Holy Confident Birth | Catholic Natural Birth, Holistic Motherhood, Birth and Postpartum For Catholic + Christian Moms

Eve O'Brien

Enroll in the Holy Confident Birth Course: holyconfidentbirth.com/course  Hi! I’m Eve O’Brien—Catholic wife, mama of two, former Labor & Delivery nurse turned doula, and creator of the Holy Confident Birth Course. I help women who love Jesus reclaim birth as God designed it, step out of fear, and walk into motherhood with confidence and joy. After witnessing many hospital and out-of-hospital births, and experiencing my own birth center and home births, I realized how much the way we birth impacts not only our babies, but the mothers we become. Therefore, this podcast weaves together physiological birth education, crunchy motherhood, and faith to help equip you in all part of your person- body, mind, and spirit. On this podcast you’ll learn how to: ✅ Understand the brain’s powerful role in labor and birth ✅ Overcome fear and cultivate confidence through truth and preparation ✅ Navigate interventions wisely and protect the birth you desire ✅ Embrace holistic, natural motherhood that honors God’s design ✅ Use labor positions, movement, and mindset to work with your body ✅ Recover and thrive postpartum through nourishment and rest  ✅ Embrace motherhood through an intentional, natural, and authentically Catholic perspective You’ll hear interviews with midwives, doulas, herbalists, and other birth professionals, as well as raw and honest birth stories from women who’ve walked this path before you. Together, we’ll talk about birth trauma, VBAC, homebirth, breastfeeding, natural remedies, and slow, intentional motherhood in the face of modern culture which puts so much necessary rush and pressure on motherhood, which is meant to be joyous. This is a place for the mother who knows there is more than the medicalized status quo and for the ones seeking birth and motherhood that are peaceful and rooted in God's design. Topics include: Natural Birth, Physiological Birth, Homebirth, Birth Center Birth, Hospital Birth, Unmedicated Birth, VBAC, HBAC, Overcoming Birth Trauma, Healing from Birth Trauma, Pain-Free/Ecstatic Birth, Catholic Motherhood, Christian Motherhood, Faith-Based Birth, God’s Design for Birth, Crunchy Motherhood, Holistic Motherhood, Natural Motherhood, Attachment Parenting, Gentle Parenting, Co-Sleeping, Breastfeeding, Natural Weaning, Postpartum Recovery, Postpartum Healing, Postpartum Mental Health, Pelvic Floor Recovery, Natural Childbirth Education, Birth Preparation, Birth Planning, Natural Birth Preparation, Pregnancy Nutrition, Ancestral Nutrition, Nourishing Pregnancy, Brain Science in Birth, The Role of the Brain in Labor, Hormones of Birth, Oxytocin in Birth, Endorphins in Labor, How to Manage Labor Pain Naturally, Natural Pain Relief in Labor, Labor Positions, Birth Movement, Spinning Babies, Baby Positioning, Breech Birth, Induction Alternatives, Natural Induction, Avoiding C-Section, Reducing Birth Interventions, Informed Consent in Birth, Midwifery, Doula Support, Partner Support in Birth, Christian Doula, Catholic Doula, Preparing Husbands for Birth, Birth Mindset, Overcoming Fear in Labor, Confidence in Birth, Trusting God in Birth, Faith and Fertility, Fertility Awareness, Cycle Tracking, Holistic Fertility, Pregnancy Wellness, Holistic Health for Moms, Herbal Remedies in Pregnancy, Essential Oils for Labor, Homeopathy for Birth, Natural Remedies for Postpartum, Gut Health for Moms, Healing after Birth, Slow Living Motherhood, Simple Living, Homemaking, Nourishing the Family, Whole Foods Cooking, Functional Nutrition, Functional Healing, Holistic Family Life *disclaimer: this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not personal medical advice. 

  1. 1D AGO

    A Catholic Mom's Guide to Spiritually Preparing for Birth (with Mary Haseltine) | Ep. 65 (REPLAY)

    This episode is a replay of one of the most listened to episodes of this podcast - I hope you enjoy! Today, I’m talking with Mary Haseltine—Catholic mother of eight, doula, and author of Made for This: The Catholic Mom’s Guide to Birth. Her work has been such a gift to countless women who long to see birth not as a medical event but as something deeply tied to our faith, our design, and the beautiful mystery of bringing new life into the world. In this episode, Mary shares how her own birth experiences led her into birth work and ultimately to write Made for This. We talk about the theology of birth, why birth is more than just getting through labor, and how it’s an invitation for us as women to trust, to surrender, and to see birth as part of our calling as mothers. You’ll hear us unpack: How Mary’s experiences of both home and hospital births shaped her understanding of birth as a reflection of the Paschal mysteryThe importance of reclaiming the spiritual and sacramental dimensions of birth, especially in a culture that sees birth as a medical emergencyThe difference between controlling birth and receiving it as a giftHow to prepare spiritually for birth—especially in those final weeksPractical ways to choose a birth team and birth setting that align with your faith and valuesMary also shares insights into her Made for This Birth app and her ongoing work to support Catholic mothers and birth workers around the world. If you’ve ever felt a longing to see your birth experience through the lens of faith—or to be reminded that your body was designed with intention and beauty for this work—this conversation will resonate deeply. Resources Mentioned: Mary’s book, Made for This: The Catholic Mom’s Guide to BirthThe Made for This Birth app, with birth affirmations, prayers, and a directory of Catholic birth workersMary’s website: madeforthisbirth.netResources: 🕊️ ⁠FREE LABOR POSITIONS GUIDE⁠ 🕊️ ⁠THE HOLY CONFIDENT BIRTH COURSE⁠ 🧺 ⁠SHOP MY MOTHERHOOD FAVES⁠ Be assured of my prayers as you prepare for one of the most powerful experiences of your life. You were made for this! About Me Hi, friend! I’m Eve—a Catholic mom, Registered Nurse, Doula, and Childbirth Educator. I help women reclaim God’s design for childbirth and prepare for natural, faith-centered birth experiences they’ll love. On this podcast, we’ll explore birth, faith, and natural motherhood with Jesus at the center. Want to learn more? Visit⁠ holyconfidentbirth.com⁠. Disclaimer This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care. Subscribe & leave a review to help more women discover this countercultural, Christ-centered birth education.

    51 min
  2. FEB 3

    Membrane Sweep To Induce Labor? Here Is What To Expect! | Ep. 63

    Have you heard your provider mention a membrane sweep, membrane strip, or stretch and sweep as a way to get labor started? Maybe you’re nearing the end of pregnancy and trying to avoid a medical induction but you’re not quite sure what this procedure actually involves or whether it’s the right choice for you. In this episode, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about membrane sweeps so you can make a truly informed decision - not one made out of pressure, impatience, or lack of information. I share what a membrane sweep is, how it works, when it’s commonly recommended, the real risks and benefits that are often not fully explained during prenatal visits.  Every pregnancy and every decision looks different. I hope this episode equips you with knowledge, confidence, and peace as you discern what’s best for you and your baby. As always, if you’re pregnant or preparing to welcome your little one soon, please know you are in my prayers. Resources: 🕊️ ⁠FREE LABOR POSITIONS GUIDE⁠ 🕊️ ⁠THE HOLY CONFIDENT BIRTH COURSE⁠ 🧺 ⁠SHOP MY MOTHERHOOD FAVES⁠ Be assured of my prayers as you prepare for one of the most powerful experiences of your life. You were made for this! About Me Hi, friend! I’m Eve—a Catholic mom, Registered Nurse, Doula, and Childbirth Educator. I help women reclaim God’s design for childbirth and prepare for natural, faith-centered birth experiences they’ll love. On this podcast, we’ll explore birth, faith, and natural motherhood with Jesus at the center. Want to learn more? Visit⁠ holyconfidentbirth.com⁠. Disclaimer This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care. Subscribe & leave a review to help more women discover this countercultural, Christ-centered birth education

    14 min
  3. JAN 27

    How to Survive Early Labor Without Losing Your Mind | Ep. 62

    Early labor can feel confusing, exhausting, and honestly a little scary, especially if this is your first baby. But early labor isn’t a mistake or something to rush through. It’s an intentional part of the design of birth, meant to gently prepare your body, mind, and heart for what’s coming next. In this week's episode, I walk you through what early labor typically looks like and share practical, physiology-based tips to help you stay calm, conserve energy, and avoid burning out before active labor even begins. I also explain why early labor is more like a marathon than a sprint, how your hormones and nervous system influence labor progress, and what you can do during this stage to set yourself up for a smoother, more efficient birth experience. In this episode, I cover: What early labor usually feels like and how it often beginsCommon physical and emotional signs of early laborWhy consistency matters more than contraction timingHow long early labor typically lasts (especially for first-time moms)Why distraction and “staying in denial” can actually helpThe importance of eating, hydrating, and fueling your body wellHow minerals and glucose support strong, efficient contractionsSmart ways to rest without working against baby’s positioningWhy labor often starts at night (and how melatonin and oxytocin work together)When it’s actually time to head to your birth locationWhy laboring at home longer can protect your energy and hormonesEarly labor is not the time to power through or go into full labor mode. It’s a time to settle your energy, support your body, and create an environment where labor hormones can do what they’re designed to do. Thank you so much for listening. If this episode helped you, I’d be so grateful if you left a rating and review! It truly helps other moms find this podcast, and I read every single one.  Resources: 🕊️ ⁠FREE LABOR POSITIONS GUIDE⁠ 🕊️ ⁠THE HOLY CONFIDENT BIRTH COURSE⁠ 🧺 ⁠SHOP MY MOTHERHOOD FAVES⁠ Be assured of my prayers as you prepare for one of the most powerful experiences of your life. You were made for this! About Me Hi, friend! I’m Eve—a Catholic mom, Registered Nurse, Doula, and Childbirth Educator. I help women reclaim God’s design for childbirth and prepare for natural, faith-centered birth experiences they’ll love. On this podcast, we’ll explore birth, faith, and natural motherhood with Jesus at the center. Want to learn more? Visit⁠ holyconfidentbirth.com⁠. Disclaimer This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care. Subscribe & leave a review to help more women discover this countercultural, Christ-centered birth education

    21 min
  4. JAN 20

    What No One's Saying About Home Birth, Sisterhood, and the Spiritual War on Women's Intuition (w/ Megan Wells) | Ep. 61 (REPLAY)

    Today I'm re-releasing one of my favorite interviews I've done on the podcast - I hope you enjoy! What if your desire for a peaceful, faith-aligned birth isn’t just personal—but part of something deeper and more countercultural than you realized? In this episode, I’m joined by Catholic wife and mama Megan Wells, and we’re diving into way more than just birth stories. From her hospital induction to an unexpected unassisted breech home birth, Meg shares how her perspective on womanhood, sisterhood, and the spiritual battle around birth completely changed. We talk about: Meg's birth stories and journey to home birthThe surprising way birth transformed her marriageWhy sisterhood around birth is so rare—and how we reclaim itThe spiritual war on maternal intuition and how it shows up in modern birth cultureHow birth shapes not just our motherhood, but our faith and identity as womenThis one is raw, honest, and deeply affirming. Whether you’re preparing for your first birth or healing from one that didn’t go how you hoped, there’s truth here for you. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: Meg’s InstagramMeg's Birth Mentorship & Guide Resources: 🕊️ ⁠FREE LABOR POSITIONS GUIDE⁠ 🕊️ ⁠THE HOLY CONFIDENT BIRTH COURSE⁠ 🧺 ⁠SHOP MY MOTHERHOOD FAVES⁠ Be assured of my prayers as you prepare for one of the most powerful experiences of your life. You were made for this! About Me Hi, friend! I’m Eve—a Catholic mom, Registered Nurse, Doula, and Childbirth Educator. I help women reclaim God’s design for childbirth and prepare for natural, faith-centered birth experiences they’ll love. On this podcast, we’ll explore birth, faith, and natural motherhood with Jesus at the center. Want to learn more? Visit⁠ holyconfidentbirth.com⁠. Disclaimer This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care. Subscribe & leave a review to help more women discover this countercultural, Christ-centered birth education

    1h 20m
  5. JAN 13

    Top Tips For A Successful VBAC (From a Labor & Delivery RN + Doula!) | Ep. 60

    The C-section rate in the United States is hovering around 35%, which means VBAC preparation is becoming more important than ever. As a labor & delivery nurse and birth doula, VBAC is one of the most common concerns moms bring to me.  In this episode, I’m sharing my top, experience-backed tips to help you feel informed, empowered, and confident as you prepare for a vaginal birth after C-section. We talk honestly about the real risks of a VBAC, how to choose a truly supportive provider, and why your mental and emotional preparation matters just as much as the physical side of birth. Whether you’re still deciding between a VBAC and a repeat C-section or you’re already committed to your VBAC journey, this episode will help you cut through fear-based messaging and focus on what actually improves your chances of a positive birth experience. In this episode, I cover: What VBAC and TOLAC actually mean (and why the language matters)What really changes in labor after a C-section — and what doesn’tHow to identify VBAC-supportive providers vs. VBAC-tolerant onesCommon red flags that can lower your chances of a successful VBACWhy midwifery care often leads to higher VBAC success ratesThe real, statistical risk of uterine rupture and how it’s often misunderstoodHow to prepare for a physiologic labor and birth after C-sectionWhy mental and emotional healing from a prior C-section is non-negotiableMentioned in the episode: www.vbacfacts.com – Evidence-based VBAC education and researchBirth trauma healing resources: Loreto WellnessIf this episode encouraged you, I’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a rating and review — it truly helps this show reach more moms who need this message. Resources: 🕊️ ⁠FREE LABOR POSITIONS GUIDE⁠ 🕊️ ⁠THE HOLY CONFIDENT BIRTH COURSE⁠ 🧺 ⁠SHOP MY MOTHERHOOD FAVES⁠ Be assured of my prayers as you prepare for one of the most powerful experiences of your life. You were made for this! About Me Hi, friend! I’m Eve—a Catholic mom, Registered Nurse, Doula, and Childbirth Educator. I help women reclaim God’s design for childbirth and prepare for natural, faith-centered birth experiences they’ll love. On this podcast, we’ll explore birth, faith, and natural motherhood with Jesus at the center. Want to learn more? Visit⁠ holyconfidentbirth.com⁠. Disclaimer This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care. Subscribe & leave a review to help more women discover this countercultural, Christ-centered birth education

    22 min
  6. JAN 6

    VBAC or Repeat C-Section? Which is Actually Riskier? | Ep. 59

    One of the most frustrating things I see as a doula and labor and delivery nurse is how often women are making birth decisions based on fear instead of facts. When it comes to VBAC specifically, many women are told it’s “too risky” without ever being given real numbers or full context. In this week's episode I walk through the actual risk of a VBAC using real data, current research, and what I’ve seen firsthand working with pregnant mamas. I break down why uterine rupture is so often misunderstood, how risk is commonly misrepresented in provider conversations, and why the risks of repeat C-sections are rarely discussed alongside VBAC. If you’re pregnant after a previous C-section and trying to decide between a VBAC and a repeat C-section, this episode is meant to help you understand the data clearly so you can make a confident, informed decision - not one rooted in fear. Covered in this episode: What VBAC and TOLAC actually meanThe real risk of a VBAC, including uterine rupture ratesWhy relative risk language is misleading in birth decisionsHow often severe outcomes truly occur with VBACThe risks of repeat C-sections that are often left out of the conversationHow multiple C-sections affect future pregnanciesWhen VBAC may not be appropriateWhy induction changes the risk profile of a VBACResources: Study mentioned: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14520209/ 🕊️ ⁠FREE LABOR POSITIONS GUIDE⁠ 🕊️ ⁠THE HOLY CONFIDENT BIRTH COURSE⁠ 🧺 ⁠SHOP MY MOTHERHOOD FAVES⁠ Be assured of my prayers as you prepare for one of the most powerful experiences of your life. You were made for this! About Me Hi, friend! I’m Eve—a Catholic mom, Registered Nurse, Doula, and Childbirth Educator. I help women reclaim God’s design for childbirth and prepare for natural, faith-centered birth experiences they’ll love. On this podcast, we’ll explore birth, faith, and natural motherhood with Jesus at the center. Want to learn more? Visit⁠ holyconfidentbirth.com⁠. Disclaimer This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care. Subscribe & leave a review to help more women discover this countercultural, Christ-centered birth education

    25 min
  7. 12/30/2025

    Tips To Get Labor Started FAST From Home (How To Induce Labor "Naturally") | Ep. 58

    This week, I'm sharing natural, at-home ways to encourage labor to begin without immediately relying on medical induction. These are evidence-based, natural methods that may help encourage labor when the body is truly ready, while also emphasizing discernment, prayer, and nervous system regulation in the final weeks of pregnancy. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why your due date is really just a “guess date”The importance of trusting your body and God’s timingWhen it may be appropriate to encourage labor naturallyHow movement and pelvic positioning can help labor beginWhich natural methods may support cervical ripeningWhat to approach with caution when trying to induce labor at homResources: 🕊️ ⁠FREE LABOR POSITIONS GUIDE⁠ 🕊️ ⁠THE HOLY CONFIDENT BIRTH COURSE⁠ 🧺 ⁠SHOP MY MOTHERHOOD FAVES⁠ Be assured of my prayers as you prepare for one of the most powerful experiences of your life. You were made for this! About Me Hi, friend! I’m Eve—a Catholic mom, Registered Nurse, Doula, and Childbirth Educator. I help women reclaim God’s design for childbirth and prepare for natural, faith-centered birth experiences they’ll love. On this podcast, we’ll explore birth, faith, and natural motherhood with Jesus at the center. Want to learn more? Visit⁠ holyconfidentbirth.com⁠. Disclaimer This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized care. Subscribe & leave a review to help more women discover this countercultural, Christ-centered birth education

    17 min
5
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

Enroll in the Holy Confident Birth Course: holyconfidentbirth.com/course  Hi! I’m Eve O’Brien—Catholic wife, mama of two, former Labor & Delivery nurse turned doula, and creator of the Holy Confident Birth Course. I help women who love Jesus reclaim birth as God designed it, step out of fear, and walk into motherhood with confidence and joy. After witnessing many hospital and out-of-hospital births, and experiencing my own birth center and home births, I realized how much the way we birth impacts not only our babies, but the mothers we become. Therefore, this podcast weaves together physiological birth education, crunchy motherhood, and faith to help equip you in all part of your person- body, mind, and spirit. On this podcast you’ll learn how to: ✅ Understand the brain’s powerful role in labor and birth ✅ Overcome fear and cultivate confidence through truth and preparation ✅ Navigate interventions wisely and protect the birth you desire ✅ Embrace holistic, natural motherhood that honors God’s design ✅ Use labor positions, movement, and mindset to work with your body ✅ Recover and thrive postpartum through nourishment and rest  ✅ Embrace motherhood through an intentional, natural, and authentically Catholic perspective You’ll hear interviews with midwives, doulas, herbalists, and other birth professionals, as well as raw and honest birth stories from women who’ve walked this path before you. Together, we’ll talk about birth trauma, VBAC, homebirth, breastfeeding, natural remedies, and slow, intentional motherhood in the face of modern culture which puts so much necessary rush and pressure on motherhood, which is meant to be joyous. This is a place for the mother who knows there is more than the medicalized status quo and for the ones seeking birth and motherhood that are peaceful and rooted in God's design. Topics include: Natural Birth, Physiological Birth, Homebirth, Birth Center Birth, Hospital Birth, Unmedicated Birth, VBAC, HBAC, Overcoming Birth Trauma, Healing from Birth Trauma, Pain-Free/Ecstatic Birth, Catholic Motherhood, Christian Motherhood, Faith-Based Birth, God’s Design for Birth, Crunchy Motherhood, Holistic Motherhood, Natural Motherhood, Attachment Parenting, Gentle Parenting, Co-Sleeping, Breastfeeding, Natural Weaning, Postpartum Recovery, Postpartum Healing, Postpartum Mental Health, Pelvic Floor Recovery, Natural Childbirth Education, Birth Preparation, Birth Planning, Natural Birth Preparation, Pregnancy Nutrition, Ancestral Nutrition, Nourishing Pregnancy, Brain Science in Birth, The Role of the Brain in Labor, Hormones of Birth, Oxytocin in Birth, Endorphins in Labor, How to Manage Labor Pain Naturally, Natural Pain Relief in Labor, Labor Positions, Birth Movement, Spinning Babies, Baby Positioning, Breech Birth, Induction Alternatives, Natural Induction, Avoiding C-Section, Reducing Birth Interventions, Informed Consent in Birth, Midwifery, Doula Support, Partner Support in Birth, Christian Doula, Catholic Doula, Preparing Husbands for Birth, Birth Mindset, Overcoming Fear in Labor, Confidence in Birth, Trusting God in Birth, Faith and Fertility, Fertility Awareness, Cycle Tracking, Holistic Fertility, Pregnancy Wellness, Holistic Health for Moms, Herbal Remedies in Pregnancy, Essential Oils for Labor, Homeopathy for Birth, Natural Remedies for Postpartum, Gut Health for Moms, Healing after Birth, Slow Living Motherhood, Simple Living, Homemaking, Nourishing the Family, Whole Foods Cooking, Functional Nutrition, Functional Healing, Holistic Family Life *disclaimer: this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not personal medical advice. 

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