Maternal Wealth Podcast - Own Your Birth

Stephanie Theriault
  • 4.9 (9)
  • KIDS & FAMILY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Maternal Wealth Podcast creates a collective space for sharing all birth-related stories. I want to acknowledge birth's uniqueness, honor its variations, and remind us of the power we hold in giving birth.As a Labor and Delivery Nurse, I see the impact of our stories. Let's share those stories with those who come after us to prepare them for what's to come. For those who came before us, allowing them to reminisce and heal as we realize we were not alone in our experiences.Maternal Wealth is currently streaming in twenty-five countries: New Zealand, Australia, Slovakia, Canada, Finland, South Africa, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Rwanda, Poland, India, Sweden, Germany, Puerto Rico, China, Italy, Denmark, Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam, Spain, Greenland, Cyprus, Tanzania and the United States.

  1. Behind Every Successful Father: A Mother's Untold Journey

    JUL 9

    Behind Every Successful Father: A Mother's Untold Journey

    What does a wife sacrifice when her husband succeeds? That question propelled Jade Lomax's social media post to viral status, resonating with millions of women worldwide while simultaneously triggering fierce backlash from men who misunderstood her message. In this deeply personal conversation, Jade shares her transformation from a world-traveling accountant to a mother of three boys in Australia. Her birth stories form a powerful triptych of maternal experience – from a natural Christmas Day delivery that defied medical expectations, to a rushed, intervention-heavy second birth that left her feeling robbed of her birth experience, to a peaceful home birth during COVID lockdowns that finally gave her complete ownership of her birthing journey. Beyond the birthing room, Jade candidly discusses the identity transformation motherhood demands. The mundane challenges of hanging laundry while attending to a newborn's needs. The frustration of watching her husband leave for work without constantly calculating feeding schedules or childcare arrangements. The painful realization that society celebrates men's accomplishments while rendering invisible the women who make those achievements possible. What makes Jade's story particularly compelling is her nuanced approach to marriage and family dynamics. Rather than advocating separation, she emphasizes communication and growth. After her husband purchased a car without consulting her, following generational patterns in which men made all major decisions, they worked to build a partnership where both voices mattered equally. Today, Jade advocates for families to prioritize togetherness now rather than postponing joy until retirement. Having lost a close friend who left behind young children, she understands the precious uncertainty of time. Her message transcends cultural boundaries, reminding us that maternal experiences connect women globally despite our differences. Learn more about Jade Lomax and how she is empowering women with a Female-led, freedom-built roadmap business.  Would you like to be a guest on our show? Send us a message here! Support the show Become a Maternal Wealth Provider Today. Search and Find Maternal Wealth Providers Near You. Visit www.maternalwealth.com Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Follow Us Maternal Wealth Instagram Maternal Wealth Facebook

    52 min
  2. From Cesarean to Breech: One Mother's Journey to Build Communities for New Mothers

    JUL 2

    From Cesarean to Breech: One Mother's Journey to Build Communities for New Mothers

    Karen Chipman never planned to become a maternal health advocate. With a background in veterinary science, fate redirected her path after the birth of her first son, leading her to discover an unexpected passion for supporting women through labor and delivery. Her journey through three dramatically different births—a cesarean, a hard-won VBAC, and a vaginal breech delivery—became the foundation for what would eventually become Stork Ready Classes and Community for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond. What makes Karen's story particularly powerful is her unwavering determination to advocate for herself during a time when maternal autonomy was even more limited than today. When her doctor refused to support her desire for a VBAC with her second pregnancy, telling her she'd need to find another provider, she did exactly that—despite a male colleague telling her, "If you were my wife, I would never let you do this." Her memorable response: "I guess I'm happy I'm not your wife." This same conviction led her to establish Stork Ready in 2014, creating not just childbirth education but a genuine community for new families. Beyond preparing expectant parents for birth, Karen recognized the critical need for postpartum support in a society that often leaves new mothers isolated and overwhelmed. Through weekly gatherings like Mommy Cafe, women find safe spaces to voice their deepest fears and struggles—from the brave mother who asked, "Do you ever wake up and not want to be a mom?" to the lighthearted but honest discussion about postpartum intimacy where one woman joked she told her husband, "My knee. You can touch my knee." Karen's insight that "labor hasn't changed, but its management has dramatically" drives her educational approach, empowering families with information beyond what hospital-based classes typically offer. By collaborating with other birth professionals and creating specialized resources for high-risk pregnancies and postpartum preparation, Stork Ready fills crucial gaps in maternal support. The friendships formed through these communities often last years beyond the newborn phase, with families continuing to gather and support one another through the ongoing journey of parenthood. In Karen's words, "That's why I started Stork Ready—for that community, getting families together to get through that postpartum period that can be so difficult for so many people." Visit Stork Readyhttps://www.storkready.com/ to discover classes, support groups, and resources for your own pregnancy and parenting journey. Would you like to be a guest on our show? Send us a message here! Support the show Become a Maternal Wealth Provider Today. Search and Find Maternal Wealth Providers Near You. Visit www.maternalwealth.com Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Follow Us Maternal Wealth Instagram Maternal Wealth Facebook

    40 min
  3. The Complex Evolution of Maternal Healthcare in America (Part 3)

    JUN 25

    The Complex Evolution of Maternal Healthcare in America (Part 3)

    Midwife Audrey returns to unpack the complex evolution of maternal healthcare in America, revealing how historical class divisions, capitalism, and systemic racism have shaped how women experience pregnancy and birth today. From the early days when aristocrats sought "painless" birth to elevate themselves above "peasant women," to the current system where scheduled inductions accommodate limited maternity leave, our conversation explores how childbirth transformed from a normal physiological process into a medical event requiring management and intervention. This historical context sheds light on why obstetrics superseded midwifery in American healthcare, despite evidence suggesting that most women would benefit from the midwifery model of care. The reversal of Roe v. Wade adds another layer of complexity to conception and pregnancy planning, with impacts that will take years to fully understand. Meanwhile, America's capitalist values create a maternal healthcare landscape where privilege determines options, from who can afford time off for recovery to who receives proper pain management during labor. Most disturbing is how these historical trajectories contribute to the current Black maternal health crisis. Outdated biases persist in medical education and practice, including misconceptions about pain perception in different racial groups. When combined with economic inequities and social determinants of health, these factors create a system where preventable complications disproportionately claim Black mothers' lives. Yet, hope exists in solutions such as concordant care (where providers reflect their communities), cultural competency training, and system-wide recognition of how social structures impact health outcomes. By understanding how we arrived at our current system, we gain insight into creating more equitable maternal care for everyone. Support this podcast by visiting the link in our bio, and join us in advocating for maternal healthcare that honors every woman's journey. Would you like to be a guest on our show? Send us a message here! Support the show Become a Maternal Wealth Provider Today. Search and Find Maternal Wealth Providers Near You. Visit www.maternalwealth.com Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Follow Us Maternal Wealth Instagram Maternal Wealth Facebook

    1 hr
  4. Jutta Wohlrab Tells Us Why Birth Should Be Your Greatest Achievement, Not Your Greatest Fear

    JUN 18

    Jutta Wohlrab Tells Us Why Birth Should Be Your Greatest Achievement, Not Your Greatest Fear

    What if giving birth was considered your greatest achievement rather than your greatest fear? This question sits at the heart of my conversation with Jutta Wohlrab, a German midwife whose 40-year journey across three continents offers us a rare glimpse into how birth can be both gentler and more empowering. Jutta's path to midwifery began unexpectedly in the 1970s when a book about natural childbirth ignited her passion. She takes us on a fascinating tour of global birth practices, revealing how Germany's approach differs dramatically from other countries. Did you know that German law mandates a midwife at every birth, while doctors cannot legally deliver babies without a midwife present? This centuries-old protection speaks volumes about prioritizing women's needs during birth. We dive deep into the science of oxytocin—the crucial difference between your body's natural "love hormone" and the synthetic version commonly used in hospitals. Jutta explains why natural oxytocin, released in gentle pulses during undisturbed birth, creates that magical post-birth euphoria that makes you feel like you could "fly." By contrast, synthetic oxytocin delivered through an IV "hits you like a rocket" without the emotional benefits that help with bonding and processing your birth experience. Perhaps most powerful is Jutta's insight into how birth partners can transform your experience. Whether it's your spouse, friend, or doula, a well-prepared support person becomes what she calls your "Perfect Pregnancy Partner"—someone who breathes with you, encourages you, and helps you tap into your innate strength. As we discuss the troubling rise in postpartum mental health struggles and birth trauma, Jutta offers wisdom gained from thousands of births: finding knowledgeable experts, building supportive communities, and embracing birth as a profound life event rather than a medical procedure. Want to reclaim the joy and power in childbirth? Connect with Jutta through her book "Happy Birthing Days" or visit her website. And please share this episode with anyone preparing for birth or supporting birthing people—because every mother deserves to feel that birth was her greatest achievement. Happy Birthing Days Online Course Would you like to be a guest on our show? Send us a message here! Support the show Become a Maternal Wealth Provider Today. Search and Find Maternal Wealth Providers Near You. Visit www.maternalwealth.com Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Follow Us Maternal Wealth Instagram Maternal Wealth Facebook

    58 min
  5. The Sacred Journey: Preparing for Motherhood Before Conception (Part 2)

    JUN 11

    The Sacred Journey: Preparing for Motherhood Before Conception (Part 2)

    What does motherhood truly look like before we even conceive? How can we prepare emotionally and spiritually for one of life's most profound transformations? Midwife Audrey returns for the second installment of our powerful four-part series, diving deep into the conscious preparation for bringing new life into the world. Beyond nursery decor and baby registries lies the crucial inner work that shapes our journey as mothers. We explore how our first models of motherhood form passively in childhood, creating templates that influence our expectations. When the time comes to consciously create life, we have the opportunity to intentionally craft our motherhood experience, learning from the past while forging new paths. The conversation takes a vulnerable turn as we discuss the expectation versus reality of maternal bonding. Many women anticipate an instant connection at birth, only to discover that motherhood unfolds on its own timeline – sometimes immediate, sometimes gradual, always valid. This frank discussion liberates mothers from unnecessary guilt and recognizes the uniquely individual nature of every mothering journey. Perhaps most revolutionary is our examination of how modern society's emphasis on the nuclear family has isolated mothers and created unsustainable burdens. By reintegrating grandparents and extended family into our living arrangements, we rediscover the village that once made motherhood sustainable. This traditional model distributes childcare responsibilities, creates richer environments for children, and provides more fulfilling lives for elders. In this episode, Midwife Audrey tenderly addresses motherhood after loss and the complex experience of carrying rainbow babies. For women navigating pregnancy after miscarriage or stillbirth, healthcare providers who recognize both the clinical and emotional dimensions of their journey become essential companions. Join us as we reimagine motherhood not as a burden that restricts freedom, but as a profound, multidimensional journey supported by community, ancestral wisdom, and authentic connection. Your path to motherhood deserves thoughtful anticipation – let's embark on this sacred journey together. Would you like to be a guest on our show? Send us a message here! Support the show Become a Maternal Wealth Provider Today. Search and Find Maternal Wealth Providers Near You. Visit www.maternalwealth.com Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Follow Us Maternal Wealth Instagram Maternal Wealth Facebook

    45 min
  6. From Academic to Entrepreneur: Building Mental Health Support for New Mothers with Tara

    JUN 5

    From Academic to Entrepreneur: Building Mental Health Support for New Mothers with Tara

    Dr. Katrina Roundfield's journey from academic psychologist to maternal mental health entrepreneur begins with a startling revelation: despite her extensive training, nothing prepared her for the overwhelming anxiety that gripped her after giving birth to her son. The stark contrast between prenatal and postpartum care represents a healthcare crisis hiding in plain sight. Women receive approximately 700 minutes of prenatal attention but only 30 minutes of postpartum care, precisely when 80% experience significant emotional distress. This gap inspired Dr. Roundfield to create Tara, an innovative app that supports mothers through matrescence —the profound biological and psychological transformation of becoming a mother. "I kept thinking about what would have helped me during my postpartum experience," Dr. Roundfield reflects, noting that traditional therapy wasn't the answer. With a newborn, limited time, and symptoms that didn't quite reach clinical thresholds, she found herself in healthcare limbo, struggling without clear pathways for support. This experience mirrors countless mothers who track every feeding and diaper change obsessively, spiral into anxiety, and isolate themselves while trying to navigate a profound identity shift with minimal guidance. Tara fills this void by offering science-backed tools that acknowledge the neurobiological reality of matrescence. The app provides practical mental health techniques, educational resources on maternal brain changes, and a community moderated by mental health professionals—all designed to accommodate the constraints of new motherhood. Named after the Buddhist goddess considered the mother of all Buddhas, Tara embodies the philosophy that mothers already possess what they need to thrive; they simply require support during this transformative transition. With Tara Would you like to be a guest on our show? Send us a message here! Support the show Become a Maternal Wealth Provider Today. Search and Find Maternal Wealth Providers Near You. Visit www.maternalwealth.com Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Follow Us Maternal Wealth Instagram Maternal Wealth Facebook

    47 min
  7. When Loss and New Life Collide: A Mother's Journey Through Trauma and Hope

    MAY 30

    When Loss and New Life Collide: A Mother's Journey Through Trauma and Hope

    Grief and joy are two sides of the same coin in motherhood, as Shawnee Baker powerfully demonstrates in this emotional conversation about her maternal journey. A former NICU nurse who became a mother to three children before she was 23, Shawnee's path was immediately complicated when her first husband abandoned their family when her daughter Baylie was just six days old. With courage and determination, she rebuilt her life as a single mother, creating an especially close bond with Baylie—her mini-me, best friend, and confidante. Years later, after finding love again and deciding to expand her family through IVF at age 39, Shawnee faced the unthinkable. While pregnant with her fourth child, her daughter Baylie, then a sophomore at the University of Miami, was drugged, suffered a catastrophic accident, and spent six weeks in a coma before passing away. The devastating trauma of losing Baylie while simultaneously carrying a new life created a perfect storm of grief, stress, and medical complications that few mothers have experienced. Shawnee shares the harrowing details of this period with unflinching honesty—the weekly ultrasounds, psychiatrist visits, medication concerns, and the constant fear about what effect her overwhelming grief might have on her unborn child. She also reveals the systemic failures that compounded her family's tragedy, including their inability to advocate for proper medical testing or transfer Baylie's care without a healthcare proxy, a critical document most parents of adult children don't realize they need. Shawnee articulates the complex experience of maternal grief alongside the anticipation of new life and how she found the strength to open her heart again. "I would love again because Baylie would want me to," she shares, encapsulating the painful beauty of continuing to mother both the child she lost and the one she was preparing to welcome. Listen to this transformative conversation that will forever change how you think about maternal resilience, the medical implications of trauma during pregnancy, and the legal preparations every parent needs to make. Learn more about Shawnee Baker and her advocacy for positive change on behalf of Baylie.  Baylie's Wish Foundation Baylie's Wish Foundation Instagram "Baylie" on Amazon Stay Safe & Connected with 3rd-i App trust&will Would you like to be a guest on our show? Send us a message here! Support the show Become a Maternal Wealth Provider Today. Search and Find Maternal Wealth Providers Near You. Visit www.maternalwealth.com Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Follow Us Maternal Wealth Instagram Maternal Wealth Facebook

    53 min
  8. The Support Every New Mother Deserves: A Postpartum Doula's Journey

    MAY 14

    The Support Every New Mother Deserves: A Postpartum Doula's Journey

    What happens when a woman gives birth in a foreign country without family support, speaks minimal Korean, and navigates an unfamiliar healthcare system? Heather Magill's unexpected journey into motherhood began precisely this way in South Korea, setting her on a path that would ultimately transform not just her life but the lives of countless new mothers. Through three distinctly different birth experiences—from a curtained hospital ward in South Korea to the nurturing environment of a birth center—Heather discovered firsthand the profound impact that proper support makes during the vulnerable postpartum period. Her candid reflections reveal many new mothers' stark reality: "It was never really meant for someone to have a baby and take your baby home to an empty house... see you in six weeks, good luck with everything." This insight became the foundation for her life's work. Heather introduces the powerful concept of "matrescence"—the developmental transition into motherhood that parallels adolescence in its intensity and transformative nature. This framework helps explain why becoming a mother isn't just about learning baby care skills but involves fundamental shifts in identity, perspective, and place in the world. Through her business, Infant Concierge, she now provides overnight and daytime doula services that fill crucial gaps in postpartum care, offering practical help and knowledgeable, non-judgmental support as families navigate their unique parenting journeys. Whether you're expecting your first child, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in maternal health, this conversation offers valuable insights into how proper postpartum support can positively impact mental health, family bonding, and the overall experience of new parenthood. Connect with Heather at infantconcierge.com to learn more about her services and upcoming matrescence support groups designed to help mothers of all ages process their unique maternal journeys.   Take advantage of Heather's free tool to help busy moms build a habit of self-compassion and kindness when they need it the most.  Would you like to be a guest on our show? Send us a message here! Support the show Become a Maternal Wealth Provider Today. Search and Find Maternal Wealth Providers Near You. Visit www.maternalwealth.com Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review! Follow Us Maternal Wealth Instagram Maternal Wealth Facebook

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Maternal Wealth Podcast creates a collective space for sharing all birth-related stories. I want to acknowledge birth's uniqueness, honor its variations, and remind us of the power we hold in giving birth.As a Labor and Delivery Nurse, I see the impact of our stories. Let's share those stories with those who come after us to prepare them for what's to come. For those who came before us, allowing them to reminisce and heal as we realize we were not alone in our experiences.Maternal Wealth is currently streaming in twenty-five countries: New Zealand, Australia, Slovakia, Canada, Finland, South Africa, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Rwanda, Poland, India, Sweden, Germany, Puerto Rico, China, Italy, Denmark, Brazil, Indonesia, Vietnam, Spain, Greenland, Cyprus, Tanzania and the United States.

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