Zelie's Birth Story: Peaceful Unmedicated Hospital Birth (Yes, It’s Possible!) (w/ Alison Smith) | Ep. 66

Episode #66

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- Instant access to 10+ hours of video lessons

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- Taught with a uniquely Catholic perspective on the birth process, and a holistic approach while including evidence-based and medically accurate information. 

- Lessons from other birth professionals including a functional nutritionist, a webster certified chiropractor, and a midwife

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Today I am so excited to welcome Alison—who supports Holy Confident Birth behind the scenes—to share the birth story of her daughter, Zelie. Alison started working as the assistant for Holy Confident Birth after first taking The Holy Confident Birth Course during her pregnancy!

Alison describes conceiving after about 10 cycles, learning she was pregnant during a chaotic move and job transition, and navigating a physically difficult pregnancy. She explains switching from an understaffed OB practice where she felt like a number to a small community hospital team that offered respectful, low-intervention care, plus hiring a Christian doula. Alison recounts a long labor beginning near her due date, laboring at home, arriving at the hospital at 6 cm, using a calm birth environment with intermittent monitoring, trying nitrous, choosing to break her water, pushing for a long time, and delivering Zelie on December 30 with her husband catching the baby. She shares having a borderline third-degree tear, using pitocin for placenta delivery, and reflecting on faith, control, and trusting God.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:19 Allison Background Story
02:50 Finding the Birth Course
03:36 Conception and Early Pregnancy
07:17 Provider Switch and Doula
12:36 Birth Mindset and Fears
17:59 Green Flags in Prenatal Care
24:54 Labor Begins at Home
30:01 Arriving at the Hospital
32:46 Staying Calm in Labor
33:47 Protecting Birth Space
35:03 Back Into Labor Flow
36:05 Snacks And Stamina
38:16 Breaking The Waters
41:32 Pushing And Positions
43:24 Meeting Baby Zoe
46:46 Birth Plan Green Flags
49:50 What Birth Surprised Her
52:22 Faith And Letting Go
59:36 Advice For Fearful Moms
01:02:09 Why Doulas Matter
01:04:49 Gratitude And Wrap Up


Medical Advice Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for care from your physician, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider. I recommend consulting your provider regarding your specific medical situation and before making decisions about your care.