198: Sovereign Births: The Transformative Power of Birth Doulas Future Generations Podcast with Dr. Stanton Hom

In this episode, Dr. Stanton Hom interviews Eyla Cuenca, a seasoned birth doula, educator, and birth trauma alchemist. The discussion explores the transformative power of birth and Eyla's comprehensive doula training program. Eyla shares insights into the evolution of birth practices, the critical role of doulas in navigating the cultural, legal, and technological dimensions of childbirth, and the importance of sovereignty and informed consent in the birthing process. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of doula work, including the entrepreneurial aspects and the impact of personal beliefs and societal shifts on birth. 
 
Eyla emphasizes the pivotal role of doulas in advocating for women's autonomy and supporting them through the journey of childbirth, specifically as it relates to the healing of birth trauma. The episode underscores the significance of creating a safe, empowered space for birth, regardless of the setting, and the transformative effect of doula work on individuals and communities. Eyla also addresses the importance of confronting and integrating personal and collective narratives around birth to foster a more authentic, informed, and compassionate approach to childbirth.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to the Future Generations Podcast
01:03 Introducing Eyla: A Birth Doula's Journey and Mission
01:19 The Evolution of Birth Practices and Doula Roles
02:13 Navigating the Challenges of Modern Birth Choices
03:42 The Impact of Societal Shifts on Birth Work and Choices
05:15 The Importance of Sovereignty and Informed Consent in Birth
07:45 Healing and Integration: The Role of Doulas in Modern Birth
09:02 Facing the Realities of Birth Work in Today's World
09:33 The Doula Training Experience: Empowering Birth Workers
14:22 Transforming Birth Trauma Through Education and Support
17:39 Creating a New Paradigm for Doulas and Birth Work
27:00 The Vision Behind the Doula Training Program
31:16 The Importance of Informed Consent in Birth
31:40 Bridging the Gap: Informed Consent and Birth Choices
33:05 Redefining Safety and Success in Birth
34:55 The Doula Training Experience: A Global Perspective
37:25 Empowerment Through Doula Work: Beyond Birth
40:21 Navigating Cultural Differences in Doula Practices
46:13 The Entrepreneurial Journey of a Doula
52:35 The Transformative Power of Doula Training
 
Key Takeaways:
- The episode discusses the importance and transformative power of doulas in the birth process.
- Eyla Cuenca shares her experiences and insights as a birth doula, emphasizing the shift towards more personalized, empowered, and informed birth practices.
- The discussion highlights the intricate connection between birth, personal sovereignty, and the challenges faced by doulas and parents in navigating birth choices amidst societal pressures and expectations.
- The episode explores themes of personal growth, healing, and the impact of birth experiences on both women and men, suggesting that understanding one's birth is a key to addressing broader personal and societal issues.
- Eyla Cuenca's doula training program is detailed, emphasizing its comprehensive nature, including addressing birth interventions, informed consent, and integrating personal healing and professional development for doulas.
- The program also aims at building community and providing continuous support for its participants, emphasizing the role of doulas in advocating for informed choices and aligning with clients' values.
- The conversation underscores the need for both women and men to explore and reconcile their birth experiences and perceptions, highlighting birth as a critical initiation into understanding and healing of deeper personal traumas.
- The episode encourages listeners to reevaluate their understanding of birth, safety, and success, and to consider the profound impact of doula work on families and communities.
 
Resources:
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