When Rachel was 36 weeks pregnant with her first child, she wasn't sure a doula was right for her family. Her husband worried they might end up with someone who'd be distracting during labor, but after meeting Stephanie from How2Mom, everything clicked. "You just felt like family," Rachel recalls of that coffee shop interview. Little did they know this connection would span years and support multiple beautiful births across their family.

This episode weaves together the birth journeys of two sisters, Rachel and Katy, who each found their way to the same doula but experienced vastly different labor stories. Rachel's first birth unfolds as she labors past her due date, finding her rhythm in a powerful shower session before delivering her daughter in water. Though beautiful, a fourth-degree tear leaves medical professionals warning her against future vaginal births.

Katy's story reveals the courage it takes to trust your intuition when facing medical pressure. After being told her baby was "too big" to birth naturally, she holds firm in her belief that her body knows what to do. Her journey stretches to nearly 42 weeks, culminating in an intense back labor that challenges her plans for an unmedicated birth but ultimately leads to her daughter's arrival after 37 hours of labor.

The narrative comes full circle with Rachel's second birth, where despite warnings about her previous tear, she listens to her body's wisdom. In a moment of pure instinct, she catches her own baby boy after just two pushes, healing not just physically but emotionally from her first birth experience.

These intertwined stories highlight how birth unfolds differently for every person—even sisters. As Katy beautifully summarizes, "Honor your intuition, your instincts... Each instance is unique." Whether you're currently expecting, planning a family, or simply fascinated by birth stories, this episode offers powerful insights into the journey of bringing life into the world with courage, support, and deep trust in your own body's capabilities.

Thank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we’re so happy to have you!

Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE!

Please also make sure to comment, share and subscribe!

xoxo, Stephanie

Let's Connect:
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When Christine and Alex welcomed their son via VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) in June 2024, it marked a powerful moment of healing after a traumatic cesarean during COVID and two pregnancy losses.

“Every birth is a miracle,” Alex said, “but for us, it just seemed like a different kind of miracle.” Their experience highligts how crucial the right support is after birth trauma. When Christine’s midwife group deemed her ineligible for VBAC at 20 weeks, they found a new path with a supportive family medicine doctor and dedicated doulas.

Christine pushed for five and a half hours—an effort that would’ve likely led to another cesarean in many hospitals. But with a provider who trusted her body and doulas who guided her with care and confidence, she achieved the birth she had long hoped for.

The collaboration in the room was key. Their doctor later said, “You would not have had a vaginal birth had it not been for your doulas.”

For Christine, it was redemptive: “The best day of my life, the most healing, the most empowering.” Fittingly, as Alex called her a “warrior” throughout labor, they later realized their son’s name—Gunner—means just that.

Have you experienced birth trauma? We'd love to hear how you've navigated healing and how your birth team has supported your journey.

Thank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we’re so happy to have you!

Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE!

Please also make sure to comment, share and subscribe!

xoxo, Stephanie

Let's Connect:
Website (how2mom.com)
Instagram (@how2mom)
Facebook (@how2mom)
TikTok (@how.2.mom)
Twitter (@how_2_mom)
Linkedin (@how2mom)
Pinterest (@how2mom)
YouTube (@how2mom)

Ryan Flash, a Twin Cities therapist specializing in working with dads, discusses the unique challenges fathers face in adjusting to parenthood and the importance of seeking support. He highlights the lack of resources for dads compared to moms and emphasizes that men are increasingly seeking therapy to become better fathers and partners.

Ryan's practice, Discovery Mental Health, offers individual therapy and a group program called Launchpad Dads, designed to help fathers navigate the emotional and practical aspects of parenthood. He stresses the importance of dads doing their own research and building community with other fathers. He also discusses common issues dads face, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, and how therapy can help them understand and manage their emotions, ultimately leading to a stronger family unit.

Thank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we’re so happy to have you!

Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE!

Please also make sure to comment, share and subscribe!

xoxo, Stephanie

Let's Connect:
Website (how2mom.com)
Instagram (@how2mom)
Facebook (@how2mom)
TikTok (@how.2.mom)
Twitter (@how_2_mom)
Linkedin (@how2mom)
Pinterest (@how2mom)
YouTube (@how2mom)