do when you do discover you’re in labor, to avoid any unnecessary stressors and create a smooth and peaceful environment.Oh, and just for fun -- please message us or engage on social media and weigh in on the epic saga of “the mixed greens” in the Bivens household! Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

What inspired your journey to birth empowerment?For today’s guests, Jazmin and Ben, their journey began in 2017 in Seattle following an ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. It prompted them to do research and plan for future pregnancies in a different way. According to Jazmin, “It was my first experience realizing I had to advocate for myself with medical professionals, especially considering I'm a black woman, as many brushed off my concerns and pain as "normal."”Fast forward to Atlanta in 2018 when they welcomed their first daughter, Elyana. It was a 45-hour vaginal birth in a hospital. Jazmin says, “That experience inspired me to dive much deeper and do additional prep for my second birth (chiropractic care, Spinning Babies, pelvic floor PT, a hypnobirthing class, and the DIAH podcast, to name a few).”Then in 2020, Jazmin and Ben had a home birth with their second daughter Sareya. “ I experienced the fetal ejection reflex, had a retained placenta, and absolutely no tearing. Both of my births were empowering in completely different ways,” Jazmin says. Jazmin switched care providers with both births, something we go into further in the interview. Also, COVID-19 influenced some of the plans and decisions with their second birth.And we mentioned Atlanta, so Jazmin and Ben live close by! We’re very much looking forward to hanging out in person in future DIAH events and gatherings.This birth story includes mention of: ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, changing providers, hospital birth, home birth, epiduralLinks: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: ttps://bit.ly/3qhwgAe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

In this episode we're giving you some powerful affirmations to help you prepare for your pregnancy and home birth. We have 2 affirmations for moms and 2 for dads.We’ve talked a lot about affirmations on the show at different points in time - a little bit in our story and then in the stories of other moms, so we thought we’d create some of our own for you beautiful listeners!I thought it would be fun to have some for both pregnancy and the birthing process. And not just for mamas - for the dads too!This episode is a little shorter, but all the more sweeter. We both share our affirmations and a little bit on why we chose them and how they can contribute to a powerful and peaceful mindset and experience of your home birth.We hope these affirmations serve you well or even inspire you to come up with your own!Here are the affirmations for you to copy and use or share with others: For PregnancySarah: I am fully connected to my body and my baby’s needsMatthew: I anticipate our upcoming birth with joy and peace in my heart. It will unfold exactly as it should. For BirthSarah: I am powerful, peaceful and fully supported as I give birth.Matthew: I am strong. I am capable. I am intuitive. I am compassionate. I am patient. I am a parent.Show notes:The blog post Matthew drew inspiration for his affirmations from: Birth Affirmations for Expectant Dads and Partners  

Have the circumstances around COVID-19 impacted your pregnancy and/or birth?Today we’re chatting with Heather Delaney, childbirth educator, certified labor and postpartum doula and CEO of Maryland State Doulas. Heather walks us through how she and her team of doulas and birth professionals have shifted over the past year to serve their clients with virtual support. When policies (like partners and/or doulas not allowed in birthing rooms of hospitals and centers) and communications have been challenging, they’ve found alternative ways to educate and empower, regardless of the birthing location.We talk about what some of the biggest changes/challenges have shown up in the birth world, what families can do in the midst of everything as well as how to minimize the fear around birth that already exists and can be magnified when blended with the conversations around COVID-19.Links: Heather's website: www.marylandstatedoulas.com Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: ttps://bit.ly/3qhwgAe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

How do we cope with the parts of our birth that didn’t go the way we envisioned?In today’s episode we chat with Cadyn about her birth experience. She and her husband planned a home birth, because (in her words) of “how special we consider our home and surrounding space to be, and that this was where it seemed that magical portal of birth was meant to open.”After a long labor, Cadyn transferred to the hospital. It was frustrating and heart-breaking. But after a period of time, she was able to get hydrated and rest. The staff gave time and space and honored her choices. She felt supported. Her husband was even able to assist in “catching” the baby.Cadyn describes the birthing as “the best moment I’ve ever experienced.”More from Cadyn: “My hospital experience was thankfully quite positive, and one student member of our midwife team remained with my husband/best-birth-partner-ever and me through the birth. I know now that nobody, especially myself, is to be blamed— only thanked— for the way our daughter came into this world. There are of course reasons to be nervous about giving birth, but nothing to FEAR. I went through many phases of accepting my personal birth story, and listening to birth story podcasts like yours has sincerely helped me to process everything. I hear stories that share common ground with my own, and I hear stories that remind me that EVERY birth is unique. I hope I can share something with a listener who might need to hear it.This birth story includes mention of: RhoGAM shot, Tay-Sachs disease, hospital transfer, epidural, pitocinLinks: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: ttps://bit.ly/3qhwgAe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

What’s your best home birth advice?That is the question we put out to our community. We’re sharing some of those responses in this episode. From exploring your options to looking at fears. Plans, logistics, finances. We cover a lot of the spectrum. Plus we share some of our current best advice when it comes to home birth.Special thank you to our community members Beth, Rachel, Natasha, Cassandra and Monika for their feedback and contributions.Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

Can we remove the word “failure” from birth, please? K, thanks! But really though. Today’s episode is a great reminder that there are no failures in birth. Our guest, Lisa Van Der Giessen shares her birth story of her daughter Mackenzie.Lisa was interested in a holistic approach to her pregnancy and birth. She went online and found a Facebook group of moms that helped her find her midwife. It was important for Lisa that whomever she chose was grounded in their experience and worked from an evidence-based place.For her pregnancy care, Lisa utilized chiropractic, acupuncture and Hypnobabies.Labor began after a hike. After about 18 hours, she felt emotionally and physically exhausted. Baby Mackenzie’s head was stuck in the pelvis. Lisa and her team chose to transfer to the hospital. She received laughing gas and epidural to help. After a total of 27 hours of labor and 1 hour of pushing, baby Mackenzie made her arrival. Lisa says she would plan for a home birth again in the future, despite the transfer and parts of the birth not going how she had imagined.This birth story includes:Chiropractic care, acupuncture, Hypnobabies, laboring in water, intense contractions, hospital transfer, laughing gas, epidural, doula adviceLinks: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: ttps://bit.ly/3qhwgAe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

What is Hypnobirthing?We dive into this in today’s episode with our guest Kristy Rodriguez, prenatal yoga instructor and coach and the host of the Pure Nurture podcast. We talk about some of the details of hypnobirthing and the myths and common questions that come up around it. So if you’ve ever thought about using it, you’re going to want to listen! AND be sure you check out the Pure Nurture podcast to hear Kristy interview us!Links: Kristy’s website: https://www.purenurture.com/ Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

How many of us feel a sense of failure after a birth experience?We’re clear that it’s far too many. In fact, one is too many.We’re grateful for stories like this who can help with the healing and rescripting. Our guest, Kara Lambert, shares her birth journey. After her cesarean birth with her son Theo, as she puts it, “I felt like I failed.”Great resources like ICAN helped Kara in her process of planning for a future VBAC. She and her husband Russ started with an OBGYN with their second pregnancy. But then a pandemic hit. Well, “what is we home birth?” they thought. They connected with a badass midwife, and utilized parallel care (seeing both a doctor and their midwife).Kara describes her home birth as mostly “lazy.” The significance in highlighting that centers around the normalcy of the experience, and how it was able to be peaceful despite lots of opportunities to have not been that way. And then we get to hear how baby Chiara entered the world.This birth story includes: acupuncture and moxibustion, midwives’ brew, the peanut ball (not a snack, despite what Matthew thought!) and a stormLinks: Kara’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mundymamalifts/ The VBAC Link Podcast: https://www.thevbaclink.com/podcast/ Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

Do you think the time of COVID-19 has brought more conversation around home birth?It sure seems like it, with many families seeking to birth out of hospital. Whether that’s because of the hospital policies or just not desiring to be in the hospital environment for birth.In today’s birth story, Kristin Humbard shares her journey with us. After a hospital birth with her first baby which left her with some traumatic memories, it took her a few years to want to become pregnant again.When she did become pregnant again, she and her husband Ben planned for another hospital birth, but with a midwifery practice. Then COVID-19 hit, and Kristen didn’t want to birth in a hospital again. A friend of hers suggested she listen to the Doing It At Home podcast (ahhh we know them!), and eventually at 28 weeks, Kristin switched to a home birth plan. So while COVID was the impetus, Kristin gained support and confidence along the way.This birth includes (but is not limited to!): going into labor at 40 weeks and 6 days, being in her calm and focused zone and listening to her body to let it do its thing, as well as having siblings present for the post birth experience. Listen in to learn more!Links: Kristin’s Instagram: instagram.com/kristin88key Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

Can you approach birth from both a statistics and research-driven mind as well as with an intention to connect more deeply spiritually?YES!And our birth story today is an example of that. Ashton Parker shares her home birth journey with us. First with a good hospital birth for her first child, which included 5 hours of pushing. Then considered another hospital birth for her second child, but after some research and statistics, landed on home birth. Ashton also shares how listening to DIAH was such great birth prep (which overwhelms us with joy!). She and her husband Sean felt prepared and supported, with an experienced birth team backing them. Ashton’s home birth took place on Christmas Day, which made it feel like a big party. This is a great episode for those who like to do a lot of research and learn a lot about the birthing process and statistics. And at the same time, for those who see birth as an opportunity to draw closer to God (whatever that practice looks like for you). Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks Book that Ashton references: https://www.amazon.com/Cribsheet-Data-Driven-Relaxed-Parenting-Preschool/dp/0525559256

What is home birth?Depending on who you are, that might be a simple or really complex question. In today’s episode - a special one as it is our 300th episode (we are really excited about it!), and we recorded it live in our Facebook group - Doing It At Home Birth Group. So make sure you’re in there to catch future recordings like this.We give a little home birth 101 session here. Going over some basic questions and thoughts when it comes to choosing home birth. Links: Episode 14: Is Home Birth Messy?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-it-at-home/id1153134918?i=1000378034173 Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

Do babies always show up on their due date (we prefer calling it a "guess date")?We know, in fact, that it’s actually less likely for a baby to arrive on their due date. However, it can happen! For today’s guest, Maranda Bower, a mama and postpartum bliss coach, her fourth baby, Sophie, arrived on her original due date. This is our second time chatting with Maranda. In our first conversation back in episode 181, she shared details of her first 3 home births and the very recent discovery that she was pregnant with her fourth. So now we get to hear that birth story.And with Halloween coming up, you’ll love this - Maranda’s birth involves a black cat and a full moon! The total time from the moment of realizing labor was beginning to baby’s arrival was 55 minutes. The midwife didn’t even arrive on time. So we get to join in on the emotional roller coaster that it was.Plus, Maranda shares her expertise and tips for the postpartum period and the intense transformation that occurs. How its possible to release overwhelm.Links: Maranda’s website: www.marandabower.com Part 1 with Maranda: https://pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/POD4909620074.mp3 Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks Running With Dave: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/michael-sarah-crouch-running-vacations-running-pregnant/id1509722546?i=1000490386011

How can shoulder dystocia be addressed in a home birth?This was a very relevant question for our guest Amber Reed as she prepared for her second birth. Given that her first daughter, born in the hospital, had shoulder dystocia, this was something that Amber considered and discussed with her midwife. Her first birth in the hospital had traumatic elements to it, including her first daughter having a broken clavicle. This history, paired with a diagnosis of a platypelloid pelvis (this is where the pelvic inlet is narrow and shaped more like a kidney), led Amber and her husband Austin to research and prepare for a different experience that left Amber feeling more empowered.Amber experienced close to a month of prodromal labor. She shares how chiropractic care helped her, her mantra of “I can!” during the birth process, as well her tips and favorite resources. Links: Spinning Babies: https://www.spinningbabies.com/ Roots and Wings Midwifery: https://www.rootsandwingsmidwifery.com/ Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

What’s the recipe for a magical birth experience?It likely looks different for all of us. However, we might incorporate similar mindsets, approaches, preparation and resources.Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Genevieve and Michael Howland of Mama Natural, the #1 parenting brand online and a source of education and empowerment for natural pregnancy and birth.Genevieve and Michael share the home birth story of their daughter Faith. After 2 birthing center births with their first two children, they explored whether or not they’d be good candidates for home birth. There were a few factors that went into this consideration: their second birth was very fast (they barely made it to the birthing center in time for baby’s arrival!), Genevieve was healthy and low-risk and would have likely had more intervention with a hospital route given that she was 42-years-old at the time, plus the convenience and sacred space of being at home.We’ll save the rest of the birth details for you to listen to in the episode. And you can watch a video of the birth on the Mama Natural website (link is below!).Links: Mama Natural: https://www.mamanatural.com/ Mama Natural Home Birth Video: https://www.mamanatural.com/home-birth-video/ Mama Natural Baby: https://www.mamanatural.com/baby-care-class/ Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

Original description from Having It A.L.L.:How is the state of your relationship? How about your partnership?I never used to look at the two as separate. The "relationship" included everything -- the romance, the intimacy, the day-to-day life dynamics, the household management.But for me, as my primary relationship has matured and as new things like marriage and kids have entered the picture, I now see that there's a distinction between the relationship (influenced more by the heart) and the partnership (influenced more by the mind).In today's special episode I invite my amazing wife Sarah in on this conversation, and together we talk about the difference between relationship and partnership, how ours has evolved over the years, and how we navigate breakdowns in each area.Links: Having It A.L.L. Podcast: https://www.matthewbivens.com/ Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

Can birth be euphoric?Answer: yes. Absolutely yes.Welcome our guest Luca S to the podcast. Luca had some birth work experience as a doula before becoming pregnant herself.When she and her husband Neil were expecting their first child, Luca stayed open to the birth experience and what it might look like - meaning, she wasn’t 100% set on a home birth from the beginning. Her story involves true love with her midwife pair, attending a birth while pregnant, having the support of her natural home birthing mama, gaining the support of her GP doctor parent-in-laws, a joyful birth that mostly involved slow dancing with her husband and jogging up and down an embankment, baby arriving intact in the caul, and the midwife arriving in the nick of time (20 mins before the baby!). Overall, she described the birth as pain free and often pleasurable. Listen in to hear more!Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks

What do you look for in a doula? How do you know what doula is right for you?Our guest Samantha McClellan is a birth doula and a mom. In addition to sharing some great tips and questions for families to ask when it comes to finding a doula and that gaps that a doula helps fill in terms of care, Samantha shares the details of her home birth story.After an uncomplicated hospital birth with her first child, Leah, the immediate postpartum time in the hospital is what inspired Samantha and her husband Marcus to go with the home birth for their second birth with their son Micah.Her second pregnancy was unexpected and with an IUD in place. The rest of the pregnancy and birth was uncomplicated and healthy. She also continued nursing her daughter Leah through her second pregnancy. And while we might think a home birth will include twinkle lights, candles and soft music, sometimes it’s right in the middle of the kitchen, on an air mattress!Links: Samantha’s Website: https://www.carolinadoulacollective.com/ Samantha’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinadoulacollective/ Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks