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Hospital Birth Story with Midwife and Postpartum Depression Discussion

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hospital birth story with midwife

Ellen’s third labor progressed from a slow start to a very quick delivery. She gave birth at the hospital, supported by the same midwife who assisted with her previous two children. Despite a smooth delivery, the family remained in the hospital for three nights following the birth. In this episode, Ellen discusses her experience with postpartum depression and shares the resources that helped her navigate that period. Connect with her at EllenMote.com or on instagram @ellenmote

Ellen Mote Bio

Ellen is an artist based in Waco, Texas, where she lives with her husband and three children. Together, they enjoy traveling the world and going for family walks. EllenMote.com@ellenmote

Resources

Motif Medical

This episode was sponsored by Motif Medical. Motif designs insurance-eligible products for busy moms. With a focus on innovation and empowerment, Motif’s line of breast pumps and maternity compression garments are sophisticated, yet discreet, and made to support mothers as they navigate new motherhood. Discover why moms are reporting more milk in less time with the Luna breast pump, and see how you can get it covered through insurance at motifmedical.com/birthhour. 

Spontaneous Labor & Positive Unmedicated Hospital Birth Story

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unmedicated birth story positive experience

Jessica, a 35-year-old first-time mom based in Santa Rosa, California, lives with her husband, Gentry, 40. The couple began trying to conceive in December 2024 and were thrilled to discover they were expecting in March 2025. After initially tracking her cycle on her phone, Jessica found success using ovulation test strips alongside regular acupuncture, which helped her manage stress during the process.

Her pregnancy was relatively smooth. She experienced first-trimester fatigue, an increased appetite, and later some low back pain and pelvic pressure in the third trimester, but remained active through walking, hiking, strength training, and stretching. With the support of a doula, Jessica prepared for a spontaneous, unmedicated hospital birth.

Labor began on January 3, 2026, at 41 weeks and 3 days. She labored at home throughout the day before arriving at the hospital around 9:15 p.m., already 8.5 centimeters dilated. As contractions intensified, Jessica requested an epidural—but by the time the anesthesiologist arrived, it was too late. She ultimately delivered without medication, having the natural birth she originally envisioned. Looking back, Jessica feels deeply grateful that everything unfolded the way it did and that she was able to have the birth experience she had hoped for.

Jessica Walton Bio

Jessica Walton is a 35-year-old first-time mom living in Santa Rosa, California, with her husband, Gentry (40), their newborn son, Deacon, and their two dogs. Deacon was born on January 3 at 11:33 p.m. at Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital. Professionally, Jessica serves as a Dean of Students at an independent high school in Santa Rosa, where she is passionate about supporting young people and building strong school communities.

Jessica is a strong proponent of working with a doula, regardless of the type of birth experience someone is planning, and credits that support as an important part of her own journey into motherhood. She can be found on Instagram at @j_wal33.

Resources

Little Spoon

If formula is part of your feeding journey right now, Little Spoon makes that choice feel less heavy. Their organic grass-fed whole milk infant formula is a complete nutrition recipe, modeled after breast milk—and everything is openly shared on LittleSpoon.com from sourcing to ingredients to safety testing. Go to LittleSpoon.com/TryFormula to try Little Spoon Formula with their 2 can trial pack (Buy 1, Get 1 free – that’s $30 for 2 cans), which is great if you’re easing into the transition.

Pregnant on boat in French Polynesia, Tahiti Hospital Birth after Stalled Labor at Birth Center, Positive Unmedicated 2nd Birth in the US

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pregnant in tahiti

Margot’s first birth story follows her experience being pregnant and navigating prenatal care while living on a sailboat in French Polynesia. She starts her labor at a freestanding birth house, the only one of its kind in French Polynesia. After a long early labor her progress slows down and she is eventually transferred to a nearby hospital in Tahiti when meconium is detected in her amniotic fluid. With some basic medical interventions, Margot gives birth vaginally to a very healthy baby boy. Despite there being no complications, she still feels disappointed in her ‘failure’ to progress and finds herself questioning what she could have done differently. She shares her postpartum struggles with breastfeeding and ciguatera fish poisoning. While pregnant with their second child, after living on their boat for 5 years, Margot and her family decide to move back to land. Her second birth story takes place back in the states at a freestanding birth center, where she is finally able to experience the unmedicated birth she had hoped for the first time around and embrace both her birth stories without any regrets.

birth center birth in french Polynesia

Margot McKirdy Bio

Margot lives in Friday Harbor, Washington on beautiful San Juan Island with her husband, Elliot and her two children, Remy (3 years), and Esme (3 months). She has a degree in Art theory and Practice from Northwestern University and has worked primarily as an early childhood teacher in Reggio Emilia influenced classrooms. In 2019 Margot and her husband took a leap, quit their jobs, and moved onto a 38 foot sailboat. They eloped on their boat and set sail down the west coast to Mexico and then across the pacific ocean to French Polynesia where Margot’s adventure became much more than a sailing trip, but a voyage into motherhood. Margot loves swimming in all of its forms, wild swimming, pool swimming, distance swimming, cold water swimming. She devotes her precious free time to creating art, exploring themes of motherhood through woodblock printing.  You can connect with Margot through instagram @margot_claire & @favignana.voyage

waterbirth

Resources

Books:

Links: 

Aeroflow Breastpumps

Did you know breast pumps and milk storage bags, maternity compression garments, even lactation education & support can all be covered by your insurance? Aeroflow helps millions of parents unlock these breastfeeding and postpartum essentials by working directly with your insurance company to get these free essentials shipped straight to your door. Aeroflow offers all major breast pump brands including Medela, Spectra, Motif, Lansinoh, Ameda, Elvie, Willow and more. Visit AeroflowBreastpumps.com/birthhour to fill out their free and easy Qualify Through Insurance form. Don’t forget to use the promo code “BIRTHHOUR15” in their online shop for 15% off all supplies and accessories. You’ve got enough on your plate. Why not let Aeroflow Breastpumps help support you on your breastfeeding journey?

Military Spouse Hospital Birth Stories in United States vs Japan plus Postpartum Mental Health Discussion

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military-spouse-pregnant-in-japan

For her first birth, Delaney was induced at a routine appointment when her baby’s amniotic fluid was found to be low. Labor was long and difficult — stretching through the night with little sleep, a Foley bulb that made her sick, and slow progress on Pitocin. She navigated medical decisions largely on her own while Andrew slept, including the choice to have her water broken. Not every provider felt respectful, but one nurse, Kierstyn, brought calm and genuine care to the room. Andrew grew more present as labor progressed, stepping into an advocacy role beside her. Through the exhaustion and uncertainty, Delaney found herself bonding with both her daughter Sienna and her husband — and holding onto faith in her body and the process.

Pregnant with her second child in Japan, Delaney was determined to have an unmedicated, spontaneous labor after a difficult induction the first time. As she passed her due date into her forty-first week, she faced mounting pressure from doctors and eventually her husband to induce — pressure she largely resisted, supported by research and an online community of post-term mothers. Labor began on its own on March 8th. She labored at home as long as possible, then rushed to the hospital in active labor. There, after a tense delivery that nearly ended in a C-section, she pushed her son Max out on her side. Despite a postpartum hemorrhage afterward, Delaney felt the birth as a hard-won victory — proof that she had listened to her body and trusted herself.

Delaney Goodrick Bio

Delaney is 33 years old. She is a proud military spouse and lives with her husband in two children in Japan. She enjoys onsens (japanese public bath), visiting temples, and has a new found love of monstera plants. Connect with Delaney on YouTube: @fulltimejoy or Facebook: Delaney Alexandra

Resources

Needed

There is overwhelming evidence that higher standards of nutrition support fertility, birth outcomes, and lifelong health. Unfortunately, the prenatal vitamin industry is failing us, leaving 95% of us depleted during one of the most nutritionally demanding times in our lives. Most prenatal vitamins only provide bare minimum nutrition, while Needed goes beyond bare minimums with products that can meet the needs of our minds, bodies, and babies. I’m excited to partner with Needed and offer you a special discount. Get 20% off your first order with code BIRTHHOUR at thisisneeded.com.

I feel confident recommending Needed because their products are rigorously third-party tested and endorsed by over 15,000 women’s health experts. Needed’s prenatal multivitamin comes in two forms – capsules or a delicious vanilla powder. In addition to the prenatal multivitamin, Needed has created bundle options to meet your needs, not only during different stages of pregnancy but also while trying to conceive and postpartum. As a mom of three, I especially love their collagen, pre/probiotics and cognitive support supplement.

Head over to thisisneeded.com to find your perfect bundle and use code BIRTHHOUR for 20% off your first order and up to 40% off select plans. I’ve talked to so many Birth Hour listeners who have discovered Needed through the podcast and I love hearing the feedback that they are feeling better during their pregnancy and into postpartum since starting with Needed. That’s thisisneeded.com and use code BIRTHHOUR.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Takeaways

Delaney lives in Japan as a military spouse with two kids.
Her first pregnancy was unplanned and filled with surprises.
She experienced low amniotic fluid, leading to an induced labor.
Delaney’s first birth involved unexpected medical interventions.
She struggled with postpartum mental health after her first child.
Delaney’s second pregnancy was more planned and intentional.
She felt more empowered during her second birth experience.
Support from her husband and doula was crucial during labor.
Delaney emphasizes the importance of sharing birth stories.
She found valuable resources for postpartum support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Delaney’s Journey
01:24 First Pregnancy Experience
04:02 Induction and Labor Challenges
09:33 Epidural Experience and Birth Process
18:42 Postpartum Reflections and Mental Health
25:26 Struggles with Bonding and Intrusive Thoughts
27:11 Navigating Postpartum Challenges
28:30 The Journey to Second Pregnancy
29:05 Planning and Anticipation for Baby Two
31:55 Facing Medical Pressures During Pregnancy
36:19 Laboring Through Uncertainty
43:54 The Drive to the Hospital
48:00 A Joyful Birth Experience
48:44 Postpartum Recovery and Reflection

Keywords

birth stories, pregnancy, postpartum, military spouse, Japan, motherhood, mental health, birth trauma, support resources

Triplets Pregnancy with Preeclampsia and Cesarean Birth Story followed by NICU Stay and Post-surgical Infection

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triplets birth story

Sophia moved from Los Angeles to Orlando in 2019. During the pandemic she met her husband on a dating app, and they soon married, excited to start a family. When pregnancy didn’t happen, she trusted her intuition and sought fertility care, where she was diagnosed with PCOS. After a negative experience at one clinic, she switched providers and began IUI treatment.

The first round ended in a chemical miscarriage, and the next two failed. On their fourth and final attempt before taking a break, the IUI worked—resulting in a surprise triplet pregnancy. Despite a difficult pregnancy and severe preeclampsia, she delivered three girls by C-section, who spent several weeks in the NICU.

Her recovery was complicated by blood transfusions and a severe post-surgical infection that required emergency surgery forty days postpartum. With determination and support, she recovered while caring for three newborns. Today, she and her husband are raising three energetic toddlers, a journey that continues to challenge and amaze her every day. Connect with her at @soph.letz.

triplets pregnancy

Needed

There is overwhelming evidence that higher standards of nutrition support fertility, birth outcomes, and lifelong health. Unfortunately, the prenatal vitamin industry is failing us, leaving 95% of us depleted during one of the most nutritionally demanding times in our lives. Most prenatal vitamins only provide bare minimum nutrition, while Needed goes beyond bare minimums with products that can meet the needs of our minds, bodies, and babies. I’m excited to partner with Needed and offer you a special discount. Get 20% off your first order with code BIRTHHOUR at thisisneeded.com.

I feel confident recommending Needed because their products are rigorously third-party tested and endorsed by over 15,000 women’s health experts. Needed’s prenatal multivitamin comes in two forms – capsules or a delicious vanilla powder. In addition to the prenatal multivitamin, Needed has created bundle options to meet your needs, not only during different stages of pregnancy but also while trying to conceive and postpartum. As a mom of three, I especially love their collagen, pre/probiotics and cognitive support supplement.

Head over to thisisneeded.com to find your perfect bundle and use code BIRTHHOUR for 20% off your first order and up to 40% off select plans. I’ve talked to so many Birth Hour listeners who have discovered Needed through the podcast and I love hearing the feedback that they are feeling better during their pregnancy and into postpartum since starting with Needed. That’s thisisneeded.com and use code BIRTHHOUR.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Preparing My Mind and Body Led to a Powerful Unmedicated First Birth

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unmedicated birth stpry ftm

In this episode, Savvy Jardine shares her journey through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experiences. She discusses her preparation for an unmedicated birth, the importance of mindset, and the role of her doula in supporting her wishes. Savvy reflects on her unique labor experience, coping techniques, and the joy of becoming a mother, emphasizing the significance of positive affirmations and personal empowerment throughout the process.

From the moment Savvy found out she was pregnant, she knew she wanted an unmedicated hospital birth. She trusted her body’s God-given ability to give birth, wanted the freedom to move freely through labor, and hoped to feel empowered by her birth experience. As a first-time mom, she also wanted the support and safety of a hospital environment while still honoring the physiological process of birth.

Because birth was something she had never experienced before, there were times when doubt would creep in. Savvy stayed rooted in her “why” and committed to preparing both physically and mentally, focusing on what she could control about her birth experience. She completed the Built to Birth course, learned the stages of labor, and practiced coping tools like breathwork, meditation, and mindset work. Clearly communicating her wishes and creating a birth plan also helped her feel confident and supported.

Her water broke in the middle of the night, the day before her due date. She made her way to the hospital and allowed labor to unfold slowly as contractions gradually built throughout the day. As they intensified, she leaned into the calm of the hospital room, with dim lights and hypnobirthing music playing. She found a steady rhythm, bouncing and swaying on a medicine ball while breathing through each contraction.

Her birth team encouraged her every step of the way, giving Savvy the confidence to trust her body, make requests, and truly lead her birth. She progressed quickly and, with the support of her partner and doula, labored through transition in the shower, feeling her baby move down and prepare to be born. When she began to feel strong pressure, she shared that she was ready to push. While this was the most intense part of labor, it was also the moment she felt the most in control. She tapped into her strength, spoke out loud to her baby, and after just twenty minutes of pushing, her baby boy was born—right on his due date.

Savvy’s birth experience was profoundly life-changing. Through it, she discovered a deep sense of strength and capability she had never felt before. Her unmedicated hospital birth exceeded even her highest hopes, and she credits her experience to intentional physical and mental preparation, her God-given ability to give birth, and the unwavering support system that surrounded her.

Savvy Jardine Bio

Savvy is a Utah native who welcomed her first baby in the Bay Area, California. She had a positive unmedicated hospital birth grounded in intentional preparation, trusting the body, and honoring the transformative power of birth. Connect with her on Instagram @savvy_jardine.

Motif Medical

This episode was sponsored by Motif Medical. Motif designs insurance-eligible products for busy moms. With a focus on innovation and empowerment, Motif’s line of breast pumps and maternity compression garments are sophisticated, yet discreet, and made to support mothers as they navigate new motherhood. Discover why moms are reporting more milk in less time with the Luna breast pump, and see how you can get it covered through insurance at motifmedical.com/birthhour. 

Positive Medicated Hospital Birth Story after Traumatic Molar Pregnancy Loss

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birth after molar pregnancy

Before Elena got pregnant for the first time, she assumed you get pregnant, and then nine months later, you have the baby. Unfortunately, she found out that’s not always the case. At her eight-week checkup, despite totally normal symptoms, she learned her pregnancy was most probably a partial molar pregnancy, a trisomy condition that is not compatible with life. After speaking to two more specialists, she decided to terminate for medical reasons. 

The second time she got pregnant, she expected everything to go wrong. When you’re on the wrong side of statistics once, the numbers don’t comfort you anymore. But with this pregnancy, everything went right. Her pregnancy symptoms were mild and manageable, her birth followed her plan as much as possible despite her water breaking before going into labor. Her postpartum experience, while challenging at times, was much better than what she’d feared. Ultimately, it was the best, most healing experience to understand that good things can still happen following a traumatic loss. 

Elena Ruiz

Elena is a proud mother to one human toddler and two oversized cats. She’s a product marketer, and in her free time, likes to run, bake, and read sci fi and fantasy. She lives in Boston happily for six months out of the year, and chillily for the other six. Reach her online at elenaeruiz95@gmail.com. 

Resource

Bump Groups on Reddit to find parents who are having a baby the same month you are due.

Little Spoon

Give your little one meals + snacks that are actually right for where kids are developmentally—balanced, intentional and made to support real growth. Go to littlespoon.com/TBH and enter code TBH for 30% off your first order.

Cesarean, Three VBACs, Followed by Surrogacy Birth as First Unmedicated Birth

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surrogacy birth story

Pregnancy 1:
Lauren’s first labor began with irregular contractions that started in the evening and continued throughout the night. By morning, contractions had increased but she was advised to wait before heading to the hospital. After arriving late morning and receiving an epidural, labor stalled, ultimately resulting in a cesarean birth later that evening.

Pregnancy 2:
Her second pregnancy began with her water breaking at home, though only partially. Once admitted to the hospital, Lauren was supported by a physician who strongly advocated for VBAC, allowing her to successfully deliver vaginally with the help of an epidural.

Pregnancy 3:
At a routine 37-week appointment, an NST revealed that the baby was becoming stressed during contractions. Lauren was sent directly to the hospital for an induction, where Pitocin was started quickly and at a strong dose. After receiving an epidural and having her water broken, labor progressed rapidly, and her third baby was born shortly afterward.

Pregnancy 4:
Lauren’s fourth birth was an induction at 38 weeks with her husband, sister, and sister-in-law present for support. After about an hour of pushing, she delivered her fourth baby, surrounded by family.

Pregnancy 5 (Surrogacy):

Lauren’s fifth pregnancy was a gestational surrogacy for a couple unable to carry a child for medical reasons. Having only experienced medicated births before, this labor unfolded unexpectedly fast—lasting just over two hours total—and resulted in an unmedicated delivery. The baby was nearly born in the car but ultimately arrived in the emergency department of the hospital.

giving birth in the ER

Lauren Edgerly Bio

Lauren is a mom of four and a gestational surrogate who has experienced five very different pregnancy journeys. With a background in healthcare and a heart for helping others, she values open conversations about birth, motherhood, and the realities behind each unique experience. 

Aeroflow Breastpumps

Did you know breast pumps and milk storage bags, maternity compression garments, even lactation education & support can all be covered by your insurance? Aeroflow helps millions of parents unlock these breastfeeding and postpartum essentials by working directly with your insurance company to get these free essentials shipped straight to your door. Aeroflow offers all major breast pump brands including Medela, Spectra, Motif, Lansinoh, Ameda, Elvie, Willow and more. Visit AeroflowBreastpumps.com/birthhour to fill out their free and easy Qualify Through Insurance form. Don’t forget to use the promo code “BIRTHHOUR15” in their online shop for 15% off all supplies and accessories. You’ve got enough on your plate. Why not let Aeroflow Breastpumps help support you on your breastfeeding journey?

A Midwife’s Birth Stories and Honoring the Lying In Period

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shafia monroe

In this episode of The Birth Hour, Shafia Monroe shares her unique birth experiences, reflecting on her journey as a midwife and mother. She discusses her first home birth, the challenges of postpartum care, and the importance of support systems for new mothers. Shafia emphasizes the need for nurturing and care during the postpartum period and shares insights from her book that focuses on the significance of honoring mothers after childbirth. She also provides nourishing recipes that can aid recovery for new mothers.

Shafia Monroe Bio

Shafia is a Master of Public Health (MPH), a renowned midwife, doula trainer, cultural historian, and author of Mothering the Mother: African American Postpartum Tradition, Recipes, and Healing. A leading voice in Black maternal health, she founded the first Black-led doula training program in the U.S. in 2002 and has trained over 5,000 doulas nationwide. As president of Shafia Monroe Consulting/Birthing CHANGE, she advances cultural competency in healthcare and helped pioneer Medicaid reimbursement for doula care in Oregon. Her work has earned numerous lifetime achievement awards and national recognition, including being named by Scientific American as one of four leaders “Making Health Care More Fair.” Monroe is a wife, a mother of seven, and a grandmother. She loves cooking for family and friends, gardening, swimming, and horseback riding.

Resources

AirDoctor

Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code BIRTHHOUR to get UP TO $300 off today! AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee, plus a 3-year warranty—an $84 value, free! Get this exclusive, podcast-only offer now at AirDoctorPro.com

Little Spoon

Give your little one meals + snacks that are actually right for where kids are developmentally—balanced, intentional and made to support real growth. Go to littlespoon.com/TBH and enter code TBH for 30% off your first order.

Unexpected “Wildcard” 3rd Birth Story and Postpartum PMDD Discussion

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shoulder dystocia birth

Maureen spent most of her curious how her “wildcard” third birth would play out. Pregnancy was exhausting but ultimately uneventful. At her 37 week appointment she learned that she was already 5cm dilated, however, spent the next several days in anticipation of labor starting. Eventually things started to happen, and with worries of a quick labor, they headed to the hospital. Maureen was surprised that after being admitted, this ended up being her slowest and most peaceful birth. Despite a brief shoulder dystocia, her daughter was born – big and healthy.

Maureen Graham Bio

Maureen is a mom of 3, nurse, and wife to her husband Tommy. They live in Seattle, Washington. Connect with her on Instagram @momurphy4 or in The Birth Hour Private Facebook group which is a perk of Patreon membership. Listen to Maureen’s first Birth Hour episode is here.

Resource

Listen to Birth Stories on The Birth Hour

Needed

There is overwhelming evidence that higher standards of nutrition support fertility, birth outcomes, and lifelong health. Unfortunately, the prenatal vitamin industry is failing us, leaving 95% of us depleted during one of the most nutritionally demanding times in our lives. Most prenatal vitamins only provide bare minimum nutrition, while Needed goes beyond bare minimums with products that can meet the needs of our minds, bodies, and babies. I’m excited to partner with Needed and offer you a special discount. Get 20% off your first order with code BIRTHHOUR at thisisneeded.com.

I feel confident recommending Needed because their products are rigorously third-party tested and endorsed by over 15,000 women’s health experts. Needed’s prenatal multivitamin comes in two forms – capsules or a delicious vanilla powder. In addition to the prenatal multivitamin, Needed has created bundle options to meet your needs, not only during different stages of pregnancy but also while trying to conceive and postpartum. As a mom of three, I especially love their collagen, pre/probiotics and cognitive support supplement.

Head over to thisisneeded.com to find your perfect bundle and use code BIRTHHOUR for 20% off your first order and up to 40% off select plans. I’ve talked to so many Birth Hour listeners who have discovered Needed through the podcast and I love hearing the feedback that they are feeling better during their pregnancy and into postpartum since starting with Needed. That’s thisisneeded.com and use code BIRTHHOUR.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Two Hospital Birth Stories, One with an Epidural and Herniated Disc and a Pitocin Induced Epidural Free Birth

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pitocin and no epidural birth story

During Allie’s first birth she attempted to go unmedicated using hypnobirthing until painful back labor started. She received an epidural and gave birth to a baby who was in occiput posterior position (OP or “sunny side up”). Postpartum included complications from a herniated disc in addition to an infection that caused endometritis. Early feeding challenges necessitated use of a supplemental nursing system (SNS) but ultimately led to a successful breastfeeding journey into toddlerhood.

During her second birth she was induced with pitocin but was able to birth without an epidural with the help of her doula. She utilized techniques learned in pelvic floor physical therapy to combat back pain from her herniated disc. Overall she had a much more peaceful postpartum that included another successful breastfeeding journey. 

herniated disc during labor birth story

Allie Wesolowski Bio

Allie is a speech therapist turned stay at home mom who lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband Mark and two sons Walter and Stanley. She enjoys hiking outside with her family and nerding out on all things birth and breastfeeding. You can connect with Allie by messaging her on Instagram @allieweso91 or connecting in the Birth Hour patreon group. 

Resources

Needed

There is overwhelming evidence that higher standards of nutrition support fertility, birth outcomes, and lifelong health. Unfortunately, the prenatal vitamin industry is failing us, leaving 95% of us depleted during one of the most nutritionally demanding times in our lives. Most prenatal vitamins only provide bare minimum nutrition, while Needed goes beyond bare minimums with products that can meet the needs of our minds, bodies, and babies. I’m excited to partner with Needed and offer you a special discount. Get 20% off your first order with code BIRTHHOUR at thisisneeded.com.

I feel confident recommending Needed because their products are rigorously third-party tested and endorsed by over 15,000 women’s health experts. Needed’s prenatal multivitamin comes in two forms – capsules or a delicious vanilla powder. In addition to the prenatal multivitamin, Needed has created bundle options to meet your needs, not only during different stages of pregnancy but also while trying to conceive and postpartum. As a mom of three, I especially love their collagen, pre/probiotics and cognitive support supplement.

Head over to thisisneeded.com to find your perfect bundle and use code BIRTHHOUR for 20% off your first order and up to 40% off select plans. I’ve talked to so many Birth Hour listeners who have discovered Needed through the podcast and I love hearing the feedback that they are feeling better during their pregnancy and into postpartum since starting with Needed. That’s thisisneeded.com and use code BIRTHHOUR.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Reproductive Psychiatrist’s Birth Stories: Pregnancy, Loss, and Healing

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In this episode of The Birth Hour, Dr. Sarah Oreck, a reproductive psychiatrist and mother of three, shares her personal journey through pregnancy and motherhood, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the challenges of trying to conceive, the impact of hyperemesis gravidarum on her mental health, and the anxiety surrounding her first pregnancy amidst the uncertainties of a global health crisis. Sarah reflects on her decision to have a planned C-section, emphasizing the importance of bodily autonomy and the emotional complexities surrounding childbirth choices.

As she navigates her subsequent pregnancies, Sarah highlights the unique challenges of postpartum mental health, especially during a pandemic. She candidly discusses her experiences with anxiety, the importance of therapy, and the support she found in her community.

Dr. Sarah Oreck experienced pregnancy and postpartum as both a patient and a reproductive psychiatrist. During both of her pregnancies, she struggled with perinatal anxiety—an experience that deepened her understanding of how isolating and under-supported reproductive mental health can feel, even for women with medical expertise. Navigating these challenges firsthand reinforced her belief that mental health care during pregnancy and postpartum must be specialized, validating, and accessible. Her lived experience ultimately shaped her clinical approach and inspired the creation of Mavida Health to ensure other women don’t have to navigate these transitions without expert support.

Sarah Oreck, MD, MS Bio

Sarah Oreck is a board-certified reproductive psychiatrist and the co-founder and CEO of Mavida Health, a digital mental health platform dedicated to supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and reproductive life transitions. Columbia University–trained, Dr. Oreck specializes in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and has spent her career caring for women during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Drawing from both her clinical expertise and personal experience navigating perinatal anxiety, she founded Mavida Health to close the gap in specialized reproductive mental health care and expand access to evidence-based, compassionate psychiatric support nationwide. Connect with Sarah @sarahoreckmd on Instagram or @mavidahealth.

Resources

Check out resources from Mavida by downloading the Mavida app in the app store or google play.

Motif Medical

This episode was sponsored by Motif Medical. Motif designs insurance-eligible products for busy moms. With a focus on innovation and empowerment, Motif’s line of breast pumps and maternity compression garments are sophisticated, yet discreet, and made to support mothers as they navigate new motherhood. Discover why moms are reporting more milk in less time with the Luna breast pump, and see how you can get it covered through insurance at motifmedical.com/birthhour.