Postpartum depression is more than “just the baby blues.” In this episode of A Mother Is Born, birth mentor and doula Kayla Mackenzie shares her raw, personal journey through postpartum depression — from those first dark weeks after birth to finding hope and healing.

You’ll learn:

• How to recognize the difference between postpartum depression and the baby blues
• Common risk factors (history of depression, stressful life events, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, breastfeeding struggles, and more)
• How to recognize postpartum depression and tools professionals use to screen for it
• Treatment options, from therapy and SSRIs to lifestyle and nutritional supports
• The real risks of untreated depression versus the risks of medication while breastfeeding

Whether you’re a new mom, a birth worker, or someone supporting a loved one, this episode offers validation, practical tools, and hope. Postpartum depression is common — and it’s highly treatable.

Instagram: @kayla_mackenzie_birth

Values-Based Birth Planning Workbook

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email: hello@kaylamackenzie.co

Seriously… why would anyone skip the epidural? In this episode, I unpack the surprising reasons women say no to pain relief—and why it’s not as crazy as it sounds.

In a world where pain relief is right there for the taking, it can seem wild that some women actually choose to give birth without it.

Listen in to hear some surprising reasons that you may have never considered. From personal stories to common motivators like fear of needles, frustration with hospitals, wanting the full rite-of-passage experience, or avoiding the hidden risks of epidurals—you’ll hear the full picture behind this misunderstood choice.

This isn’t about shaming women who get the epidural (there are just as many valid reasons for that). It’s about pulling back the curtain on why unmedicated birth appeals to some and building more understanding across the birth spectrum.

If you’ve ever wondered why in the world someone would say no to pain relief—or if you’re weighing your own options—this episode is for you.

✨ Resources + Links:

Instagram: @kayla_mackenzie_birth

Values-Based Birth Planning Workbook

Explore In-Person or Virtual Birth Support

Book a virtual consultation

email: hello@kaylamackenzie.co

Thinking about a home birth or curious what a birth center experience is like? In this episode of A Mother Is Born, I sit down with community midwives Brandi Sair (CPM) and Molly Rose (DEM) to talk about the realities of midwifery care, the safety of out-of-hospital birth, and their exciting new birth and wellness center opening in Santaquin, Utah.

We cover:

• The different types of midwives and what their training means for families
• Myths and misconceptions about home birth safety
• How midwives manage complications like hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, and newborn resuscitation
• Why breach and twin births are often misunderstood in our medical system
• The vision behind their new birth center and what families can expect

Whether you’re considering a home birth, exploring midwifery care in Utah County, or just curious about the growing movement toward more autonomous, physiological birth, this conversation will leave you informed, empowered, and inspired.

👉 Tune in, and don’t forget to subscribe for more real talk about birth, autonomy, and motherhood.

Where to find Brandi and Molly:

@safeandsoundmidwifery

@wild.womb.midwifery

wildcomb.co

Instagram: @kayla_mackenzie_birth

Values-Based Birth Planning Workbook

Explore In-Person or Virtual Birth Support

Book a virtual consultation

email: hello@kaylamackenzie.co