Midwifery for the People

<p>In this episode, I coach Trisha, a birth worker navigating how to best use a recent financial windfall. We dive into balancing big decisions—like investing in a marketing program—against other priorities like organic strategies, childcare, self-care, and creating business momentum.</p> <p>We explore actionable tips tailored for doulas and birth workers, including leveraging local Facebook groups, improving online presence with a Google business listing, and refreshing a website to attract the right clients. I also share insights into balancing family demands with business growth and making thoughtful financial choices that align with long-term goals.</p> <p>Whether you&#8217;re in birth work or another small business, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you grow sustainably while staying true to your values. If you&#8217;re considering a big investment or just need ideas for smarter marketing, tune in for inspiration and support!</p>

<p>In this inspiring episode of Midwifery for the People, I sit down with Daniel White, Co-Founder of QNTMLY &#038; The CRD Challenge, and Founder &#038; NPO Chair of Sleep Better Live Better. </p> <p>Nikko Kennedy, long time friend of Indie Birth introduced me to Daniel recently when she suggested I might want to be an ambassador for the CRD challenge (ti is so good, go sign up for free! Link down below). Nikko&#8217;s education and support around my own circadian health was pivotal in healing my anxiety and panic &#8220;disorder&#8221; (not really a disorder, a totally normal and understandable response to the stress/trauma/life changes I was undergoing and unraveling through a major spiritual lesson) earlier this year. To say I&#8217;m a circadian health convert is an understatement. I have blackout curtains scotch taped over my bedroom windows and my kids switch to red lights with me at sunset now, lol. </p> <p>But I digress! In this episode Daniel shares his personal journey from mental health issues, excessive screen time, and poor dietary habits during his teenage years to committing to holistic health and wellness. He discusses the founding of the Sleep Better Live Better Foundation and groundbreaking research on the adverse impacts of technology on today&#8217;s youth, including the benefits of blue light blocking glasses. This is an episode for EVERYONE, but of course is exceptional for anyone trying to optimize the health of themselves and their families. Daniel introduces the CRD Challenge, an initiative aimed at improving circadian rhythms, and emphasizes the importance of natural light exposure and community education. We explore what the creation of optimal environments for families might look like. This episode illustrates the profound impact of small lifestyle changes and Daniel&#8217;s mission to educate and inspire communities to embrace a healthier, more balanced life.</p> <p>Go check out the CRD challenge at http://thecrdchallenge.com/</p>

<p>In this reissued episode, I sit down with Isa Gucciardi to talk about her powerful book, *The New Return to the Great Mother*. We explore the deep connection between spirituality and birth, and how reclaiming that connection can profoundly change women. Isa shares her insights into shamanic practices, birth rituals, and how tapping into the wisdom of the Great Mother can transform the entire birthing experience. We discuss the evolution of birth culture since the 1970s and the growing recognition of women’s spiritual and physical journeys. Packed with inspiring stories and practical wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the sacred intersection of birth and spirituality.</p> <p>Isa is ALSO a contributor for our program the Sacred Birth Certificate which is enrolling through October 15th. <a href="https://sacredbirthcertificate.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Check that out here.</a></p> <p>00:00 Introduction and Reissue Announcement<br /> 03:29 Introducing Isa Gucciardi and Her Work<br /> 04:23 Isa&#8217;s Journey and the Evolution of Birth Practices<br /> 07:42 Empowering Women Through Spiritual Connection<br /> 12:04 The Role of the Great Mother in Birth<br /> 19:24 Integrating Spirituality in Midwifery<br /> 31:44 Addressing Trauma and Repatterning Initiations<br /> 37:43 Stories of the Great Mother<br /> 46:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts</p>

<p>In this episode of &#8216;Midwifery for the People,&#8217; I allude to our new Sacred Birth Certificate Program which we are launching September 15th :)! </p> <p>For this first one, I&#8217;m joined by Stacey Ramsower, a contributor to our brand new, soon to be launched program, who shares her personal journey with pregnancy loss and how she has woven those lessons into her extensive training as a doula and somatic experiencing practitioner. </p> <p>We discuss her profound experiences with pregnancy loss, how it transformed her relationship with her body and work, and talk about conencting ot the sacred. We also touch on the broader goals of our new project, which aims to deepen and expand the conversation around sacred birth. I hope you love this one as much I do! </p>

<p>In this episode of &#8216;Midwifery for the People,&#8217; I had the pleasure of interviewing Nicole Morales, a home birth midwife based in San Diego, California. Nicole shares insights from her diverse background, which includes teaching, co-authoring books on midwifery, and training others in breech birth techniques. She discusses the various roles and internal conflicts midwives face while emphasizing the importance of storytelling, nervous system work, and the evolving nature of midwifery education. The episode delves into the complexities of practicing midwifery today and offers perspectives on how to navigate the ideological and practical challenges that midwives encounter. Below I&#8217;ll include the caption quote of hers that we discuss in the episode, and that inspired me to ask her to come on the show.</p> <p>&#8220;This question, who are you, gets asked by the universe not just amidst birthing babies or when we are faced by challenges in parenting, it is also asked of us birth workers after challenging births and overwhelming experiences. It gets asked of us during the emotions of both grief and triumph. </p> <p>I have been many midwives. I have been the trust birth midwife. I&#8217;ve been at births where some might call me the medwife. I have emulated other midwives. I have been the burnt out midwife and the exhilarated midwife. I have felt I was even several of those midwives all at once. I have also come out of births and arrived in what I call midwife purgatory, awaiting my sentencing of how someone feels about me and about their birth.</p> <p>I have awaited my sentencing of my inner critic after a birth, vowing to never make a certain decision or put myself in a certain position again, and I have broken that rule and cared for a family similarly again, but from a completely different perspective. In all the seasons of midwifery, I continue to deeply trust birth.&#8221; &#8211; Nicole Morales </p> <p>You can find Nicole at restorybirthwork.com and on IG at @nicolemoralesmidwife</p> <p>00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction<br /> 01:22 Nicole Morales&#8217; Background and Work<br /> 02:23 Anthology and Storytelling in Midwifery<br /> 04:10 Perspectives on Midwifery and Birth Work<br /> 05:44 Reading and Discussing Nicole&#8217;s Quote<br /> 06:55 Navigating Midwifery Challenges and Ideologies<br /> 16:44 Midwifery Education and Nervous System Work<br /> 24:58 Breech Birth and Birth Work Experiences<br /> 28:35 Midwife Purgatory and Dealing with Outcomes<br /> 34:44 Shifting Conversations Around Birth and Death<br /> 43:41 Compassion and Generational Healing in Midwifery<br /> 48:21 Conclusion and Where to Find More Information</p>