Doing It At Home: Our Home Birth Podcast

In today’s episode we’re bringing you the home birth story of Jessica and Seth Burdette. Have you ever felt like you were limited with your birth options? Our couple today, Jessica and Seth Burdette, share their story about doing what was best for their family and creating the birth experience of their dreams. At 35 weeks Jessica and Seth decided to make the switch from a hospital birth with OB care, to a home birth with the Atlanta Birth Center. Most people don’t consider switching that late into the game (the vast majority don’t realize that’s even an option), and so we found it so empowering to hear how Jessica and Seth decided to do what felt right for them. They ended up working with the Atlanta Birth Center - an amazing group of holistically minded birth care providers in Atlanta, Ga. Sarah and I looked into the ABC when we were researching their birth options.  Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.co

What can birth teach us about handling tough situations? Simply stated: A LOT! Matthew and Sarah sit down to address some of the current energy that’s circulating throughout the world, and how we can draw upon the experience of birth to empower us and help us move through it. Lessons like surrender, awareness, mindfulness and choosing love over fear. Plus we give you real, actionable, practical takeaways that you can do today. Links: Balance and Motherhood podcast: https://www.sarahbivens.com/podcast Having It ALL podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-question-to-help-you-beat-corona-crisis-anxiety/id1093257684?i=1000469311265 Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks Learn more about your ad

How late is too late to switch your birth plan or care model? The joke (but not really a joke) response we often see in the birth circuit is, “Once the baby has arrived.” In other words, it’s never too late to evaluate what you want in your birth experience, and to make the adjustments to bring that reality. Our guest today is Sarah Radcliff, mom of 4 (2 belly babies and 2 bonus). Sarah shares her second birth experience with us in which she decided on a home birth at 30 weeks pregnant. Her first birth was in the hospital, and there were a few elements of that birth that motivated her to create something different the next time around. With the support of her husband Keith, they moved forward with their midwife to plan their home birth. Sarah walks us through birthing time - quiet, private and peaceful. Plus 10 minutes of pushing to welcome baby Liam - but we’ll save the rest for you to hear in the episode! Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcas

How does faith influence your pregnancy and birth? This could be linked to religious affiliation or not. Birth in and of itself includes elements of trust and surrender, the cycle of ebb and flow. It’s natural to associate it as a spiritual experience. Today’s guests open up their story and hearts to us as they share their journey to home birth. Amy Jo and JJ Mann, or Team Mann as they often refer to themselves, are joining us to talk about the birth of their daughter Brooklyn.  From some details switch-arounds with care models and location of their birth to how they grew stronger together as a couple, this is an inspiring conversation full of warmth and laughter. Plus some great takeaways for empowering birth jargon and tips to encourage partners and fathers. Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook

What happens when your birth turns out different than how you pictured it? Two-time DIAH mama Kimberly Huck can relate to this question for her second home birth. We’re so excited to have Kimberly back on the show (she joined us back in episode 53 sharing her fast labor and Bradley Method influenced water birth with her son Henry) to share the birth story of her daughter Josie. We talk to Kimberly about her process of preparing to go from one child to two and the different emotions that came along with that. She also shares some of the energy work that she utilized to help her connect with baby while she was pregnant and set herself up for a powerful birth experience. Then the birth itself - with interesting factors like her midwife being two plus hours away at another birth when Kimberly went into labor and the need for a postpartum transfer when it appeared that Kimberly was bleeding significantly.  Plus another thing that we think happens with lots of moms, but isn’t discussed - the “what if” conversation,

Have you seen the commercial about real postpartum that’s been getting some attention lately? A recent commercial from company Frida, creators of FridaBaby and FridaMom with parenting product favorites like the snot-sucking NoseFrida, recently released a commercial highlighting their postpartum care products like an upside down peri bottle. The ad has sparked up attention. For one, not being accepted to run during the Oscars 2020 airing. But more importantly, in our opinion, for the conversation it brings up around the realness of the postpartum experience. So we sat down and shared our reactions to watching the ad and some of what we see coming out of it. And just to be clear, Frida is in no way affiliated with or sponsoring this episode. We’re grateful to them and their mission (“Preparing parents for the unfiltered realities of parenthood with simple-yet-genius solutions that get the job done.” as it reads on their website) and want to bring relevant content like this to our community.  Links: Frida’ post

Is it possible for a birth experience to empower you and leave you feeling a little defeated at the same time? That was what Dr. Brittany Zis thought about her home birth, at first. For one thing, it was 55 hours long, and a couple of unplanned factors popped up - like her cervix being completely closed after almost a day of contractions, pushing challenges and baby changing position at the last minute.  But with the support of her birth team: her midwives, her husband Andrew and her family, Brittany sees how badass she is and how humbling the experience was, welcoming her son Russell into the world.  As a physical therapist specializing in women’s health and pediatrics, she had a goal of approaching her home birth decision with both a natural mindset as well as evidence-based information (the best of both worlds). We think this is something that many in the DIAH can connect with, and we’re so excited to share Brittany’s story with you! Links: Brittany’s website: https://www.motherandbabywellnesscollective.

Is your partner planning on taking time off when baby arrives, or did they in the past? And what about going pain med free for your birth -- do you ever get questions or responses like, “what are you trying to prove??” Today’s episode, both of us are addressing listener emails and touching on things like paternity/partner leave, particularly when the partner isn’t interested in taking it. So we break that down a bit and share some of our thoughts and experiences. Plus, a few more comments that might come up when you’re choosing home birth, and what you can do to navigate them.  Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you hold onto any shame from your birth or postpartum experience? In today’s episode, our guest Dorit Palvanov is setting an example on how to let that go. She shares details of her 3 birth stories: from hospital to home to back to hospital. Dorit walks us through the processes and the ups and downs throughout her journey to motherhood. From interventions and a dissociated feeling with her first to primal sensations with her second and finally orgasmic energy around her third. Dorit brings her high energy and candor to her stories, and we know that so many mothers and families will benefit from hearing them. Click the links below to learn more about Dorit, listen to her podcast and connect with her. Links: Dorit’s website: https://doritpalvanov.com/ Dorit’s masterclass: www.doritpalvanov.com/energy-masterclass Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.co

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s a doula? This question comes up a lot around the birth world. And even for those who kinda have an idea, there still seems to be opportunity to understand more. Today’s guest is Heidi Snyderburn-Campbell, a doula of 15 years and the host of Birth Story Podcast. Heidi brings her experience to the table and shares with us some of her journey into becoming a doula. We also talk about the importance of doulas, particularly in the hospital setting, for advocacy and support. Heidi reads an excerpt from her upcoming book and trust us when we say, not only will you want to re-listen to it over and over again, you’re going to want to pick up her book when it comes out!  It was an honor to have Heidi in our space. AND - she interviewed us for Birth Story Podcast, so be sure to check it out! Links: Heidi’s Website: www.birthstory.com Heidi’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/birthstorypodcast Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Netw

How does sex change before and after baby? This is a great question to ask ourselves. And this is an important topic to normalize and create space for - from both the physical and emotional perspectives. Today’s guest is Dr. Lauren Crigler, a sex pain therapist who specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy. In other words, she helps women have pain-free, pleasurable sex. So we chat with Dr. Lauren about these changes, about how sex helps in holding the relationship with your partner (and family) together. Plus tips for how we can address some of the challenges and dysfunctions, while having a healthy conversation that impacts, guess who...our kids!  Links: Dr. Lauren’s website: www.drlaurencrigler.com Dr. Lauren’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrLaurenCrigler Dr. Lauren’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlaurencrigler/ Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: htt

What role is the father-to-be (or parent-to-be) supposed to play in birth? How can that father/parent-to-be show up better in that role? In today's conversation, Sarah and Matthew dig in on this topic, focusing on the future fathers/parents who don't always get to be in the spotlight. This is a great episode to listen to if you're a father-to-be, OR if you know one then share this episode with them. Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What was a DIAH highlight for you this year? In today’s episode we’re recapping some of the takeaways from 2019, and sharing our intentions for 2020. Happy New Year! Links: Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Shop: https://www.bonfire.com/store/diahpodcast/ Parents on Demand Network: https://parentsondemand.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diahpodcast/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/diahpodcast Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1904721379788084/?ref=bookmarks The Dope Doula Etsy Page: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheDopeDoula Dope Doula DIAH episode: https://www.diahpodcast.com/single-post/HBAC-Story-of-Baby-3-with-the-Dope-Doula-Rachel-Cunningham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How is your mind space connected with the physical space and environment that you set for your birth? In today’s episode we have a powerful conversation with Kristen and Rodney about their birth journey. From the surprise of the pregnancy news to decision to have a home birth, we get both parents’ perspectives on the experience.  Kristen is a yoga instructor, and used much of her practice throughout her pregnancy and birth.  “My yoga practice afforded me this sweet opportunity to gain an understanding and cultivate an intimate relationship with my baby well before birth…" “Yoga had equipped me with the tools to choose my perspective. Yoga offered me the solace to stay present through uncomfortable times and floods of thoughts.” “Yoga in its essence is a practice of unity--with mind, body and spirit. On a logistic level, the breath techniques learned and practiced in yoga relax and slow the body which is virtuous during birth/contractions. I compare the space between each contraction as the space between each

When you’re expecting, it’s very common to hear the question, “Where are you delivering?” If not that specifically, people generally ask about your doctor or your doctor visits. Whether it’s close friends and family or total strangers, most will insert some sort of advice or personal experience to whatever birth plan it is you’ve chosen. It can be even more interesting when you share that your birth plan involves a home birth. Queue awkward silences, uncomfortable jokes and even sometimes downright judgement. That’s what we’re talking about in this episode: what we’re calling the “pushbacks.” They are the often well-intentioned but poorly executed gestures and words to share varying degrees of care and concern for yours and your baby’s well-being. But it’s great because it gives you a chance to exercise patience and understanding. It might even help you confirm why you’re considering or chose home birth. Matthew and I have grown to love the pushbacks, and we share some examples of ones we received. Learn more

Can too much exercise during pregnancy become a detriment to your birth experience? We wouldn’t presume to give you a definitive answer to this question because frankly it’s not our place and we’re not the experts of your physical body, pregnancy, preferences or life experience. This is a question we explored with today’s guest Deb Flashenberg, founder and director of the Prenatal Yoga Center in New York. Deb has her own experience and story around exercising during pregnancy, as well as practicing yoga consistently.  We talk a little bit about Deb’s journey into the work she’s doing now, her own process of exploring birth options, fears around pregnancy and childbirth and honoring motherhood. Deb’s story and message is a powerful one. For her, it’s about “trusting yourself, and being okay when you’re not perfect.” Also to find your personal voice, own your autonomy and proclaim “this is my life!” And you can access Deb and all her wisdom on her own podcast “Yoga Birth Babies” and through the Prenatal Yoga Ce

What happens when you’re planning a hospital or birth center birth, but labor starts and moves so quickly that you don’t have time to pack up, get in the car and leave?! Welp, an unplanned home birth, that’s what! And this is our first story of this on the podcast. Meet our guest, Katie Krimitsos, wife, mother of 2 and fellow podcaster, Sarah met Katie at the She Podcasts 2019 event in Atlanta earlier this year, and knew she had to be on DIAH. Katie shares the story of her daughter Savannah’s birth (this episode is actually publishing on her 1st birthday, yay!), which was a total of 20 minutes! Despite the unplanned circumstances, Katie felt calm and describes the whole experience as magical. We also get to hear from Katie about her podcast “Women’s Meditation Network,” and how she’s using meditation to reach millions of women all over the world.  Links: Women’s Meditation Network WMN Instagram “Doing It At Home” book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098GVJ9KL?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Our website: 

How do you know you’re making the best choice when it comes to planning for your birth? This is one of the themes we unpack in today’s episode. We’re joined by Nicole and Al, parents to Eli, Karin, Eliza and Atreyu. We get to hear both mom and dad’s perspective on the birthing journey. From the first birth - unmedicated in the hospital, attended by midwives. The second - unplanned twin cesarean. And finally their home birth. Nicole shares her experience as a childbirth educator and Bradley Method instructor and how that influenced her decisions and how she participated in her care and planning. Al talks about his role as her partner and holding the space for her during birth. Links: “Doing It At Home” book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098GVJ9KL?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 Our website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ Home Birth Support Group: https://bit.ly/3jKtIYv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGoKeBfEZ143sWU7V9I5Gdg DIAH Sto

What if...? Probably the biggest question that comes up around the choice to have a home birth. Whether you ask it to yourself, your birth team, or you have other people ask you - it comes up. As today’s guest Janette puts it - “Things did not go to plan, birth never does.” We talk about Janette’s decision to have a home birth - both she and her husband work in a hospital (her as a childbirth educator and doula and her husband as an RN), and so after feeling hesitant to give birth there, she leaned in and took the time to see what felt best. They continued with joint care between their midwives and hospital visits, but planned for a home birth. We hear baby Liv’s birth story, plus the details of Janette’s postpartum transfer to address her blood loss, which had been managed effectively by her midwives and while she was no longer bleeding, a transfusion was the best course of action to support Janette in recovering and feeling better.  In Janette’s words: “When you say you are having a home birth people often