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Jackie George is a total badass. She's a wife, mother, fearless surfer, and co-owner of Surf With Amigas—an all-inclusive surf and yoga retreat that brings adventurous women together to support and inspire one another in surfing and in life. Anyone who knows Jackie will tell you she radiates inspiration. She's a wild, adventurous spirit who isn't afraid of hard work, and she knows that the deepest effort often leads to the most epic experiences. Birth has been one of her greatest adventures yet. In a previous podcast, Jackie shared the story of her first birth with her son, Henry—an experience that unfolded very differently than she had envisioned. When she became pregnant again, Jackie chose to dream it up anew. She planned for a home birth in Costa Rica, where she and her family live and work. So often, a second birth unfolds differently: it tends to be more efficient, deeply healing, and, as I like to call it, a "redemption birth." Jackie's second journey brought her exactly that with the beautiful arrival of her daughter, Frida. Enjoy…

Words invite feels. What words do you use when you talk to yourself? What language do we choose to describe our lives? In birth—and in life—there's a powerful shift happening. People are reclaiming the language we use to describe the experience of labor and birth. One of my favorites is saying "my waters released" instead of "my water broke," or "surges" and "rushes" instead of "contractions." These subtle shifts in language shape how we experience our bodies, our power, and our stories. So let's get intentional. How do you want your life to feel? Start there—and reverse engineer everything else. We all need to nurture and love ourselves first as we navigate this wild, beautiful ride of life.

Cila Hall shares the precious birth story of her son Evan. Cila loves babies and children and always envisioned herself a mother. The day came when she was blessed with a positive pregnancy test. Becoming a mother has been her greatest gift. Enjoy!

Happy Solstice!  As this year comes to an end, let's reflect on the things we are bringing into the year and the things we are leaving behind.  Be fearless and be intentional.  Enjoy!

Jess Meadow is a Clinical Ayurvedic Practitioner and founder of the Living Rhythm Collective, a community for women's healing, holistic living and strategic life design.    "In my experience, surrounding yourself with a community embodying the habits you want next creates a powerful momentum, making transformation feel effortless. We live in a culture that promotes inflammatory habits and thrives on external validation. What feeds me most is witnessing women deeply connected to their truth, expressing their essence, and feeling empowered to bring their innermost desires to life." Enjoy  

Giving Thanks for her empowering planned hospital births, Miriam Billinger shares her beautiful story.  We magically recorded this story just as our beloved Mad River Community Hospital Birth Center closes.  Our local community hospital gave countless families amazing care as they honored the visions and wishes of so many birthing people.  We were happy to highlight them in this wonderful birth story. Enjoy!

Have you considered becoming a doula or a midwife?  This episode explores the benefits of the AskMidwife707 Intro to Midwifery and Doula training and the importance of supporting birthing families on your community.  Tune in and get inspired to follow the call to birth work. 

This week, Leslie Booher joins the podcast to share her powerful birth story and journey to motherhood. Leslie shares about falling in love with Humboldt County, and her partner Torre, about the two of them navigating her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment just after college and then going on to found Sunken Seaweed. Leslie tells the story of the beautiful birth of their first baby and reflects on the challenges of postpartum life, including breastfeeding after cancer treatment, and the importance of community and mental health support during this time. 

In this episode of AskMidwife707, we welcome back special guest Sasha Miksis, who shares her powerful story of achieving a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). Sasha previously appeared on the show to discuss her first birth and her work organizing Omboldt, the Humboldt County yoga festival. Now, she opens up about the challenges and triumphs of her second birth. With insights on TOLAC (Trial of Labor After Cesarean) and the benefits of VBAC, Sasha's journey highlights the importance of support, advocacy, and community in birth. Tune in for inspiration and knowledge on this empowering birth story.

Community is created.  Sasha Miksis is a community organizer in Humboldt County.  She has blended her love for bringing people together with her passionate yoga practice and created Omboldt YOGA FEST HUMBOLDT.  Join us as we talk about following the inspirations we have in our lives and bringing our dreams to fruition.  This weekend is for all of us to come together and experience the healing practices of being present in our bodies and hearts.  All are welcome to the 3rd Annual Omboldt this June 29th and 30th.

This week, we explore the transformative birth story of Shelby Novak in "Birth: The Ultimate Healing Ritual." Shelby's experience highlights the profound journey of pregnancy and birth. Shelby discusses the vital role of therapy during pregnancy, helping her navigate emotions related to her childhood and parental aspirations. She also addresses body image issues, sharing her challenges as a big-bodied person and post-gastric bypass nutritional needs. In her second pregnancy, Shelby delves deeper into healing, tackling body acceptance and the judgments surrounding breastfeeding. Her reflections on midwifery care underline the importance of nurturing support, which she found in her midwives. This episode inspires listeners to embrace intentionality and introspection during pregnancy, highlighting its potential for profound personal growth and healing. Tune in to explore Shelby's remarkable story.

Mallory Finley shares her beautiful pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey with us.  Mallory bravely chose a new birth plan during her pregnancy and followed her instincts as she made decisions about what felt right for her and her family. She shares her amazing birth experience and the surprises of the postpartum.  She navigated the deep feelings and experiences of the postpartum and shares what it's like to get through to the other side. Enjoy.

Jenna Aitkin- Smith works with people through powerful breath work practices and experiences.  This converstaion is part of my Passion Work Series because I want to highlight the joy of following your hearts path and sharing with the world the work that you are here on the planet to do. This episode inspired me so much and I have been doing the exercises discussed in this episode daily ever since!  You can find Jenna @earth.spirit.medicine & www.earthspiritmedicine.co    Enjoy!

What you believe......IS TRUE.   So check your thoughts. Your Breath is your greatest gift.  Use it.

This week Ysi Southard is on the podcast sharing their birth story. I feel so lucky to have gotten the chance to sit and chat with them.  We talk about what it looks and feels like getting pregnant and having a baby outside of the "traditional script". The challenges of getting pregnant, and navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood.