-Your host (Rebecca) shares her birth story! Her son was born on a snowy day in February and she feels so lucky that he chose her as a mother. This birth story features lots of laughs, alternative medicine, and a drug-free birth in a hospital. 

-Rebecca stresses that her birth story is her own. She hopes that by sharing hers she inspires others to have their own aligned, authentic pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience that is free from shame and judgement.

-She also shares her newfound rage about the lackluster maternal care system and standard of care in the United States.

-Rebecca wants the standard of care to improve, but in the meantime she would like to help people learn to advocate for themselves pre/during/post pregnancy. 

-Listen in as she shares her story about standing in her power as a first time mom and her recommendations for how you can show yourself radical self-love during the pregnancy process. The birth mother is not merely the vessel for bringing the child into this world. They deserve so much more. 

Links mentioned in this episode:

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32127.Ina_May_s_Guide_to_Childbirth 

Every Mother Counts:

https://everymothercounts.org 

Postpartum Support International:

https://www.postpartum.net 

Rebecca's Website:

https://www.rebeccaredondo.com 

Rebecca's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/standinginherpower/ 

-Our guest in this episode is Dana Augustine, a Sobriety Mentor and Advocate who started drinking alcohol in the eighth grade and stopped a year ago when it threatened to ruin her marriage 

-She shares her story about blacking out at her sister's birthday party which was the last straw for her husband because she had broken so many promises to him

-Dana explains what it was like to grow up in a place that might as well be called "Budweiser, USA" within a family that has a history of alcohol abuse

-We discuss how difficult it can be when you are ready to change your life, but your loved ones push back, don't understand, and even block your calls

-She urges anyone listening who is considering making a big change to just take it one day at a time. How can you make today your best day? 

Links mentioned in this episode:

Dana's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/danadoesntdrink/ 

Rebecca's Website:

https://www.rebeccaredondo.com 

Rebecca's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/standinginherpower/ 

-Our guest in this episode is Kayla Gosnell, a recent college graduate who is a child abuse survivor and a Psychologist in training. Her mission is to help others heal from their trauma.  

-She shares her story about how at age 18 after years of living in pain, she found the courage to ask for help in dealing with her suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and trauma

-Kayla explains what the different types of PTSD look like and how it feels to stand in her shoes now that she has received therapy and has a support network

-We discuss how she feels both younger and older than most of her peers because of her life experiences, but like all of us she just wants to be accepted

-She urges anyone listening who is suffering with mental health issues to focus on the love and joy that your inner child deserves. As adults, we may not feel like we deserve help, but consider the child within all of us who deserves the world. Do it for them. 

Links mentioned in this episode:

Kayla's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/onwardwithkayla/ 

The Trevor Project:

https://www.thetrevorproject.org 

Rebecca's Website:

https://www.rebeccaredondo.com 

Rebecca's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/standinginherpower/