Today I have Brandy Benson with me. Brandy is a passionate doula and birthkeeper as well as a fellow member of the Christian Doulas of Michigan Network. At the time of our interview Brandy was expecting her sixth baby and runs Wild and Free Birth. She has since delivered her beautiful daughter! Congratulations Brandy! Her passion lies in helping women reclaim the journey into motherhood from the over-medicalized realm of fear. Just a peak at her intro on her website will give you all the emotions. Her story is truly beautiful and a powerful inspiration for every mother-to-be out there. I’d encourage you to visit and read about her whole amazing journey!

Connect with Brandy here if you are looking for support for an empowered, autonomous birth here https://www.wildandfreebirth.com/

Mentioned in this episode

We discuss the important work of a doula in every circumstance. There is a doula for every mother and not every doula is for every mother.

Birthing instincts

The Basic Needs of the Laboring Woman

Childbirth without Fear

Building Your Nest

The First 40 Days

Become a birthkeeper like Brandy Hearth Mother Journey

Christian Doulas of Michigan

Have a question for the podcast? Ask!

Are you a birthworker with a Voice of Care? Get on the waitlist for an interview!

Connect with Katie

Email me at KatieCDoula@gmail.com

Or Schedule a free client consultation here

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

**The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Today I have Brandy Benson with me. Brandy is a passionate doula and birthkeeper as well as a fellow member of the Christian Doulas of Michigan Network. At the time of our interview Brandy was expecting her sixth baby and runs Wild and Free Birth. She has since delivered her beautiful daughter! Congratulations Brandy! Her passion lies in helping women reclaim the journey into motherhood from the over-medicalized realm of fear. Just a peak at her intro on her website will give you all the emotions. Her story is truly beautiful and a powerful inspiration for every mother-to-be out there. I’d encourage you to visit and read about her whole amazing journey!

Connect with Brandy here if you are looking for support for an empowered, autonomous birth here https://www.wildandfreebirth.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Brandy's birth course: https://www.wildandfreebirth.com/online-courses

NORA Tea

Brewers Diet

RAINBOW (Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing Now, Benefits, Obligations, What Decision)

Embrace Birth Journey https://sisterbirth.com/journey

Christian Doulas of Michigan

Have a question for the podcast? Ask!

Are you a birthworker with a Voice of Care? Get on the waitlist for an interview!

Connect with Katie

Email me at KatieCDoula@gmail.com

Or Schedule a free client consultation here

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

**The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Today we are talking with IBCLC Adrian Fear, owner of Huron River Lactation located in Milford Michigan. She works tirelessly to help families reach their lactation goals and meets them wherever they are on that journey. Adrian is a passionate Ultra Marathon runner(that means 100 miles!) and mother to five. She brings that same amazing energy and joy into her work with families seeking to have positive breastfeeding experiences.

Connect with Adrian Here: https://www.huronriverlactation.com/

Connect with Le Leche League to find support near you: https://llli.org/get-support/

Learn about lip ties with this book https://a.co/d/eVVnNxz

Be sure to like or follow Voices of Care so you never miss an episode!

**The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This week I am excited to be speaking with Christie Donn, a Doula and certified lactation counselor serving Southeast Michigan. She is passionate about the birth not only of a baby but of a family and what a sacred time that is. Christie considers herself a birth nerd and also enjoys doing crafts and picking dandelions. As a mother herself, she loves to guide and explore all the different aspects of crafting a memorable and empowered birth experience for her clients.

In this episode we talk about the importance of planning for the postpartum season of life just as much as we plan for our births.

We chat about safe sleep and discuss the 7 rules of safe sleep as well as realistic expectations for sleep with a newborn.

Mental health is a major talking point in our conversation! It is so important for families to all be aware of the red flags and options for care when they see a perinatal mental health struggle begin to surface in themselves or a loved one.

We talk about all this and so much more. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Be sure to like or follow Voices of Care so you never miss an episode!

**The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Today I am speaking with Bridgette Mietling. She is a Bradley Method birth instructor or 12 years and Certified Lactation Counselor for 7. She serves families in the Michigan tri-county region. Bridgette is passionate about natural birth, helping women navigate the birthing year, and inspiring them to trust their birthing instincts.

You can connect with Bridgette on Instagram @Birth_with_Bridgette and register for her classes at Bradleybirth.com/bridgettemietling

In today’s episode, we discuss the history and methods used with the Bradley Method. This birth prep system has been around for many decades and focuses on relaxation and partner support during labor. It is a great tool for both homebirth and hospital births, especially if the goal is an unmedicated labor.

Bridgette shares the importance of empowerment in the birth space, communication with care providers, and having a birth partner who knows mom’s triggers and preferred relaxation techniques.

Be sure to like or follow Voices of Care so you never miss an episode!

**The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Today I have the greatest honor to be chatting with my best friend, and unofficial doula Ariana Baxter. She and I have shared 4 births together, one of hers and three of mine. When I thought about people impacting the birth world I could think of no greater impact that having the presence of another birth savvy woman who loves you present to support you during the journey of labor and birth. Ari is passionate about her kids, travelling, 4H, and so much more. Today we are going to dig into the difference it makes when you have women you know and trust with you during birth.

Be sure to like or follow Voices of Care so you never miss an episode!

**The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.