Doing It At Home: Our Home Birth Podcast

How often do you think about how your birth will unfold? Today’s guests, Adriana and Tim Keefe, share the details of their two home birth stories.  After a hospital birth for her first child, she decided on home birth for babies 2 and 3.  Adriana and Tim both talk about the preparation process for their home births as well as helpful resources and the sequence of events in both births.  From Adriana regarding her first home birth: “I envisioned how my labor and delivery would go…and it went exactly how I envisioned it” Things we talk about in this episode: Choosing home birth after hospital birth Dad’s perspective on choosing home birth How partner can be involved in the birth Visualization and manifestation for your birth experience Comfort techniques during labor Links From The Episode: Adriana’s website: https://adrianakeefe.com/ Adriana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrikeefe/ Why Not Home: https://www.whynothome.com/ The Business Of Being Born: https://watch.thebusinessof.life/bizo

Do you believe that you are built to birth? From today’s guest Soni: “I was absolutely amazed that I actually did it, I’m one of those people everyone always thinks is just not tough.” Soni shares her home birth story with us. Things we talk about in this episode: 8-year TTC journey  Fertility challenges Marathon sex An empathic partner Switching from OBGYN hospital care to midwife home care Fears and visions around birth Words of wisdom Links From The Episode: Bridget Teyler YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BridgetTeyler   Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://bit.ly/2DuMBxP - use code DIAH to get 20% off your order Splash Blanket: https://splashblanket.com/ - use code DIAH15 for 15% off your order   More From Doing It At Home: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH Website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Give Back to DIAH

How do you use your instincts during birth? Today’s story features a combination of birth intentions, intuition and instinct.  Lauren Smith shares her birthing journey with us. From 2 hospital births to 2 birth center births to 2 home births. Things we talk about in this episode: Some challenges in pregnancy including connecting with baby Surrendering to God Considering unassisted birth Long prodromal labor Using Spinning Babies and Miles Circuit to help with baby’s position  Having siblings present at birth Links From The Episode: Lauren’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/our.quiverfull.life/ Spinning Babies: https://www.spinningbabies.com/ The Miles Circuit: http://www.milescircuit.com/ Birth Uprising: https://www.instagram.com/birthuprising/ The Autonomy Mommy: https://www.instagram.com/theautonomymommy/   Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://bit.ly/2DuMBxP - use code DIAH to get 20% off your order Splash Blanket: https://splashblanket.com/ - use code DIAH15 for 15% of

Have you wondered about the first birth story we ever shared on this podcast? Well, it’s our story! And today we’re bringing you the classic episode “Star Wars, Kiddie Pools, and Hypnobabies: Our Home Birth Story”. In this episode, Matthew and I sit down (well actually, lay down) with our first guest - less than a week old baby Maya. She lies quietly (for the most part, you might hear some coos and little grunts in the background at times) on Matthew’s chest while we recount the story of our home birth, while it’s still fresh in our minds. There were a lot of tears, a fair amount of blood, some laughs and so much love. So join us from our bedroom - where we made our baby, birthed her and are now hanging out with her and talking about the whole darn thing. Links From The Episode: Hypnobabies: https://www.hypnobabies.com/ Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://bit.ly/2DuMBxP - use code DIAH to get 20% off your order C & The Moon Malibu Made Glow Oil with code DIAH15 for 15% off your order: https:

How is the second trimester going? Glad you asked!  In this episode we’re giving updates on our second trimester, just as we’re about to enter the third. We talk about: Body changes Magical moments and milestones Matthew’s perspective on the dad side of things Intentions and visions for birth Yogurt sex…yep What’s next Links From The Episode: Previous pregnancy update episodes: Weeks 11-14 of pregnancy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-it-at-home/id1153134918?i=1000568948597 Weeks 7-10 of pregnancy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-it-at-home/id1153134918?i=1000565578941 Weeks 0-6 of pregnancy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-it-at-home/id1153134918?i=1000560345155   Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://bit.ly/2DuMBxP - use code DIAH to get 20% off your order C & The Moon Malibu Made Glow Oil with code DIAH15 for 15% off your order: https://bit.ly/3KWeGL1 Expectful - use the code DIAH25OFF for 25% off an annual membership: https://expectful.co

Do you have faith in your body to give birth? Today’s episode dives into this topic. Brandi Jack joins us and shares details of her 4 birth stories, each powerful and unique. From her first birth in a hospital to 3 home births, Brandi gives us an authentic and heart-centered storytelling. Also note that we talk about the experiences of multiple miscarriages and an unhealthy marriage dynamic in Brandi’s previous relationship that impacted parts of the pregnancy and birth experiences. From Brandi: “I thought I was doing everything right before my first baby. I had the recommended OB, I did the hospital birth classes, I read the WTE book and I thought I knew everything I needed to know. But just like the first pancake in a batch, my first labor and delivery didn't turn out at all how I hoped. An unnecessary induction, no real understanding of what to expect and an episiotomy I didn't consent to quickly led to an experience that was nothing like I had imagined.” Links From The Episode: Ina May’s Guide to Childbi

Is birth something to be managed? No. Birth is intelligent divine design come to life.  Today’s episode encompasses this idea. We welcome back Katie McCormick to the podcast for the 3rd time, talking about her 3rd home birth - an unassisted home birth. Katie walks us through her wild pregnancy and the intentions she set for her birthing space. Plus how her husband Ryan was involved and how she had her other 2 children present at the birth. Things we talk about in this episode: Unassisted/free birth Wild pregnancy Connecting with your partner Having children present at your birth Birth affirmations Postpartum lessons Links From The Episode: Katie’s first DIAH story: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-it-at-home/id1153134918?i=1000390555396 Katie’s second DIAH story: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-it-at-home/id1153134918?i=1000394561583 Katie’s website: www.bloomlikeamother.com 20% off Katie’s course “Elevate Your Homebirth” with code DIAHBLOOM: www.bloomlikeamother.com/home

“Does that count as a home birth?” That is the question Marissa found herself asking after her planned home birth shifted to a non-emergency hospital transfer towards the end of her labor.  Marissa walks us through her process of choosing home birth, which happened before conceiving, navigating feedback and opinions from friends and family and then setting intentions for the birth space and including her husband Stephen in the experience.  Some highlights: Finding a midwifery group with hospital privileges if this is important to you Big emphasis on partner support Birth is not dramatic  Importance of consent-based practice Hospital policies after birth You can do things that are hard It’s okay to question the norm  Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://bit.ly/2DuMBxP - use code DIAH to get 20% off your order C & The Moon Malibu Made Glow Oil with code DIAH15 for 15% off your order: https://bit.ly/3KWeGL1 Expectful - use the code DIAH25OFF for 25% off an annual membership: https://exp

Ever wanted to know more about the history of Doing It At Home or some of the behind-the-scenes life of running the show?  In this bonus episode, we’re sharing the interview we did on the Birthing Outside the Box podcast with Jani and Dr. V. Last week we shared an episode (no. 394) where we interviewed them. So this week we thought it’d be fun to share the conversation where the roles were reversed and we got to be the interviewees. What’s cool about it is we take off our “host hats” and we just have a powerful, candid conversation about our journey into DIAH, plus details of our 2-year “open to conceive” journey and how we found out we were pregnant, as well as thoughts on things we all observe in the birth world. Check out our interview with Jani and Dr. V as well as their podcast and birth education with Birthing Outside the Box! Links From The Episode: DIAH episode interviewing Dr. V and Jani: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taking-responsibility-for-birth-with-jani-barnes-and/id1153134918?i=1000

What does it look like to follow your instinct when it comes to birth? Today we’re chatting with Lindsay Robinson about the details of her second and third home births. Lindsay joined us back in 2018 to share her first home birth story. Now we’re talking about her desire to have a freebirth for her second, but she really loved her midwives and was still open to having them there for the birth. Spoiler alert: the midwife arrived after the birth! And then details from her third birth, where her midwife was present.  There are a lot of great details and themes throughout this conversation. To name just a few: Insomnia and depression during pregnancy Birth pool setup (aka shenanigans) Fetal ejection reflex Postpartum bleeding Ultrasound visits Prodromal labor Laboring on the toilet Meconium in waters when they break Nuchal cord Links: Episode 162 with Lindsay: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-it-at-home/id1153134918?i=1000416056522 Lindsay’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/willowwilderphotogra

What are some of the main contributors to stress and anxiety around pregnancy and birth? What are the main contributors to having peace and joy around your pregnancy and birth experience?  Today we address both of these angles to birth with our friends Jani and Dr. V from Birthing Outside the Box. Jani and Dr. V are a dynamic duo of a doula and a chiropractor who are passionate about empowering and educating parents around pregnancy and birth. Along with hosting the Birthing Outside the Box podcast, they lead an in-person birthing course for their community in Raleigh, North Carolina. This is a very robust conversation all about birth. From unrealistic and sensationalized depictions of birth and the programming and language we receive around birth, to the attempts to control it. Plus what it looks like to birth in the system. We also cover what you can do to set yourself up for success like finding community and utilizing resources. Links From The Episode: Birthing Outside the Box: https://podcasts.apple.com

Today we’re chatting with Emily Freimuth about her 3 births and how they are connected with each other.  Emily was always fascinated by birth. After her first in a hospital, she was inspired to have a home birth for her second and third.  We talk about some of the big differences amongst the 3 births. Plus Emily is a doula/birth keeper and placenta encapsulation specialist, so that ties into her experience and story as well Other topics we get into: Considering unassisted home birth Physical challenges during pregnancy  Labor denial Support (or lack thereof) of family members around your birth From Emily: “I have had 3 births. My first at the local hospital with the midwife team, I had a super awesome water birth that got me hooked on birth! I then had both my boys at home with the same midwife team! I definitely learned things about myself through each birth! I’m also the “crazy” lady that loves labor and I wish I could do it all the time haha” Links From The Episode: Emily’s Instagram: https://www.in

How do you create the pregnancy and birth experience you desire? First thing - let’s acknowledge that YOU ARE a powerful creator who is capable of doing this. Looking at your “whys,” reflecting on what matters to you and getting intentional about the process makes a huge impact as well. Our guests today are Erica James-Strayhorn and Anthony Strayhorn. We’ve known Erica and Anthony for over 7 years now and in that time they’ve become family. Well folks...they’re pregnant! And they’re planning a home birth. Needless to say we’re beyond thrilled for them. It was a no-brainer to have them on the show.   So they came over and the four of us chatted in our office/recording studio to talk about their journey. From moving through a miscarriage earlier in the year to advocating how Erica would like to be communicated with regarding her care (asking to not be referred to ask “geriatric” or “high-risk” because she’s 36) to finding the midwife that resonated with them to envisioning birthing time, we cover a lot of groun

How does meditation improve pregnancy outcomes? Today’s episode is a powerful conversation with Nathalie Walton, CEO/Co-Founder of Expectful. Expectful is a meditation and mental health app for before, during and after pregnancy. We’ve been friends with the folks over at Expectful for a few years now, and we’re very excited to team up for this episode to bring important topics to light. Nathalie shares some of her personal journey of her pregnancy in 2019 and the stress that came with being high risk for preterm labor. After finding Expectful and using it herself, Nathalie found that her tests stabilized and her practices of mindfulness, breathwork and fitness supported her in making it to full term.  We also discuss the science behind meditation and its benefits during pregnancy and postpartum, and how Expectful has created multiple avenues for incorporating mindfulness, meditation, community and support within their platform. From courses in Hypnobirthing to addressing mom guilt, fitness events and classes

Welcome back to another Baby Bivens 2, aka BB2 aka Baby Jo, update episode! This week we’re covering weeks 11-14 of the pregnancy. Some highlights:  Lab work Training for birth Differences in preparing the second time around Getting into 2nd trimester Emotions and feelings! The end of the nausea Lots of great links to check out in the show notes for this episode! Links: The Home Birth Hub: www.diahpodcast.com/hub Submit Your Story: www.diahpodcast.com/mystory Episode 381: Weeks 0-6 of the Pregnancy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/381-baby-bivens-2-weeks-0-6-of-the-pregnancy/id1153134918?i=1000560345155 Episode 386: Weeks 7-10 of the Pregnancy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-it-at-home/id1153134918?i=1000565578941 Episode 16 with our midwife Debbie: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-it-at-home/id1153134918?i=1000378455600   Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH Website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram

What happens when your baby arrives before your midwife does? For our story today, according to DIAH mama Summer, she says that her midwife had a feeling she might not make it to the house before baby was born. Summer first joined us on the show back in 2019 to share the story of her first birth (link is below!). Now she’s here to talk about giving birth to her second child at 41 years old. Things we talk about in this episode: Ultrasounds Chiropractic care in pregnancy Miscarriage  Bradley Method Hypnobirthing Empowering your birth partner Doula care Links From The Episode: Episode 242 with Summer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/doing-it-at-home/id1153134918?i=1000453648344 Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed -- use code DIAH to get 20% off your order: https://bit.ly/2DuMBxP   C & The Moon Malibu Made Glow Oil -- use code DIAH15 to get 15% off your order: https://bit.ly/3KWeGL1 Serenity Kids Baby Food -- use code DIAH for 15% off your order: https://bit.ly/39cVITp More From Doin

If your first birth didn’t go the way you wanted, what would you do to change things the second time around? In today’s episode we’re chatting with Jessica Cotter about the details of her second birth, her first home birth. After her first birth with her daughter Grace, Jessica felt disappointed by the circumstances and felt that it could have been prevented. She felt defeated, and like her birth was not how she pictured it going. Fast forward to her second birth, Jessica sees the process as healing. Things we talk about in this episode: labor denial, hospital birth, epidural, surrender, en caul, 3-hour labor, 10 lb baby Links: Our DIAH Home Birth Workbook is available for download in the Home Birth Hub! The Home Birth Hub: www.diahpodcast.com/hub Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH Website: https://www.diahpodcast.com/ DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Merch: https://bit.ly/3qhwgAe  Give Back to DIAH: htt

“Why doesn’t everybody do this?” That’s the question that David, Ellen’s husband, asked after the home birth of their daughter Willow.  Ellen walks us through her journey to home birth -- from her doula work for 6 years before her birth and what inspired it, to changing care from a birthing center to home birth, to getting her husband on board with the decision. Ellen also shares some of the postpartum challenges, highlighting that sometimes when you have all the knowledge and take in a lot of information, it may not always serve you.  This story includes: doula work, full moon home birth, women’s health and fertility coaching, changing care providers, water birth, postpartum challenges, Raynaud’s disease, feeding tube Links: Ellen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellen.r.barnard/ Your Harmony Hive: http://yourharmonyhive.com/ Salt and Cedar Midwifery: https://www.saltandcedarmidwifery.com/ The Home Birth Hub: www.diahpodcast.com/hub Submit Your Birth Story: https://diahpodcast.com/mystory  D

In this episode, highlighting more of our pregnancy journey as we prepare for our second home birth, we’re covering weeks 7-10. Just some of the main topics you can look forward to in this discussion: Ebbs and flows with nausea and fatigue Sore boobs Shifts in exercise and running Looking into a birth photographer Wardrobe changes And special announcement for this week: The Home Birth Hub is now open! This monthly online membership is for parents or soon-to-be parents planning for home birth, wanting more inspiring stories and information and an intimate community to feel confident and prepared for their birth experience. Learn more and join the hub here: www.diahpodcast.com/hub We want your questions and suggestions for things to cover over the next few months as we chronicle this journey! So please send to hello [at] diahpodcast [dot] com or go to our website and fill out the contact form here - https://diahpodcast.com/contact/ Links: The Home Birth Hub: www.diahpodcast.com/hub Submit Your Story: w

How can having a home birth change your life? We’ve heard lots of cool examples of folks having big life changes as a result of having a home birth. Sometimes it opens the doors to other new things or experiences, creates projects or businesses or even influences career choices like going into birth work. Our guest today, Tori Smith, can relate to this. Her experiences inspired her to write a book! From Tori: “I had two home births. The first was UNPLANNED (he came so quick, but the midwife came to my house in time for the birth), the second was a planned home water birth. I've written a book, Ready to Unpop, about all of the "unpopular" practices in pregnancy, birth and babies. I was called to write the book because I'm always getting reactions that I'm "brave" or "weird" or "crazy" for doing things like home birth, placenta encapsulation, cosleeping, breastfeeding past a year, etc. I want to normalize these things and show people that these are options for everyone (not just hippies!).” Links: Tori’s websi