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
Breaking Generational Cycles
In this episode, we talk with Sophie’s former colleague and dear friend Edith, who shares her three birth experiences (two living, and one miscarriage). She also goes into detail about what it’s like to be a parent and how that compares to how she was parented. Edith is mother to a 16 year old and an 8 year old, and recounts her birth stories as if they happened yesterday.
Edith faced some challenges during her pregnancies, including managing gestational diabetes, morning sickness, and recommendations for an early induction. However, she was so happy to be pregnant that she took these challenges in stride. She gives insight into how her childhood hardships helped prepare her for the lack of control that so often comes with childbirth.
Edith dives deep into the difficult parts of her story, including a miscarriage, receiving judgment from members of her support team, needing to fiercely advocate for herself and her child, and being separated from her first child immediately after birth. However, while some of the topics might be sad, Edith’s stories are full of hope, connection, and breaking generational cycles. We found ourselves frequently laughing along with Edith through many heartwarming moments.
Some other topics discussed include Edith’s struggles with infertility after having her first child, how she feels her connection with each child began in the first few hours after birth, and how her culture influenced how she was raised and how she chooses to raise her children.
Content Warnings: miscarriage, mother-baby separation, needles, secondary infertility, gestational diabetes, lack of informed consent, cesarean birth, and NICU Stay.
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!
