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
This is Life or Death, Literally | Samantha Part 1
In this episode, Samantha Leusink shares her first pregnancy and birth story, describing a smooth and empowering experience at a local Portland birth center. She reflects on postpartum struggles, breastfeeding challenges, and the transition into motherhood.
As Sam and her husband decide to expand their family, they receive an unexpected surprise: twins. Initially overwhelmed yet excited, their joy is quickly overshadowed by a shocking diagnosis of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)—a rare and serious condition affecting identical twins sharing a placenta. Samantha details the emotional weight of the diagnosis, the medical risks, and the difficult decisions ahead.
The episode ends as she and her husband prepare to undergo a high-risk fetal surgery, leaving listeners on edge about the fate of their twins.
Content Warnings: Breast-Feeding Challenges, Tongue-Tie, High-Risk Pregnancy, Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS)
If you'd like to get in touch with Samantha directly, you can find her on Instagram @samasaurus_leusink. She felt very isolated when she was going through the TTTS diagnosis and wants to be there for folks who need support and community when facing TTTS.
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!
