Zelie's Birth Story: Peaceful Unmedicated Hospital Birth (Yes, It’s Possible!) (w/ Alison Smith)

✨ Download The FREE Speedy Birth Blueprint Here 🕊 The DIY Doula Guide For Catholic Moms 🕊 Join The Holy Confident Birth Course Inside you will find: - Instant access to 10+ hours of video lessons - 150+ Page E-Book packed with practical resources to help you through pregnancy & birth - Taught with a uniquely Catholic perspective on the birth process, and a holistic approach while including evidence-based and medically accurate information. - Lessons from other birth professionals including a functional nutritionist, a webster certified chiropractor, and a midwife - *NEW* A live monthly Q+A with Eve to address your personal questions!! - *NEW* Access to a private facebook community of other Catholic women preparing for God-centered, natural births ✨ Download The Free Labor Positions Guide Here Today I am so excited to welcome Alison—who supports Holy Confident Birth behind the scenes—to share the birth story of her daughter, Zelie. Alison started working as the assistant for Holy Confident Birth after first taking The Holy Confident Birth Course during her pregnancy! Alison describes conceiving after about 10 cycles, learning she was pregnant during a chaotic move and job transition, and navigating a physically difficult pregnancy. She explains switching from an understaffed OB practice where she felt like a number to a small community hospital team that offered respectful, low-intervention care, plus hiring a Christian doula. Alison recounts a long labor beginning near her due date, laboring at home, arriving at the hospital at 6 cm, using a calm birth environment with intermittent monitoring, trying nitrous, choosing to break her water, pushing for a long time, and delivering Zelie on December 30 with her husband catching the baby. She shares having a borderline third-degree tear, using pitocin for placenta delivery, and reflecting on faith, control, and trusting God. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:19 Allison Background Story 02:50 Finding the Birth Course 03:36 Conception and Early Pregnancy 07:17 Provider Switch and Doula 12:36 Birth Mindset and Fears 17:59 Green Flags in Prenatal Care 24:54 Labor Begins at Home 30:01 Arriving at the Hospital 32:46 Staying Calm in Labor 33:47 Protecting Birth Space 35:03 Back Into Labor Flow 36:05 Snacks And Stamina 38:16 Breaking The Waters 41:32 Pushing And Positions 43:24 Meeting Baby Zoe 46:46 Birth Plan Green Flags 49:50 What Birth Surprised Her 52:22 Faith And Letting Go 59:36 Advice For Fearful Moms 01:02:09 Why Doulas Matter 01:04:49 Gratitude And Wrap Up Medical Advice Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for care from your physician, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider. I recommend consulting your provider regarding your specific medical situation and before making decisions about your care.

Zelie's Birth Story: Peaceful Unmedicated Hospital Birth (Yes, It’s Possible!) (w/ Alison Smith) | Ep. 66