In this emotional and empowering episode, we sit down with former doula client and mama of two, Lauren, to unpack her two very different birth experiences. Her first — a long, exhausting labor in the middle of the 2020 pandemic — ended with Pitocin, an epidural, and a traumatic retained placenta. Her second? A redemptive, fast-moving birth that unfolded in complete contrast: deeply connected, beautifully instinctive, and full of power.

This episode is for any mom healing from a first birth that didn’t go as planned, or anyone wondering if birth can look different the next time around. Lauren’s honesty, vulnerability, and insight will leave you encouraged, grounded, and inspired.

⚠️ Content note: The first birth story includes mention of retained placenta and manual extraction. If you would like to skip, it spans from 12:48 to 13:44

🎧 In This Episode

💔 Giving birth during the pandemic — and how disconnection shaped Lauren’s first experience

📉 When Pitocin, prodromal labor, and high expectations collided in a tough first birth

🤝 How education and support completely changed her second pregnancy and labor

🦁 A fast, instinctive second birth — from sudden intensity to powerful pushing

🍼 Postpartum then vs. now: isolation vs. real support, and what made all the difference

🗝️ Key Takeaways

Birth in 2020 was uniquely hard — lack of support can deeply impact both parents.

Pitocin contractions are intense. Knowing your options matters more than you think.

Supportive, informed partners make all the difference — before, during, and after birth.

Redemption is real. A hard first birth doesn’t define what’s possible next time.

You won’t forget who showed up postpartum — so be that person for someone else.

🔗 Resources + Mentions

💡 Download the free eBook: 5 Steps to a Fear-Free Birth
🎓 Interested in going deeper? Check out The Empowered Birth Method, the complete childbirth education course.
❓Got a question we didn’t cover? Submit it anonymously here for our next Q&A episode!

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