Pain Free Birth – Details, episodes & analysis

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 pregnancy
• The power of visualization in pregnancy and through birth
• How children's temperaments can differ from hospital versus home births
• The woman's body: letting go of trauma & knowing we aren't cursed to have painful births

MORE 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.ritter

TikTok: @jessieritter

Facebook

Twitter 

YouTube

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. 

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Right after high school, Brandyn witnessed a dear friend having excruciating menstrual cycles. After being prayed over by a team member in ministry school, her friend no longer experienced pain during her cycles! This was when Brandyn's eyes were open to the possibility that we don't have to experience pain and birth can be amazing. This was a very special episode to chat about as Karen and Brandyn shared so many similarities between their births. 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Praying to release pain 
• What a "free pregnancy" is like
• "Do I have to go to the bathroom or am I in labor?"
• Instant pain relief: the double hip squeeze
• How to release tightness in your perineum
• Instinctually knowing the "right" and "wrong" birthing positions

MORE ABOUT BRANDYN GIPE:

Wife to Steven, mom to Quinn, dog mom of 3, and currently serving as the communications director at New Day for Children (a faith-based non-profit that supports kids recovered from sex trafficking in America) in the Shasta County, CA and the surrounding area. Brandyn loves Jesus, fun, adventure and exploring the world. Steven and Brandyn dream of one day starting a home for minor boys recovered from sex trafficking here in the USA.

Instagram: @brandynpruettgipe

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!

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Trisha, an amazing woman who has extensive knowledge, experience, and expertise with being a nurse midwife and IBCLC joins Karen on the podcast today! After virtually meeting on the Down To Birth podcast that Trisha co-hosts, Karen was eager to dive deeper into the conversation around breastfeeding and problems that can arise with each dyad. Trisha shares her unintentional, unattended birth as well as dives into the specifics of the difference between IBCLC's and LC's, her education & experience, as well as a lot of the problems and easy fixes that can be made to solve current problems like painful latches, low-milk supply, and even postpartum anxiety and depression! Join us as we uncover all these dyad hot takes!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Trisha birthing and unintentionally catching her third baby ALONE because it happened so fast and unattended
• How birth can affect how a baby breastfeeds
• Baby's natural instincts to latch & breast crawling
• The most common problems with breastfeeding dyads
• The most common interferences with breastfeeding
• Trisha's number one tip for supporting breastfeeding mothers

MORE ABOUT TRISHA:

Trisha Ludwig is a Yale educated Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She has experience as a homebirth midwife, is a holistic women’s gynecologic health practitioner, and has fifteen plus years working as an IBCLC (and works privately providing both in-person and virtual appointments anywhere in the world). She is also a podcaster and the co-host of the globally known birth podcast Down to Birth Show. She is a mother of three children all birthed at home.

Follow Trisha on Instagram: @trishaoludwig

Follow Down To Birth on Instagram: @downtobirthshow

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Pain Free Birth Course: https://painfreebirth.com/pain-free-birth/ 

Down To Birth Podcast Episode 208: Achieving A Pain Free Birth with Karen Welton: https://www.downtobirthshow.com/208-achieving-a-pain-free-birth-with-karen-welton-painfreebirth/

This episode is a real treat! Today, Karen is joined by both husband and wife, Harif & Jennifer Hazera. This beautiful couple ran into Karen at a Tony Robbins event where they were able to share their beautiful home birth story and thank Karen for all her help. Jennifer was a graduate of the Pain Free Birth Course and it didn't come very naturally ⏤ no pun intended. After experiencing a horribly traumatic birth with their first son in the hospital, Harif and Jennifer eventually came to the decision to have their second son in the comfort of their own home. Once a thought that Jennifer scoffed at turned into the most redemptive, God-ordained moment ever. Tune in to this episode to hear the stark difference between their two birth experiences and how fathers are dismissed throughout and left with trauma after the birth experience.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• The unnecessary epidural, pitocin, and all the interventions at the hospital for the birth of their first son despite progressing very well & naturally
• A father's take on birth & feeling dismissed throughout the whole process
• Father's dismissing the trauma they carried through labor, birth, and the postpartum journey
• Dreaming up their ideal birth & living it out in the comfort of their home for the birth of their second son

MORE ABOUT THE HAZERA'S:

Harif and Jennifer are happily married and work together as entrepreneurs in the real estate space. Once they got pregnant with their first baby, they didn't question giving birth in a hospital, that is until there were too many disturbances and interventions that ruined the sacred experience they thought they were going to have by bringing their first son Leo into the world. Fast forward to getting pregnant with their second son, Max, they knew that it could be better. After getting three obvious signs from God to explore a home birth, Jennifer finally gave in. Little did they know, God would end up offering the most redemptive experience to them by giving birth inside their home in the way they dreamed of. Harif and Jennifer are just like you, they weren't professionals in home birth knowledge but after graduating from the Pain Free Birth Course, they gained the knowledge and empowerment needed to have the most beautiful, sacred, and pain free birth at home.

Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @j_hazera

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Pain Free Birth Course: https://painfreebirth.com/pain-free-birth/ 

Healing Birth Trauma Course: https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/

Birth Partner Bootcamp: https://painfreebirth.com/birth-partner-bootcamp/

In this episode, Karen is joined by Amanda Johnson, a mama of 4 beautiful babies. Despite all odds and one baby even being breeched up until delivery, Amanda had a successful home birth with her twins for her most recent pregnancy. Today we’ll get into all the nitty gritty of Amanda’s experience with hospital versus home births, how her pregnancies varied, and how her most recent pregnancy was a massive surprise up until the very last minute of delivery! After Amanda’s first labor and delivery experience that was less than ideal in the hospital, she knew she didn’t want to experience that again. With her second child, she successfully gave birth at home and knew she would repeat the experience when she fell pregnant the third time… little did she know, this home birth experience would be quite rare and one to remember!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Amanda found out she was having twins at 32 weeks and decided to have a home birth, despite concerns from family and the traditional health system
• Going into labor at 40 weeks 3 days with an intense but smooth 2-hour labor, delivering both twins vaginally at home
• Her faith and trust in God's plan helped her through the physical and financial challenges of a twin pregnancy and homebirth
• A home birth with twins is possible with the right support team 

MORE ABOUT AMANDA JOHNSON:

I’m a SAHM to 4 babes ages five and under. We are a military fam currently stationed in Monterey CA! My first birth was an induction and after that whole experience, I knew it could be better. My induction was not traumatic as I truly believe I was on the brink of labor (11 days past my guess date) but the whole process from start to end felt very unnatural. When I got pregnant with my 2nd I knew I was going to have a homebirth, this was October of 2019. Luckily my midwife (Lindsey Meehleis) and I were totally aligned and she shut her office down for maybe a month during Covid. It was crazy, my husband was overseas and I thought I was going to have to deliver without him. I had my 2nd at home at the height of Covid in June 2020 and had a totally different experience than my hospital birth in the best way. When I got pregnant in 2021, I of course opted for home birth again. I didn’t find out until 32 weeks that I was having twins and I truly wasn’t surprised - the pregnancy felt totally different! I carried them to 40w3d and had a beautiful labor and delivery under 2 hours!!!

Follow her on Instagram: @therealamandajohnson

Check out her website: https://www.therealamandajohnson.com/

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Karen's Pain Free Birth Course: https://painfreebirth.com/pain-free-birth/ 

In this episode, Karen is joined by Dr. CeCe Brooks, a highly respected Functional Medicine Family Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. With preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum, there are so many myths spread or things missed by traditional medicine that will be busted today. Get ready to dive into the world of progesterone well into pregnancy, not relying on antibiotics during birth, and even vaginal steaming as part of postpartum care. Dr. CeCe explains how functional medicine can offer natural and effective health solutions whether you're planning to conceive, currently pregnant, or navigating the postpartum period.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• How to use functional medicine principles to prevent preeclampsia and naturally manage GBS so you don't have to erase the healthy bacteria for your baby in the vaginal canal
• The importance of progesterone during pregnancy (even into the third trimester) and how to maintain its levels
• Practical advice on nourishing your body to ensure both maternal and fetal health ⏤ Like the controversial yet beneficial practice of consuming beef liver during pregnancy
• Interesting insight into the growing issue of oral health ties in babies and how it will affect your breastfeeding journey
• Natural remedies for common postpartum challenges, including navigating mastitis, even if you have the fever & chills

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Dr. CeCe's eBooks & guides including the 30-page comprehensive guide on must-have pregnancy and postpartum supplements, safe and effective pregnancy and postpartum healing modalities, & labor and postpartum nourishment! See all of Dr. CeCe's resources here: https://thediscoverydoc.com/resources

Postpartum Bliss ⏤ Karen's guide to fall in love with the postpartum period: https://painfreebirth.com/postpartum-bliss/ 

CONNECT WITH DR. CECE:

The Discovery Doc® was born after struggling with her own medical issues and a misdiagnosis that took years to correct. Now, by using holistic, integrative, and preventative medicine as a foundation, Dr. CeCe teaches parents how to make educated, informed decisions on behalf of their child’s health and wellbeing. By implementing fun + simple life changes, you can greatly reduce everyday toxic loads that parents may not even be aware of.

Website: https://thediscoverydoc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thediscoverydoc/ 

In this episode…

Rylee Portela, a resilient mom of three boys, shares with Karen how mental fortitude, lots of prayer, trusting in the Lord, and a supportive birth team – including hiring a doula – can make or break your birth experience. From having a cesarean with her first (simply due to a “big baby”), to a medicated VBAC during the challenging times of COVID shutdowns with her second (an even bigger baby!), and finally experiencing a nearly pain-free, physiological birth in the hospital with her third, Rylee’s journey is filled with hope and encouragement for any mom who is worried about vaginally birthing “big babies” or is simply dreaming of a redemptive birth experience like hers. Tune in and let Rylee’s inspiring story uplift your spirit and instill new confidence in your innate ability to birth!

Check out Karen’s famous “Big Baby” IG story highlight here!

Check out Rylee’s Third Birth Story featured on PFB’s IG here.

Connect with Karen:
@painfreebirth
facebook.com/painfreebirth
youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton

Sign up for the new highly anticipated Unlocking a Pain Free Birth Masterclass HERE (releasing SOON)!

Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!

Connect with Rylee on IG and Facebook:
@mrs.newtela
Rylee Portela

In this episode…

Erin Wilkins, mother of five, registered nurse, and online educator who embraces a holistic lifestyle, opens up with Karen about how childbirth has dramatically shaped her views on motherhood and the incomparable power of birth. She talks about the significant lessons learned through each of her birth experiences, emphasizing the importance of mindset, the role of discomfort in personal growth, and the transformative power of surrendering to the process while focusing on the benefits of homebirth and the support of her incredible midwives. Erin’s invaluable insight into how her hardest birth experience was actually her best is truly profound, and her heartfelt advice for new mothers encourages women to actively shape their birth experiences to reflect their innermost values and desires because it directly impacts the journey into motherhood.

Connect with Karen:
@painfreebirth
facebook.com/painfreebirth
youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton
Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE!
Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!

Connect with Erin:
@essentiallyerin__
The Essentially Erin Podcast
www.essentiallyerin.com

In this episode…

Karen delves into an enlightening discussion with Ashleigh Di Lello, founder and creator of Bio Emotional Healing®, to explore the transformative power of the mind-body connection especially as it relates to pregnancy and birth. Ashleigh shares her own remarkable story of overcoming life-threatening health challenges. Despite being told by doctors she wouldn't live past her teenage years, she refused to give up and her discoveries revealed a revolutionary healing approach that has the ability to reshape our responses to emotional trauma and chronic pain, limiting beliefs, and provide profound insights into pain, trauma, and anxiety during childbirth. She went on to become an elite athlete, TV and Broadway star, entrepreneur, Brain Coach, and Keynote Speaker. This conversation aims to empower women with the knowledge and tools to navigate their life and birthing experiences with strength and confidence.

Special Note from Karen:
Hey Mama,
Is your body carrying birth trauma that you don’t want to bring into your next birth? You’re not alone – 1 in 4 women now report experiencing birth trauma. You can even experience trauma from a seemingly “positive” birth experience. Unpacking all of that can feel overwhelming and helpless. I’ve worked with hundreds of women to identify, feel, forgive, and release their birth trauma, and I’m here for YOU. Don’t waste another day struggling to keep your head above water. I don’t want you to miss out on the joy, bliss, and love that your next birth and postpartum experience can offer YOU! You can THRIVE, mama! Let’s do this.
If listening to this episode struck a cord with you, I want to extend a special podcast listener discount [30% off] for my Healing Birth Trauma Masterclass HERE (now offered with lifetime access). Just use the code ‘TRAUMA’ at checkout.
With love, Karen

Connect with Karen:
@painfreebirth
facebook.com/painfreebirth
youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton

Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE!

Connect with Ashleigh:
@ashleighdilello
facebook.com/ashleighdilello
youtube.com/ashleighdilello
Bio Emotional Healing Podcast with Ashleigh Di Lello

Get Ashleigh’s FREE Brain-Body Blueprint HERE!

Watch Ashleigh’s FREE Brain Training - The 4 Shifts My Clients Use to Break the Negative Though Loop & Master Anxiety & Self Doubt

Schedule a FREE consultation for Ashleigh’s Bio Emotional Healing® Coaching on her website here.

In this special solo episode…

Karen explores the transformational process of becoming a mother and the sacred journey from maiden to mother. She discusses the spiritual aspects of childbirth, the challenges and rewards of motherhood, and the importance of surrendering to this rite of passage, aiming to validate and celebrate all mothers while acknowledging both the joyous and trying aspects of motherhood. She delves into the societal pressures and self-doubt many mothers face, advocating for a culture that honors the feminine energy of childbirth and motherhood. This Mother’s Day, Karen encourages mothers to surrender to the changes, embrace their new identity, and find beauty in the journey of motherhood.

Connect with Karen:
@painfreebirth

facebook.com/painfreebirth

youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton

Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE!

Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!