HEAR ME ROAR. | a free birth podcast

EP30. Navigating Co-Care in Sovereign Birth: Balancing Medicalization and Autonomy

In this week's solo episode, Brit discusses the integration and challenges of co-care in sovereign birthing practices. She emphasizes the importance of the Telegram group for like-minded women and highlights the special pre-launch offer for the Wild and Free coaching container. The main topic centers around co-care, explaining how women can balance standard prenatal care with a desire for a sovereign birth. The host outlines the difficulties of juggling both worlds, the risks associated, and provides personal insights on working with clients who seek co-care. This episode aims to help listeners critically evaluate their need for medicalized pregnancy aspects while striving for a non-medicalized birth experience.
00:00 Introduction and Announcements
00:14 Joining the Telegram Group
00:57 Special Offer for Telegram Members
01:36 Understanding Co-Care
02:26 Navigating the Medical System
03:26 Balancing Medical and Sovereign Care
04:38 Challenges of Co-Care
07:51 Making Informed Choices
08:24 Personal Experiences 
13:02 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website
Instagram
Resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram
Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant
SUPPORT THE PODCAST.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Spotify
Leave a Review!
DISCLAIMER.
The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.

EP29. Overcoming Dystocia & Finding Autonomy - Ashley's Stories!

In this episode we welcome Ashley Brimm, a mother of five, who shares her profound birth experiences ranging from hospital to home births, including a free birth. Ashley discusses her encounters with shoulder dystocia, postpartum care, and her transformative journey towards choosing home births after a traumatic first hospital birth. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, planning, and staying true to one's values throughout the birth and postpartum process. The conversation also touches on issues such as racial discrimination in medical settings and the critical role of intuitive self-care and family support in empowering home birth experiences.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:27 Ashley's First Birth Experience
06:09 Transition to Home Births
08:06 Challenges with Licensed Midwives
10:34 Discrimination in Birth Settings
14:34 Reflecting on Home Births
26:35 The Best Home Birth Experience
28:43 A Difficult Fourth Birth
43:10 Reflecting on the Fourth Birth Experience
44:23 Deciding on a Free Birth for the Fifth Baby
45:39 Challenges and Preparations for the Fifth Birth
47:44 The Intense Labor and Delivery
53:09 Post-Birth Reflections and Husband's Role
01:01:34 Addressing Backlash and Misconceptions
01:17:56 Postpartum Experiences and Final ThoughtsEPISODE LINKS ASHLEY.
Instagram
Facebook
CONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website
Instagram
Resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram
Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant
SUPPORT THE PODCAST.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Spotify
Leave a Review!
DISCLAIMER.
The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.

EP28. Assisted Homebirth to Freebirth - Katelyn's Story!

In this episode Katelyn joins us to share her transformative birth stories. After experiencing her first home birth with the assistance of midwives, she chose a free birth for her second child. Katelyn candidly discusses her first birth experience, the considerations that led her to free birth, and the contrasting nature of her two labors. Despite some initial challenges, including prodromal labor and navigating family dynamics, her journey highlights the importance of trusting one's body, the power of informed choices, and the profound implications of feeling truly supported and free during birth. This episode is an insightful resource for anyone exploring sovereign birth options, emphasizing the interplay of faith, intuition, and empowerment in childbirth.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:47 Katelyn's Background and First Pregnancy
01:33 Journey to Home Birth
03:34 Discovering Free Birth
05:35 First Birth Experience
09:02 Labor and Delivery Challenges
17:26 Post-Birth Reflections
35:58 Debriefing and Moving Forward
40:00 Planning for a Free Birth
42:15 Excitement and Relaxation in Early Pregnancy
43:06 First Trimester Challenges and Adjustments
43:56 Second Trimester: Growth and Expectations
45:42 Family Reactions and Support
46:07 Preparing for Birth: Education and Planning
52:28 Approaching the Due Date: Anxiety and Preparations
54:33 Labor Begins: Overcoming Obstacles
59:31 Birth Experience: Intensity and Joy
01:15:08 Postpartum Reflections and Healing
01:20:27 Final Thoughts and AdviceCONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website
Instagram
Resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram
Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant
SUPPORT THE PODCAST.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Spotify
Leave a Review!
DISCLAIMER.
The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.

EP27. The Rise and Legacy of Traditional Birth Companions with Billie Harrigan

In this week's episode we welcome Billie Harrigan, a seasoned traditional birth companion, to discuss the history, philosophy, and significance of midwifery and traditional birth companions. Billie shares her extensive experience working with birthing families and her role in training new birth companions, emphasizing the importance of common birth knowledge and holistic practices. The conversation delves into the medicalization of childbirth, the impact of obstetric violence, and the grassroots movement to reclaim natural birthing practices. Billie also shares personal insights and anecdotes from her own childbirth experiences, highlighting the strength and resilience of women and advocating for a return to empowered, community-supported births.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:43 Billie's Background and Midwifery in Canada
01:57 The Medicalization of Midwifery
02:21 Training Traditional Birth Companions
03:16 Birth Trauma Ontario and Obstetric Violence
04:38 Historical Perspectives on Childbirth
08:46 Personal Experiences and Birth Stories
29:59 The Importance of Nutrition and Common Birth Knowledge
34:14 Neonatal Resuscitation and Final Thoughts
36:43 Gentle Breathing Support for Newborns
37:56 Sister Morningstar's Insights on Newborn Breathing
39:35 Premature Births and Home Birth Experiences
43:50 The Debate on Water Birth Safety
45:04 Induction Myths and Realities
50:17 The Medicalization of Birth and Its Consequences
01:02:18 Empowering Women Through Knowledge and Community
01:05:34 Resources and Final ThoughtsEPISODE LINKS BILLIE.
Website
Instagram
CONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website
Instagram
Resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram
Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant
SUPPORT THE PODCAST.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Spotify
Leave a Review!
DISCLAIMER.
The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.

EP26. Embracing Holistic Motherhood - Ash's Transformative Freebirth Journey’s

In this episode, Ash shares her inspiring journey through three drastically different births, transitioning from a conventional hospital delivery with a midwife to experiencing wild pregnancies and free births at home. She discusses her evolution from a rule-following engineer to embracing a holistic, self-directed approach to motherhood. Ash also highlights the significant role of her family's support, her realization of the power and fulfillment of natural birthing, and the importance of creating an empowered birth experience. Her story is a testament to the profound personal and spiritual transformations that can occur through informed and intentional birthing choices.
00:00 Welcome to HEARMEROAR.
00:30 Ash's Introduction and Birth Background
02:33 First Birth Experience: Hospital with Midwife
07:13 Challenges and Reflections Post-First Birth
12:01 Transition to Holistic Motherhood
21:08 Planning for a Different Birth Experience
30:31 Second Pregnancy Journey
37:40 Preparing for a Home Birth
48:48 The Door Incident
50:40 Labor Begins
52:27 The Birth of My Son
01:01:59 Postpartum Reflections
01:07:08 Pregnancy and Birth of Third Child
01:13:06 Unexpected Early Labor
01:29:18 Birth Work and Coaching
01:31:03 Final Thoughts and GratitudeEPISODE LINKS ASH.
Instagram
Website
CONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website
Instagram
Resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram
Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant
SUPPORT THE PODCAST.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Spotify
Leave a Review!
DISCLAIMER.
The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.

EP25. Optimizing Fertility and Pregnancy Health with Anisa Woodall

In this episode we welcome Anisa Woodall, a fertility and prenatal nutritionist, to discuss intentional conception and preparing the body nutritionally for pregnancy and childbirth. Anisa shares her personal fertility journey and how she supports women in optimizing their health preconception and during pregnancy. The discussion covers the importance of tracking menstrual cycles, balancing blood sugar, sourcing quality food within financial means, and the impact of proper nutrition on both mother and baby. The episode underscores the significance of being proactive about health and nutrition to ensure a smoother journey from conception through postpartum. Additional resources and programs offered by Anisa for fertility and pregnancy health are also highlighted.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
02:09 Anisa's Personal Journey to Fertility
06:28 The Importance of Understanding Your Cycle
12:18 Optimizing Fertility Through Nutrition
19:50 Navigating Organic vs. Conventional Foods
29:58 Connecting with Your Body and Cravings
32:34 Understanding Cravings and Nutrient Needs
33:26 Balancing Blood Sugar During Pregnancy
35:12 Listening to Your Body's Signals
40:01 The Importance of Blood Sugar Stability
44:34 Proactive Health Measures for Pregnancy
55:54 Postpartum Health and Nutritional Reserves
01:01:24 Resources and Support for Women
EPISODE LINKS ANISA.
Website
Instagram
FREE Week of [High protein] Fertility Fueling Breakfasts
Resilient Motherhood Waitlist
Fertility Boost in 10 Days: 100g Protein Challenge
Fertile Seasons Meal Plans for Your Fertile Era
CONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website
Instagram
Resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram
Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant
SUPPORT THE PODCAST.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Spotify
Leave a Review!
DISCLAIMER.
The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.

EP24. Embracing Sovereign Birth and Informed Choices with Brit & Sarah

In this episode, we give a personal life update and discuss significant developments within our community. We delve into Brit's conception journey, her considerations around sovereign birth, and the importance of informed choices in birth planning. We explore themes such as physiological birth, involving partners in decision-making, and the profound impact of previous birth experiences. This episode also touches on the broader conversation around birth sovereignty, support systems, and the challenges faced by birth workers operating outside the mainstream medical system.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Rescheduling
00:35 Community Engagement and Telegram Group
01:38 Brit's Journey to Conception
02:50 Exploring Birth Choices and Free Birth
04:19 Partner Involvement and Support
11:03 Terminology and Birth Labels
22:08 Sexual Trauma and Birth
27:03 Legal Risks and Birth Work
35:33 Personal Reflections and Future Plans
55:12 Facing Fears in Free Birth
56:29 Navigating Birth Decisions
58:12 The Importance of Support Systems
59:10 Evolving Birth Choices
01:06:26 The Wild and Free Coaching Container
01:13:14 Balancing Birth Work and Personal Life
01:28:12 Concluding Thoughts and ReflectionsCONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website
Instagram
Resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram
Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant
SUPPORT THE PODCAST.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Spotify
Leave a Review!
DISCLAIMER.
The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.

EP23. Unveiling the Journey: Danielle's Diverse Birth Experiences and Wisdom

In this weeks episode, we're joined by special guest Danielle Taylor, a mother of nine who shares her remarkable journey through diverse birth experiences. Danielle discusses her transition from a system-controlled birthing approach to empowering free births, her challenges with a cesarean, and healing natural births, culminating in a peaceful water birth at age 44. Emphasizing the importance of intuitive connection, emotional support, and health, Danielle advocates for trusting Gods design and embracing a sacred birthing space. Her vast experiences also underline the dynamic interplay between divine guidance and natural processes in fostering a trauma-free, empowering birthing journey.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:42 Danielle's Early Life and Parenting Philosophy
02:07 First Pregnancy and Birth Experience
03:37 Navigating Systemic Challenges
11:02 Second Birth and Medical Interventions
16:54 Transition to Home Births
26:47 Third Birth and Embracing Natural Childbirth
34:33 Reflections on Medical Interventions
36:55 Hospital vs. Home Birth: A Personal Journey
37:31 Embracing Pain-Free Birth Through Faith
38:12 The Role of Faith in Childbirth
39:09 Experiencing a Transformative Fourth Birth
40:44 Transition to Free Birth
42:29 Navigating Free Birth with Confidence
46:39 The Importance of Support During Free Birth
49:03 Challenges and Insights from Later Births
51:13 The Impact of Diet on Pregnancy and Birth
54:25 Overcoming Medical Challenges with Faith
56:28 Navigating the Medical System During Emergencies
01:05:00 Reflections on a Geriatric Pregnancy
01:09:18 Confronting Fear and Hospital Births
01:10:04 Navigating Prenatal Appointments and COVID-19
01:11:09 A Quiet Life During Lockdown
01:12:28 The Journey to a Peaceful Birth
01:13:43 A Child's Prayer for a Sister
01:16:10 Embracing a Water Birth
01:24:07 The Sacred Space of Birth
01:35:12 Overcoming Infertility and Nutritional Deficiencies
01:41:59 Danielle's Offerings and Community Support
EPISODE LINKS DANIELLE.
Instagram
Website
CONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website
Instagram
Resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram
Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant
SUPPORT THE PODCAST.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Spotify
Leave a Review!
DISCLAIMER.
The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.

EP22. Learning From Your First Experience & Taking Back Control: Renae's Story!

In this week's episode, we talk with Renae Golden, a mother of two, about her transformative birth experiences. Renae opens up about her first pregnancy that started as a planned birth center birth but ended in a hospital transfer, filled with frustrations. She contrasts this with her second birth—an empowering and peaceful sovereign birth.Renae shares her evolutionary journey, the importance of trusting oneself, and her newfound passion for birth work, helping other women navigate their own paths to motherhood. The episode dives deep into the emotional highs and lows, from coping with unnecessary interventions to reclaiming one's power in the birthing process. Join us for this raw and inspiring conversation.
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
01:05 Meet Our Guest: Renee Golden
01:09 Renee's First Birth Experience
03:35 Choosing a Birth Center
07:22 Facing Pregnancy Challenges
16:00 Labor and Birth Center Experience
28:07 Hospital Transfer and Birth
41:46 Reflecting on the First Birth Experience
42:52 Postpartum Challenges and Realizations
43:59 Discovering Sovereign Birth
47:13 Journey to Free Birth
51:49 The Second Pregnancy
58:31 The Birth Story
01:15:11 Postpartum Reflections and New BeginningsEPISODE LINKS RENAE.
Instagram
CONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website
Instagram
Resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram
Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant
SUPPORT THE PODCAST.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Spotify
Leave a Review!
DISCLAIMER.
The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.

EP21. The Global Midwife's Unassisted Birth: Kristine Lauria’s Story and Wisdom

In this episode of Hear Me Roar, the hosts are joined by Kristine Lauria, a seasoned midwife with 37 years of experience, to discuss her unique journey as a birth worker. Kristine shares her personal unassisted birth story, detailing how her extensive midwifery background and deep connection with her baby guided her through the process. She also provides insights into birth practices outside of the medical system, discussing the nuances of birth, the importance of trusting the birthing process, and the impact of postpartum care. Kristine highlights the significance of being a supportive, non-interventionist presence at births and the critical role of traditional midwifery practices. Additionally, she talks about her experiences working with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in low-resource settings, where she often handles complex birth situations. This episode is rich with wisdom and offers a profound look into the empowerment and challenges within the world of midwifery and unassisted births.
00:00 Introduction to Kristine Lauria
00:31 Kristine's Early Midwifery Journey
01:53 Challenges and Changes in Midwifery
03:35 Working with Doctors Without Borders
06:10 Global Perspectives on Birth
08:35 Stories from the Field
20:37 Unassisted Birth Insights
40:33 The Role of Non-Medical Birth Attendants
41:37 Understanding the Role of Birth Attendants
42:36 Evaluating Skills and Qualifications
43:31 The Importance of Clear Communication
44:40 Interventions and Their Implications
47:01 Supporting Free Birth Families
49:39 Advice for Birth Workers
01:11:18 Challenges in Midwifery
01:24:31 The Unassisted Birth Experience
01:27:34 Navigating Birth Alone: The Challenges and Realizations
01:30:53 Preparing for an Unassisted Birth: Physical and Mental Readiness
01:34:05 The Birth Story: From Contractions to Delivery
01:49:18 Postpartum Reflections: The Need for Support and Care
01:58:51 The Emotional Impact of Birth: Personal and Professional Growth
02:07:17 Final Thoughts and Resources for Expecting Mothers
EPISODE LINKS KRISTINE.
Instagram
Website
CONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website
Instagram
Resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram
Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant
SUPPORT THE PODCAST.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
Follow on Spotify
Leave a Review!
DISCLAIMER.
The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.