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
Birth Story Processing - What is it?
Step into the transformative world of birth story processing with Libby Mukhi, PMH-C, who returns as our esteemed guest for the second episode in a row. Libby shares her insights into the profound impact of birth story processing and the art of holding space for folks navigating strong narratives centering around childbirth and the perinatal experience.
Libby reflects on her own challenging birth experiences, taking an inspiring class created by Pam England (author of Birthing from Within), and how she eventually became a postpartum doula and birth story listener.
Libby explains the intricate process of birth story processing, encouraging individuals to explore their stories one digestible piece at a time, akin to savoring a slice of chocolate cake. Libby discusses what it means to process something and how someone might know when they have processed something to completion. Libby emphasizes the courage required to go inward and introspect, especially as someone makes contact with uncomfortable feelings. Libby goes into detail about the structure and length of processing sessions and describes what generally goes into a session. Libby underscores the importance of taking a pause after birth, recommending individuals take a few weeks of space before scheduling a session.
Libby’s dedication to holding space is evident throughout the episode and it is clear that she has a strong passion for helping postpartum folks untangle the raw and beautifully messy parts of their stories. Libby emphasizes how individuals often uncover deeply ingrained narratives surrounding their birth experiences, revealing how these narratives are often scripts we internalize long before the actual birthing process takes place.
We also chat about the importance of incorporating ritual and relying on community as a way of practicing self-care when pregnant/postpartum. Unlock the power of birth story processing in this episode with Libby Mukhi!
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.org/
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!
