Pain Free Birth

#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)
 

#38 | Breech Birth with Double Uterus - Sondra Almeter

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 one of my personal doula clients Sondra Almeter - I’ve been hounding her to come on the show for a YEAR and she finally did. I’m so excited to share her amazing birthing stories, including a breech vbac birth. We explored Sondra’s transformative journey into motherhood, starting with her first birth's challenges and the vital role of a doula. From informed consent to the "birth high," and even an unexpected home birth, we celebrated every birth's uniqueness and the miracle of unmedicated experiences.
 
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to Sondra's Unique Journey
06:02 First Birth Experience: Challenges and Triumphs
12:02 Finding Support: The Role of a Doula
18:00 The Importance of Informed Consent
23:57 Labor and Delivery: Overcoming Obstacles
29:43 The Importance of Support in Labor
35:51 The Role of the Doula
45:41 The Birth High and Aftermath
52:30 Witnessing Miracles: The Impact of Unmedicated Births
01:01:18 The Unexpected Home Birth Experience
01:06:36 Celebrating the Journey: Every Birth is Unique
 
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 
To connect with Sondra on ig:  @s_almeter

#37 | Birth Belongs to Women and the Future of Doula Work

 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 two doulas, Jessica Grant and Kallie Caton, the founders of the “Birth Belongs to Women” movement. We discuss why birth does, indeed, belong to women, and how the medical system and current social/political movements are unfairly marginalizing women and doulas who believe birth belongs to women. We discuss many of the contemporary debates around being a doula and how Mamas like you can best prepare to work with doulas in today’s climate.
CHAPTERS
00:38 - The origin story of the Birth Belongs to Women movement, and the state of the Doula and medical birthing industries
07:26 - How birth should be (and why the birthing industry system is rigged)
13:13 - Why the phrase “birth belongs to women” is so resonant for some and polarizing to others in today’s social climate
15:37 - “Inclusivity” in birthing
17:33 - Birth Belongs to Women is not anti-trans at all, it is pro-women. Karen’s thoughts on forced gender-inclusive language.
22:53 - Doulas should stay true to themselves regardless of social or political pressure
25:50 - Many women have felt silenced or unable to speak their mind
27:36 - Restoring the sacredness to the experience and tradition of birthing
32:48 - Doula v Birth Worker and how centralized certification regimes effect the Doula tradition
36:53 - Is it possible for doulas to do good work within the hospital system?
38:51 - The doula is not the “rescuer” - and avoiding unfair dynamics between mothers and doulas
40:29 - What women getting pregnant now most need to understand
42:07 - Advice for women who want a doula but still need to give birth in a hospital
46:25 - Doula burnout and creating sustainable work for birthing professionals without “turning it into a business”
53:00 - The true calling and passion of Doulas to serve mothers
55:05 - The “scope” of a doula’s work, and allowing the mother to have room for her own spiritual journey
56:25 - Healthy boundaries in doula work and why clients sometimes need to be turned down
1:00:10 - The future of the doula space
1:05:45 - Why there’s so much fear and dogma in the medical birthing system
CONNECT WITH BIRTH BELONGS TO WOMEN:
Connect with Kallie here: instagram.com/kalliecatonConnect with Jessica here: instagram.com/jessiesvibe
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
Learn more about Birth Belongs to Women → https://www.birthbelongstowomen.com/
 

#36 | Pelvic Floor Strength For Birth & Postpartum with Dr. Lizzie Kieffer

In this episode, Karen sits down with Dr. Lizzie Kieffer as she shares her personal birth experiences and professional insights. From her hospital birth to her empowering home birth, Lizzie opens up about the lessons learned along the way. Tune in as we dive into why relying solely on kegels might not be the best approach for birth and postpartum recovery, how diaphragmatic breathing helps relax the pelvic floor, and explore practical tips for avoiding severe diastasis recti. Plus, learn how to surrender to the natural timing of labor rather than trying to control it.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Lizzie’s first birth in the hospital vs. her second at home
Why kegels aren't the only answer for pelvic floor health
How diaphragmatic breathing can prevent postpartum issues
The importance of surrendering to God's timing in birth
Tips to help reduce the intensity of diastasis recti
The benefits of training during pregnancy for postpartum recovery
MORE ABOUT DR. LIZZIE KIEFFER:
Lizzie is a doctor of physical therapy, a mom of two, and a strong advocate for movement as medicine. After earning her doctorate in 2018, she began her career in a traditional clinic but soon realized her passion lay in helping women navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and pelvic floor health. Motivated by the lack of specialized information in these areas, she opened her own practice and developed the Mind Body Core programs to empower and educate women worldwide. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys pickleball, hiking, and spending time with her daughters, Mia and Lily, her husband Matt, and their dog Snickers. A lifelong learner, she is dedicated to helping women feel confident, understood, and supported as they embrace the changes of womanhood and motherhood.
Instagram: @doclizziedpt
PRENATAL: Mind Body Core Prenatal Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 off
POSTPARTUM: Mind Body Core Postpartum Program — Use code: PAINFREEBIRTH for $15 off
Christian Hypnobirthing App — Get one month FREE with the purchase of the Faith-Filled Childbirth E-Course
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!
Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you.
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

#35 | The Power Of Christian Hypnobirthing with Tara Menzies

While Tara was blacking out from pain, losing hope, and believing she didn't have enough faith for a pain free pregnancy, she experienced a deeply spiritual experience that led her to creating the first of its kind, her own app, for Christian Hypnobirthing. Tune in to find out how drastically different Tara's births were with and without the power of hypnobirthing, how our thoughts and emotions can imprint on our babies brains, and how you can use hypnobirthing beyond labor!
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
How Tara started Christian Hypnobirthing
Dealing with coercion and losing faith in Tara's first birth
How hypnobirthing transformed Tara's second birth
Cultivating peace throughout your pregnancy
Using hypnobirthing beyond pregnancy
Combining faith with neuroscience and how our babies brains are wired
MORE ABOUT TARA MENZIES:
Tara Menzies is the creator of the Christian Hypnobirthing app and the Faith-Filled Childbirth Course. She created the app in early 2018 after the birth of her first son, because she wanted to combine traditional hypnobirthing techniques (breathing and visualisation exercises, positive affirmations etc) with the incredible love, strength and support that come from our Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit, to help expecting mamas feel confident relaxed and connected to God throughout their births. The Christian Hypnobirthing app has since become one of the most highly rated hypnobirthing apps worldwide, and has helped tens of thousands of women have more relaxed, confident and faith-filled birth experiences.
Instagram: @christianhypnobirthing
Christian Hypnobirthing Website
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!
Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you.
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

#34 | Jessie’s Redemptive, Spiritually Led, and Unplanned Precipitous Home Birth with Jessie Ritter

Jessie thought she was prepared to have a smooth, natural, and pain free birth until... The hospital kept interrupting the labor room, asking for continuous monitoring, and made the birth experience something Jessie never wanted to relive again. When she got pregnant with her second child, Ava, she knew things would be different. She and her husband weren't 100% sold on having a home birth, but that's why we have peace that God's plan is greater. Tune in to hear all about Jessie's redemptive and unplanned home birth.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
What a majority of "natural births" look like in a hospital
Shifting the mindset of "women have to be strong"
What created an entirely different experience for Jessie in her second pregnancy
The power of visualization in pregnancy and through birth
How children's temperaments can differ from hospital versus home births
The woman's body: letting go of trauma & knowing we aren't cursed to have painful births
MORE ABOUT JESSIE RITTER:
Mom of two, wife, and musician living in the Florida Panhandle. Jessie had a difficult first birth in the hospital, and an absolutely blissful second time unplanned home birth.
Instagram: @jessie.l.ritter
TikTok: @jessieritter
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become an Insider HERE! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE!
Grab Karen's Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE. This course is for any woman experiencing trauma in the body. If you're ready to release it, this course is for you.
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube