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Stars in the Darkness: A Birth Story with Ashley Herrera

Keywords: childbirth, prenatal yoga, birth story, pregnancy complications, birth stories, parenting, postpartum, holistic health, labor support, postpartum experience, midwifery care, birth trauma, motherhood

In this episode of the Resilient Birth podcast, hosts Justine Leach and Sarah Adelmann welcome Ashley Herrera, a certified yoga teacher specializing in prenatal and postnatal yoga. The conversation explores the complexities of childbirth, acknowledging that while the physiological process can be simple, it is not always so; moreover, the emotional and mental aspects are often not easy either. They discuss the duality of birth experiences, the impact of complications during pregnancy, and the importance of support systems. Ashley shares her personal journey through IVF and birth trauma, and the challenges she faced during her pregnancies, highlighting the need for empowerment and advocacy in the birthing process. In this conversation, Ashley Herrera shares her profound birth story, highlighting the critical role of support during labor and postpartum when her daughter was diagnosed with an issue with her heart necessitating a change of birth plan. She discusses the challenges faced in switching from a birth center to hospital environment, the importance of having a supportive team, and how these experiences shaped her transition into motherhood. The conversation also delves into the emotional and physical aspects of labor, the significance of connection to baby, and the lasting impact of trauma.

Takeaways:

  • Childbirth is a simple physiological process but can be physically and emotionally complex.
  • Support systems are crucial during pregnancy and childbirth.
  • It's important to honor both the simplicity and the challenges of birth.
  • The connection between parent and child can remain unwavering despite complications.
  • Finding moments of joy can help navigate fear and uncertainty.
  • Empowerment comes from reclaiming choices during the birthing process.
  • Emotional preparation is as important as physical preparation for childbirth.
  • Every birth story is unique and valid, regardless of complications.
  • The journey of parenthood involves continuous self-growth and learning.
  • It's okay to feel a range of emotions during the birthing experience.
  • Asking for what you need in labor is essential.
  • The hospital environment can feel alien and restrictive.
  • Practicing through movement and sound can help prepare for labor.
  • Postpartum experiences can be affected by birth trauma.
  • Midwifery care provided comfort and reassurance after birth.
  • Advocating for your needs is important for both mother and baby.

 

Sound Bites

  • "The body knows how to birth."
  • "One moment can thieve your hope."
  • "It's okay to feel all the feelings."
  • "We flipped the narrative on it."
  • "We got our power back."
  • "I had to ask for everything"
  • "I could conquer the world"

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Resilient Birth Podcast

00:58 The Complexity of Childbirth

04:11 The Duality of Birth Experiences

06:53 Navigating Complications in Pregnancy

13:58 Finding Beauty Amidst Fear

16:57 Empowerment Through Support

24:07 The Journey of Induction and Advocacy

25:11 Navigating Labor: The Role of Support

28:06 The Birth Experience: Challenges and Triumphs

32:17 The Power of Support in Birth

37:01 Creating Connection in Prenatal Classes

42:04 Postpartum Journey: Trauma and Healing

On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.

Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence and is currently working towards a Masters in Counselling.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's trainings: https://www.resilientbirth.com/workshops

Ashley Herrera is a certified yoga teacher, specializing in prenatal and postnatal yoga, a mother of two, and a passionate advocate for empowering parents on their unique pregnancy and birth journeys. Inspired by her own transformative experiences, Ashley dove deeper into her work to support expectant parents through both in-person offerings in Calgary, AB, Canada, and online programs like the Confident Labor Prep Program and From Bump to Birth prenatal yoga series. Currently training as a Birthing from Within childbirth educator and doula, Ashley will also complete the Spinning BabiesĀ® Certified Parent Educator Training this Spring, further enhancing her ability to guide parents toward confident, connected births.