Episode 4: How to have an empowered birth with Kelsey + Rori of Soulshine Birth
In this episode, you’ll hear Kelsey, Rori, and I discuss:
What are myths people believe about doulas & birth?
Only hospitals are safe for birth (when birth can be safe in many environments.)
Birth is how it appears in movies (when it can actually be calm and enjoyable.)
Doulas only support home births (when they support all births.)
Due dates are set in stone (when they are estimates.)
Providers or ultrasounds can determine if you have a “big” baby (when only a baby being born can give an exact weight.)
Doulas are only there for birth (when they are there for education and support from pregnancy through postpartum.)
How do doulas empower people before and during birth?
Doulas provide education, which helps them find the right provider and know their options. Doulas help clients manifest their birth vision; they show clients how to create boundaries, and they remind clients of their power.
How can you manifest your birth vision?
You can use affirmations throughout pregnancy and birth.
You can turn your fears into affirmations.
You can use visualization techniques to create your birth vision.
You can tap into your power source, whatever that is for you.
Once in labor, how can you make your birth space yours?
Transform the actual space with things like tea lights, aromatherapy, affirmations, and music.
Make the room feel like a safe space.
Find ways to get grounded so that you can surrender and tap into your power.
How can you lay the foundation for an empowered birth?
First, take a comprehensive childbirth education class that helps you create your birth vision. Second, make sure that your care provider is the right fit for you.
What comfort measures can make your birth enjoyable?
Hands-on massage with oils
Aromatherapy and essential oils
Trying different labor positions and maintaining movement
Affirmations (placed around the space or spoken)
Breathing techniques
Grounding techniques
Hydrotherapy (shower or bath)
What do you wish people knew about birth?
It is nothing like it’s portrayed in the movies. It can be calm, empowering, and happy. Also, you should spend time preparing for postpartum as well as birth.
What is your best pregnancy / birth / postpartum tip?
You hold the power, so surrender to the journey and make it what you want. Birth is a journey that can take so many twists and turns. Be educated and have plans for those possibilities.
Where can people find you?
Kelsey and Rori are based in Orange County, CA. Soulshine Birth is their collaboration; Kelsey is the founder of Wombs in Bloom OC while Rori founded Freckled Love Doula.
Enjoy the episode!
Soul Shine Birth is a unique doula duo bringing in over seven years of experience to pave the way for better birth and postpartum outcomes. Kelsey and Rori work together as birth and postpartum doulas to provide the highest quality care for their families who they say "start as clients and stay as friends". They are both breastfeeding and childbirth educators, which they bring into their intimate doula support. Passion shines through in all that they do, as they uphold their mission "to change lives, empower families, and make positive birth outcomes reality by providing the tools, love and resources as your dream support team".
