Birth of a Mama: a Birth and Postpartum Podcast

In today's episode, we're diving deep with Tessa Romero, exploring the transformational power of mindset in motherhood. Tessa is a mindset expert for moms wanting to show up as who they want to be, now. She is mama to three boys with her fourth baby on the way and she is close to celebrating 10 years of marriage with her husband. She’s the owner of MOMSET where everything she has created has been through her own lived experiences and working on herself so she could heal into who she wanted to be. She knows in her heart that motherhood is an absolute honor and also incredibly difficult in more ways than many of us anticipated. Her work shines a light on how to make your mind work FOR you instead of making things harder. In Part 1 of this Mama Mindset episode, Tessa shares her journey from a victim mentality to empowerment, highlighting how pivotal changing our internal dialogue can be. We talked about identifying our feelings, using "I am" statements, and choosing words that shape our reality. For anyone struggling to balance personal well-being with the demands of parenting, Tessa offers practical tips and powerful insights on making intentional choices that reflect who we aspire to be. Tune in to reshape your thoughts and reclaim your power. Stay tuned for Part 2!! CONNECT WITH TESSA: @tessaromero_ TRANSFORM YOUR MINDSET: www.alignmentjournaling.com WORK WITH NATALIE OR DOWNLOAD HER FREE POSTPARTUM CARE PLAN: www.nataliewelchrd.com

On today's episode, Rachel shares her personal and profound journey through her first pregnancy and birth, subsequent pregnancy losses, and the birth of her "rainbow baby." Please SKIP if you are triggered by loss! Rachel opens up about the highs and lows she's faced—from undergoing a 20-week loss and navigating a high-risk pregnancy to finding strength and support in the doula community. Today's conversation is an eye-opener to the challenges of pregnancy after loss, breastfeeding and going back to work, and the emotional struggles tied to her vast postpartum recovery experiences. Her story is a testament to the resilience and love that defines motherhood. 06:58 First postpartum easier than expected, with support. 11:30 Laboring at home with doula support. 16:15 Positive, unmedicated birth at birthing center described. 24:12 Prioritizing maternal health, breastfeeding challenges and decisions. 31:27 Scheduled appointment, complications, but ultimately normal results. 37:11 They gave us time, pictures, memory box for Lincoln. 42:34 Seeking and undergoing medical care for miscarriage. 44:11 Dealing with miscarriage and emotional aftermath. 49:11 Struggled with not being able to work out during pregnancy. 58:03 Doulas highly recommended for labor support. 01:02:15 Longing for normalcy and a future baby. 01:07:51 Moms needs specific help and support. 01:13:17 Maintain exercise, nutrition, and seek professional guidance. 01:15:05 Know your body, seek second opinions. Natalie's FREE Postpartum Care Plan: https://nataliewelchrd.com/ Rachel's Resources: https://pelvicrehab.com/practitioner/cathy-kiggins-pt-dpt/https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Week-Week-Pregnancy-Childbirth/dp/150114667Xhttps://buffalobirthandbaby.com/https://www.equalstandingpt.com/ Connect with Rachel: https://www.buffalodietitian.com/https://www.instagram.com/buffalodietitian/

In this episode, Emma Kahle and I explore the intricate connections between our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Emma shares a bit of her personal story, reflecting on her own challenges with belonging and acceptance, issues we all face deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. Together, we'll unravel the effects of stress on our lives, looking at why it's not enough to simply tack on mindfulness practices to an already overwhelmed day. We'll also delve into the vital role minerals play in our bodies, especially concerning stress management and fertility. We discuss the power of whole foods, the synergy between nutrients, and the effectiveness of hair tissue mineral analysis. Dr. Kahle is a certified functional hormone specialist and fertility coach. She helps women struggling with fertility discover and address the root causes of their challenges so they can balance their hormones and get pregnant naturally. She interweaves the science and spirituality of fertility support into a truly holistic approach. In a culture where we are often so disconnected from our bodies, her mission is to invite women into deeper relationship with the brilliance of their bodies and raise awareness about simple and natural ways to support vibrant fertility. She lives with her husband and co-farmers on a small, regenerative farm on Lopez Island in Washington state where she enjoys milking goats and growing nutrient-dense food with her bare feet in the soil. 04:41 Stress impacts health; defined as body's reaction. 07:47 Body adapts to prolonged stress, conserving energy. 12:52 Chronic stress impacts hormone system and fertility. 16:42 Challenging societal norms on body image and fertility. 19:24 Balancing minerals and hormones for menstrual health. 21:36 Zinc helps balance copper and estrogen levels. 25:33 Food quality depends on production and source. 28:20 Optimize fertility and health through micronutrients and gardening. 32:13 Nutrition and stress management tips for health. 36:57 Our brains seek belonging for survival reasons. 38:27 Make small adjustments for resilience, simplify routine. 44:43 Different mineral needs; salt crucial for fertility. 48:49 Healthy diet doesn't mean avoiding salt. 51:52 Mineral test helps fertility and postpartum recovery. 54:40 New guide introduces important fertility-supporting minerals. WORK WITH EMMA: www.emmakahle.com Instagram: @jewishfertilityproject Download Emma's FREE Fertility Minerals Guide: www.emmakahle.com/minerals FREE Postpartum Care Plan: https://nataliewelchrd.com/

Today is BOAM's first-ever GUEST EXPERT! We dove deep with the Registered Nurse and Certified Lactation Counselor Natalie Henning into the often overlooked but crucial early postpartum period (& beyond). Join us and gain insights into the importance of the first 40 days post-birth, the dynamic and evolving needs of new parents, and how we can better care for ourselves and each other during this extraordinary time of transition. Whether you're a new parent yourself, a partner, or just someone looking to understand more about postpartum life, this episode promises to be enlightening. 09:58 Learning from motherhood: Embracing imperfection and growth. 13:23 Facing challenges but finding positives in life. 18:53 Postpartum phase, infant transition, and parental preparation. 22:06 US postpartum care lacks compared to other cultures. 29:37 Internalized pressure, self-awareness, and seeking support. 34:45 Lay boundaries to guide family support kindly. 38:01 Connecting with others in similar situations is important. 46:16 Balancing baby care and personal time is challenging. 51:35 Mothers' struggle for equal leisure time acknowledged. 57:51 Prepare for childbirth with knowledge and support. 01:02:18 Skin-to-skin contact helps babies relax. 01:05:00 Grateful for permission and understanding motherhood struggles. FREE Postpartum Care Plan: https://nataliewelchrd.com/ Understand your baby's crying: https://dontshake.org/purple-crying Breastfeeding support: https://llli.org/ Connect with Natalie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedlatch/ Substack: https://substack.com/@rootedwell

FREE Postpartum Planning Guide: https://nataliewelchrd.com/ Come with us as best-selling author, Gina Mundy and I discuss navigating the many seasons of a woman's life. Gina is an experienced attorney with over two decades of specialization in childbirth cases. She shares her life-changing book "A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth" which empowers parents around the globe, equipping them with the knowledge to advocate for safer births. We discuss her three births, four and six years apart, the need for better breastfeeding support, the importance of sunlight, sleep, and seizing the day for your own personal projects, just like Gina did by waking up at 3 a.m. to write her book. 05:08 Gina's book, a guide for parents to ensure safer childbirth. 14:53 Choosing elective c-section over natural labor 19 years ago. 17:07 Pregnancy led to early work leave and contractions. 28:03 Challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers returning to work. 35:58 Erratic sleep schedule due to busy life and writing a book. 39:13 Mother balancing business and writing inspires others. 45:30 Perspective on being almost 20 years postpartum and having multiple children. 50:19 Navigating teenage years, love, and family dynamics. 57:02 Mom's emotional journey through professional and personal challenges. GET A COPY OF GINA'S BOOK: Amazon Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9KFNPNQ CONNECT WITH GINA: Website: ⁠www.ginamundy.com⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginamundy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093989808329 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-mundy-70318554/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/GinaMundy_ Key Words pregnancy stress, prenatal care, preeclampsia, hypertension in pregnancy, stress management during pregnancy, postpartum planning, breastfeeding challenges, C-section recovery, mother-daughter relationships, sibling age gap, women's life transitions, adolescence, menopause, childbirth advocacy, birth doula, safe childbirth, vaginal birth vs c-section, labor interventions, pitocin use, birth outcomes, postpartum resources, work-life balance, parental sleep deprivation, morning sunlight benefits, internal rhythm, writing a book, new parents' guide, baby health, social media for parents

Today we dive deep into the transformational journey of motherhood with the radiant Shalin Butterworth, a mom of two, birth & postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and mentor extraordinaire. Shalin opens up about her two unique birth experiences, the importance of embracing support prenatally and in postpartum, and the enchanting chaos of motherhood. She reminds us it's okay to say "yes" to help (and encourages it!) and shares her personal mantra: Living life with a zealous passion. FREE Nourished & Rested Postpartum Planning Guide: https://nataliewelchrd.com/ 00:00 Insights on postpartum care and importance. 05:13 Becoming a mom rocked my world. 15:08 Grateful for close-to-hoped-for birth experience. 18:35 Intense childbirth experience, delayed connection with baby. 24:08 Initial breastfeeding challenges, abundant colostrum, and solitude. 29:05 Struggling to adjust to life post-pregnancy. 33:59 Desire for another child after diving into doula work. 38:44 Maintaining unique pregnancy journey, involving family joy. 44:11 Unexpectedly woke to my water breaking. 51:46 Unexpected home birth experience was perfect. 55:15 Smooth recovery, mindful of stitches and movement. 01:03:30 Utilized "be her village" for support services. 01:05:38 Mother blessing instead of traditional baby shower. 01:13:04 Parenting struggles and letting go of perfection. 01:15:42 Family support, challenges, and reading habits emphasized. Shalin's Resources: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/ https://bodyreadymethod.com/ https://behervillage.com/ Connect with Shalin: Website: https://www.sozenbirth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sozenbirth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sozenbirthservices/

In today's episode, 25-year-old Kerynn opens up about the rollercoaster of motherhood, from the initial challenges with breastfeeding and overwhelming early newborn days to her return to the hustle and bustle of work and school just months after giving birth. Expect to be inspired as we explore the contrasts between Kerynn's two birth experiences, her proactive mental health journey, and how all these elements culminate in the legacy she wants to leave for her children. **In the episode she mentions her bipolar diagnosis and says "bipolar 1" but it's bipolar 2 disorder as it is stated in the title** 00:00 Guide simplifies postpartum preparation for new parents. 06:07 Deeper understanding of postpartum between pregnancies. 10:15 First pregnancy tough, second worse, but healthy. 12:42 Excited restlessness, labor, coping challenges. 15:46 Self-advocated in tough hospital birth. 19:18 Doula role, patient-centered birth experience, intense labor. 22:49 Becoming a mom brought up unresolved trauma. 27:23 Unintentional contractions, quick birth center birth, no intervention. 30:01 Environment and mindset impact relaxation and surrender. 32:18 Encouraging individual comfort in medical care options. 35:18 Struggling to balance work, school, and motherhood. 37:26 Weaning from breastfeeding impacted mental health, pregnancy. 43:07 Sought therapist independently, found one through database. 46:44 Motherhood: a series of conflicting seasons. 48:42 Hope to be remembered as loving, open. Kerynn's Resources: Find a therapist that fits your needs and takes your insurance at Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists Listen to The Birth Hour: https://thebirthhour.com/about-tbh/ Listen to Happy Home Birth: https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/ Hypnobirthing The Mongan Method (buy the book on Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/HypnoBirthing-natural-approach-comfortable-birthing/dp/0757302661 Spinning Babies: https://www.spinningbabies.com/ Rebecca Rose Doula Services (serving Sacramento and Placer County in CA): https://www.rebeccarosedoulaservices.net/ Reach out to Kerynn (birth and postpartum doula): https://www.mamainminddoula.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mama_in_mind_doula https://www.facebook.com/mamainminddoula/

In today's episode, Chelsea Morris shares about her experience of becoming a mama and the subsequent need to advocate for your children. At the time of recording she was pregnant with her second (only a couple weeks out from her due date)! 00:00 Expectant mother shares honest reflections on motherhood. 06:17 Bradley method planned, but ended with c-section. 12:13 Resentful of husband due to feeding challenges. 16:48 Motherhood brings unexpected challenges and exhaustion. 21:53 Shared good overview of pregnancy and postpartum. 27:42 Parental worries heightened by personal experiences, therapy. 33:05 Balancing self-care and communication in marriage. 39:23 Reflection on career, life and parenting impact. 43:18 United States lacks multi-generational living, isolated culture. 49:13 Unfeasible to have second child given circumstances. 54:47 Struggle with weight, hormone imbalance, healthy postpartum. 58:31 Be patient with postpartum body changes. 01:04:07 Postpartum body changes take time to adjust. 01:10:50 Parenthood, motherhood: a need for podcasts. 01:14:40 Use Instagram or Facebook to find me. I could relate to so much of Chelsea's experience. She is a calming and kind presence, chatting with her was a pure delight and I hope you enjoy the episode! Chelsea's Resources: Taking Cara Babies: https://www.instagram.com/takingcarababies/?hl=en Respectful Parenting Podcast by Janet Ladsbury, Unruffled: https://www.janetlansbury.com/ Mamaste Fit Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/mamastefit/?hl=en Therapy With Krista & Conversations on Well-Being: https://www.instagram.com/therapywithkrista/?hl=en Millennial Pioneers Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/millennial-pioneers-podcast/id1674026282 Connect with Chelsea: @chelseamitchellphoto: https://www.instagram.com/chelseamitchellphoto/?hl=en @chelseamorrisdayinthelife: https://www.instagram.com/chelseamorrisdayinthelife/?hl=en

In today’s episode, Jamie Toth, 26 year old mama of two, shares her experience of motherhood. Everything from not loving pregnancy and her two birth stories that were totally different in the way that she experienced them. Her first felt traumatic and her second felt like a dream. She shares about the amazing support from her grandma and the lack of support in the hospital for her choice of how she wanted to feed her baby. She touches on everything from childcare and going back to work as a hairstylist to feeling complete with her family of four, and actually having her fallopian tubes totally removed. So much useful perspective from a young and certain mama. Book a FREE postpartum strategy session with me: https://l.bttr.to/ZKF1W Jamie's Resources: Tessa Romero on instagram for mindful thinking and positive perspective tips for motherhood Reach out to Jamie: @jamielynntoth

In today's episode, second time mom Katie Wheaton shares her story. She was 8 years postpartum (from the birth of her first) at the time of recording. I was actually her doula and was AT the birth of her second baby, where she got to experience a redemptive and empowering birth. She explains how she just woke up feeling like she had to be a mom one day when she was in high school. And how she didn't really have any expectations of what it would truly be like, just that it would make her so happy that it wouldn't really matter. She breastfed both her babies for 2 years, despite challenges, and she was such a gem to chat with on the pod! Totally wish we were real-life besties. Book a call with me about the the Renewed Mama Program: https://l.bttr.to/ZKF1W Katie's Tips and Resources: *Hire a birth doula (find a student to save $ like she did with me) *Get acquainted with lactation consultants in your area that take your insurance *Follow The Organised Mum: https://theorganisedmum.com/ to save time and keep your sh*t together and clean all while being a boss mama

In today's episode, first time mama Jackie Fox shares her story. She was about 1 year postpartum at the time of recording and very passionate about maternal health and postpartum care (same, girl!!) She and I share such similar perspectives on the transition into motherhood is highly underplayed in todays' world. She keeps it real in the episode and on her own platforms where she inspires and supports other mamas. Book a free call with me: https://l.bttr.to/ZKF1W Reach out to Jackie: @jackie.fit.fox.teach Jackie's Tips for Postpartum: *Journals on Amazon for PPA/PPD *Find your people online (who have similar experiences to you)

In today’s episode I have health coach Amanda Ratkowski on the podcast. She’s a brand new mama to her baby girl living on mini farm land with her husband and their five animals. She shares about how her experience was the polar opposite of what she prepared for. She prepared for a birth center birth but went past 42 weeks and was induced in the hospital, labored for days, and ended up needing a C-section. She still got her midwife care which she speaks to the benefits of throughout. A major theme she shares of is the art of letting things go. Amanda is so laid back and easy to talk to and she shares so openly about many aspects of her motherhood journey thus far. I hope you enjoy her story! TOPICS AMANDA SHARES: your AMANDA'S TIPS + RESOURCES: Gentle Birth Hypnobirthing app Hypnobirthing The Mongan Method (book) Breastfeeding Accounts @legendairymilk @thebreastfeedingmentor @az.breastfedbabies Co-sleeping Accounts @cosleepy @heysleepybaby REACH OUT TO AMANDA: @amandaratkowski

In today's episode, Dawn tells of the birth of her two boys and her experience thereafter. I share her outlook and philosophy on the power of what it means to be a woman and I love how she shares about how motherhood is everything. She goes into some detail of her two birth experiences -- one birth center turned hospital birth with an epidural, and the second a birth center birth that ended up being her dream birth. She has the most kind soul and I felt so inspired by talking with her. She was so prepared for postpartum and naturally possess maternal wisdom. I hope you enjoy her story as much as I did. TOPICS SHE GOES INTO: DAWN'S TIPS & RESOURCES: The First 40 Days (book) Save money during pregnancy and hire someone to do PP visits (midwife, doula, etc.) regardless of where you birth or what type of birth you have Join mom groups on Facebook Connect with Dawn on IG @dawnmichelleknight Email Dawn: dawnknight1111@gmail.com

Today I have Debra Bauman on the podcast. She shares her very difficult and exhausting experience of having a baby from preconception on. Talking to her was so easygoing; it felt like I was chatting with my sister or a really close friend. She keeps it real by being open and forward about how dark postpartum can get when you’re isolated and alone with a newborn during a pandemic. She goes deep into everything from two years of infertility struggles to how different she would like next time to be, if there ever is a next time. I hope you appreciate how vulnerable she is and enjoy her story as much as I did! TOPICS SHE COVERS: THINGS SHE WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY NEXT TIME: RESOURCES AND ADVICE: Talk to your health care team if you feel any bit off, even while pregnant. Mental health is so important. Exclusive Pumping Resources @pump_mama_pump @onewiththepump Connect with Debra at @mamaminutesfitness

In today’s episode I welcomed my long-time bestie, Bouchra Nafi-Krause, to the podcast. You'll feel our natural friendship chemistry throughout but also hear of so many insights into the common and often shared realities of motherhood. From things like feeling like you’ve prepared but realizing otherwise to having extreme worries and fears in postpartum and eventually making peace with things after baby #2. Bouchra is not only my friend but also one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met. She makes an outstanding mama to her two girls, Leena and Layla and gives everything she does 120%, from her family and friendships to her career (and she could use some reminders to REST) ;) THINGS BOUCHRA SHARES: BOUCHRA'S TIPS AND RESOURCES: Join local mom groups on Facebook to make connections What to Expect When Expecting app Meal Trains for Postpartum (start one for yourself or a loved one here)

In today's episode I got to chat with Amy about her experience as a triathlete, birth doula, and mom of 5! She's had very positive pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences. As much as she loves being postpartum, she also knows that this chapter of having babies is finally closing for her. Talking with Amy was a joy and I hope you enjoy as much as I did! THINGS AMY SHARES: AMY'S TIPS + RESOURCES: Amy's website: https://lunedoula.com/ (Moon Phase Sisterhood for Ventura County locals) Put YOURSELF first after kids Do things that remind you of who you were before becoming a mom Talk to / connect with others See a therapist @badassmotherbirther @evarosebirth @thenakedbirthcoach @moonhoneymama @wild.pregnancy_free.birth

Today on the podcast I have Lonnie on to share about becoming a new mom to her daughter Harper. She shares about how she would give birth over and over again before going through the fourth trimester, since she had such a smooth birth experience and not so much with PP. I could personally relate to many points in Lonnie’s story and I hope you gain some mama wisdom from listening! TOPICS LONNIE SHARED: NEXT TIME LONNIE WOULD LIKE: RESOURCES: Lonnie's Facebook Massachusetts General Hospital + Harvard Perinatal Mental Health app

Today on the podcast I chat with Stephanie about her birth and early postpartum experience with her wife and new son Maison. She shares everything from having a fairly positive emergency C-section experience to having to emotionally grieve over her past self after becoming a mom. She even shares about tackling her diabetes with simple nutrition interventions. It was lovely to talk to Stephanie about her transition into motherhood and hear of her optimism and gratitude. I hope you enjoy her uplifting story as much as I did! TOPICS WE COVER: don't STEPHANIE'S INSTAGRAM RESOURCES: Connect with Stephanie @stephgeffrard Postpartum Mental Health @4th.trimester.wellness Baby + Toddler Sleep @heysleepybaby Speech + Feeding @eatplaysay Breastfeeding Help @lactationhub Podcast written and produced by Natalie Welch Audio Engineering by Kevin Welch

Today on the podcast I chat with Krista, mama to her daughter Willow and psychotherapist that specializes in working with women, especially pre- and postnatally and those who are TTC. She’s also the host of the podcast Conversations on Well-being where she covers everything from wellness and relationships to motherhood and healing. Krista and I had very similar emotional and even physical experiences. She shares things like dealing with burnout while pregnant, waves of antepartum depression (depression before baby arrives), a very long home birth labor, struggles with the newborn phase and breastfeeding, and so much more. This conversation was therapeutic to the both of us and I hope that you can relate in some way to her story. Topics we cover: KRISTA'S RESOURCES: @livewildbewell @hormonehealingrd Are You Menstrual Podcast The Birth Hour Podcast First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother (book) Orgasmic Birth (book) The Business of Being Born (film) CONNECT WITH KRISTA: Podcast: Conversations on Well-being Website: therapywithkrista.com IG: @therapywithkrista

Today on the podcast I spoke to Shannon Buhera and learned of her story becoming a mom and how it shifted her whole identity. She shares the birth experiences of her two children, both of which were nothing like what she really prepared for. We talk about everything from her totally loving being pregnant but having an intense fear of blood and hospitals to having a long C-section recovery due to infection and a beautifully unique view on what it means to go through the birthing process. Some of the topics we cover: CONNECT WITH SHANNON: IG: @nights_andnaps TikTok: @nights_andnaps FREE Guide to Starting a Sleep Consulting Business