What is The Birth Hour about?

The Birth Hour is about real pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences told by the people who lived them. Episodes cover hospital births, home births, cesareans, VBACs, infertility, loss, feeding, recovery, and mental health.

Who hosts The Birth Hour?

The Birth Hour is hosted by Bryn Huntpalmer, who interviews parents about their birth stories and the decisions, surprises, and emotions around them.

How long are The Birth Hour episodes?

Most The Birth Hour episodes run about 45 to 75 minutes, though some shorter rebroadcasts and longer multi-birth stories fall outside that range.

How often does The Birth Hour release?

The Birth Hour usually releases twice weekly, with a mix of new birth stories and occasional rebroadcasts.

Where can I listen to The Birth Hour?

The Birth Hour is available on Podfriend and any podcast app that supports RSS, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Birth Hour - A Birth Story Podcast

Bryn Huntpalmer·100 episodes

HealthFitnessAlternativeKidsFamilyParentingBirth storiesParent interviews45-75 minTwice weeklyStandalone episodesPregnancy support

Whether you are pregnant and looking for inspirational birth stories through your pregnancy, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, or postpartum; if you're a first time mom or a veteran parent of multiple children, you can learn, laugh and maybe even cry a little at these moving childbirth stories from those willing to share one of the most intimate moments of their lives.

Why listen

The Birth Hour lets you hear real childbirth experiences directly from parents, guided by host Bryn Huntpalmer in a warm interview format. Each episode centers one person's path through pregnancy, labor, birth, recovery, feeding, loss, or postpartum mental health, so it feels both intimate and practical. It is especially useful for expectant parents who want a wide range of honest stories before making their own choices.

Episodes

34 min

Jun 4, 2026Episode 1063

Preemie Birth Center Transfer + NICU Stay - Gioia Hackett

Links: Airdoctorpro.com code BIRTHHOUR for up to $300 off! Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off. Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! You can now gift memberships to Patreon here!

1 hr 7 min

Jun 2, 2026Episode 1062

Traumatic First Birth & Redemptive Elective Cesarean Birth Stories - Tash Stokes

Links: Today's episode is sponsored by Motif Medical. See how you can get Motif's Luna or Aura Glow breast pumps covered through insurance at motifmedical.com/birthhour. Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course (use code 100OFF for $100 off) Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Get more episodes and extra perks via Patreon!

36 min

May 28, 2026Episode 1061

Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum as an Olympic Athlete - Shannon Rowbury

Links: Eightsleep.com/BIRTHHOUR use code BIRTHHOUR to save $500 AquaTru.com use promo code BIRTHHOUR for 20% off. Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off. Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! You can now gift memberships to Patreon here!

1 hr 12 min

May 26, 2026Episode 1060

Positive Hospital and Homebirth Birth Stories in British Columbia - Cianna Lightburn

Links: The Birth Hour: Real Birth Stories to Inform, Inspire, and Empower (book available for preorder now!) Get your breast pump, lactation support, and maternity compression garments for free at aeroflowbreastpumps.com/birthhour and use promo code BIRTHHOUR15 at for 15% off supplies and accessories. Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon!

54 min

May 21, 2026Episode 1059

Infertility, Endometriosis and Positive Birth Center Birth Story - Sarah Wilson

Sponsor: Inito For Birth Hour listeners, the Insight Wireless Reader is available right now for just $99 with the code BIRTHHOUR at inito.com. The Birth Hour Links: Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course (code 100OFF for $100 OFF!) Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Access archived episodes and a private Facebook group via Patreon!

55 min

May 19, 2026Episode 1058

Preventing Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) and First Homebirth, Fourth Baby - Lauren Alexander

Sponsor: Use code BIRTHHOUR for 20% off your first order and up to 40% off monthly plans at thisisneeded.com. Needed Experts Podcast: Apple Podcasts and Spotify The Birth Hour Links: Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course (code 100OFF for $100 OFF!) Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Access archived episodes and a private Facebook group via Patreon!

32 min

May 14, 2026Episode 1057

Switching from Hospital to Home Birth at 34 Weeks Birth Story - Monique Lamhut

Links: Eightsleep.com/BIRTHHOUR use code BIRTHHOUR to save $500 Airdoctorpro.com code BIRTHHOUR for up to $300 off! Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off. Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! You can now gift memberships to Patreon here!

1 hr 16 min

May 12, 2026Episode 1056

Military Infertility Journey, Gestational Diabetes and Induction Turned Cesarean Birth Story - Amber Daniels

48 min

May 7, 2026Episode 1055

Ectopic Pregnancy and how Closely Tracking Cycle Saved My Fallopian Tube, Breech Cesarean Followed by HBAC - Aly Salayandia

51 min

May 5, 2026Episode 1054

Giving Birth During Residency and Gallbladder Removal While Pregnant - Dr. Manisha Ghimire

37 min

Apr 23, 2026Episode 1053

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) Birth Stories - Nicole Phelps [rebroadcast]

Nicole Phelps shares her experience being pregnant while her partner, Michael Phelps, was training for the Olympics. She hired a doula and prepared to possibly give birth without Michael there. A few weeks before her due date, Nicole started experiencing extreme itchiness, especially on the palms of her hands, and was tested for Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP). However, she went into labor before the results came back. Michael made it just in time, and her son, Boomer, was born healthy. The test result came back positive and she knew she'd have to be on the lookout for another ICP diagnosis with future pregnancies. On this episode, she also shares her second pregnancy and birth story and how her doctor monitored her for ICP leading up to her son Beckett's birth. Nicole wanted to share her story to raise awareness about ICP so other women can be on the lookout for the symptoms. Links: Airdoctorpro.com code BIRTHHOUR for up to $300 off! Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off. Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! You can now gift memberships to Patreon here!

1 hr 2 min

Apr 21, 2026Episode 1052

Epidural & Unmedicated Birth Story with Two Different Postpartums - Claudia Gibbons

Links: Get your breast pump, lactation support, and maternity compression garments for free at aeroflowbreastpumps.com/birthhour and use promo code BIRTHHOUR15 at for 15% off supplies and accessories. Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon!

58 min

Apr 14, 2026Episode 1051

Birth Center Transfer C-Section, Birth Center VBAC, & Surprise Footling Breech Home Birth Transfer - Cheyenne Varner

34 min

Apr 9, 2026Episode 1050

How a Rare Disease Diagnosis Led to Reimagining the Egg Donation Experience -Lauren Makler

Links: Airdoctorpro.com code BIRTHHOUR for up to $300 off! Little Spoon - Go to littlespoon.com/TRYFORMULA to try Little Spoon Formula with their 2 can trial pack (Buy 1, Get 1 free - that's $30 for 2 cans). Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off. Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! You can now gift memberships to Patreon here!

1 hr 7 min

Apr 7, 2026Episode 1049

Pregnancy with Twins after Breast Cancer and Giving Birth in Germany - Magdalena Fuehrer

54 min

Apr 2, 2026Episode 1048

Hospital Birth Story with Midwife and Postpartum Depression Discussion - Ellen Mote

38 min

Mar 31, 2026Episode 1047

Spontaneous Labor & Positive Unmedicated Hospital Birth Story - Jessica Walton

Links: Little Spoon - Go to littlespoon.com/TRYFORMULA to try Little Spoon Formula with their 2 can trial pack (Buy 1, Get 1 free - that's $30 for 2 cans). Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off. Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! You can now gift memberships to Patreon here!

1 hr 9 min

Mar 24, 2026Episode 1046

Pregnant on boat in French Polynesia, Tahiti Hospital Birth after Stalled Labor at Birth Center, Positive Unmedicated 2nd Birth in the US - Margot McKirdy

1 hr 3 min

Mar 17, 2026Episode 1045

Military Spouse Hospital Birth Stories in United States vs Japan plus Postpartum Mental Health Discussion - Delaney Goodrick

Takeaways Delaney lives in Japan as a military spouse with two kids. Her first pregnancy was unplanned and filled with surprises. She experienced low amniotic fluid, leading to an induced labor. Delaney's first birth involved unexpected medical interventions. She struggled with postpartum mental health after her first child. Delaney's second pregnancy was more planned and intentional. She felt more empowered during her second birth experience. Support from her husband and doula was crucial during labor. Delaney emphasizes the importance of sharing birth stories. She found valuable resources for postpartum support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Delaney's Journey 01:24 First Pregnancy Experience 04:02 Induction and Labor Challenges 09:33 Epidural Experience and Birth Process 18:42 Postpartum Reflections and Mental Health 25:26 Struggles with Bonding and Intrusive Thoughts 27:11 Navigating Postpartum Challenges 28:30 The Journey to Second Pregnancy 29:05 Planning and Anticipation for Baby Two 31:55 Facing Medical Pressures During Pregnancy 36:19 Laboring Through Uncertainty 43:54 The Drive to the Hospital 48:00 A Joyful Birth Experience 48:44 Postpartum Recovery and Reflection Sponsor: Use code BIRTHHOUR for 20% off your first order and up to 40% off monthly plans at thisisneeded.com. The Birth Hour Links: Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course (code 100OFF for $100 OFF!) Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Access archived episodes and a private Facebook group via Patreon! Keywords: birth stories, pr

35 min

Mar 12, 2026Episode 1044

Giving Birth at Home in Australia - Cassandra Casillas-Smith [rebroadcast]

1 hr 17 min

Mar 10, 2026Episode 1043

Triplets Pregnancy with Preeclampsia and Cesarean Birth Story followed by NICU Stay and Post-surgical Infection - Sophia Letzring

Sponsor: Use code BIRTHHOUR for 20% off your first order and up to 40% off monthly plans at thisisneeded.com. The Birth Hour Links: Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course (code 100OFF for $100 OFF!) Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Access archived episodes and a private Facebook group via Patreon!

49 min

Mar 3, 2026Episode 1042

How Preparing My Mind and Body Led to a Powerful Unmedicated First Birth - Savvy Jardine

26 min

Feb 26, 2026Episode 1041

Positive Medicated Hospital Birth Story after Traumatic Molar Pregnancy Loss - Elena Ruiz

Links: Little Spoon - Go to littlespoon.com/TBH and use code TBH to save 30% off on your first order. Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off. Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! You can now gift memberships to Patreon here!

57 min

Feb 24, 2026Episode 1040

Cesarean, Three VBACs, Followed by Surrogacy Birth as First Unmedicated Birth - Lauren Edgerly

38 min

Feb 19, 2026Episode 1039

A Midwife's Birth Stories and Honoring the Lying In Period - Shafia Monroe

Links: Airdoctorpro.com code BIRTHHOUR for up to $300 off! Little Spoon - Go to littlespoon.com/TBH and use code TBH to save 30% off on your first order. Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off. Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! You can now gift memberships to Patreon here!

56 min

Feb 17, 2026Episode 1038

Unexpected "Wildcard" 3rd Birth Story and Postpartum PMDD Discussion - Maureen Graham

1 hr 4 min

Feb 10, 2026Episode 1037

Two Hospital Birth Stories, One with an Epidural and Herniated Disc and a Pitocin Induced Epidural Free Birth - Allie Wesolowski

1 hr

Feb 3, 2026Episode 1036

Reproductive Psychiatrist's Birth Stories: Pregnancy, Loss, and Healing - Dr. Sarah Oreck

32 min

Jan 27, 2026Episode 1035

Dream Uncomplicated Unmedicated Hospital Birth Story & Postpartum Anxiety Discussion - Elizabeth Fellenz

Links: Airdoctorpro.com code BIRTHHOUR for up to $400 off! Cozy Earth - BOGO pajamas through 2/8 - use the code BIRTHHOUR. Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off. Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! You can now gift memberships to Patreon here!

1 hr 11 min

Jan 20, 2026Episode 1034

Epidural Birth Followed by and 2 Epidural-free Inductions with IUGR Diagnosis and Newborn Viral Meningitis - Hannah Fair

Sponsor: Learn more about Zenith Health's Pregnancy Evidence Navigator -Penny- tool and their Pregnancy Evidence Project at www.zenithhealth.io or in the app store The Birth Hour Links: Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course (code 100OFF for $100 OFF!) Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Access archived episodes and a private Facebook group via Patreon!

1 hr 4 min

Jan 15, 2026Episode 1033

Two Empowering, Epidural-free Birth Stories at the Hospital - Jessica K

1 hr 15 min

Jan 13, 2026Episode 1032

'Beautiful' Stillbirth Birth Story at 31 Weeks - Alix M

53 min

Jan 8, 2026Episode 1031

Empowered Twin Homebirth VBAC after Unmedicated Hospital Birth and Breech Cesarean - Carolyn Jenkins

Links: Airdoctorpro.com code BIRTHHOUR for up to $400 off! Cozy Earth - up tp 20% off site wide use the code BIRTHHOUR. Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off. Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! You can now gift memberships to Patreon here!

57 min

Jan 6, 2026Episode 1030

Positive Hospital Transfer followed by Postpartum Preeclampsia and PPD - Justine Noble

57 min

Jan 1, 2026Episode 1029

Birthing Bébé: 2 French Hospital Births with Midwives - Lindsey Robrecht

43 min

Dec 23, 2025Episode 1028

Centering Prenatal Care and Unmedicated Hospital Birth Story - Jasmine Vance

38 min

Dec 18, 2025Episode 1027

Twin Birth Story — 37w4d Induction, Vaginal Delivery with Breech Twin B - Aubrey Cates

Links: Airdoctorpro.com code BIRTHHOUR for up to $400 off! Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off. Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon! You can now gift memberships to Patreon here!

55 min

Dec 16, 2025Episode 1026

Experiencing a Postpartum High—Baby Pinks—followed by Postpartum Anxiety and Depression - Izzabella Moum

32 min

Dec 9, 2025Episode 1025

Determined to have an Unmedicated Birth After 1st Birth with Epidural - Carlyncia Grice

43 min

Dec 4, 2025Episode 1024

Becoming a Single Mother by Choice after 40 and Twins Birth Story - Connie Rutherford

1 hr

Dec 2, 2025Episode 1023

Giving Birth in France and Spain as an Overseas Basketball Wife - Catherine Traer

32 min

Nov 27, 2025Episode 1022

Unexplained Infertility Followed by Two "Medicalized" Births Including Twins - Dr. Roxanne Pero

Sponsor: Use code THEBIRTHHOUR at Inito.com to save $60 and get the Inito starter pack for just $89, and start using this unique at-home fertility monitor. Inito is 96% as accurate as a blood test, without the cost, wait time, or hassle of going to a lab. Stop guessing and start understanding your cycle more effectively. The Birth Hour Links: Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course (code 100OFF for $100 OFF!) Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Access archived episodes and a private Facebook group via Patreon!

58 min

Nov 25, 2025Episode 1021

Positive Planned Cesarean Birth Story and Four Parent Household - Mari

42 min

Nov 18, 2025Episode 1020

Decision to Have One More Baby After 40 - Rebecca Minkoff

1 hr 13 min

Nov 13, 2025Episode 1019

Just-as-planned, Positive Homebirth Birth Story - Claire de Leon

59 min

Nov 11, 2025Episode 1018

Unmedicated Birth Center Birth with Vaginismus - Emmi Murphy

43 min

Nov 6, 2025Episode 1017

Surprise Breech Cesarean, Spontaneous VBAC and VBAC Induction Birth Stories - Valerie Hummel LaBounty

Sponsor: Learn more about Zenith Health's Pregnancy Evidence Navigator -Penny- tool and their Pregnancy Evidence Project at www.zenithhealth.io The Birth Hour Links: Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course (code 100OFF for $100 OFF!) Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Access archived episodes and a private Facebook group via Patreon!

54 min

Nov 4, 2025Episode 1016

Embryo Adoption Sibling and Surprise Natural Pregnancy - Olivia Hall

52 min

Oct 28, 2025Episode 1015

Two Weeks of False Starts and "Barely There" Epidural Hospital Birth Story - Chanarah Romero

1 hr 14 min

Oct 21, 2025Episode 1014

Two Birth Stories in Italy and Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges - Danae Mercer