HEAR ME ROAR. | a free birth podcast

EP9. 1st Time Mama & RBK Freebirths: Savannahs 3x Nuchal Cord Experience!

In this week's episode of Hear Me Roar, first-time mother and radical birth keeper, Savannah Johnson, from Corbett, Oregon, shares her transformative journey into radical birth keeping and her experience with a sovereign pregnancy and birth. Savannah discusses her childhood influences, her skepticism towards traditional medical systems, and the profound changes in her perspective after diving into the world of free birth. We get a detailed recount of her pregnancy, labor, and the birth of her son, Milo, highlighting the significance of having supportive and understanding community. Savannah also talks about her future plans to continue serving women as a birth keeper, focusing on prenatal and postpartum support, and offers insights into how this experience has empowered and changed her.
00:00 Introduction to Savannah's Journey
01:28 Savannah's Medical Background and Skepticism
04:17 Transition to Holistic Health and Birth Keeping
06:04 Savannah's Radical Birth Keeping Training
08:49 Personal Experiences with Birth Control
17:51 Choosing Free Birth Over Sovereign Birth
24:52 Navigating a Wild Pregnancy
47:48 Thanksgiving Frustrations and Rest
52:55 Signs of Labor Begin
54:24 Early Labor at Home
57:19 Intense Waves and Focus
01:11:54 Transition and Water Breaking
01:16:58 Pushing and Birth
01:23:46 Feeling the Stretch: The Baby's Position
01:26:01 The Head Emerges: A Sweet Moment
01:28:10 The Cord Around the Neck: No Fear, Just Instinct
01:29:18 First Moments: Recording and Realizing
01:30:32 Post-Birth Reflections: Powerful and Beautiful
01:32:01 Immediate Postpartum: Care and Support
01:38:44 Settling In: The First Night and Beyond
01:42:48 The Power of Postpartum Support
01:45:50 Transforming as a Birth Worker
01:48:31 Offering Support: Prenatal and Postpartum Services
01:59:14 Contact Information and Final ThoughtsCONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website: mysacredbirthrite.com
Instagram: @sarahhawley__
Resources: https://www.mysacredbirthrite.com/resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book Session
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram: @walking_with_women
Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant
CONNECT WITH SAVANNAH.
Instagram: @savannahvjohnson 
SUPPORT THE PODCAST.
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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.

EP8. Exploring Wild Pregnancy: A Journey of Intuition and Independence

In this episode of 'Hear Me Roar,' the hosts dive into the topic of wild pregnancy, an approach to childbirth that operates entirely outside the medical system. Sarah, who has experienced a wild pregnancy, shares her insights and experiences.
 
Key points discussed include the definition of wild pregnancy, the unconventional methods of prenatal care, and the personal decisions and challenges faced during this journey. Questions on legality, birth certificates, and dealing with external opinions are also addressed.
 
Throughout, the hosts emphasize the importance of intuition, self-care, and informed decision-making in navigating a pregnancy that is both natural and autonomous.
 
00:00 Introduction to Wild Pregnancy
00:45 Defining Wild Pregnancy
01:54 Sarah's Prenatal Care Journey
06:05 Deciding on a Wild Pregnancy
17:38 Legal and Social Considerations
21:26 Dealing with Opinions and Community
28:37 Birth Certificates and Documentation
32:46 Challenges and Rewards of Wild Pregnancy
41:41 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
 
CONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website: mysacredbirthrite.com
Instagram: @sarahhawley__
Resources: https://www.mysacredbirthrite.com/resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book Session
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram: @walking_with_women
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.

EP7. From Military to Free Birth: Lilly's Transformative Journey

In this episode, Lilly, a veteran and military spouse, shares her transformative birthing experiences. After two traditional hospital births, Lilly transitioned to a free birth, guided by a holistic and non-toxic lifestyle. She describes the emotional detachment and trauma she felt during her hospital deliveries, exacerbated by painful procedures and lack of autonomy. Her free birth at home was a primal experience, characterized by a deep connection and immediate bond with her baby. The story highlights the importance of bodily autonomy and trusting one's own instincts in childbirth.
00:00 Introduction to Lily and Her Birth Stories
00:25 Lily's First Hospital Birth Experience
02:11 The Foley Balloon and Induction Challenges
07:03 Breaking Water and Epidural Complications
14:33 Postpartum Reflections and Second Pregnancy
19:40 Second Hospital Birth and Induction
33:16 Transition to Free Birth
39:24 Preparing for Free Birth
45:49 Overcoming Overthinking During Pregnancy
47:13 Embracing the Unknown
48:54 The Start of Labor
51:13 The Birth Story
53:25 Post-Birth Reflections
59:27 Immediate Postpartum Experience
01:13:34 Breastfeeding Journey
01:21:52 Reflections on Motherhood
01:26:36 Future Plans and Closing ThoughtsCONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website: mysacredbirthrite.com
Instagram: @sarahhawley__
Resources: https://www.mysacredbirthrite.com/resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book Session
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram: @walking_with_women
Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant
CONNECT WITH LILLY.
Instagram: @lilly.keenan_
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.

EP6. Christina's 4 Powerful Birth Stories, ending with her Free Birth!

In this week's episode of 'Hear Me Roar,' we're joined by Christina Xenides. Christina shares an in-depth and emotional recount of her journey through four different birth experiences, starting from traditional hospital births to her final empowering free birth.She discusses the impact of each birth on her mental and emotional well-being and how her perception and understanding of childbirth transformed over time. With powerful anecdotes and insights, this episode highlights the profound differences between medically managed births and more natural, intuitive birthing experiences. Listeners are invited to explore the importance of community support, intuition, and the sacredness of birth through Christina's candid storytelling.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:45 Christina's Journey to Free Birth
02:58 First Birth Experience in New York
10:19 Second Birth and Hospital Challenges
27:39 Postpartum Reflections and Emotional Impact
31:05 Third Birth and Home Birth Experience
43:52 Postpartum Reflections and Breastfeeding Journey
44:27 Pregnancy with the Fourth Child
45:51 Midwife Issues and Gestational Diabetes
54:37 Decision to Free Birth
58:26 The Birth Experience
01:13:00 Post-Birth Reflections and Breastfeeding
01:21:12 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
 
CONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website: mysacredbirthrite.com
Instagram: @sarahhawley__
Resources: https://www.mysacredbirthrite.com/resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book Session
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram: @walking_with_women
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.

EP5. Prayers For Gloria LeMay

Navigating Birth Choices: The Gloria LeMay Case and the Role of Traditional Birth Keepers
 
In this episode, Brit and Sarah address the urgent topic of Gloria LeMay, a traditional birth attendant who was recently arrested and charged with manslaughter. They discuss the implications of her arrest on the free birth and sovereign birth communities.
 
The conversation delves into the complexities of birth outside the medical system, the different roles of birth attendants, and the personal responsibilities and choices involved in physiological births. Sarah shares her decision to focus on advocacy and coaching rather than attending births in this season. They also emphasize the importance of aligning with the right birth attendant and the need for clear communication and understanding of roles in birth settings.
 
00:00 Introduction and Episode Update
00:30 Overview of Gloria LeMay's Situation
01:52 Challenges in Birth Keeping
06:31 Personal Reflections on Birth Attendance
15:53 Different Types of Birth Attendants
25:26 Upcoming Meeting Announcement
25:44 Personal Journey to Free Birth
27:16 Risks and Realities of Different Birth Choices
32:27 Legal and Social Challenges of Free Birth
36:38 Empowerment and Making Informed Choices
41:20 Trusting Your Intuition in Birth Decisions
46:50 Concluding Thoughts and Resources
 
CONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website: mysacredbirthrite.com
Instagram: @sarahhawley__
Resources: https://www.mysacredbirthrite.com/resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book Session
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram: @walking_with_women
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.
 

EP4. Sarah's Free Birth

In this week's episode, Sarah shares the powerful and detailed story of Avery's free birth after an emotionally turbulent and chaotic journey between her first birth and this birth. Reflecting on her decision to choose a completely unassisted birth, she describes in vivid detail the labor process, the preparation, and the profound life changes that followed Avery's birth.With heartfelt anecdotes and raw, unfiltered emotions, Sarah also touches on the significant contrast between Avery's birth and her previous birth experience with Luka, emphasizing the powerful and transformative nature of natural physiological childbirth. This episode captures the essence of an incredibly personal and triumphant birth story, intending to inspire and inform other mothers intrigued by free birthing.
CONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website: mysacredbirthrite.com
Instagram: @sarahhawley__
Resources: https://www.mysacredbirthrite.com/resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book Session
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram: @walking_with_women
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.

EP3. Sarah's Home Birth Transfer

EP3. Sarah's Home Birth Transfer
 
In this episode, we discuss Sarah's journey into birth work, triggered by her traumatic first birth experience. Sarah shares her story, starting with a planned home birth turned hospital transfer, which led to feelings of failure and self-blame. She recounts the unexpected challenges, like a surprise visit from an acquaintance during labor, the invasive and disempowering actions of her midwife, and the subsequent hospital birth that left her feeling defeated. Postpartum, Sarah struggled with physical recovery and bonding with her baby. This experience drove her to explore and eventually embrace free birth for her second child, which reignited her passion for birth work. Now, she supports women through coaching and empowers them to pursue free birth, advocating for a shift away from the over-medicalization of childbirth.
CONNECT WITH SARAH.
Website: mysacredbirthrite.com
Instagram: @sarahhawley__
Resources: https://www.mysacredbirthrite.com/resources
Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book Session
CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.
Website
Instagram: @walking_with_women
Ebook: coming soon!
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.

EP1. Intro

In this intro episode, Sarah introduces her new project centered around free birth, which is deeply influenced by her personal experiences giving birth to her sons, Luka and Avery. She shares her background as a serial entrepreneur and her unexpected journey into birth work following the medicalized birth of her first son and the healing free birth of her second.
Sarah introduces her co-host, Brittany! After A hard first homebirth experience she dives into the world of Birthkeeping!
HEAR ME ROAR. aims to explore the impacts of medicalized births on women and society, featuring stories from women who transitioned from medical births to free births, highlighting their personal journeys and transformations. Sarah also discusses her coaching offerings, including group and one-on-one sessions to support women through non-medicalized pregnancy and birth experiences.
 
EPISODE LINKS.
The books I mentioned are all linked on the resources page of my website, I keep this updated with any new resources as I discover them: https://www.mysacredbirthrite.com/resources
CONNECT.
Website: mysacredbirthrite.com
Instagram: @sarahhawley__
Telegram: DM for access
Resources: https://www.mysacredbirthrite.com/resources
WORK TOGETHER.
Birth Trauma Integration Session
Wild & Free Coaching Container
 
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.