In today's episode of The Homebirth Midwife Podcast, Sarah and Charli answer listener questions about pushing during labor and practicing birth work while pregnant. The conversation begins with a deep exploration of various techniques for pushing during labor, focusing on whether to hold one's breath ("purple pushing") or to breathe through contractions. They go on to unpack their personal experiences as midwives and mothers, sharing firsthand insights from the intersection of their profession a...
Apr 02, 2025•35 min
This podcast episode contains potentially triggering content related to sexual trauma, including discussions of abuse, assault, and recovery. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of The Homebirth Midwife Podcast, Sarah and Charli answer listener questions about home birth after cesarean (HBAC) and trauma-informed care in birth. They unpack the risks, safety considerations, and holistic midwifery support for those planning a VBAC in a home setting, as well as compassionate strategies f...
Mar 18, 2025•38 min
Welcome to Part 2 of our 'Postpartum Realness' series! In this episode, we dive into the raw and transformative postpartum experience, sharing real stories from our listeners about what surprised them most after birth. From sleep deprivation and breastfeeding struggles to postpartum mental health and the emotional duality of new parenthood, we explore the highs and lows with honesty and compassion. As midwives, we also discuss how the holistic midwifery model supports parents through these chall...
Mar 04, 2025•39 min
In today's episode, midwives Sarah and Charli dive into the raw, real, and often surprising realities of the postpartum experience. From physical challenges like constipation and breastfeeding difficulties to emotional hurdles like isolation, sleep deprivation, and relationship stress, this candid conversation normalizes the highs and lows of life after birth. With insights from our Instagram community and practical advice rooted in holistic midwifery care, Sarah and Charli offer warmth, wisdom,...
Feb 18, 2025•41 min
In today’s episode, midwife Sarah interviews Tabitha and KD, a couple who had their baby with Hearth & Home Midwifery. Tabitha became pregnant with their baby after an arduous fertility journey and was in her 40’s when she gave birth at home with our practice. The episode highlights the emotional and physical aspects of home birth, challenges faced during labor, and the deep impact of the experience on their family. We hope you enjoy this joyful and triumphant birth story, emphasizing the ro...
Feb 04, 2025•46 min
On Today's episode, Sarah and Charli answer a listener's question about shoulder dystocia and her baby's NICU admission during a previous birth. Now pregnant again, she wonders if she should expect another shoulder dystocia and what steps she can take to prepare. This episode explores factors contributing to shoulder dystocia, the likelihood of recurrence, and how personalized care, maternal positioning, and midwifery support can empower families and lead to a positive birth experience. If you l...
Jan 21, 2025•32 min
In today's episode, Sarah & Charli answer an audio question from a listener and student midwife who wonders how to create balance and sustainability as a student midwife and practicing midwife. --- The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user’s own risk. The content of ...
Jan 07, 2025•46 min
In today’s episode Sarah & Charli talk all about episiotomies, or artificially cutting the perineal tissue during a birth. They answer a listener question about why it’s done, the prevalence, how it can be avoided, and what recovery looks like. --- The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this ...
Dec 17, 2024•31 min
Sarah & Charli talk about management of the placenta, called the third stage, and cutting the cord in a home birth. They get a little more into the nuance of what’s happening naturally with the placenta after the birth of the baby and how clients and midwives can work together to help birth the placenta and, when the time is right, cut the umbilical cord. --- The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, ...
Dec 03, 2024•29 min
There are a lot of misconceptions about meconium, or baby’s first poop, when it comes to safety in birth. Does meconium always mean there has to be a Cesarean? What is the problem with meconium, anyway? Why do babies pass meconium in the womb? The midwives answer all these questions and more in today’s episode. --- The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The u...
Nov 19, 2024•17 min
Charli sits down with beloved Hearth and Home clients, Mariana and Kevin. Hear from them about how they decided that homebirth midwifery care was right for them with their second pregnancy, the impact that the midwifery care model had on their birth experience, and the exciting story of their homebirth under our care! --- The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services...
Nov 05, 2024•47 min
On today's episode, Sarah and Charli talk about the role of oxytocin in a physiologic birth, how to increase oxytocin, and how homebirth encourages oxytocin to be as high as possible. --- The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast i...
Oct 22, 2024•14 min
In today’s episode, Sarah and Charli talk about something that seems to be darn near impossible: getting the heck out of the hospital after you’ve had a baby, especially after a transfer from midwifery care. We go over why it’s difficult, what we think informs that, and how to figure out what’s right for you and advocate for it in terms of going home. --- The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other...
Oct 08, 2024•48 min
We’re back with another episode of answering your questions! Today we get listener questions regarding pain management in birth, well-baby care in the midwifery model, and how we approach working with other medical professionals when we may not see eye to eye. --- The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linke...
Sep 24, 2024•27 min
In Briana's case, the third time's a charm! Hear from Briana about her pregnancy experiences in midwifery care and how she worked with Hearth and Home on blood pressure management with her third pregnancy. She talks about her prenatal care and how she finally had her triumphant homebirth! --- The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on th...
Sep 10, 2024•45 min
Today midwife Sarah interviews Lily Nichols, RDN, CDE about her new book, “Real Food for Fertility”. Lily and Sarah talk all about the importance of protein for fertility, maximizing pre-conception nutritional intake, and how to avoid some of the common misconceptions and mistakes of the preconception period. --- Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based nutrition. Her work is known for being researc...
Aug 27, 2024•47 min
Midwife Charli sits down with former HAH clients Melodie & Wes. Listen to their story to learn about how Wes went from feeling unsure about homebirth to realizing that midwifery care was actually the most thorough and partner inclusive care model. Melodie shares about her pregnancy journey in our office and also all about her epic homebirth with her first baby! --- The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medi...
Aug 13, 2024•53 min
If you’re a long-time listener, you’ve heard it. Your midwives will come and stay with you continuously in active labor. But… why? What’s that about and how is it protective of physiologic birth? Find out in today’s episode! --- The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user’...
Jul 30, 2024•19 min
In today’s episode, midwife Sarah talks with Amanda Banks and Eleanor Currie, two home birth moms who made the new documentary “Born at Home” about home birth in Queensland, Australia. They talk all about the documentary, the process of making it, and what they learned about home birth along the way. Here’s more information on the film and how to watch it: Synopsis. The Born at Home documentary explores and uncovers the empowering journey of homebirth, shedding light on the often overlooked and ...
Jul 16, 2024•54 min
Midwife Charli sits down with former clients, Julia and Grant, as they tell the story of their experience with midwifery care and homebirth! Hear them talk about their first two births in hospital based care, the meaningful parts of transitioning to midwifery care for their third baby, and how their homebirth experience, while surprising, was ultimately empowering and just as it was supposed to be. --- https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com...
Jul 02, 2024•56 min
This episode is all about pregnancies that go past the due date, what the complications of that can be, how we manage it in the midwifery model, and what the options are for assessing baby’s wellbeing during this period. TW: We talk about late-term pregnancy loss in this episode, so please take care of your hearts when deciding whether this episode is for you. --- https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com
Jun 18, 2024•47 min
Listen to Charli talk with a former HAH client, Kelsey, about her experience with midwifery care. Kelsey had two babies at home with HAH. She talks about her births and also about what it's like to experience the midwifery care model, to be in charge of the healthcare experience, and to have relationships with one's maternity care providers. --- https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com
Jun 04, 2024•38 min
In this episode a former Hearth and Home client, Megan, tells her story and talks about why, as a healthcare professional herself, she knew that homebirth was the best option for her family! Hear about her redemptive homebirth and how much midwifery care meant to her along the way. --- https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com
May 21, 2024•42 min
On today’s episode, Sarah interviews Dr. Michelle Gerbi , a lactation consultant and chiropractor in Hood River, Oregon, who specializes in perinatal and infant care. Dr. Gerbi talks all about tongue tie signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how to think about tongue tie if you’re wondering if that’s part of your baby’s feeding issues. --- https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com...
May 07, 2024•45 min
Sarah & Charli answer listener questions in this first-ever episode of Q&A format. If you have a question for the midwives, please call 971-361-8144 and leave your question as a voice mail to hear it on an episode soon! --- https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com
Apr 23, 2024•29 min
How can you tell the difference between a plugged tear duct and an eye infection in your newborn baby? Sarah & Charli talk all about the common condition of a plugged tear duct and how to tell if it’s something more serious. --- https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com
Apr 10, 2024•10 min
Charli meets with a former Hearth and Home client, Jen, to talk about the differences Jen experienced going from hospital based care to homebirth midwifery care. Jen shares about her homebirth VBAC under the care of Hearth and Home and she talks about the magic of homebirth midwifery care in its entirety starting from the very first appointment all the way through the final postpartum visit. --- https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com...
Mar 26, 2024•57 min
A lot of you have asked, and we’re here to answer! What’s the truth about a primip vs. multip labor? What does that mean? Why is it like that? Hear Sarah & Charli’s answers to this question, asked by listeners, in today’s episode. --- https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com
Mar 12, 2024•21 min
Midwife Charli meets with Bri and Alicia from HelloBaby to chat about the benefits of having a doula at a homebirth! Hearth and Home Midwifery recommends that all of their clients giving birth for the first time, or planning a first vaginal birth, hire a doula as a member of their team. Listen to this episode to find out why! Schedule a consultation with Bri and Alicia here: https://hellobabypdx.com --- https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com...
Feb 27, 2024•56 min
On today’s podcast, Hearth & Home midwives Sarah and Emily talk all about heartburn in pregnancy: what it is, what causes it, and what they commonly recommend to the clients in their care. --- https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com
Feb 13, 2024•17 min