Big Birth Junkie

Lorena Garcia was born and raised in Mexico City and comes from a culture that revolves around community and family. Lorena shares with us her full journey into parenthood - from the heartbreak of her first two miscarriages to finding joy and ease through her postpartum choices.  Lorena's postpartum experiences combined with her deep Mexican heritage (that put emphasis on taking care of the new mother is a priority) became the impetus for becoming a "mompreneur" and creating Majka, wholesome nutrition for motherhood.  Join us for an hour of heartbreak, joy and a few good laughs.  _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: Majka or @lovemajka on IG. __________ We want to give a HUGE thanks to our sponsors, without whom you would not be able to listen to this information so you know your choices! Majka took the nutritional needs of new moms, worked with a brilliant team of professional nutritionists, and created yummy cookies and tasty shakes that not only

Dee Poku who is a British New Yorker by way of Ghana.  Dee is the Co-Founder and CEO of WIE (Women Inspiration and Enterprise), a leadership network whose mission is to support women in their career ambitions by providing real world learning via unique access to established business leaders. She is also the founder of The Other Festival, a new platform designed to showcase female makers and creators.  Dee and I sat down to talk about birthing in New York City - which can be a bit different when you know you need to get from Brooklyn into Manhattan in the city that never sleeps in a car that is not your own! We also spend some time going deep into parenting, which is where the real juice of this interview is for me because Dee shares some amazing insights that are worth passing on.  For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: @deepoku  This episode is sponsored by GraceFull where you can find BBJ's host Elizabeth's free ebook: Birth Planning: All the Questions to Ask and a

TRIGGER WARNING * we talk about prenatal loss * Known for her world-renowned fashion line Mara Hoffman is an activist, mother, and visionary. In this beautiful episode, we sit down to talk about her journey through IVF, conceiving twins, and facing loss. She bravely dives into her experience with total honesty holding a conversation on the humanity of our experience in the womb and the beautiful complexity of facing the light and the shadows. This is a special edition of Big Birth Junkie that coincides with the artwork of Judy Chicago's Birth Project Born Again Series at the Pasadena Museum and relates to her piece: Birth Special Technique.  _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: @marahoffman __________ This episode is sponsored by GraceFull where you can find BBJ's host Elizabeth's free ebook: Birth Planning: All the Questions to Ask and all kinds of educational videos including Childbirth Education, Advanced Doula Trainings and Lactation Support.  If you

Welcome to a special Mini-Sode with Ariane Goldman, the creator and CEO of the maternity fashion line HATCH. We get into the nitty-gritty of maternity fashion as we discuss the history of maternity clothing, her inspiration for starting her collection, the evolution of the pregnant body and what it is like to be both a mother and the CEO of a company. This is a special edition of Big Birth Junkie that coincides with the artwork of Judy Chicago's Birth Project Born Again Series at the Pasadena Museum and relates to her piece: Smocked Figure.  _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: @hatchgal __________ This episode is sponsored by GraceFull where you can find BBJ's host Elizabeth's free ebook: Birth Planning: All the Questions to Ask and all kinds of educational videos including Childbirth Education, Advanced Doula Trainings and Lactation Support.  If you live in Los Angeles, check out our midwives for home births, water birth, and our accredited birthing cen

Genevive has been deeply active in peace activism and social justice work for over 20 years. 10 years ago she found herself pregnant in a foreign country with no community. It was through the birth of her first child that she found what was to become her platform and passion: Birth of a Mama.  _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: @birthofamama on IG and FB.  __________ We want to give a HUGE thanks to our sponsors, without whom you would not be able to listen to this information so you know your choices! Madjka took the nutritional needs of new moms, worked with a brilliant team of professional nutritionists, and created yummy cookies and tasty shakes that not only fulfilled the fundamental nutrition you and your baby needs, we also included ingredients that support lactation and are meant to help increase breast milk supply. Birth of a Mama offers therapeutic and doula resources to support women to navigate motherhood by strengthening their matrilineal l

Katie Vigos is a Registered Nurse and mother of three boys in Los Angeles, California who is best known for her popular IG feed Empowered Birth Project which led the way to allow for #uncensoredchildbirth photos on both IG and FB. Her first son was born in a hospital in 2007. While she was able to experience an unmedicated, vaginal birth without complications, she felt unsupported by the staff and pressured to accept interventions she didn't need. She was fortunate to have her husband's constant, loving presence throughout the intense 22-hour labor.  In 2010 her second son was born into her arms in the comfort of her family home. His birth was euphoric and everything she had hoped for-- a spiritual awakening, a rite of passage, and a rebirth as a stronger and more powerful woman. Katie and I met back in the day when she had about 2000 followers and we became fast friends over our mutual love of how amazing the female body truly is! In this episode, we go into detail about the first two births. The birth of he

Lindsey Bliss has devoted her life to all things birth, as both a mother, doula and the Co-Director of Carriage House Birth, a Brooklyn-based doula collective. Lindsey’s own path to motherhood has been filled with twists and turns she never could have imagined, and today she will share with us the journey of her 4th pregnancy and 7th child (yes, that is right, she has 7 children) Olympia Pearl with a conversation with her Birth Doula (who also happens to be her Co-Director at CHB and bestie) Sam Huggins.  _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: @carriagehousebirth on IG and FB.  __________ We want to give a HUGE thanks to our sponsors, without whom you would not be able to listen to this information so you know your choices! Madjka took the nutritional needs of new moms, worked with a brilliant team of professional nutritionists, and created yummy cookies and tasty shakes that not only fulfilled the fundamental nutrition you and your baby needs, we also incl

When I was first asked to be a part of this special series of birth art for the Pasadena Museum, I had no idea who Judy Chicago was. I just said "yes" because I'm a birth junkie who wants to see more images of people giving birth to help humanize the experience of childbirth. I was honored to speak with Judy to learn more about her inspirations and process for this special series.  This is a special edition of Big Birth Junkie that coincides with the artwork of Judy Chicago's Birth Project Born Again Series at the Pasadena Museum. I want to thank Sarah Mitchell, Director of Exhibitions, and Leah Clancey, Education & Engagement Coordinator, at the Pasadena Museum of California Art (PMCA) for inviting me into this special project and co-creating it with me. _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: @judychicago __________ This episode is sponsored by GraceFull where you can find BBJ's host Elizabeth's free ebook: Birth Planning: All the Questions to Ask and

Hannah and Kamala grew up in a community where childbirth was celebrated and an inclusive community event. When Hannah got pregnant there was no doubt in her mind that her family would be there for the big day. Not only do we get to hear the story of two home water births, but its a treat to hear sisters share their perspective on the same experiences. This is a special edition of Big Birth Junkie that coincides with the artwork of Judy Chicago's Birth Project Born Again Series at the Pasadena Museum and relates to her piece: Guided by the Goddess as we talk about Birthing in Community.  _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guests: firegroove.com __________ This episode is sponsored by GraceFull where you can find BBJ's host Elizabeth's free ebook: Birth Planning: All the Questions to Ask and all kinds of educational videos including Childbirth Education, Advanced Doula Trainings and Lactation Support.  If you live in Los Angeles, check out our midwives for home

Before Erin gave birth to her son, she didn’t spend a lot of time worrying about breastfeeding. Once he was born, however, they experienced their share of difficulties. She and her son had a long labor, and her milk took a long time to come in, after days of a mysterious fever. When it did come in, only one side was producing due to leftover scar tissue from a 15-year old piercing, and one bad latch resulted in painful blisters which made breastfeeding impossible for a week. Low supply meant she started supplementing with formula from day 3, and although she had wanted to breastfeed exclusively, she did what she had to, and Erin and her husband were glad to provide their little boy with much-needed sustenance when her body couldn’t.   Despite a rocky start they were able to breastfeed for 9 months, and for some of that time she was able to feed fully from one breast.  This is a special edition of Big Birth Junkie that coincides with the artwork of Judy Chicago's Birth Project Born Again

Faith Hitchon shares with us her pregnancy, labor and postpartum journey. And specifically the day she became a single mama.  Please note, we have a *trigger warning* in this podcast with information on how you can skip over the section that talks about the physical abuse Faith endured.    This is a special edition of Big Birth Junkie that coincides with the artwork of Judy Chicago's Birth Project Born Again Series at the Pasadena Museum and relates to her piece: Creation Scroll.  _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: @newforage __________ This episode is sponsored by GraceFull where you can find BBJ's host Elizabeth's free ebook: Birth Planning: All the Questions to Ask and all kinds of educational videos including Childbirth Education, Advanced Doula Trainings and Lactation Support.  If you live in Los Angeles, check out our midwives for home births, water birth, and our accredited birthing center. We also have a full wellness facility with NDs, Chiropra

Renee first noticed she had stretch marks when she was 14 and remembers thinking “Does this mean I’m ugly? Are people going to think I’m ugly?” After the birth of her children, she was ashamed, embarrassed, and often felt that she had ruined herself because of her loose skin and stretch marks. It was her Auntie Loody and her friends who gave her the courage to accept her baby marks. Renne and I talked quite a bit over the phone (and please accept my apologies for a sometimes challenging connection) about stretch marks, being a teen mom, yoga and body acceptance.  This is a special edition of Big Birth Junkie that coincides with the artwork of Judy Chicago's Birth Project Born Again Series at the Pasadena Museum and relates to her piece: Birth Garment - Flowering Schrub.  _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: @iamreneewatkins __________ This episode is sponsored by GraceFull where you can find BBJ's host Elizabeth's free ebook: Birth Planning: All the Quest

Sarranya is from India and lives in a joint family that includes not only her husband and children but also her In-laws and the family elders. There is a lot of community support when a woman gets pregnant in India. On the one hand, it is helpful and on the other, it can be frustrating. We talk about what it is like to birth in India, being induced for low fluids, communal living, the postpartum experience, and breastfeeding. This is a special edition of Big Birth Junkie that coincides with the artwork of Judy Chicago's Birth Project Born Again Series at the Pasadena Museum and relates to her piece: Mother India.  _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: @sarranya_chinna   __________ This episode is sponsored by GraceFull where you can find BBJ's host Elizabeth's free ebook: Birth Planning: All the Questions to Ask and all kinds of educational videos including Childbirth Education, Advanced Doula Trainings and Lactation Support.  If you live in Los Angeles, c

Natalie always knew that she never wanted to be a mom. Every year since she was a teenager she asked her doctors to have her tubes tied. Natalie and I explore the societal pressure placed on women to have a baby, the ticking of the biological clock and the clarity of knowing that motherhood is not a path she wants to take.  This is a special edition of Big Birth Junkie that coincides with the artwork of Judy Chicago's Birth Project Born Again Series at the Pasadena Museum and relates to her piece: Creation of the World  _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: @natalie_raymond __________ This episode is sponsored by GraceFull where you can find BBJ's host Elizabeth's free ebook: Birth Planning: All the Questions to Ask and all kinds of educational videos including Childbirth Education, Advanced Doula Trainings and Lactation Support.  If you live in Los Angeles, check out our midwives for home births, water birth, and our accredited birthing center. We also ha

Rhonda is the mother of two beautiful children, both of whom were born at the hospital. There was an expectation on the 2nd birth, because of the ease of her first birth. But, as it happens, she had two very different births with both her children with two very different versions of the water breaking.  This is a special edition of Big Birth Junkie that coincides with the artwork of Judy Chicago's Birth Project Born Again Series at the Pasadena Museum and relates to her piece: Hatching the Universal Egg  _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: @rhondaedelstein __________ This episode is sponsored by GraceFull where you can find BBJ's host Elizabeth's free ebook: Birth Planning: All the Questions to Ask and all kinds of educational videos including Childbirth Education, Advanced Doula Trainings and Lactation Support.  If you live in Los Angeles, check out our midwives for home births, water birth, and our accredited birthing center. We also have a full wellne

When Kelly gave birth to her 3rd child in the hospital she kept saying, "I need to push!" but was dismissed by the nurse. She was blessed to have her mom in the room who took control because Kelly's son was right there, crowning, between her legs. Kelly is another person of color who was not seen or heard in the hospital. Join us as we talk to Kelly and her husband Jason about childbirth, trusting your body and the huge problem in America for women of color: Not being seen and heard! This is a special edition of Big Birth Junkie that coincides with the artwork of Judy Chicago's Birth Project Born Again Series at the Pasadena Museum and relates to her piece: The Crowing Quilt  _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: @kellyamcknight __________ This episode is sponsored by GraceFull where you can find BBJ's host Elizabeth's free ebook: Birth Planning: All the Questions to Ask and all kinds of educational videos including Childbirth Education, Advanced Doula Tra

Melissa and Travis Fischer reshape my perception of adoption as they share the stories of how their children entered into their family - two of whom are biological and two of whom were adopted - all four of which are very loved. This is a special edition of Big Birth Junkie that coincides with the artwork of Judy Chicago's Birth Project Born Again Series at the Pasadena Museum and relates to her piece: Birth Trinity _________ For more information to go: GraceFull or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest:@melissamfischer __________ This episode is sponsored by GraceFull where you can find BBJ's host Elizabeth's free ebook: Birth Planning: All the Questions to Ask and all kinds of educational videos including Childbirth Education, Advanced Doula Trainings and Lactation Support.  If you live in Los Angeles, check out our midwives for home births, water birth, and our accredited birthing center. We also have a full wellness facility with NDs, Chiropractic, Therapy, Massage, Lactation and lots of amazing classes

So many people think that the birth of each of their babes will be just like the first one. Not true. Mimi shares the birth stories for all 4 of her children, all of whom have very different beginnings. We are going to hear a full range of stories that include spontaneous labor, medical inductions, tearing, episiotomies, pitocin, epidurals and au natural. This is a special edition of Big Birth Junkie that coincides with the artwork of Judy Chicago's Birth Project Born Again Series at the Pasadena Museum and relates to her piece: Birth Tear  _________ For more information to go: gracefull.com or follow us: @gracefullbirth or our guest: @mimidohler __________ This episode is sponsored by GraceFull where you can find BBJ's host Elizabeth's free ebook: Birth Planning: All the Questions to Ask and all kinds of educational videos including Childbirth Education, Advanced Doula Trainings and Lactation Support.  If you live in Los Angeles, check out our midwives for home births, water birth, and our accredited birthin

Dreams. Yes, literal dreams. That is how I became a midwife. In this intro podcast, I share with you my story on how I became a midwife and my intention for this podcast. Within this podcast I am hoping you find inspiration to know that you have choices, the courage to start asking questions about birthing & parenting and the truth on how innately strong you are. Big Birth Junkie is the sharing of stories, wisdom, and journies so that you can be seen and heard. ______ For more information go to: gracefull.com or follow us @gracefullbirth