Birth As We Know It ™️-Birth Stories and Experiences

Kiona Nessenbaum
  • 4.9 (31)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

If you are planning to become pregnant, trying to conceive, currently pregnant, have given birth in the last few years, or work in the birth field, Birth As We Know It ™️ is the podcast for you.   Birth As We Know It ™️  is a birth story and birth experience podcast that is dedicated to recognizing the many different ways that birth unfolds. The good, the bad, and everything else in between. You will hear birth stories and birth experiences from the perspective of birthing people, birth partners, birth providers, birth workers, and more! This podcast was created to be a place where people can learn more about pregnancy, birth, and a little bit of postpartum, all while hearing about what really happens in the birth space. Every other week, join Kiona Nessenbaum as she interviews guests who encourage birth education by sharing their personal birth stories and birth experiences. She believes that hearing a birth story directly from the person who lived it, brings the individual human experience back to the forefront of childbirth education. Kiona is a mother of 3, a birth doula, a birth assistant, and a former student midwife who has supported over 140 birthing families.  Through this podcast, you will find a connection in knowing that you are not the only one who has experienced something unexpected on your journey to parenthood. As people share their personal birth stories and experiences, you will hear about their entire journey through conception, pregnancy, labor, and birth. They will also touch on newborn feeding choices and overall postpartum experiences. You will also hear what providers and birth workers think and feel as they support birthing families on their journeys to parenthood.  To learn more about the host Kiona Nessenbaum or see pictures of those who have shared their stories, go to birthasweknowitpodcast.com Subscribe to our newsletter: birthasweknowitpodcast.com/newsletter Connect with Kiona Nessenbaum on Instagram: @birthasweknwitpodcast and join the private Birth As We Know It ™️ Podcast Community on Facebook: birthasweknowitpodcast.com/community 

  1. 10H AGO

    Abolish ICE-Be The Change We Need!

    Send Kiona a Text Message! Abolish ICE. Be the change we need to make a difference and to hold this administration accountable.  Call 202-224-3121 and follow the prompts  • Say "Hello, my name is (say your name), and I am a constituent of (name your city and state). ICE has harmed, murdered, and kidnapped people all over the country. You are elected to protect us, not fund this violence. Block all ICE funding now! Thank you” Here is a link to printable resources on knowing your rights when dealing with ICE: Print at home materials  Know Your Rights Cards (in many languages): https://www.ilrc.org/redcards#print WAND Canvassing material / fliers for work places: https://drive.google.com/.../1KxHWFlya2zVuIUP3N... Rights for pregnant, postpartum, lactation undocumented people as of ICE Directive: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKre3WMN0zP/?img_index=1 Actual ICE Directive: https://www.ice.gov/.../11032.4... Support the show Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode! If you like this podcast, don’t hesitate to share it and leave a review so it can bring the podcast to the attention of others. If you want to share your own birth story or experience on the Birth As We Know It™️ Podcast, head over to https://birthasweknowitpodcast.com/ or fill out this Guest Request Form. Support the podcast and become a part of the BAWKI™️ Community by becoming a Patron on the Birth As We Know It Patreon Page! And don’t forget to join in on the fun in the Private Facebook Group!

    7 min

  2. 12/31/2025

    93-Brandy Love-2 Vaginal Births-Owen & Oliver

    Send Kiona a Text Message! Brandy takes us all through the journey of what it is like for her to become pregnant with and give birth to two juicy babies with her husband, Demar, by her side. She also talks us through what experiencing a shoulder dystocia with Oliver was like for her mentally as it was happening, and she touches on the importance of reaching out sooner rather than later when experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms.  Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only, with no intention of giving or replacing any medical advice. I, Kiona Nessenbaum, am not a licensed medical professional. All advice that is given on the podcast is from the personal experience of the storytellers. All medical or health-related questions should be directed to your licensed provider.   Want to hear another great birth story? Listen to episode 85-Amanda Clarke-Ray-3 Vaginal Births-Aila, Norah & Haiden Resources: Perinatal Support of Washington: https://perinatalsupport.org/ Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.netDefinitions:  Shoulder DystociaSupport the show Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode! If you like this podcast, don’t hesitate to share it and leave a review so it can bring the podcast to the attention of others. If you want to share your own birth story or experience on the Birth As We Know It™️ Podcast, head over to https://birthasweknowitpodcast.com/ or fill out this Guest Request Form. Support the podcast and become a part of the BAWKI™️ Community by becoming a Patron on the Birth As We Know It Patreon Page! And don’t forget to join in on the fun in the Private Facebook Group!

    1h 6m

  3. 12/01/2025

    92-Monae Munchrath-Vaginal Birth-Theodora

    Send Kiona a Text Message! In this episode, Monae shares the birth story of her daughter, Theodora, and how it differed from the birth of her son, Soren. She also touches on the emotional challenges of becoming a mother of two and how her normal day-to-day has changed.  Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only with no intention of giving or replacing any medical advice. I, Kiona Nessenbaum, am not a licensed medical professional. All advice that is given on the podcast is from the personal experience of the storytellers. All medical or health-related questions should be directed to your licensed provider.   Tune in to Monae's first episode: 20-Monaé Munchrath-Pt. 2-Vaginal Birth-Soren Don't forget to listen to her husband, Sam, share his perspective on their son Soren's birth: 23-Samuel Munchrath-Partner-Vaginal Birth-Soren  Resources: Perinatal Support of Washington: https://perinatalsupport.org/ Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.netSupport the show Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode! If you like this podcast, don’t hesitate to share it and leave a review so it can bring the podcast to the attention of others. If you want to share your own birth story or experience on the Birth As We Know It™️ Podcast, head over to https://birthasweknowitpodcast.com/ or fill out this Guest Request Form. Support the podcast and become a part of the BAWKI™️ Community by becoming a Patron on the Birth As We Know It Patreon Page! And don’t forget to join in on the fun in the Private Facebook Group!

    1h 12m

  4. 10/31/2025

    91-Thad King- Partner-Miscarriage-3 Vaginal Births-Kearney, Aubrey & Owen + Bonus Birth

    Send Kiona a Text Message! In this episode, Thad, a partner and father, shares his perspective on what it was like to watch his wife Patty go through multiple pregnancies and how they handled each transition as a couple. He also talks about a bonus birth that he experienced while operating an Army helicopter! birthasweknowitpodcast.com/91 Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only with no intention of giving or replacing any medical advice. I, Kiona Nessenbaum, am not a licensed medical professional. All advice that is given on the podcast is from the personal experience of the storytellers. All medical or health-related questions should be directed to your licensed provider.   Tune in to episode 82-Art Almquist-Partner-2 Births-Cesarean-Vaginal-Mikayla & Leif Resources: Alone and Unafraid: https://www.aloneandunafraid.org/ What to Expect When You're Expecting Book: https://a.co/d/2QM9woL Perinatal Support of Washington: https://perinatalsupport.org/ Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.netSupport the show Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode! If you like this podcast, don’t hesitate to share it and leave a review so it can bring the podcast to the attention of others. If you want to share your own birth story or experience on the Birth As We Know It™️ Podcast, head over to https://birthasweknowitpodcast.com/ or fill out this Guest Request Form. Support the podcast and become a part of the BAWKI™️ Community by becoming a Patron on the Birth As We Know It Patreon Page! And don’t forget to join in on the fun in the Private Facebook Group!

    1h 17m

  5. 08/06/2025

    90-Deb & Norman Erb-White-Miscarriage-Adoption-Caleb, Patrick, Thomas, Cherish, Isiah & Emily

    Send Kiona a Text Message! Deb and Norman share how they went from no kids to many through natural conception, also known as their DIY kids, and adoption. They also talk about how the emotions around experiencing pregnancy loss through miscarriages and how that impacts the emotions surrounding the following pregnancy.  birthasweknowitpodcast.com/90 Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only with no intention of giving or replacing any medical advice. I, Kiona Nessenbaum, am not a licensed medical professional. All advice that is given on the podcast is from the personal experience of the storytellers. All medical or health-related questions should be directed to your licensed provider.   Tune in to episode 73-Lindsay Bruggeman-Adoptive Parent- 2 Births-1 Cesarean & 1 Vaginal & 79-Nicky Yazbeck-Adoptive Parent-1 Birth-Jack-The Connected Community Exploring Possibility Resources: Perinatal Support of Washington: https://perinatalsupport.org/ Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.netSupport the show Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode! If you like this podcast, don’t hesitate to share it and leave a review so it can bring the podcast to the attention of others. If you want to share your own birth story or experience on the Birth As We Know It™️ Podcast, head over to https://birthasweknowitpodcast.com/ or fill out this Guest Request Form. Support the podcast and become a part of the BAWKI™️ Community by becoming a Patron on the Birth As We Know It Patreon Page! And don’t forget to join in on the fun in the Private Facebook Group!

    1h 6m

  6. 07/23/2025

    89-Katie Blaeser-Vaginal Birth-HIE-NICU-Zion

    Send Kiona a Text Message! Katie dives into the details of the birth she experienced with her son Zion, and talks about how rough postpartum was for her after the traumatic birth she experienced, especially since Zion was diagnosed with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in addition to the discovery that he has optic nerve hypoplasia.  birthasweknowitpodcast.com/89 Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only with no intention of giving or replacing any medical advice. I, Kiona Nessenbaum, am not a licensed medical professional. All advice that is given on the podcast is from the personal experience of the storytellers. All medical or health-related questions should be directed to your licensed provider.   Tune in to episode 65-Angela Roberts-IVF-Miscarriage-Cesarean-Endometriosis-Preeclampsia-HELLP-Micro Preemie-NICU-Bennett to hear another parent speak about their journey through medical diagnosis.  Resources: Perinatal Support of Washington: https://perinatalsupport.org/ Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.netDefinitions: Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)Optic Nerve Hypoplasia Support the show Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode! If you like this podcast, don’t hesitate to share it and leave a review so it can bring the podcast to the attention of others. If you want to share your own birth story or experience on the Birth As We Know It™️ Podcast, head over to https://birthasweknowitpodcast.com/ or fill out this Guest Request Form. Support the podcast and become a part of the BAWKI™️ Community by becoming a Patron on the Birth As We Know It Patreon Page! And don’t forget to join in on the fun in the Private Facebook Group!

    1h 4m

  7. 06/25/2025

    88-Heather Forseth-3 Births-Vaginal-Cesarean-NICU-Breech-VBAC-Noah, Maysen & Cooper

    Send Kiona a Text Message! Heather dives deep into the details of what each of her three pregnancies was like for her. She also touches on the importance of postpartum support and following your intuition because she had to do so for her second pregnancy, which was her first home birth experience. This led her to discover that her daughter was a footling breech at home. Want to find out what happened? Tune in to this episode and let me know what you find out!  birthasweknowitpodcast.com/88 Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only with no intention of giving or replacing any medical advice. I, Kiona Nessenbaum, am not a licensed medical professional. All advice that is given on the podcast is from the personal experience of the storytellers. All medical or health-related questions should be directed to your licensed provider.   Tune in to episode 71-Valerie Probstfeld-3 Vaginal Births-NICU-To Mom Is To Love to hear a NICU experience from the birthing parents perspective.  Resources: Perinatal Support of Washington: https://perinatalsupport.org/ Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.netDefinitions: Breech Baby Presentation Breech Baby Presentation w/ Visual Colic Support the show Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode! If you like this podcast, don’t hesitate to share it and leave a review so it can bring the podcast to the attention of others. If you want to share your own birth story or experience on the Birth As We Know It™️ Podcast, head over to https://birthasweknowitpodcast.com/ or fill out this Guest Request Form. Support the podcast and become a part of the BAWKI™️ Community by becoming a Patron on the Birth As We Know It Patreon Page! And don’t forget to join in on the fun in the Private Facebook Group!

    1h 1m

  8. 06/11/2025

    87-Genesis Holguin-1 Birth-Cesarean-Giovanni

    Send Kiona a Text Message! Description: Genesis dives into the details of what it was like to find out that her son had an atypical result on the Non-Invasive Paternal Testing (NIPT), which is a genetic test that screens cell-free fetal DNA for certain genetic conditions. Then she goes into the details of the induction that led to the birth of her baby boy, Giovanni.  birthasweknowitpodcast.com/87 Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only, with no intention of giving or replacing any medical advice. I, Kiona Nessenbaum, am not a licensed medical professional. All advice that is given on the podcast is from the personal experience of the storytellers. All medical or health-related questions should be directed to your licensed provider.   Want to hear another birth story? Tune in to 65-Angela Roberts-IVF-Miscarriage-Cesarean-Endometriosis-Preeclampsia-HELLP-Micro Preemie-NICU-Bennett Resources: Turner SyndromeKlinefelter SyndromeJacobsen Syndrome Postpartum RageTripple FeedingSupport the show Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode! If you like this podcast, don’t hesitate to share it and leave a review so it can bring the podcast to the attention of others. If you want to share your own birth story or experience on the Birth As We Know It™️ Podcast, head over to https://birthasweknowitpodcast.com/ or fill out this Guest Request Form. Support the podcast and become a part of the BAWKI™️ Community by becoming a Patron on the Birth As We Know It Patreon Page! And don’t forget to join in on the fun in the Private Facebook Group!

    1h 10m
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4.9
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

If you are planning to become pregnant, trying to conceive, currently pregnant, have given birth in the last few years, or work in the birth field, Birth As We Know It ™️ is the podcast for you.   Birth As We Know It ™️  is a birth story and birth experience podcast that is dedicated to recognizing the many different ways that birth unfolds. The good, the bad, and everything else in between. You will hear birth stories and birth experiences from the perspective of birthing people, birth partners, birth providers, birth workers, and more! This podcast was created to be a place where people can learn more about pregnancy, birth, and a little bit of postpartum, all while hearing about what really happens in the birth space. Every other week, join Kiona Nessenbaum as she interviews guests who encourage birth education by sharing their personal birth stories and birth experiences. She believes that hearing a birth story directly from the person who lived it, brings the individual human experience back to the forefront of childbirth education. Kiona is a mother of 3, a birth doula, a birth assistant, and a former student midwife who has supported over 140 birthing families.  Through this podcast, you will find a connection in knowing that you are not the only one who has experienced something unexpected on your journey to parenthood. As people share their personal birth stories and experiences, you will hear about their entire journey through conception, pregnancy, labor, and birth. They will also touch on newborn feeding choices and overall postpartum experiences. You will also hear what providers and birth workers think and feel as they support birthing families on their journeys to parenthood.  To learn more about the host Kiona Nessenbaum or see pictures of those who have shared their stories, go to birthasweknowitpodcast.com Subscribe to our newsletter: birthasweknowitpodcast.com/newsletter Connect with Kiona Nessenbaum on Instagram: @birthasweknwitpodcast and join the private Birth As We Know It ™️ Podcast Community on Facebook: birthasweknowitpodcast.com/community 

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