The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast 1KHO 647: Rediscovering the Power of Birth | Beth Barbeau, Indigo Forest
Dec 11, 2025
Beth Barbeau, a dedicated home-birth midwife and founder of Indigo Forest, shares her insights on the transformative power of birth. She emphasizes the importance of understanding birth options, noting how modern maternity care often leaves women uninformed and scared. With a focus on the benefits of undisturbed birth and the role of doulas, Beth highlights how reclaiming knowledge can empower women. She also discusses the emotional impacts of birth choices, generational wisdom, and how an empowered birth experience can positively affect parenting.
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Compare Birth Locations Early
- Download the Birth Locations Pros and Cons handout from indigoforest.com to compare home, birth center, and hospital options.
- Use the pros and cons as conversation starters so you can plan and avoid surprises during labor.
Undisturbed Birth Boosts Bonding
- Undisturbed birth supports the hormonal and bonding processes that benefit both mother and baby.
- Birth outcomes and postpartum parenting can improve when birth is treated as a normal biological process.
A Friend's Kind Question Changed Plans
- Jenny's friend suggested an elective C-section as a tidy, scheduled option which sparked Jenny's curiosity.
- A gracious doula explained the benefits of vaginal birth, prompting Jenny to read Ina May and rethink her plan.
