Birth Education Center Podcast

Care M Messer
  • 5.0 (5)
  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

My name is Care Messer, I'm an entrepreneur, childbirth educator birth and postpartum doula and the mom of two girls. Birth stories begin before your baby is even conceived and we're here to talk about it. Join Ashley & I as we create discussions around connection, finding and using your voice and of course, birth stories! We will release an episode each week so be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a second!

  1. 5D AGO

    Legacy Mentor Series: Roberta Frank on Midwifery, Birth, and Personal Transformation

    Today's show kicks off the Legacy Mentor Series with Roberta Frank, a trailblazing midwife whose impact on my life is indescribable. It is an honor getting to share many of my mentors who have passed on their love, time and advice over the years that I have been in birth work. I credit these people for helping to create the Birth Education Center and all that it has offered.  In this episode, we discuss the transformative power of birth, the wisdom of midwifery, and the importance of respecting a woman's natural ability to give birth. And once again, Roberta passes on her observations and wisdom from a lifetime of witnessing birth come into the world. Roberta shares her journey from experiencing a traumatic hospital birth to becoming a pioneering midwife, founding the first state-licensed and longest running birth center in California. Best Start Birth Center just recently closed after being in business over 35 years. We discuss the innate knowledge women possess, the critical role of support and respect in the birthing process, and how birth can be a profound healer of past traumas. This conversation is filled with practical advice for families and birth workers, and a powerful message about trusting the processes of life, birth, and death. Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode? BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com   Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204   Join us on Socials: Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter FB: @BirthEducationCenter LinkedIn: @CareMesser   Online Courses: OMG I'm Pregnant Induction 101 Mental Health  Newborn Procedures Epidurals Explained Meditations/Journal   For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

    37 min

  2. FEB 5

    A Hypnobirthing Home Birth: John and Taylor's Story

    In today's episode, we welcome the home birth story of John and Taylor. Taylor and John took Hypnobirthing at the center and John got the full exposure to what birth could actually look like. Taylor saw something about home birth in High School and the idea stuck! Her "crunchy lifestyle" choices shaped her birth plan and helped her find a midwife. John opens up about moving from skepticism to being fully onboard with his role as they navigated their birth journey together. He admits he's NOT the crunchy one in this relationship.  With a baby who showed up early and took his time getting here- it was all about preparation and support. Having the right midwife and doula for them, this episode highlights the profound beauty and natural pacing of birthing at home. The "no pressure to perform" model of birth is a key factor in this being so amazing for this family's experience. @sandiegocountymidwives  @yourdoula_julie Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode? BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com   Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204   Join us on Socials: Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter FB: @BirthEducationCenter LinkedIn: @CareMesser   Online Courses: OMG I'm Pregnant Induction 101 Mental Health  Newborn Procedures Epidurals Explained Meditations/Journal   For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

    1h 1m

  3. JAN 2 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Grief, Gratitude, and Trust

    This is a special bonus episode wrapping up the season! I just wanted to express my immense gratitude for all your emails, heartfelt responses, and questions. Your journey toward better education, finding the best providers, and increased awareness in the realm of parenthood means the world to me and Ashley. This is a summary of what I have been going through this past year. Grief. So if you've wondered where I've been, here is the tea. I'm excited to share our upcoming mentor legacy series and amazing birth stories in the next season. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I'm grateful for your support and love. We'll see you in about a month! Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode? BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com   Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204   Join us on Socials: Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter FB: @BirthEducationCenter LinkedIn: @CareMesser   Online Courses: OMG I'm Pregnant Induction 101 Mental Health  Newborn Procedures Epidurals Explained Meditations/Journal   For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

    8 min

  4. 12/11/2025

    Dr. Morgan and Postpartum Prep Realities

    Welcome back to part two with more education prep on things to think about for Postpartum. Today with Dr. Morgan, we're diving deep into a few things people miss when planning for postpartum life. We're covering the reality of hormone shifts, breastfeeding challenges, and mental health issues like baby blues and postpartum anxiety. She does not miss the importance of proper nutrition and rest and also shares how her husband handles his role during postpartum after each baby. The partner conversations and prep are not to be missed! Dr. Morgan shares personal experiences and practical advice on how to navigate this intense period, adding in the support systems and resources that can make a world of difference.  Whether you're expecting or recently had a baby, this episode is packed with candid, real-talk advice aimed at preparing and empowering you for the postpartum journey. We want you to go in with what will be the best advice tailored just for your family. Hopefully this show will open up great conversations for you and your support team.  You can reach Dr. Morgan MacDermott at MilkMedicine.com. Her podcast with co host Dr. Leah is Healthy As A Mother, and can be found wherever you get your podcasts! @morganmacdermott Here's the episode Morgan mentioned where she interviewed her husband!  #63: Role Changes and Expectations within Fatherhood with Wes MacDermott https://open.spotify.com/episode/2U6BRfxgtIP5bJjQWKD4KZ?si=9c5e07ddec634fab RESOURCES: LAB LIST: CBC, CMP, ferritin, total iron, TIBC, iron saturation, TSH, free T3, free T4, total T3, total T4, TPO and TG antibodies, vitamin D3 Supplements mentioned: https://thisisneeded.com/?irpid=1111115&pwc=true https://www.themilkmoon.com/products/restorativetonic Postpartum Herbs: https://www.wishgardenherbs.com/collections/postpartum?tw_source=google   Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode? BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com   Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204   Join us on Socials: Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter FB: @BirthEducationCenter LinkedIn: @CareMesser   Online Courses: OMG I'm Pregnant Induction 101 Mental Health  Newborn Procedures Epidurals Explained Meditations/Journal   For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

    1h 4m

  5. 12/04/2025

    Breastfeeding Prep and Support: More Info from Dr. Morgan Macdermott

    In this episode, I am having Dr. Morgan back to really share as much info as possible to get your research inspired and moving for all things Breastfeeding! I think what I have been seeing more and more over the years is a false sense of preparedness when it comes to breastfeeding preparedness. Parents are so focused on labor and delivery education that they skip breastfeeding due to time constraints or simply feeling like the education is not important. After all - haven't we been breastfeeding for thousands of years? How hard could it be? Dr. Morgan Macdermott, is a naturopathic medical doctor specializing in perinatal women's health. There is so much to talk about when it comes to the importance of EARLY breastfeeding education and support. We cover common pitfalls new parents face, the significance of having a lactation consultant, and practical tips for breastfeeding success.  This is the first part of our two-part series, with the second part focusing on postpartum recovery and ongoing motherhood support. Dr. Morgan shares invaluable insights and real-life experiences to help get some terminology into your head and hopefully you will share this information with newly pregnant friends so they can be ahead of the game! You can reach Dr. Morgan MacDermott at MilkMedicine.com. Her podcast with co host Dr. Leah is Healthy As A Mother, and can be found wherever you get your podcasts! @morganmacdermott https://milkmedicine.com/pregnancycall/ https://www.karingforpostpartum.com/breastfeeding-course Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode? BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com   Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204   Join us on Socials: Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter FB: @BirthEducationCenter LinkedIn: @CareMesser   Online Courses: OMG I'm Pregnant Induction 101 Mental Health  Newborn Procedures Epidurals Explained Meditations/Journal   For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

    1h 5m

  6. 11/20/2025

    Kaitlyn's Birth Story: Navigating Denial and Embracing Trust

    Today on the podcast, we get to hear Kaitlyn's birth story. Kaitlyn, a doula and new mom, shares her emotional and practical experience of labor and delivery with us. Kaitlyn and her husband came through my Hypnobirthing series and proved that taking a class earlier than you think you should may be your intuition prompting you! She is also a masterful writer so this episode is a mixture of story and conversation!  She opens up about her initial denial as labor began and how that shadowed her experience. Kaitlyn's husband, Alex, played a crucial role in advocating for her and their baby, showing the importance of support and teamwork. We also talk about the importance of community support and postpartum preparation. Kaitlyn's raw recount of her journey allows room for the significance of letting go, trusting the process, and embracing the unexpected. Everyone's birth is different and even if we all prepare the same way - we learn and experience what we need, and it's usually unexpected. Here's the link to the Protein Ball recipe Kaitlyn mentioned! https://share.google/5wq8YsSD6mFV0RRQe ⁣@yourdoulakaitlyn    @move.nurture.grow Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode? BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com   Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204   Join us on Socials: Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter FB: @BirthEducationCenter LinkedIn: @CareMesser   Online Courses: OMG I'm Pregnant Induction 101 Mental Health  Newborn Procedures Epidurals Explained Meditations/Journal   For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

    1h 7m

  7. 11/13/2025

    Doula Insights: Jessica's Lessons from Hypnobirthing Classes

    In this last episode of doula education, you get to meet Jessica, a new doula, as she reflects on what she learned from these parents while attending our hypnobirthing class series. Jessica and I discuss each of the five classes. I have loved seeing what each doula has noticed per class because it shows just how much our own lived experiences influence what we are most needing in birth education.  The main topics Jessica pulled from the series was the importance of childbirth education, pushing techniques, the role of partners, and all the ways to stay calm and grounded during labor. We also covered personal experiences, including Jessica's own birth stories when she had NO childbirth education and how they shaped her approach as a doula. Perfect for both new and seasoned doulas as well as expecting parents looking for practical birthing advice. If you are needing more support as a doula with your mindset and daily practice – you can download my Doula Mindset and Business Meditations to build your self-confidence and help you with looking towards yourself for the answers you seek. Being solo in the birth room doesn't have to be daunting. You have all you need inside. (19.99)  Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode? BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com   Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204   Join us on Socials: Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter FB: @BirthEducationCenter LinkedIn: @CareMesser   Online Courses: OMG I'm Pregnant Induction 101 Mental Health  Newborn Procedures Epidurals Explained Meditations/Journal   For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

    52 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    How to Support Surrogacy as a Doula, - Part 4

    In this episode, we welcome Jamilah back for Part 4 of our Surrogacy series. This show is specifically for doulas but Jamilah also adds in some information for those of you who are considering becoming a surrogate!  Supporting a surrogate and the family they are working with has some nuances for sure. Jamilah wants you to feel very prepared from the first interview through the postpartum time. We cover common surrogacy terms, the emotional and physical challenges surrogates face, the necessity of trauma-informed care, and the often overlooked postpartum support. I was also surprised by so much of the information including that most surrogates DON'T hire a doula! It's way more common to hire a postpartum doula for recovery. My mouth is still on the floor from that one! Whether you're a doula, surrogate, or intended parent, this conversation sheds light on the intricate journey of surrogacy and the indispensable role of doulas in fostering a supportive birthing environment. Follow the whole series: Ep 75: The Road to Surrogacy, Part 1                                                                                                Ep 76: The Road to Surrogacy, Part 2 Ep 77: The Road to Surrogacy, Part 3 @jamilahallencreative   @familymattersurrogacy Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode? BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com   Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204   Join us on Socials: Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter FB: @BirthEducationCenter LinkedIn: @CareMesser   Online Courses: OMG I'm Pregnant Induction 101 Mental Health  Newborn Procedures Epidurals Explained Meditations/Journal   For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

    53 min
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About

My name is Care Messer, I'm an entrepreneur, childbirth educator birth and postpartum doula and the mom of two girls. Birth stories begin before your baby is even conceived and we're here to talk about it. Join Ashley & I as we create discussions around connection, finding and using your voice and of course, birth stories! We will release an episode each week so be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a second!

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