Explore every episode of the podcast Pain Free Birth
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #76 | A Supernatural Birth: From 3cm to Birth in 45 minutes | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:37:58 | |
What if birth was never meant to be painful? In this episode, Karen sits down with Sammy Murry, a holistic mama of three (soon to be four!) who shares how her third birth became the most peaceful, pain-free, and faith-filled experience of her life. After two beautiful but challenging labors, Sammy discovered the book Supernatural Childbirth and began to pray differently and believing that God could rewrite her birth story. She walks us through how she prepared her heart, strengthened her faith, and experienced a fast, calm home-water birth that transformed how she sees birth and God’s design for women. Tune in to hear:
Use code PODCAST to get $50 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. Connect with Sammy: IG: cleanlivingsammy Website: www.cleanlivingladies.com CONNECT WITH KAREN: | |||
| #75 | Pain-Free VBAC at 41 Weeks: How Jenny Had a 10-Pound Baby at Home With No Tearing | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:52:26 | |
What if your body was powerful enough to birth a ten-pound baby without force, fear, or tearing? In this powerful VBAC home birth story, Jenny Duke shares how she went from a planned C-section with her first baby to an unmedicated, pain-free VBAC birth of her second-a ten-pound baby born at 41 weeks and 4 days. Jenny opens up about her first pregnancy, discovering her baby was breech, and how that unexpected cesarean became a divine setup for her healing and preparation. She walks through how she rebuilt her body and confidence using pelvic floor therapy, chiropractic care, and The Pain Free Birth Course to prepare for a redemptive second birth filled with faith, surrender, and power. Tune in to hear:
Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: | |||
| #66 | How to Protect Your Birth Experience in the Hospital: Tools Every Mom Needs to Know | 26 Aug 2025 | 01:02:22 | |
What if walking into a hospital birth didn’t mean giving up your voice? In this powerful conversation, Meredith and Alicia from Intentional Birth share how to advocate for yourself in a hospital setting so you feel respected, informed, and truly in charge of your birth. From simple language shifts to knowing your legal rights, you’ll walk away with practical tools you—and your partner—can use to create a positive, empowering experience, no matter what unfolds. Tune in to hear:
Join the Doula Mastermind: https://painfreebirth.com/doula-mastermind/ Resources mentioned: 5% discount on the Advocacy Trainings: Code: PAINFREEBIRTH IG: @intentional.birth Website: www.intentionalbirth.co Connect with Karen: 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 | |||
| #65 | The Red Tent & the Sacred Calling of Doula Work | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:40:12 | |
Have you ever felt a little nudge that maybe you were meant to support women in birth? Maybe you’re the one who stays up late watching birth videos, fascinated by how God designed the body, secretly dreaming of being in the room one day. If so, this episode was made for you. In today’s conversation, Karen pulls back the curtain on the realities of birth work — the beauty, the challenges, and the sacred calling of becoming a doula. She shares the struggles many doulas face, from burnout and being on-call to working in hospital systems that don’t always support women’s physiology. And she reminds us why women supporting women through life’s biggest transitions is not only historical, but biblical. Tune in to hear:
Join the Doula Mastermind: https://painfreebirth.com/doula-mastermind/ Connect with Karen: 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 | |||
| #64 | Breathing Baby Out Pain Free and without Pushing | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:51:20 | |
What if the pushing phase of birth didn’t have to be painful, exhausting, or filled with strain? In this powerful episode, Erika shares her incredible birth story — from an unexpected pause in labor that gave her one more week to prepare, to the fast-moving labor that had her in transition before she even realized it. But the highlight came in the final moments: instead of force pushing, Erika learned to breathe her baby down, allowing her body to work with her baby for a gentle, peaceful birth. You’ll hear how faith, prayer, and intentional breathing transformed her experience — and how you can apply these same principles for your own birth. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or hoping for a redemptive birth after trauma, this episode is filled with encouragement, practical tips, and the reminder that God cares deeply about your birth story. Tune in to hear:
Resources & Links Mentioned:
Connect with Karen: 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 | |||
| #63 | Overcoming Infertility, Mold, and Fear to Birth in Power | 05 Aug 2025 | 01:06:55 | |
What happens when you’re told you’re infertile, exposed to toxic mold, living in constant stress—and still believe for a miracle? Tune in to hear:
Connect with Ashlee: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplholistic/ Website: simplholistic.org CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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 | |||
| #62 | What Your Doctor Won't Tell You About VBAC | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:45:02 | |
Have you been told VBAC is too risky? In this episode, Karen pulls back the curtain on the fear-based messaging surrounding VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and delivers the real evidence every mom deserves to know. If you’ve ever been told VBAC is too risky, this episode is your permission slip to ask better questions, trust your intuition, and get truly informed before making one of the biggest decisions of your life. Tune in to hear:
Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ VBAC Resources: -PubMed Views of Women From Countries With High VBAC Rates -EBB 113 - The Evidence on VBAC CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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 | |||
| #61 | A Redemptive Home Birth after a Cesarean | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:55:47 | |
What happens when you walk into the hospital at 8.5 cm dilated… and still end up with a C-section? In this episode, Karen sits down with Carrie Coppins to unpack her journey from a traumatic first birth to a redemptive, healing home VBAC. Carrie vulnerably shares how her first birth left her feeling devastated, angry at her body—and even at God. But through therapy, faith, and deep preparation, she chose to believe for a different story with her second baby. This episode is for every woman who has ever doubted her body, grieved a birth that didn’t go as planned, or is preparing her heart for a VBAC. It’s a story of healing, hope, and holy redemption. Tune in to hear:
Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ Resources mentioned: VBAC book: https://amzn.to/4lu4bl5 Ina May's Guide to Childbirth: https://amzn.to/3TC8w9M VBAC Resources: -PubMed Views of Women From Countries With High VBAC Rates -EBB 113 - The Evidence on VBAC CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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 | |||
| #60 | Breech, Twins, and Triplets… at HOME!? | 15 Jul 2025 | 01:05:57 | |
Can you really have a safe breech or twin birth at home? What if your OB told you yes? In this powerful episode, Karen sits down with Dr. Victoria Flores, a Southern California-based home birth obstetrician who specializes in breech and twin births. After decades inside the hospital system, Dr. Victoria made a radical shift—leaving behind a broken model to fully support women outside of it. From childhood, Victoria was fascinated by breech birth. But after 20+ years in the medical system, the soul-crushing grind took a toll on her health and spirit. Now, she’s taken the reins of Dr. Stuart Fischbein’s legendary practice and brings her unique intuition, deep knowledge, and unwavering belief in women’s bodies to every birth she attends. Tune in to hear:
Connect with Dr. Victoria: https://victoriamdbirthing.com/ Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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 | |||
| #59 | Birthing a Breech Baby against all Odds with Lauren McEnulty | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:45:09 | |
In this episode, Karen sits down with holistic birth doula and mom of two, Lauren McEnulty, as she shares her incredible story of planning and executing a successful vaginal breech birth. Despite being pressured into a C-section by her original birth center and rejected by multiple providers, Lauren stayed true to her intuition and her baby’s needs. She shares the emotional and physical toll of trying everything to flip her baby—including spinning babies, acupuncture, and moxibustion—only to later discover that her baby’s short cord and positioning made flipping impossible. After being dismissed by her original providers, Lauren sought out a breech-trained midwife over an hour away and finally found someone who believed in her. This episode is a beautiful testimony of maternal instinct, perseverance, and the truth that women’s bodies are capable of birthing breech when supported by the right providers. Tune in to hear:
Connect with Lauren: Watch Lauren's birth video (TW: Graphic Content) Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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 | |||
| #58 | Birth after 40 with a Supernatural Home Birth Under The Stars with Lindsey Cantu | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:51:11 | |
What happens when your water breaks at 36 weeks—and your midwife legally can’t attend your birth?
BirthFit Prenatal Package (Get 20% off with code: PAINFREEBIRTH) Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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 | |||
| #57 | First-Time Mom Has a 4-Hour Home Birth Pain Free - Brenna's Supernatural Birth Story | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:31:44 | |
In this episode of the Pain Free Birth Podcast, Karen welcomes first time mom Brenna Burkins to share her extraordinary 4-hour pain-free home birth story. What makes Brenna’s birth so remarkable? Not only was it her first baby, but she labored with joy, laughter, and zero pain after intentionally preparing—spiritually, mentally, and physically—for a supernatural birth experience. Brenna opens up about the moment she first believed pain-free birth was possible, after hearing a testimony that challenged everything she’d been taught about childbirth. From there, she immersed herself in faith-building resources like Supernatural Childbirth by Jackie Mize and partnered with her husband in prayer and belief. Tune in to hear:
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Brenna: @brennaburkins on all platforms - instagram, Tiktok, YouTube, + Pinterest Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE | |||
| #74 | God’s Design for Birth: How Shelby Experienced a Pain-Free, Worship-Filled Labor | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:52:54 | |
What happens when a labor and delivery nurse decides to trust God’s design for birth, surrender control, and experience birth the way He intended? After seven long years of infertility and waiting on God’s timing, nurse and mama Shelby Swanton miraculously conceived her daughter and went on to experience a pain-free, supernatural, and deeply spiritual birth. In this episode, Shelby shares her journey from years of disappointment and doubt to an ecstatic, worship-filled birth that defied everything she’d seen as a nurse in the hospital system. She opens up about her struggles with control, fear, and prodromal labor that lasted for three days, and the moment she finally surrendered to God’s plan. This story will leave you in awe of how the body and the Holy Spirit work together in birth and how letting go can unlock the most peaceful, pain-free, and empowering experience imaginable. Tune in to hear:
Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: | |||
| #56 | A Divine Pain Free Birth After 4 Years of Waiting with Lauren Leonard | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:56:23 | |
In this episode, Karen sits down with Lauren Leonard—ER nurse, mental health advocate, and former NFL cheerleader—who shares her miraculous and deeply personal journey from infertility and generational birth trauma to a pain-free, supernatural birth marked by worship, surrender, and divine intimacy. After four years of trying to conceive and a lifetime of hearing her mother’s traumatic birth story, Lauren never imagined she’d one day experience a birth that felt euphoric, empowering, and completely God-ordained. But that’s exactly what happened. Tune in to hear:
🎁 Try Outlast Audio free for 1 month with code: PAINFREEBIRTH https://outlastaudio.com Connect with Lauren: @laurenmleonard_ @outlastaudio Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: | |||
| #55 | What Every Dad Needs to Know About Natural Birth with Jonathan Welton | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:47:14 | |
In this special Father's Day episode, I’m joined by her husband, Jonathan Welton. We’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like for dads to walk through pregnancy, labor, and birth—especially outside the hospital system. From initial hesitations about home birth to fully showing up with unwavering presence, Jonathan shares the fears, surprises, and transformations he experienced through our three unmedicated births. Whether your partner is nervous, unsure of his role, or simply wants to be a great support person, this honest conversation offers practical advice and heartfelt encouragement from a dad who’s been there. Tune in to hear:
Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: | |||
| #54 | God Met Me in Labor: Emily Vondy's Supernatural Birth Story | 03 Jun 2025 | 01:21:49 | |
What if your birth experience could be more than just physical—what if it became a holy encounter with God? In this episode, Karen sits down with Emily Vondy—musician, speaker, content creator, and mama of (now) six—to share the unforgettable story of her fifth birth. From walking through the fear of a pregnancy after loss to experiencing a supernatural encounter with God during active labor in the car, Emily’s story is a beautiful testimony of faith, surrender, and divine joy. Emily vulnerably shares how God transformed her labor from anxiety and dread into laughter, peace, and profound connection. She opens up about how He met her in her weakness, carried her through transition, and gave her visions that forever changed how she sees Him. Timestamps: Connect with Emily: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: | |||
| #53 | How This First-Time Mom Had a Peaceful Breech Home Birth with Tayler Magee | 27 May 2025 | 01:00:36 | |
What if you were told your baby was breech—and you still gave birth at home, unmedicated, and without fear? In this episode of the Pain Free Birth Podcast, Tayler Magee shares how she dismantled years of fear around childbirth, trusted God's design for her body, and delivered her breech baby at home as a first-time mom. Timestamps: Connect with Tayler: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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 | |||
| #52 | A Pain Free Hospital Birth with First Time Mom Stephanie Okori | 20 May 2025 | 00:48:12 | |
Licensed therapist and faith-based coach Stephanie Okori joins Pain Free Birth to share her two radically different but equally powerful birth stories—one a pain-free, unmedicated hospital birth that stunned the staff, and the second a spirit-led C-section that defied fear and overflowed with peace. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 05:20 – From Paralyzing Fear to Unshakable Faith 11:50 – Labor Begins: “God Spoke to Me in the Bathroom” 14:46 – Worship, Breath, and Rhythm: How She Labored Without Pain 18:23 – Hospital Arrival at 10cm—And Still No One Believed Her 23:18 – The Pushing Stage & Reclaiming Her Power 36:18 – A Very Different Second Birth: God in the C-Section 43:04 – Postpartum Miracles: Breastfeeding, Healing, and Grace Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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 | |||
| #51| The Truth about Breastfeeding, Birth Interventions and Tongue Ties No One Told You - Rachael Austin | 13 May 2025 | 01:07:29 | |
In this episode, Karen sits down with Rachael Austin, RN, IBCLC—an internationally recognized midwife and head educator for the Thompson Method of Breastfeeding—to unravel some of the most misunderstood parts of the birth-to-breastfeeding journey. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or recovering from a rough start, this episode will open your eyes and give you confidence to trust your body—and your baby. Timestamps:03:29 – How Birth Interventions Affect Breastfeeding05:08 – Nipple Pain & Outdated Breastfeeding Techniques06:05 – How Pitocin & Epidurals Disrupt Oral Function09:02 – Alternatives When Breastfeeding Isn’t Working10:19 – Bottle Design & Breastfeeding Confusion13:13 – Colic, Reflux & Overfeeding Explained15:31 – Can You Overfeed a Breastfed Baby?23:30 – Retraining Baby to Breastfeed After NICU/Interventions24:07 – Proper Latch vs. Common Mistakes30:17 – The Truth About Newborn Weight Loss & IV Fluids33:29 – Mastitis, Oversupply & Nipple Trauma46:35 – Tongue Ties, Lip Ties & Misdiagnosis51:09 – The Tongue Tie Surgery Boom (900% Increase?)57:11 – Postpartum Mental Health & Maternal Burnout Get 50% OFF the Thompson Method Birth & Breastfeeding Course:https://thompsonmethod.com/painfree CONNECT WITH KAREN:
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| #50 | 5 Things I'd Do Differently If I Were Giving Birth in 2025 | 06 May 2025 | 00:47:20 | |
What would I do differently if I gave birth in 2025? In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 powerful shifts I’d make—beyond the usual advice—to transform your birth experience and postpartum recovery. From protecting your mental health to trusting your body’s wisdom and creating a sacred postpartum bubble, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, do less, and reconnect with what truly matters during pregnancy and birth. Save over $200 this Mother's Day! From May 5-12th you can get $60 OFF the Pain Free Birth e-course AND get Birth Partner Bootcamp for FREE ($149 value) when you use code MOTHERSDAY60 at checkout! Timestamps: 00:00 – The Truth About Birth in 2025 00:36 – Why Today’s Birth Culture Is Overwhelming Moms 01:35 – Intro to the Episode: 5 Things I'd Do Differently in 2025 02:42 – A Personal Update: Meditation Retreat & Mental Health 04:48 – Biggest Sale of the Year for Pain Free Birth 06:46 – Struggling with Anxiety, Brain Fog & Burnout 08:54 – The Transformation from Meditation 11:03 – Mental Health Matters More Than Ever for Moms 14:57 – Why Slowing Down Isn’t Optional Anymore 16:02 – Birth Tip #1: Prioritize Mental & Emotional Health 19:39 – Birth Tip #2: Do Less (And Let Go of the Baby Registry Pressure) 22:01 – Birth Tip #3: Your Body is Wise—Trust It 30:02 – Birth Tip #4: It's Okay to Be Scared—But Don’t Stay There 36:12 – A Word on Programming & Rewriting Your Beliefs About Birth
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
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| #49 | A Supernatural Birth Story - Stormie Fraser | 29 Apr 2025 | 01:10:59 | |
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast. Today, I’m interviewing Stormie Fraser. Stormie shares her pain free home birth story and compares it to her first time giving birth in a hospital setting. We also discuss faith and grief as Stormie tragically lost three loved ones while she was pregnant.
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/
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 00:44 - Meet Stormie Fraser 01:26 - From Hospital to Home Birth 05:55 - Stormie Losing Her Dad While Pregnant 14:43 - Prayers and Affirmations 19:29 - What is the Mother-blessing ceremony? 21:19 - The Importance of the Village and Community 25:16 - Faith Through Grief During Pregnancy 28:17 - Christian Hypno-birthing Education with Tara Menzies 29:18 - Stormie’s Birth Story and Why Doulas Write Timestamps of Birth 30:54 - Prodromal Labor 34:05 - Prayers and Wishes for Birth List 35:44 - Taking Ownership of Fear 39:40 - Castor Oil and Induction 42:15 - Pain Free Birth Affirmations and Playlist 46:04 - Letting Go 46:46 - Doulas Utility During Birth, Counter-pressure 49:44 - Doula Training As a New Mom 55:00 - Co-creating Life with God 59:46 - Taking a Moment for Babies to Come Into their Bodies 1:00:46 - Pain Free Delivery 1:04:08 - What’s Possible in Birth 1:06:35 - Outro
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
CONNECT WITH STORMIE Personal Instagram: @stormiefraser Humorous, heartfelt nap trap poems on faith, grief, and motherhood: @isthisworthposting. | |||
| #48 | Pregnancy is Meant to Trigger You | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:42:42 | |
Letting Go of Control: The Spiritual Shift of Pregnancy & Birth Are you an over-preparer who feels like pregnancy is spinning your world out of control? In this powerful solo episode, Karen gets deeply honest about the root of our need to control—and how fear, unresolved trauma, and striving for strength can actually sabotage our birth and motherhood journey. Learn why pregnancy riggers you on purpose, how hormonal and spiritual changes are designed to surface unhealed pain, and how surrendering control can unlock peace, power, and deeper connection with your body, baby, and God. This isn't just about managing anxiety—it’s about shifting into your feminine energy, letting go of the masculine mask, and learning to trust again. If you've been battling fear, shame, postpartum depression, or spiritual disconnection, this message will speak directly to your heart.
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/
✅ IN THIS EPISODE: 0:00 – Over-preparation as a Symptom of Control 1:22 – The Fear-Tension-Pain Cycle in Labor 4:42 – When Strength Becomes a Wall: The Masculine Mask 10:00 – How Pregnancy Triggers Past Trauma for Healing 16:11 – It’s Okay to Be Needy: Reclaiming the Feminine 20:26 – Why Vulnerability is Attractive & Needed in Pregnancy 26:53 – Hormones as Holy Messengers: The Design of Pregnancy 31:06 – Stop Resisting: Embrace the Blessing of Pregnancy 36:30 – Pain-Free Pregnancy & Coaching Opportunities --- CONNECT WITH KAREN: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton 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/ Join the Email List - https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in CONNECT WITH KAREN:
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| #47 | Introduction to Ecstatic Birth - Yaya DaCosta | 08 Apr 2025 | 01:09:35 | |
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast. Today, I’m interviewing Yaya DaCosta, an actor, birth worker, and way shower. We discuss ecstatic birth, Yaya stories giving birth in public in New York City, and how the emotions of Moms during pregnancy can imprint on the psychology and physiology of their babies.
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/
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Ecstatic Birth 01:15 The Importance of Positive Birth Stories 02:09 Yaya's Personal Journey and Sensitivity 06:30 Navigating Pregnancy in New York City 10:14 The Impact of Maternal Emotions on Babies 12:11 Preparing for a Home Birth 14:49 The Unique Experience of Yaya's Birth 20:16 Laboring in Public: A Walk Through Contractions 25:23 The Moment of Birth: A Transformative Experience 26:58 The Ecstasy of Birth 29:12 Empowering Birth Stories 30:01 The Birth Experience Unfolds 34:11 The Immediate Connection 36:10 The Physiological Instinct of Babies 40:20 Reclaiming Sacred Births 42:37 The Aftermath of Birth 45:03 The Importance of Following Intuition 48:00 Pain Management Techniques 50:47 Addressing Maternal Mortality Rates 51:10 The Importance of Maternal Health Awareness 53:58 Addressing Systemic Issues in Maternal Care 58:02 The Role of Traditional Midwifery 01:01:03 The Black Maternal Health Festival 01:12:01 Cultural Shifts in Birth Practices
Yaya DaCosta’s dynamic talent as an actress has been showcased in powerful performances across film, television and stage productions, including “The Lincoln Lawyer”, “Our Kind of People”, “Chicago Med”, “Whitney” and, most recently, “Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story”. The Brown University graduate is also a producer, birthworker, and wayshower, who is deeply dedicated to contributing to society’s elevation through, art, beauty and magic. Her current Earth mission is to integrate her different callings through the creation and embodiment of empowering narratives that birth a kinder future for women in the entertainment industry, in birth spaces, and on the planet.
the Black Maternal Health Festival, which is from April 11th-17th. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.sumistouch.com/bmhf?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ-r6Zw-WnMgK4Z_QuZLoJcxYoE3bkTqRWCIVdLdxuNJmlMMqGnYgmhu2Y_aem_3N2VzPaA14_ML097ciLr
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
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| #73 | Induced for No Reason? What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know with Dr. Melanie Jackson | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:59:45 | |
What if birth didn’t need to be managed, induced, or controlled? In this episode, Karen sits down with Dr. Melanie Jackson, known as Melanie the Midwife, to unpack why the modern maternity system so often views women’s bodies as “a ticking time bomb” and how that fear drives the epidemic of unnecessary inductions. With 17 years of experience as an Australian midwife, Melanie brings evidence-based wisdom and a rebellious spirit to the conversation. She shares what she discovered in her PhD on birth outside the system, the truth about “preventative inductions,” and why trusting the design of birth might be the most radical act of all. Tune in to hear:
Connect with Melanie: @melaniethemidwife @thegreatbirthrebellion The Great Birth Rebellion podcast
https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/ Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: | |||
| #46 | Birth is Spiritual, Not Painful - Laurynn Howard | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:48:33 | |
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast. Today, I’m interviewing Laurynn Howard, a Mom of 2, Doula and Midwife. We’re speaking about her pain free second birth story, her tips for Mom’s experiencing their first natural birth, and why Western Civilization’s mindset on pain and spirituality is non-resourceful for Moms.
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/
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 01:25 - How Laurynn’s First Birth Lit a Fire in Her to do Birth Work 03:53 - Story of Her Pain-Free Second Birth 05:02 - Why Her Second Birth Was Pain Free 07:44 - The Mindset of a Pain Free Birth 09:29 - Emotional Release During Labor 13:36 - Birth is Spiritual, Not Painful 16:25 - Should Women Use Epidurals? 18:38 - The Western Mindset on Pain is Wrong 21:50 - Lessons From Birth 25:29 - Gratitude During a Pain Free Birth 30:25 - Birth Workers Should be Honest 32:16 - Tips for Navigating Hospital Birth 37:58 - On Gender Reveals 39:44 - Laurynn’s Postpartum Experience After a Pain-Free Birth 44:09 - Advice for Moms Doing Their First Natural Birth 45:18 - Outro
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
CONNECT WITH LAURYNN
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| #45 | This Mom Coached Herself Through a Pain Free Natural Car Birth - Rae Doescher | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:50:42 | |
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! In this episode we’re meeting one of my personal doula clients Rae Doescher to discuss her recent natural car birth
We explored Rae’s transformative journey to natural birth, the experience of her labor in the car, and the power of self coaching and spiritual practice leading up to and throughout birth.
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/
CHAPTERS 02:01 The Journey to Natural Birth 04:59 Trusting God in the Birth Process 08:00 The Experience of Labor 11:00 The Decision to Go to the Hospital 14:08 The Car Birth Experience 16:52 The Role of Support During Labor 19:59 Reflections on the Birth Experience 25:01 The Divine Setup: A Birth Story 29:12 The Power of Self-Coaching During Labor 33:10 Trusting the Process: Overcoming Fears in Birth 38:00 The Spiritual Connection in Natural Birth 45:49 Empowering Women: Preparing for Natural Birth
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
CONNECT WITH RAE: IG Handle: @Raeannadoescher Watch the car birth video in full https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFRWxrZtFyA/?igsh=MTN3bnI4ZXJiNXVmOA%3D%3D | |||
| #44 | Cindy's Remarkable Pain Free Birth in South Korea! | 18 Mar 2025 | 01:07:37 | |
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast. Today, I’m interviewing Cindy Park-Jun about her birth story of delivering two babies in South Korea. Cindy is a Korean American mom who lives in South Korea with her husband.
And after navigating IVF pregnancy, she decided to birth in South Korea where they were living at the time in a completely different culture with a language she didn't fully know. She shares how God guided her to a natural birth in a country with one of the highest cesarean and intervention rates in the world.
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/
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Cindy's Journey to Motherhood in South Korea 06:05 Cultural Differences in Birth Practices 12:06 The State of Women's Health in South Korea 18:50 Cindy's Birth Experience: A Personal Account 22:11 Natural Birth Experience in South Korea 24:20 Labor and Supportive Partners 27:11 Tools and Techniques for Labor 30:44 The Fast-Paced Nature of Labor 33:05 Decisions During Pushing 36:30 Postpartum Care Practices 39:05 Breastfeeding Challenges and Advocacy 42:11 Advocating for Better Maternity Care 44:46 The Journey of Natural Birth 48:09 Cultural Perspectives on Birth Choices 50:00 Embracing the Birth Experience 56:53 The Power of Support in Birth 01:00:06 Encouragement for Expecting Mothers CONNECT WITH KAREN:
CONNECT WITH CINDY
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| #43 | A Pain Free Home Birth and a Transformational Posterior Freebirth | 11 Mar 2025 | 01:12:30 | |
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/
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Pain-Free Birth 02:53 Discovering the Concept of Pain-Free Birth 05:51 The Journey to Home Birth 09:06 Support and Preparation for Birth 11:59 The First Birth Experience 15:14 The Intensity of Labor and Pushing 17:59 The Emotional Experience of Birth 20:52 Postpartum Reflections 24:00 Transitioning to the Second Birth 27:00 Contrasting Birth Experiences 32:10 Navigating Posterior Presentation 34:07 The Birth Experience: Water Breaking and Contractions 36:55 Short and Intense Labor 40:11 The Pain of Labor: A Personal Journey 44:34 Pushing and the Fetal Ejection Reflex 49:24 Choosing Free Birth: A Personal Decision 51:30 Lessons Learned from Intense Births 56:20 Releasing Control and Embracing Gratitude 01:03:08 Encouragement for Expecting Mothers
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
CONNECT WITH SHANE AND JESSICA INSTAGRAM: @shane.winnings @jessicawinnings
Shane’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WAkDKSAoHbvSl7Z0ZTIhP?si=LsCcUTpsSmOId_B4GsLTMA
Shane’s website: | |||
| #42 | The Truth About the Natural Birth Debate | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:31:30 | |
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/
TIMESTAMPS 00:31 - What is Pain Free Birth? 04:23 - History of Pain Free Birth, Division in Birth Community 09:47 - Removing a Culture of Birth Hierarchy 13:38 - My Faith has Grown from My Clients’ Births 16:05 - The Birthing Mindset I Teach My Students 17:56 - Understanding Physiology Increases Faith 20:19 - Is Pain Free Birth Possible? 22:09 - Challenging Your Belief Systems 24:10 - Defining Our Own Beliefs About Birth 25:14 - Your Birthing Journey 26:09 - Learn How to Have a Pain Free Birth CONNECT WITH KAREN:
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| #41 | UNBELIEVABLE 3 Hour Pain Free Birth in a Car - Kira Aho | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:34:12 | |
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 Story 01:14 Preparing for a Natural Birth 03:29 Labor Begins: The Journey to the Car 05:52 The Intensity of Labor in the Shower 09:31 Transitioning to the Car: A Rapid Progression 12:30 The Car Ride: A Unique Birth Experience 15:30 The Birth: Catching the Baby 18:06 Post-Birth Reflections and Insurance Claims 20:35 Lessons Learned from a Car Birth 23:28 The Spiritual Aspect of Birth 26:11 Empowerment Through Natural Birth 29:39 Mindset and Preparation for Birth 31:04 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
CONNECT WITH KIRA
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| #40 | Postpartum Diet & Nutrition Tips to Regain Energy - Holly Stein | 11 Feb 2025 | 01:01:18 | |
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 meeting the creator of Mama Meals, Holly Stein! You can follow Holly on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/eat.mamameals
We dove into holistic postpartum care with Holly, discussing Mama Meals, the power of nutrition, Holly's own amazing birthing stories and breaking free from diet culture. From Ayurvedic practices to meal services for new moms, we explored how rest, recovery, and support shape a joyful postpartum journey.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 00:00 Introduction to Mama Meals and Holistic Nutrition 05:30 Empowering Women Through Nutrition and Business 07:00 Preparing for Postpartum: The Importance of Nutrition 09:59 Breaking Free from Diet Culture 13:57 Nourishing the Body: The Role of Fats and Proteins 15:55 Budget-Friendly Nutrition: Simple Swaps for New Moms 18:57 Ayurvedic and Eastern Medicine Principles in Postpartum Care 21:51 Cultural Shifts: Embracing Rest and Recovery 24:47 Personal Birth Experiences: Lessons Learned 35:10 Mindset Matters in Birth 36:31 The Role of Supportive Partners 38:19 Creating a Normal Birth Experience 39:10 Confidence Through Experience 41:21 Embracing the Hard and Enjoying Birth 42:27 The Impact of Birth on Postpartum 43:28 Pushing Phase and Its Effects 45:31 The Importance of Preparation 47:14 Postpartum Bliss and Support 49:39 Nourishing the Body After Birth 50:08 Meal Services for New Mothers 57:29 Asking for Help and Support
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
CONNECT WITH HOLLY - IG Handle: @eat.mamameals - Website: www.mama-meals.com - Code PAINFREEBIRTH for $20 off first purchase of Mama Meals - Free postpartum recipe guide: https://mama-meals.com/pages/resources | |||
| #39 | Healing Through Faith from Loss of Her Baby - Madeline Van Gorp | 04 Feb 2025 | 01:25:54 | |
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.
CHAPTERS 00:50 – 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:
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| #38 | Breech Birth with Double Uterus - Sondra Almeter | 19 Jan 2025 | 01:12:36 | |
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.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Sondra's Unique Journey 06:02 First Birth Experience: Challenges and Triumphs 12:02 Finding Support: The Role of a Doula 18:00 The Importance of Informed Consent 23:57 Labor and Delivery: Overcoming Obstacles 29:43 The Importance of Support in Labor 35:51 The Role of the Doula 45:41 The Birth High and Aftermath 52:30 Witnessing Miracles: The Impact of Unmedicated Births 01:01:18 The Unexpected Home Birth Experience 01:06:36 Celebrating the Journey: Every Birth is Unique
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
To connect with Sondra on ig: @s_almeter | |||
| #37 | Birth Belongs to Women and the Future of Doula Work | 15 Jan 2025 | 01:15:58 | |
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. CHAPTERS 00:38 - The origin story of the Birth Belongs to Women movement, and the state of the Doula and medical birthing industries 07:26 - 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 climate 15:37 - “Inclusivity” in birthing 17:33 - 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 pressure 25:50 - Many women have felt silenced or unable to speak their mind 27:36 - Restoring the sacredness to the experience and tradition of birthing 32:48 - Doula v Birth Worker and how centralized certification regimes effect the Doula tradition 36:53 - 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 doulas 40:29 - What women getting pregnant now most need to understand 42:07 - Advice for women who want a doula but still need to give birth in a hospital 46:25 - 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 mothers 55:05 - The “scope” of a doula’s work, and allowing the mother to have room for her own spiritual journey 56:25 - Healthy boundaries in doula work and why clients sometimes need to be turned down 1:00:10 - The future of the doula space 1:05:45 - Why there’s so much fear and dogma in the medical birthing system CONNECT WITH BIRTH BELONGS TO WOMEN: Connect with Kallie here: instagram.com/kalliecatonConnect with Jessica here: instagram.com/jessiesvibe 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 Learn more about Birth Belongs to Women → https://www.birthbelongstowomen.com/
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| #72 | What Happens When You Invite God into Your Birth | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:47:00 | |
What happens when you’ve done everything “right,” but your labor still isn’t going according to plan? In this episode, Karen interviews Bernise Theron, a pastor’s wife and mom of three from South Africa, who found herself facing one of the most faith-testing moments of her life in labor. After months of praying, preparing, and believing for a peaceful birth, she suddenly faced unexpected complications, fear, and a decision that would change everything. But instead of panic, Bernise and her husband turned to something sacred. Something that completely shifted the atmosphere in the room, and what followed was nothing short of miraculous. Tune in to hear:
Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: | |||
| #36 | Pelvic Floor Strength For Birth & Postpartum with Dr. Lizzie Kieffer | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:49:39 | |
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:
MORE 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: @doclizziedpt PRENATAL: Mind Body Core Prenatal Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 off POSTPARTUM: Mind Body Core Postpartum Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 off Christian Hypnobirthing App — Get one month FREE with the purchase of the Faith-Filled Childbirth E-Course 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. | |||
| #35 | The Power Of Christian Hypnobirthing with Tara Menzies | 10 Sep 2024 | 00:54:23 | |
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:
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: @christianhypnobirthing Christian 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. | |||
| #34 | Jessie’s Redemptive, Spiritually Led, and Unplanned Precipitous Home Birth with Jessie Ritter | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:57:58 | |
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:
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 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. | |||
| #33 | Birth Can Be Amazing & You Are Elastigirl with Brandyn Gipe | 27 Aug 2024 | 00:45:12 | |
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:
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 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 trafficking here in the USA. Instagram: @brandynpruettgipe 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! | |||
| #32 | Impactful Movement & Mobility: The Key To A Pain Free Pregnancy with Gina Conley | 20 Aug 2024 | 00:52:31 | |
In this episode, Gina Conley shares how impactful movement could be supportive for a strong and pain free pregnancy as an industry-leading perinatal fitness provider. What if the answer to a pain free pregnancy and birth was simply understanding the difference in mobility throughout our pregnancies and how we can support our body by moving optimally. I'm sure you've heard of kegels... think of that as step one. Kegels should not be your only form of movement to prepare for birth. Find out what Gina recommends you do in today's episode! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
MORE ABOUT GINA CONLEY: Gina Conley is the founder of MamasteFit—a perinatal fitness training facility located in North Carolina. MamasteFit offers in-person and online pre/postnatal fitness training programs. Gina has her masters in exercise science and is a seasoned birth doula. She combines her expertise as both a perinatal fitness trainer and birth professional to provide full spectrum support from conception, birth, and recovery in the postpartum. Gina is the author of Training for Two, a book that explains how to use prenatal fitness to support a strong and pain free pregnancy, as you prepare for birth. Instagram: @mamastefit PROGRAM: 40-Week Prenatal Fitness Program PROGRAM: 40-Week Mini Prenatal Fitness Program 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! | |||
| #31 | An Accidentally Unassisted & Pain Free Precipitous Twin Birth with Emma Brake | 13 Aug 2024 | 00:43:42 | |
In this episode, Emma shares her amazingly unexpected, yet so magical precipitous twin birth. Fascinated by birth by baby number two, Emma had done a lot of research and precipitous births had never stood out to her... that was until the twins came along. Her instincts were on fire. From the midwife being minutes away, husband nearly passing out, and babies coming quick enough she almost forgot to undress?! This birth story is one to remember. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
MORE ABOUT EMMA BRAKE: Emma is a young wife and mother of five. She grew up a missionary kid, marrying her high school sweetheart, a handsome Marine, at 18, and in the following seven years, five sweet little wildlings joined their family! Their youngest three were born at home, including most recently her twins, a precipitous, accidentally unassisted homebirth. It was all rather exciting and very, very messy! These days she's blessed to spend her days at home wrestling what feels like 764 toddlers, telling her husband not to buy it at the store because she can make it at home, and fumbling her way through homesteading, endless home projects, and raising five free range kiddos to love Jesus. Instagram: @thisredeemedmama 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! | |||
| #30 | Whitney’s Deeply Spiritual & Pain Free Hospital Birth: Trusting Her Body & Ignoring Nurse’s Urge to ”PUSH!” | 06 Aug 2024 | 00:51:34 | |
In this episode, Whitney Baggett shares how about becoming a first-time mom, trusting your intuition, and the challenges of falling out of your mental zone in the hospital. As a new mom, Whitney questioned whether she was really in labor or if she was just having contractions. Tune in to hear the interesting story and timeline Whitney gave from the moment she experienced this "back cramping" to the minute she was wheeled into the hospital with shocking news! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
MORE ABOUT WHITNEY BAGGETT: Whitney is a singer & songwriter and CEO of VOW Creative, a video production and social media marketing company. Whitney also runs an inspirational blog called, Vehicle of Wisdom, where she writes about deepening faith and offers bits of wisdom she’s learned along the way. Instagram: @whitneyvowcreative & @vowtobecreative 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! | |||
| #29 | Special Episode: Karen’s 3 Birth Stories & Shifting From Pain To Pain Free In One Contraction | 30 Jul 2024 | 00:58:15 | |
**Hey mamas, this episode was recorded with different equipment so please don’t mind the audio, we understand it can be frustrating, but we’ll be back to normal quality next week** This episode is quite different as Karen is actually the one being interviewed by the host of the Holy Confident Birth Podcast, Eve O'Brien. Check out the Holy Confident Birth Instagram here. We hope you enjoy this perspective shift as Karen shares her journey with her own pain free births, how she got into this industry, and how she changed the course of her first birth from painful to pain free in the span of just one contraction! In this episode, Karen describes how a pain free birth doesn’t mean you don’t experience hurt or intensity rather you get to enjoy your birth and feel full feelings of ecstasy as Karen has with her own three births. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
RESOURCES MENTIONED: FREE MASTERCLASS {FOR A LIMITED TIME}: Unlocking A Pain Free Birth Masterclass In this masterclass, with over 10 years of experience supporting women as a doula and childbirth educator, Karen is sharing her best secrets and techniques to help you experience a pain-free, joyful birth. Learn practical ways you can partner with your body to overcome pain and step into an ecstatic, transformational birth. You do not want to miss this powerful masterclass - currently FREE for a limited time. | |||
| #28 | How Pregnancy Contributes To Oral Health: Cavities, Gingivitis, and Root Canals From A Holistic Health Standpoint with Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, D... | 23 Jul 2024 | 01:01:00 | |
We are so excited to welcome holistic health advocate and dentist, Dr. Michelle Jorgensen on the podcast today! Through her years of general and cosmetic dentistry, she never questioned anything ⎯ until Dr. Michelle was so sick she could hardly hold a dental instrument. Dr. Michelle experienced severe mercury poisoning that opened up an entirely different can of worms within the dental industry. Tune in to hear how Dr. Michelle found out about her toxicity, how it affected her fertility, what she incorporates in her dental practice today, and what you can do to save your oral health. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
MORE ABOUT DR. MICHELLE: Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, DDS, , TNC, CNAS, is a renowned holistic dentist, author of five books, and a holistic health advocate. Her transformative journey began when mercury exposure from traditional dentistry made her seriously ill. She evolved into a Board-Certified Naturopath and Therapeutic Nutritional Counselor, seamlessly integrating medicine and dentistry. For a decade, Dr. Jorgensen has been a pioneer in Functional Integrative dentistry through her Total Care Dental and Wellness Way, attracting patients from all corners of the globe. Beyond her dental practice, she's the founder of Living Well with Dr. Michelle, teaching essential life skills, with a charitable arm, the Living Well Today Foundation, supporting those in need. A busy mother of four, she is passionate about teaching and helping others and is a sought- after podcast guest, known for her knack in simplifying crucial topics and providing practical, real-world solutions for listeners. Living Well Shop 💵 Save 10% on all Living Well products with code: PAINFREEBIRTH RESOURCES MENTIONED: Dr. Michelle's Dentist Directory | |||
| #27 | Mom Of 8 Has First Home-Birth Experience: 6 Hospital Births Later She Had A Magical Twin Home-Birth Despite Having A Breech Baby with Jill Reitz | 16 Jul 2024 | 00:50:11 | |
Jill is a joyful warrior as a mom of 8 beautiful babies including newborn twins who just successfully had her first home birth. Yes, Jill had six traditional births with a regular OB team in the hospital before her OB unfortunately passed away and she had to look elsewhere for the upcoming birth of her twins, Ruth and Samuel. She felt God calling her to have a home birth, but her husband Joe wasn't initially supportive. After a lot of prayer and giving it to the Lord, Jill & Joe had a beautiful home birth with the support of her birthing team! She had Ruth at 7 pounds 2 ounces and Samuel at 7 pounds 15 ounces! Despite Samuel being breech, Jill's team had the expertise to handle things with ease and keep a peaceful environment for the birthing mama. Join us today as Jill shares more about her magical experience giving birth at home to twins. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
MORE ABOUT JILL: Wife to Joe Reitz (former NFL player) Momma of 8 including newborn twins, oldest almost 13, 11, 9, 7, 5 and 3. Former collegiate Division 1 runner. Faithful Catholic. Resides in North suburb of Indianapolis. Huge lover and encourager of natural, physiological birth and all things motherhood, wifehood and family life! RESOURCES MENTIONED: | |||
| #71 | From Emergency C-Section to Pain-Free VBAC Home Birth | 30 Sep 2025 | 01:06:33 | |
What happens when your first birth leaves you traumatized and fearful—but God writes a redemptive story through your next births? Tune in to hear:
Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE
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| #26 | Laboring A Posterior Baby With A Compound Arm Presentation Completely Unmedicated & Pain Free with Dr. Emily Gardner | 09 Jul 2024 | 00:39:07 | |
Today we are joined by Emily Gardner, a first-time mom, who actually didn't want children prior to getting married due to the painful and traumatic experiences she'd heard of. Now, she is a happy mama of an 8-week old baby boy named Finnigan. She tells us all about how she found Karen on Instagram, how she adopted her determined pain-free-birth mindset, and what her labor experience was like inside a traditional hospital. No spoilers, but her labor & delivery came with a few surprises that resulted in a longer labor, yet still absolutely pain free. Emily said, "the IV line was probably the most painful part of the whole experience." EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
MORE ABOUT EMILY: Emily is a first-time mom (besides her two adorable fur babies) who lives in a small town in New York with her husband, Samuel, who doubles as her business partner. She attended University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and graduated with a degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine. Dr. Emily then made the long trip to Iowa and received her chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. She was able to study under amazing sports doctors and learn a lot of therapies that she implements at her clinic back home in New York! Emily is full of gratitude to be finding her way in her new role as mom. Emily's Chiropractic Clinic Website RESOURCES MENTIONED: | |||
| #25 | A Sacred & Speedy 6-Minute Unmedicated Hospital Birth Of An 11-Pound Baby with Jilda Connell | 02 Jul 2024 | 00:42:14 | |
If you have been on the fence about having an unmedicated birth, especially if you've had medicated births in the past, this story is going to be so inspiring to you. Whether you're currently planning a hospital birth or you simply want to hear an encouraging birth story Jilda is here to share her transformational story with us. After having two medicated hospital births that left her traumatized with epidurals gone wrong, she decided that her third birth was going to be unmedicated in the hospital. In most parts of the United States, that is unheard of! Tune in as Jilda shares her she determined her birth plan, if the hospital staff honored her plan, and the peaceful environment she was blessed to give birth in. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
MORE ABOUT JILDA: Jilda is a proud mother of three hailing from New Jersey. Her journey is all about empowering women, especially postpartum moms, through fitness. With years of dedication as a fitness instructor, Jilda's had the honor of transforming lives through group exercise, advocating for self-care and holistic health. Currently pursuing her doula license, her passion for nutrition during and after pregnancy drives her forward. Amidst the ebb and flow of motherhood, Jilda's resilience has soared while exercising her body and spirit through every one of her pregnancies. With her heart ablaze, she seeks to be a guiding light of support and positive change in every life she encounters. Follow Jilda on Instagram: @jacked.withjil RESOURCES MENTIONED: | |||
| #24 | ”You Don’t Have Low Milk Supply, You Have A Bad Latch” Essential Steps To Breastfeeding Success & Dyad Hot Takes with Trisha Ludwig, CNM IBCLC | 25 Jun 2024 | 01:08:13 | |
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:
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/ | |||
| #23 | A Father’s Perspective On Hospital & Home Births And Their Redemptive Pain Free Birth Experience with Harif & Jennifer Hazera | 18 Jun 2024 | 01:17:55 | |
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:
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/ | |||