#113 | She Caught Her Own Baby: A First-Time Mom’s Pain-Free Home Birth Story

What if birth could feel peaceful, natural, and so deeply joyful that you were actually sad when labor ended?

In this episode of the Pain Free Birth Podcast, Karen sits down with Abby Neese, an Iowa mom who experienced two pain-free home births. During her first birth, Abby followed her intuition, remained calm when her midwives did not arrive in time, and caught her own baby in the birth tub. Rather than feeling afraid, she trusted the physiological process unfolding within her body.

Abby’s second birth was completely different, yet still pain-free. Through intentional breathing, prenatal yoga, hypnobirthing techniques, and a deep trust in God’s design, Abby allowed her body to take over. She experienced the fetal ejection reflex and gave birth without coached or forced pushing. Abby also shares how these births inspired her to become a doula, catch her friend’s baby, and begin pursuing a future calling toward midwifery.

Tune in to hear:

• How Abby’s intuition accurately prepared her for a fast first birth
• Why hospital water birth policies led her to consider home birth
• The simple explanation of uterine contractions that removed her fear
• How positive birth stories and physiological birth education shaped her mindset
• What Abby did during early and active labor with her first baby
• How she remained calm when her midwives did not arrive in time
• What it felt like to catch her own baby in the birth tub
• Why she describes her first birth as peaceful, natural, and pain-free
• How relaxed, physiological pushing affected her postpartum recovery
• Why her second birth felt emotionally intense without being physically painful
• How breathwork and prenatal yoga helped her release tension
• What the fetal ejection reflex felt like during her second birth
• Why Abby believes women should protect their minds from fear-based birth stories
• How her birth experiences inspired her to become a doula
• The incredible story of catching her first baby while serving as a doula
• How Abby’s experiences confirmed her future calling toward midwifery

Connect with Abby

Instagram: harvesthopedoula

Website: Harvest Hope Doula

CONNECT WITH KAREN:

Join Karen's Doula Certification Program Waitlist HERE

Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain Free Birth.

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