Doing It At Home - The Home Birth Podcast

Today we have the awesome honor and privilege of bringing you an empowering conversation with Ashley Woolsey - mother of 3, doula and creator of Motherhood Tabutiful (pronounced “ta-beautiful”) - a blog and online community for mothers to come together and share their stories of motherhood. To give some more context on Motherhood Tabutiful, here is it’s mission statement straight from the site: “Our mission is to create a safe and judgment free space for women and mothers to share their stories of the taboo subjects that surround motherhood.  It is with this space, that we hope to help normalize these subjects.  It is with this space, that we hope to offer comfort and solidarity among those who are hurting.  It is with this space, that we hope to encourage those struggling, to speak up and reach out.  We realize that motherhood is beautiful, and amazing, and fulfilling. But we also know that it is ugly, and dark, and difficult.  And so, it is with this space, that we hope to wrap our arms and our hearts around you, for a virtual hug, so that even in the ugliest, and darkest, and most difficult of times, you will find solace in knowing that you are not alone.” Ashley and Sarah connected a while back on Instagram. Then with the birth of Motherhood Tabutiful, we knew we wanted to have Ashley on to share her perspective and riff on some topics with us. We chat about that isolation that many women feel during motherhood. And for Ashley, she found that social media and finding a community was extremely helpful. So why not create an easy-to-access platform for moms to share, read, learn, inspire...particularly around topics that others will shy away from due to fear or discomfort. Ashley has crafted Motherhood Tabutiful to be judgment-free and a safe space to delve into these types of things and normalize them. So of course, we chat about home birth and how that ties into the categories of “taboo” and uncomfortable conversations.  Listen in to hear more, and check out Motherhood Tabutiful to learn about what Ashley’s up to! Links From This Episode: Tabutiful website: ⁠http://www.motherhoodtabutiful.com/⁠ Tabutiful Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/motherhoodtabutiful/⁠ The Peanut Gallery Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thepeanutgallery/⁠ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you set intentions for your birth(s)? The last time we spoke with Kayleigh Johnson, DIAH mama from episode 77, she was setting some powerful intentions and visions for her upcoming birth. Today, we get to hear the full birth story! Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, we’re talking with Kayleigh Johnson, mama to 14-month-old Amelia and wife to DJ. Kayleigh and her family live in Massachusetts, where they are planning for the birth of baby number two. Amelia was born in a hospital with an epidural and pitocin experience. To Kayleigh, the pitocin contractions felt very unnatural. They way she puts it, “it felt like it was happening to me.” So after some soul searching, they decided on a home birth for this pregnancy. A big influence? Podcasts and social media! Kayleigh got to see and connect with real people, real stories that seemed attainable and allowed her to see the experience for herself. Kayleigh’s faith is integral in her life, and so it’s been a part of her birth planning as well. She was able to find a Christian midwife who aligned with her belief system (she even found her midwife on social media! Thank you, technology!). This synergy has been important for the connection she’s seeking with her birth team. Kayleigh also has visions she is praying for in her birth. She’s believing for a pain-free, no tear, en caul birth. We’re happy and honored to hold that intention for her. And we’re very excited to share her story with you! Links From This Episode: Supernatural Childbirth - ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Supernatural-Childbirth-Jackie-Mize/dp/0892747560⁠ Birthfit Prenatal Training: ⁠https://birthfit.com/b-prenatal⁠ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have a fun and little different kind of episode for you today. Katy emailed us after her great friend and fellow DIAH mama Katie McCormick (from episode 73) shared the podcast with her. Katy thanked us for what we’re up to with the show. As a “non-mom” (though she plans to be in the future), she’s always been fascinated by pregnancy and birth. She’s been exploring the option of home birth for herself when that time comes.  So we figured...let’s get on the phone, hit record and see what happens!  We believe that what Katy’s doing is an awesome example. If women who are not yet mothers are interested in exploring their future options, educating themselves, having conversations with other women at different stages of motherhood, then that means we have a lot more women empowered, confident and supported in their decisions. We are all for that! This doesn’t mean all women need to be doing this. It’s whatever works for you. We would just like to see more positive energy around conversations of pregnancy and birth, regardless of what phase of it someone is in.  So Katy shares with us some of her thoughts on why home birth would be a good fit for her. For one, she likes to take the most natural route possible with things. She’s also a more private person, and looks at birth as a very sacred time.  We also talk about how resources like the Doing It At Home podcast have helped, supported and informed on home birth related topics.  So if you are not pregnant yet, but considering home birth as an option, this is a perfect episode for you! Links From This Episode: Ann Margolis episode - ⁠https://www.diahpodcast.com/single-post/2017/01/27/Normal-Natural-and-Joyful-Childbirth-with-Anne-Margolis⁠ Ann Margolis website - ⁠http://homesweethomebirth.com/⁠ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, we’re talking with Becky Diaz - a personal trainer, nutritionist, and placenta encapsulator who used fitness and nutrition to help prepare for her most recent home birth.  Becky and her husband Hugo live in Los Angeles, California and have 3 children: Riley, Julian and River. Her first was born in a hospital, where she experienced an epidural and pitocin. For babies 2 and 3, they decided to go with home birth. Becky was really interested in how she could use the experiences of pregnancy and birth to really push herself and learn about herself more. In our conversation, we talk a lot about the preparation she did for her third birth for baby River. This pregnancy involved a lot more mental work - being more mindful and not just muscling through the birth. This was more about trust and surrender to the process. Becky utilized techniques like meditation to support her. She used a visualization practice of seeing the sensations as waves crashing and washing away, rather than a painful contraction. Birth for her was incredibly spiritual, and she says it was the most meditative she’s ever felt.  Becky is a beautiful examples of knowing yourself, tapping into that and using it to help you prepare for such an incredible experience like birth is. Another key piece of advice from her that we totally agree with: “Don’t listen to someone else’s horror story.” In other words, be mindful of the material you take in during pregnancy and birth preparation. It can really make an impact.  Links From This Episode Becky's Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beckydiazfit/⁠⁠ Becky's website: ⁠⁠http://beckydiazfitness.blogspot.com/⁠⁠ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when birth becomes a full-circle moment? From being born at home yourself to bringing your own baby earthside in the same spirit of trust and peace? In today’s episode, we sit down with Kasiah, a second-generation home birther, to hear her beautiful journey through loss, faith, and ultimately a redemptive and calm home birth with her third son. Kasiah opens up about: Navigating two back-to-back miscarriages and finding healing Choosing home birth again after loss Her husband’s transformation from skeptic to home birth advocate The role of faith, prayer, and sisterhood in her pregnancy The moment she surrendered completely and birthed in total peace Her story is a powerful reminder that healing can follow heartbreak, and that calm, joyful birth is possible. Links From The Episode: Madison Area Midwives - Midwife Directory in Dane County: www.madisonmidwives.com Kasiah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kasiahterp/ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Dr. Wholeness and Blood Vitality: https://drwholeness.myshopify.com/products/blood-vitality-1?variant=31396528062517 - use the code DIAH15 for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode we're talking with Katie McCormick, an American ex-pat living in Ireland who is choosing home birth to welcome her baby into the world. Katie and her husband Ryan decided to leave their life in Portland, Oregon - quit their jobs and travel across Europe. About a year ago, they decided to settle in Ireland, eloped and got pregnant shortly after.  Katie knew immediately that she wanted to have a home birth. But being an expat in a new country, she had no idea where to begin as far as planning and resources. To use her words from her email to us: “When we got pregnant we were still living in a very temporary living space (think garage remodeled into a loft) on a sheep farm where we were 2 hours from the hospital, and no midwifes were willing to travel to us, so my initial search for beginning the birth plan kept coming up dry until one day through some magical universal energy I found a woman that recommended our midwife to us! However we would have to move 2 hours south to be close enough to be in her “region,” so thank  the stars we just recently have found a home on the southern coast of Ireland and got the “go ahead” from our midwife that we can birth in this house as we are close enough to her….. We are away from all our family, we are still foreigners in a new environment, yet we just know this is divine timing and this is where our child is meant to be born. The house we are living in now is a 150 year old stone cottage, and our landlady said many many babies have been born here; it feels quite kismet. Most people back in the states think we are little crazy/can’t believe we are doing this without family around etc, but truly we have never felt more supported than the community of people in our village, and little did I know we moved to an area where most women prefer home birth and have multiple stories to share. It is a small community, but because it is on the ocean, rugged, and so natural in this area, it is like a vortex of very creative and earthy people-it is an energy that makes you feel invincible.” We speak with Katie in the last few weeks of her pregnancy and get to hear how she’s feeling as the time in her pregnancy winds down and they prepare for baby’s arrival. She also shares the experience of what’s it like to have all of their family back in the States as they plan for home birth in their new home and country. Tune in and get ready for another inspiring pre-home birth story! Links From This Episode: Dublin Doulas - ⁠http://www.dublinfamilydoulas.com/⁠ Hypnobirth course - ⁠https://us.hypnobirthing.com/⁠ Ina may  spiritual midwifery - ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0553381156⁠ www.wakingupinireland.com Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it look like to give birth at home five times over the span of 20 years? In today’s episode, we talk with Melissa — mama of five and seasoned home birth veteran — about her powerful, unique journey through two decades of birthing at home. From her first home birth at age 19 to her fifth birth at 39, Melissa shares the rich tapestry of her experiences: the growth, the healing, the joy, the challenges, and all the moments in between. This is a celebration of home birth in all its forms — fast births, long labors, water births, VBAC fears, healing after miscarriage, and welcoming a baby with both joy and strength. Melissa’s message is clear: You are powerful. Your body is wise. Birth can be sweet, sacred, and sovereign. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Why Melissa chose home birth from her very first pregnancy, and never looked back What has (and hasn’t) changed in the world of home birth since the 90s How she navigated birth across two marriages and five children The differences in labor and recovery from her 20s to her late 30s Planning home births with supportive partners and what that looked like for her Her experience with miscarriage, healing, and conception after loss The emotional and physical aspects of preparing for birth at age 39 Involving older siblings in the birth space and their beautiful role in the process Why she describes home birth as “addicting” in the best way The power of midwifery care and creating sacred, intimate birth environments Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode we're talking with new mama Sam Peters about her truly amazing and inspiring home birth story of her son Brooks. Sam reached out to us via email a few months ago, thanking us for doing the show and spreading the empowering conversation around home birth. She opened up and shared part of her story with us. We had to have her on the show. Sam represents empowered, magical, healing birth after the trials and heartache of trying to conceive (TTC). She and her husband Brady were faced with numerous obstacles over the course of 2 years. From reproductive endocrinologists to urologists, tests, inseminations, procedures….it was a lot to handle. Once they became pregnant, they were interested in less intervention for the pregnancy and birth because of all of what they experienced to conceive. Sam describes her fairytale pregnancy - how vibrant she felt. Beautiful. Like a goddess. You know that’s speaking our language! Sam also shares the experience of finding a midwife in a small town in Indiana. And guess what?! They’re pregnant with baby number 2 - due in a few months. And they’re planning for another home birth. We’re so happy and excited for this sweet family to keep growing! Links From The Episode ⁠The Birth Partner⁠ ⁠Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way⁠ ⁠Ina May Gaskin’s⁠ Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you have a holistic preconception, pregnancy and postpartum experience? In this conversation with naturopathic physician and father of eight, Dr. Matt Angove of Dr. Wholeness, we explore a holistic approach to pregnancy from preconception to postpartum. Dr. Matt is known for his expertise on iron and ferritin levels in pregnancy, and in this episode, we expand beyond that topic to discuss the full journey of preparing for, experiencing, and recovering from birth with health and wholeness in mind. We talk about: The emotional and physical components of preconception and fertility How mindset and stress influence conception and pregnancy Nutrients and habits that make the biggest impact before and during pregnancy What Dr. Matt wishes more moms knew about pregnancy and birth Common postpartum blind spots (and how to support healing and recovery) The role of partners in a truly holistic approach to birth and parenthood Dr. Matt shares his wisdom as both a doctor and a dad of eight (including six home births and twins born at home!) — giving practical, grounded insights for families who want to feel empowered through the entire journey. Links From The Episode: Dr. Wholeness - https://drwholeness.com Holistic Pregnancy resources - drwholeness.com/preconception Optimal Pregnancy - https://optimalpregnancy.com/ Blood Vitality - https://drwholeness.myshopify.com/products/blood-vitality-1?variant=31396528062517 - use the code DIAH15 for 15% off Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode takes its root in episode 36: So What Happens After Your Home Birth? - where we chatted about an article from Romper.com by the lovely Angela Johnson, who now joins us for this conversation! The article, titled 7 Things That Happen After You Give Birth At Home breaks down some of the “what to expect” as you might guess, after a home birth! Angela is speaking from experience, having birthed her second child, son Aden, at home in New York City. Angela really dove into her craft of writing while pregnant with her first child, daughter Hannah, and she was on 5 months of bed rest! Due to being labeled with an “incompetent cervix,” Angela had an unpleasant first birthing experience. So she determined that she would have something different the next time around. She and her husband Dean planned for home birth and had a much different journey. For one, she was induced with her first birth at 36 weeks. Second time around, she went until 42 weeks! And they opted for more natural induction like using caster oil and orange juice. Angela describes the process as climbing up a mountain, something we can definitely relate to. The story of Aden’s birth, along with Angela’s perspective and way of sharing, is really a treat. We love getting to know moms like her. So be sure to go check out all of her articles on Romper.com after you listen to the episode! Here’s what we cover in this episode: Angela’s shift from a challenging hospital birth to a powerful home birth experience Why the label “incompetent cervix” almost stole her joy, and how her care team helped her reclaim it Navigating fear, finances, and family opinions while planning a home birth The castor oil and orange juice cocktail that finally kicked labor into gear at 42 weeks How Angela turned her one-bedroom Brooklyn apartment into a cozy birth oasis How Angela’s experience inspired her writing, her work at Romper, and her mission to uplift moms with real, shame-free stories Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we chat with Lindsey Drury: photographer, activist and mama extraordinaire who is very involved in her community in Chattanooga, TN (check the links in our show notes for more details). When I was connected with Lindsey through a mutual friend, I was so excited to talk to her. Mainly because Lindsey live-streamed her third and most recent home birth of her son Staxon on YouTube. I mean...what?!?! How incredibly awesome. Lindsey shares with us her journey into birth work and her passion for all things that empower and educate. We also get into her own process of choosing home birth for herself and for her family. And then of course, we hear all about the decision to livestream her home birth, responses and reactions to it and where she’s going from here with her desire to create a new narrative around birth and how we view it. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Hear how this mom’s live-streamed home birth reached over 60,000 views Hear the full story behind the viral birth video and the birth photography that captured it all Learn how Hypnobabies and self-hypnosis helped her stay calm and confident during labor Discover what it’s like to have a family-centered birth with your kids present From a misdiagnosed miscarriage to a powerful home birth — how she reclaimed her story What it’s really like to share your birth publicly — the support, the trolls, and the transformation Why they switched from a birth center to home — and how they knew it was the right call Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we have the joy of chatting with Olivia and Will, parents to sweet 7-week-old baby Audrey. Olivia and Will share the story of their journey to choosing home birth, planning for it, and then discovering at 37 weeks pregnant that it was no longer a viable option for them. Olivia is a neonatal nurse in the NICU - so she sees all the things that can go wrong. This was part of the reason why she and Will didn’t want to be a hospital for Audrey’s birth. She’s also very transparent about not being 100% confident in the decision and having reservations about sharing their plans with others for fear of judgement and less than powerful conversation. It’s also wild to hear the difference in healthcare costs and options in different countries (see show notes on our website for an email from Olivia all about it). Olivia and Will live in Australia and while planning their home birth they only spent about $60 for a general practitioner visit and the cost of a birthing pool. Whether they chose to birth at home or in the hospital, it would be free! After they learned they could no longer have a home birth, they worked on finding peace with the situation and preparing themselves for having an amazing birth experience despite the change in plans. Olivia still labored most of the time at home, before traveling to the birthing center where they had their daughter Audrey. Olivia and Will are such a beautiful couple and we’re so happy to have connected with them to share their inspiring story on the podcast! Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode we're talking with Deanne Ziadie, an amazing mama with a beautiful birth story. Dee planned for a home birth and ended up being transferred to a hospital. Despite the change in plans, Dee made the conscious choice to surrender her need to control the situation and let her baby lead the way. The result was the peaceful and healthy birth of her daughter, Seren. Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@diahpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when you retell your birth story nine years later, with no notes and no prep? In this episode, we revisit Maya’s home birth story, which took place the same week that we launched the Doing It At Home podcast. We sit down to share the story again, nine years later, straight from memory. Then, we compare this new retelling to our original 2016 recording, just one week postpartum. Here's what you'll hear in this episode: The core details we remembered clearly vs. the ones that faded. Surprising differences between then and now. Perspective shifts after nearly a decade of parenting and another home birth. What this experiment shows about how birth stories evolve with time. How would your birth story sound if you retold it today? Links From The Episode: 2016 Episode telling Maya’s birth story: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-first-home-birth-story-star-wars-kiddie-pools-and/id1153134918?i=1000376566831 Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when labor begins with a jolt and never lets up? Katie and Chris McGrath return to the podcast to share the electrifying home birth story of their daughter, Molly. If you caught their first episode you’ll remember their playful vibe and thoughtful prep. This time, we dive into what actually went down (spoiler: it’s real, raw, fast, and filled with heart). From Jurassic Park inspired affirmations to a quiet, candle-lit bathroom birth (complete with their dog at their side), this episode is about trust, presence, and leaning all the way in. Chris opens up about his role as a first-time birth partner, while Katie shares how she navigated a no-warning, full-throttle labor that left no time for games or playlists. Tune in for a story that’s both cinematic and soul-stirring, with just enough geekery to make it classic DIAH. In this episode you'll hear about: Fast, intense home birth stories Natural labor without early labor signs How to create and use birth affirmations The emotional power of partner support Pets at birth: what happened with their dog Giving birth in the bathroom (and loving it) Using humor and fandom (hello, Jurassic Park) for labor strength A first-time dad’s honest take on the birth experience Creating sacred space with low lighting, affirmations, and presence How their home birth experience transformed their postpartum journey Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first-time, one-time order More From Doing It At Home: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/doingitathome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back! After months of sharing rebroadcasts, we’re stepping into a new season of Doing It At Home with fresh energy and intention. In this short announcement episode, we share why we’re back on the mics, what you can expect moving forward, and how you can plug in to support the show. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Why we’re bringing fresh content back to the feed Our new cadence: 1 new episode each month  Weekly connection through emails, clips, and videos on social The best ways you can support the show and stay connected Connect With Us Website: https://diahpodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doingitathome Merch: https://doingitathome.dashery.com/ Our Book: https://amzn.to/45Sxyr1 Support DIAH: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KA3QQRRU58VPL Check Out Our Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first, one-time order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back with another special series, diving into one powerful theme at the heart of home birth journeys. This time: First Time Birth Stories. Why would a labor and delivery nurse choose home birth? There are quite a few reasons, at least for today’s guest Corrie Oyinloye. Corrie has been a labor and delivery nurse for 10 years. And two years ago, she chose home birth for the birth of her daughter, Rachel. (*Dates as of original recording). Corrie’s story also includes creating the space for her husband Gabe to feel confident in the decision, a move to a different state, prodromal labor, a cervical lip, occipito posterior position of baby and a double nuchal cord.  Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first-time, one-time order More From Doing It At Home: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/doingitathome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back with another special series, diving into one powerful theme at the heart of home birth journeys. This time: First Time Birth Stories. What helped you when you were preparing for home birth? For Paige, “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” and Doing It At Home podcast were two of the biggest resources in her journey. In Paige’s submitted audio story, she walks us through her preconception journey as well as the planning for home birth and the birth of her son, Cole. Themes and topics from Paige’s story: Unexplained infertility and struggling to conceive IUI process Exploring a birthing center option Finding a midwife Support from husband Different positions during birth Postpartum hemorrhage Healing and recovery Addressing questions and comments around home birth Links From The Episode: Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth: ⁠https://amzn.to/41gwx8F⁠ Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first-time, one-time order More From Doing It At Home: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/doingitathome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back with another special series, diving into one powerful theme at the heart of home birth journeys. This time: First Time Birth Stories. This episode is part two of our conversation with Christie Andersen, our first-time mom planning her home birth while her husband Ryan had been stationed in Korea throughout the whole pregnancy. And a lot has changed since our last conversation! For one, we had a baby! Little Charlotte has since stepped on the scene, and we get to hear all about her grand entrance. Christie shares Ryan’s homecoming, anxiety around whether or not she’d actually go into labor while he was home, and how she dealt with the pressure of all the calls and texts inquiring as to baby’s arrival. We get to hear the whole process, as it’s still fresh in her mind (Charlotte is just 2 weeks old now! They welcomed their baby girl into the world from the comfort of their home along with Christie’s mother, a close friend, a midwife, a doula and 2 midwife assistants (quite the full house, which we can relate to!). One of my favorite takeaways from Christie’s story is “be open, go with the flow.” It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly profound and relevant when it comes to birthing babies. Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your first-time, one-time order More From Doing It At Home: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/doingitathome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices