Happy Homebirth

Coincidences– How many of them can you experience before you stop thinking they’re coincidences and start realizing that they are a beautiful divine gift?   This week, we're speaking with Kaylee, a mother of 3 living in Athens, Georgia.  Kaylee and her husband experienced struggles with infertility before becoming pregnant, and they are now in the process of raising the large family they always dreamed of.  We’ll hear how a “high risk” hospital-birthing mother found herself at home with her most recent baby.   Episode Roundup:   After IVF treatment, Will and Kaylee found out that they had 5 embryos.  They felt strongly in their hearts that it was their responsibility to do their part to bring all 5 of those beautiful babies into the world.  I love their heart on this, and it was so sweet to hear Kaylee’s forethought about these precious little souls, even as she prepared for her first hospital birth.  She wanted to take care of herself and learn as much about birth as she could so that she could have vaginal births– knowing that she would be planning to become pregnant at least 4 more times.  I love their tender forethought and the way this family has made their babies such a priority.   Next, as her third pregnancy progressed, Kaylee noticed her heart being drawn toward homebirth.  She was pulled to listen to mostly homebirth stories, even though she was planning a hospital birth at the time– she felt a sense of curiosity and even desire, despite the fact that she thought homebirth was just out of reach for her.  I love hearing this intuitive nudge that pushed her to begin preparing for the type of birth that she would eventually have, before she even agreed to go that route! And this leads to my final thought, which was just so potent throughout Kaylee’s story.  Coincidences.  Or are they?  Kaylee would certainly not call them mere coincidences.  No, she sees them as gifts from a loving Father who was holding her and caring for her from the very beginning.  My goodness, the beauty of this and all of the answered prayers.  Her midwife having been the nurse that made the difference in her first son’s birth, her requests for a short labor, her desire to give birth at midnight— and then her trust that it would happen.  Kaylee’s story is full of examples of childlike faith being met with Fatherly love and compassion.  She is held– and so are you.  If you ever want to talk more about relationship with this incredible Unconditional Love, please send me an email at katelyn@myhappyhomebirth.com.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)            

What happens when you know too much about birth… and you’re experiencing pregnancy and birth for yourself?   This week's episode, I’m joined by Emily—a labor and delivery nurse who found herself navigating pregnancy and birth as both a provider and a patient.   We talk about how working inside the hospital shaped her first birth… what shifted in her mindset the second time around… and how she ultimately chose a homebirth rooted in surrender.   Episode Roundup:   First—this idea of knowing too much: how too much information can sometimes lead us to questioning ourselves, our bodies and our instincts– information overload can create fear instead of clarity.  I love how Emily was so aware of this– how what she’d seen and experienced at work actually needed to be balanced with nervous system regulation, surrender, and leaning into her own intuition.  During postpartum with her first baby, Emily felt like she missed much of the experience because it seemed impossible to turn her brain off and simply trust.  But that first experience transformed how she would interact with pregnancy, birth and motherhood from then on. Second—the shift from control into surrender… not just in birth, but in motherhood as a whole.  What a learning curve it is to go from taking care of only your own needs to the needs of others.  As Emily said, she had to reorient herself to life now that she was a care provider– no longer could she simply bop off and workout on a whim or head to the grocery store alone.  Even her ability to regulate her nervous system after her second child had to shift– It wouldn’t be 30 minutes on the couch with her warm cup of tea, but instead breathing exercises while she rocked and nursed her baby.  Our willingness to be flexible and do things differently– to be creative– is a gift to both ourselves and our babies. And finally—birth can shape the way we step into motherhood… Emily went from anxiety and overthinking in her first pregnancy and birth… into presence, peace, and confidence during her homebirth, and the impact has continued far beyond.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)      

What happens when your first experience of birth leaves you shaken… and the providers you’re supposed to trust tell you not to try again?  Where do you go from there?   Sarah Marie is the owner of Entering Motherhood, a wife and a mom of three who spends her days soaking up life with her little ones, whether that’s through slow mornings at home, time in the garden, or exploring a new coffee shop.   As a certified birth and postpartum doula, Sarah is passionate about walking alongside women as they step into motherhood. She also hosts the Entering Motherhood podcast, where she shares encouragement, education, and real conversations about pregnancy, birth and beyond.   Sarah believes that birth is more than just an experience, it’s a beautiful moment to reflect on and embrace. She loves helping moms feel confident, informed, and supported so they can truly own their journey as they are entering motherhood.   Episode Roundup:   First—how much our early experiences can shape us. Sarah’s first birth didn’t go the way she expected. It left her questioning herself, her body, and what was possible for future births. And I think many women can relate to that… carrying questions after birth, wondering, “What does this all mean?” But what stands out to me is this: She didn’t stay there, stuck and unchanged.  She intentionally began to dig for more– to ask questions, and to physically place herself in spaces where she could see birth differently. And because of this, over time, her perspective changed– her ideas about what she was capable of changed. Next—the power of exposure and understanding. As Sarah stepped into doula work, she witnessed birth again and again. And with each experience, she gathered a new understanding of what the body can do– the vast array of what birth can be like. And this is such a key point: What we see, what we hear, what we surround ourselves with—it shapes what we believe is possible. Sarah went from being told not to pursue a vaginal birth… to confidently planning and experiencing a homebirth. And finally—can you guess it? Surrender. Even in conception, Sarah described letting go of trying to control the outcome… and that was the moment things shifted. And isn’t that often the rhythm? We prepare.  We work.  We do what we can. And then… we’re left with nothing to do but release.  And so often, that’s the final step. Sarah’s story is such a clear picture that confidence in yourself and your ability to birth can be rebuilt.  And that your previous story does not have to hold your current experience captive.   Links: Entering Motherhood LLC www.enteringmotherhood.com   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)    

When your body has experienced legitimate physical trauma during two back to back births, what do you do for your next experience?  What would it look like to play it safe– would that be a planned cesarean?  Or… What if you swing the other way and bring it home?   This week we’re speaking to Janie Hobbs,  a stay-at-home wife and mom of three littles. She is happily married to her husband Sam, and they recently moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario from Missouri where Sam serves as one of the pastors at a local church. Janie has been a birth enthusiast for years and has experienced so much personal and spiritual growth through the births of each of her children. When she is not chasing her energetic toddlers or nursing a baby, she enjoys baking, photography, coffee, and exploring the beautiful Canadian countryside.   Episode Roundup:    The trauma that Janie experienced was legitimate physical trauma.  When she asked a medical professional their opinion on her next baby, a planned cesarean was considered a good idea.  I can absolutely see how this option would have made sense.  And yet, the Lord had something so redemptive in mind for Janie.  Instead of going fully medical, a door was opened in the opposite direction.  Home?! Really?!  I love the thoughtfulness of the midwife who recommended this as a strong option for Janie to consider.  And goodness, we know how amazingly it turned out. Janie’s honesty with her struggles with God after her second birth are refreshing to hear.  The hardness of life.  The questions of why and for what purpose– and then Janie realized… he had been with her all along.  Suffering alongside her.  What a picture of compassion.   And finally– scars redeemed.  Janie shared how her scars are no longer seen as something negative to her.  Jesus kept his scars as a sign– a mark of what had happened.  And now Janie’s scars tell a story of redemption as well.  Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)      

What if the discomforts we’ve been told are “just part of pregnancy”  are actually signals  that something needs support?   This week, we're speaking with Whitney Sippl, a pelvic physical therapist who works closely with women in pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.     In this episode, Whitney walks us through what pelvic physical therapy really is, why it matters in all stages of life, even before birth, and how simple techniques can make a meaningful difference in both birth and recovery.   Episode Roundup: First… this idea that symptoms are not something to ignore. So many women experience things like leaking, heaviness, or discomfort and are told it’s normal. And while it may be common… that doesn’t mean it’s something we have to live with. Our bodies are communicating. And when we listen early— during pregnancy— we often have the opportunity to support healing before we ever reach postpartum. Second…  I love the shift from thinking about the pelvic floor as something to “strengthen”… to something to balance. Because labor itself is not just about being strong — it’s also very much about release.   And finally… this reminder that preparation can be gentle. It doesn’t have to be complicated or feel overwhelming. Small, consistent awareness of your body— your breath, your posture, your movement— can create significant change.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)    

You’ve done it- you’ve decided to give birth at home, and NOTHING is going to stop you, right?    This week we’re speaking to Heather Whitehead, a mother to 5 living in East Tennessee.  We’ll hear how Heather and her husband settled on homebirth for their most recent pregnancy, and how they navigated certain obstacles that arose after their decision.  You know, like the realization that they were pregnant with twins, to start.    Episode Roundup:   First, I love that Heather chose to continue care with her midwife, even knowing that there could be a larger number of reasons for a transfer of care as her pregnancy went along.  When she considered the whole situation thoroughly, she decided that BECAUSE she was pregnant with twins, she actually needed a midwife more: The individualized care, the preventative approach, and the loving support. Even if it meant paying for two providers, she and her husband decided midwifery care was worth the cost. Next, Heather really has experienced the gamut when it comes to pregnancy and birthing experiences.  From different types of inductions to gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, she’s seen some things– and I love that she allowed those experiences to inform her decisions in the future.  Especially when combined with midwifery care, she was able to take hold of potential “high risk” issues preventatively this time around.  The 2 mile post-dinner walk?  I would LOVE to hear if you give that a try and what it does to your fasting blood sugar numbers! And finally- this was so ordained, wasn’t it?  As Heather said, there were so many potential issues that could have occurred as she gave birth to her preemie twins, but… her husband made it home.  Heather took her time with a few last minute tasks that allowed her midwife to be there– quite divinely.  Heather was able to avoid further intervention with her birth by having her babies before arriving to the hospital, and her midwife most assuredly impacted Baby B’s life by staying with Heather in the ambulance and providing the care that she and baby needed.  What an amazing series of events. Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)  

Pregnancy is the height of creativity– you are literally creating a brand new human… from scratch?  But have you noticed that sometimes the creativity of pregnancy moves into other aspects of your life?     This week, we’e speaking with Khylir Patton, a mother of two and a homebirth mom based in Tampa Bay, Florida. After navigating an unexpected late-pregnancy loss of care and ultimately experiencing a deeply empowering homebirth, she became passionate about helping mothers feel supported, informed, and less alone in their journeys. Khylir is the founder of IYA, a maternal care platform inspired by her own experiences navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. At her core, she believes birth is intuitive, sacred, and a powerful initiation into motherhood.    Episode Roundup:   Moving into motherhood is not always a perfectly smooth transition.  You are growing, regenerating, renewing as a human.  Your responsibilities shift completely, and the entire focus of your life, both long term and day to day, must yield to this new experience.  Khylir mentioned the struggle of her time no longer feeling like her own– She couldn’t sleep when she wanted to, work when she wanted to.  She had to relinquish the grip she previously easily held on her schedule.  But– while it’s not all easy, it is all an invitation to transform.  How can you hold onto your identity, grow in your identity, and care for your baby, too?  Sometimes the balance takes time to establish, but I love how Khylir was able to move through the experience and eventually come out on the other side capable of caring for her two little ones while also creating something she felt called to create.   Which leads me to my second point- isn’t it amazing how pregnancy truly is an incubator?  For new life, of course, but also an incubator for ideas and creativity.  I’ve had some of my very best ideas and revelations during the pregnancy and postpartum phases of my life.   And finally, I love hearing Khylir’s experience of– awakening to invitation.  One day in postpartum, she heard “get up.”  Such a small phase, but it changed everything about how she was interacting with her life.  She accepted the invitation.  She took small steps– taking a bit of time to wash her face and brush her teeth, then going on walks… suddenly, as she listened and responded, she was given more direction– take this dream you’ve had and turn into something new.  Something that will impact others for years to come.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)

Have you ever found yourself wanting something to happen so desperately, and at the same time realizing you have absolutely no control over its happening?   This week, we’re speaking with Erica: a wife, mother of two, one of nine siblings, and a woman who entered marriage already having seen family members give birth beautifully at home.   Episode Roundup: 1. Generational Trust in birth is a GIFT  Erica didn’t stumble into homebirth hoping it might work. She had seen it. She watched her mother birth. She watched her sister birth. She grew up witnessing women trust their bodies. When birth isn’t something foreign and medicalized — when it’s something you’ve seen unfold in your actual living room —where you LIVE– it builds a different kind of confidence. What are we modeling for our daughters? What are our sons witnessing about women’s strength? Erica is now continuing that legacy.  Absolutely amazing.   2. Surrender Is Not Passive — It’s Active and continual Two weeks of prodromal labor. Contractions that start… and stop. Hopes rising… and falling. Over and over again. And that shower moment — head against the tile, sobbing, praying, “I trust You… but please let it be now.” That is such an honest prayer. That’s a prayer of confession. Surrender doesn’t mean we don’t have desires. It doesn’t mean we don’t long for relief. It means we bring those desires into God’s presence instead of trying to control the outcome. And eventually… her body opened. Not through force or fear, but because it. Was. time.  3. And finally, there is such power in undisturbed birth.   Erica pushed without cervical checks. She followed her body’s cues. She reached down and felt her baby descend. That image — a mother with her own finger on her baby’s head, feeling him move down and through her body — is one of the most instinctive, embodied images I can imagine. She didn’t need someone to tell her where she was, because she felt it. And then… she caught him herself. Born fully en caul. Waters intact. Her hands the first to lift him from the water. What a picture of partnership between body, baby, and Creator.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)    

When you want to give birth at home, but the local midwives are overbooked and not taking new clients, what are your options?    This week we’re speaking to Regan, a mother to two kiddos in the Manitoba area of Canada who knew that she wanted to give birth at home, but had to think outside the box to make it happen for her.     Regan is a wife of 7 years and a stay at home mom to her two beautiful young children. A small part of her life includes helping manage a midwifery advocacy group, whose main desire is that all women in her Province can have the birth experience they desire! She loves her quiet country home life raising kids, running her two small businesses and discussing birth with anyone who wants to talk!   Episode Roundup:     It can feel so frustrating to hear how difficult it is in so many places to find a quality care provider at home.  Whether it's because of a lack of midwives or because of an over-taxed system, it leads to the same issue– Mothers have to think outside the box to find the care they need.  But what’s beautiful is the fact that for some mothers, like Regan, their desire to have a certain kind of experience leads them to explore other options and find a solution that works for them.  This doesn’t always look the same for every family.  For some, maybe it’s a hotel or airbnb birth.  For others, maybe it’s finding midwives to travel to you from a distance.  Whatever it looks like, the sense of creativity that you can bring into a difficult situation can truly flip it on its head. There’s something to be said for having to keep information confidential when you deeply want to share.  Regan spoke of how the sense of secrecy she needed to maintain in order to protect her labor support felt very heavy to hear.  While it’s such a good reminder that your private medical information is yours to keep close and it’s really nobody else’s right to know, that doesn’t change the experience that comes with WANTING to share and feeling unable. Regan thinks this may have impacted her ability to connect to the idea that she was really growing a baby prenatally – which, as I mentioned, I believe makes quite a bit of sense that she needed to truly feel all of her labor to make the connection that, yes, this is happening! I’m becoming a mother again! And finally, one of the beautiful counter balances to the struggle Regan had with not being able to share about her labor support– was her labor support itself.  She had a team of two women who loved her, cared for her, encouraged her and walked with her as she went through one of the most pivotal days of her entire life.  What a delight that these women cared so deeply for her, and were also so deeply impacted by Regan’s birth.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)    

How do you feel about the specifics of your upcoming birth? Are you clinging to particular desires and feeling like things MUST happen a certain way for you to feel successful? Or do you feel the peace of flexibility? This week, we're speaking with Pamela, a homeschooling mother of 3 precious kiddos, who decided to give birth at home with her third child. Throughout the end of her pregnancy and labor, Pamela went on a journey of learning that she wasn’t in control of every event that happened, but she was able to surrender— and through the process of surrender she found something even better than certainty- she found freedom.   Episode Roundup: First, I love the fact that Pamela was being encouraged by the young mothers around her– in her community group, and then within her family.  The women in Pamela’s circle gave her a new perspective of what birth could be like– and what she could be capable of!  When you share your experiences with others, who knows who you will influence and how that could change their trajectory.  How beautiful to simply share your story. Next, I cannot–not comment on Pamela’s perspective.  While she did have ideas of what she wanted her birth to be like– in the water, untouched– She allowed herself the freedom to change her mind as her birth unfolded. She was not a victim of birth, even with its changes.  Instead she acknowledges the part that she played: She chose to change her mind.  We cannot control numerous aspects of our births, but we can control our perspective.  And when you pair a healthy perspective with the lesson of surrender, oh my, that’s how mothers transform. And finally–Beauty and Tragedy exist simultaneously. At the same time that Pam was approaching birth, there was tremendous flooding and loss in her region of Texas. And then her grandfather broke his hip the day before labor. Life is being lost, pain is being experienced, and at the very same time beauty is being created. New life is being freshly breathed. The clear truth is that there is beauty, even in the hardest of times. Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)    

Have you ever done everything right…and still watched things unfold in a way you never expected? This week I’m joined by Daryl Hogan — a nurse, nursing professor, wife, and new mama — who navigated a laundry list of unexpected aspects of pregnancy that she certainly wouldn’t have excitedly chosen…. And yet her story doesn’t end in suffering, but in a powerful, physiologic homebirth that left her standing in awe of what her body had carried her through.   Episode Roundup:   First — preparation does not guarantee ease. Daryl did the research. She changed her products. She tracked her cycles. She took the supplements. She prepared her body thoughtfully. And still she experienced hyperemesis. Still she lost weight. And still she battled prenatal depression. But she endured.  She continued, and while her preparation did not prevent suffering — It did equip her to endure it. Second — the humility of needing help. As a nurse, Daryl understood the medical system. She works in the hospital. She knows the language. But during her pregnancy, she found herself needing the IV fluids, the medication. Needing support beyond what she had hoped for. And I love the way she processed that. She asked herself: “Would I shame another woman for this?” Of course not. And so she chose to release the shame. My friends, sometimes trusting God also looks like accepting the help He places in front of you. Third — the power of relational care. Did you hear the contrast between her midwife and her OB? Long appointments. Text messages. Honesty. Consultation. Home visits. Versus… Cold. Rushed. Directive. Care changes experience. Not just outcomes — experience. And finally — redemption through birth. After months of vomiting. Crying. Exhaustion and Fear. Her labor came. She drove home from the birth center on all fours in the back seat — because her body told her to. And she birthed her baby at home. Oh my goodness, the triumph in that!   Not because it was pain-free or especially easy, but because she endured. She trusted. She surrendered. And what strikes me most is this — she didn’t just get a baby at the end. She got awe:  Awe of her body. Awe of the design. Awe of the way suffering can shape strength. So if you are in a season where you are doing your best just to make it through Whether that’s in pregnancy, motherhood, or another aspect of your life —   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)  

Have you ever wondered how much the environment and the people around you shape the way birth unfolds?   Hey there Happy Homebirthers, and welcome to episode 314 of the Happy Homebirth Podcast.  I’m your host Katelyn Fusco and today, we’re speaking with Caroline Hendel, a mother from France whose story beautifully illustrates the difference between being managed through birth vs. being trusted in it. Caroline shares two very different experiences: her first birth in a hospital after being transferred due to concerns about her baby’s size, and her second—an intentional home birth of an eleven-pound baby, surrounded by a team who provided a sense of belief, calm, and support. This conversation touches on big babies, cultural differences in birth care, choosing your team wisely, and what it truly means to feel safe in birth.   First, I’m struck by how clearly her experiences show that big babies are not the problem—fear is. Over and over again, we see that when providers don’t trust mothers, size becomes a liability. But when belief is present, the body often does exactly what it was designed to do. Second, Caroline’s story highlights how important it is to choose your team carefully—and to change course when something doesn’t feel right. Trusting your intuition doesn’t mean rejecting care; it means seeking the right care. And finally, I love her reflection on how birth intensity can be a bridge into motherhood. For Caroline, her second birth gave her something her first did not— she was able to experience the fullness and intensity of the act of bringing forth her baby, which was exactly what she wanted as she re-entered the fullness and intensity of motherhood. If you’re preparing for birth, I pray this story reminds you that you deserve belief, support, and peace—no matter the size of your baby.   Links:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5yY5p5Wm6Y   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)    

Have you ever noticed how each birth teaches us something different—no matter how many times we’ve done this before?   Today, I’m welcoming back a dear friend of the show, Madeline Murray—midwife, mother of four, and someone whose story has unfolded alongside this podcast over the years. Madeline has been here before to share her first and second homebirths, and today she’s bringing us into her third and fourth. Two births that took place in very different seasons of life, and yet both marked by growth, presence, and a deepening sense of trust.   Episode Roundup: First, I’m struck by how much presence mattered in these later births. Madeline talks about the difference between surviving a birth and actually participating in it—and that distinction feels so important. Sometimes peace doesn’t come from changing the circumstances, but from being able to stay with yourself through them. Second, I love her honesty about how seasons of life affect birth. Giving birth while navigating business ownership, older children, and a body that’s changed with time looks different than it did before—and that doesn’t make it lesser. In many ways, it makes it richer. There’s wisdom there. There’s perspective. And finally, Madeline’s story reminds us that even when we’re experienced—even when we’ve attended births or lived inside this world for years—birth still has something to teach us. It continues to shape us, humble us, and invite us into deeper trust. So wherever you are on your own journey—first baby or fourth—may this story remind you that growth doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like calm. Sometimes it looks like confidence. Sometimes it looks like finally feeling at home in your body.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)    

Which is more important when it comes to birth: preparation or intuition? In this week’s episode, we’re hearing from Kaylee Matthews, a first-time mom from the mountains of Southern California whose story is a reminder that intuition and preparation can coexist beautifully with surrender. Before she even met her husband, Kaylee was learning the fertility-awareness method, studying midwifery podcasts, and building an understanding of her body. So when she and her husband conceived—on their very first try—she felt both prepared and grounded. Her pregnancy unfolded with ease until an unexpected “high-risk” label and pressure from hospital providers tested her confidence. Leaning on research, prayer, and intuition, Kaylee chose to continue midwifery care, learning firsthand the value of informed decision-making and peace over fear. When labor finally began at 40 weeks + 6 days, it moved from calm to intense quickly—so quickly that her earlier intuition proved true: her midwife nearly missed the birth. What followed was a long, determined labor that called for patience, movement, and deep trust. Kaylee’s story highlights the balance between preparation and surrender—the way knowledge can empower us, but peace is what carries us through. First, knowledge really is power—but trust and peace are even greater powers. Kaylee studied, planned, and prepared for this birth. But when things went off-script, she leaned not on fear or outside pressure, but on the peace and confidence she had in her body as it did exactly what it was designed to do. Second, I love how her preparation allowed her husband to step confidently into birth, too. From the packet of questions at their first appointment to the way he supported her through every phase, their teamwork is a picture of partnership in birth, and the way that birth can truly bring couples together as they enter or re-enter parenthood.  And finally, Kaylee’s intuition was spot-on. Even when it didn’t make logical sense—like feeling her midwife might miss the birth—she honored that God-given intuitive thought and made space for it. What a reminder that we are so connected to our Creator, and when it’s intuition, that knowing you feel isn’t scary, it’s simply confident. Here’s to quiet confidence, to listening inward, and to letting birth be the teacher it’s meant to be.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)        

What if understanding midwifery care didn’t require convincing—but simply seeing? This week on The Happy Homebirth Podcast, I’m joined by Caleb Phipps, filmmaker and father of four, and Midon Wingo, licensed midwife and passionate advocate for family-centered birth care. Together, they’re creating a documentary called Birthing Revolution—a film designed to show what midwifery care actually looks like. Prenatal visits. Birth spaces. Families. Trust. One of the most powerful ideas from this conversation is the way they frame birth as a story: the mother as the hero, the midwife as the guide.   Episode Roundup:   First, I’m struck by the power of seeing. Caleb shared how witnessing midwifery care firsthand changed his understanding in a way facts and statistics never could. That’s exactly why Birthing Revolution matters—because when people can actually see birth unfolding with trust and respect, fear begins to loosen its grip. Second, I love the way both Caleb and Midon frame birth as a journey where the mother is the hero and the midwife is the guide. That story deserves to be told well—and protected—so families everywhere can understand what’s possible. And finally, I want to invite you into this work. If this episode resonated with you—if you’ve ever wished your partner, your parents, or your friends could see what midwifery care really looks like—this film could be that bridge. If you’re able, consider supporting the Birthing Revolution project. Even a small contribution helps move this vision forward and makes these stories accessible to families who need them.   Links:   Donate to Birthing Revolution: https://phippsphilms.com/birthing-revolution-movie/   Birthing Joy: A Home Birth Experience | https://youtu.be/iyhCAG2CQE8?si=YzgT2NRb3J_rd87E   Midon Wingo Beautiful Blessings | https://www.beautifulblessingsbirthservices.com/   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)    

Do you have any highly specific desires in regards to your upcoming birth? Maybe that it will be at a certain time of day, or that you’ll labor for a specific amount of time…? What happens when those desires are unfulfilled and you’re given a very different experience instead? This week we’re speaking with Jamie, a first-time mom from Chicago who had some very beautiful ideas of what she wanted her birth to look like. After a very long pregnancy, she hoped for a very short labor… and today we will hear how she learned to surrender both her plans and her fears.   Episode Roundup:   First, I love how Jamie’s story began before pregnancy — with a season of deep healing. When she leaned into holistic restoration, she wasn’t just preparing her gut or her body; she was preparing her spirit for motherhood. That alignment and surrender created the foundation for the birth that would later test her faith in such profound ways. Second, her honesty about fear is so relatable. Even with all the preparation, the reading, and the prayer, fear can creep in. And yet, in those moments when she felt she couldn’t go on, God’s Word met her — “My grace is sufficient for you.” What a testimony to the truth that sometimes the victory in birth doesn’t come through ease, but through endurance. And finally, the image of her midwife stepping in, calm and capable, to help her baby take his first breath — that moment captured the essence of womanly strength and care. It’s such a powerful reminder that when birth is held in reverence, even the most intense moments can become sacred. Jamie’s story reminds us that birth is both holy and humbling. It’s where heaven meets earth, and where a woman’s body, soul, and spirit are refined in love.     Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)  

What does it look like to walk through birth with deep peace — even when things don’t go exactly as planned?   This week we’re speaking to Paige Schwickerath, a young mom from central Iowa whose life has been beautifully transformed through marriage, motherhood, and her first home birth. Paige and her husband welcomed their son, Boaz, at home in an experience that tested their faith, strengthened their trust, and revealed the calm presence of God in every moment. In this episode, Paige shares how her husband’s encouragement first led her to explore home birth, the ways she prepared physically, mentally, and spiritually for labor, and how her peaceful birth at home unfolded — even when her baby needed a little extra help transitioning earthside. Her story is one of surrender, support, and steady faith — a powerful reminder that birth can be both holy and human, unpredictable and yet perfectly held by God’s design.   Episode Roundup: First of all, I love the role that Paige’s husband played in leading their family toward a more holistic way of living—before they were even pregnant. It’s not often that we hear about the husband introducing the idea of homebirth, but what a beautiful example of partnership and trust. His faith in God’s design and confidence in Paige’s ability to birth set such a peaceful tone for their entire experience. What a gift it is when husband and wife move forward in unity like that. Next, I was struck by how Paige prepared—physically, mentally, and spiritually—while still holding her plans with open hands. She stayed active, saw a pelvic floor therapist and chiropractor, and filled her mind with encouraging homebirth stories, all while surrendering her timeline and experience to the Lord. That blend of readiness and release—that’s such a powerful lesson for all of us. And finally, what a testimony of peace under pressure. When her son needed help transitioning after birth, Paige didn’t spiral into fear. She began quietly saying the name of Jesus over and over, trusting that He was present and that her birth team was equipped to care for her baby. Within minutes, her son was breathing in her arms. From the outside, someone might see this as a scary story, but for Paige, it was a story of God’s sovereignty and the calm assurance that she was exactly where she was meant to be. Wow—what an incredible reminder that even when our stories don’t unfold perfectly, they can still be perfectly the Lord’s.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)

Change can be tough. How do we integrate the arrival of our new baby? Moreover, how do we integrate the arrival of our new baby mere weeks after the arrival of our foster child and a move into a new home?   This week, we're speaking to Alexis. A foster-turning adoptive mother to a 7-year-old daughter, and homebirth bio mom to a 1 year old baby boy at the time of this recording. Alexis and her family experienced so. much. change. during her pregnancy, and leading up to her birth, and yet you will love the attitude and perspective with which she holds all of this as we hear her journey.   Episode Roundup:    Alexis found confidence in herself as she navigate pregnancy and motherhood, and so much of this was because she was in control of her care. She wasn't being told what to do or forced or coerced. Alexis was surrounded by midwives who truly cared for her and wanted her to be in charge of her experience. What a massive difference this makes in terms of how we feel about ourselves as mothers. What a beautiful gift of an experience to know that we've got the stuff we need to be who we were designed to be. Alexis said that, overarching, she sees how God's timing was so perfect in her story, despite the fact that she certainly couldn't see that or even fully feel that during the process at times. Isn't it so humbling to realize that our perspective just isn't as big as that of our Creator's? What feels like pain, a struggle, something incredibly difficult or even wrong from where we're standing.... that can be used, too. Alexis celebrates the fact that in His timing, she gained two beautiful children-- two children she wouldn't trade for the world. How amazing. Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)

When you found out you were pregnant, what emotions ran through your brain? Excitement? Thrill? Joy? Or did you experience fear, shame, or a resurgence of old traumas?   This week, we're speaking to Amanda Lopez. A mama to 3 children, two of whom were born to her while Amanda was still a teenager. We'll be discussing Amanda's experiences as a teen mother, and how her most recent homebirth (at the time of this recording) brought incredible healing to her previous perceptions of pregnancy and birth.    Episode Roundup:     I am so blown away by how Amanda used her experience of becoming pregnant at 14, having a baby at 15 to propel her forward in her aspirations. At a time when she felt so alone and was struggling so deeply, she still saw the worth of her child and knew that she was worth the struggle and toil. She turned something so difficult into something so triumphant, even graduating from high school with a 4.0 GPA. When Amanda became pregnant for the second time as a teen, she felt so much pain and confusion, and yet... she looked at her other daughter and knew that this baby was going to be a blessing. I am so overwhelmed at the beauty of Amanda's choices to celebrate life. And what seemed so tragic at the time, having two daughters as a teen herself, turned into the beautiful blessings of her daughters. As Amanda and her mother discussed, sometimes the things that seem so difficult at the time are, in retrospect, the things that save us. Praise God for his provision for Amanda in terms of her ability to raise her babies, and in the loving support, yet firm boundaries that her parents set out for her in the process. And finally, when Amanda became pregnant with her third child... DESPITE the fact that she is a fully grown adult woman and certainly capable of taking care of another baby, one of the first things that happened when she sat looking at the pregnancy test was a rush of old traumas... of feeling down on herself because this pregnancy was "unexpected". But what I loved about this story was the fact that Amanda now so clearly sees... this pregnancy, along with her two other pregnancies... they weren't unexpected. They were known, they were seen, and they were expected by the Creator. Amanda was able to triumphantly and confidently give birth to her third baby, safely in her own home. She was able to reclaim motherhood with a new sense of power and confidence, and I am so thrilled that Amanda's children are able to see what a strong, loving, beautiful mother they have-- one who will lay it all down for them.   Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)    

What was life like for you before you became pregnant? Were you pretty much the same person then as you are now, or have you changed drastically?   Today we'll be speaking with Gabrielle, and precious mother who has truly been pulled from death to life. From addiction to heavy narcotics and homelessness to being pulled out and called into life through Jesus. This story is unbelievably powerful, and I'm so thrilled that Gabrielle's heart desires to share how she has been forever reborn.   Episode Roundup: God makes messy things beautiful. I've seen it time and time again in my own life and in the lives of others, and how clearly was this put on display in Gabrielle's story. Gabrielle shares how she overdosed and flatlined 3 times-- died- and yet now is a whole new, reborn creation who is pointing others to her Savior. What a beautiful testimony. And next, I think it's so incredible to see how the life experiences that she's had, of dysfunction, of such severe struggle-- she's used those to change the paradigm for her own family. Gabrielle and her husband are taking their children down an entirely new path-- one that's functional and full of love and grace. And lastly, I just want to share about the beauty in Gabrielle's decision making. Despite the fact that she's off of social media and thus not being bombarded with pretty homebirth images, she prayed for discernment and knew that what she wanted for her babies was different from the conventional path. I just find it so powerful that Gabrielle trusted and obeyed and had two beautiful girls in a way that empowered her and granted her confidence in motherhood. Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)