Pain Free Birth

#48 Pregnancy is Meant to Trigger You

Letting Go of Control: The Spiritual Shift of Pregnancy & Birth
Are you an over-preparer who feels like pregnancy is spinning your world out of control? In this powerful solo episode, Karen gets deeply honest about the root of our need to control—and how fear, unresolved trauma, and striving for strength can actually sabotage our birth and motherhood journey.
Learn why pregnancy riggers you on purpose, how hormonal and spiritual changes are designed to surface unhealed pain, and how surrendering control can unlock peace, power, and deeper connection with your body, baby, and God.
This isn't just about managing anxiety—it’s about shifting into your feminine energy, letting go of the masculine mask, and learning to trust again. If you've been battling fear, shame, postpartum depression, or spiritual disconnection, this message will speak directly to your heart.
 
Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ 
Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/
 
✅ IN THIS EPISODE:  0:00 – Over-preparation as a Symptom of Control  1:22 – The Fear-Tension-Pain Cycle in Labor  4:42 – When Strength Becomes a Wall: The Masculine Mask  10:00 – How Pregnancy Triggers Past Trauma for Healing  16:11 – It’s Okay to Be Needy: Reclaiming the Feminine  20:26 – Why Vulnerability is Attractive & Needed in Pregnancy  26:53 – Hormones as Holy Messengers: The Design of Pregnancy  31:06 – Stop Resisting: Embrace the Blessing of Pregnancy  36:30 – Pain-Free Pregnancy & Coaching Opportunities  
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CONNECT WITH KAREN:  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/  Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS  Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731  Website - https://painfreebirth.com/  Join the Email List - https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in  
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ 
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS 
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ 
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in

#47 | Introduction to Ecstatic Birth - Yaya DaCosta

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast. Today, I’m interviewing Yaya DaCosta, an actor, birth worker, and way shower. We discuss ecstatic birth, Yaya stories giving birth in public in New York City, and how the emotions of Moms during pregnancy can imprint on the psychology and physiology of their babies.
 
Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ 
Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Ecstatic Birth
01:15 The Importance of Positive Birth Stories
02:09 Yaya's Personal Journey and Sensitivity
06:30 Navigating Pregnancy in New York City
10:14 The Impact of Maternal Emotions on Babies
12:11 Preparing for a Home Birth
14:49 The Unique Experience of Yaya's Birth
20:16 Laboring in Public: A Walk Through Contractions
25:23 The Moment of Birth: A Transformative Experience
26:58 The Ecstasy of Birth
29:12 Empowering Birth Stories
30:01 The Birth Experience Unfolds
34:11 The Immediate Connection
36:10 The Physiological Instinct of Babies
40:20 Reclaiming Sacred Births
42:37 The Aftermath of Birth
45:03 The Importance of Following Intuition
48:00 Pain Management Techniques
50:47 Addressing Maternal Mortality Rates
51:10 The Importance of Maternal Health Awareness
53:58 Addressing Systemic Issues in Maternal Care
58:02 The Role of Traditional Midwifery
01:01:03 The Black Maternal Health Festival
01:12:01 Cultural Shifts in Birth Practices
 
Yaya DaCosta’s dynamic talent as an actress has been showcased in powerful performances across film, television and stage productions, including “The Lincoln Lawyer”, “Our Kind of People”, “Chicago Med”, “Whitney” and, most recently, “Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story”. The Brown University graduate is also a producer, birthworker, and wayshower, who is deeply dedicated to contributing to society’s elevation through, art, beauty and magic. Her current Earth mission is to integrate her different callings through the creation and embodiment of empowering narratives that birth a kinder future for women in the entertainment industry, in birth spaces, and on the planet.
 
the Black Maternal Health Festival, which is from April 11th-17th.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.sumistouch.com/bmhf?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ-r6Zw-WnMgK4Z_QuZLoJcxYoE3bkTqRWCIVdLdxuNJmlMMqGnYgmhu2Y_aem_3N2VzPaA14_ML097ciLr
 
 
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ 
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS 
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ 
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in
 
CONNECT WITH YAYA
instagram.com/yayadacosta
instagram.com/wrapsnraps
wrapsnraps.com

#46 | Birth is Spiritual, Not Painful - Laurynn Howard

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast. Today, I’m interviewing Laurynn Howard, a Mom of 2, Doula and Midwife. We’re speaking about her pain free second birth story, her tips for Mom’s experiencing their first natural birth, and why Western Civilization’s mindset on pain and spirituality is non-resourceful for Moms.
 
Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ 
Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Intro
01:25 - How Laurynn’s First Birth Lit a Fire in Her to do Birth Work
03:53 - Story of Her Pain-Free Second Birth
05:02 - Why Her Second Birth Was Pain Free
07:44 - The Mindset of a Pain Free Birth
09:29 - Emotional Release During Labor
13:36 - Birth is Spiritual, Not Painful
16:25 - Should Women Use Epidurals?
18:38 - The Western Mindset on Pain is Wrong
21:50 - Lessons From Birth
25:29 - Gratitude During a Pain Free Birth
30:25 - Birth Workers Should be Honest
32:16 - Tips for Navigating Hospital Birth
37:58 - On Gender Reveals
39:44 - Laurynn’s Postpartum Experience After a Pain-Free Birth
44:09 - Advice for Moms Doing Their First Natural Birth
45:18 - Outro
 
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ 
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS 
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ 
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in
 
CONNECT WITH LAURYNN 
Instagram.com/fruitofherwombnc 
Instagram.com/Lovecatlaur
Fruit of Her Womb Doula Services on fb
Website: fruitofherwomb.org
 
 

#45 | This Mom Coached Herself Through a Pain Free Natural Car Birth - Rae Doescher

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! In this episode we’re meeting one of my personal doula clients Rae Doescher to discuss her recent natural car birth
 
We explored Rae’s transformative journey to natural birth, the experience of her labor in the car, and the power of self coaching and spiritual practice leading up to and throughout birth.
 
Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ 
Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/
 
CHAPTERS
02:01 The Journey to Natural Birth
04:59 Trusting God in the Birth Process
08:00 The Experience of Labor
11:00 The Decision to Go to the Hospital
14:08 The Car Birth Experience
16:52 The Role of Support During Labor
19:59 Reflections on the Birth Experience
25:01 The Divine Setup: A Birth Story
29:12 The Power of Self-Coaching During Labor
33:10 Trusting the Process: Overcoming Fears in Birth
38:00 The Spiritual Connection in Natural Birth
45:49 Empowering Women: Preparing for Natural Birth
 
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ 
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS 
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ 
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in
CONNECT WITH RAE:
IG Handle: @Raeannadoescher
Watch the car birth video in full https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFRWxrZtFyA/?igsh=MTN3bnI4ZXJiNXVmOA%3D%3D

#44 | Cindy's Remarkable Pain Free Birth in South Korea!

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast. Today, I’m interviewing Cindy Park-Jun about her birth story of delivering two babies in South Korea. Cindy is a Korean American mom who lives in South Korea with her husband. 
 
And after navigating IVF pregnancy, she decided to birth in South Korea where they were living at the time in a completely different culture with a language she didn't fully know. She shares how God guided her to a natural birth in a country with one of the highest cesarean and intervention rates in the world. 
 
Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course  https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ 
Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course  https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Cindy's Journey to Motherhood in South Korea
06:05 Cultural Differences in Birth Practices
12:06 The State of Women's Health in South Korea
18:50 Cindy's Birth Experience: A Personal Account
22:11 Natural Birth Experience in South Korea
24:20 Labor and Supportive Partners
27:11 Tools and Techniques for Labor
30:44 The Fast-Paced Nature of Labor
33:05 Decisions During Pushing
36:30 Postpartum Care Practices
39:05 Breastfeeding Challenges and Advocacy
42:11 Advocating for Better Maternity Care
44:46 The Journey of Natural Birth
48:09 Cultural Perspectives on Birth Choices
50:00 Embracing the Birth Experience
56:53 The Power of Support in Birth
01:00:06 Encouragement for Expecting Mothers
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ 
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS 
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ 
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in
CONNECT WITH CINDY
Instagram - instagram.com/cindyparkjun 

#43 | A Pain Free Home Birth and a Transformational Posterior Freebirth

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! In this episode I have a couple, Jessica and Shane Winnings, who are Pain Free Birth students joining us with their experience of two very different births - both natural home births, but one being pain free and another being a posterior birth. We compare and contrast the birth experiences and talk about the Pain Free Birth teachings as well as a strong sense of faith helped Jessica during both of her experiences.
 
Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ 
Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Pain-Free Birth
02:53 Discovering the Concept of Pain-Free Birth
05:51 The Journey to Home Birth
09:06 Support and Preparation for Birth
11:59 The First Birth Experience
15:14 The Intensity of Labor and Pushing
17:59 The Emotional Experience of Birth
20:52 Postpartum Reflections
24:00 Transitioning to the Second Birth
27:00 Contrasting Birth Experiences
32:10 Navigating Posterior Presentation
34:07 The Birth Experience: Water Breaking and Contractions
36:55 Short and Intense Labor
40:11 The Pain of Labor: A Personal Journey
44:34 Pushing and the Fetal Ejection Reflex
49:24 Choosing Free Birth: A Personal Decision
51:30 Lessons Learned from Intense Births
56:20 Releasing Control and Embracing Gratitude
01:03:08 Encouragement for Expecting Mothers
 
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ 
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS 
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ 
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in
CONNECT WITH SHANE AND JESSICA 
INSTAGRAM: @shane.winnings @jessicawinnings
 
Shane’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WAkDKSAoHbvSl7Z0ZTIhP?si=LsCcUTpsSmOId_B4GsLTMA
 
Shane’s website: 
https://promisekeepers.org/overcomers/

#42 | The Truth About the Natural Birth Debate

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! In this episode I have a solo episode for you where I address critics of the pain free birth and natural birth movements and share my mindset around birthing and doula work. I ultimately try to empower you to decide for yourself: Is a Pain Free Birth Possible?
 
Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ 
Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:31 - What is Pain Free Birth?
04:23 - History of Pain Free Birth, Division in Birth Community
09:47 - Removing a Culture of Birth Hierarchy
13:38 - My Faith has Grown from My Clients’ Births
16:05 - The Birthing Mindset I Teach My Students
17:56 - Understanding Physiology Increases Faith
20:19 - Is Pain Free Birth Possible?
22:09 - Challenging Your Belief Systems
24:10 - Defining Our Own Beliefs About Birth
25:14 - Your Birthing Journey
26:09 - Learn How to Have a Pain Free Birth
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ 
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS 
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ 
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in

#41 | UNBELIEVABLE 3 Hour Pain Free Birth in a Car - Kira Aho

Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ 
Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/
——————
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!
 
In this episode we’re sharing an incredible 3-hour car birth story with you from Kira Aho
 
We dove into what it was like to give birth in a car, dealing with insurance claims in unique birthing scenarios like that, and spiritual empowerment lessons useful for Mamas in any birthing scenario. Enjoy!
 
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Introduction to Kira's Birth Story
01:14 Preparing for a Natural Birth
03:29 Labor Begins: The Journey to the Car
05:52 The Intensity of Labor in the Shower
09:31 Transitioning to the Car: A Rapid Progression
12:30 The Car Ride: A Unique Birth Experience
15:30 The Birth: Catching the Baby
18:06 Post-Birth Reflections and Insurance Claims
20:35 Lessons Learned from a Car Birth
23:28 The Spiritual Aspect of Birth
26:11 Empowerment Through Natural Birth
29:39 Mindset and Preparation for Birth
31:04 Closing Thoughts and Prayer
 
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ 
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS 
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ 
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in 
CONNECT WITH KIRA
IG Handle: @Kiraaho_

#40 | Postpartum Diet & Nutrition Tips to Regain Energy - Holly Stein

Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ 
Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/
 
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!
 
In this episode we’re meeting the creator of Mama Meals, Holly Stein! You can follow Holly on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/eat.mamameals
 
We dove into holistic postpartum care with Holly, discussing Mama Meals, the power of nutrition, Holly's own amazing birthing stories and breaking free from diet culture. From Ayurvedic practices to meal services for new moms, we explored how rest, recovery, and support shape a joyful postpartum journey.
 
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
00:00 Introduction to Mama Meals and Holistic Nutrition 
05:30 Empowering Women Through Nutrition and Business 
07:00 Preparing for Postpartum: The Importance of Nutrition 
09:59 Breaking Free from Diet Culture 
13:57 Nourishing the Body: The Role of Fats and Proteins 
15:55 Budget-Friendly Nutrition: Simple Swaps for New Moms 
18:57 Ayurvedic and Eastern Medicine Principles in Postpartum Care 
21:51 Cultural Shifts: Embracing Rest and Recovery 
24:47 Personal Birth Experiences: Lessons Learned 
35:10 Mindset Matters in Birth 
36:31 The Role of Supportive Partners 
38:19 Creating a Normal Birth Experience 
39:10 Confidence Through Experience 
41:21 Embracing the Hard and Enjoying Birth 
42:27 The Impact of Birth on Postpartum 
43:28 Pushing Phase and Its Effects 
45:31 The Importance of Preparation 
47:14 Postpartum Bliss and Support 
49:39 Nourishing the Body After Birth 
50:08 Meal Services for New Mothers 
57:29 Asking for Help and Support
 
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ 
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS 
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ 
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in 
CONNECT WITH HOLLY
- IG Handle: @eat.mamameals
- Website: www.mama-meals.com
- Code PAINFREEBIRTH for $20 off first purchase of Mama Meals 
- Free postpartum recipe guide: https://mama-meals.com/pages/resources 

#39 | Healing Through Faith from Loss of Her Baby - Madeline Van Gorp

Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/
Sign up for the Pain Free Birth Doula Mastermind HERE https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/doula-certification-waitlist
 
Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!
In this episode we’re meeting Madeleine Van Gorp. This is one of the most redeeming and beautiful pain free birth stories I have ever had the privilege of hearing, but it’s also filled with some very sensitive and painful experiences. If you’re sensitive about listening to content involving infant loss please consider listening with grace to this episode. We explored Madeline’s story of her baby’s bilateral renal agenesis, her decisions on how to handle her pregnancy despite that, including special moments, connecting to her baby through exercise, and her spiritual preparation. We also cover her labor experience including the ultimate passing of her son, Nicky and how it was not a traumatic experience.
 
CHAPTERS
00:50 – Introduction to Madeleine Van Gorp’s story and her baby’s diagnosis of bilateral renal agenesis.
00:21 – Madeleine discusses the redemptive and inspirational aspects of her birth story despite the challenges.
02:47 – Receiving the diagnosis during the 21-week anatomy scan and deciding not to do early ultrasounds.
06:36 – The emotional response to the diagnosis and Madeleine's decision to continue her pregnancy.
12:05 – Transitioning from devastation to leaning into faith for strength during the pregnancy.
18:49 – Special moments during pregnancy, including a trip and her connection to her baby through exercise.
31:36 – The emotional and spiritual preparation for labor and delivery.
40:11 – The unique labor experience: focusing on breathing, peace, and connection with her baby.
01:02:11 – Madeleine’s perspective on choosing life and her labor process with a breech birth.
01:05:36 – The birth of her son, Nicky, and the first moments holding him.
01:08:09 – Sharing the peaceful passing of her son and how it was not a traumatic experience.
01:10:24 – The deeply emotional decision to personally transport Nicky to the funeral home and its significance.
 
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/
Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS
Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731
Website - https://painfreebirth.com/
Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in
 
CONNECT WITH MADELINE:
Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/paradigmbymads
Website - babyvangorp.com (to learn more about Nicky’s story)