EP21. The Global Midwife's Unassisted Birth: Kristine Lauria’s Story and Wisdom

In this episode of Hear Me Roar, the hosts are joined by Kristine Lauria, a seasoned midwife with 37 years of experience, to discuss her unique journey as a birth worker. Kristine shares her personal unassisted birth story, detailing how her extensive midwifery background and deep connection with her baby guided her through the process. She also provides insights into birth practices outside of the medical system, discussing the nuances of birth, the importance of trusting the birthing process, and the impact of postpartum care.  Kristine highlights the significance of being a supportive, non-interventionist presence at births and the critical role of traditional midwifery practices. Additionally, she talks about her experiences working with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in low-resource settings, where she often handles complex birth situations. This episode is rich with wisdom and offers a profound look into the empowerment and challenges within the world of midwifery and unassisted births. 00:00 Introduction to Kristine Lauria 00:31 Kristine's Early Midwifery Journey 01:53 Challenges and Changes in Midwifery 03:35 Working with Doctors Without Borders 06:10 Global Perspectives on Birth 08:35 Stories from the Field 20:37 Unassisted Birth Insights 40:33 The Role of Non-Medical Birth Attendants 41:37 Understanding the Role of Birth Attendants 42:36 Evaluating Skills and Qualifications 43:31 The Importance of Clear Communication 44:40 Interventions and Their Implications 47:01 Supporting Free Birth Families 49:39 Advice for Birth Workers 01:11:18 Challenges in Midwifery 01:24:31 The Unassisted Birth Experience 01:27:34 Navigating Birth Alone: The Challenges and Realizations 01:30:53 Preparing for an Unassisted Birth: Physical and Mental Readiness 01:34:05 The Birth Story: From Contractions to Delivery 01:49:18 Postpartum Reflections: The Need for Support and Care 01:58:51 The Emotional Impact of Birth: Personal and Professional Growth 02:07:17 Final Thoughts and Resources for Expecting Mothers EPISODE LINKS KRISTINE.

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• Website

CONNECT WITH SARAH.

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• Resources
• Work Together: Wild & Free Coaching Container
• Birth Trauma Integration Session: Book

CONNECT WITH BRITTANY.

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• Ebook: Questions to ask your Birth Attendant

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DISCLAIMER. The content of this podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to take full responsibility for their own bodies and decisions and to consult with qualified professionals as needed.