Birthing Bravely: A Pregnancy Podcast for Natural Birth

I’m diving into a topic that I’m incredibly passionate about—informed consent. If you’ve been following my journey, you might remember my first birth story from episode two, where some pretty shocking things happened. From having my water broken without my consent to an episiotomy performed without even a heads-up, my experience left me determined to ensure that no other woman has to go through what I did.

In this episode, we’ll explore what informed consent really means and why it’s so crucial for your birth experience. We’ll break down scenarios like epidural decisions, labor inductions, and even Cesarean sections, showing you exactly how to advocate for yourself and make empowered choices. I’ll also share real-life examples and tips on how to ensure you’re fully informed and in control of every decision during your pregnancy and birth.

We will cover:

• Empowering Your Birth
• Know Your Rights
• Personal Stories

Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned parent, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate your birth with confidence and peace of mind.

If you loved this episode, make sure to subscribe to Birthing Bravely so you never miss an episode! And if you found it helpful, please leave a review—your feedback helps us create content that empowers and supports you on your journey to motherhood.

Remember, your birth, your way. Take control of your birth experience with informed consent, and always advocate for yourself

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

I'm sitting down with my friend Ann Morris, an amazing doula near Atlanta, GA. She shares her first two birth stories while awaiting her third sweet baby!

Her first birth was a planned hospital birth and her second was a beautiful, empowering homebirth. 

Ann's stories are so similar to mine, she went into her first birth with not a lot of knowledge of options and that led her to researching more about birth and deciding that there was a better way.

You can find Ann's Instagram right here!

Download your free affirmation cards here!

Here are some questions to ask your provider!

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

In this episode, I take a deep dive into how to make informed and intuitive decisions during pregnancy and birth without second-guessing yourself. I'm sharing my exact blueprint for making autonomous decisions so you can feel empowered and confident throughout your pregnancy and birth journey. This is a game-changer!

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to plan for an unmedicated VBAC and feel confident in your birth choices?

In this bonus episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about preparing for a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) without pain meds. From choosing the right provider to building your support system, this episode is packed with tips to help you feel empowered and ready for your VBAC journey.

In this episode, we will cover:

• The key steps to planning a successful unmedicated VBAC.
• Why finding a VBAC-supportive provider is essential to your birth plan.
• How to advocate for your birth goals and stay in control during labor…
  … and a whole lot more!

If you’re ready to take charge of your VBAC journey and plan for an empowering, unmedicated birth, then this episode is for you!

Links:
FREE Guide to Questions to Ask Your Provider
FREE Printable Affirmation Cards

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

Have you ever wondered how to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with pregnancy after loss?

In this deeply personal episode, I share my story of pregnancy and birth after loss—the story of my rainbow baby, my dream homebirth, and the complex mix of grief and joy that shaped it all. Pregnancy after loss is not the same as a first-time pregnancy; it’s filled with anxiety, fear, and moments of overwhelming guilt.

We’ll cover:

• The unique challenges and emotions of pregnancy after experiencing loss.
• Why fear and anxiety can overshadow even the most joyful moments—and how to process them.
• How I found healing and empowerment through my homebirth journey.

If you’re pregnant after loss, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I want you to know there’s support and understanding waiting for you. Reach out—I’d love to support you!

Resources:

Questions to Ask Your Provider

Pregnancy After Loss Affirmation Cards

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

Pregnant and considering a homebirth? Wondering if homebirth is safe (or if it's right for you?) Check out this podcast where we take you on a deep dive into whether or not homebirth is actually safe!

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

Today I sat down with Sarah, the Pregnancy After Loss Doula, and chatted all about her story and how she got to be the PAL Doula!

You can hear my story of loss on episode 9!

Check out Sarah on IG and listen to her podcast here! 

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

In this episode, I will take you on a deep dive on what it takes to create your birth dream team, especially for women desiring a natural birth experience. Discover the importance of defining your birth philosophy and how to communicate your birth plan effectively!

I dive into the essential roles of midwives, doulas, and obstetricians, helping you choose the right professionals who align with your vision. Learn about the vital support roles of birth partners, family, and friends, and how to prepare them for your special day.

Explore the options for your birth environment, from the cozy comfort of home births to the balanced atmosphere of birth centers and the high-level care of hospitals. Get practical tips on making your birth space comfortable.

Get invaluable advice on advocating for your birth choices and the importance of immediate post-birth support. Whether you're a first-time mom or looking to have a different experience this time around, this episode is packed with insights and tips to help you take charge of your birth journey and have the birth of your dreams!

Tune in to this episode for expert advice that will leave you feeling confident and prepared for the birth of your dreams. ⁠Don't miss out on this comprehensive guide to creating your birth dream team!⁠

Links:

Curious about my doula support? ⁠Find out more here!⁠

⁠Free list of questions to ask any provider⁠

⁠Here are some free affirmation cards!⁠

⁠Check out my online childbirth education course that is on pre-sale for 50% off using the code EARLY !⁠

⁠Here’s my Instagram⁠

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

🚨 TRIGGER WARNING! This episode is deep. I share my third birth story, one that includes heartbreak and loss. Tune in as I walk through my experience of miscarriage, stillbirth, and finding strength in making informed choices during an incredibly difficult time.

I decided to share this episode today because it's almost my angel daughter's birthday! She would be 4 years old in exactly a month from today. 🤯

If you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy loss, I offer support and I am so passionate about walking through pregnancy after loss with others. Reach out to my on IG!

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

In today’s episode of Birthing Bravely, I sit down with Mary Ann as she shares her inspiring journey of bringing her babies into the world. From the highs to the challenges, we dive deep into Mary Ann's experience. Whether you're preparing for your own birth or simply fascinated by the resilience and beauty of birth stories, this episode is filled with insights, encouragement, and the raw reality of childbirth.

Mary Ann did what so many women do and went into her first birth totally blindsided, not knowing what she was stepping into. She knew there had to be a better way to birth, and she educated herself and empowered herself to make better decisions for her following births!

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

In this week’s episode of Birthing Bravely, I sit down with doula Ann Morris and talk all about the variations of normal in labor. These are things that some people can automatically assume are emergencies when in reality, they’re just things that are a little not normal, but not emergencies.

Here’s what we’ll dive into:

✨ Pre-labor rupture of membranes (or when your water breaks but you don’t feel any contractions yet) and wtf to do about it.

✨ Breech presenting babies and how you can get that baby flipped into the optimal position.

✨ Long labors and why we both agree that putting women on clocks in labor is dumb af.

✨ Meconium and why it’s really not as scary as you may think.

✨ So much more!

Follow Ann on IG!

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

I share my second birth story, where I had an amazing undisturbed natural water birth at the Atlanta Birth Center.

THIS is what undisturbed, physiological birth can look like! You can achieve this too! If you want your birth to look like this, DM me on Instagram @wildflower_birthservices and let's work together to make your dream birth a reality!

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

Hey besties! Join me in this super short episode as I break down the stages of labor from the early twinges to the magical moment of holding your baby. I'll cover how to recognize the signs of labor, manage early and active labor, and navigate the intense transition phase. Learn practical tips on pain management, the importance of rest, and the difference between coached pushing and the natural fetal ejection reflex.

If you're an expecting parent or just curious about the labor process, this episode will have you feeling prepared and confident. Don't miss out—tune in for a supportive and informative guide to one of life's most transformative experiences.

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

I'm so excited to welcome you to Birthing Bravely, where I share all about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum along with some amazing, empowering birth stories. Imagine chatting with your best friend over coffee, except we're diving into the world of birth and babies. As a doula and childbirth educator, I needed a space to let my passion for supporting families flow, and this podcast is my outlet! 🌼

In this podcast, you can expect pregnancy tips, detailed and honest discussions about labor and birth, the highs and lows of the postpartum period, real talk about the challenges and triumphs of breastfeeding, navigating the emotional journey of pregnancy after experiencing loss, and embracing the chaos and joy of raising little ones. I’ll also have guest speakers sharing their wisdom and birth stories. Expect lots of laughs, a few F-bombs, and some adorable background noise from our babies and pets. I'm here to keep it real and provide support, laughter, and empowerment for every step of your parenthood journey.

I'm launching this trailer alongside the first few episodes so you can binge and leave me an amazing review. Share this podcast on social media, tag me, and help me spread the word! 🌼✨

Follow me on Instagram & send me a DM to say hi!

Here's my website where you can learn more about me and what I offer!

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

This is a fun episode! I posed the question, "what surprised you most about pregnancy/birth/postpartum" on some facebook groups, and in this episode, my friend Deb and I dive into the comments and talk about them.

We talk about all kinds of stuff no one wants to talk about, so get ready to laugh!

Expecting mamas, listen to this episode to be really prepared for what's to come... and if you want even more prep, check out my online birth course!

Deb’s website: www.douladeb.com
Deb’s IG: @douladeb

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

Hey besties! In this episode, I'm sharing my first birth experience. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one! At barely 22, I was thrown into the deep end of childbirth without a clue about what to expect. 

I talk about how hospital policies and rushed medical staff made me feel more like a checklist than a mom-to-be, robbing me of control and ignoring my intuition. Yall, this birth was traumatic... BUT it did ultimately put me on the path to becoming a doula/childbirth educator because I DO NOT WANT ANY OTHER WOMAN TO EXPERIENCE THIS!

I want you to have your dream natural birth. Let's do this thing!

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

In this episode, my friend Deb and I dive deep into the concept of physiological birth, also known as undisturbed birth. We share personal stories of our own birthing experiences to illustrate the stark differences between medically managed births and physiological births. We also discuss the importance of being empowered, informed, and supported throughout the birthing process, no matter where you choose to give birth.

Here's the link to the download I mentioned, where you will find tons of questions to ask your provider to make sure they align with you!

Deb’s website: www.douladeb.com
Deb’s IG: @douladeb

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.

In today’s episode of Birthing Bravely, I sit down with Amanda as she shares her inspiring journey of bringing her babies into the world. From the highs to the challenges, we dive deep into Amanda's experience. Whether you're preparing for your own birth or simply fascinated by the resilience and beauty of birth stories, this episode is filled with insights, encouragement, and the raw reality of childbirth.

Amanda is a wife, follower of Christ, and stay at home mother of 2 under 3! After her first baby was a happy accident and born in a hospital where she received the full cascade of interventions, Amanda knew her next birth would be different. She took complete radical responsibility for her following pregnancy and had the healing, redemptive birth she dreamed of. 

You can check out my online childbirth education course here (with a discount!)

Thanks for tuning in! 🎧✨ Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss a moment of Birthing Bravely! Have a question or topic you’d like me to cover? Click here to fill out a form! Until next time, be gentle with yourself and remember—you're doing an amazing job! 🌟

Are you ready to prepare your birth?! Check out my FREE Webinar: 5 Ways to Avoid a Painful Birth (& how exactly to prepare for a joyful one...)!

Lindsee McDonald @ Wildflower Birth Services: Website, Instagram, Tiktok, Discounted Childbirth Education Program.

Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for any medical questions. The views expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host. Reliance on any information provided is at your own risk.