What happens when you know too much about birth… and you’re experiencing pregnancy and birth for yourself?

This week's episode, I’m joined by Emily—a labor and delivery nurse who found herself navigating pregnancy and birth as both a provider and a patient.

We talk about how working inside the hospital shaped her first birth… what shifted in her mindset the second time around… and how she ultimately chose a homebirth rooted in surrender.

Episode Roundup:

First—this idea of knowing too much: how too much information can sometimes lead us to questioning ourselves, our bodies and our instincts– information overload can create fear instead of clarity. I love how Emily was so aware of this– how what she’d seen and experienced at work actually needed to be balanced with nervous system regulation, surrender, and leaning into her own intuition. During postpartum with her first baby, Emily felt like she missed much of the experience because it seemed impossible to turn her brain off and simply trust. But that first experience transformed how she would interact with pregnancy, birth and motherhood from then on.

Second—the shift from control into surrender… not just in birth, but in motherhood as a whole. What a learning curve it is to go from taking care of only your own needs to the needs of others. As Emily said, she had to reorient herself to life now that she was a care provider– no longer could she simply bop off and workout on a whim or head to the grocery store alone. Even her ability to regulate her nervous system after her second child had to shift– It wouldn’t be 30 minutes on the couch with her warm cup of tea, but instead breathing exercises while she rocked and nursed her baby. Our willingness to be flexible and do things differently– to be creative– is a gift to both ourselves and our babies.

And finally—birth can shape the way we step into motherhood… Emily went from anxiety and overthinking in her first pregnancy and birth… into presence, peace, and confidence during her homebirth, and the impact has continued far beyond.

Links:

Redeem ™ | https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90

“Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”

Restorative Roots | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)

What happens when your first experience of birth leaves you shaken…

and the providers you’re supposed to trust tell you not to try again? Where do you go from there?

Sarah Marie is the owner of Entering Motherhood, a wife and a mom of three who spends her days soaking up life with her little ones, whether that’s through slow mornings at home, time in the garden, or exploring a new coffee shop.

As a certified birth and postpartum doula, Sarah is passionate about walking alongside women as they step into motherhood. She also hosts the Entering Motherhood podcast, where she shares encouragement, education, and real conversations about pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Sarah believes that birth is more than just an experience, it’s a beautiful moment to reflect on and embrace. She loves helping moms feel confident, informed, and supported so they can truly own their journey as they are entering motherhood.

Episode Roundup:

First—how much our early experiences can shape us.

Sarah’s first birth didn’t go the way she expected. It left her questioning herself, her body, and what was possible for future births. And I think many women can relate to that… carrying questions after birth, wondering, “What does this all mean?”

But what stands out to me is this:

She didn’t stay there, stuck and unchanged. She intentionally began to dig for more– to ask questions, and to physically place herself in spaces where she could see birth differently.

And because of this, over time, her perspective changed– her ideas about what she was capable of changed.

Next—the power of exposure and understanding.

As Sarah stepped into doula work, she witnessed birth again and again. And with each experience, she gathered a new understanding of what the body can do– the vast array of what birth can be like.

And this is such a key point:

What we see, what we hear, what we surround ourselves with—it shapes what we believe is possible.

Sarah went from being told not to pursue a vaginal birth… to confidently planning and experiencing a homebirth.

And finally—can you guess it? Surrender.

Even in conception, Sarah described letting go of trying to control the outcome… and that was the moment things shifted.

And isn’t that often the rhythm?

We prepare. We work. We do what we can.

And then… we’re left with nothing to do but release. And so often, that’s the final step.

Sarah’s story is such a clear picture that confidence in yourself and your ability to birth can be rebuilt. And that your previous story does not have to hold your current experience captive.

Links:

Redeem ™ | https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90

“Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”

Restorative Roots | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)

When your body has experienced legitimate physical trauma during two back to back births, what do you do for your next experience? What would it look like to play it safe– would that be a planned cesarean? Or… What if you swing the other way and bring it home?

This week we’re speaking to Janie Hobbs, a stay-at-home wife and mom of three littles. She is happily married to her husband Sam, and they recently moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario from Missouri where Sam serves as one of the pastors at a local church. Janie has been a birth enthusiast for years and has experienced so much personal and spiritual growth through the births of each of her children. When she is not chasing her energetic toddlers or nursing a baby, she enjoys baking, photography, coffee, and exploring the beautiful Canadian countryside.

Episode Roundup:

1. The trauma that Janie experienced was legitimate physical trauma. When she asked a medical professional their opinion on her next baby, a planned cesarean was considered a good idea. I can absolutely see how this option would have made sense. And yet, the Lord had something so redemptive in mind for Janie. Instead of going fully medical, a door was opened in the opposite direction. Home?! Really?! I love the thoughtfulness of the midwife who recommended this as a strong option for Janie to consider. And goodness, we know how amazingly it turned out.
2. Janie’s honesty with her struggles with God after her second birth are refreshing to hear. The hardness of life. The questions of why and for what purpose– and then Janie realized… he had been with her all along. Suffering alongside her. What a picture of compassion.
3. And finally– scars redeemed. Janie shared how her scars are no longer seen as something negative to her. Jesus kept his scars as a sign– a mark of what had happened. And now Janie’s scars tell a story of redemption as well.

Links:

Redeem ™ | https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90

“Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”

Restorative Roots | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)