Metro Detroit Birth Stories
Welcome to Metro Detroit Birth Stories, a podcast celebrating the strength, wisdom, and beauty of birth—one story at a time. I’m Exie, a birth doula and childbirth educator with years of experience guiding families through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. In this space, you’ll hear real, powerful birth stories from Metro Detroit and beyond, along with thoughtful conversations on the journey into parenthood. Whether you're expecting, a birth worker, or someone who loves the magic of birth, you’ll find warmth, support, and evidence-based insight here. Because every birth story deserves to be heard—and honored.
Episodes
In this episode of Metro Detroit Birth Stories, my friend Erica shares the story of welcoming her middle child—the only one she carried herself—into a family built through both adoption and a deeply desired, long-awaited pregnancy.
With pre-existing reproductive health concerns, Erica and her care team thoughtfully planned a cesarean birth. She reflects on what it was like to prepare for a surgical birth, how it felt t...
In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Metro Detroit Birth Stories, my friend and former client shares her family’s unexpected NICU journey after the birth of her baby.
What began as a hopeful birth experience quickly shifted into unfamiliar territory, bringing fear, uncertainty, and moments no parent ever anticipates.
Ashley and Kevin talk honestly about the physical and emotional toll of an unplanned in...
In this encore episode, Ciana and I revisit our second births… both inductions, both unforgettable, and both full of twists. I share how my own induction turned into a deeply healing experience, while Ciana opens up about her “failed induction” that led to her signing out AMA, heading home for the night, and still going on to have a powerful, spontaneous vaginal birth with her son.
Tranquil Touch Birth & Women'...I’ve loved sharing birth stories with you, and so many of you have been curious about mine. So for this episode, I’m bringing a special throwback from the earlier version of this podcast, when my co-host Ciana and I sat down to share our first birth stories. We were young, naive, and did the best we could with what we knew (or didn't know!). Join us as we laughingly reflect on the choices and mistakes we made - y...
In this episode of Metro Detroit Birth Stories, you will hear Trishna's story. Despite a strong familial background in the medical field, Trishna and her husband, Tom, embarked on a journey of curiosity that led them from planning a hospital birth to welcoming their baby at home. Listen to her explain how they navigated challenges with flexibility and intention to have an empowering birth experience.
Would you l...
In this beautiful episode of Metro Detroit Birth Stories, Lauren shares the story of welcoming her daughter, her first child, and the final piece of her and her husband’s blended family.
Unsure of how to begin planning for birth, Lauren found guidance and inspiration through a surprising connection with a previous guest, Elise, whose prenatal yoga classes opened the door to a whole new world of possibilities.
Through E...
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of obstetric trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, and infant illness. Please take care while listening and pause if needed. While the episode ends on a very positive and hopeful note—with both Elise and her children doing well—it may still bring up sensitive emotions for some listeners.
In this deeply personal and empowering episode,my colleague Elise shares the transfor...
In this inspiring inaugural episode of Metro Detroit Birth Stories, Kristi shares her journey through two very different births—one that was almost what she hoped for, and one that was her dream, redemptive birth experience.
Despite facing similar medical complications during her second pregnancy, Kristi was able to create a supportive care team, advocate for herself, and achieve a beautiful, empowering birth beyond wh...
New Intro and Outro Still to come:
It’s been a journey! In the last several years, I launched Doula2Doula during the pandemic became a CBI trainer, navigated some major life changes, and finally decided to shift this podcast into a new format—this episode is all about growth, change, and what’s ahead.
I’m sharing the highlights from the past few years—like my son’s wedding, the launch of Medicaid doula coverage, and my ...
It's been a minute since you've heard from us. This brief episode will catch you up on what's coming.
I can't wait to hear what you think, so please message me on IG or email me.
Birth support services helping clients feel supported, cared for and confident about birth.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchas...
Time - how does it get away from us so easily, and how have we come so far without even realizing it?
In this episode, Ciana and I review how Doula2Doula has grown since its birth in 2020 and how we have been doing since our last episode (a mere 6 months ago 🫣)
See my YouTube for video updates, including my home office transformation
We mention some amazing local businesses and encourage y...
Exie & Ciana are back together and catching up on all the things they've missed in each other's lives over the past several months.
Trigger warning: Pet loss
Points of interest: Updates on our parenting journeys, work, home improvements, and more
Birth support services helping clients feel supported, cared for and confident ab...
🎉It's 2023 and we're kicking the year off with an interview that can help you improve your pregnancy health.
Sarah Thompson is a Functional Maternity Practitioner and author. She is sharing what she has learned during her decades of experience working alongside physicians to help improve the pregnancy care expectant parents are receiving.
From preconception to postpartum, learn how addre...
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be pregnant with twins? How about giving birth to or nursing twins? How about doing it all during a global pandemic with a toddler at home?
In this episode, our first listener birth story is with Ashley Haupt, an aspiring doula, and mother of 3 boys. Join us as she recounts her journey of overcoming multiple challenges, twists, and turns to achieve her goal of a ...
MOVIE: AFTERSHOCK on Hulu (check for region availability) Click for Trailer
- This movie follows the journey of families who have experienced the death of a new mother during or after childbirth
- Why is the US such a dangerous place to have a baby?
- Why do black mothers in America die at a rate of 3-4 times higher than others?
- What can all women do to improve their feelings of safety, autonomy, and agency when giving birt...
Another school year of pandemic parenting is behind her and Ciana is sharing her reflections on how she and her kids successfully got through it. Both moms discuss some differences in their parenting journeys of school-aged children.
Happy summer to all!!! 😎🌞
🤷♀️ Confused about your options and how to plan for your baby's grand entrance? Schedule a Virtual Prep/Planning Session or a Birth Cl...
We're pulling the curtain back on what it's like to live a life on call.
Join us for a candid conversation that reveals the not-so-glamours part of being birthworkers.
From keeping our cars filled with gas to whether or not we will buy event tickets, there is a lot about being birth doulas that have to be considered when thinking of going on call.
🤷♀️ Confused about your o...
🎉It's World Doula Week and we are together again!!! 👩🏽🤝👩🏿🥰
In this episode, Exie & Ciana are celebrating doulas everywhere for World Doula Week, March 22-28, 2022.
Recently there has been an increase in public appreciation for the work of doulas and the positive impact we can have on people during different life-changing events. We discuss some well-known and, perhaps lesser-known, ...
🎶 "All by myself..." 🎶
In this final episode of the mediocre year that was 2021, Exie shares her love of reading and some of the gems that helped her get through the last 11 months. If you are always on the lookout for good book recommendations, this might be the episode you've been waiting for. Exie will give a brief description of the books that left indelible marks on her and how she ties...
Here in the US people are very busy making plans for the winter holidays and if you're due during this season (or at any other holiday time) you may face the possibility of labor induction. What should you do? What if the induction doesn't work? What if it does?
In this episode, Exie is covering some interesting facts and considerations for anyone with babies due near a holiday date. As a mom who h...
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