In this episode of the Empowering Birth Stories Podcast, Ashley, a mother of eight, holistic health practitioner, and former doula, shares her transformative journey from traumatic hospital births to empowering home births. She highlights a pivotal moment during her fourth birth when her lead midwife made her realize the importance of claiming authority over her birthing experience.

Ashley emphasizes the significance of education and continuous self-empowerment during pregnancy. She encourages expecting parents to seek evidence-based information, explore various birth options, and trust their bodies' capabilities.

The decision to choose home birth after a traumatic hospital experience allowed Ashley to regain control and experience the birth she desired. She also discusses her experience with extended pregnancies, emphasizing that understanding your body's unique timeline is essential.

Ashley's empowering advice for parents is to never stop seeking information and to trust the birthing process while remembering their innate power during labor.

This episode serves as an inspiring reminder that, regardless of the chosen birthing setting, parents have the ability to make informed decisions and embrace their own authority in their birthing journey.

Check out the show notes at www.bitesizebirth.com for more information. 

On Todays episode I interviewed Kristen Espinosa, who has a wonderful story about her struggles and survival through postpartum depression.

Discussion Highlights:

1. Kristen's Background:
   • Kristen is a licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts.
   • Owner of Insight Driven Parenting, a coaching program for parents dealing with kid's behavior.
2. Recognizing Postpartum Depression:
   • Kristen shares the moment she realized she had postpartum depression during her challenging labor and delivery.
   • Describes the shock and emotional disconnect upon meeting her newborn.
   • Her son's NICU admission and feelings of being overwhelmed.
3. Coping Strategies:
   • Kristen discusses her struggle to continue therapy and medication.
   • Emphasizes the importance of fighting depression by maintaining basic self-care routines.
   • Highlights the role of her supportive husband during this challenging period.
4. Preparing for Postpartum Depression:
   • Kristen advises expectant parents to seek therapy before birth if they have risk factors.
   • Create a plan for partners or support systems to recognize warning signs and take action.
5. Hormonal Impact:
   • Kristen talks about the significant hormonal shifts during pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding.
   • She shares her experience of improving after stopping breastfeeding and the potential connection to hormonal changes.
6. Preparing for Postpartum:
   • Kristen recommends educating yourself about postpartum depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
   • Encourage loved ones to understand the warning signs and know how to respond.

Resource Mentioned:

• Kristin Espinosa and Insight Driven Parenting
• Google Health Mental Health Assessments (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Postpartum Depression).
• Seven Cups, a free online volunteer-based virtual therapy platform.

Closing:

• Subscribe to the Bite Sized Birth Podcast on Spotify or your preferred listening app.
• Visit the website at bitesizedbirth.com for more information, email reminders, and guest applications.