Join Augustine on the Midwifery Wisdom Podcast as she welcomes Ashley from Michigan, who shares her transformative journey from birth trauma to healing and empowerment. Ashley, a former ICU nurse, candidly discusses the importance of recognizing and honoring birth trauma, advocating for co-care and collaborative care, and the revolutionary experience of having a maternal assisted C-section. Together, they delve into the significance of patient rights, the balance between medical intervention and natural processes, and the profound impact compassionate, dignified care can have on the birthing experience. This episode is a powerful testament to the possibility of change and hope within the birthing community.Links: For more information about the Turnkey Birth Centre for Sale in Abilene, Texas, write to [email protected] Ashley's Instagram @birthonherterms00:00 Introduction and Special Announcement01:26 Meet Ashley: A Journey of Change03:32 Balancing Art and Science in Birth04:08 Challenges in Community-Based Midwifery08:48 Ashley’s Personal Birth Experiences21:40 The Maternal Assisted C-Section37:41 Standing Firm on Informed Decisions38:21 The Importance of Family Inclusion39:52 Advocating for Support During Birth41:16 The Impact of Birth Experiences on Mental Health42:28 The Need for Patient Rights and Advocacy44:14 The Role of Communication in Healing48:36 Transforming Pain into Power49:11 Balancing Passion and Parenthood54:12 The Value of Midwives and Postpartum Support01:04:20 The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care01:12:58 Advocating for Change in Healthcare01:16:54 Sharing the Journey and Future Plans