Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Your Redemptive Birth
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| Meg's Natural, Unmedicated VBAC Led by the Holy Spirit in the Hospital After Two C-Sections | 04 Jun 2026 | 01:12:22 | |
Connect with Meg Instagram: @rocyourwellnessmeg Website: rocyourwellness.com In this deeply moving episode, we hear from Meg—educator turned integrative health practitioner, wife, mother, and woman of extraordinary faith—to hear the remarkable story of her three births spanning nearly two decades. Meg shares her experiences welcoming her first two children, now 17 and almost 12 years old, via cesarean birth during her twenties. She candidly reflects on the physical and emotional challenges that followed, unpacking what recovery from surgical birth looked like not just in the weeks postpartum, but throughout the years of raising her children. Her story offers an honest look at the lingering impact birth experiences can have on a mother's body, mind, and spirit. At age 38, after years of growth, healing, and preparation, Meg found herself pregnant once again. What followed was a powerful 30-hour labor that she describes as being completely saturated by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Supported by an incredible birth team—including her husband, sister, doula/chiropractor, and integrative health practitioner—Meg welcomed her third baby, now 12 weeks old, through a transformational, natural, unmedicated birth in the hospital. Throughout our conversation, Meg shares what unwavering faith in God looked like during pregnancy, labor, and birth. Her testimony beautifully illustrates the power of surrender, trust, and perseverance, as well as the profound transformation that can take place through physiological birth. Whether you're preparing for a VBAC, seeking healing from a previous birth experience, or simply longing to hear a story that points back to God's faithfulness, this episode will encourage and inspire you. In This Episode We Discuss:
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| Alexandra's Big Babies Born with Fetal Ejection Reflex After Long Induction With Her First | 30 May 2026 | 01:05:04 | |
From 7.5 Hours of Pushing to the Fetal Ejection Reflex: Alexandra's Three Birth Stories In this powerful episode, Alexandra shares the dramatic contrast between her first birth and the two births that followed. A lifelong ballerina, Alexandra spent some time rationalizing that her first birth—a days-long induction ending in 7.5 hours of pushing—was the result of a tight pelvic floor. Like many women, she internalized the message that her body was somehow the obstacle. But as she reflected on her experience and prepared for future births, she came to a different conclusion: her body wasn't broken. Her induction had begun before her body and baby were truly ready. For her second and third births, Alexandra chose a different path. She planned home births with a supportive midwife who respected her autonomy and preferences, while also maintaining co-care with a hospital team throughout pregnancy—an option many women don't realize exists. The results were remarkable. Both labors lasted approximately four hours from start to finish. Maybe even more surprising, Alexandra did not push. Instead, she chose complete surrender and experienced the fetal ejection reflex. Her babies were born swiftly and safely. And these weren't tiny babies by modern hospital standards. Her second baby weighed nearly 10 pounds, and her third weighed just over 9 pounds. In this episode, Alexandra shares: • Her experience with a prolonged induction and 7.5 hours of pushing Whether you're recovering from a difficult birth, considering your options for future pregnancies, or simply curious about what physiological birth can look like, Alexandra's story offers a compelling perspective on the difference between forcing birth and allowing birth to unfold in its own time. Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Every pregnancy, labor, and birth is unique. The experiences shared in this episode reflect Alexandra's personal story and should not be interpreted as recommendations for your individual care. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. | |||
| Alex's Birth Center Water Birth After Transferring to Hospital With Her First | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:41:34 | |
Today we hear from Alex, a mother of two, as she shares her journey from a challenging first birth to a deeply redemptive second experience. Alex opens up about her initial plan for a peaceful birth center birth that ultimately led to a hospital transfer and a cascade of interventions—an experience that left her feeling disconnected from the birth she had envisioned. Determined to do things differently, Alex approached her second birth with a renewed sense of trust in her body. She went on to have the healing, water birth she had always hoped for at the birth center—an experience that restored her confidence and reshaped her understanding of what birth can be. Together, Sarah and Alex dive into meaningful conversations around navigating early labor when waters break first, protecting the sacred “golden hour” after birth, and how an undisturbed hormonal blueprint supports successful breastfeeding. They also explore the cultural fear surrounding blood in birth and how reframing it can shift the entire experience. This episode is a reminder that while birth may not always go as planned, it is never too late for redemption—and that trusting your body can change everything. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare team regarding your individual circumstances and any questions you may have about pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. Chapters
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| Birth Advocate Kristen Nagle's Autonomous Home Birth After Two Epidurals (Former NICU Nurse) | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:48:38 | |
In this episode, we hear from Kristen Nagle—a former NICU nurse turned birth advocate and founder of the Reclaiming Birth Conference. Kristen shares her powerful journey from working within the conventional medical system to choosing an autonomous home birth for her third baby after two epidural hospital births. She reflects on how her perspective on birth evolved over time and what ultimately led her to trust the physiological process of birth. Kristen also opens up about the role of community, faith, and gathering with wise women in preparing for birth and navigating loss. Through her story, she highlights the importance of reclaiming birth as a natural, transformative experience and the profound impact a supportive birth environment can have on a woman’s journey. Connect with KristenFollow Kristen on Instagram: @kristen_nagle You're invited to the Reclaiming Birth Gathering happening in Montreal on April 12, 2026. Learn more and reserve your seat: Interested in the Reclaiming Birth Gathering happening in London, Ontario in October 2026? Find more details here: Kristen and Sarah discuss:
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| Michaela's Unmedicated Hospital Birth After First Birth With Preeclampsia | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:48:17 | |
In this episode, we learn from Michaela, a stay-at-home mom of two little girls and wife to a Pastor. Michaela's first birth ended with a preeclampsia diagnosis, labor augmentation, an epidural, and 3 hours of pushing. For her second birth, Michaela prepared her body and mind differently and went on to have a beautiful, unmedicated hospital birth. The conversation covers the speaker's experiences with her two births, reflecting on the challenges, preparations, and decision-making processes involved. It also explores the transition from the first birth to the second, especially highlighting the ways in which Michaela prepped differently for her second birth. The conversation covers how to melt into the sensations of childbirth, the impact of hospital policies on the birth experience, decision-making in birth, preparation in surrendering to contractions, and supporting women's birth choices. Talking Points
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| Emily's Four-Hour Home Birth After a Difficult COVID Hospital Birth | 24 Feb 2026 | 01:06:37 | |
Connect with Emily on Instagram at @empoweredbodynbirth. Emily serves families in Maryland as a doula and also offers personal training for women with a special focus on postpartum recovery and pelvic floor rehabilitation. Reach out to her on Instagram to learn more about working with her! Emily shares her journey to a home birth with her second after a disappointing COVID hospital birth, highlighting the challenges and differences between the two experiences. She emphasizes the importance of knowing and exploring birth options, as well as the impact of environment and support on the birthing process. The conversation covers Emily's beautiful home birth experience, what worked for her during labor, the roles of a woman's care team, the importance of postpartum care, and the significance of intuition in childbirth. Emily also shares insights on the impact of birth experiences on the mother-baby connection and breastfeeding. Takeaways
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| Emma's Water Birth at Home After Prior NICU Experience | 18 Feb 2026 | 01:17:06 | |
Emma's powerful and speedy water birth at home was the redemptive birth she dreamed about after her first birth in the hospital. It highlights the profound impact of birth experiences on mothers and children, as well as the emotional and physical challenges faced during the postpartum period. The conversation covers the transition from exclusive pumping and bottle feeding to breastfeeding, healing from a NICU experience, and the impact of birth experiences on subsequent pregnancies. It delves into the challenges, fears, and preparations involved in these experiences, providing valuable insights for women navigating similar journeys. The conversation delves into the unique nature of birth pain and the impact of visualization on the birthing experience. It also explores the postpartum recovery process, the importance of support, and the significance of trusting oneself and self-respect in the birthing journey. Takeaways
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| Birth Keeper Mikala's Two Freebirths After Two Traumatic Hospital Births | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:41:45 | |
In this conversation, Mikala shares her profound journey through motherhood, detailing her experiences with each of her four pregnancies and births. From her challenging first birth at a young age to her empowering free births, she emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and advocating for personal choices in the birthing process. Mikala discusses the impact of her birth experiences on her postpartum mental health and the significance of community support. Her story serves as an inspiration for women seeking to reclaim their power in childbirth and navigate the complexities of motherhood with confidence. She is also a highly experienced birth keeper taking clients in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin under the name Stateline Birth Keepers. Connect with Mikala on Instagram and Facebook: @statelinebirthkeepers birth stories, postpartum depression, home birth, birthkeeper, women's health, empowerment, pregnancy, maternal health, birth trauma, natural birth | |||
| Jenna's Peaceful Fast Home Birth After Traumatic Hospital Birth | 09 Apr 2025 | 01:03:31 | |
In this episode, Jenna Fitzgerald shares her powerful birth stories, detailing her experiences as a single mother navigating the complexities of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She discusses the trauma of her first hospital birth and how it led her to become a doula, emphasizing the importance of trusting oneself and finding a supportive community. Jenna shares about her second birth experience at home, which was a redemptive journey that allowed her to reclaim her power and heal from past trauma. She highlights the significance of support during bereavement, having experienced a chosen loss herself, and encourages women to connect with their inner strength and find their village. She is co-founder of Stateline Birthkeepers serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin as a birth and postpartum doula. Connect with Jenna on Instagram and Facebook: @statelinebirthkeepers birth stories, postpartum, doula, trauma healing, home birth, maternal health, women's empowerment, bereavement support, loss, community, motherhood | |||
| Hayden's Powerful Natural, Unmedicated VBAC in the Hospital | 26 Mar 2025 | 01:04:26 | |
In this conversation, Hayden shares her journey through two pregnancies, highlighting the stark contrast between her first birth experience, which ended in a C-section, and her second, which was a beautiful VBAC. She discusses the challenges she faced with the medical system, the importance of being an advocate for oneself, and the emotional impact of her experiences. Hayden emphasizes the need for informed consent and the power that comes from understanding one's body and the birth process. Her story serves as a testament to the resilience of women and the transformative power of birth. Connect with Hayden on Instagram: @haydenelizabethsmith birth stories, VBAC, C-section, natural birth, motherhood, pregnancy, birth trauma, empowerment, informed consent, doula support | |||
| A Husband’s Perspective on Birth: Fear, Safety & Supporting Your Woman | 13 May 2026 | 00:49:45 | |
In today’s episode of The Redemptive Birth Podcast, my husband joins me for an honest conversation about birth from the father’s perspective. This episode especially dives into the role of the husband during birth: how men can navigate fears surrounding safety, learn to remain grounded under pressure, and become a calming, protective presence instead of another source of anxiety in the room. We reflect on our two very different birth experiences — our first, a more conventional hospital birth involving epidural, Pitocin, and the typical cascade of interventions, and our second, a planned freebirth that unexpectedly became an unmedicated hospital birth. We talk about how our mindset, preparation, and understanding of physiological birth completely changed between those experiences — and how that transformation affected both of us. We also discuss:
Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, homebirth, or somewhere in between, this conversation is an encouragement to approach birth with deeper trust, intentionality, and unity as a couple. If this episode encouraged you, please leave a review and share it with another family preparing for birth. | |||
| My Redemptive Unmedicated Hospital Birth (Planned Freebirth) After Long Labor, OP Baby, & Epidural | 06 May 2026 | 01:09:08 | |
Resources Mentioned:
Connect on Instagram: @yourredemptivebirth In this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing my own birth stories—both of them taking place inside the hospital, but with very different experiences. My first birth was a planned hospital birth with midwives. I went in trusting the system, but without a full understanding of birth physiology or how hospital routines can shape the course of labor. With a posterior (OP) baby and a long early labor, my experience slowly became what so many women recognize: an epidural, Pitocin, and coached pushing. A “standard” American hospital birth. But I walked away knowing I wanted something different. When I became pregnant again, everything shifted. I was hungry to understand birth on a deeper level—to experience it fully, to trust my body, and to partner with the way God designed it. I read, researched, and immersed myself in natural birth stories. I even planned a freebirth. But plot twist: I found myself heading to the hospital in labor, thinking I wanted pain relief… only to realize I was actually heading into transition. I ended up having the unmedicated, physiological birth I had been hoping for… right there in the hospital. This episode is about redemption, preparation, surrender, and the faithfulness of God. It’s also why I’m so passionate about helping women understand that a natural, undisturbed birth is possible in the hospital. Because now—I’ve lived it. And I can’t wait to teach you how. In this episode, we talk about:
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| Grace's Faith-Filled Home Birth After Preeclampsia, Induction, & Unexpected C-Section with Her First | 29 Apr 2026 | 01:33:20 | |
Connect with Grace: In today’s episode, Grace shares two deeply faith-filled birth stories—one marked by unexpected intervention, and the other a powerful, redemptive home birth that reflects healing, surrender, and God’s undeniable faithfulness. Her first birth began with an induction due to preeclampsia. What followed was a cascade of events that led to a cesarean when the anesthesia rose too high, leaving her completely numb up to her chin and unable to push. In the midst of that, her baby’s heart rate began rapidly decelerating, leading to the necessary and urgent decision to move forward with a c-section. Even in the intensity of that experience, God was present. For her second pregnancy, Grace approached things differently—intentionally nourishing her body, supporting her health, and preparing spiritually and physically for a different outcome. She went on to have a peaceful, natural home birth that she describes as truly redemptive. One of the most beautiful details? Her second baby was born on the exact same gestational day she was induced with her first—38 weeks and 3 days. A quiet, powerful reminder of God’s presence… a true “God wink.” Grace shares how the Lord met her in both births—but especially how He answered the deepest prayers of her heart in her second. Grace’s Supplement & Nourishment Protocol (Used to Support a Healthy Pregnancy & Avoid Preeclampsia)
She also focused heavily on a nutrient-dense diet rich in protein and salt, inspired by the Brewer Diet. Learn more about the Brewer Diet here: Music That Carried Her Through Pregnancy & Birth: This episode is a reminder that even when birth doesn’t go the way we hoped, redemption is always possible. God is not absent in the hard stories—and He delights in restoring, renewing, and rewriting what once felt broken. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more women find these stories of hope. | |||
| Breech, Fast, and Faith-Filled: Megan Wells' Three Home Births After an Induction with Her First | 22 Apr 2026 | 01:00:11 | |
Connect with Megan Megan Wells Megan’s Birth Guide: Today’s conversation is such a beautiful and faith-filled reminder of the wisdom woven into a woman’s body and the goodness of God’s design for birth. I’m joined by Megan Wells, a Catholic wife, mother, and content creator, as she shares the stories of her four very different births—and the lessons each one carried. Megan opens up about her first birth, an induction she didn’t want after fear surrounding possible IUGR. In the end, those concerns proved unfounded, but the experience became part of her journey toward deeper trust and discernment in future pregnancies. Her second birth was a planned home birth that became an accidental unassisted breech birth at home—an incredibly intimate experience shared between just her and her husband. We talk about the normalcy of breech birth, and why preserving knowledge and access to vaginal breech birth matters so deeply. Her third birth was another planned home birth that unfolded so quickly it became another accidental home birth—this time with baby head down—and nearly mirrored her second experience. Her fourth birth was a 12-hour home birth where her midwife did make it in time. Megan shares how grateful she was for that support, especially while laboring exhausted and sick. Throughout this conversation, we explore:
Whether you are preparing for birth, healing from a past experience, or simply longing to hear stories that honor the body’s innate wisdom, this episode will encourage you deeply. Resources MentionedNatural Birth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and send it to another mama who needs to hear that birth was designed with beauty, wisdom, and purpose. | |||
| Advocacy, Ownership, and Healing After Birth Trauma with Eleanor from Birth With Choice | 15 Apr 2026 | 01:00:19 | |
Connect with Eleanor:
What if a “good birth” isn’t defined by whether everything went according to plan—but by whether you felt informed and respected along the way? In today’s deeply important conversation, I’m joined by Eleanor from Birth With Choice to talk about advocacy, informed choice within the medical system, and healing after a difficult or traumatic birth experience. This episode is for any woman who has ever walked away from birth feeling confused, dismissed, disappointed, or wounded—and is wondering if healing is possible. (Spoiler: it is.) We explore how women can reclaim ownership of their birth experiences, advocate for themselves in hospital settings, process unresolved emotions from past births, and move into future pregnancies with more trust and less fear. In This Episode, We Discuss:
If your birth left you carrying grief, confusion, anger, or regret—you are not alone, and you are not stuck there. Healing is possible. Your story matters. And your next chapter can look different. Listen & Share:If this episode encouraged you, send it to a friend, share it to your stories, and tag us so we can hear what resonated with you most. | |||
| Sara Jo's (@bryartonfarm) Magical Home Birth After Two C-Sections | 11 Apr 2026 | 01:17:31 | |
Connect with Sara Jo Instagram: @bryartonfarm Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Time Stamps: First Birth (C-section): 03:14 Second Birth (C-section): 19:33 Adoption Experiences: 23:55 Redemptive Home Birth: 32:59 Episode SummaryIn this deeply moving episode, Sara Jo invites us into her journey through birth, motherhood, and ultimately, redemption. As the oldest of five children, Sara Jo grew up watching her mother recover from cesarean births. So when she became pregnant with her first baby, her goal was simple: avoid a c-section. But like so many women, she entered the hospital system without a full understanding of how to navigate it—and her first birth ended in a cesarean. Her second followed a similar path. What stayed with her wasn’t just the surgeries themselves, but the experience surrounding them—the lack of dignity, the disconnection, and the heartbreaking separation from her babies in those early moments. In the years that followed, Sara Jo and her husband expanded their family in a beautiful way, adopting two daughters from India—her “Indian princesses”—and building a rich, vibrant life on their farm. Then, in her late 30s, they felt called to have another baby, and everything began to change. After watching a pivotal interview with Dr. Stuart Fischbein, something clicked. Sara Jo began to see birth—and the medical system—through a completely different lens. For the first time, she realized she had options. She could ask questions. She could choose differently. So she did. She hired a midwife. She planned a home birth. And she stepped into the unknown. What followed was intense, fast, and completely different from anything she had experienced before—a two-hour active labor that required her to dig deeper than she ever had. But on the other side of that intensity was the birth she had been longing for. No bright lights. No constant interruptions. No separation. Just her baby, placed on her chest—where he stayed. A true golden hour. Undisturbed bonding. Rest. She describes it as nothing short of magical. This conversation is about waking up, taking ownership, doing the research, and realizing that even after trauma, a redemptive birth is possible. Sara Jo’s story is a powerful reminder that birth can look radically different when a woman is informed, supported, and willing to choose a new path. And as she so beautifully reflects—praise the Lord for that. | |||
| Kelly's Redemptive Sovereign Home Birth After Cesarean (HBAC) and Infertility | 01 Apr 2026 | 01:18:12 | |
Connect with Kelly: Kelly’s story is one of deep transformation—from fear, control, and medical limitation to trust, intuition, and true sovereignty. After a long journey through infertility, Kelly entered her first pregnancy carrying both hope and the weight of anxiety. As her pregnancy stretched to 42 weeks, she was met with mounting pressure, unnecessary stress, and ultimately an induction that led to a cesarean birth. In the aftermath, she was told something many women hear: that her pelvis was “too small” and that a vaginal birth would never be possible for her. But something didn’t sit right. In this episode, Kelly shares the pivotal moment she “woke up” to the medical system—when she began to question the narratives she had been given and reconnect with her own inner knowing. What followed was a profound shift: a reclamation of her authority as a woman and a mother. Her second pregnancy unfolded in a completely different way. After moving to the Baja Peninsula of Mexico, Kelly experienced a peaceful, undisturbed pregnancy free from the fear and pressure that once surrounded her. When her waters released before labor began, she trusted her body’s timing. Her labor started gently and unfolded slowly over the course of a couple of days. Even in moments where she felt the pull to hand her power over, her body led the way. Kelly went on to birth her daughter safely and peacefully at home, proving not only that her body was capable—but that the limitations placed on her were never hers to carry. This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience of women, the innate intelligence of birth, and what becomes possible when we choose trust instead of fear. | |||
| Young Mom Brielle's Redemptive 6-Hour Home Birth After Dismissive Hospital Birth and Failed Epidural | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:48:14 | |
Connect with Brielle:
Today we sit down with Brielle to hear the powerful contrast between her two birth experiences—and how radically different outcomes can be when a woman is truly supported and respected during the birth process. Brielle opens up about becoming a young mother at 18 and enduring a long hospital birth where her voice was dismissed and her intuition ignored. What should have been a sacred and transformative experience became one marked by exhaustion and unnecessary intervention. One of the most significant moments she shares is the forceful removal of her placenta by her OB—before it was ready—which ultimately impacted her postpartum experience. But her story doesn’t end there. With her second baby, Brielle chose a completely different path—one rooted in preparation and trust in physiological birth. She experienced a calm, hypnotic 6-hour home birth that unfolded beautifully and undisturbed with deep trust in God. Her placenta was born intact, healthy, and whole—a redemptive moment that symbolized just how capable her body truly was. In our conversation, we explore:
Brielle’s story is a testament to the body’s design and a reminder that with the right support, education, and environment, birth can be calm, powerful, and peaceful. Chapters
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