Pain Free Birth

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! In this episode I have a couple, Jessica and Shane Winnings, who are Pain Free Birth students joining us with their experience of two very different births - both natural home births, but one being pain free and another being a posterior birth. We compare and contrast the birth experiences and talk about the Pain Free Birth teachings as well as a strong sense of faith helped Jessica during both of her experiences.  Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Pain-Free Birth02:53 Discovering the Concept of Pain-Free Birth05:51 The Journey to Home Birth09:06 Support and Preparation for Birth11:59 The First Birth Experience15:14 The Intensity of Labor and Pushing17:59 The Emotional Experience of Birth20:52 Postpartum Reflections24:00 Transitioning to the Second Birth27:00 Contrasting Birth Experiences32:10 Navigating Posterior Presentation34:07 The Birth Experience: Water Breaking and Contractions36:55 Short and Intense Labor40:11 The Pain of Labor: A Personal Journey44:34 Pushing and the Fetal Ejection Reflex49:24 Choosing Free Birth: A Personal Decision51:30 Lessons Learned from Intense Births56:20 Releasing Control and Embracing Gratitude01:03:08 Encouragement for Expecting Mothers CONNECT WITH KAREN:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-inCONNECT WITH SHANE AND JESSICA INSTAGRAM: @shane.winnings @jessicawinnings Shane’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WAkDKSAoHbvSl7Z0ZTIhP?si=LsCcUTpsSmOId_B4GsLTMA Shane’s website: https://promisekeepers.org/overcomers/

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! In this episode I have a solo episode for you where I address critics of the pain free birth and natural birth movements and share my mindset around birthing and doula work. I ultimately try to empower you to decide for yourself: Is a Pain Free Birth Possible? Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ TIMESTAMPS00:31 - What is Pain Free Birth?04:23 - History of Pain Free Birth, Division in Birth Community09:47 - Removing a Culture of Birth Hierarchy13:38 - My Faith has Grown from My Clients’ Births16:05 - The Birthing Mindset I Teach My Students17:56 - Understanding Physiology Increases Faith20:19 - Is Pain Free Birth Possible?22:09 - Challenging Your Belief Systems24:10 - Defining Our Own Beliefs About Birth25:14 - Your Birthing Journey26:09 - Learn How to Have a Pain Free BirthCONNECT WITH KAREN:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in

Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/——————Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! In this episode we’re sharing an incredible 3-hour car birth story with you from Kira Aho We dove into what it was like to give birth in a car, dealing with insurance claims in unique birthing scenarios like that, and spiritual empowerment lessons useful for Mamas in any birthing scenario. Enjoy! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:00:00 Introduction to Kira's Birth Story01:14 Preparing for a Natural Birth03:29 Labor Begins: The Journey to the Car05:52 The Intensity of Labor in the Shower09:31 Transitioning to the Car: A Rapid Progression12:30 The Car Ride: A Unique Birth Experience15:30 The Birth: Catching the Baby18:06 Post-Birth Reflections and Insurance Claims20:35 Lessons Learned from a Car Birth23:28 The Spiritual Aspect of Birth26:11 Empowerment Through Natural Birth29:39 Mindset and Preparation for Birth31:04 Closing Thoughts and Prayer CONNECT WITH KAREN:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in CONNECT WITH KIRAIG Handle: @Kiraaho_

In this engaging discussion, Holly Stein, the creator of Mama Meals and expert in holistic postpartum nutrition, shares her insights on nurturing new mothers. She emphasizes the importance of a nutritious diet rich in healthy fats and proteins. Holly breaks down the benefits of Ayurvedic practices in postpartum care, advocating for rest and self-care. She also reflects on her own birthing experiences and dispels diet culture myths, showing how supportive partners and community can enhance the postpartum journey.

Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Sign up for the Pain Free Birth Doula Mastermind HERE https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/doula-certification-waitlist Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!In this episode we’re meeting Madeleine Van Gorp. This is one of the most redeeming and beautiful pain free birth stories I have ever had the privilege of hearing, but it’s also filled with some very sensitive and painful experiences. If you’re sensitive about listening to content involving infant loss please consider listening with grace to this episode. We explored Madeline’s story of her baby’s bilateral renal agenesis, her decisions on how to handle her pregnancy despite that, including special moments, connecting to her baby through exercise, and her spiritual preparation. We also cover her labor experience including the ultimate passing of her son, Nicky and how it was not a traumatic experience. CHAPTERS00:50 – Introduction to Madeleine Van Gorp’s story and her baby’s diagnosis of bilateral renal agenesis.00:21 – Madeleine discusses the redemptive and inspirational aspects of her birth story despite the challenges.02:47 – Receiving the diagnosis during the 21-week anatomy scan and deciding not to do early ultrasounds.06:36 – The emotional response to the diagnosis and Madeleine's decision to continue her pregnancy.12:05 – Transitioning from devastation to leaning into faith for strength during the pregnancy.18:49 – Special moments during pregnancy, including a trip and her connection to her baby through exercise.31:36 – The emotional and spiritual preparation for labor and delivery.40:11 – The unique labor experience: focusing on breathing, peace, and connection with her baby.01:02:11 – Madeleine’s perspective on choosing life and her labor process with a breech birth.01:05:36 – The birth of her son, Nicky, and the first moments holding him.01:08:09 – Sharing the peaceful passing of her son and how it was not a traumatic experience.01:10:24 – The deeply emotional decision to personally transport Nicky to the funeral home and its significance. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731 Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in CONNECT WITH MADELINE:Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/paradigmbymadsWebsite - babyvangorp.com (to learn more about Nicky’s story) 

Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Sign up for the Pain Free Birth Doula Mastermind HERE https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/doula-certification-waitlist  Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!In this episode we’re meeting one of my personal doula clients Sondra Almeter - I’ve been hounding her to come on the show for a YEAR and she finally did. I’m so excited to share her amazing birthing stories, including a breech vbac birth. We explored Sondra’s transformative journey into motherhood, starting with her first birth's challenges and the vital role of a doula. From informed consent to the "birth high," and even an unexpected home birth, we celebrated every birth's uniqueness and the miracle of unmedicated experiences. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Sondra's Unique Journey06:02 First Birth Experience: Challenges and Triumphs12:02 Finding Support: The Role of a Doula18:00 The Importance of Informed Consent23:57 Labor and Delivery: Overcoming Obstacles29:43 The Importance of Support in Labor35:51 The Role of the Doula45:41 The Birth High and Aftermath52:30 Witnessing Miracles: The Impact of Unmedicated Births01:01:18 The Unexpected Home Birth Experience01:06:36 Celebrating the Journey: Every Birth is Unique CONNECT WITH KAREN:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in To connect with Sondra on ig:  @s_almeter

 Sign up for the Pain Free Birth Doula Mastermind HERE https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/doula-certification-waitlist Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!In this episode we’re meeting two doulas, Jessica Grant and Kallie Caton, the founders of the “Birth Belongs to Women” movement. We discuss why birth does, indeed, belong to women, and how the medical system and current social/political movements are unfairly marginalizing women and doulas who believe birth belongs to women. We discuss many of the contemporary debates around being a doula and how Mamas like you can best prepare to work with doulas in today’s climate.CHAPTERS00:38 - The origin story of the Birth Belongs to Women movement, and the state of the Doula and medical birthing industries07:26 - How birth should be (and why the birthing industry system is rigged)13:13 - Why the phrase “birth belongs to women” is so resonant for some and polarizing to others in today’s social climate15:37 - “Inclusivity” in birthing17:33 - Birth Belongs to Women is not anti-trans at all, it is pro-women. Karen’s thoughts on forced gender-inclusive language.22:53 - Doulas should stay true to themselves regardless of social or political pressure25:50 - Many women have felt silenced or unable to speak their mind27:36 - Restoring the sacredness to the experience and tradition of birthing32:48 - Doula v Birth Worker and how centralized certification regimes effect the Doula tradition36:53 - Is it possible for doulas to do good work within the hospital system?38:51 - The doula is not the “rescuer” - and avoiding unfair dynamics between mothers and doulas40:29 - What women getting pregnant now most need to understand42:07 - Advice for women who want a doula but still need to give birth in a hospital46:25 - Doula burnout and creating sustainable work for birthing professionals without “turning it into a business”53:00 - The true calling and passion of Doulas to serve mothers55:05 - The “scope” of a doula’s work, and allowing the mother to have room for her own spiritual journey56:25 - Healthy boundaries in doula work and why clients sometimes need to be turned down1:00:10 - The future of the doula space1:05:45 - Why there’s so much fear and dogma in the medical birthing systemCONNECT WITH BIRTH BELONGS TO WOMEN:Connect with Kallie here: instagram.com/kalliecatonConnect with Jessica here: instagram.com/jessiesvibeCONNECT WITH KAREN:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731 Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in Learn more about Birth Belongs to Women → https://www.birthbelongstowomen.com/ 

In this episode, Karen sits down with Dr. Lizzie Kieffer as she shares her personal birth experiences and professional insights. From her hospital birth to her empowering home birth, Lizzie opens up about the lessons learned along the way. Tune in as we dive into why relying solely on kegels might not be the best approach for birth and postpartum recovery, how diaphragmatic breathing helps relax the pelvic floor, and explore practical tips for avoiding severe diastasis recti. Plus, learn how to surrender to the natural timing of labor rather than trying to control it.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:Lizzie’s first birth in the hospital vs. her second at homeWhy kegels aren't the only answer for pelvic floor healthHow diaphragmatic breathing can prevent postpartum issuesThe importance of surrendering to God's timing in birthTips to help reduce the intensity of diastasis rectiThe benefits of training during pregnancy for postpartum recoveryMORE ABOUT DR. LIZZIE KIEFFER:Lizzie is a doctor of physical therapy, a mom of two, and a strong advocate for movement as medicine. After earning her doctorate in 2018, she began her career in a traditional clinic but soon realized her passion lay in helping women navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic floor health. Motivated by the lack of specialized information in these areas, she opened her own practice and developed the Mind Body Core programs to empower and educate women worldwide. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys pickleball, hiking, and spending time with her daughters, Mia and Lily, her husband Matt, and their dog Snickers. A lifelong learner, she is dedicated to helping women feel confident, understood, and supported as they embrace the changes of womanhood and motherhood. Instagram: @doclizziedptPRENATAL: Mind Body Core Prenatal Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 offPOSTPARTUM: Mind Body Core Postpartum Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 offChristian Hypnobirthing App — Get one month FREE with the purchase of the Faith-Filled Childbirth E-CourseCONNECT WITH KAREN:Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you. InstagramFacebookYouTube

While Tara was blacking out from pain, losing hope, and believing she didn't have enough faith for a pain free pregnancy, she experienced a deeply spiritual experience that led her to creating the first of its kind, her own app, for Christian Hypnobirthing. Tune in to find out how drastically different Tara's births were with and without the power of hypnobirthing, how our thoughts and emotions can imprint on our babies brains, and how you can use hypnobirthing beyond labor!EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:How Tara started Christian HypnobirthingDealing with coercion and losing faith in Tara's first birthHow hypnobirthing transformed Tara's second birthCultivating peace throughout your pregnancyUsing hypnobirthing beyond pregnancyCombining faith with neuroscience and how our babies brains are wired MORE ABOUT TARA MENZIES:Tara Menzies is the creator of the Christian Hypnobirthing app and the Faith-Filled Childbirth Course. She created the app in early 2018 after the birth of her first son, because she wanted to combine traditional hypnobirthing techniques (breathing and visualisation exercises, positive affirmations etc) with the incredible love, strength and support that come from our Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit, to help expecting mamas feel confident relaxed and connected to God throughout their births. The Christian Hypnobirthing app has since become one of the most highly rated hypnobirthing apps worldwide, and has helped tens of thousands of women have more relaxed, confident and faith-filled birth experiences.Instagram: @christianhypnobirthingChristian Hypnobirthing Website CONNECT WITH KAREN:Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you. InstagramFacebookYouTube

Jessie thought she was prepared to have a smooth, natural, and pain free birth until... The hospital kept interrupting the labor room, asking for continuous monitoring, and made the birth experience something Jessie never wanted to relive again. When she got pregnant with her second child, Ava, she knew things would be different. She and her husband weren't 100% sold on having a home birth, but that's why we have peace that God's plan is greater. Tune in to hear all about Jessie's redemptive and unplanned home birth.EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:What a majority of "natural births" look like in a hospital Shifting the mindset of "women have to be strong"What created an entirely different experience for Jessie in her second pregnancyThe power of visualization in pregnancy and through birthHow children's temperaments can differ from hospital versus home birthsThe woman's body: letting go of trauma & knowing we aren't cursed to have painful birthsMORE ABOUT JESSIE RITTER:Mom of two, wife, and musician living in the Florida Panhandle. Jessie had a difficult first birth in the hospital, and an absolutely blissful second time unplanned home birth.Instagram: @jessie.l.ritterTikTok: @jessieritterFacebook Twitter YouTubeCONNECT WITH KAREN:Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you. InstagramFacebookYouTube