When your body has experienced legitimate physical trauma during two back to back births, what do you do for your next experience? What would it look like to play it safe– would that be a planned cesarean? Or… What if you swing the other way and bring it home?

This week we’re speaking to Janie Hobbs, a stay-at-home wife and mom of three littles. She is happily married to her husband Sam, and they recently moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario from Missouri where Sam serves as one of the pastors at a local church. Janie has been a birth enthusiast for years and has experienced so much personal and spiritual growth through the births of each of her children. When she is not chasing her energetic toddlers or nursing a baby, she enjoys baking, photography, coffee, and exploring the beautiful Canadian countryside.

Episode Roundup:

1. The trauma that Janie experienced was legitimate physical trauma. When she asked a medical professional their opinion on her next baby, a planned cesarean was considered a good idea. I can absolutely see how this option would have made sense. And yet, the Lord had something so redemptive in mind for Janie. Instead of going fully medical, a door was opened in the opposite direction. Home?! Really?! I love the thoughtfulness of the midwife who recommended this as a strong option for Janie to consider. And goodness, we know how amazingly it turned out.
2. Janie’s honesty with her struggles with God after her second birth are refreshing to hear. The hardness of life. The questions of why and for what purpose– and then Janie realized… he had been with her all along. Suffering alongside her. What a picture of compassion.
3. And finally– scars redeemed. Janie shared how her scars are no longer seen as something negative to her. Jesus kept his scars as a sign– a mark of what had happened. And now Janie’s scars tell a story of redemption as well.

Links:

Links:

Redeem ™ | https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90

“Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”

Restorative Roots | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)

What if the discomforts we’ve been told are “just part of pregnancy” are actually signals that something needs support?

This week, we're speaking with Whitney Sippl, a pelvic physical therapist who works closely with women in pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.

In this episode, Whitney walks us through what pelvic physical therapy really is, why it matters in all stages of life, even before birth, and how simple techniques can make a meaningful difference in both birth and recovery.

Episode Roundup:

First… this idea that symptoms are not something to ignore.

So many women experience things like leaking, heaviness, or discomfort and are told it’s normal.

And while it may be common… that doesn’t mean it’s something we have to live with.

Our bodies are communicating.

And when we listen early— during pregnancy— we often have the opportunity to support healing before we ever reach postpartum.

Second…

I love the shift from thinking about the pelvic floor as something to “strengthen”… to something to balance.

Because labor itself is not just about being strong — it’s also very much about release.

And finally… this reminder that preparation can be gentle.

It doesn’t have to be complicated or feel overwhelming.

Small, consistent awareness of your body— your breath, your posture, your movement— can create significant change.

Links:

Redeem ™ | https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90

“Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”

Restorative Roots | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)

You’ve done it- you’ve decided to give birth at home, and NOTHING is going to stop you, right?

This week we’re speaking to Heather Whitehead, a mother to 5 living in East Tennessee. We’ll hear how Heather and her husband settled on homebirth for their most recent pregnancy, and how they navigated certain obstacles that arose after their decision. You know, like the realization that they were pregnant with twins, to start.

Episode Roundup:

1. First, I love that Heather chose to continue care with her midwife, even knowing that there could be a larger number of reasons for a transfer of care as her pregnancy went along. When she considered the whole situation thoroughly, she decided that BECAUSE she was pregnant with twins, she actually needed a midwife more: The individualized care, the preventative approach, and the loving support. Even if it meant paying for two providers, she and her husband decided midwifery care was worth the cost.
2. Next, Heather really has experienced the gamut when it comes to pregnancy and birthing experiences. From different types of inductions to gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, she’s seen some things– and I love that she allowed those experiences to inform her decisions in the future. Especially when combined with midwifery care, she was able to take hold of potential “high risk” issues preventatively this time around. The 2 mile post-dinner walk? I would LOVE to hear if you give that a try and what it does to your fasting blood sugar numbers!
3. And finally- this was so ordained, wasn’t it? As Heather said, there were so many potential issues that could have occurred as she gave birth to her preemie twins, but… her husband made it home. Heather took her time with a few last minute tasks that allowed her midwife to be there– quite divinely. Heather was able to avoid further intervention with her birth by having her babies before arriving to the hospital, and her midwife most assuredly impacted Baby B’s life by staying with Heather in the ambulance and providing the care that she and baby needed. What an amazing series of events.

Links:

Redeem ™ | https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90

“Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”

Restorative Roots | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)

Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)