Bearing Birth

Little Journey Towards Each Other | Abby, Part 2

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0700

In this heartfelt continuation of Abby’s story, Jordan and Sophie sit down with Abby to explore her second pregnancy and birth experience. Abby opens up about navigating a series of unexpected challenges, including a velamentous cord insertion, a bilobed placenta, and a breech baby, which ultimately led to a planned cesarean birth.

With vulnerability and humor, she reflects on her hopes for another vaginal birth, the emotional complexity of a C-section, and the invaluable support she received from her doula, care team, and family. The conversation also touches on twin resorption, advocating for oneself in medical settings, and the tender chaos of transitioning to life as a parent of two. Full of warmth, insight, and honesty, this episode is a moving testament to resilience, informed decision-making, and the power of postpartum support.

Content Warnings Include: pregnancy loss, twin resorption, velamentous cord insertion, bilobed placenta, a breech baby, C-section surgery details, epidural details, medical attempts to manually turn the baby (ECV,) separation during and after surgery

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Share your birth story!
If you are interested in sharing your birth story with our podcast, please get in touch via email or DM us on Instagram! We’d love to hold space for your unique perspective. We can accommodate guests in-person or virtually from any location in the world!

You're in the Right Place, You Can Let the Baby Out Now | Abby, Part 1

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Join us in Part 1 of our conversation with Abby, where she candidly shares her whirlwind of a birth story for her first birth. Abby walks us through the highs and lows of her labor and beyond. With humor and vulnerability, she reflects on the chaotic beauty of birth and the unexpected journey of reclaiming her identity as a new mom.

Stay tuned for Part 2 on April 16th, where we hear Abby’s second birth story and more reflections on what it’s like to be a parent of two kiddos. Thanks for listening!

Content Warnings: miscarriage, DNC procedure, physical pain in labor, postpartum anxiety, and tearing during labor.

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

The Grief Helps Me Remember Her | Samantha, Part 2

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0700

Picking up where the previous episode left off, Samantha shares the outcome of her high-risk fetal surgery. While the medical intervention was necessary, the results were devastating—one of her twins sadly did not survive.

She opens up about the emotional complexity of grieving one baby while still carrying the other, the medicalized journey that followed, and the struggles of balancing loss with hope as she continued her pregnancy.

The episode also explores the birth of her surviving daughter, her hospital induction experience, NICU considerations, and the emotional recovery process.

Through it all, Samantha reflects on advocating for her babies, the importance of support, and the resilience required to navigate loss and new life simultaneously.

Content Warnings: Pregnancy loss, grief, medical trauma, NICU stay, Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), and rapid labor.

If you'd like to get in touch with Samantha directly, you can find her on Instagram @samasaurus_leusink. She felt very isolated when she was going through the TTTS diagnosis and wants to be there for folks who need support and community when facing TTTS.

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

This is Life or Death, Literally | Samantha Part 1

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Samantha Leusink shares her first pregnancy and birth story, describing a smooth and empowering experience at a local Portland birth center. She reflects on postpartum struggles, breastfeeding challenges, and the transition into motherhood.

As Sam and her husband decide to expand their family, they receive an unexpected surprise: twins. Initially overwhelmed yet excited, their joy is quickly overshadowed by a shocking diagnosis of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)—a rare and serious condition affecting identical twins sharing a placenta. Samantha details the emotional weight of the diagnosis, the medical risks, and the difficult decisions ahead.

The episode ends as she and her husband prepare to undergo a high-risk fetal surgery, leaving listeners on edge about the fate of their twins.

Content Warnings: Breast-Feeding Challenges, Tongue-Tie, High-Risk Pregnancy, Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)

If you'd like to get in touch with Samantha directly, you can find her on Instagram @samasaurus_leusink. She felt very isolated when she was going through the TTTS diagnosis and wants to be there for folks who need support and community when facing TTTS.

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Is It Okay if My Husband Vacuums? | Maxine

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0800

In this heartwarming episode, Sophie's Grandma, Maxine, shares her birth stories spanning from the 1960s to the 1970s. She reflects on her experiences with minimal pain management, evolving gender roles in parenting, and the emotional complexities of breastfeeding without modern support systems. The conversation touches on the profound joys of motherhood, intergenerational wisdom, and the transformation of birth culture over five decades. Listeners will hear tender reflections on family, humor-filled anecdotes about diapering with cloth, and the enduring beauty of watching children and grandchildren grow.

Content warnings: episiotomy, miscarriage, minimal medical consent, outdated medical practices

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Castor Oil Ice Cream & Placenta Smoothies | Britnee, Part 2

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0800

Britnee Spring returns to recount the dramatic, vivid, and often hilarious story of her labor and birth experience—including extreme back labor and unique birthing positions. She also reflects on postpartum recovery, hormone shifts, and the joy of early motherhood. From placenta smoothies to bedsharing with her son, this episode offers an honest, heartwarming look at transformation through birth and the lessons of motherhood.

Content warnings: homebirth, tearing, blood loss, prodromal labor, painful fundal massage, and hemorrhoids

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

A Male Midwife | Britnee, Part 1

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0800

In this episode, Britnee Spring shares her pregnancy journey, from her unexpected conception to managing relentless nausea and navigating workplace accommodation challenges. She reveals her thoughtful decision to have a home birth with a male midwife and her mother as her doula as well as how she set up a peaceful birthing space. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on pregnancy preparation, mindset, and trusting your instincts!

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Celebrating one year of Bearing Birth!

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0800

In today’s episode, your hosts Jordan and Sophie reflect on one year of their birth story podcast being live! They ask each other questions including what the podcast has meant to them and how they have grown as birth story listeners and podcast hosts.

To celebrate one year and to thank our incredible guests, you get to hear a little snippet from each of them! At the end of every episode we ask our guest: what advice do you have for someone about to give birth or become a parent? This episode includes a cumulation of everyone’s answer. Hearing all of our guests impart thoughtful advice, wisdom and encouragement is so powerful!

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

In denial about preeclampsia | Sophie, Part 2

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0800

Join us for Part 2 with our very own Sophie! If you missed the first half of Sophie’s birth story on November 6th, make sure to go back and listen there first. In this episode, Sophie walks us through the rest of her challenging birth experience where she reaches the pushing stage but ultimately ends up needing an emergency c-section.

Sophie finally gets to meet her daughter and then navigates early c-section recovery in the hospital. She details her experience dealing with processing a complicated mix of emotions after birth including relief, devastation, and grief.

Sophie shares with us what it was like to finally make it home with her little family, and what it was like to process her birth overtime.

Content Warnings include high blood pressure, preeclampsia, unintended hospital stay, transfer of care, PUPPP rash, and emergency c section. We will share some important resources below.

Thank you so much to Sophie for being so vulnerable and sharing this important story with us!

Resources:
Birth Story Processing with Libby Mukhi

How to find a perinatal therapist:

Postpartum Support International

Psychology Today

Postpartum Support at Baby Blues Connection

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

I knew too much | Sophie, Part 1

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0800

Join us for a very special episode today…our very own Sophie gets vulnerable and shares her birth story! In part 1, Sophie talks with Jordan about her experience with pregnancy and what it was like navigating scary and abrupt changes to her birth plan. Sophie describes what informed her beliefs surrounding birth and how learning “too much” about birth in a doula training created the perfect conditions for trauma exposure.

Sophie walks us through her fears around giving birth, especially in a hospital setting, and shares with us how she tried to grasp agency and take as much control as possible in a crisis situation. This episode takes us through Sophie being admitted to the hospital with high blood pressure, ending up with a preeclampsia diagnosis, and how the beginning of her induction process panned out.

Content Warnings include high blood pressure, preeclampsia, unintended hospital stay, transfer of care, PUPPP rash, and emergency c section. We will share some important resources below.

Part 2 with Sophie will be out on November 20th where we will hear the rest of her challenging birth experience, what it was like to finally meet her daughter, and how she transitioned into motherhood.

Resources:
Birth Story Processing with Libby Mukhi
How to find a perinatal therapist:
Postpartum Support International
Psychology Today
Postpartum Support at Baby Blues Connection

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Our Partnership is the Centerpiece | Rashida, Part 2

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Bearing Birth, we continue our conversation with Rashida Quinn, the Program Director of the Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Oregon and host of two powerful podcasts, Black Care Matters and Dark Matters. Rashida, a former doula, poet, and advocate for restorative justice, joins us to discuss her postpartum journey as part of an interracial couple navigating complex decisions to protect the wellbeing of her young family.

In part two of this conversation, Rashida offers a candid perspective on the Black experience in a healthcare system deeply rooted in systemic racism. Her insights shed light on the emotional and social challenges of postpartum life, particularly for BIPOC mothers and birthing individuals.

Resources and support groups for BIPOC individuals, as well as those mentioned by Rashida, are included in the description below. We hope you find this conversation as impactful as we did.

Tune in and enjoy part two with Rashida!

Resources with Support Groups:
Black Mamas Matter Alliance
Black Moms Connect
Shades of Blue Project
Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color
Postpartum Support International Support Groups for BIPOC People
Black Moms Connection (Facebook Group)

Resources Mentioned by Rashida:
Black Care Matters Podcast
blackcarematters.org
Dark Matter Podcast
Birth Kweens Podcast
Alliance of Black Nurses Association
Black Parent Initiative
Listen to Miriam Makeba
Healthy Birth Initiatives Portland

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Pregnancy is a Struggly Sweet Thing | Rashida, Part 1

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Join us in Part 1 of our conversation with Rashida Quinn, where we dive into her two pregnancies and birth stories of her daughters. Rashida is the program director of the Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Oregon, also known as ABNAO. Rashida is also the host of two podcasts: the most recent being Black Care Matters and another podcast called Dark Matters, which are both linked below.

Rashida touches on the delicate balance of the challenges and joys of pregnancy and birth, her successful IUI experiences, and the importance of having a supportive team of Black women alongside her partner for her births.

We also discuss how systemic racism affects every aspect of life and how it especially contributes to the high maternal mortality rates for Black women.

Part 2 with Rashida will be out on October 16th where we will hear about her experience in postpartum. Thanks for listening!

Here are some links to many of the topics discussed in this episode:

Black Care Matters Podcast
blackcarematters.org
Dark Matter Podcast
Birth Kweens Podcast
Alliance of Black Nurses Association
Black Parent Initiative
Listen to Miriam Makeba
Healthy Birth Initiatives Portland
Serena William’s Birth Experience

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

From Water Boy to Diaper Guy | Ryan, Part 2

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700

We are back with Part 2 of a conversation we had with Ryan; a first-time dad to a one-year old daughter. Ryan is also the husband of our previous guest Cailley (Season 1, Episodes 5 & 6). In this episode, we talk with Ryan about his perspective of his daughter’s birth as the non-birthing partner. Ryan walks us through the surprising turn of events of his wife’s labor and homebirth and how he processed difficult emotions.

We have a candid conversation about identity shifts and some of the challenges of early parenthood including the abrupt adjustment to limited freedom and increased responsibility. Ryan shares with us how he and his wife are coming into their new roles as parents and how a desire for a community of dads would enrich his parenting experience.

Support Group for New Dads

Facebook Support Group: New Dads Place

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

I'm a Water Boy! | Ryan, Part 1

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Join us in a conversation with Ryan, the husband of our previous guest, Cailley (Season 1, Episodes 5 & 6). This is our first episode with a non-birthing partner sharing their experience and perspective on birth, and we absolutely loved hearing Ryan’s take! This episode is just Part 1 of Ryan’s story, so come back on September 18th for Part 2!

In Part 1, Ryan walks us through what it was like to experience a miscarriage and then his wife getting pregnant again right away. He talks about what it was like to process grief and joy simultaneously and how counseling was a helpful tool for processing and increasing connection with his wife.

It was so special to hear how differently two people can experience the same situation. Ryan also talks about ways that someone might honor the loss of a baby, and what it was like preparing for the birth of his daughter. In Part 2 we will hear about Ryan's birth experience, early postpartum months and other reflections on fatherhood.

Content Warnings: Miscarriage & child loss in early pregnancy

Resources for miscarriage/child loss:

Other resources mentioned in episode:

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

I cannot believe I made you! | Janelle, Part 2

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Join us in a conversation with Janelle Grizzard, a mother and the new owner of Luna Wellness, a Portland based clinic focused on women’s perinatal physical health and wellness. If you missed part 1, make sure you go back and listen to that episode first!

In part 2 we hear more of Janelle’s story and what happens after the birth of her son. After a traumatic situation involving learning how to feed her baby, Janelle talks about what it was like to process something so scary and how she's learning to trust her instincts again.

Content warnings: latching struggles, being rushed to the hospital with a newborn, feelings of failure, feelings of rage, PUPPP rash

Here's some info about PUPPP rash
African Black Soap for itchy skin

Postpartum Support Groups:

Check out our Perinatal Resources Document for more resources!

Learn more about Luna Wellness: https://www.lunaspapdx.com/about

Find Luna Wellness on Instagram: @lunawellness.pdx

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

I went into a place where nobody else mattered | Janelle, Part 1

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Join us in a conversation with Janelle Grizzard, mother and the new owner of Luna Wellness, a Portland based clinic focused on women’s perinatal physical health and wellness. Janelle shares how a passion for helping mothers as a massage therapist as well as her own journey navigating motherhood led to her taking over a well-established, holistic clinic.

In part 1, Janelle walks us through what it was like being pregnant and shares her labor and birth experience.

Luna Wellness offers massage, chiropractic, infant cranial-sacral therapy, acupuncture and pelvic floor therapy, physical therapy, and more.

Content Warnings: Fatphobia, Diet Culture

Learn more about Luna Wellness: https://www.lunaspapdx.com/about

Find Luna Wellness on Instagram: @lunawellness.pdx

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Is this science or a game of telephone?

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Join us as we chat with BreaRose Smith, friend of Jordan and Sasha. Brea is a yoga instructor and energy healer based in San Diego.

Brea reflects on giving birth one year ago and how rapid everything changes and transitions both for her and her son. She describes how there is both grief and joy intertwined in the experience of parenthood.

We also dive deep into Brea’s experience with guilt and pressures to be productive and how she struggles to allow herself to rest. Let’s be real - we all three experience this and it’s such an important topic to discuss!

Content Warnings: Cholestasis, Induction at 37 weeks, Epidural not working, Feelings of unworthiness and abandonment by medical providers, Extreme pain, Baby turning blue and not crying, and needing to self-advocate

Brea's Website

Books mentioned in this episode:

Spiritual Fertility
Birthing from Within
Nurture

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

I didn't get cancer the entire ordeal!

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode we chat with Anna, a breast cancer survivor and new mother. Anna walks us through the challenges of breast cancer treatment, being told she couldn’t have children because of her cancer, and the chapter of her story that started with an unexpected pregnancy.

Anna’s resilience is highlighted through her journey as she learns to trust her body and feel empowered in bringing a child into the world despite her challenging medical advice. The universe placed Anna in the same room as a doctor who not only believed she could continue her pregnancy successfully, but was someone who was also a breast cancer survivor and went on to have children of her own.

It was such an honor to witness Anna tell her story. There are some content warnings to be aware of including breast cancer, chemotherapy, single mastectomy, medical trauma including unsuccessful anesthesia during a procedure, intrusive thoughts, tearing during birth, blood transfusions, incorrectly placed epidural, and miscarriage. However, as with many of the stories on our podcast there are some really empowering and inspirational moments as well.

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Babies Are My Jam

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Emily Knell Spaeth, founder of Be Well Baby PDX, a Portland-based practice providing holistic prenatal and infant care services. Emily is a neonatal and perinatal physical therapist, yoga instructor, massage therapist, and lactation consultant with years of experience supporting families with newborns. Emily is an expert in her field, incredibly passionate and fulfilled by her work, and a pillar of support to families and other birth workers alike.

More impressively, Emily is also a mother of three under five! Emily clearly loves babies and supporting other parents with babies. In this episode, Emily leads us through the ups and downs of each of her three planned home births including navigating an unexpected transfer of care due to infection, delivering during the COVID pandemic, and an anterior cervical lip. Emily describes how her mindset shifted with each subsequent pregnancy and birth experience and how “knowing too much” can sometimes hinder trusting your intuition. Emily shares how her family unit had to break itself down following the addition of each new baby only to build itself back up stronger and with more love to go around.

Emily is a fierce advocate for integrating babies into everyday life and so beautifully allows her professional work to inform her mothering and vice versa.

Content warnings: feeling unsafe in a hospital, working in a NICU environment, feeling judgment from a birth team, covid, brief mention of death and death in childbirth, and brief mention of blood loss or hemorrhaging post-birth.

References Mentioned by Emily

Emily’s website https://www.bewellbabypdx.com/
Emily’s lactation support group https://bewellbabypdx.as.me/lactation
Emily’s courses https://www.bewellbabypdx.com/courses
Emily’s yoga classes https://www.bewellbabypdx.com/yoga
Barb Suarez https://bbsuarez.com/
Megan Peterson: Tenderevolution - Now Megan Wilde - https://www.thetenderevolution.com/
Dawn Albert - Courage to answer https://www.couragetoanswer.com/
Angela Truby - Glow Midwifery https://www.glowmidwifery.com/
Morgan West- Hummingbird midwifery htt

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

I did feel like a badass

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we chat with Sophie’s next door neighbor‘s, Garrett and Jules, in part 2 of a 2-part series called Before and After Birth. This is our second Before/After series, and our first episodes with a couple on the podcast! In this episode, we talk to Garrett and Jules about 3 months after Jules gave birth.

It was so special to hear from both of our guests about their perspectives on what happened during the labor and birth of their daughter. Garret describes his experience watching his partner go through a painful labor. Jules walks us through the details of what she describes as a traumatic birth with lots of medical interventions.

This episode is definitely full of some difficult truths covering the realities of what some parents go through, which can be valuable for the listeners but can be tough for folks who are only able to consume positive birth stories. So please check out the content warnings below.

At the same time, while there are some tough parts to their story, Jules and Garrett‘s story is also a beautiful one. They truly found ways to support one another and come together closer as a couple, as well as learned to accept support from their community.

Content Warnings: birth trauma, intense pain during labor, difficult and long labor, medical induction techniques such as pitocin, foley bulb, artificial rupture of membranes or breaking the waters, pain management, and postpartum depression.

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Whipped Cream on Watermelon

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0700

Join us as we chat with Sophie’s next door neighbor’s, Garrett and Jules, in part 1 of a 2-part series called Before and After Birth. This is our second Before/After series, and our first episodes with a couple on the podcast! In this episode, we talk to Garrett and Jules before their birth and they discuss their experiences around pregnancy including getting pregnant by accident, navigating tough choices, and dealing with some possible pregnancy complications.

We also dig deeper into how much sobriety has positively impacted their life and taught them some important lessons such as communication and the importance of community. They also touch on what they’re afraid of and excited about when it comes to becoming parents and how their pregnancy experience has ultimately brought them closer as a couple.

Their story is a bit of a rollercoaster, but as Jules nears her due date, things seem to be settling down just in time for them to appreciate the time they have left as a family of two.

Content Warnings: abortion, unplanned pregnancy, sobriety, chorionic bump, fear around epidurals, and pregnancy complications including possible infant brain complications.

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Breaking Generational Cycles

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0800

In this episode, we talk with Sophie’s former colleague and dear friend Edith, who shares her three birth experiences (two living, and one miscarriage). She also goes into detail about what it’s like to be a parent and how that compares to how she was parented. Edith is mother to a 16 year old and an 8 year old, and recounts her birth stories as if they happened yesterday.

Edith faced some challenges during her pregnancies, including managing gestational diabetes, morning sickness, and recommendations for an early induction. However, she was so happy to be pregnant that she took these challenges in stride. She gives insight into how her childhood hardships helped prepare her for the lack of control that so often comes with childbirth.

Edith dives deep into the difficult parts of her story, including a miscarriage, receiving judgment from members of her support team, needing to fiercely advocate for herself and her child, and being separated from her first child immediately after birth. However, while some of the topics might be sad, Edith’s stories are full of hope, connection, and breaking generational cycles. We found ourselves frequently laughing along with Edith through many heartwarming moments.

Some other topics discussed include Edith’s struggles with infertility after having her first child, how she feels her connection with each child began in the first few hours after birth, and how her culture influenced how she was raised and how she chooses to raise her children.

Content Warnings: miscarriage, mother-baby separation, needles, secondary infertility, gestational diabetes, lack of informed consent, cesarean birth, and NICU Stay.

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Birth Story Processing - What is it?

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0800

Step into the transformative world of birth story processing with Libby Mukhi, PMH-C, who returns as our esteemed guest for the second episode in a row. Libby shares her insights into the profound impact of birth story processing and the art of holding space for folks navigating strong narratives centering around childbirth and the perinatal experience.

Libby reflects on her own challenging birth experiences, taking an inspiring class created by Pam England (author of Birthing from Within), and how she eventually became a postpartum doula and birth story listener.

Libby explains the intricate process of birth story processing, encouraging individuals to explore their stories one digestible piece at a time, akin to savoring a slice of chocolate cake. Libby discusses what it means to process something and how someone might know when they have processed something to completion. Libby emphasizes the courage required to go inward and introspect, especially as someone makes contact with uncomfortable feelings. Libby goes into detail about the structure and length of processing sessions and describes what generally goes into a session. Libby underscores the importance of taking a pause after birth, recommending individuals take a few weeks of space before scheduling a session.

Libby’s dedication to holding space is evident throughout the episode and it is clear that she has a strong passion for helping postpartum folks untangle the raw and beautifully messy parts of their stories. Libby emphasizes how individuals often uncover deeply ingrained narratives surrounding their birth experiences, revealing how these narratives are often scripts we internalize long before the actual birthing process takes place.

We also chat about the importance of incorporating ritual and relying on community as a way of practicing self-care when pregnant/postpartum. Unlock the power of birth story processing in this episode with Libby Mukhi!

To learn more about Libby and her work as a Birth Story Listener, visit:
https://www.birthstoryprocessing.com/about

Libby's Instagram: @Heartswell.postpartum

Other Resources Mentioned in Episode:

Luna Wellness https://www.lunaspapdx.com/offerings
Baby Blues Connection https://www.babybluesconnection.org/

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

I went to war with my hormones

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0800

In this compelling and insightful episode, we chat with Libby Mukhi, PMH-C, a postpartum doula, birth story listener, and mother of two. Libby reflects on her challenging experiences with pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

Living abroad in Australia, Libby expressed her desire to absorb as much knowledge as possible to prepare for her first birth. Despite a smooth pregnancy and high hopes for a vaginal birth, high blood pressure ultimately led to an unplanned induction and c-section birth. The subsequent recovery days in the hospital were marked by anxiety and loneliness, leaving Libby feeling abandoned and traumatized.

Libby shares on how her firstborn's highly sensitive nature added complexities to her postpartum journey and how she craved a nurturing presence. Libby reflects on her second birth, a planned c-section back in the United States, which provided a stark contrast to her first surgical experience. Libby delves into the emotional toll of never experiencing a vaginal birth and the process of getting tubes tied during her last c-section. Libby finds redemption in her second birth, highlighting the importance of advocating for herself and unapologetically asking for what she needs.

Postpartum overstimulation, navigating sibling dynamics and the challenge of introducing a second baby become poignant aspects of Libby's story. Libby reflects on cultural differences surrounding the meaning of community versus support. Libby discusses how her self-worth, shaped by early experiences and living within a hyper-productive and capitalist society, led her to having a strong desire for control. The episode touches on her breastfeeding journey and the decision to release high expectations and perfectionism when making parenting choices.

Libby’s transformative birth experiences eventually inspired her to become a postpartum doula and birth story listener. Enjoy!

Content warnings: quick fertility journey, perfectionism/control, grief/loss, unplanned induction, high blood pressure, GAD, abandonment, epidural, blood in urine, and c-section.

To learn more about Libby and her work as a Birth Story Listener, visit:
https://www.birthstoryprocessing.com/about

Libby's Instagram: @Heartswell.postpartum

Other Resources Mentioned in Episode:

Luna Wellness https://www.lunaspapdx.com/offerings
Baby Blues Connection https://www.babybluesconnection.o

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

...so can I push?

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0800

This episode is part 2 of a two part series called before/after birth. We invite Cailley Roe back on, friend and neighbor of Sophie’s, who shares the birth story of her daughter in May ‘23. Join us as Cailley, a first-time mother, shares her gripping experience going past 40 weeks, navigating a backup induction plan, and enduring a 48-hour labor with a water-breaking story contrary to cinematic depictions. From unconventional castor oil inductions to doubts about her body, Cailley takes us through the emotional rollercoaster of considering a transfer of care before a surprising turnaround that certainly kept us at the edge of our seat.

Discover the symbolism of rainbows, hear about curious dream on the eve of labor, and the meticulous processing of this life-altering event. In the end, our guest reflects on managing post-birth expectations, leaving listeners with a profound exploration of resilience, courage, and the unpredictable beauty of childbirth.

Content warnings: Long labor, vaginal tearing, risk of infection, water breaking, possibility for transfer of care, hemorrhoids and bodily fluids

Cailley's midwife team: Hearth & Home Midwifery

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Dad jokes get Cailley through pregnancy

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0800

This episode is part 1 of a two part series called before/after birth. We are excited to welcome Sophie’s neighbor and friend Cailley, who bravely shares her experiences from the difficulty of her first pregnancy loss ending at 11 weeks to the joys of her current pregnancy at 37 weeks. At the time of recording, Cailley finds herself in the nesting stage bursting with energy, while also learning the importance of taking time to rest as physical discomfort increases.

We also discuss deciding on and preparing for a home birth, particularly the role of the partner and establishing open communication of values and needs. It's a dance of ensuring both expectant parents feel secure, respected, and motivated on this journey to parenthood. Cailley reveals the unknowns of her pregnancy journey, how she and her husband coped through their miscarriage and how she found a second midwife team after her first choice was not the right fit.

"Peanut" App referenced in episode: https://www.peanut-app.io/

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

After I delivered my baby, I felt invincible!

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0800

Sophie and Jordan welcome Dr. Courtney Livaudais, a Portland-based Occupational Therapist and Lactation Consultant as well as owner of Triple Moon Therapy. In this episode, Courtney shares the birth story of her daughter, including her experience with IVF conception, the physical discomforts and unexpected joys of her pregnancy, and surprisingly speedy labor. She shares on the profound connection she felt with her child and discusses what she plans to do differently in preparing for her second birth, as she was pregnant at the time of the episode recording. Our guest takes us through the rollercoaster of postpartum struggles, the sleepless nights, the need for self-advocacy in healthcare, and the critical role a support team plays in this phase. Courtney's candid reflections, coupled with her professional knowledge, offer invaluable advice for those about to embark on the journey of childbirth and parenting. Our guest describes how her own challenges with breastfeeding led to a pivot in her career and a desire to help other parents as a lactation consultant.

To learn more about Dr. Courtney Livaudais OTD/OTR/L, CBS and her practice, please visit: https://www.triplemoontherapy.com/about

Content warnings in this episode include: infertility, IVF, trouble with breastfeeding, feeling unsupported during labor, unexpected changes to a birth plan, distress caused by medical professionals and self-advocacy in healthcare.

Resources discussed in episode:

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

We are going to give you a whisper of Pitocin

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 01:00:00 -0800

Sophie and Jordan welcome Io, who shares the story of their birth in November 2016. In this conversation we explore how Io navigated changes to their birth plan that they were not expecting, challenges of labor monitoring, and what it’s like being a non-binary person giving birth in a hospital setting. We discuss how having the support of people you trust can be a key factor in having a positive birth experience when facing the unexpected.

This episode contains a birth story that includes an unexpected cesarean section, labor interventions, and body dysmorphia.

The "Homebirth Cesarean" book referenced in this episode can be found at the author's webpage.

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

I was trying to get some Thai food, I wasn’t trying to go to the hospital to have a baby!

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0800

Jordan and Sophie welcome their very first guest, Rachel Arias, who shares the story of the birth of her daughter in February 2022. Rachel made for a wonderful and thoughtful first guest as she is a perinatal mental health therapist and reflected on her own struggle with anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum. This episode contains a birth story which includes the vaginal birth of a single baby in a hospital setting, use of medical induction techniques, as well as sensitive themes including mother-baby separation, brief baby NICU stay, and mother health complications including high blood pressure.

To learn more about Rachel Arias’ perinatal therapy services, please visit https://www.rachelariastherapy.com/.

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Hello, hello and welcome!

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0800

Welcome to Bearing Birth, a podcast all about birth stories! In this first episode, your hosts Jordan and Sophie introduce themselves and discuss their “why” for starting a storytelling podcast together about birth. They discuss reasons for sharing one’s birth story and how it can be healing, community building, and in many ways, beneficial. They describe how they came up with their podcast name and what folks can expect from future episodes.

On our podcast, we intend to honor and intentionally hold space for birth stories of guests that do not self-identify as women or mothers. We respect the gender identity and pronouns of each of our guests and will use both the terms woman/mother as well as gender neutral birthing person/parent. We are here to celebrate all those who “mother” and “nurture” and believe all birth stories are worthy of being heard.

Please note, parts of this episode are scripted as Jordan and Sophie wanted to make sure they covered all of their important points to ensure a solid foundation from which to launch their podcast! The format of future episodes will be conversational style.

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com

Bearing Birth Teaser

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0700

Please enjoy our teaser trailer for our new and upcoming podcast "Bearing Birth"! Our podcast highlights the incredible world of birth stories as told directly by those who experience and witness childbirth. This short episode offers a glimpse into the range of emotions our guests experience as they reflect on their birth stories.

Our first three episodes will be released on November 15th! Prepare to hear inspiring and raw conversations on pregnancy, birth and the transition to parenthood. Tune in to witness the power of healing through storytelling.

Co-Hosted by Jordan Monir and Sophie Holliday.

Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com

Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources

To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com

To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com