The Homebirth Midwife Podcast

Hearth and Home Midwifery

The Homebirth Midwife podcast is hosted by Sarah McClure, CPM, LDM, LM and Charli Zarosinski, CPM, LDM, LM, founders and primary midwives of Hearth and Home Midwifery, a homebirth practice in Oregon and Washington. They are experts on all things related to natural pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. Each week the podcast delves into the topics you want to know about regarding your pregnancy and birth.

  1. JAN 27

    Full Circle at Home: Joanna's Healing Second Birth

    In the second part of her story, Joanna shares her vastly different second birth experience—one marked by calm, confidence, and healing. After a long, complicated first labor that ended in a hospital birth, Joanna enters this pregnancy with intention, preventative care, and trust in her body. Her spontaneous labor unfolds steadily and without complications, culminating in a peaceful homebirth surrounded by supportive care. This episode is an encouraging reminder that every birth is different—and that empowerment can exist even after a difficult beginning. If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor. Stay Connected With Us! Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206 The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    45 min
  2. JAN 13

    A Firework of a Birth: Joanna's First Homebirth Journey

    In this episode, Joanna shares the story of her first pregnancy and birth, beginning with her intentional choice of homebirth midwifery care and continuing through a long, complex labor. After a home induction, intense pelvic pain, stalled labor, and rising blood pressure led to a hospital transfer, Joanna labored for many more hours while advocating fiercely for a vaginal birth. Her journey culminated in a hard-won hospital vaginal delivery marked by resilience, trust, and deep surrender. This episode offers an honest, compassionate look at how birth plans can change and how empowerment can still be found in the process. If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor. Stay Connected With Us! Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206 The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    51 min
  3. 12/16/2025

    Pregnancy Over 40: A Midwifery Perspective on AMA Care

    In this episode of The Homebirth Midwife Podcast, Sarah and Charli explore advanced maternal age care for pregnancies over 40, unpacking what the data actually says about risk while keeping the conversation grounded and compassionate. They explain the difference between absolute and relative risk, discuss maternal and neonatal considerations, and highlight the lack of a universal standard of care for this population. Throughout the episode, Sarah and Charli emphasize informed choice, individualized care, and the importance of centering mothers, not just babies, in conversations about risk. With real-life examples and thoughtful reframing, they affirm that people over 40 can and do have safe, empowering, and positive birth experiences. If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor. Stay Connected With Us! Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206 The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    46 min
  4. 12/02/2025

    Olivia's Home Birth Story: A First-Time Mom's Experience with Hearth and Home

    In this very special episode, Sarah interviews Olivia, a first-time mom who shares her warm, joyful, and honest story of choosing and experiencing a home birth. Olivia walks listeners through her decision to switch to midwifery care, her smooth but emotionally complex pregnancy, and her fast, powerful labor supported by loved ones. She describes the beautiful moment her son was born into his father's hands and the tender postpartum period that followed—complete with both bliss and bouts of anxiety. The conversation highlights the value of personalized midwifery care, postpartum support, and trusting oneself throughout the parenting journey. Listeners are left with encouragement, validation, and insight into the real dynamics of physiologic birth. If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor. Stay Connected With Us! Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206 The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    40 min
  5. 11/18/2025

    Two Births, Two Very Different Experiences: Kelly's Birth Stories

    In this heartfelt episode, Sarah interviews Kelly, a two-time Hearth and Home Midwifery client, who shares the stories of her two very different births. Kelly describes her long first labor that ultimately led to an empowered hospital transfer, where the skills and confidence she gained through midwifery care helped her advocate for herself and her baby. She then contrasts this with her fast, intuitive, and deeply supported home birth with her second child, which unfolded peacefully in the comfort of her bedroom. Throughout the conversation, Kelly reflects on the importance of informed choice, trust, and thoughtful prenatal care. Her stories offer warmth, honesty, and inspiration to anyone exploring their birth options. If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor. Stay Connected With Us! Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206 The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    40 min
  6. 11/04/2025

    Melodie and Wes Return: A Second Home Birth with Hearth and Home

    In this episode, midwife Sarah McClure welcomes back Melodie and Wes to share the story of their second home birth with Hearth and Home Midwifery. Melodie describes a calm yet powerful pregnancy and an incredibly fast two-and-a-half-hour labor that culminated in the birth of their son. The couple contrasts the warmth, relationship-based care of their midwives with the impersonal nature of traditional medical systems. Despite a postpartum hemorrhage, Melodie and Wes reflect on the safety, intimacy, and trust that define their home birth experience. Their story offers a heartfelt testament to the confidence and community that come from midwifery care. If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor. Stay Connected With Us! Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206 The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    41 min
  7. 10/21/2025

    Placenta Previa: A Midwife's Perspective

    In this episode of The Homebirth Midwife Podcast, Sarah and Charli explore placenta previa, explaining what it is, how it's diagnosed, and how it can impact pregnancy and birth planning. They discuss risk factors, potential complications, and the reality that most cases resolve naturally. The hosts also challenge conventional restrictions often given to those with previa, encouraging individualized decision-making and informed autonomy. With empathy and humor, they remind listeners that this condition is often out of one's control — and that compassionate, personalized care can make all the difference. If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor. Stay Connected With Us! Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206 The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    30 min
  8. 10/07/2025

    Two Births, One Midwifery Team: Ally's Journey with Hearth & Home Midwifery

    In this heartfelt episode of The Homebirth Midwife Podcast, Sarah McClure sits down with Ally, a two-time Hearth and Home client, to share her two very different birth stories. From an unexpected breech birth that led to a calm, supported hospital transfer to a peaceful, empowered home birth years later, Ally's story beautifully illustrates the range of experiences possible in midwifery care. Through laughter, emotion, and reflection, Sarah and Ally explore themes of trust, advocacy, and the power of being truly known by your care team. This episode invites listeners into an honest and uplifting conversation about birth, resilience, and the deep relationships that define midwifery practice. If you like what you get here, you'll like our online childbirth education course even more. It's a more detailed look at the stages of labor, how to cope, and what to do along the way to set yourself up for success. It also shows partners what to expect from their point of view and what they can do to support you in labor. Stay Connected With Us! Website: https://hearthandhomemidwifery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearthandHomeMidwifery YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hearthandhomemidwifery1206 The Homebirth Midwife Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of midwifery, medicine, or other professional health care services. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast are at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    49 min
4.6
out of 5
193 Ratings

About

The Homebirth Midwife podcast is hosted by Sarah McClure, CPM, LDM, LM and Charli Zarosinski, CPM, LDM, LM, founders and primary midwives of Hearth and Home Midwifery, a homebirth practice in Oregon and Washington. They are experts on all things related to natural pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. Each week the podcast delves into the topics you want to know about regarding your pregnancy and birth.

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