Healing Birth

Diana Forsell Tayan
  • 4.8 (57)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

Conscious conversations about birth, rooted in trusting the inherent wisdom of our bodies.

  1. 3d ago

    A Lifetime of Anxiety, One Day of Clarity

    Megan shares the beautiful story of her first child's birth—a "private birth" with only her husband and their happily snoring dog present in their home. Although it was one of the most physically intense experiences of her life, Megan was left in awe of how clear and calm she remained throughout the process, especially as someone with a history of anxiety. We wrap up the conversation with a vulnerable discussion about the nitty-gritty physical surprises of postpartum recovery, and why it's all part of the process and will heal with time. Be sure to check out our Instagram page this week for a screenshot of Megan's detailed birth support checklist for her husband, which she partly credits for the ease of her experience. You'll also find a precious childhood photo of Megan, a reminder that she was always meant to be a mother. Megan wanted to share the Innate Traditions postpartum care practitioner directory, where she found her truly life changing support for the few weeks following the birth of her son. The woman she hired brought her nourishing food, herbs, offered bodywork, and ceremony to honor and hold her in such a sacred time. This amazing woman took care of her, so Megan could take care of her baby. She believes every woman deserves this type of care. Find practitioners from all over the world in the link below: https://postpartum-care-directory.innatetraditions.com/ If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

    1h 16m
  2. You Might Also Like: The Science of Happiness

    3d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Science of Happiness

    Introducing How Cities Can Make Space for Awe from The Science of Happiness. Follow the show: The Science of Happiness A simple experiment turning a parking space into a parklet reveals how small changes to public spaces can spark connection, belonging, and awe.  Summary: What if even the smallest changes to our cities could transform how we feel and connect? In this episode of The Science of Happiness, we visit the site of San Francisco’s first parklet, and explore how reclaiming everyday spaces can invite people to pause, gather, and experience a sense of belonging. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode. Today’s Guests: BLAINE MERKER is an urban designer and public space advocate. He leads Gehl’s Enterprise & Corporations team. Learn more about Blaine here: https://www.gehlpeople.com/people/blaine-merker/ SETHA LOW is an anthropologist and Professor at City University of New York. She’s also the author of the book Why Public Space Matters, as well as many other books examining the social life of cities. Learn more about Setha here: https://www.gc.cuny.edu/people/setha-low This episode is supported by The Gambrell Foundation, who believe a great life grows from strong relationships, a sense of belonging, and moments of awe and wonder. Learn more about their work at gambrellfoundation.org Related Science of Happiness episodes: What Humans Can Learn From Trees: https://tinyurl.com/48te84ps How to Do Good for the Environment (And Yourself): https://tinyurl.com/5b26zwkx Are You Remembering the Good Times: https://tinyurl.com/483bkk2h Related Happiness Break episodes: How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpm Pause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3 Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher: https://tinyurl.com/mrutudeh Follow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe’d love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Help us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap Transcription: https://tinyurl.com/yr7m2zb5 DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. May 31

    After Stillbirth and Two Cesareans, She Finally Had the Birth She Dreamed Of

    At just seventeen years old, Lexi found herself pregnant and facing pressure from her doctor to terminate her pregnancy after her baby was diagnosed with Spina Bifida. She was told her son would never live a normal life, but despite the fear and uncertainty, Lexi chose to continue her pregnancy and gave birth via cesarean section. Today, her son is fourteen years old, healthy, and thriving. Two years later, Lexi became pregnant again, but her second pregnancy ended in tragedy. Throughout her prenatal care, she repeatedly voiced concerns that something was wrong, yet her symptoms were dismissed by providers. Her baby was ultimately stillborn due to severe undiagnosed IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction). After these two birth experiences, Lexi lost trust in the mainstream maternity care system and turned to midwifery care for her future pregnancies. In this episode, she shares her journey through pregnancy after loss, cesarean birth, stillbirth, VBAC after two cesareans (VBA2C), and ultimately achieving a healing home birth with a 10-pound baby! If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

    42 min

  4. May 24

    Through the Isolette Doors: A NICU Journey

    Jes shares the brutal, raw, and ultimately hopeful story of experiencing two premature births and navigating the NICU with both of her babies. Her first baby was born at 27 weeks, and her second at 30 weeks, leading to two deeply emotional NICU journeys that changed her forever. She opens up about birth trauma, motherhood after premature birth, and what it's really like to parent preemie babies through long NICU stays. Jes shares her story to inspire other mothers, and, most of all, so another NICU mom listening can feel a little less alone.          You can find the book Jes wrote about her experience here: NICU Mamahood: The Musings of a NICU Mama  Find Jes on Facebook  If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

    1h 6m

  5. May 17

    A Cesarean on Her Own Terms

    When Samantha became pregnant with her first baby, she was already working as a doula and felt more familiar with birth than most first-time mothers. She planned a home birth with a midwife, but after a long labor she transferred to the hospital. There, her experience was deeply impacted by a nurse who yelled at her during the pushing phase. Although her baby was born healthy, Samantha struggled with severe postpartum anxiety after the birth. For her second pregnancy, Samantha chose a new midwife and planned another home birth. Once again, she transferred to the hospital near the end of labor, but this time the experience was completely different because she was the one making the decisions. At the hospital, Samantha began having panic attacks during contractions and ultimately decided she wanted a cesarean birth. Even though there was no medical emergency, the staff respected her wishes and supported her choice. In this episode, Samantha shares how an empowered hospital transfer and maternal autonomy turned her second birth, and cesarean experience, into something deeply healing and unexpectedly beautiful. Find Samantha on Instagram @Samantha_yeaton_ Samantha's Website  If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

    54 min

  6. May 10

    Where Empty Arms Meet Light

    Liz is a death doula, medium, and spiritual guide. She is also a mother who has walked intimately with grief. On her first appearance on this podcast, she shared the heartbreaking and beautiful story of her daughter's pregnancy and stillbirth, which you can listen to here. Even while still grieving her loss, Liz felt the presence of another baby who wanted to come through. And as soon as she and her partner said yes, she became pregnant again. The pregnancy was magical and regenerative for her, though not completely without fear. But deep down, Liz felt peace. Her baby, Luzy, was born at home after a marathon six-day labor that culminated in orgasmic bliss. But Liz's postpartum joy was interrupted by grief once again when, just ten days after the birth, her partner was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed shortly thereafter — an experience she doula'd him through. Liz's story is one of grief, joy, embodiment, and spiritual integration. And of learning to remain open to life even in the wake of profound loss. Liz's Website Find Liz on Substack  Liz on Instagram  Liz on Facebook   Liz on YouTube If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

    1h 13m

  7. May 3

    An Off-Grid, Blissful Freebirth in Maine (Part Two)

    This is part two of Kirsten's story. If you haven't already heard part one, check it out here.  By the time Kirsten became pregnant with her second baby, her family had followed a dream and moved off grid to a tiny cabin in the Maine wilderness. Living without running water and facing a long, solitary drive up a mountain to reach their home, Kirsten felt fortunate to find a midwife willing to work with her under those circumstances. But each time she had a scheduled prenatal appointment, she found herself not wanting to go. Eventually, she made peace with the fact that she did not really want a midwife this time and began considering a more intuitive, independent birth experience. She spent her pregnancy immersed in nature and busy chasing her toddler, embracing the rhythms of off-grid living. Then one night, as the season shifted into spring and the whippoorwills sang, Kirsten welcomed her baby in a peaceful, easeful freebirth at home, surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness. If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

    1h 2m

  8. Apr 26

    An Off-Grid, Blissful Freebirth in Maine (Part One)

    When Kirsten became pregnant with her first baby, she and her partner knew they wanted a home birth. She hired a team of midwives to support her care, but her plans hit a bump when an ultrasound suggested her baby was too small. Deep down, Kirsten felt confident her baby was fine, and, after multiple follow-up scans, her baby's growth was shown to be on track. Kirsten went on to deliver at home as planned, surrounded by her midwives, her best friend, and her husband. But the immediate postpartum period was handled in a way that left her unable to speak about the experience for a long time. This is only part one of Kirsten's story. Tune in next week for part two! If you love the show, I would greatly appreciate a review on  Spotify or Apple Podcasts!  Follow me on Instagram @healingbirth Do you have a birth story you'd like to share on the podcast, or would like to otherwise connect? I love to hear from you! Send me a note at contactus@healingbirth.net Intro / Outro music: Dreams by Markvard Podcast cover photo by Karina Jensen @karinajensenphoto

    50 min
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4.8
out of 5
57 Ratings

About

Conscious conversations about birth, rooted in trusting the inherent wisdom of our bodies.

Information

  • Creator
    Diana Forsell Tayan
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    266
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Healing Birth

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