Motherbirth

When Lisa gave birth to her daughter, she had no idea that within a few weeks she would be admitted to the psychiatric ward due to severe postpartum psychosis.  In this week's episode, we explore her story of hitting rock bottom, finding hope and health, and learning to understand her own needs so that she could be there for her daughter as well. Lisa is passionate about maternal mental health and setting mothers up for success during the intense transition after birth.  She advocates for taking advantage of resources and family/community structures that allow mothers to adjust and account for their individual needs, whatever those may be.  She learned the hard way that you can't always just "power through". Lisa is an entrepreneur, executive coach and advocate for maternal mental health. She founded Wise Mama and co-founded Mindfulness Based Achievement, the New MBA, which teaches high potential women leaders how to create sustainable success.  Show Notes: Lisa's Website: Wise Mama Lisa

This weeks guest is a body love advocate and childbirth educator whose passion is creating resources and community for plus size moms after her own experience of pregnancy and birth as a plus size mom. When Jen was pregnant she was shocked to realize that there weren't any positive or supportive online resources for plus size pregnancy, and that navigating health care relationships and choices was tremendously difficult due to the biased assumptions that care providers made about her and her health. She was determined to have an normal, natural birth, however, and spent her pregnancy preparing physically, emotionally and mentally.  Not only did she experience a beautiful, empowered birth, she also used this transformative experience to guide her towards the work she does today.   Jen has helped many women find support, guidance and community during their motherhood journey, and she shares her story with a compassion and eloquence that is moving.  Her mission will resonate with all mothers regardless of si

In this week's episode, we get into the nitty gritty of being a working mom with Steph Crowder, a mom and entrepreneur who was fed up with the images she saw of motherhood in the workplace and decided she wanted to carve out her own space as a working mom. Steph was always drawn to meaningful work, and while building her career she wasn't sure how she'd be able to balance also being a mother, or if she even wanted to.  Later, when she knew she did want to be a mom, she knew she wasn't willing to just accept the status quo, and intentionally began to shift her lifestyle (and perspectives) in thoughtful preparation for starting a family. We talk about getting creative, using your intuition to really figure out what's going to work for your family, and the incredible importance of maternal/family leave.  For anyone who is trying to balance being a working mom, you cannot miss this episode!  Steph is a gifted communicator and her journey will resonate with everyone. Show Notes: Steph's P

This week, we talk with Amber Christopher, a mother of two girls in Portland, OR who delivered both of her babies at home.   For some this would warrant a very important question; WHY? Why would you have a baby at home when you could be SAFE and in a HOSPITAL?  Amber, like many women exploring options for birth, felt that having her baby at home is what would be best for her and her family. She is not alone: "the rate of birth at home increased by 20% in the U.S. in the 2000s" according to the New England Journal of Medicine.  Amber shares her story and experience of working with her midwives, her husband Daniel and feeling like this was the best choice for her and her family.  Show Notes: Here are some resources to check out relating to the safety and considerations of homebirth. Birth Outcomes for Planned Out-Of-Hospital Births Evidence for Homebirth  Danielle, Amber, Eleanor and June enjoying our snowy winter.  Eleanor, Amber and June enjoying their favorite season Summer. Photos by :  https:/

This week's episode features speaker and writer Nish Weiseth, who shares the story of suffering with severe postpartum depression when her first child was born, resulting in a near suicide attempt. Nish was able to get help and begin the journey of managing her mental health as a new mother.  Later, with her second child, she experienced postpartum anxiety.  She shares her insights on the differences between these two common postpartum mood disorders, and her heart for mothers to find the support they need and not compromise on self care. Nish lives in Salt Lake City with her family, where she makes waves as a writer, speaker and editor.  She has a powerful voice as an advocate for many different causes, including inclusive spirituality and special needs.  You can find more info on her at www.nishweiseth.com, and can check out her book on the power of telling your story here: Speak.

Tune in to this week’s episode to hear the courage and strength this woman displayed in her two birth stories and different roles as a mother.   On this week’s episode, we are talking with Beka Overby.  As you will see in her story, Beka’s journey as a mother has taken many unexpected turns.  Birth as a teenager and birth as a thirty-year-old are bound to be polarizing but Beka’s huge heart and vulnerability in this episode is what makes her story so special.  Beka lives in Portland, OR with her husband Seth and her son Jones. Her two boys together for the first time.  Beka the day she became a birth mother.  Beka and her mother meeting her son Jones. Show Notes: Beka shares in her story how she met an amazing woman who helped her and Seth decide to welcome Jones with confidence in an unmedicated birth. Amy Aldrete works here in Portland as a childbirth doula and you can contact her at fearnotbirth@gmail.com or on IG: @fear.not.birth.