EP12. From Hospital to Home: Esmeralda's Stories of Sovereign Birth and Confronting Hemorrhage

In this episode our guest, Esmeralda, shares her personal experiences of transitioning from a doula to a birth keeper. She discusses her shift from attending hospital births to solely home births due to mental anxiety and the disconnect she noticed between midwives and their clients. 

She narrates her journey through three pregnancies and births—each unique in its own way. Her first birth, a traumatic hospital experience, led her to pursue home births for her subsequent pregnancies. She details the preparations, challenges, and ultimate empowerment she felt during her second and third births, which were attended by a supportive doula in a more sovereign manner. 

Additionally, she speaks about her mission to support other women in reclaiming their birth experiences through mindset preparation and taking radical responsibility. She also introduces her online mentorship programs and her shop for birth and birth worker merchandise. The episode highlights the importance of personal empowerment, mindset, and the transformative journey of birth work.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey into Birth Work

01:35 Challenges with Traditional Midwifery

02:51 The Disconnect in Medicalized Births

07:06 First Medicalized Birth Experience

26:58 Postpartum Reflections and Breastfeeding Challenges

33:08 Discovering Home Birth and Free Birth

48:02 Early Labor Signs and Timing

48:32 Labor Progression and Pain Management

51:44 Birthing the Placenta

56:02 Postpartum Recovery and Nutrition

01:05:00 Tandem Nursing and Breastfeeding Challenges

01:09:57 Unexpected Third Pregnancy

01:14:26 Fast Labor and Water Birth

01:33:08 Empowered Birth Practices and Support

EPISODE LINKS - ESMERALDA.

• 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

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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.