You're listening to Episode 103 of the Happy Homebirth podcast! Today's episode features Elena, who was interviewed previously in episode 46: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-homebirth/id1446934537?i=1000453404935 After having a hospital birth with her first daughter, Elena knew with her second pregnancy that she would be giving birth at home. It took her several years to feel ready to have another child, but in the meantime she continued to prepare and educate herself even further re...
Dec 14, 2020•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 103
You're listening to the Happy Homebirth Podcast- Episode 102! In today's episode we're speaking with Robyn Riley all about her journey to having her first baby at home. She decided that homebirth was the appropriate path for her well before she was pregnant-- in fact, 10+ years before! Robyn and her husband met in their early 30's, and they were both eager to settle down and start a family. They decided to court for one year, and then if they were the right fit, they would get married and start ...
Dec 07, 2020•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 102
You're listening to episode 101 of the Happy Homebirth Podcast. In this week's podcast episode we'll be hearing from Jessica Johnston, CPM and co-founder of the Pacific Birth Institute. Jessica and her co-founders are bent on bringing birth back into the community, which requires more hands and feet on the ground-- more birth attendants, more midwives. But how, when becoming a birth worker is fraught with barriers? Not everyone can give up their life to be constantly on call, sacrifice everythin...
Nov 30, 2020•1 hr•Ep. 101
You're listening to episode 100 of the Happy Homebirth Podcast! In celebration of this milestone, Happy Homebirth Academy will be available for this week only (until the new year). Join here: www.myhappyhomebirth.com/HHA Show Notes: Christine and Andrew started their pregnancy journey traditionally with OB care. However, as the pregnancy progressed, they began feeling more and more frustrated about the fact that appointments were fast and shallow. There was not in-depth preparation for childbirt...
Nov 16, 2020•55 min•Ep. 100
Your care provider. When you think of the person who will be attending your birth, what adjectives come to mind? Do you feel at peace, comforted and cared for, or do you feel bullied, manipulated and belittled? Hannah has experienced both ends of the spectrum, and I’m so happy to have her on today’s episode to share with you just how difficult, and then how beautiful birth can be. Happy Homebirth Academy has an affiliate program for care providers. To enter yourself in a monthly drawing for a Ha...
Nov 09, 2020•45 min•Ep. 99
You're listening to episode 98 of the Happy Homebirth Podcast! Has Happy Homebirth influenced you in a positive way? As we come up on episode 100, would you take a few minutes to go to speakpipe.com/happyhomebirth and leave a message telling us how it's impacted your life and pregnancy? We'd love to share your message on episode 100! What does preparing for a homebirth look like to you? Do you prefer a done-for-you checklist, or do you enjoy putting the puzzle together yourself? Although I am, o...
Nov 02, 2020•50 min•Ep. 98
You're listening to Episode 97 of the Happy Homebirth Podcast! When you have a perfectly lovely hospital birth, why on earth would you change things up with your next? I’m excited to share Imogen’s story with you today, as she and her husband did just that. Of course, we know that many mothers seek out a “better way” after having a traumatic and emotional birthing experience in the hospital. But of course, that’s not always how it happens! And I can’t wait for you to hear about the generational ...
Oct 26, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 97
You're listening to the Happy Homebirth Podcast, episode 96! What would it be like to go through pregnancy and birth with someone you loved dearly? Whether it's a friend or family member, experiencing pregnancy with someone close can be amazing. But... when it's your twin?! From in the womb to full-wombs together... what an incredible story today's episode entails! Join me as Sharina and Latrina share their most recent (perhaps final) pregnancies with us-- and how they shared the experience toge...
Oct 19, 2020•50 min•Ep. 96
You're listening to episode 95 of the Happy Homebirth Podcast! Show Notes: Although Angelique looked forward to her first birth (she planned a homebirth from the beginning) her labor experience did not go as planned. Both her midwife and her backup midwife were attending other births at the time she went into labor. Her labor was intense and felt fast-- she never felt like she could catch up with the contractions. A third midwife arrived before her son was born, but not long before. Angelique's ...
Oct 12, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 95
You're listening to episode #94 of the Happy Homebirth Podcast! Join me as we do a mash-up episode. I interviewed Julie Solomon of The Influencer Podcast on her own show. We discussed the details of why and how she gave birth at home. This was such a joyous show. Make sure you check out her podcast, especially if you're of the female entrepreneurial spirit!
Oct 06, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 94
You're listening to the Happy Homebirth Podcast, episode 93! I’m excited to switch things up today. This podcast episode is going to be all about fertility awareness, and why understanding our menstrual cycle can be hugely empowering. We’ll be discussing this with my good friend Sophia Zafares, who is a Fertility Awareness Method Educator. So… basically the perfect person to get the low down on what this all means. And exciting news! Check out the happy-Homebirth podcast on nstagram this week, a...
Sep 28, 2020•44 min•Ep. 93
Congratulations to the newest members of Happy Homebirth Academy! Check out myhappyhomebirth.com to access the interview application. It's open this week! Show Notes: In her first pregnancy, Katie felt excited about her birth, but did not think there was anything for her to learn. She knew that God had made her to give birth and she would. She thought that any education she found, like What to Expect When You’re Expecting would be negative and unhelpful. Looking back, Katie says this was well-me...
Sep 21, 2020•58 min•Ep. 92
Happy Homebirth Academy is open for enrollment through Sat, Sept 19th! Head over to: https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/hha to sign up! Joelle and her husband did not choose to have a homebirth until only a few weeks before giving birth. She and her husband watched The Business of Being Born early on in the pregnancy, but decided their hospital would be just fine, as it was considered Baby Friendly. However, as Covid-19 hit and Joelle was forced home to work (virtual school), she spent more time l...
Sep 14, 2020•52 min•Ep. 91
Happy 100,000+ Downloads, Happy Homebirthers! We're celebrating today with a replay of the episode that played when we hit 10,000 downloads (only a little over a year ago... we're growing fast!). This episode is also the story of my own birth... the inspiration for all of the childbirth education I've begun creating since. The 3 Pillars of a Happy Homebirth live event is this week, September 8th-10th at 8pm EST. Make sure you join! www.myhappyhomebirth.com/3pillars
Sep 07, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 90
*IMPORTANT*: Don't forget to sign up for the FREE 3 Day Event: 3 Pillars of a Happy Homebirth! www.myhappyhomebirth.com/3pillars Happening Sept 8-10th (replay will be available) Show Notes: Jocelyne noticed that pregnancy was listed as a “condition”, which felt incredibly wrong for her. She did a google search and found a birth center located only 5 minutes away from her home. Jocelyne and Eddie were so excited for their lovely birth center experience. Unfortunately, as the date approached, Joce...
Aug 31, 2020•58 min•Ep. 89
Join the Happy Homebirth Live event! Sept 8th-10th: 3 Pillars of a Happy Homebirth
Aug 24, 2020•53 min•Ep. 88
What happens when your baby flips to breech when you’re 6 cm dilated and planning for a homebirth? Hey there happy homebirthers, and welcome to episode 87 of the Happy Homebirth Podcast. I’m your host, Katelyn Fusco, and I’m excited to dive into this week’s episode. Would you take a quick screenshot of you listening to this episode and upload it to your instagram stories? Tag happyhomebirthpodcast and I’ll be sure to share in my stories as well. I’m so excited to share Cesia’s two homebirth stor...
Aug 17, 2020•35 min•Ep. 87
You're listening to episode 86 of the Happy Homebirth Podcast. Pain-free childbirth is a myth.... right? Show Notes: Laura is a mother of 3, and she and her husband were newly married when they became unexpectedly pregnant. They had recently moved, and found themselves moving back into Laura's parents' house as they got their finances in order. Because she had never spent time around babies, Laura took a nannying job for a newborn during her pregnancy. When he napped, she would read books. A fam...
Aug 10, 2020•44 min•Ep. 86
A midwife's homebirth... it should be easy, right? I mean, come on... you're a pro at this! Madeline, like so many other midwives, shares just how incorrect that assumption can be with the birth story of her second baby. Show Notes: After experiencing a LONG, arduous labor with her first child, Madeline decided to prepare differently for the birth of her second child. She saw a new chiropractor She focused on visualizations She took Happy Homebirth Academy She learned to release her pelvic floor...
Aug 03, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 85
You are listening to episode 84 of the Happy Homebirth Podcast. Today, our guest is Dr. Brad Bootstaylor, author of the book Shared Decision Making. Dr. B Bootstaylor helps expecting parents to get an enlightening birth experience without being fearful of having their voices heard by using Shared Decision Making. Drawing on over 30 years of academic and clinical experience, Dr. Brad Bootstaylor provides you with a resource guide to having an “empowered” pregnancy and birth experience. Through a ...
Jul 27, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 84
Can you really do it all? Okay, let’s talk about today’s guest. Our interview is with Megan, a mother of 4 and a jack of all trades. You’re going to love hearing all of the activities this woman did throughout her pregnancies, and how she continued to make stronger and stronger empowered decisions each time. Unfortunately we weren’t able to cover all of her birth stories, so she’s going to definitely have to come back to share. You’re going to love her bubbly personality! Show Notes During her u...
Jul 20, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 83
You're listening to Episode 82 of the Happy Homebirth Podcast. Midwives, are you set up to be in practice for a long, long time, or are you feeling the sensations of burnout taking hold? Today’s episode is going to be of great benefit to midwives and mothers alike. So mamas, if you love your midwife, make sure you share this podcast episode with her. Why? Today’s guest, Leslie Cornwell, is a midwifery business consultant, and she has a passion of helping midwives grow and run thriving, brilliant...
Jul 13, 2020•28 min•Ep. 82
Homebirth… despite the podcast name, Happy isn’t the only adjective that can be used to describe it. No, my friends. Birth experiences vary so widely, and things do not always go perfectly easily. Today’s story is one of those tough births, but wow. Our guest, Sophia sheds so much insight and through her struggle brings so much encouragement to us all. There’s such a balance. Of course we want to be positive about childbirth and understand that it can be beautiful and peaceful. But we also need ...
Jul 06, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 81
Babies wait for no one or no thing. No matter what’s going on in the world, they will still be born, and we as mothers have to figure out how to cope. I know that so many of your births were and are being affected by Covid-19. My heart goes out to you, as this has changed the landscape of birth on many levels. Of course mothers who planned to give birth in the hospital have been affected, but this is also true of mothers in the homebirth setting. Today we will hear from Yosefa, who gave birth at...
Jun 29, 2020•51 min•Ep. 82
Is weight alone a pregnancy risk factor requiring intervention? Brylee is a mom to 3 precious babes, and she’s experienced both negative and positive birthing experiences. Today we’ll jump into the reasons behind both. Show Notes Brylee had been told for many years that pregnancy would be very difficult, as she was diagnosed with PCOS as a teenager. She and her husband became pregnant as soon as she stopped taking birth control. Her OB was so convinced that she wouldn’t be able to become pregnan...
Jun 22, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 81
Show Sponsor: Happy Homebirth Academy Postpartum recovery is important for some people, but not everyone, right? Not for athletes, right? Show Notes Chelsea, a triathlete, thought that postpartum recovery would be simple for her body after her first. She assumed that she could push through the pain, having no idea that postpartum rest is critical. Unfortunately, Chelsea’s body struggled for 12 weeks with on and off bleeding. She resumed normal activities, including crunches and jumping jacks. Du...
Jun 15, 2020•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 80
Did your birth live up to your expectations? Now, you all know by now that I’m all for the happiest, most rewarding childbirth experiences ever. I mean, come on. Pretty clear by the Show Title. But in today’s episode with Anna, we’ll discuss the reality that sometimes birth isn’t a fairy tale. Even if it goes relatively well each time, it might not be your “dream birth” I’m really looking forward to unpacking this through Anna’s stories, and I’ll share more of my thoughts, as always, in the epis...
Jun 08, 2020•50 min•Ep. 79
When did you begin experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions? And… What did they feel like? Sponsor This episode is sponsored by Happy Homebirth Academy! The premier childbirth education program for homebirth mothers seeking a peaceful, empowering, mindful homebirth. www.myhappyhomebirth.com/hha is where you can find all of the details. Today’s guest, Meagan Brown had quite an intense go with BH contractions So much so, that I hate to even call them that. But we’ll learn exactly what she did to co...
Jun 01, 2020•59 min•Ep. 78
The Podcast Application is Live (through June 7th)! Click Here to Apply! This episode is sponsored by Happy Homebirth Academy , the premier childbirth education program for homebirth mothers looking to have a peaceful, empowering birthing experience. Take a screenshot of you listening to this episode and share it on your instagram stories! Ta @happyhomebirthpodcast and use the hashtags #givebirthonyourturf or #homebirther Show Notes: Shante is the mother to 4 children ranging from 11 years to ju...
May 25, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 77
This Episode was Brought to you by: Happy Homebirth Academy The Premier Childbirth Education Program for Homebirth Mothers Do you really need to prepare for birth? Show Notes: Amanda's plan with her first child was a beautiful birth center birth The first 20 weeks of her pregnancy were full of sickness— She even partially dislocated her shoulder after throwing up once. After laboring for quite a while, her midwife came over to check her and see if she could go to the birth center. She was checke...
May 18, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 76
