Pain Free Birth

Letting Go of Control: The Spiritual Shift of Pregnancy & BirthAre you an over-preparer who feels like pregnancy is spinning your world out of control? In this powerful solo episode, Karen gets deeply honest about the root of our need to control—and how fear, unresolved trauma, and striving for strength can actually sabotage our birth and motherhood journey.Learn why pregnancy riggers you on purpose, how hormonal and spiritual changes are designed to surface unhealed pain, and how surrendering control can unlock peace, power, and deeper connection with your body, baby, and God.This isn't just about managing anxiety—it’s about shifting into your feminine energy, letting go of the masculine mask, and learning to trust again. If you've been battling fear, shame, postpartum depression, or spiritual disconnection, this message will speak directly to your heart. Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ ✅ IN THIS EPISODE:  0:00 – Over-preparation as a Symptom of Control  1:22 – The Fear-Tension-Pain Cycle in Labor  4:42 – When Strength Becomes a Wall: The Masculine Mask  10:00 – How Pregnancy Triggers Past Trauma for Healing  16:11 – It’s Okay to Be Needy: Reclaiming the Feminine  20:26 – Why Vulnerability is Attractive & Needed in Pregnancy  26:53 – Hormones as Holy Messengers: The Design of Pregnancy  31:06 – Stop Resisting: Embrace the Blessing of Pregnancy  36:30 – Pain-Free Pregnancy & Coaching Opportunities  ---  CONNECT WITH KAREN:  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/  Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS  Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731  Website - https://painfreebirth.com/  Join the Email List - https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in  CONNECT WITH KAREN:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast. Today, I’m interviewing Yaya DaCosta, an actor, birth worker, and way shower. We discuss ecstatic birth, Yaya stories giving birth in public in New York City, and how the emotions of Moms during pregnancy can imprint on the psychology and physiology of their babies. Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Ecstatic Birth01:15 The Importance of Positive Birth Stories02:09 Yaya's Personal Journey and Sensitivity06:30 Navigating Pregnancy in New York City10:14 The Impact of Maternal Emotions on Babies12:11 Preparing for a Home Birth14:49 The Unique Experience of Yaya's Birth20:16 Laboring in Public: A Walk Through Contractions25:23 The Moment of Birth: A Transformative Experience26:58 The Ecstasy of Birth29:12 Empowering Birth Stories30:01 The Birth Experience Unfolds34:11 The Immediate Connection36:10 The Physiological Instinct of Babies40:20 Reclaiming Sacred Births42:37 The Aftermath of Birth45:03 The Importance of Following Intuition48:00 Pain Management Techniques50:47 Addressing Maternal Mortality Rates51:10 The Importance of Maternal Health Awareness53:58 Addressing Systemic Issues in Maternal Care58:02 The Role of Traditional Midwifery01:01:03 The Black Maternal Health Festival01:12:01 Cultural Shifts in Birth Practices Yaya DaCosta’s dynamic talent as an actress has been showcased in powerful performances across film, television and stage productions, including “The Lincoln Lawyer”, “Our Kind of People”, “Chicago Med”, “Whitney” and, most recently, “Not My Family: The Monique Smith Story”. The Brown University graduate is also a producer, birthworker, and wayshower, who is deeply dedicated to contributing to society’s elevation through, art, beauty and magic. Her current Earth mission is to integrate her different callings through the creation and embodiment of empowering narratives that birth a kinder future for women in the entertainment industry, in birth spaces, and on the planet. the Black Maternal Health Festival, which is from April 11th-17th.Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.sumistouch.com/bmhf?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZ-r6Zw-WnMgK4Z_QuZLoJcxYoE3bkTqRWCIVdLdxuNJmlMMqGnYgmhu2Y_aem_3N2VzPaA14_ML097ciLr  CONNECT WITH KAREN:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS 

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast. Today, I’m interviewing Laurynn Howard, a Mom of 2, Doula and Midwife. We’re speaking about her pain free second birth story, her tips for Mom’s experiencing their first natural birth, and why Western Civilization’s mindset on pain and spirituality is non-resourceful for Moms. Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro01:25 - How Laurynn’s First Birth Lit a Fire in Her to do Birth Work03:53 - Story of Her Pain-Free Second Birth05:02 - Why Her Second Birth Was Pain Free07:44 - The Mindset of a Pain Free Birth09:29 - Emotional Release During Labor13:36 - Birth is Spiritual, Not Painful16:25 - Should Women Use Epidurals?18:38 - The Western Mindset on Pain is Wrong21:50 - Lessons From Birth25:29 - Gratitude During a Pain Free Birth30:25 - Birth Workers Should be Honest32:16 - Tips for Navigating Hospital Birth37:58 - On Gender Reveals39:44 - Laurynn’s Postpartum Experience After a Pain-Free Birth44:09 - Advice for Moms Doing Their First Natural Birth45:18 - Outro CONNECT WITH KAREN:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in CONNECT WITH LAURYNN Instagram.com/fruitofherwombnc Instagram.com/LovecatlaurFruit of Her Womb Doula Services on fbWebsite: fruitofherwomb.org  

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! In this episode we’re meeting one of my personal doula clients Rae Doescher to discuss her recent natural car birth We explored Rae’s transformative journey to natural birth, the experience of her labor in the car, and the power of self coaching and spiritual practice leading up to and throughout birth. Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ CHAPTERS02:01 The Journey to Natural Birth04:59 Trusting God in the Birth Process08:00 The Experience of Labor11:00 The Decision to Go to the Hospital14:08 The Car Birth Experience16:52 The Role of Support During Labor19:59 Reflections on the Birth Experience25:01 The Divine Setup: A Birth Story29:12 The Power of Self-Coaching During Labor33:10 Trusting the Process: Overcoming Fears in Birth38:00 The Spiritual Connection in Natural Birth45:49 Empowering Women: Preparing for Natural Birth CONNECT WITH KAREN:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-inCONNECT WITH RAE:IG Handle: @RaeannadoescherWatch the car birth video in full https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFRWxrZtFyA/?igsh=MTN3bnI4ZXJiNXVmOA%3D%3D

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast. Today, I’m interviewing Cindy Park-Jun about her birth story of delivering two babies in South Korea. Cindy is a Korean American mom who lives in South Korea with her husband.  And after navigating IVF pregnancy, she decided to birth in South Korea where they were living at the time in a completely different culture with a language she didn't fully know. She shares how God guided her to a natural birth in a country with one of the highest cesarean and intervention rates in the world.  Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course  https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course  https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Cindy's Journey to Motherhood in South Korea06:05 Cultural Differences in Birth Practices12:06 The State of Women's Health in South Korea18:50 Cindy's Birth Experience: A Personal Account22:11 Natural Birth Experience in South Korea24:20 Labor and Supportive Partners27:11 Tools and Techniques for Labor30:44 The Fast-Paced Nature of Labor33:05 Decisions During Pushing36:30 Postpartum Care Practices39:05 Breastfeeding Challenges and Advocacy42:11 Advocating for Better Maternity Care44:46 The Journey of Natural Birth48:09 Cultural Perspectives on Birth Choices50:00 Embracing the Birth Experience56:53 The Power of Support in Birth01:00:06 Encouragement for Expecting MothersCONNECT WITH KAREN:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-inCONNECT WITH CINDYInstagram - instagram.com/cindyparkjun 

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! In this episode I have a couple, Jessica and Shane Winnings, who are Pain Free Birth students joining us with their experience of two very different births - both natural home births, but one being pain free and another being a posterior birth. We compare and contrast the birth experiences and talk about the Pain Free Birth teachings as well as a strong sense of faith helped Jessica during both of her experiences.  Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Pain-Free Birth02:53 Discovering the Concept of Pain-Free Birth05:51 The Journey to Home Birth09:06 Support and Preparation for Birth11:59 The First Birth Experience15:14 The Intensity of Labor and Pushing17:59 The Emotional Experience of Birth20:52 Postpartum Reflections24:00 Transitioning to the Second Birth27:00 Contrasting Birth Experiences32:10 Navigating Posterior Presentation34:07 The Birth Experience: Water Breaking and Contractions36:55 Short and Intense Labor40:11 The Pain of Labor: A Personal Journey44:34 Pushing and the Fetal Ejection Reflex49:24 Choosing Free Birth: A Personal Decision51:30 Lessons Learned from Intense Births56:20 Releasing Control and Embracing Gratitude01:03:08 Encouragement for Expecting Mothers CONNECT WITH KAREN:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-inCONNECT WITH SHANE AND JESSICA INSTAGRAM: @shane.winnings @jessicawinnings Shane’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WAkDKSAoHbvSl7Z0ZTIhP?si=LsCcUTpsSmOId_B4GsLTMA Shane’s website: https://promisekeepers.org/overcomers/

Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! In this episode I have a solo episode for you where I address critics of the pain free birth and natural birth movements and share my mindset around birthing and doula work. I ultimately try to empower you to decide for yourself: Is a Pain Free Birth Possible? Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/ TIMESTAMPS00:31 - What is Pain Free Birth?04:23 - History of Pain Free Birth, Division in Birth Community09:47 - Removing a Culture of Birth Hierarchy13:38 - My Faith has Grown from My Clients’ Births16:05 - The Birthing Mindset I Teach My Students17:56 - Understanding Physiology Increases Faith20:19 - Is Pain Free Birth Possible?22:09 - Challenging Your Belief Systems24:10 - Defining Our Own Beliefs About Birth25:14 - Your Birthing Journey26:09 - Learn How to Have a Pain Free BirthCONNECT WITH KAREN:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in

Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Grab the Healing Birth Trauma Course HERE https://painfreebirth.com/healing-birth-trauma/——————Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast! In this episode we’re sharing an incredible 3-hour car birth story with you from Kira Aho We dove into what it was like to give birth in a car, dealing with insurance claims in unique birthing scenarios like that, and spiritual empowerment lessons useful for Mamas in any birthing scenario. Enjoy! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:00:00 Introduction to Kira's Birth Story01:14 Preparing for a Natural Birth03:29 Labor Begins: The Journey to the Car05:52 The Intensity of Labor in the Shower09:31 Transitioning to the Car: A Rapid Progression12:30 The Car Ride: A Unique Birth Experience15:30 The Birth: Catching the Baby18:06 Post-Birth Reflections and Insurance Claims20:35 Lessons Learned from a Car Birth23:28 The Spiritual Aspect of Birth26:11 Empowerment Through Natural Birth29:39 Mindset and Preparation for Birth31:04 Closing Thoughts and Prayer CONNECT WITH KAREN:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in CONNECT WITH KIRAIG Handle: @Kiraaho_

In this engaging discussion, Holly Stein, the creator of Mama Meals and expert in holistic postpartum nutrition, shares her insights on nurturing new mothers. She emphasizes the importance of a nutritious diet rich in healthy fats and proteins. Holly breaks down the benefits of Ayurvedic practices in postpartum care, advocating for rest and self-care. She also reflects on her own birthing experiences and dispels diet culture myths, showing how supportive partners and community can enhance the postpartum journey.

Get 10% off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE https://painfreebirth.thrivecart.com/pain-free-birth/ Sign up for the Pain Free Birth Doula Mastermind HERE https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/doula-certification-waitlist Welcome back to the Pain Free Birth Podcast!In this episode we’re meeting Madeleine Van Gorp. This is one of the most redeeming and beautiful pain free birth stories I have ever had the privilege of hearing, but it’s also filled with some very sensitive and painful experiences. If you’re sensitive about listening to content involving infant loss please consider listening with grace to this episode. We explored Madeline’s story of her baby’s bilateral renal agenesis, her decisions on how to handle her pregnancy despite that, including special moments, connecting to her baby through exercise, and her spiritual preparation. We also cover her labor experience including the ultimate passing of her son, Nicky and how it was not a traumatic experience. CHAPTERS00:50 – Introduction to Madeleine Van Gorp’s story and her baby’s diagnosis of bilateral renal agenesis.00:21 – Madeleine discusses the redemptive and inspirational aspects of her birth story despite the challenges.02:47 – Receiving the diagnosis during the 21-week anatomy scan and deciding not to do early ultrasounds.06:36 – The emotional response to the diagnosis and Madeleine's decision to continue her pregnancy.12:05 – Transitioning from devastation to leaning into faith for strength during the pregnancy.18:49 – Special moments during pregnancy, including a trip and her connection to her baby through exercise.31:36 – The emotional and spiritual preparation for labor and delivery.40:11 – The unique labor experience: focusing on breathing, peace, and connection with her baby.01:02:11 – Madeleine’s perspective on choosing life and her labor process with a breech birth.01:05:36 – The birth of her son, Nicky, and the first moments holding him.01:08:09 – Sharing the peaceful passing of her son and how it was not a traumatic experience.01:10:24 – The deeply emotional decision to personally transport Nicky to the funeral home and its significance. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/ Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731 Website - https://painfreebirth.com/ Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in CONNECT WITH MADELINE:Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/paradigmbymadsWebsite - babyvangorp.com (to learn more about Nicky’s story)