The Golden Hour Birth Podcast

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 ramifications of a childhood marred by abuse. Our guest, a courageous mental health therapist confronts these realities head-on, sharing her personal journey marked by fear, resilience, and ultimately, empowerment.

Her story unfolds with a candid exploration of her complex lineage, marked by narcissistic and abusive parents. Despite her painful past, she embraced the opportunity to redefine the narrative for her own child, bravely confronting her fears and evolving into a strong, loving parent. As she navigated her pregnancy, she confronted not just intense physical discomfort, but also the added pressures of a global pandemic and an unsupportive health system. Yet, even against these odds, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, successfully completing her licensure exam amidst these daunting challenges.

Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we scrutinize the raw realities of childbirth, particularly the significant role of informed consent and its often overlooked importance. Her experience of feeling unsupported during labor sheds light on the disconnect between healthcare professionals and expectant mothers. We also delve into the complexities of pelvic floor therapy, offering valuable insights on various delivery options. This is part 1 of 2. Join us in this enlightening episode - whether you're embarking on the journey to parenthood or seeking to understand the intricate realities involved in bringing life into this world.

See below for a few resources provided by Leigh:

Resources While Pregnant:

• Book to read while pregnant: Ever Since I Had My Baby – Roger Goldberg
• Book to read for survivors of trauma/abuse: When Survivors Give Birth – Phyllis Klaus & Penny Simkin
• A comprehensive handout on the risks of each mode of delivery: https://pqcnc-documents.s3.amazonaws.com/sivbdoc/sivbeb/8ChildbirthConnectionVaginalBirthandCesareanBirthRiskComparison.pdf
• Body Ready Method – prenatal prep for birth – https://bodyreadymethod.com/

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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 showers his baby sister with affection, making the transition smoother than anticipated. We dive into the everyday scenarios, like figuring out the order of getting out of the car and tackling the nighttime wake-ups.

But it’s not just about the logistics – we also touch on the broader parenting challenges, including the influence of gender norms on our kids. Always remember to stay golden and take good care of yourselves. Tune in to this episode for some honest, relatable tales about the journey that is parenthood!

We invite you to join our Facebook group, where we come together to break down the stigmas surrounding birth and share our unique birth stories. In this supportive community, we uplift and empower one another, offering a safe space to discuss the challenges and triumphs of motherhood. 

Join our Facebook group community here!

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Join us on our new Instagram account @goldenhourbirthpodcast
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
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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 dysmorphia during pregnancy, the sudden emergency birth at 30 weeks, and the subsequent challenges in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Carman's tale doesn't just end with the birth of her son. This episode sees us diving into the anxious waters of parenting a preemie, with all its accompanying worries about health and development milestones. Is your baby not gaining weight? Have you worried endlessly about your baby's digestive issues? Carman has been there and done that. She opens up about her fears, her decisions to switch formulas, seek chiropractic care for her son, and the constant strain of balancing personal wellness, work, and family life.

Lastly, we explore the often unspoken emotional toll of parenting. From dealing with self-doubt to the constant fear about her son's milestones and health, Carman's journey is a testament to the resilience and strength that motherhood demands. Yet, in the midst of all these challenges, Carman finds solace and strength in the stories of others who have walked the same path. Her powerful narrative, packed with relatable struggles, hard decisions, and tender moments, offers a deeply honest look into the realities of parenthood.

Connect with Carman @carm_knuff

We invite you to join our Facebook group, where we come together to break down the stigmas surrounding birth and share our unique birth stories. In this supportive community, we uplift and empower one another, offering a safe space to discuss the challenges and triumphs of motherhood. 

Join our Facebook group community here!

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Join us on our new Instagram account @goldenhourbirthpodcast
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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 vibrant family-friendly resources the city has to offer. Heather talks about her pregnancies, as well as her experiences with childbirth, nursing, and the challenges of postpartum emotions. She highlights the importance of finding a strong support system, both online and in-person, and emphasizes the significance of connecting with other moms to navigate the journey of motherhood together. 

Heather shares her inspiration in starting the "2 in the Lou" Instagram account, where she shares family-friendly activities and helps fellow parents discover engaging opportunities for their children. The episode offers a heartwarming and relatable conversation about the ups and downs of parenting, the value of community, and the joy of exploring the city with young children.

Connect with Heather on Instagram here: @2inthelou

***Important Note from Liz and Natalie:

As much as we love connecting with each and every one of you through our episodes, we also believe it's crucial to prioritize our well-being and mental health.

After careful consideration and reflection, we have decided to take a temporary break from producing new episodes of the Golden Hour Birth Podcast. This decision was not made lightly, but we believe it's the right step for us at this time. Our mental and emotional health is just as important as the content we create, and we want to ensure that we continue to provide you with the best possible listening experience.

During this break, we'll be focusing on recharging, regrouping, and taking the time to care for ourselves. We believe that by doing so, we'll come back with even more energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to deliver meaningful and insightful content that you've come to love.

In the meantime, we encourage you to explore our past episodes and continue to engage with our community on Instagram and Facebook. Thank you for being a part of the Golden Hour family. Your support means the world to us, and we're looking forward to returning to the microphone and sharing new episodes with you in the near future. Until then, take care of yourselves, prioritize your own well-being, and remember that it's okay to take breaks when needed.

Join our Facebook group community here!

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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 the unexpected turns during labor. Despite the challenges, Alexis cherishes the milestones and the overall smooth pregnancy she experienced.

As her due date approached, Alexis found herself eagerly trying to predict when her baby would arrive. However, she soon realized that she couldn't control the timing and had to surrender to the unknown. She describes the suspenseful day leading up to her scheduled induction, where she and her husband tried various natural methods to encourage labor. The induction process eventually led to an unexpected turn of events when her doctor recommended a C-section. Alexis opens up about the initial panic and the surreal experience of the C-section, which ultimately led to the precious moment of meeting her son, Nolan, for the first time.

Alexis delves deeper into her postpartum journey and the challenges she faced during her hospital stay. She candidly discusses issues with breastfeeding, getting support from the hospital staff, and her experience of developing mastitis. Throughout it all, Alexis emphasizes the importance of having a supportive partner during those tough moments and offers valuable advice for new moms. From the significance of relaxing and not putting too much pressure on themselves to the power of a strong support system and accepting help from others, Alexis's insights are both heartwarming and practical. As the conversation draws to a close, she shares her plans for a second baby and the possibility of a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), leaving listeners inspired by her resilience and the unwavering love she has for her growing family.

Alexis can be found as a reporter at channel four, where she appears on the news most nights at 10:00 PM. She also hosts the Meet St. Louis podcast, where she interviews chefs, brewers, and small business owners, with new episodes dropping every Monday. Additionally, she shares her life and mom experiences on Instagram @alexiszotos.

We invite you to join our Facebook group, where we come together to break down the stigmas surrounding birth and share our unique birth stories. In this supportive community, we uplift and empower one another, offering a safe space to discuss the challenges and triumphs of motherhood. 

Join our Facebook group community here!

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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 about her first postpartum journey, moving back east with her husband while being pregnant, and feeling isolated without her community in San Francisco. She reflects on her struggles during postpartum, hormonal changes, and the challenges of being a new mom without a strong support system.

Laura talks about the challenges she faced, the journey to seek help, and how she found relief through medication and therapy. Lara's story reminds us that parenthood is a rollercoaster ride with both its highs and lows, and that seeking support and finding outlets for self-expression are essential aspects of this incredible journey.

Beyond her motherhood adventures, Laura is a master at creating comedic sketches on Instagram that resonate with anyone who's ever laced up running shoes. Her humor is both relatable and side-splitting, and she'll be sharing how she got started as a content creator and the joys of bringing joy to her audience.

Tune in to this delightful episode of the Golden Hour Birth Podcast to laugh, empathize, and gain valuable insights from Lara's parenting experiences and her path to finding joy amidst the chaos of motherhood.

Connect with Laura on Instagram here.

We invite you to join our Facebook group, where we come together to break down the stigmas surrounding birth and share our unique birth stories. In this supportive community, we uplift and empower one another, offering a safe space to discuss the challenges and triumphs of motherhood. 

Join our Facebook group community here!

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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 noticed that the baby was in a breech presentation and there was a limited amount of fluid around the baby. Undeterred, Jessica took proactive steps to try to flip the baby into the proper position, hoping for a smooth delivery.

As the scheduled c-section date approached, Jessica unexpectedly went into labor early in the morning around 1 am. Believing that the baby had finally turned, she decided to labor at home, perhaps waiting a bit too long before heading to the hospital. However, the baby was still in a breech position upon arrival at the hospital. Despite being in active labor, the doctors urged Jessica to proceed with the c-section.

Fortunately, the c-section went smoothly, and Jessica experienced an amazing breastfeeding journey for 14 months. However, like many new mothers, she faced challenges with postpartum anxiety, particularly surrounding scheduling and sleep. But, with the support of a therapist, Jessica navigated these difficulties with strength and determination.

Now, Jessica is actively helping other mamas on their prenatal and postnatal fitness journeys through her inspiring Instagram account, @jesslivingwell. Join us as we hear her remarkable story and discover the resilience and joy that come with motherhood.

We invite you to join our Facebook group, where we come together to break down the stigmas surrounding birth and share our unique birth stories. In this supportive community, we uplift and empower one another, offering a safe space to discuss the challenges and triumphs of motherhood. 

Join our Facebook group community here!

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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 conversation, Courtney and Natalie discuss how the podcast began and their passion for birth stories and postpartum experiences. Natalie opens up about her own motherhood journey, raising a two-year-old son and a five-month-old daughter, while Liz has a boy and a girl as well. The strong bond between these sisters-in-law is evident, and they share how their pregnancies and postpartum experiences aligned, inspiring them to create the podcast.

Throughout the episode, Natalie shares insights into the power of storytelling and how it can bring comfort and understanding to women going through similar experiences. They discuss the importance of including partners in the birth conversation, as often their perspectives are overlooked. Natalie also reveals exciting plans for the podcast's future, hinting at new projects and collaborations in the works.

Tune in to this heartwarming and informative episode as Natalie and Courtney explore the joys and challenges of motherhood and the magic of birth stories, reminding us all that we are not alone in our experiences.

Episode Highlights:

• The birth of the Golden Hour Birth Podcast and its mission to create a supportive birth and postpartum community.
• Natalie's personal motherhood journey and how her bond with Liz deepened through shared experiences.
• The power of birth stories and how they provide comfort and a sense of connection.
• The importance of including partners in the birth narrative and understanding their perspectives.
• Exciting plans and collaborations for the Golden Hour Birth Podcast's future.

If you're an expecting or new mom looking for inspiration, empathy, and empowerment, this episode is a must-listen. Join Courtney and Natalie as they dive into the world of birth stories and beyond! 🎙️👶🌟

Connect with Courtney on Instagram here.
Visit her website and shop here.

We invite you to join our Facebook group, where we come together to break down the stigmas surrounding birth and share our unique birth stories. In this supportive community, we uplift and empower one another, offering a safe space to discuss the challenges and triumphs of motherhood. 

Join our Facebook group community here!

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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, around 7 weeks postpartum, Shawna started experiencing heightened energy and the need to write down every thought. This escalated into mania and ultimately led to an involuntary hold in a mental institute, where she was diagnosed with postpartum psychosis. Shawna emphasizes the importance of sharing her story to help others who may be going through similar struggles and to raise awareness about postpartum mental health. 

In part 2, Shawna continues to share her postpartum journey through postpartum psychosis, highlighting the challenges she faced and the need for greater support. She discovered a severe hormonal imbalance as the root cause and emphasizes the importance of early intervention. She discusses the lack of awareness surrounding postpartum mental health, the value of connecting with others through support groups, and the complexities of co-parenting while managing mental health. She explores supplements and lifestyle changes that aided her recovery.

Shawna hopes to raise awareness and encourage conversations surrounding postpartum mental health, ensuring that mothers receive the support they need during this vulnerable period.

Note: The podcast episode features a personal story and should not be considered medical or professional advice. It serves as a platform for sharing experiences and promoting discussion around postpartum mental health.

If you are struggling or know someone who is struggling, please reach out for support. Postpartum Support International has many resources. Check their website out at https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/postpartum-psychosis-help/

Connect with Shawna on Instagram @Shawna_mox or @_bombooty

We invite you to join our Facebook group, where we come together to break down the stigmas surrounding birth and share our unique birth stories. In this supportive community, we uplift and empower one another, offering a safe space to discuss the challenges and triumphs of motherhood. 

Join our Facebook group community here!

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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 love for the little ones. From custom registries, to a fun environment, and wellness events for moms, they truly aren't just a typical boutique. Elle is building a community fueled by compassion and support for all moms to thrive.

The Ellenor is located at 20 Allen Ave #105, Webster Groves, MO 63119
Check out the website here

Connect with Elle on IG or Facebook at https://www.instagram.com/the_ellenor/

We invite you to join our Facebook group, where we come together to break down the stigmas surrounding birth and share our unique birth stories. In this supportive community, we uplift and empower one another, offering a safe space to discuss the challenges and triumphs of motherhood. 

Join our Facebook group community here!

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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 home birth.

Around 7 weeks postpartum, she started to experience heightened energy and the need to write every single thought down. Her mania continued over the next few days and culminated in an involuntary hold at a mental institute. Shawna was suffering from postpartum psychosis which is a severe mental health emergency that includes mania, detachment from reality and hallucinations. 

This is part 1 of 2 of Shawna’s story. We want to thank Shawna for sharing her deeply personal story with us. It was difficult for her to find resources and connect with others who have experienced similar struggles so she is very passionate about sharing her own journey to recovery in hopes that others can find support. 

If you are struggling or know someone who is struggling, please reach out for support. Postpartum Support International has many resources. Check their website out at https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/postpartum-psychosis-help/

Connect with Shawna on Instagram @Shawna_mox or @_bombooty

We invite you to join our Facebook group, where we come together to break down the stigmas surrounding birth and share our unique birth stories. In this supportive community, we uplift and empower one another, offering a safe space to discuss the challenges and triumphs of motherhood. 

Join our Facebook group community here!

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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 but was not too sure what it was. She would watch her baby sleep and therefore, wasn’t getting much sleep herself. She recalls feeling “off” for about a year until she experienced a panic attack in the middle of Home Depot. She was diagnosed with anxiety and started on medication. 

She finally felt ready to have another child in 2018, especially when Liz was pregnant with Arthur! She had a positive pregnancy and induction again, and much faster labor and pushing for the second time around. She still struggles with severe anxiety but is working with a psychiatrist and mental health therapist. 

Her story highlights the often overlooked reality that postpartum anxiety can persist long after childbirth, affecting a mother's well-being and daily functioning. Maryann's courage in seeking help and her ongoing commitment to managing her anxiety demonstrate the importance of raising awareness and destigmatizing mental health challenges faced by new mothers. 

We want to acknowledge the significance of Maryann's story and the importance of destigmatizing postpartum mental health issues. One huge reason we started this podcast is to come together as a community, supporting and empowering one another, and advocating for improved resources and accessible care. We aim for a future where postpartum anxiety is openly discussed and every mother receives the support she deserves.

We invite you to join our Facebook group, where we come together to break down the stigmas surrounding birth and share our unique birth stories. In this supportive community, we uplift and empower one another, offering a safe space to discuss the challenges and triumphs of motherhood. 

Join our Facebook group community here!

If you need support or resources visit postpartum.net

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

Connect with Maryann on IG @hackett_maryann

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 the stressful work she does as a social worker. She was induced at 39 weeks, and was in labor for over 40 hours. Her epidural failed twice, so she felt it all. She credits her amazing playlist to get her through!

Ashley's postpartum experience in the hospital was very negative, and 4 years later, she now knows she is one and done. It took her a lot of work to come to terms with her traumatic birth, firstly even recognizing and acknowledging the extent of the trauma.

Join our Facebook group community here!

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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 her son was born 27 hours later. 

Very early on postpartum, her son ripped her nipple open while breastfeeding and that started a painful journey due to not having a pump on hand and her pain not being taken seriously. Courtney ended up with a severe case of mastitis and an abscess on her breast. It was a long road to recovery.

She moved back to STL right before the pandemic started and began putting together her business plan. She opened the Birth Order Shop - an online marketplace that is carefully curated and guides customers to high quality products for every stage of pregnancy and postpartum.

Connect with Courtney on Instagram here.
Visit her website and shop here.

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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 child's birth.

With vulnerability and honesty, Sam reflects on the shame he experienced and the unspoken struggles he faced during the early stages of parenthood. From crippling migraines to a neck injury, his physical pain mirrored the emotional turmoil he was grappling with. Through therapy and self-reflection, he came to realize the impact of his upbringing along with his father's death just two months after becoming a father himself.

We dive into the societal stigma surrounding men's mental health, the lack of recognition for postpartum struggles in partners, and the importance of seeking therapy and support. Sam's journey highlights the need for open conversations and understanding around the emotional challenges that partners face as they navigate parenthood.

Join us as we explore the complexities of parenthood, the power of vulnerability, and the transformative journey towards healing and self-discovery. This episode aims to shed light on a rarely discussed aspect of parenting, providing support and solidarity for partners who may be silently carrying their own burdens. This is part 2 of 2.

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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 experienced during both pregnancies and births.

The episode dives into the contrast between the two pregnancies, where the first was filled with anticipation and wonder, while the second brought unexpected challenges and a different set of emotions. Sam and Natalie discuss their efforts to replicate the beauty of their first birth with Wesley, highlighting the conflicts and feelings of disappointment that arose. They share their journey towards finding balance and acceptance while navigating the unique dynamics of each pregnancy and birth.

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as the hosts reminisce about the day Natalie went into labor with Wesley, recounting the surprise and excitement that filled the air. Sam shares his initial reaction to the contractions and the significant role he played in supporting Natalie throughout her labor experience. They touch upon the emotions surrounding the potential need for induction and the last-minute changes to their plans.

This intimate episode also touches on the challenges faced during the second pregnancy and the impact it had on their family dynamics. Sam honestly expresses his feelings of shock, disappointment, and the struggle to show up as he thought Natalie expected him to. They explore the evolving dynamics between Wesley and Sam and how their relationship blossomed during the early postpartum period.

Tune in to this heartfelt episode to gain insight into the unique perspective of a father's journey through pregnancy and birth. Discover the highs and lows, the unexpected moments, and the love that fills the hearts of a growing family as they navigate the beautiful chaos of parenthood. This is part 1 of 2.

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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 and Heather and her husband decided to go straight to soy formula and avoid going through the same experience as before.

Connect with Heather on Instagram @the_romantic_booknerd

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

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 stop labor and sent her home. Two weeks later, she started to have contractions again, and while she hoped and planned for an unmedicated birth, she ended up in an emergency c-section due to sepsis. Her daughter had a 10 day NICU stay which brought a hard postpartum period. 

Maya found out she was pregnant again and then Covid hit. She dealt with a lot of anxiety surrounding the pandemic and the unknown. She expected to go into labor early again but did not until 41 weeks. Her water broke the day before her scheduled c-section and she was happy she was able to have a successful VBAC! 

Connect with Maya on Instagram at @ohmayagee or on her podcast at Fearlessly Divine!

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
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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 caused us to pivot through this empowering journey through parenthood!

Tune in for conversations that go deeper than what you learned in your birthing class or see on Instagram. Our goal is to help parents be better prepared and bring the village to you!

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here

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 BeHerVillage. 

BeHerVillage is a completely different take on a baby registry. Expecting families can make a gift registry and BeHerVillage helps parents-to-be get the funds they need to pay for the support they deserve, including doulas, childbirth education, pelvic floor health, lactation consultants, mental health support, and more! 

Connect with Kaitlin on behervillage.com, or on Instagram here.

To sign up for our newsletter visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.com
Follow Liz on Instagram here and Natalie here
Follow us on Facebook here.

Intro Song by Carpathians (Donny Rodgers): https://carpathians.bandcamp.com/track/lavaman