In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Jenna, who shares her personal journey and experiences through three different birth stories. Jenna starts by reflecting on her first pregnancy and the excitement she felt while planning and preparing for the arrival of her first child. However, she also candidly discusses the challenges she faced during her postpartum period. Jenna shares her struggles with feeling lost and uncertain about what to do, and how she quickly realized the importance of planning for meals, mental health support, and managing visitors. Learning from her first experience, Jenna discusses how she approached her second and third pregnancies with a newfound perspective. She delves into the changes she made in her planning process, prioritizing rest and self-care, and the positive impact it had on her overall adjustment during the postpartum period. Jenna emphasizes the significance of caring for both the body and mind during the fourth trimester and hopes to help other parents feel prepared and supported in their own postpartum journeys. Drawing from her background as a registered nurse in pediatrics and mental health, Jenna shares how her experiences have given her a solid foundation in health and supporting families during times of need. She also reveals her personal studies in holistic health, nutrition, and pregnancy/postpartum, which have influenced how she supports her own physical and emotional well-being. To connect and learn more from Jenna, you can visit her website at HERE, where you can find valuable resources, shop in her online store, and connect with her on Instagram [@Instagram handle]. Jenna also encourages listeners to consider requesting care from a midwife through the link HERE, as it can be a wonderful option for pregnancy and postpartum support. We want to express our sincere gratitude to Jenna for sharing her story and using her experiences to support and normalize the challenges and changes within the postpartum journey. And to our listeners, thank you for tuning in. We encourage you to leave a review or a voice note on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and we appreciate your continued support. Don't forget to check out Jenna's website and follow her on Instagram for more valuable insights and resources. Until next time, take care and nourish your postpartum journey with love and support. FOLLOW JENNA ON INSTAGRAM SUBMIT YOUR STORY HERE VISIT MY WEBSITE --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/birthingontheprairies/message

In today's episode, we're honoured to have Naomi, a doula and birth keeper, share her powerful and emotional birth story with us. As someone who struggled with fertility and suffered an early loss, Naomi finally became pregnant with a healthy baby and planned for a natural and unassisted home birth. However, at just 29+2 weeks, she unexpectedly went into labour and was rushed to the hospital where she gave birth via emergency c-section. Naomi shares the challenges and emotions she experienced navigating through NICU mom life while maintaining her vision of a holistic approach to motherhood. From coping with the unexpected loss of the birth experience she had hoped for to balancing the traditional medical approach with her personal values, Naomi takes us on her journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. Join us for this heartfelt and inspiring conversation as Naomi shares her story of resilience, strength, and the power of motherly love. FOLLOW NAOMI @PEACEANDPEONIESBIRTH --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/birthingontheprairies/message

In part 2 of Beth's birth story on the Birthing on the Prairies podcast, listeners are invited to hear about Beth's healing homebirth experience with Edmonton midwife Heidi. This episode provides a firsthand account of what it's like to give birth at home with support from a midwife. Listeners will hear about the support she received from her midwife, her partner, and her birthing team, as well as the beautiful moments she faced during labour and delivery. As the episode unfolds, the audience will witness the joy and relief that comes with a successful homebirth, along with Beth's gratitude for the support and care she received from her midwife. This is a valuable episode for expectant parents who are curious about homebirth or considering a similar option. Beth’s story offers a glimpse into the benefits and realities of homebirth with a midwife, as well as insight into the emotions and sensations that accompany the birth experience. LOCATION: YEG MIDWIVES: Heidi @ HOPE MIDWIFERY --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/birthingontheprairies/message

You sentIn this episode of the Birthing on the Prairies podcast, listeners are invited to join Heidi as she shares her second birth experience in Viking, Alberta. Heidi, who is a midwife, achieved her unmedicated birth with the support of a doula. Heidi takes listeners through her journey from early labor to delivery, describing the physical and emotional sensations she experienced along the way. She talks about her decision to have a doula present during her birth and how that decision impacted her overall experience. Listeners will hear firsthand what it's like to give birth without medical intervention and the challenges that can come with that choice. Heidi provides valuable insight into coping mechanisms and the role that her doula played in helping her manage the pain of labor. As the episode progresses, listeners will hear about the joy and relief of giving birth to a healthy baby girl, as well as the gratitude Heidi feels towards her doula and birthing team. This episode is valuable for expectant parents who may be considering an unmedicated birth, or those who are interested in learning about the role of a doula in the birthing process. Birth workers and other healthcare professionals may also find this episode helpful as they seek insight into different approaches to childbirth and care. Overall, Heidi's story sheds light on the beauty and wonder of childbirth and highlights the importance of support, whether it comes from medical professionals, family members, or doulas --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/birthingontheprairies/message

In this episode, we hear from Laura, a mother who shares her journey through two birth experiences in Edmonton, one during COVID and one that was a healing water birth with a midwife. She discusses the challenges she faced during the pregnancies, including hyperemesis, postpartum depression, and a suicide attempt, as well as the joy and healing that came with her second birth experience. The podcast explores the physical and emotional toll of hyperemesis, which Laura experienced during both of her pregnancies. She shares her struggles with finding relief and the impact it had on her mental health. Additionally, Laura bravely discusses her experience with postpartum depression and her difficult journey of recovery, including a traumatic suicide attempt. The episode emphasizes the importance of seeking help and support during times of depression and suicidal thoughts. Listeners will hear about Laura's first birth experience during COVID and the challenges that came with giving birth in a pandemic. She discusses her feelings of isolation and fear, as well as the support she received from her partner and healthcare team. The episode also covers Laura's healing water birth with a midwife, which was a transformative experience for her. She shares how the water helped to soothe her physical discomfort and how the supportive care of her midwife team helped to heal her emotional scars. Through Laura's story, listeners will learn about the importance of self-care and seeking support when facing physical and emotional challenges. Laura's story also emphasizes the healing power of a positive and supportive birth experience. Join us for this insightful and inspiring episode that celebrates the resilience and strength of mothers, even in the face of pain and adversity. ________RESOURCES__________ SUICIDE PREVENTION: 1.833.456.4566 https://suicideprevention.ca/https://talksuicide.ca/ POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: “As many as 80 percent of new mothers experience the ‘baby blues’ after delivery. Up to 23 percent of these women will develop a more severe and longer-lasting depression or anxiety, called postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety, after delivery.” GET HELP HERE: https://suicideprevention.ca/https://talksuicide.ca/ BIRTH LOCATION: RAH MIDWIVES: HOPE MIDWIVES To apply for midwifery care, please register at: clientcare.alberta-midwives.ca/waitlist/register#birthstory #birthtrauma birthwithconfidence #empoweredbirth #yegmom #littledoulaontheprairie #birthingontheprairies --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/birthingontheprairies/message

In this episode, we hear from MYSELF! I overcame the challenges of miscarriage and secondary infertility to welcome my first daughter into the world in Camrose. I share my journey through pregnancy, the emotional toll of miscarriage, and the joy of finally holding a healthy baby in my arms. The podcast explores the emotions and thoughts that came with my experience with miscarriage and secondary infertility. I share the fears and anxiety that came with my pregnancy, as well as my excitement and anticipation for the birth of my daughter. As a first-time mom, I discuss the preparations, both mentally and physically, as well as the lack of support I received from her caregivers in Camrose. I describe my journey through labour, including some labouring techniques, and how I managed any pain during the process. The episode emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive care team and trusting one's own body and intuition through the birthing process. Through MY story, listeners will gain insight into the emotional and physical tolls of infertility and miscarriage and the joy and hope that can come with a successful pregnancy and birthing experience. Join us for this empowering episode that celebrates the strength and resilience of mothers and the importance of supportive care in the birthing process. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/birthingontheprairies/message

In this episode, we hear from Justine, a mother and surrogate who shares her journey of becoming a surrogate and birthing a baby for another family. Justine discusses the process of becoming a surrogate, the emotional and physical demands of the experience, and the joy of seeing the baby claimed by the intended family. Listeners will hear about the motivations behind Justine's decision to become a surrogate, including her love for childbirth and desire to help others. She discusses the rigorous screening process and the importance of finding a compatible intended family. The episode covers the preparation Justine underwent before becoming pregnant, including monitoring her menstrual cycles and undergoing fertility treatments. Justine shares her thoughts and feelings during the pregnancy and the unique bond she formed with the intended parents and their family. Through Justine's story, listeners will learn about the complexities involved in surrogacy, from the legal implications to the emotional and physical demands on both the surrogate and the intended family. Justine's story emphasizes the importance of clear communication and mutual respect throughout the process. Listeners will also hear about the emotional moment of giving birth to the baby and the joy of seeing the intended family finally be able to hold and raise their child. Justine's story is a testament to the selflessness of surrogacy and the power of love and compassion to create families. Join us for this emotional and heartwarming episode that celebrates the beauty of surrogacy and the gift of life that a surrogate can give. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/birthingontheprairies/message

In this episode, we hear from Amanda, a mother who had a beautiful home water birth with a midwife and doula after experiencing premature rupture of membranes and drinking the midwife brew. She shares her journey through pregnancy, the challenges she faced, and the joy of her birth experience. Amanda discusses the moment she experienced her water breaking before contractions started. The episode covers the options she considered, including the potential risks and benefits of waiting or inducing labor, consulting with her midwife, and the decision-making process to drink the midwife's brew to naturally stimulate labor. Listeners will hear about the early stages of labor, the progression of the birth, and the decision to move to the birthing tub for the final stages of labor. The episode explores the benefits of water birth, including the relaxing and soothing benefits for both the mother and baby. Through Amanda's story, listeners will gain insight into the benefits of having a supportive care team and the importance of having trust in one's body and intuition. Amanda's story highlights the power of a positive mindset and surrounding oneself with a team that supports and encourages an empowered birth experience. Join us for this inspiring episode that celebrates the strength and beauty of mothers and the potential for a safe and empowering birth, even in unexpected situations and navigating postpartum depression BIRTH LOCATION: Homebirth in Sherwood Park MIDWIVES: https://edmontonmidwiferycooperative.com/ Maternal mental illness has a profound impact on all aspects of a mother’s life and affects her infant, other children and partner. Depression during the postpartum period is estimated to affect up to 15% of mothers. Postpartum Depression (PPD) screening standardization was identified as a priority in the Government of Alberta’s Valuing Mental Health Strategy. * IF YOU OR YOURSELF FEEL LIKE YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PPD PLEASE REACH OUT TO FRIENDS OR FAMILY AND SEEK THE HELP OF YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services/Page15072.aspx show less --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/birthingontheprairies/message

In this episode, we hear from Kelsey, a mother who experienced a precipitous birth at a hospital in rural Alberta. She shares her unexpected journey through pregnancy, childbirth and the challenges she faced with giving birth so quickly. Kelsey discusses her early labor and her journey to the hospital with her partner. Listeners will hear about the rapid progression of her labor and the intensity of her contractions, leading to an incredibly quick birth experience. The episode explores the challenges of navigating a fast birth at a rural hospital, from the suddenness of the situation to the limited resources and staff available. Kelsey shares her thoughts and emotions throughout the experience, highlighting the importance of having a strong support system. Listeners will also hear about the aftermath of the birth, the physical recovery, and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with such an intense experience. Kelsey's story provides an important perspective on the realities of precipitous births and the importance of mental health and support during the postpartum period. Join us for this inspiring and heartwarming episode that celebrates the strength and resilience of mothers and the importance of supportive care during childbirth. DOULA: @littledoulaontheprairie NURSE SHOUT OUT: Cammie Evidence based birth podcast The birth hour podcast Bridget Teyler on YouTube Ina May’s guide to child birth --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/birthingontheprairies/message

In this episode, we hear from Ashlyn, a mother who planned for a homebirth with a midwife that turned into a cesarean birth at a hospital. She shares her journey through pregnancy and childbirth, the challenges she faced during the birth, and her experience with birth trauma. Ashlyn discusses the preparations she made for the homebirth, including finding a midwife who understood and respected her wishes for a natural birth. Listeners will hear about the early stages of labor and the decision to transfer to a hospital due to complications. The episode explores the challenges of navigating a cesarean birth, from the physical and emotional recovery to the impact on her birth plan and bonding with her baby. Ashlyn shares her thoughts and emotions throughout the experience, including the trauma she experienced during the birth and in the aftermath. Listeners will also hear about the support she sought out through therapy and the importance of mental health and support during the postpartum period. Ashlyn's story provides an important perspective on the realities of birth complications and the importance of informed decision-making, communication with healthcare providers, and the crucial role of self-care and support. Join us for this heartfelt and empowering episode that celebrates the strength of mothers and the importance of processing birth trauma. Connect with Ashlyn: @ashlynmoench BIRTHING LOCATION: lac la biche MIDWIVES: Tree de la Vie BIRTH TRAMA RESOURCES: @theteaonbirthtrauma BODY TALK: Chealsea Snelgrove --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/birthingontheprairies/message