In this powerful episode of The Golden Hour Birth Podcast, we welcome Shayla, a brave mother who shares her transformative journey of facing preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) during her pregnancy. Shayla's story takes us through the unexpected challenges of delivering her daughter at 30 weeks, navigating a 48-day NICU stay, and advocat…

Have you ever felt the profound release that comes from sharing a story that's been weighing on your heart? In this special episode of the Golden Hour Birth Podcast, Liz and Natalie delve into the transformative power of communicating and sharing your birth story. Drawing from their upcoming course, "Reclaim Your Birth Story: Finding Peace and Heal…

In this honest and raw episode, Krista shares her challenging journey through pregnancy and birth, navigating a large fibroid, a rare incarcerated uterus, and an emergency C-section after a prolonged labor. She opens up about the lack of answers and support she received from providers, the toll of severe postpartum complications, and the importance…

Have you ever felt like your birth story was more of a trauma than a triumph? That's where "Reclaiming Your Birth Story," our upcoming course, comes in, and on this episode of Golden Hour Birth Podcast, we offer you a glimpse of Module 3. We tackle how reframing your birth narrative can reveal not just the ordeals but the extraordinary strength and…

As a mother, Samantha has traversed the peaks and valleys of childbirth with a resilience that inspires. Her vivid birth stories take us from the brink of mortality to moments of pure, miraculous joy. Samantha's voice carries the weight of her experiences, from battling a postpartum hemorrhage and a life-threatening blood clot to an ectopic pregnan…

As birth advocates and doulas in training, we've encountered the profound impact self-compassion can have on healing post-birth. In the emotional landscape that follows childbirth, many find themselves grappling with guilt and self-judgment, a narrative all too familiar to ourselves. It's a journey that we're excited to guide you through in the lat…

Have you ever felt like a passenger in your own life's journey, especially during something as monumental as childbirth? Beth, a seasoned nurse turned doula, opens up about her transformation from feeling disempowered in her first birth experience to taking the reins in her second. Her story isn't just about the arrival of a new life but a mother's…

Discover the transformative journey of childbirth as we unveil the first module of our deeply resonant course, 'Processing Your Birth Story.' With Natalie sun-kissed in San Diego, I, Liz, am here to gently guide you through the complex emotional landscape that accompanies the arrival of new life. As new doulas and mothers, we understand the intrica…

Have you ever felt a deep, unexplainable connection guiding you through life's most pivotal moments? Imagine if that very instinct could be the beacon during your journey to motherhood. Today, we sit with Kelli Moore, a mother whose experiences with IVF, birth, and postpartum challenges, illuminate the incredible intuition that comes with motherhoo…

When Ali held her newborn son Leo for the first time, she never imagined the rollercoaster of emotions that would unfold from his rare diagnosis. Our latest podcast episode takes you through Allie's poignant tale, where her maternal instincts kick into overdrive and her mental health is put to the test. Her story of navigating the challenging water…

In this empowering episode, Rachel shares her journey to a redemptive VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) after two previous C-sections. Despite discouragement from providers, Rachel persevered to find a doctor and hospital supportive of her goal. She details the research she did to advocate for herself, including evaluating VBAC success rates and …

When faced with a rare and life-threatening pregnancy condition, the strength and resilience of a mother are put to the ultimate test. Andrea, a mother of four from Michigan, bravely shares the emotional odyssey of her bout with placenta accreta in our latest episode. Her narrative unravels the layers of maternal advocacy, specialized care, and the…

Bearing the weight of postpartum anxiety and rage isn't a chapter in the parenting books many of us read, yet it's a story we know all too well. This episode peels back the curtain on the transformative journey of healing from difficult births, pregnancies and postpartum experiences, a path that many mothers silently tread. We open up about persona…

As a mother, the journey to meet your child is etched in your memory with all its twists and harrowing turns. Kami, a pediatric speech language pathologist, bravely steps into our space, inviting us into the most vulnerable moments of her life as she recounts the birth of her two children. Her story, a tapestry woven with the threads of anxiety, re…

Imagine standing at the precipice of life's greatest joy and its most fearful uncertainty, all within the span of a single, heart-stopping hour. This episode is a profound voyage into the soul-stirring story of Nicolette, a seasoned labor and delivery nurse, who faces the ultimate test of her professional knowledge and personal resilience during th…

Today's episode is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from 2022. Jenny's tale is one of hope and resilience, a story that reminds us of the strength found in shared experiences. As a nurse and clinical educator at a fertility clinic, she's familiar with the technicalities of conception, but it's her own struggle with PCOS and the surpris…

What does it really mean to navigate the winding road of motherhood? What if you had to encounter detours like infertility, unexpected pregnancies, and decisions that test your emotional strength? That's the reality for many mothers, including our guest for today's Golden Hour Birth podcast. Katherine Hunter, a brave soul who shares her journey thr…

Part 1 of 2. Join us as we share an intimate exploration of the intricate journey to motherhood with our esteemed guest, Katherine Hunter. A mother, a lawyer, and an author, Katherine candidly shares her personal battles with infertility and her transition into motherhood. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster, from the anticipation of an uneven…

Have you ever felt the indomitable spirit of motherhood? Together, we venture into an emotionally charged story of childbirth, intense labor complexities, and how a brave new mother, Caitlin, weathered the storm. Her journey unfolds, marked by a challenging delivery and an unexpected NICU stay. Caitlin’s story is a testament to the strength of love…

*Content Warning: This podcast episode delves into sensitive topics such as miscarriage, birth trauma, and death, exploring the emotional complexities of these experiences, including the loss of a child, high-risk pregnancies, and the role of a bereavement doula. Have you ever wondered what it's like walking a tightrope between birth and loss? Join…

What if I told you that the journey of childbirth, as unpredictable as it might be, can be transformed into a learning experience that empowers and enlightens? Join us this week as we journey through the rollercoaster of pregnancy and childbirth with Maria. Through her unique insights and candid storytelling, Maria narrates her transformation from …

Get ready to be captivated. This week, we had the privilege of sitting down with the incredibly resilient Emily, a mother of five and soon -to-be six, who shared her riveting journey through pregnancy and birth. Emily's raw and honest recount of her first birth experience, a sudden placental abruption at 36 weeks leading to an emergency C-section, …

Get ready to join an honest conversation about the intersection of social media and motherhood with your hosts, Liz and Natalie. We're peeling away the layers of toxic positivity and comparison pressures flooding your feeds, and inviting you to trust in your own parenting prowess instead. Whether you're a first-time mom or a seasoned veteran, we ho…

Join us for an emotional journey through the trials and tribulations of pregnancy and motherhood, as we walk alongside our guest, Elaine, a mental health therapist and mother. Experience the joys and challenges of pregnancy through her lens as she openly shares her unique perspective of an easy pregnancy. Dive past the surface and explore the envy …

Ever questioned the quality of care provided to women during childbirth? Part 2 of Leigh's story unfolds the raw realities of childbirth, spotlighting severe tears and their impact on women's lives. Leigh opens up about her experience with an unsupportive healthcare system and wrestling with the aftermath of a third degree tear. We shed light on th…

Do you ever wonder about the trials and triumphs faced by those daring to start a family amidst the profound challenges of a pandemic? Imagine battling the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy, braving the labyrinthine health system, seeking informed consent, and preparing to bring new life into this world - all while grappling with the ramific…

Ever wondered how life changes when you transition from being a parent of one to being a parent of two? Well, buckle up as we, Liz and Natalie, share our personal journey on this rollercoaster transition. Liz discusses the challenges of managing two kids, as her son quickly adjusted to having a little sister. Meanwhile, Natalie shares how her son s…

Have you ever had the exquisite joy of welcoming a newborn into your life tarnished by the terror of a sudden premature birth? Join us as we candidly discuss the rollercoaster ride of pregnancy and motherhood with our guest, Carman. As a nutrition coach and new mom, Carman takes us on her intense journey, recounting her struggles with body dysmorph…

In this episode, cohosts Liz and Natalie are joined by special guest Heather from "2 in the Lou." Heather, a mom based in St. Louis, shares her journey through motherhood and her experience with raising her two children. Heather reflects on her decision to move from Dallas to St. Louis to be with her husband's family and the joy of discovering the …

In this episode of the Golden Hour Birth Podcast, co-hosts Liz and Natalie welcome special guest Alexis, a reporter from the news channel 4 and host of Meet St. Louis podcast, to share her heartfelt journey of motherhood. From getting pregnant to the birth of her first child, she recounts her experiences with pregnancy, anxiety during COVID-19, and…

In this episode of the Golden Hour Birth Podcast, co-hosts Liz and Natalie are joined by special guest Laura Green, a comedian, content creator, avid runner, and mother of two. Laura shares her candid and humorous experiences of motherhood, shedding light on the ups and downs of postpartum life and the challenges of being a new mom. Laura opens up …

Join Natalie and Liz in this heartwarming podcast episode as they are joined by Jessica from O’Fallon, Missouri, who bravely shares her incredible birth story involving her 16-month-old daughter, Ellie. Jessica's pregnancy journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered she was pregnant while living with her in-laws. . At 38 weeks, her doctor n…

Join Natalie Hackett as she is interviewed by Courtney, owner of the Birth Order Shop on an Instagram Live. Natalie and her sister-in-law, Liz, run the podcast based in St. Louis but speak to people nationally. They share birth stories and the journey of motherhood, creating a supportive community for expecting and new moms. In this engaging conver…

This is part 2 of 2 of Shawna's birth story. In part 1 of Shawna's story, she shared her birth experience and the sudden onset of postpartum psychosis. Initially unsure about having children, Shawna decided on a home birth after being inspired by "The Business of Being Born." She hired a midwife and doula and had an empowering birth. However, aroun…

Join Natalie and Liz as they host Elle from the Ellenor Baby Boutique, located in Webster Groves, MO. Elle shares her opening of a specialty baby boutique bringing niche and quality products to moms & babies in Saint Louis and online across the U.S. The Ellenor's carefully curated collection reflects values of motherhood, community, wellness, and l…

Shawna from California joins Liz & Natalie to share the birth story of her son. Shawna was unsure if she would ever have kids but had a change of heart and got pregnant very quickly. She quickly decided on a home birth after watching “The Business of Being Born”. She hired a midwife and doula. She enjoyed her pregnancy and experienced an empowering…

Our third sister-in-law, Maryann, joins Liz & Natalie to tell her two birth stories. After trying for about a year to get pregnant, she was amazed to see a positive test in early 2015. She had an amazing pregnancy with her first and a pretty positive induction, which resulted in pushing for three hours. When they got home, she was met with anxiety …

This week, Ashley joins Liz & Natalie to share the birth story of her daughter. Ashley and her husband are high school sweethearts. Ashley imagined herself with a big family (She even dressed up as Ashley+8 for Halloween one year!) She found out she was pregnant on Valentine’s Day after a year of trying. Ashley requested bedrest at 38 weeks due to …

Courtney from St. Louis joins us to tell her birth story. Courtney and her partner tried for about a year to get pregnant while living in New York City. She had a wonderful and positive pregnancy. When she went in for her 40 week appointment, she showed low amniotic fluid and was sent to the hospital for an induction. The induction went well and he…

This is part 2 of 2 of Sam's perspective of his and our host, Natalie's children's births. In this emotionally raw and deeply personal episode, we delve into the untold stories of fatherhood and the hidden traumas that often accompany it. Sam shares his journey of becoming a father and the unexpected challenges that unfolded in the aftermath of his…

Part 1 of 2. Join hosts Liz and Natalie in this heartfelt episode of the Golden Hour birth podcast as they invite Natalie's husband, Sam, to share his perspective on their children's births. From the excitement and magic of their first child to the unexpected news of their second pregnancy, Sam candidly reflects on the rollercoaster of emotions he …

Heather shares the stories of her three births. Her first and third pregnancies included managing gestational diabetes. Her second postpartum experience was met with postpartum anxiety as she discovered her daughter had a dairy intolerance and Heather became fixated on what she was consuming. Her third baby also ended up having a dairy intolerance …

Maya from the Bay Area joins us on this episode to share the birth of her 2 daughters. Maya knew she always wanted to be a mother. She didn’t expect it to be so difficult to get pregnant but once she got there, the pregnancy went well. At 33 weeks, she experienced contractions and bleeding. She went into the hospital and they gave her medicine to s…

New to The Golden Hour Birth Podcast? Start here to enjoy a few clips from Season 1 and to hear from us about what this podcast is all about. We are two average Midwest moms having authentic conversations surrounding birth stories. We’re here to laugh with you, cry with you, and hold space for you while normalizing all of the unknowns that have cau…

Today’s episode features Kaitlin, a mom of three, a doula, and the founder of BeHerVillage. Two days postpartum, Kaitlin found herself in her son’s nursery struggling to get herself and her son ready for the first pediatrician appointment. It was then that she realized postpartum moms needed SUPPORT over expensive baby gifts. From there she founded…

*Trigger Warning* : This story contains a maternal and fetal near-miss. This is part 3 of 3. In this episode, we continue Nicolette's story of her experience with a splenic artery aneurysm during her second labor. Nicolette shares the challenges she faced during the delivery and the aftermath of the emergency surgery she underwent. Nicolette also o…

In honor of Disability Book Week, today's mini episode features Karley, a previous guest on the podcast and newly published author! Disability Book Week, held on April 23-29 each year, invites individuals all over the world to become more inclusive with what they read by reading a book that features a main character with a disability. Karley's seco…

*Trigger Warning* : This story contains a maternal and fetal near-miss. This is part 2 of 3. Welcome back to the Golden Hour Birth Podcast! In this episode, we continue our conversation with Nicolette as she shares the second part of her powerful birth story. In this candid and deeply personal interview, Nicolette opens up about her experience with…

*Trigger Warning* : This story contains a maternal and fetal near-miss. This is part 1 of 3. Nicolette, a Labor & Delivery Nurse, from Virginia shares her first and second birth stories. Ten years ago, she had her first child. When she was 6 months old, she decided to become a L&D nurse. Ten years later, she and her husband decided to have another …

Mindy Duff from Iowa joins us on this week's episode to share her three births. She is the host of the podcast, Up-level Your Life with Mindy, as well as a speaker, certified holistic health and nutrition coach and a published author. Her mission is to help individuals uncover their best selves through the power of self-care and self-love. Mindy's …