Episodes

5d ago

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IS LIVE! https://resources.painfreebirth.com/pfb-12-days-of-christmas What if your next birth didn’t have to look anything like your last one and could actually be better? In this episode of the Pain Free Birth Podcast, Karen sits down with Blake, a mom of four who shares her incredible journey from a discouraging first C-section to three transformative home births after cesarean. Blake walks listeners through each birth from a 77-hour marathon VBAC to a three-hour birth and finally a two-hour labor where she felt completely in control. Along the way, she opens up about healing hidden birth trauma, learning to trust her body, choosing supportive providers, and experiencing the redemptive power of faith-centered birth preparation. Tune in to hear: What led Blake to her first C-section and how it impacted her confidence How she identified and healed birth trauma she didn’t realize she was carrying What it was like laboring for 77 hours during her first home birth after cesarean How her next birth lasted just three hours with almost no pushing Why her babies got bigger AND her births got easier The role mindset, faith, and emotional release played in shortening labor How choosing the right midwife changed everything The power of a supportive husband during home birth What it feels like to birth standing up and fully in control Why Blake believes women are not destined to repeat their birth trauma CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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/

Dec 9

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IS LIVE! https://resources.painfreebirth.com/pfb-12-days-of-christmas What if everything we thought we knew about birth was missing the most important perspective - the baby’s? In today’s episode, Karen sits down with renowned neonatal resuscitation instructor and midwife Karen Strange, whose groundbreaking work has reshaped how more than 17,000 birth professionals understand newborns, birth physiology, and the imprinting that happens in the earliest moments of life. With over three decades of experience, Karen Strange brings a trauma-informed, baby-centered lens to birth - one that reveals the innate blueprint inside every baby, the sequence nature designed, and what happens when it’s interrupted. Tune in to hear: The embryological blueprint and sequence every baby follows Pausing at birth and honoring newborn pacing How prenatal stress shapes a baby’s nervous system Why repair matters more than rupture What babies remember and communicate through their bodies How to support newborns after a difficult birth Physiologic transition and first breaths Why doulas should know neonatal resuscitation The simplicity of what saves lives in birth emergencies Tools for connecting with your baby in pregnancy and beyond Additional resources from Karen: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UAA9yc7-JbMdO-qbYiQZl9XLn8yTmY8P?usp=sharing Website: karenstrange.com Instagram: @neonatalresuscitation Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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/

Dec 2

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IS LIVE! https://resources.painfreebirth.com/pfb-12-days-of-christmas What if birth wasn’t something to fear… but a place where heaven meets earth? In today’s episode, Caitlin Svoboda shares a supernatural, pain-free home birth story that will leave you breathless. In this interview, Caitlin opens up about her sixth pregnancy, her deep trust in God’s design for birth, and the unexpected spiritual encounter that forever changed how she views motherhood. From spiritual visions and the “veil of heaven” thinning, to a fast, instinct-led labor and a peaceful 10-pound baby born into her husband’s hands, Caitlin’s story is a breathtaking look at what can happen when women reclaim physiological birth and trust the God-designed hormonal blueprint of labor. If you've ever wondered how spiritual encounters, altered states of consciousness, and the quietude phase of labor fit into the birth experience, this episode breaks it down with both awe and practicality. You’ll walk away with encouragement, revelation, and a renewed sense of what God intended birth to be. Tune in to hear: How losing a baby shaped Caitlin’s faith and future pregnancies Why she chose an undisturbed home birth with no medical interventions The moment she surrendered fully and slipped into a transcendent state Her vivid vision of Jesus walking toward her holding an infant The role of safety, support, and environment in physiological birth What the “quietude/rest-and-be-thankful” phase actually feels like How she gave birth to a 10-pound baby with no tearing Why she believes this experience transformed her marriage and identity The truth about pain in childbirth from a biblical and physiological lens Connect with Caitlin: sehlahmomservices.com IG: sehlah.motherhood.service Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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/

Nov 25

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IS LIVE! https://resources.painfreebirth.com/pfb-12-days-of-christmas What happens when a traumatic first birth becomes the catalyst for two radically pain-free, God-filled home births? Today’s episode is a powerful testimony of redemption, physiology, faith, and a mother reclaiming her God-given authority in birth. In this conversation, Karen sits down with Sara Gilboy, a mom of three from Toronto, Canada, who experienced a deeply traumatic first home birth during COVID-complete with medical coercion, fear, hemorrhage, separation from her baby, and months of postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts. But Sara refused to let that be the end of her story. She returned to birth armed with knowledge, prayer, physiological understanding, and a fierce sense of ownership that transformed her next two births into supernatural, pain-free, joy-filled experiences. Tune in to hear: How Sara's first home birth turned traumatic and why she “felt the fear through her uterus” The spiritual battle of intrusive thoughts and how she learned to take each one captive Why “knowledge is power” completely changed her second and third births How she created two entirely pain-free births using physiology, relaxation, and faith What she told her midwives the second time that changed everything (“This is the birth I’m going to have…”) Her children worshipping and praying over her during labor The moment her pelvic floor “parted like the Red Sea” How God replaced her disappointment with joy instantly during her third birth The connection between birth trauma and postpartum mental health Why understanding your physiology is essential no matter where you give birth Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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/

Nov 18

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IS LIVE! https://resources.painfreebirth.com/pfb-12-days-of-christmas What if the secret to a pain-free birth isn’t found in a technique or a position… but in your ability to surrender? In this episode, Karen sits down with Taylor Cleveland, a mom who experienced a radically pain-free second home birth after taking the Pain-Free Birth Course. Taylor opens up about her first difficult labor, the mental battle she faced, and how a simple mindset shift changed everything. She shares how learning to fully surrender physically, mentally, and spiritually led to a birth that was not only free of pain but filled with peace, presence, and divine trust. From letting go of her first birth story to feeling her pelvic floor move out of the way as her baby descended, Taylor’s testimony is a look at what’s possible when we get out of the way and allow our bodies to do what they were designed to do. Tune in to hear: The mindset shift that completely transformed Taylor’s second labor experience Why pain is often created by resistance and how to release it The power of understanding what your body is doing in labor How water, movement, and deep relaxation supported a pain-free experience What it means to fully surrender to your body and to God during birth The difference between pain and intensity in labor How Taylor’s pain-free birth impacted her postpartum healing and her faith Karen’s breakdown of the “resistance vs. relaxation” principle that changes everything How surrendering control leads to trust, peace, and even a shorter labor Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course: https://painfreebirth.com/pain-free-birth-birth-partner-bootcamp-bundle Connect with Taylor: Moonwoven Postpartum - Ayurvedic Postpartum services Instagram: @Moonwoven.Postpartum Website: https://moonwovencare.com/ CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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/

Nov 11

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IS LIVE! https://resources.painfreebirth.com/pfb-12-days-of-christmas For generations, women have been told that pain in labor is simply part of the curse and that it’s what Eve brought upon us in the Garden of Eden. But is that truly what Scripture teaches? In this episode, Karen takes a deep dive into Genesis 3:16 and the verses that have shaped our modern beliefs about birth, pain, and womanhood. You’ll learn how a single mistranslated word has influenced centuries of theology and fear surrounding birth and how reclaiming the truth of God’s design can set women free from the belief that they are destined to suffer. Karen also shares how this revelation changed her own understanding of birth, transforming her experience from fear and pain to faith and peace. If you’ve ever wrestled with the question, “Did God design birth to hurt?”, this episode will bring clarity, healing, and hope. Tune in to hear: What Genesis 3:16 actually says about pain in childbirth Why the Hebrew word for “pain” was mistranslated and what it truly means How both Adam and Eve experienced toil, not punishment The powerful truth that Eve was never cursed How fear and cultural conditioning contribute to pain in labor Why God’s design for your body is rooted in love, not suffering How understanding Scripture can transform your faith, your birth, and your motherhood Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Nov 4

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IS LIVE! https://resources.painfreebirth.com/pfb-12-days-of-christmas What if birth was never meant to be painful? In this episode, Karen sits down with Sammy Murry, a holistic mama of three (soon to be four!) who shares how her third birth became the most peaceful, pain-free, and faith-filled experience of her life. After two beautiful but challenging labors, Sammy discovered the book Supernatural Childbirth and began to pray differently and believing that God could rewrite her birth story. She walks us through how she prepared her heart, strengthened her faith, and experienced a fast, calm home-water birth that transformed how she sees birth and God’s design for women. Tune in to hear: How listening to positive birth stories prepared Sammy’s mind for a new kind of birth The mindset and prayer shifts that turned fear into faith Why what you read, watch, and listen to before birth truly matters How she and her husband prayed specifically for a pain-free, peaceful, daytime home-water birth—and saw every prayer answered The difference between “pain” and “hard physical work” in labor What it means to surrender control and trust God with your body and birth Why every contraction can be worship How her third birth became a faith-builder for her entire family The simple prayer that brought her peace through postpartum Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Connect with Sammy: IG: cleanlivingsammy Website: www.cleanlivingladies.com CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Oct 28

What if your body was powerful enough to birth a ten-pound baby without force, fear, or tearing? In this powerful VBAC home birth story, Jenny Duke shares how she went from a planned C-section with her first baby to an unmedicated, pain-free VBAC birth of her second-a ten-pound baby born at 41 weeks and 4 days. Jenny opens up about her first pregnancy, discovering her baby was breech, and how that unexpected cesarean became a divine setup for her healing and preparation. She walks through how she rebuilt her body and confidence using pelvic floor therapy, chiropractic care, and The Pain Free Birth Course to prepare for a redemptive second birth filled with faith, surrender, and power. Tune in to hear: How Jenny’s first breech pregnancy led to a planned C-section Why her VBAC journey started before her second pregnancy How pelvic floor therapy, chiropractic care, and faith prepared her body The mindset shift that removed fear and made her birth pain-free The truth about pushing and why force isn’t what your body needs How she birthed a 10-pound baby without tearing or medication The emotional “surrender moment” that opened her body for birth The power of a supportive midwife who trusts physiological birth Jenny’s advice for moms preparing for an unmedicated VBAC Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Oct 21

What happens when a labor and delivery nurse decides to trust God’s design for birth, surrender control, and experience birth the way He intended? After seven long years of infertility and waiting on God’s timing, nurse and mama Shelby Swanton miraculously conceived her daughter and went on to experience a pain-free, supernatural, and deeply spiritual birth. In this episode, Shelby shares her journey from years of disappointment and doubt to an ecstatic, worship-filled birth that defied everything she’d seen as a nurse in the hospital system. She opens up about her struggles with control, fear, and prodromal labor that lasted for three days, and the moment she finally surrendered to God’s plan. This story will leave you in awe of how the body and the Holy Spirit work together in birth and how letting go can unlock the most peaceful, pain-free, and empowering experience imaginable. Tune in to hear: Shelby’s seven-year infertility journey and miraculous conception The faith that led her to trust God’s design for birth How her background as a nurse shaped (and challenged) her mindset Overcoming fear and learning to surrender control Three days of prodromal labor and the emotional release that changed everything A “God moment” that reminded her she wasn’t alone The power of worship, gratitude, and movement in labor Transition, surrender, and catching her own baby Why she never experienced pain, only pressure Her message for first-time moms: nothing is normal, and that’s okay Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Oct 14

What if birth didn’t need to be managed, induced, or controlled? In this episode, Karen sits down with Dr. Melanie Jackson, known as Melanie the Midwife, to unpack why the modern maternity system so often views women’s bodies as “a ticking time bomb” and how that fear drives the epidemic of unnecessary inductions. With 17 years of experience as an Australian midwife, Melanie brings evidence-based wisdom and a rebellious spirit to the conversation. She shares what she discovered in her PhD on birth outside the system, the truth about “preventative inductions,” and why trusting the design of birth might be the most radical act of all. Tune in to hear: The surprising philosophy driving unnecessary inductions Why 45% of first-time mothers in Australia are being induced How fear of women’s bodies shapes modern maternity care What questions to ask before agreeing to an induction The truth about stillbirth statistics and relative vs. actual risk Why “going with the flow” often means going with hospital protocol The hormonal design of physiological birth (and how hospitals disrupt it) How to prevent obstetric violence and over-medicalization The sacred transformation of matrescence (from maiden to mother) Connect with Melanie: @melaniethemidwife @thegreatbirthrebellion The Great Birth Rebellion podcast https://www.melaniethemidwife.com/ Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Oct 7

What happens when you’ve done everything “right,” but your labor still isn’t going according to plan? In this episode, Karen interviews Bernise Theron, a pastor’s wife and mom of three from South Africa, who found herself facing one of the most faith-testing moments of her life in labor. After months of praying, preparing, and believing for a peaceful birth, she suddenly faced unexpected complications, fear, and a decision that would change everything. But instead of panic, Bernise and her husband turned to something sacred. Something that completely shifted the atmosphere in the room, and what followed was nothing short of miraculous. Tune in to hear: How Bernise's faith helped her move through fear after miscarriage What birth looks like for women in South Africa and why natural births are so rare The turning point moment that changed everything in her labor The beauty of worship, gratitude, and communion during birth How God’s hand was revealed in the smallest details of her baby’s delivery Why she now believes that miracles can be messy and still absolutely divine Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Sep 30

What happens when your first birth leaves you traumatized and fearful—but God writes a redemptive story through your next births? In this powerful episode of the Pain Free Birth Podcast, Karen sits down with Grace Kaminkow, a mom of three, who went from an unexpected emergency c-section to experiencing a VBAC home birth and eventually a pain-free birth filled with faith and worship. Tune in to hear: How her first c-section birth unfolded after a cascade of interventions and left her questioning everything. The shocking words her husband heard from the anesthesiologist that fueled his fears about birth. Why she started researching VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and discovered the truth about home birth safety. How she convinced her hesitant husband to consider home birth, and the midwife who completely changed their perspective. The role of prayer, Scripture, and faith in moving from birth trauma to joy. Her second home birth after c-section, where peace replaced fear and her husband found redemption too. The incredible story of her third birth—worshipping through labor, resting at home, and experiencing a nearly pain-free supernatural home birth. Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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 #VBAC #HomeBirth #PainFreeBirth #BirthWithoutFear #ChristianBirthTestimony #EmergencyCSection #BirthTrauma #VBACHomeBirth #NaturalBirthStory #FaithInChildbirth #RedemptiveBirth #ChristianMom #SupernaturalBirth #BirthAsWorship #PeacefulBirth

Sep 23

In today’s episode, Karen sits down with Tommi Kirkpatrick, a mother of six whose powerful story captures the highs, lows, and supernatural beauty of birth and motherhood. From her first home birth to the moment she thought she couldn’t go on, Tommi vulnerably shares how each of her births shaped her faith, her family, and her understanding of what it means to be a mother. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or your sixth, this conversation will give you hope, courage, and a renewed belief in the way God designed birth. Tune in to hear: How Tommi’s early births stretched her limits and reshaped her expectations Why brokenness in motherhood can actually be a gift The role of community, faith, and support when raising little ones What shifted between her fifth and sixth births The incredible story of her first pain-free birth after five babies How birth can become your greatest “pep talk” for life and motherhood Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Connect with Karen: 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

Sep 16

What if the “impossible” was actually possible? In this jaw-dropping episode, Karen sits down with midwife Kristine Lauria, a global midwifery director with more than 30 years of experience, to unpack the viral story of a home birth triplet delivery. Kristine has attended over 5,000 births worldwide — from refugee camps in South Sudan with Doctors Without Borders to high-risk deliveries in the U.S. — and she brings an unmatched perspective on what physiological birth can truly look like. Tune in to hear: The incredible story of Amber’s viral home birth with triplets What actually happens in a breech extraction (and why it was needed in this case) How Kristine stayed calm in an emergency and why that saved a life Why the role of a good midwife often means having the skill to do nothing The difference between scary and traumatic births — and how a mother’s experience matters just as much as the outcome What Kristine has learned from thousands of births in hospitals, homes, and disaster zones around the world Why hospital cesarean rates don’t compare to what’s possible when birth is left undisturbed The spiritual and emotional side of birth that modern maternity care often overlooks Triplet home birth video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C38V_IIpWzX/ Connect with Kristine: @globalmidwife64 @allowedtobirth Connect with Karen: 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

Sep 9

What happens when you’ve been told your body “can’t” birth vaginally… and then God writes a different story? In this episode, Karen sits down with Audrey Stinson, a mom of four, who went from believing she would never experience a vaginal birth to having not one, but two redemptive home births—the last being completely pain-free. Audrey vulnerably shares her journey through two cesareans, the heartbreak of feeling her body was “broken,” and the desperate prayers that led her to invite God fully into her birth story. With the support of her doula, a faith-filled mindset shift, and leaning deeply on God’s presence, Audrey discovered strength, redemption, and joy in birth that she never imagined possible. Tune in to hear: The limiting beliefs that often follow cesarean birth—and how faith can rewrite them How prayer and preparation paved the way for a redemptive VBAC at home The integral role a doula played in supporting Audrey and empowering her husband The difference between “intensity” and “pain” in labor How inviting God into every part of pregnancy and birth can transform the experience Audrey’s pain-free birth story with her fourth baby and how she walked away with an even deeper faith Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Connect with Audrey: IG: @faithful.labor Connect with Karen: 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

Sep 2

In this episode, Karen sits down with Kendall Pattillo — a mom of two (with one on the way!), wife, follower of Christ, and graduate of the Pain Free Birth Doula Mastermind. Although she’s just beginning her doula career, Kendall has already supported a variety of powerful births: VBACs, hospital births, birth center births, and home births. Whether you’re a new doula searching for wisdom, a mom preparing for birth, or a partner curious about how doulas support families, this episode is full of encouragement, practical insights, and inspiration. Tune in to hear: Kendall’s calling into birth work and how God opened the doors for her The powerful VBAC story she supported at her very first birth as a doula Why doulas are both servants and shields in the birth space Practical doula tips — knee pads, birth stools, showers, and headphones How doulas enhance a partner’s role instead of replacing it Lessons on presence, boundaries, and avoiding burnout as a new doula The confidence and tools Kendall gained through the Pain Free Birth Doula Mastermind Join the Doula Mastermind: https://painfreebirth.com/doula-mastermind/ Connect with Kendall: IG: @everedendoulaservices @kendallpattillo Website: https://everedendoulaservices.com/ Connect with Karen: 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

Aug 26

What if walking into a hospital birth didn’t mean giving up your voice? In this powerful conversation, Meredith and Alicia from Intentional Birth share how to advocate for yourself in a hospital setting so you feel respected, informed, and truly in charge of your birth. From simple language shifts to knowing your legal rights, you’ll walk away with practical tools you—and your partner—can use to create a positive, empowering experience, no matter what unfolds. Tune in to hear: Why birth trauma is often less about what happened and more about how you were treated The difference between hospital policy and patient consent (and why policy does not override your rights) A simple 3-step framework (OWN IT) to decline procedures without confrontation The role of your partner as the guardian of the birth—and how they can protect your space Key phrases that change the room instantly: “We do need her consent” and “Please document that I am declining ___” How to use the chain of command if you’re not being heard (charge nurse → nurse manager → house supervisor) “Secret menu” options in the hospital most families don’t know they can request A real-life VBAC story where intentional advocacy led to a hospital water birth, minimal interventions, and an unhurried third stage Join the Doula Mastermind: https://painfreebirth.com/doula-mastermind/ Resources mentioned: 5% discount on the Advocacy Trainings : Code: PAINFREEBIRTH IG: @intentional.birth Website: www.intentionalbirth.co Connect with Karen: 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

Aug 19

Have you ever felt a little nudge that maybe you were meant to support women in birth? Maybe you’re the one who stays up late watching birth videos, fascinated by how God designed the body, secretly dreaming of being in the room one day. If so, this episode was made for you. In today’s conversation, Karen pulls back the curtain on the realities of birth work — the beauty, the challenges, and the sacred calling of becoming a doula. She shares the struggles many doulas face, from burnout and being on-call to working in hospital systems that don’t always support women’s physiology. And she reminds us why women supporting women through life’s biggest transitions is not only historical, but biblical. Tune in to hear: Why the average doula career lasts only two years — and how to prevent burnout The surprising origin story of doulas and how their presence was “accidentally discovered” to improve birth outcomes The missing rituals of modern maternity care — and why women are crying out for community again The biggest challenges doulas face today (on-call life, finding clients, hospital politics, and more) What it truly means to protect a woman’s physiology, her power, and her voice in labor How the vision of the Red Tent is reviving sacred sisterhood for doulas and birth workers Join the Doula Mastermind: https://painfreebirth.com/doula-mastermind/ Connect with Karen: 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

Aug 12

What if the pushing phase of birth didn’t have to be painful, exhausting, or filled with strain? In this powerful episode, Erika shares her incredible birth story — from an unexpected pause in labor that gave her one more week to prepare, to the fast-moving labor that had her in transition before she even realized it. But the highlight came in the final moments: instead of force pushing, Erika learned to breathe her baby down , allowing her body to work with her baby for a gentle, peaceful birth. You’ll hear how faith, prayer, and intentional breathing transformed her experience — and how you can apply these same principles for your own birth. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or hoping for a redemptive birth after trauma, this episode is filled with encouragement, practical tips, and the reminder that God cares deeply about your birth story. Tune in to hear: The emotional block Erika faced leading up to birth and how she overcame it The miraculous “false labor” that gave her more time to prepare What it felt like to go from early labor to transition in the backseat of a truck How she stayed focused and avoided negative self-talk in active labor The exact breathing technique she used to “breathe baby down” instead of pushing Why her postpartum recovery was so much easier this time Encouragement for moms to release fear and trust God with their birth stories Resources & Links Mentioned: Pain Free Birth Course – Learn how to prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually for a peaceful, pain-free birth. Use code PODCAST to get $50 off Book: To Light Their Way Connect with Karen: 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

Aug 5

What happens when you’re told you’re infertile, exposed to toxic mold, living in constant stress—and still believe for a miracle? In this powerful episode, Karen sits down with Ashlee Rowland, a Christ-centered nutritionist and wellness educator from @simplholistic, to share her incredible journey from infertility and illness to a pain-free, breech homebirth—all while living in a mold-contaminated house. This is more than a birth story—it’s a testimony of God’s faithfulness, a lesson in trusting your intuition, and a raw look at the realities of anxiety, postpartum, and walking through the fire with Jesus by your side. Tune in to hear: How Ashlee went from infertility and autoimmune diagnoses to a thriving pregnancy The jaw-dropping moment her midwife realized the “head” was actually something else How she delivered her frank breech baby in runner’s lunge with zero tearing Why she didn’t feel pain, even during the ring of fire What it's like to live in toxic mold while pregnant—and still have a healthy baby How God showed up in the chaos to bring peace, clarity, and strength The difference between anxiety and intuition (and how she learned to tell the two apart) Why postpartum spiritual warfare is real—and what helped her stand firm Practical tools Ashlee used to regulate her nervous system and heal emotionally How surrender, faith, and affirmations shaped her birth and postpartum experience A powerful prayer for any mama walking through fear, anxiety, or hardship Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE: https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Try Lifewave x39 patches: https://lifewave.com/painfreebirth Check out Ashlee's courses: Naked Hormones Holistic Mold Protocol Holistic Mold Protocol (Body) Holistic Mold Protocol (Home) Connect with Ashlee: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplholistic/ Website: simplholistic.org CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Jul 29

Have you been told VBAC is too risky? In this episode, Karen pulls back the curtain on the fear-based messaging surrounding VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and delivers the real evidence every mom deserves to know. If you’ve ever been told VBAC is too risky, this episode is your permission slip to ask better questions, trust your intuition, and get truly informed before making one of the biggest decisions of your life. Tune in to hear: The real evidence behind VBAC success rates (hint: it’s not 15%!) Why so many OBs still quote 100-year-old beliefs about birth The actual risk of uterine rupture—and what doctors aren’t telling you How fear-based care is keeping women in the dark The difference between relative risk and real risk The risks of repeat C-sections that almost no one talks about What it means to get true informed consent 5 powerful ways to prepare for a successful VBAC Why choosing the right provider is the #1 decision you’ll make Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ VBAC Resources: - Birth by the Numbers - PubMed Views of Women From Countries With High VBAC Rates - EBB 113 - The Evidence on VBAC CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Jul 22

What happens when you walk into the hospital at 8.5 cm dilated… and still end up with a C-section? In this episode, Karen sits down with Carrie Coppins to unpack her journey from a traumatic first birth to a redemptive, healing home VBAC. Carrie vulnerably shares how her first birth left her feeling devastated, angry at her body—and even at God. But through therapy, faith, and deep preparation, she chose to believe for a different story with her second baby. This episode is for every woman who has ever doubted her body, grieved a birth that didn’t go as planned, or is preparing her heart for a VBAC. It’s a story of healing, hope, and holy redemption. Tune in to hear: What really happened when Carrie “stalled” at 9 cm How birth trauma impacted her mental health and relationship with God The resources that helped her prepare for a VBAC (and the mindset shift she needed) What her OB told her about her “15% chance” of VBAC success The stark contrast between OB and midwife care Her beautiful, redemptive home birth story (spoiler: her husband caught the baby!) Advice for VBAC moms navigating doubt, fear, and outside opinions Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ Resources mentioned: VBAC book: https://amzn.to/4lu4bl5 Ina May's Guide to Childbirth: https://amzn.to/3TC8w9M VBAC Resources: - Birth by the Numbers - PubMed Views of Women From Countries With High VBAC Rates - EBB 113 - The Evidence on VBAC CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Jul 15

Can you really have a safe breech or twin birth at home? What if your OB told you yes? In this powerful episode, Karen sits down with Dr. Victoria Flores, a Southern California-based home birth obstetrician who specializes in breech and twin births. After decades inside the hospital system, Dr. Victoria made a radical shift—leaving behind a broken model to fully support women outside of it. From childhood, Victoria was fascinated by breech birth. But after 20+ years in the medical system, the soul-crushing grind took a toll on her health and spirit. Now, she’s taken the reins of Dr. Stuart Fischbein’s legendary practice and brings her unique intuition, deep knowledge, and unwavering belief in women’s bodies to every birth she attends. Tune in to hear: The spiritual and intuitive shift that led Dr. Victoria to leave hospital birth behind What she really sees inside the birth canal (hello, x-ray vision ) Common myths vs. medical truth around breech birth safety Why head entrapment is often used to scare women out of vaginal breech The #1 reason most OBs won’t support breech births—even if they can What qualifies someone as a good candidate for breech or twin home birth A shocking 11-hour wait between twin births A radical story of a triplet home birth you’ll never forget Connect with Dr. Victoria: https://victoriamdbirthing.com/ Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Jul 8

In this episode, Karen sits down with holistic birth doula and mom of two, Lauren McEnulty, as she shares her incredible story of planning and executing a successful vaginal breech birth. Despite being pressured into a C-section by her original birth center and rejected by multiple providers, Lauren stayed true to her intuition and her baby’s needs. She shares the emotional and physical toll of trying everything to flip her baby—including spinning babies, acupuncture, and moxibustion—only to later discover that her baby’s short cord and positioning made flipping impossible. After being dismissed by her original providers, Lauren sought out a breech-trained midwife over an hour away and finally found someone who believed in her. This episode is a beautiful testimony of maternal instinct, perseverance, and the truth that women’s bodies are capable of birthing breech when supported by the right providers. Tune in to hear: How Lauren navigated the emotional and physical stress of learning her baby was breech What she tried to flip her baby naturally, including spinning babies, acupuncture, and moxibustion The moment her providers gave up on her—and how she refused to give up on herself How she found a breech-trained midwife after being turned away by multiple birth centers The powerful moment she discovered why her baby never flipped Her labor experience, from water breaking in a hotel to giving birth surrounded by support A vivid, hands-off breech birth story that was calm, safe, and deeply affirming Her advice to moms navigating a breech diagnosis and how to find the right provider Connect with Lauren: https://www.waves-doula-care.com/ Watch Lauren's birth video (TW: Graphic Content) Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Jul 1

What happens when your water breaks at 36 weeks—and your midwife legally can’t attend your birth? In this episode of the Pain Free Birth Podcast, Karen Welton interviews Lindsey Cantu, a chiropractor, doula, and founder of BirthFit, who shares her incredible story of navigating an unexpected early labor, trusting her body, and giving birth outside under the stars in a peaceful, unassisted birth. Tune in to hear: How Lindsay got pregnant naturally at 40 after years of waiting What most women misunderstand about training during pregnancy How to support the pelvic floor for birth and postpartum Why strong doesn’t mean tight—and why softening is vital How movement, breath, and nervous system connection prepare you for labor BirthFit Prenatal Package (Get 20% off with code: PAINFREEBIRTH) BirthFit Basics Free Video Training Website: https://birthfit.com Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Jun 24

In this episode of the Pain Free Birth Podcast , Karen welcomes first time mom Brenna Burkins to share her extraordinary 4-hour pain-free home birth story. What makes Brenna’s birth so remarkable? Not only was it her first baby, but she labored with joy, laughter, and zero pain after intentionally preparing—spiritually, mentally, and physically—for a supernatural birth experience. Brenna opens up about the moment she first believed pain-free birth was possible, after hearing a testimony that challenged everything she’d been taught about childbirth. From there, she immersed herself in faith-building resources like Supernatural Childbirth by Jackie Mize and partnered with her husband in prayer and belief. Tune in to hear: How Brenna rejected fear from the start of her pregnancy Her experience using Scripture and worship music as labor tools What happened when pain began to creep in—and how she stopped it through prayer The moment she felt the fetal ejection reflex and her body took over Laughing during pushing (!!) and the overwhelming joy when her son was born Why this birth radically impacted her faith, her confidence, and her identity as a mom Resources Mentioned: Supernatural Childbirth by Jackie Mize Brenna’s labor worship playlist Karen’s worship playlist for labor Watch Brenna’s birth video on Instagram Connect with Brenna: @brennaburkins on all platforms - instagram, Tiktok, YouTube, + Pinterest Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE

Jun 17

In this episode, Karen sits down with Lauren Leonard—ER nurse, mental health advocate, and former NFL cheerleader—who shares her miraculous and deeply personal journey from infertility and generational birth trauma to a pain-free, supernatural birth marked by worship, surrender, and divine intimacy. After four years of trying to conceive and a lifetime of hearing her mother’s traumatic birth story, Lauren never imagined she’d one day experience a birth that felt euphoric, empowering, and completely God-ordained. But that’s exactly what happened. Tune in to hear: Lauren's experience growing up with fear around natural birth—and what changed her mindset The miracle timing of getting pregnant during her mother’s heart transplant journey How the Pain Free Birth course gave her the tools to walk through labor in peace Her supernatural, pain-free hospital water birth and the power of surrender The emotional intimacy and spiritual transformation she experienced with her husband How birth reshaped her relationship with God and her view of femininity The unexpected ways her partner showed up powerfully because of the Partner Prep course How birth became the foundation for deeper trust, parenthood, and postpartum healing 🎁 Try Outlast Audio free for 1 month with code: PAINFREEBIRTH https://outlastaudio.com Connect with Lauren: @laurenmleonard_ @outlastaudio Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Jun 10

In this special Father's Day episode, I’m joined by her husband, Jonathan Welton. We’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like for dads to walk through pregnancy, labor, and birth—especially outside the hospital system. From initial hesitations about home birth to fully showing up with unwavering presence, Jonathan shares the fears, surprises, and transformations he experienced through our three unmedicated births. Whether your partner is nervous, unsure of his role, or simply wants to be a great support person, this honest conversation offers practical advice and heartfelt encouragement from a dad who’s been there. Tune in to hear: How to support your partner during a natural or home birth Why your presence matters more than your knowledge How birth transformed Jonathan as a father Advocating in the hospital vs. trusting the birth process Breaking through fear, control, and cultural conditioning How to be your partner’s hero in the birth room What faith, midwives, and ancient wisdom taught him about fatherhood Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

Jun 3

What if your birth experience could be more than just physical—what if it became a holy encounter with God? In this episode, Karen sits down with Emily Vondy—musician, speaker, content creator, and mama of (now) six—to share the unforgettable story of her fifth birth. From walking through the fear of a pregnancy after loss to experiencing a supernatural encounter with God during active labor in the car, Emily’s story is a beautiful testimony of faith, surrender, and divine joy. Emily vulnerably shares how God transformed her labor from anxiety and dread into laughter, peace, and profound connection. She opens up about how He met her in her weakness, carried her through transition, and gave her visions that forever changed how she sees Him. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & Emily’s Background 02:00 – Pregnancy After Loss & Surrendering Fear 06:00 – Facing Induction and the Mental Battle 10:00 – The Foley Balloon & Labor Begins 16:30 – Praying Through the Fear 25:00 – The Car Ride: Heaven Breaks In 33:00 – Running Up Waves with Jesus 41:00 – Jesus Carries Her 50:00 – Pushing & Arrival of Vivian 56:00 – Naming, Meaning, and Legacy 01:05:00 – This Baby is the Missing Piece 01:12:00 – Joy in Motherhood & Social Media Confidence Connect with Emily: Instagram: @emilyvondy Tiktok: @thevondyfam Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

May 27

What if you were told your baby was breech—and you still gave birth at home, unmedicated, and without fear? In this episode of the Pain Free Birth Podcast, Tayler Magee shares how she dismantled years of fear around childbirth, trusted God's design for her body, and delivered her breech baby at home as a first-time mom. Timestamps: 00:00 – Her mindset shift: “Your body births even in a coma” 05:01 – From fear of birth to home breech birth 13:18 – How she dismantled fear & found faith in God’s design 18:15 – “I chose not to tell anyone—protecting my peace” 28:25 – Going into labor early & her peaceful home environment 34:00 – Mastering the rhythm of contractions without fear 36:59 – Transition & vocalizing fear: “I’m afraid”43:18 – The pushing stage: “It felt like reverse vomiting” 47:00 – Breech baby born—calm, powerful, and fast 50:00 – The power of shutting off your brain and trusting your body 54:45 – Tips on choosing providers, preparing mentally, and creating safety Connect with Tayler: www.taylershealthhub.com Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

May 20

Licensed therapist and faith-based coach Stephanie Okori joins Pain Free Birth to share her two radically different but equally powerful birth stories—one a pain-free, unmedicated hospital birth that stunned the staff, and the second a spirit-led C-section that defied fear and overflowed with peace. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 05:20 – From Paralyzing Fear to Unshakable Faith 11:50 – Labor Begins: “God Spoke to Me in the Bathroom” 14:46 – Worship, Breath, and Rhythm: How She Labored Without Pain 18:23 – Hospital Arrival at 10cm—And Still No One Believed Her 23:18 – The Pushing Stage & Reclaiming Her Power 36:18 – A Very Different Second Birth: God in the C-Section 43:04 – Postpartum Miracles: Breastfeeding, Healing, and Grace Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE CONNECT WITH KAREN: 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

May 13

In this episode, Karen sits down with Rachael Austin, RN, IBCLC—an internationally recognized midwife and head educator for the Thompson Method of Breastfeeding—to unravel some of the most misunderstood parts of the birth-to-breastfeeding journey. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or recovering from a rough start, this episode will open your eyes and give you confidence to trust your body—and your baby. Timestamps:03:29 – How Birth Interventions Affect Breastfeeding05:08 – Nipple Pain & Outdated Breastfeeding Techniques06:05 – How Pitocin & Epidurals Disrupt Oral Function09:02 – Alternatives When Breastfeeding Isn’t Working10:19 – Bottle Design & Breastfeeding Confusion13:13 – Colic, Reflux & Overfeeding Explained15:31 – Can You Overfeed a Breastfed Baby?23:30 – Retraining Baby to Breastfeed After NICU/Interventions24:07 – Proper Latch vs. Common Mistakes30:17 – The Truth About Newborn Weight Loss & IV Fluids33:29 – Mastitis, Oversupply & Nipple Trauma46:35 – Tongue Ties, Lip Ties & Misdiagnosis51:09 – The Tongue Tie Surgery Boom (900% Increase?)57:11 – Postpartum Mental Health & Maternal Burnout Get 50% OFF the Thompson Method Birth & Breastfeeding Course: https://thompsonmethod.com/painfree 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

May 6

What would I do differently if I gave birth in 2025? In this episode, I’m sharing the 5 powerful shifts I’d make—beyond the usual advice—to transform your birth experience and postpartum recovery. From protecting your mental health to trusting your body’s wisdom and creating a sacred postpartum bubble, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, do less, and reconnect with what truly matters during pregnancy and birth. Save over $200 this Mother's Day! From May 5-12th you can get $60 OFF the Pain Free Birth e-course AND get Birth Partner Bootcamp for FREE ($149 value) when you use code MOTHERSDAY60 at checkout! Timestamps: 00:00 – The Truth About Birth in 2025 00:36 – Why Today’s Birth Culture Is Overwhelming Moms 01:35 – Intro to the Episode: 5 Things I'd Do Differently in 2025 02:42 – A Personal Update: Meditation Retreat & Mental Health 04:48 – Biggest Sale of the Year for Pain Free Birth 06:46 – Struggling with Anxiety, Brain Fog & Burnout 08:54 – The Transformation from Meditation 11:03 – Mental Health Matters More Than Ever for Moms 14:57 – Why Slowing Down Isn’t Optional Anymore 16:02 – Birth Tip #1: Prioritize Mental & Emotional Health 19:39 – Birth Tip #2: Do Less (And Let Go of the Baby Registry Pressure) 22:01 – Birth Tip #3: Your Body is Wise—Trust It 30:02 – Birth Tip #4: It's Okay to Be Scared—But Don’t Stay There 36:12 – A Word on Programming & Rewriting Your Beliefs About 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

Apr 29

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast. Today, I’m interviewing Stormie Fraser. Stormie shares her pain free home birth story and compares it to her first time giving birth in a hospital setting. We also discuss faith and grief as Stormie tragically lost three loved ones while she was pregnant. 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 00:44 - Meet Stormie Fraser 01:26 - From Hospital to Home Birth 05:55 - Stormie Losing Her Dad While Pregnant 14:43 - Prayers and Affirmations 19:29 - What is the Mother-blessing ceremony? 21:19 - The Importance of the Village and Community 25:16 - Faith Through Grief During Pregnancy 28:17 - Christian Hypno-birthing Education with Tara Menzies 29:18 - Stormie’s Birth Story and Why Doulas Write Timestamps of Birth 30:54 - Prodromal Labor 34:05 - Prayers and Wishes for Birth List 35:44 - Taking Ownership of Fear 39:40 - Castor Oil and Induction 42:15 - Pain Free Birth Affirmations and Playlist 46:04 - Letting Go 46:46 - Doulas Utility During Birth, Counter-pressure 49:44 - Doula Training As a New Mom 55:00 - Co-creating Life with God 59:46 - Taking a Moment for Babies to Come Into their Bodies 1:00:46 - Pain Free Delivery 1:04:08 - What’s Possible in Birth 1:06:35 - 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 STORMIE Personal Instagram: @stormiefraser Humorous, heartfelt nap trap poems on faith, grief, and motherhood: @isthisworthposting.

Apr 15

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 --- 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

Apr 8

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

Apr 1

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

Mar 25

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

Mar 18

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

Mar 11

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/

Mar 4

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

Feb 25

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_

Feb 11

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

Feb 4

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)

Jan 19

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

Jan 15

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/kalliecaton Connect 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/

Oct 22, 2024

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

Sep 10, 2024

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

Sep 3, 2024

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

Aug 27, 2024

Right after high school, Brandyn witnessed a dear friend having excruciating menstrual cycles. After being prayed over by a team member in ministry school, her friend no longer experienced pain during her cycles! This was when Brandyn's eyes were open to the possibility that we don't have to experience pain and birth can be amazing. This was a very special episode to chat about as Karen and Brandyn shared so many similarities between their births. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Praying to release pain What a "free pregnancy" is like "Do I have to go to the bathroom or am I in labor?" Instant pain relief: the double hip squeeze How to release tightness in your perineum Instinctually knowing the "right" and "wrong" birthing positions MORE ABOUT BRANDYN GIPE: Wife to Steven, mom to Quinn, dog mom of 3, and currently serving as the communications director at New Day for Children (a faith-based non-profit that supports kids recovered from trafficking in America) in the Shasta County, CA and the surrounding area. Brandyn loves Jesus, fun, adventure and exploring the world. Steven and Brandyn dream of one day starting a home for minor boys recovered from trafficking here in the USA. Instagram: @brandynpruettgipe 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 ! Instagram Facebook YouTube

Aug 20, 2024

In this episode, Gina Conley shares how impactful movement could be supportive for a strong and pain free pregnancy as an industry-leading perinatal fitness provider. What if the answer to a pain free pregnancy and birth was simply understanding the difference in mobility throughout our pregnancies and how we can support our body by moving optimally. I'm sure you've heard of kegels... think of that as step one. Kegels should not be your only form of movement to prepare for birth. Find out what Gina recommends you do in today's episode! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Using fitness to mentally & physically prepare for birth What you should do beyond kegels to lengthen & stretch the pelvic floor Mitigating a tight pelvic floor from traditional weightlifting Using movement to support your labor process The outdated fear surrounding exercise during pregnancy MORE ABOUT GINA CONLEY: Gina Conley is the founder of MamasteFit—a perinatal fitness training facility located in North Carolina. MamasteFit offers in-person and online pre/postnatal fitness training programs. Gina has her masters in exercise science and is a seasoned birth doula. She combines her expertise as both a perinatal fitness trainer and birth professional to provide full spectrum support from conception, birth, and recovery in the postpartum. Gina is the author of Training for Two, a book that explains how to use prenatal fitness to support a strong and pain free pregnancy, as you prepare for birth. Instagram: @mamastefit The MamasteFit Podcast Website PROGRAM: 40-Week Prenatal Fitness Program PROGRAM: 40-Week Mini Prenatal Fitness Program 💳📕 PREORDER: Training for Two: Safe & Smart Prenatal Exercises for a Smoother Pregnancy, Easier Birth, and Healthier 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 ! Instagram Facebook YouTube

Aug 13, 2024

In this episode, Emma shares her amazingly unexpected, yet so magical precipitous twin birth. Fascinated by birth by baby number two, Emma had done a lot of research and precipitous births had never stood out to her... that was until the twins came along. Her instincts were on fire. From the midwife being minutes away, husband nearly passing out, and babies coming quick enough she almost forgot to undress?! This birth story is one to remember. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Previous hospital births versus a twin home birth Feeling contractions! Time for some hot tea? Nope! Husband's hilarious reaction to a precipitous 34-minute labor & birth The overwhelm that can come with a birth of this nature MORE ABOUT EMMA BRAKE: Emma is a young wife and mother of five. She grew up a missionary kid, marrying her high school sweetheart, a handsome Marine, at 18, and in the following seven years, five sweet little wildlings joined their family! Their youngest three were born at home, including most recently her twins, a precipitous, accidentally unassisted homebirth. It was all rather exciting and very, very messy! These days she's blessed to spend her days at home wrestling what feels like 764 toddlers, telling her husband not to buy it at the store because she can make it at home, and fumbling her way through homesteading, endless home projects, and raising five free range kiddos to love Jesus. Instagram: @thisredeemedmama Facebook 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 ! Instagram Facebook YouTube

Aug 6, 2024

In this episode, Whitney Baggett shares how about becoming a first-time mom, trusting your intuition, and the challenges of falling out of your mental zone in the hospital. As a new mom, Whitney questioned whether she was really in labor or if she was just having contractions. Tune in to hear the interesting story and timeline Whitney gave from the moment she experienced this "back cramping" to the minute she was wheeled into the hospital with shocking news! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: How Whitney's singing career helped during labor Faith impacting labor and feeling so deeply spiritual Going from feeling scared about birth to feeling empowered Laboring at home, being transported to the hospital, and having to tune out the noise in the L&D room MORE ABOUT WHITNEY BAGGETT: Whitney is a singer & songwriter and CEO of VOW Creative, a video production and social media marketing company. Whitney also runs an inspirational blog called, Vehicle of Wisdom, where she writes about deepening faith and offers bits of wisdom she’s learned along the way. Instagram: @ whitneyvowcreative & @vowtobecreative Facebook Twitter 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 ! Instagram Facebook YouTube

Jul 30, 2024

**Hey mamas, this episode was recorded with different equipment so please don’t mind the audio, we understand it can be frustrating, but we’ll be back to normal quality next week** This episode is quite different as Karen is actually the one being interviewed by the host of the Holy Confident Birth Podcast , Eve O'Brien. Check out the Holy Confident Birth Instagram here. We hope you enjoy this perspective shift as Karen shares her journey with her own pain free births, how she got into this industry, and how she changed the course of her first birth from painful to pain free in the span of just one contraction! In this episode, Karen describes how a pain free birth doesn’t mean you don’t experience hurt or intensity rather you get to enjoy your birth and feel full feelings of ecstasy as Karen has with her own three births. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: What led me down the path of pain free births Trusting my body & putting my faith in God that He created my body to birth without pain The individual nuances of each of my three, pain free home births How I was able to switch my birth from painful to pain free in just one contraction Allowing myself to fall into a deep state of consciousness to tune into my body Learning the difference between forceful pushing & physiologically pushing baby out Realizing my first birth experience is what catapulted me into becoming a doula Experiencing a true bliss, ecstasy, and an intense rush of natural drugs during birth RESOURCES MENTIONED: FREE MASTERCLASS {FOR A LIMITED TIME}: Unlocking A Pain Free Birth Masterclass In this masterclass, with over 10 years of experience supporting women as a doula and childbirth educator, Karen is sharing her best secrets and techniques to help you experience a pain-free, joyful birth. Learn practical ways you can partner with your body to overcome pain and step into an ecstatic, transformational birth. You do not want to miss this powerful masterclass - currently FREE for a limited time.

Jul 23, 2024

We are so excited to welcome holistic health advocate and dentist, Dr. Michelle Jorgensen on the podcast today! Through her years of general and cosmetic dentistry, she never questioned anything ⎯ until Dr. Michelle was so sick she could hardly hold a dental instrument. Dr. Michelle experienced severe mercury poisoning that opened up an entirely different can of worms within the dental industry. Tune in to hear how Dr. Michelle found out about her toxicity, how it affected her fertility, what she incorporates in her dental practice today, and what you can do to save your oral health. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: How Dr. Michelle stopped practicing general dentistry Mercury poisoning: How it affects dentists and patients How mercury affects fertility: Dr. Michelle's own fertility struggles Difference between holistic, functional, biological, and biomimetic dentists What's the right decision: Root canal versus tooth extraction The problem with fluoride: The three big strikes on the body Hidden infection: Why root canals may not be the best option Specifically how pregnancy contributes to oral health How the mouth is a dashboard for the body: Warning lights in the mouth MORE ABOUT DR. MICHELLE: Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, DDS, , TNC, CNAS, is a renowned holistic dentist, author of five books, and a holistic health advocate. Her transformative journey began when mercury exposure from traditional dentistry made her seriously ill. She evolved into a Board-Certified Naturopath and Therapeutic Nutritional Counselor, seamlessly integrating medicine and dentistry. For a decade, Dr. Jorgensen has been a pioneer in Functional Integrative dentistry through her Total Care Dental and Wellness Way, attracting patients from all corners of the globe. Beyond her dental practice, she's the founder of Living Well with Dr. Michelle, teaching essential life skills, with a charitable arm, the Living Well Today Foundation, supporting those in need. A busy mother of four, she is passionate about teaching and helping others and is a sought- after podcast guest, known for her knack in simplifying crucial topics and providing practical, real-world solutions for listeners. Instagram Facebook Website Living Well Shop 💵 Save 10% on all Living Well products with code: PAINFREEBIRTH RESOURCES MENTIONED: Dr. Michelle's Dentist Directory IAOMT.org IABDM.org Toothpillow

Jul 16, 2024

Jill is a joyful warrior as a mom of 8 beautiful babies including newborn twins who just successfully had her first home birth. Yes, Jill had six traditional births with a regular OB team in the hospital before her OB unfortunately passed away and she had to look elsewhere for the upcoming birth of her twins, Ruth and Samuel. She felt God calling her to have a home birth, but her husband Joe wasn't initially supportive. After a lot of prayer and giving it to the Lord, Jill & Joe had a beautiful home birth with the support of her birthing team! She had Ruth at 7 pounds 2 ounces and Samuel at 7 pounds 15 ounces! Despite Samuel being breech, Jill's team had the expertise to handle things with ease and keep a peaceful environment for the birthing mama. Join us today as Jill shares more about her magical experience giving birth at home to twins. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: The feeling Jill couldn't shake that led to her having her 7th birth, but 1st home birth Drowning out the noise to have a birth Jill dreamed of Home-birth hesitant husbands turned to the most supportive teammate during birth Measuring 52 weeks at 37 weeks pregnant Switching OB's at 34 weeks pregnant In denial about being in active labor even after Jill's water broke The feeling of finding out Baby B is breech seconds before delivery Two thick, healthy, and pulsating umbilical cords Anterior placenta semi-fused together for one big, healthy placenta MORE ABOUT JILL: Wife to Joe Reitz (former NFL player) Momma of 8 including newborn twins, oldest almost 13, 11, 9, 7, 5 and 3. Former collegiate Division 1 runner. Faithful Catholic. Resides in North suburb of Indianapolis. Huge lover and encourager of natural, physiological birth and all things motherhood, wifehood and family life! Follow Jill on Instagram RESOURCES MENTIONED: Pain Free Birth Course

Jul 9, 2024

Today we are joined by Emily Gardner, a first-time mom, who actually didn't want children prior to getting married due to the painful and traumatic experiences she'd heard of. Now, she is a happy mama of an 8-week old baby boy named Finnigan. She tells us all about how she found Karen on Instagram, how she adopted her determined pain-free-birth mindset, and what her labor experience was like inside a traditional hospital. No spoilers, but her labor & delivery came with a few surprises that resulted in a longer labor, yet still absolutely pain free. Emily said, "the IV line was probably the most painful part of the whole experience." EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Emily's pure determination & dedication to have a pain free birth Completely shutting away any negativity around pregnancy, labor, and birth Diving deep into Emily's spirituality helped ease her mind: "God has me. I am safe." Taking on random home improvement projects right before labor Emily's water broke without any contractions so they made their way to the hospital Hospital honoring Emily's wishes of having an unmedicated birth and assigning her a midwife as her OB was out of town Back laboring for quite a while and actively pushing for three hours Different positions & getting in the water to speed up labor Birthing a posterior baby with a compound arm presentation MORE ABOUT EMILY: Emily is a first-time mom (besides her two adorable fur babies) who lives in a small town in New York with her husband, Samuel, who doubles as her business partner. She attended University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and graduated with a degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine. Dr. Emily then made the long trip to Iowa and received her chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. She was able to study under amazing sports doctors and learn a lot of therapies that she implements at her clinic back home in New York! Emily is full of gratitude to be finding her way in her new role as mom. Follow Emily on Instagram Emily's Chiropractic Clinic Website RESOURCES MENTIONED: Pain Free Birth Course Birth Partner Bootcamp

Jul 2, 2024

If you have been on the fence about having an unmedicated birth, especially if you've had medicated births in the past, this story is going to be so inspiring to you. Whether you're currently planning a hospital birth or you simply want to hear an encouraging birth story Jilda is here to share her transformational story with us. After having two medicated hospital births that left her traumatized with epidurals gone wrong, she decided that her third birth was going to be unmedicated in the hospital. In most parts of the United States, that is unheard of! Tune in as Jilda shares her she determined her birth plan, if the hospital staff honored her plan, and the peaceful environment she was blessed to give birth in. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Jilda's experience of medicated versus unmedicated births Uncovering the misconception of how complicated inductions can be An induction, three failed epidurals & NICU stay with her first baby An elective induction & failed epidural with her second baby Creating a solid birth plan & switching birth teams for her third birth How to advocate for yourself in the hospital Affirmations & support for other moms desiring a natural birth MORE ABOUT JILDA: Jilda is a proud mother of three hailing from New Jersey. Her journey is all about empowering women, especially postpartum moms, through fitness. With years of dedication as a fitness instructor, Jilda's had the honor of transforming lives through group exercise, advocating for self-care and holistic health. Currently pursuing her doula license, her passion for nutrition during and after pregnancy drives her forward. Amidst the ebb and flow of motherhood, Jilda's resilience has soared while exercising her body and spirit through every one of her pregnancies. With her heart ablaze, she seeks to be a guiding light of support and positive change in every life she encounters. Follow Jilda on Instagram: @jacked.withjil RESOURCES MENTIONED: Pain Free Birth Course

Jun 25, 2024

Trisha, an amazing woman who has extensive knowledge, experience, and expertise with being a nurse midwife and IBCLC joins Karen on the podcast today! After virtually meeting on the Down To Birth podcast that Trisha co-hosts, Karen was eager to dive deeper into the conversation around breastfeeding and problems that can arise with each dyad. Trisha shares her unintentional, unattended birth as well as dives into the specifics of the difference between IBCLC's and LC's, her education & experience, as well as a lot of the problems and easy fixes that can be made to solve current problems like painful latches, low-milk supply, and even postpartum anxiety and depression! Join us as we uncover all these dyad hot takes! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Trisha birthing and unintentionally catching her third baby ALONE because it happened so fast and unattended How birth can affect how a baby breastfeeds Baby's natural instincts to latch & breast crawling The most common problems with breastfeeding dyads The most common interferences with breastfeeding Trisha's number one tip for supporting breastfeeding mothers MORE ABOUT TRISHA: Trisha Ludwig is a Yale educated Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She has experience as a homebirth midwife, is a holistic women’s gynecologic health practitioner, and has fifteen plus years working as an IBCLC (and works privately providing both in-person and virtual appointments anywhere in the world). She is also a podcaster and the co-host of the globally known birth podcast Down to Birth Show. She is a mother of three children all birthed at home. Follow Trisha on Instagram: @trishaoludwig Follow Down To Birth on Instagram: @downtobirthshow RESOURCES MENTIONED: Pain Free Birth Course: https://painfreebirth.com/pain-free-birth/ Down To Birth Podcast Episode 208: Achieving A Pain Free Birth with Karen Welton: https://www.downtobirthshow.com/208-achieving-a-pain-free-birth-with-karen-welton-painfreebirth/

Jun 18, 2024

This episode is a real treat! Today, Karen is joined by both husband and wife, Harif & Jennifer Hazera. This beautiful couple ran into Karen at a Tony Robbins event where they were able to share their beautiful home birth story and thank Karen for all her help. Jennifer was a graduate of the Pain Free Birth Course and it didn't come very naturally ⏤ no pun intended. After experiencing a horribly traumatic birth with their first son in the hospital, Harif and Jennifer eventually came to the decision to have their second son in the comfort of their own home. Once a thought that Jennifer scoffed at turned into the most redemptive, God-ordained moment ever. Tune in to this episode to hear the stark difference between their two birth experiences and how fathers are dismissed throughout and left with trauma after the birth experience. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: The unnecessary epidural, pitocin, and all the interventions at the hospital for the birth of their first son despite progressing very well & naturally A father's take on birth & feeling dismissed throughout the whole process Father's dismissing the trauma they carried through labor, birth, and the postpartum journey Dreaming up their ideal birth & living it out in the comfort of their home for the birth of their second son MORE ABOUT THE HAZERA'S: Harif and Jennifer are happily married and work together as entrepreneurs in the real estate space. Once they got pregnant with their first baby, they didn't question giving birth in a hospital, that is until there were too many disturbances and interventions that ruined the sacred experience they thought they were going to have by bringing their first son Leo into the world. Fast forward to getting pregnant with their second son, Max, they knew that it could be better. After getting three obvious signs from God to explore a home birth, Jennifer finally gave in. Little did they know, God would end up offering the most redemptive experience to them by giving birth inside their home in the way they dreamed of. Harif and Jennifer are just like you, they weren't professionals in home birth knowledge but after graduating from the Pain Free Birth Course , they gained the knowledge and empowerment needed to have the most beautiful, sacred, and pain free birth at home. Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @j_hazera RESOURCES MENTIONED: Pain Free Birth Course: https://painfreebirth.com/pain-free-birth/ Healing Birth Trauma Course: https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ Birth Partner Bootcamp: https://painfreebirth.com/birth-partner-bootcamp/

Jun 11, 2024

In this episode, Karen is joined by Amanda Johnson, a mama of 4 beautiful babies. Despite all odds and one baby even being breeched up until delivery, Amanda had a successful home birth with her twins for her most recent pregnancy. Today we’ll get into all the nitty gritty of Amanda’s experience with hospital versus home births, how her pregnancies varied, and how her most recent pregnancy was a massive surprise up until the very last minute of delivery! After Amanda’s first labor and delivery experience that was less than ideal in the hospital, she knew she didn’t want to experience that again. With her second child, she successfully gave birth at home and knew she would repeat the experience when she fell pregnant the third time… little did she know, this home birth experience would be quite rare and one to remember! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Amanda found out she was having twins at 32 weeks and decided to have a home birth, despite concerns from family and the traditional health system Going into labor at 40 weeks 3 days with an intense but smooth 2-hour labor, delivering both twins vaginally at home Her faith and trust in God's plan helped her through the physical and financial challenges of a twin pregnancy and homebirth A home birth with twins is possible with the right support team MORE ABOUT AMANDA JOHNSON: I’m a SAHM to 4 babes ages five and under. We are a military fam currently stationed in Monterey CA! My first birth was an induction and after that whole experience, I knew it could be better. My induction was not traumatic as I truly believe I was on the brink of labor (11 days past my guess date) but the whole process from start to end felt very unnatural. When I got pregnant with my 2nd I knew I was going to have a homebirth, this was October of 2019. Luckily my midwife (Lindsey Meehleis) and I were totally aligned and she shut her office down for maybe a month during Covid. It was crazy, my husband was overseas and I thought I was going to have to deliver without him. I had my 2nd at home at the height of Covid in June 2020 and had a totally different experience than my hospital birth in the best way. When I got pregnant in 2021, I of course opted for home birth again. I didn’t find out until 32 weeks that I was having twins and I truly wasn’t surprised - the pregnancy felt totally different! I carried them to 40w3d and had a beautiful labor and delivery under 2 hours!!! Follow her on Instagram: @therealamandajohnson Check out her website: https://www.therealamandajohnson.com/ RESOURCES MENTIONED: Karen's Pain Free Birth Course: https://painfreebirth.com/pain-free-birth/

Jun 4, 2024

In this episode, Karen is joined by Dr. CeCe Brooks, a highly respected Functional Medicine Family Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. With preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum, there are so many myths spread or things missed by traditional medicine that will be busted today. Get ready to dive into the world of progesterone well into pregnancy, not relying on antibiotics during birth, and even vaginal steaming as part of postpartum care. Dr. CeCe explains how functional medicine can offer natural and effective health solutions whether you're planning to conceive, currently pregnant, or navigating the postpartum period. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: How to use functional medicine principles to prevent preeclampsia and naturally manage GBS so you don't have to erase the healthy bacteria for your baby in the vaginal canal The importance of progesterone during pregnancy (even into the third trimester) and how to maintain its levels Practical advice on nourishing your body to ensure both maternal and fetal health ⏤ Like the controversial yet beneficial practice of consuming beef liver during pregnancy Interesting insight into the growing issue of oral health ties in babies and how it will affect your breastfeeding journey Natural remedies for common postpartum challenges, including navigating mastitis, even if you have the fever & chills RESOURCES MENTIONED: Dr. CeCe's eBooks & guides including the 30-page comprehensive guide on must-have pregnancy and postpartum supplements, safe and effective pregnancy and postpartum healing modalities, & labor and postpartum nourishment! See all of Dr. CeCe's resources here: https://thediscoverydoc.com/resources Postpartum Bliss ⏤ Karen's guide to fall in love with the postpartum period: https://painfreebirth.com/postpartum-bliss/ CONNECT WITH DR. CECE: The Discovery Doc® was born after struggling with her own medical issues and a misdiagnosis that took years to correct. Now, by using holistic, integrative, and preventative medicine as a foundation, Dr. CeCe teaches parents how to make educated, informed decisions on behalf of their child’s health and wellbeing. By implementing fun + simple life changes, you can greatly reduce everyday toxic loads that parents may not even be aware of. Website: https://thediscoverydoc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thediscoverydoc/

May 28, 2024

In this episode… Rylee Portela, a resilient mom of three boys, shares with Karen how mental fortitude, lots of prayer, trusting in the Lord, and a supportive birth team – including hiring a doula – can make or break your birth experience. From having a cesarean with her first (simply due to a “big baby”), to a medicated VBAC during the challenging times of COVID shutdowns with her second (an even bigger baby!), and finally experiencing a nearly pain-free, physiological birth in the hospital with her third, Rylee’s journey is filled with hope and encouragement for any mom who is worried about vaginally birthing “big babies” or is simply dreaming of a redemptive birth experience like hers. Tune in and let Rylee’s inspiring story uplift your spirit and instill new confidence in your innate ability to birth! Check out Karen’s famous “Big Baby” IG story highlight here ! Check out Rylee’s Third Birth Story featured on PFB’s IG here . Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Sign up for the new highly anticipated Unlocking a Pain Free Birth Masterclass HERE (releasing SOON)! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE ! Connect with Rylee on IG and Facebook: @mrs.newtela Rylee Portela

May 21, 2024

In this episode… Erin Wilkins, mother of five, registered nurse, and online educator who embraces a holistic lifestyle, opens up with Karen about how childbirth has dramatically shaped her views on motherhood and the incomparable power of birth. She talks about the significant lessons learned through each of her birth experiences, emphasizing the importance of mindset, the role of discomfort in personal growth, and the transformative power of surrendering to the process while focusing on the benefits of homebirth and the support of her incredible midwives. Erin’s invaluable insight into how her hardest birth experience was actually her best is truly profound, and her heartfelt advice for new mothers encourages women to actively shape their birth experiences to reflect their innermost values and desires because it directly impacts the journey into motherhood. Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE !Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE ! Connect with Erin: @essentiallyerin__ The Essentially Erin Podcast www.essentiallyerin.com

May 14, 2024

In this episode… Karen delves into an enlightening discussion with Ashleigh Di Lello, founder and creator of Bio Emotional Healing®, to explore the transformative power of the mind-body connection especially as it relates to pregnancy and birth. Ashleigh shares her own remarkable story of overcoming life-threatening health challenges. Despite being told by doctors she wouldn't live past her teenage years, she refused to give up and her discoveries revealed a revolutionary healing approach that has the ability to reshape our responses to emotional trauma and chronic pain, limiting beliefs, and provide profound insights into pain, trauma, and anxiety during childbirth. She went on to become an elite athlete, TV and Broadway star, entrepreneur, Brain Coach, and Keynote Speaker. This conversation aims to empower women with the knowledge and tools to navigate their life and birthing experiences with strength and confidence. Special Note from Karen: Hey Mama, Is your body carrying birth trauma that you don’t want to bring into your next birth? You’re not alone – 1 in 4 women now report experiencing birth trauma. You can even experience trauma from a seemingly “positive” birth experience. Unpacking all of that can feel overwhelming and helpless. I’ve worked with hundreds of women to identify, feel, forgive, and release their birth trauma, and I’m here for YOU. Don’t waste another day struggling to keep your head above water. I don’t want you to miss out on the joy, bliss, and love that your next birth and postpartum experience can offer YOU! You can THRIVE, mama! Let’s do this.If listening to this episode struck a cord with you, I want to extend a special podcast listener discount [30% off] for my Healing Birth Trauma Masterclass HERE (now offered with lifetime access). Just use the code ‘TRAUMA’ at checkout.With love, Karen Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE ! Connect with Ashleigh: @ashleighdilello facebook.com/ashleighdilello youtube.com/ashleighdilello Bio Emotional Healing Podcast with Ashleigh Di Lello Get Ashleigh’s FREE Brain-Body Blueprint HERE ! Watch Ashleigh’s FREE Brain Training - The 4 Shifts My Clients Use to Break the Negative Though Loop & Master Anxiety & Self Doubt Schedule a FREE consultation for Ashleigh’s Bio Emotional Healing® Coaching on her website here .

May 7, 2024

In this special solo episode… Karen explores the transformational process of becoming a mother and the sacred journey from maiden to mother. She discusses the spiritual aspects of childbirth, the challenges and rewards of motherhood, and the importance of surrendering to this rite of passage, aiming to validate and celebrate all mothers while acknowledging both the joyous and trying aspects of motherhood. She delves into the societal pressures and self-doubt many mothers face, advocating for a culture that honors the feminine energy of childbirth and motherhood. This Mother’s Day, Karen encourages mothers to surrender to the changes, embrace their new identity, and find beauty in the journey of motherhood. Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE ! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE !

Apr 30, 2024

In this episode… Karen interviews Rachel Jones about her miraculous birth story that defied expectations. Rachel recounts the premature birth of her daughter, Abby, at 26 weeks and how prayer and community support played pivotal roles throughout her journey. She shares the personal growth and deep reliance on the Lord she and her family experienced, detailing how, against all odds and doctors' predictions, her baby thrived from the moment she was born. Rachel’s story encapsulates trials and triumphs of faith, prayer, and the power of maternal intuition, offering hope and inspiration to other families facing similar situations and emphasizing the power of advocacy by parents in the NICU and the profound impact it had on her understanding of motherhood. Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE !Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE ! Connect with Rachel on Instagram @jones_tribe

Apr 23, 2024

In this episode… Mom of 6, author, and NREMT, Jessica Gray, chats with Karen about her FIVE vaginal breech births. This unique experience ultimately led to her founding the #breechnation movement - a community of encouragement and education dedicated to informing the world that breech birth isn’t a problem! She is co-author of the upcoming 2024 book, The Breech Book, which will be a complete guide to having a safe and successful breech birth and will include an incredible compilation of breech birth stories! Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE ! Did you know Karen has a module inside the Pain Free Birth E-Course dedicated to Breech & Twins?! She discusses all things breech birth with Dr. Stuart Fischbein in this amazing bonus content. Get 10% off the PFB E-Course with this exclusive link for podcast listeners only >> HERE < Connect with Jessica: @breechbirth Sign up to be first to know about the highly anticipated 2024 release of The Breech Book HERE (and/or share your own breech birth story!).

Apr 16, 2024

In this episode… Birth Educator, Mother, and Chiropractor, Dr. Sarah Leahy shares with Karen how her confidence in her body’s ability to birth was shaken after her first pregnancy ended in miscarriage, which led to her first birth resigning to the pressures of medical intervention and ending in an unwanted traumatic c-section. She went on to have a life-changing freebirth (unassisted) completely on her own terms with her second, and then an empowered home birth with midwives for her third. Dr. Sarah’s radically unique birthing experiences set her on a passionate path to advocate for informed choice and educate women everywhere that it’s the medical system that’s broken, not them! Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE !Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE ! Connect with Dr. Sarah: @birthuprising birthuprising.com Birth Uprising Podcast Grab her free birth plan checklist HERE !The workbook she mentions at the end of the podcast is the Midwife or OBGYN eBook and is available NOW!

Apr 9, 2024

In this episode… Boss Mama, Business Coach, and Founder of The Millionaire Mother, Cait Scudder, is back with Karen once again to share how her redemptive, life-changing second birth empowered her to be reborn as the mother she was always meant to be. We were created to shine and be seen. Once you allow yourself to step into your power as a woman and a mother, you can use your unique gifts to create your own success. Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE ! Connect with Cait: @themillionairemother The Millionaire Mother Podcast

Apr 2, 2024

In this episode… Karen meets with licensed midwives Kelly and Tiffany of Beautiful One Midwifery to discuss all things homebirth and what midwifery care should truly look like. As holistic health advocates and fierce lovers of the family and all things home, this passionate duo focuses their practice on alternative care that puts control back into the hands of the women they serve, providing integrative knowledge, natural resources, and sisterly inspiration for women to own their birth journeys. They love coming alongside busy moms who are looking for a more personalized approach to holistic pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We dive into some FAQs we've been aching to answer for you, such as: For whom is home birth actually safe? What about insurance options? Isn't home birth expensive? What conditions are preventable and what will risk me out of care? What constitutes a “variation of normal” vs. a true complication or emergency? …and LOTS more! Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Not sure where to start on how to find a provider that's right for you? Check out PFB’s latest FREEBIE: Questions To Ask Your Birth Provider ! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE ! Connect with Beautiful One Midwifery: @beautifulonemidwifery beautifulonemidwiferysandiego.com Check out their podcast “At Home with Kelly + Tiffany” HERE !Check out their Community Membership , designed to bring the midwifery model of care to every stage of womanhood!

Mar 26, 2024

In this episode… Hospital pediatric RN turned full-time homeschooling SAHM, Elizabeth Parsons, shares with Karen how she ended up giving birth to twins (both breech!) at home after having had 3 previous unmedicated hospital births. She recalls how the Lord intervened throughout her pregnancy to keep the second baby “hidden” in order to protect her and her family from fear and worry (especially during the unprecedented times brought by the pandemic). In turn, her birth experience was a true testimony marked by peace and the revelation that when left alone with our God-given intuition and miraculous intentional design, women are more than capable of not only unmedicated physiological singular birth but double breech twin birth! Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE ! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE ! Connect with Elizabeth: @purelyparsons www.purelyparsons.com Get Purely Parsons 100% Organic Elderberry Kit HERE !

Mar 19, 2024

In this episode… Holistic-minded, homesteading mama, Nicole Neesby, dares to normalize home birth with Karen as she shares about each of her beautifully unique birth experiences. Despite the trauma she went through in her first birth, she still never questioned her desire to birth at home, where she always felt safest. Her following redemptive births are so encouraging, and reveal the profound depth of God’s grace. Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE ! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE ! Connect with Nicole: @nicoleneesby nicoleneesbyblog.com

Mar 12, 2024

In this episode… Karen sits down with renowned Home Birth Obstetrician, Dr. Stuart Fischbein, to discuss the serious flaws in the medical model of care today. With over 40 years of professional experience, mainly specializing in vaginal breech and twin birth, he now travels the world educating birth workers and advocating for the midwifery model of care - a true pioneer in the birthing world. Dr. Stu gets straight to the point addressing some of the most hot button questions you want answers to, such as: What does “high risk” actually mean? Is home birth safe? When is induction really necessary? What about preeclampsia? Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Get the latest PFB Freebie: Questions To Ask Your Birth Provider HERE ! Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE ! Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE ! Connect with Dr. Stu: @birthinginstincts birthinginstincts.com

Mar 5, 2024

In this episode… Boss Mama, Business Coach, and Founder of The Millionaire Mother, Cait Scudder, joins Karen to share her healing, redemptive birth story of her second child. Processing the trauma of her first birth as she worked her way through the Pain Free Birth course she discovered that she truly could have a different experience. Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE !Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE !Connect with Cait: @themillionairemother themillionairemother.com Get Cait’s Birth and Postpartum Resource Guide (including her labor playlist) HERE !

Feb 27, 2024

In this episode… Mama, Breathwork Facilitator, and Spiritual Coach, Alison Levine, joins Karen to share how radically different each of her 3 birth experiences were. Her journey from traumatic c-section in the hospital to a beautiful and peaceful home birth will inspire and empower you. It is truly amazing how confronting and releasing your worst fears about birth can absolutely set you FREE to enjoy the birth of your dreams! Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE !Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE !Connect with Alison: @alilevinedesign alilevine.com

Feb 20, 2024

In this episode… Christian Homemaker, Mama of 7, and Cognitive Behavioral Coach, Leslie Burris shares how the Pain Free Birth E-Course transformed her last 2 birth experiences from “beautiful, yet terrible” to being full of peace, love, and yes, even FUN! As she learned to embrace and trust her body in birth, rather than brace against it with every surge in fear, she unlocked her ability to experience truly pain-free birth. Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE !Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE !Connect with Leslie: @leslie__burris leslieburris.com

Feb 13, 2024

In this episode… Birthkeeper and former Independent Midwife in the UK, Kemi Johnson, joins Karen to shed light on current midwifery care, hospital, labor, and birth stats and practices in the US vs. UK. Some of the alarming and disturbing things still taking place among birthing women on a daily basis is exactly why a culture shift is so desperately needed. Kemi shares her wisdom on how you can best prepare for a natural physiological birth no matter where you’re planning to have it. Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE !Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE !Connect with Kemi: @kemibirthjoyjohnson kemibirthjoyjohnson.com

Feb 6, 2024

In this episode… Functional Medicine Practitioner and creator of Pregnancy Prep Academy, Dr. Natalie Underberg (a.k.a. The PCOS Doc on Instagram) joins Karen to discuss how to prepare for pregnancy on a holistic level - physically, emotionally, AND spiritually. Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE !Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE !Use code PAINFREEBIRTH100 to get $100 off Pregnancy Prep Academy HERE !Connect with Dr. Natalie: @the.pcos.doc pcosdoc.com

Jan 30, 2024

In this episode... A mother shares her miraculous twin home birth story - giving birth precipitously to healthy babies at 38 weeks pregnant in her bathtub and overcoming fear so she could have a supernatural birth experience through prayer and trust in God.Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE !Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE !Connect with Alla on Instagram @allachkins

Jan 30, 2024

In this episode... Karen shares her revelatory first birth story, where she learned to embrace the intensity of contractions, relax into them, and experience her labor as pain-free after getting a word from God to relax rather than brace against the surges.Connect with Karen: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE !Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE !

Jan 30, 2024

In the debut episode of the Pain Free Birth Podcast, host and certified doula, Karen Welton, shares her passion for understanding the spiritual dimensions of childbirth. She recounts her own unmedicated birth story and how it made her feel empowered and fearless. Karen explains how birth is a physiological process that a woman's body intuitively knows how to do - if the mother can get out of her thinking mind. Karen is here to spread the message that women can reclaim their power in birth! The podcast will feature diverse birth stories as well as experts offering wisdom about the intersections of spirituality and physiology in birth. Connect with Karen on Instagram @painfreebirth Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE !Thanks for listening! Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-Course HERE !

Jan 30, 2024

Welcome to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! I'm Karen, a certified doula, childbirth educator, and coach who teaches women all around the world how to give birth without pain and fear through my online courses and content. This show endeavors to challenge everything you thought you knew about birth and empower you to discover MORE with every episode! Connect with me: @painfreebirth facebook.com/painfreebirth youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Learn more about the Pain Free Birth E-Courses HERE ! Stay in the loop with Pain Free Birth and become a PFB Insider HERE !