Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant Individuals – Details, episodes & analysis

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How do you mentally prepare for labor — not just physically, but emotionally?

Many pregnant women spend months creating a birth plan and learning about labor positions, breathing, and hospital policies. But one of the most important parts of childbirth preparation is often missing: how you show up for the experience of labor itself.

In this episode of The Birth Journeys Podcast, labor and delivery nurse Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM, shares a powerful conversation with mentor Neri Life Choma, veteran childbirth educator, doula trainer, and founder of the Birth Coach Method.

Together they explore the inner game of childbirth — the mindset and internal motivations that help mothers navigate the intensity of labor with confidence instead of fear.

Birth is often described as “natural,” but that message can be misleading. Like running a marathon, childbirth is an intense physical and emotional experience that benefits from intentional preparation and nervous system training.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why natural childbirth is often misunderstood
 • The difference between external and internal motivations in birth
 • How fear affects both medical teams and birthing mothers
 • Why childbirth preparation goes beyond information and birth plans
 • How prenatal coaching helps mothers work with their bodies during labor

If you're pregnant and preparing for birth, this conversation will help you think about labor preparation in a completely new way.

Connect with Neri Life Choma at https://birthcoachmethod.com/

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare tea...

Send a text

Preparing Your Older Child for Labor and a New Baby

If you're pregnant with baby number two (or more) and wondering how to prepare your older child for labor, the hospital, and life with a new sibling — this episode is for you.

What happens to your toddler when labor starts?
 What if childcare falls through?
 Should your older child come to the hospital?
 How do you prevent sibling jealousy after baby arrives?

As a labor and delivery nurse and mom of two, I walk you through how to prepare your older child for labor in a way that feels calm, realistic, and emotionally safe — for both of you.

In this mini-episode, we cover:

• How to create a clear labor childcare plan
 • What to do if labor starts unexpectedly
 • How to talk to your child about birth in age-appropriate language
 • Whether siblings can be present during labor or in the hospital
 • The most important thing to do when your older child meets the baby
 • How to reduce sibling jealousy after bringing baby home
 • Simple ways to help your older child feel included without pressure
 • How to handle regression, clinginess, or big emotions postpartum

You’ll learn practical strategies supported by pediatric and child mental health guidance to help your older child adjust to a new baby without guilt, chaos, or heartbreak.

Preparing siblings for a new baby isn’t about forcing excitement. It’s about building emotional safety, predictability, and connection before labor begins — so everyone feels more secure when the family grows.

If you’d like the notes from this episode, including simple scripts and a checklist you can use, visit the show notes or follow the link in the description.

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare tea...

Send a text

The holidays ask a lot from anyone, and even more from someone navigating pregnancy or early postpartum. Between loud rooms, strong smells, and a conveyor belt of opinions about your body and your baby, your nervous system can hit overload fast. We dive into why this happens, how to spot it sooner, and the exact words you can use to step away without guilt or drama.

You’ll hear our favorite “golden ticket” exit lines that protect your peace while sounding perfectly reasonable to family and friends. For pregnancy, phrases like I’m exhausted, I need to lie down for a bit or These smells are overwhelming, I’m going to get some fresh air let you reset before stress spikes. For postpartum, baby-centered lines such as Baby needs to feed somewhere quiet or It’s getting too stimulating for the baby create space for both of you to breathe. We also share boundary scripts for classic comments like Are you sure you should eat that? and You look ready to pop, using neutral redirects, the expert card, humor that disarms, and firm shutdowns for repeat offenders.

We close with clean, kind ways to leave early—We’re heading home, I’m at my limit today, My body’s telling me it needs rest—so you can honor your limits without overexplaining. The goal isn’t to win debates; it’s to protect your energy, reduce overstimulation, and keep your mental health front and center during a season that can quickly become too much. If you’re ready to choose calm over chaos and practice self-trust in real time, this one’s for you.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs permission to leave early, and leave a quick review telling us which script you’ll try first. Your peace matters—let’s protect it together.

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare tea...

Send a text

In this episode, Alison Rieke shares her birth stories. Alison is the mother of 2, and she works from home as ambassador for a health and wellness company. Alison experienced HELLP syndrome during one of her pregnancies, and she shares her symptoms and her experience, as well as her wisdom and insight. The acronym HELLP stands for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. HELLP syndrome is one of the Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy, which are discussed in episode 18. 

After the birth of her second child, Alison made the career pívot that allowed her to work from home. To learn more about what Alison has to offer; either the product or the business, you can follow her on Instagram @denverali

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare tea...

Send a text

Tiare is a boy mom, a realtor in Indiana, and an amateur bodybuilder. Tiare experienced HELLP syndrome during one of her pregnancies, which is a rare medical condition of pregnancy. The acronym help stands for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count. In this episode Tiare shares her symptoms and her experience as well as her wisdom and insight from all of her deliveries. 

Follow Tiare on Instagram! @tiare_smith_realtor

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be!

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare tea...

Send a text

Megan is the mother of three, and she works from home as an ambassador for Plexus Worldwide. Megan experienced help syndrome during one of her pregnancies, which is a rare medical condition of pregnancy. The acronym help stands for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count, Megan will be sharing her symptoms and her experience as well as her wisdom and insight from all of her deliveries.

You can contact Megan through Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/megan.bakicastanien?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Or Plexus:
http://plexusworkdwide.com/megancastanien

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be!

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare tea...

Send a text

In the next episodes, I'm going to have friends sharing their birth stories while experiencing HELLP syndrome during their pregnancies. In this episode, I give an overview of HELLP syndrome and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This episode will help moms gain an understanding of what to expect if they are diagnosed with high blood pressure during pregnancy. It is also a great overview for nursing students and new nurses. To gain even more insight, go back and listen to Mike Goldstein’s episode explaining the Hematologic Changes of Pregnancy (air date Nov. 25, 2022)

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare tea...

Send a text

In this episode, Anna Gates shares her birth story with us after a pregnancy complicated by a history of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots). Anna shares the expected and unexpected parts of her delivery, as well as what she learned from the experience, and what she wished she would have known going in. Anna also shares how her journey has been going since delivery. To hear about her pregnancy journey, be sure to go back and listen to episode 10.

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be!

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare tea...

Send a text

In this episode Tiffani shares her birth stories with us, and how her first birth inspired her to become a labor nurse to provide quality care for birthing people. Tiffani talks about on how she advocated for herself in both of her deliveries. Additionally, we discuss how healthcare providers can take steps to bridge the gap toward ensuring quality care for people of color.

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be!

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare tea...

Send a text

In this episode, Arya Pretlow, CNM, IBCLC shares her knowledge and recommendations about lactation. Many moms have questions about breastfeeding, lactation, when to pump, how to increase supply, etc. This episode touches on some of those hot-button topics and offers resources that new moms (and experienced moms) can tap into for guidance, peer support, and lactation resources.

Contact Arya:
https://www.apwellnessservices.com/

Here are some of the resources mentioned in the episode:
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine 
bfmed.org

USLCA find a lactation consultant
https://uslca.org/resources/find-a-lactation-consultant-map/

ILCA find a lactation consultant
https://ilca.org/why-ibclc-falc/

La Leche League
https://www.llli.org/la-leche-league-online-support-resources/

WIC Breastfeeding Support
https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be!

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM

🌿 Get my FREE Birth Plan Workshop! → https://kellyhof.com

🌿 Join the Ready for Birth & Beyond Online Community → https://www.facebook.com/groups/readyforbirthandbeyond

🌿 Listen to more episodes of The Birth Journeys Podcast® → https://thebirthjourneyspodcast.com

Medical Disclaimer

The Birth Journeys Podcast® is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Every pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience is unique. Information shared on this podcast — including personal birth stories — may not apply to your specific medical situation. Always consult your OB, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

While I strive to share current guidance aligned with organizations such as ACOG and AWHONN at the time of recording, medical recommendations evolve as research advances. Guests are entitled to autonomy in their medical decisions and may share experiences that differ from current practice guidelines.

My intention is to provide balanced, evidence-informed education and create space for diverse birth experiences — while encouraging you to make informed decisions in partnership with your healthcare tea...