Bearing Birth
A birth story podcast highlighting the emotional impact of birth, the immediate postpartum period, and the years beyond. Hosted by Jordan Monir, a postpartum doula and Sophie Holliday, a perinatal mental health therapist.
Jordan and Sophie aim to provide a platform for those who have experienced or supported childbirth in sharing their unique story. Both fierce advocates of mental health and community support, Jordan and Sophie attempt to reduce the stigma of openly discussing the challenges (and joys!) experienced in pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Join us as we chat with a range of guests - from regular folks to birth workers - to explore the magic of healing through storytelling!
Bearing Birth
I went to war with my hormones
In this compelling and insightful episode, we chat with Libby Mukhi, PMH-C, a postpartum doula, birth story listener, and mother of two. Libby reflects on her challenging experiences with pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
Living abroad in Australia, Libby expressed her desire to absorb as much knowledge as possible to prepare for her first birth. Despite a smooth pregnancy and high hopes for a vaginal birth, high blood pressure ultimately led to an unplanned induction and c-section birth. The subsequent recovery days in the hospital were marked by anxiety and loneliness, leaving Libby feeling abandoned and traumatized.
Libby shares on how her firstborn's highly sensitive nature added complexities to her postpartum journey and how she craved a nurturing presence. Libby reflects on her second birth, a planned c-section back in the United States, which provided a stark contrast to her first surgical experience. Libby delves into the emotional toll of never experiencing a vaginal birth and the process of getting tubes tied during her last c-section. Libby finds redemption in her second birth, highlighting the importance of advocating for herself and unapologetically asking for what she needs.
Postpartum overstimulation, navigating sibling dynamics and the challenge of introducing a second baby become poignant aspects of Libby's story. Libby reflects on cultural differences surrounding the meaning of community versus support. Libby discusses how her self-worth, shaped by early experiences and living within a hyper-productive and capitalist society, led her to having a strong desire for control. The episode touches on her breastfeeding journey and the decision to release high expectations and perfectionism when making parenting choices.
Libby’s transformative birth experiences eventually inspired her to become a postpartum doula and birth story listener. Enjoy!
Content warnings: quick fertility journey, perfectionism/control, grief/loss, unplanned induction, high blood pressure, GAD, abandonment, epidural, blood in urine, and c-section.
To learn more about Libby and her work as a Birth Story Listener, visit:
https://www.birthstoryprocessing.com/about
Libby's Instagram: @Heartswell.postpartum
Other Resources Mentioned in Episode:
- Luna Wellness https://www.lunaspapdx.com/offerings
- Baby Blues Connection https://www.babybluesconnection.o
Website: bearingbirthpodcast.com
Instagram: @BearingBirthPodcast
Email: bearingbirthpodcast@gmail.com
Free Bearing Birth Podcast Resources
To learn more about Jordan or her work as a postpartum doula, family photographer, or infant sleep specialist: bunandbundle.com
To learn more about Sophie or her work as a perinatal mental health therapist: midmaplestherapy.com
Share your birth story!
If you are interested in sharing your birth story with our podcast, please get in touch via email or DM us on Instagram! We’d love to hold space for your unique perspective. We can accommodate guests in-person or virtually from any location in the world!
