Pain Free Birth

Karen Welton

In the Pain Free Birth Podcast, your host, Karen Welton, invites you to discover the truth about how God brilliantly designed the female body for birth. Karen is a certified doula, childbirth educator, and coach who teaches women all around the world how to give birth without pain and fear through her online courses and content.In this show, we geek out about the hormonal physiology of birth, supernatural childbirth, bliss and ecstasy in labor, pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, and everything in between! Karen interviews women around the world who share their *jaw-dropping* stories of birth at home, in the hospital, and even in the car! She interviews midwives, doctors, and experts in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum to share their unique perspectives. We’ve been taught to view birth as scary and traumatic or an “emergency waiting to happen.” In this show, you will discover a whole new perspective of what’s possible in birth.

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Tuesday · 43 min
#124 | She Breathed Out a 9 lb 12 oz Baby Without Pushing - A Supernatural Home Birth Story
What if you were told you weren't dilating, your midwife went home, and less than two hours later you were holding your nearly 10-pound baby in your arms? After a difficult first hospital birth that left her baby with a broken collarbone, former professional basketball player and mom of three Vanessa Sugg knew she wanted a different experience. Through the Pain Free Birth course, prayer, and a deeper understanding of physiological birth, Vanessa went on to experience two incredible home births. But nothing could have prepared her for the beautiful, faith-filled arrival of her third baby. In this powerful Christian home birth testimony, Vanessa shares how she went from zero centimeters dilated to birthing her 9 lb 12 oz baby in under two hours, without coached pushing or tearing. From the discouragement of being told her baby wasn't coming that night to surrendering her fears, laboring peacefully in warm water, and breathing her baby into her own hands, her story is a beautiful reminder of the power of birth preparation, trusting your body, and leaning into God's peace. Tune in to hear: How Vanessa's difficult hospital birth inspired her journey toward natural home birth Why the Pain Free Birth course completely transformed her mindset and confidence How Vanessa and her husband created a list of 30 specific prayers for pregnancy and birth What happened when her midwife checked her cervix, found zero dilation, and went home How she navigated discouragement, fear, and emotional surrender during labor Why warm water and her husband's incredible support made such a difference How she used gentle breathing instead of forceful pushing to birth her 9 lb 12 oz baby Why she believes slowing down helped her experience a birth without tearing How she embraced a peaceful, nourishing postpartum season Her encouragement for first-time moms who want to replace fear with confidence, preparation, and faith Resources mentioned: The First 40 Days Connect with Vanessa: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veesuggs/ Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
October 13 · 42 min
#123 | God Showed Her the Birth Before It Happened: A Pain-Free Christmas Eve Water Birth
What if the birth you are praying for could become an invitation to trust, surrender, and experience God in a completely new way? After an intervention-filled first birth and a heartbreaking miscarriage, Lacey Coffey longed for redemption. In the middle of her grief, she began praying for God to show her what was ahead. Lacey says dreams, visions, and signs began pointing her toward something incredibly specific: a rainbow baby, a Christmas birth, and a peaceful water birth. But getting there was not simple. Lacey navigated gestational diabetes, kidney stones, bleeding, and weeks of prodromal labor while continually returning to what she believed God had shown her. Then, in the early hours of Christmas Eve, everything changed. Her water broke, labor intensified quickly, and what followed was a breathtaking 2.5-hour birth filled with worship, surrender, laughter, and a race to the birth center that ended just five minutes before her daughter was born. Tune in to hear: How Lacey’s first birth and miscarriage shaped her desire for a redemptive birth The dreams and visions that pointed her toward a Christmas water birth How she navigated gestational diabetes, kidney stones, and weeks of prodromal labor The breathing, relaxation, and surrender practices that prepared her for a pain-free birth How she moved through fear by returning to “trust, relax, allow” The wild one-hour drive to the birth center while her body was already pushing How her daughter was born in the water just five minutes after they arrived What this birth taught Lacey about trusting God, surrender, and motherhood CONNECT WITH LACEY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/softbabynames/ Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
October 6 · 36 min
#122 | The Spiritual Side of Childbirth: Surrender, Transformation, and Crossing the Veil
What if the most powerful part of childbirth isn’t something you can prepare for with your mind, but something you have to surrender to with your whole being? In this episode of the Pain Free Birth Show, I’m exploring what I call “crossing the veil,” that profound shift that can happen during labor when birth moves beyond something you are thinking through and becomes something you are fully experiencing. It can be the moment when contractions intensify, time seems to change, your thinking brain quiets, and you are invited to surrender more deeply than you thought possible. We’re talking about the spiritual side of childbirth that so often gets overlooked in birth preparation. Birth is not simply a mechanical process of getting a baby out of your body. It can be a deeply transformative experience that brings your fears, doubts, trust, strength, and faith to the surface. This episode is an invitation to prepare not only your body and mind for birth, but also your heart and spirit, so that when you reach the place where control is no longer serving you, you can let go and allow birth to transform you. Tune in to hear: What “crossing the veil” can mean during labor Why the transition from early labor into active labor can feel like entering an entirely different state How surrender can become one of your greatest tools during physiological birth Why birth preparation is about more than information and checklists How women describe heightened intuition, altered awareness, and a sense of God’s presence during labor Why your birth environment matters when you enter the deepest stages of labor What can happen when people interrupt, question, or try to manage a laboring mother who has gone inward Why trusting the mother and protecting her space can be so powerful How birth can bring fear, insecurity, doubt, trust, joy, and strength to the surface What it means to see birth as a transition from maiden to mother Why pregnancy itself can become preparation for surrender and transformation How faith can meet you when you reach the end of your own strength Why you don’t have to understand or control every part of birth to walk through it with confidence The invitation to see childbirth not simply as something to endure, but as an experience that can transform you Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
September 29 · 48 min
#121 | Two Pain-Free Births: How Surrendering to God Changed Everything
What if birth was never meant to be something you had to endure in your own strength? After experiencing sexual trauma as a teenager and again as a young woman in the Air Force, Lauren Frazier entered motherhood with a deep desire to reclaim trust in her body. Across four births, God transformed that trust into something even deeper. What began as a determination to advocate for herself eventually became an invitation to surrender, listen, and experience birth in partnership with Him. In this episode, Lauren shares the progression from her first birth, where intervention dramatically changed an otherwise peaceful labor, to her second birth, where she learned to trust her body through pushing, and finally to two births she describes as completely supernatural and pain-free. During her third birth, Lauren arrived at the hospital already 7 centimeters dilated, yet she could not even feel the contractions appearing on the monitor. Her fourth birth unfolded with the same extraordinary peace at home. Through both experiences, Lauren says her focus was not on avoiding pain. It was on staying close to God, listening for His voice, and surrendering one moment at a time. Tune in to hear: How Lauren’s history of sexual trauma shaped her relationship with her body, autonomy, and birth Why one intervention dramatically changed the course of her otherwise peaceful first birth How prodromal labor during her second pregnancy deepened her trust in her body and God How discovering Supernatural Childbirth transformed the way Lauren prepared for her third birth What happened when Lauren arrived at the hospital 7 centimeters dilated and couldn’t feel her contractions How she recognized intrusive thoughts during labor and redirected her attention back to God Why listening for God’s voice became central to her pain-free birth experience How Lauren’s third baby was born in only two pushes, and the powerful response from her husband How her fourth birth became another peaceful, supernatural pain-free birth, this time at home How giving birth to her daughter became an unexpected part of Lauren’s healing from sexual trauma Supernatural Childbirth by Jaci Mize:https://amzn.to/4qFAf91 CONNECT WITH LAUREN: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liferich_coaching/ and https://www.instagram.com/laurenelizabethfrazier/ Website: www.liferichcoaching.com Email: lauren@liferichcoaching.com Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
September 22 · 43 min
#120 | A 3-Hour Pain-Free VBAC After an Emergency C-Section
What if the birth that broke your heart didn’t have to be the end of your story? After preparing for a natural birth with her first baby, Stephanie Andrade found herself transferring from a birth center to the hospital, receiving Pitocin, and eventually having an emergency cesarean. Although there were moments of peace and God’s presence throughout the experience, Stephanie was left processing disappointment, trauma, and questions about what future births might look like. When she became pregnant again, Stephanie knew she wanted to approach birth differently. She researched her options, communicated clearly with her midwife, learned to advocate for her preferences, and ultimately surrendered the outcome to God. What followed was something she never expected. Instead of making it to the hospital for her planned VBAC, Stephanie gave birth at home with only her husband present. Her labor was fast, instinctive, and pain-free, and her body pushed her baby out without conscious pushing. Tune in to hear: How Stephanie’s first birth went from a peaceful birth center labor to an emergency C-section Why learning she had reached 10 centimeters during her first labor mattered when preparing for her VBAC How Stephanie processed the emotional impact of her cesarean The fears she faced while preparing to give birth after a C-section Why surrendering the outcome to God became a turning point in her pregnancy How she approached informed consent and hospital VBAC protocols differently the second time Why communicating clear preferences with your birth team matters How Stephanie prepared to advocate for herself during labor Why she didn’t realize how far into labor she actually was The moment a shower turned into an unexpected home birth What it felt like when her body pushed her baby out without conscious effort Why Stephanie experienced intense pressure, but no ring of fire How understanding birth physiology helped her stay grounded as her baby was born The dramatic difference between her cesarean recovery and natural postpartum recovery Stephanie’s encouragement for women hoping for a redemptive birth after a difficult or traumatic experience Connect with Stephanie: Instagram: @stephreneeandrade Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
September 15 · 56 min
#119 | How to Advocate for a Physiological Birth in the Hospital, Even With Twins
What happens when the peaceful home birth you planned suddenly becomes a hospital twin birth, and you still deeply desire a physiological, unmedicated experience? After two beautiful home births, Siera Asivido fully expected to welcome her third baby the same way. Then, at her 20-week anatomy scan, she saw two heads on the ultrasound screen. She was carrying spontaneous di/di twins, and suddenly the birth environment where she felt safest was no longer an option with her trusted midwife. Instead of giving up on the birth she desired, Siera began learning how to advocate for herself. She created an intentional birth plan, learned how to communicate informed decisions to her OB team, declined routine hospital practices that did not align with her goals, and prepared both practically and spiritually for birth. At 39 weeks and 1 day, she walked into the hospital in early labor and experienced a peaceful, physiological twin birth that exceeded what she imagined was possible. Tune in to hear: The shocking moment Siera discovered at 20 weeks that she was carrying twins Why losing the option of another home birth required a real grieving process How she navigated hospital policies while still pursuing a physiological twin birth The one-page birth plan that helped her clearly communicate her values and informed decisions How reading her birth plan aloud helped Siera find her voice and advocate with confidence Why she chose to decline the operating room unless a C-section became medically necessary How prayer and birth affirmations helped her move from fear into trust and surrender What happened when she arrived at the hospital at 39 weeks and 1 day with twins How her body became so relaxed during transition that her midwife thought she was sleeping The unexpected complication with Baby B, including a nuchal cord wrapped five times, and how Siera adapted without losing her sense of empowerment Pain Free Birth Episode #66 on Advocacy with Intentional Birth Connect with Siera: Instagram - @sieraasivido Siera's Birthplan: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oCFFQMW2ibTPsbjqc_0hFxLGyB2ugHIl?usp=sharing Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
September 8 · 1 hr
#118 | Is Becoming a Doula Right for You? Answering Your Biggest Questions
Have you ever felt a tug toward birth work, but immediately wondered how becoming a doula could possibly fit into your real life? Maybe you have little kids at home, a full-time job, a husband who is not completely on board, or no idea how you would find your first doula client. Maybe you love birth and supporting women, but the thought of putting yourself out there feels terrifying. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it actually takes to become a birth doula and answering the questions that might be keeping you from taking that next step. After 13 years of doula work, I’ve learned that becoming a doula does not require having your entire life perfectly figured out. We’re talking about practical solutions for childcare, balancing birth work with motherhood or another career, getting your first clients, navigating difficult births, building confidence, and creating a doula business that works for your life. I’m also sharing what we’ve completely rebuilt inside the Pain-Free Birth Doula Certification Program and why community, mentorship, business training, and ongoing support matter so much when you step into birth work. Questions Answered in This Episode: How do you know if your called to doula work - and where do you start? How do you make childcare work as a doula? What if your husband or partner isn’t supportive? How do you get over imposter syndrome and the fear of being seen? How do you find clients when you’re just starting out? Is the doula industry already oversaturated - and how do you stand out? Can you become a doula if you’ve never given birth yourself? How do you prepare for hard or traumatic births? What if your not experienced or qualified enough? Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
September 1 · 58 min
#117 | How a Redemptive Home Birth Led Her to Become a Doula
What if the birth that changed everything was not your first birth, but the one that finally showed you what birth could be? In this deeply personal episode of the Pain Free Birth Podcast, Karen sits down with someone very special to the Pain Free Birth family, her personal assistant, Jamie Bennett. After two difficult hospital births, including an epidural she did not originally want and a completely failed epidural during her second labor, Jamie entered her third pregnancy knowing something needed to change. Her search for truly aligned care eventually led her somewhere she never expected, a home birth. Jamie shares how that redemptive, euphoric home birth transformed far more than the way she viewed birth. It strengthened her faith, changed the way she approached motherhood, taught her to stop asking permission, and ultimately led her into her calling as a doula. Now, after years of working behind the scenes at Pain Free Birth and reading countless birth stories, Jamie is stepping into birth rooms herself and helping other women discover how supported, informed, and empowered birth can be. Tune in to hear: How Jamie’s first two difficult hospital births shaped the way she viewed birth and support What happened when her epidural completely failed during her second birth Why interviewing your provider and choosing an aligned birth team matters How Jamie went from being afraid of home birth to choosing it for her third baby The simple words from her midwife that changed the entire direction of her labor How her joyful, redemptive home birth transformed her confidence, motherhood, and faith Why Jamie believes our hardest birth experiences can ultimately prepare us to help others How her own birth journey led her to answer the calling to become a doula How Jamie booked four births within her first two months as a new doula Her encouragement for women who feel called to birth work but are afraid to take the first step Questions to Ask Your Provider: https://resources.painfreebirth.com/birth-provider-questions CONNECT WITH JAMIE: Instagram: @birthwithjamie Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
August 25 · 49 min
#116 | The Big Baby Myth: Fear, False Estimates & Preventable C-Sections
What if being told you have a “big baby” creates more fear than the actual size of your baby ever needed to? If you have been told your baby is measuring large, your hips might be too small, or you should consider an induction because of suspected macrosomia, this episode is for you. We are unpacking the fear surrounding big babies and talking about what the evidence actually says about fetal size, late-pregnancy estimates, induction, shoulder dystocia, and cesarean birth. You will also learn why the way your body and baby move during birth matters so much. From the flexibility of the pelvis and molding of your baby’s head to positioning, breathing, pelvic floor relaxation, and upright pushing positions, this conversation will help you look beyond a number on an ultrasound and better understand the physiology of birth. Most importantly, you will walk away with questions you can bring to your provider so you can make informed decisions that feel right for you and your baby. Tune in to hear: What macrosomia means and why a suspected big baby can create so much fear Why late-pregnancy estimates of fetal weight are not the same thing as knowing your baby’s actual birth weight The primary concern providers have about large babies and shoulder dystocia Why suspected fetal size can influence the way labor and birth are managed How fear and doubt can affect tension, relaxation, and the experience of labor Why your baby’s position may matter enormously during pushing How your pelvis is designed to move during birth How your baby’s skull molds as your baby travels through the birth canal Why relaxing and yielding the pelvic floor is different from forcefully pushing against it How upright and hands-and-knees positions can give the pelvis more freedom to move What the Gaskin and McRoberts maneuvers are in the context of shoulder dystocia Questions to ask your OB or midwife if your baby is suspected to be large Why learning physiological pushing techniques before labor can change your birth experience How to replace fear-based decision-making with education, informed consent, and confidence in your options Evidence Based Birth Article: EvidencebasedbirthWhat is the Evidence for Induction or C-section for a Big Baby? Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
August 18 · 1 hr 20 min
#115 | How Faith Transformed Her Birth: From Pitocin to a Pain-Free 10-Pound Baby
What if your biggest, most peaceful birth could happen when you stop trying to control the process and learn to trust the way your body was designed to give birth? In this episode of the Pain Free Birth Podcast, Karen sits down with mom of three Michelle Owsley to share a remarkable journey that began long before she had children of her own. At just 18 years old, Michelle traveled to rural Kenya, where she unexpectedly found herself assisting at more than 50 births. Those experiences planted a seed of trust in physiological birth, but years later, Michelle still had to confront the fear and conditioning surrounding birth when it was her turn to become a mother. Michelle shares the progression from two unmedicated Pitocin inductions to her third birth, where everything changed. After experiencing situational high blood pressure, navigating recommendations for additional growth scans, and working intentionally to guard her mind from fear, Michelle prepared for birth differently. At 41 weeks, she finally released her expectations and surrendered the outcome to God. Hours later, she was in spontaneous labor. Her 10-pound, 1-ounce baby was born in the water, completely pain-free, without coached pushing and without tearing. Tune in to hear: How attending more than 50 births in rural Kenya shaped Michelle’s view of natural, physiological birth How Michelle navigated two unmedicated Pitocin inductions before experiencing pain-free birth What her first birth taught her about the question, “Am I enough?” How fear and stress dramatically affected Michelle’s blood pressure during her second pregnancy Why choosing a birth center or midwife does not eliminate the need for informed consent and self-advocacy How Michelle prepared differently for her third pregnancy by intentionally guarding her mind Why she declined an additional growth ultrasound and navigated fears surrounding a potentially big baby How surrendering control at more than 41 weeks transformed the way Michelle approached labor Why Michelle chose not to forcefully push and allowed the fetal ejection reflex to birth her baby How she birthed a 10-pound, 1-ounce baby pain-free, without tearing, and experienced her easiest postpartum recovery Beautiful One Midwifery: Website or @beautifulonemidwifery CONNECT WITH MICHELLE: @michelle_owsley17 Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
August 11 · 32 min
#114 | She Slept Through Transition and Gave Birth in the Shower
What happens when you prepare for birth with everything you have, only to discover that the final lesson is letting go? In this powerful birth testimony, Pain Free Birth doula-in-training Annelisa shares how five weeks of prodromal labor, an almost 42-week pregnancy, and a deeply personal journey of surrender led to an unforgettable birth. After a difficult first hospital birth and a redemptive second birth center experience, Annelisa entered her third birth equipped with a new understanding of physiological birth, her body, and the role fear can play in the birth experience. But nothing unfolded the way she had planned. Her carefully prepared birth room and birth pool were left untouched. Instead, after sleeping through what she believes was transition, Annelisa woke to intense pelvic pressure and realized her baby was coming much faster than anyone expected. With her midwife still on the way, her husband beside her, and a perfectly positioned mirror in the shower, she watched her baby emerge while standing and allowing her body’s fetal ejection reflex to do the work. Tune in to hear: How Annelisa’s first difficult hospital birth influenced the births that followed The difference birth education made in how she experienced contractions What five weeks of prodromal labor looked like for her Why being 41 weeks and 6 days challenged her desire for control The prayer under the stars that completely shifted her mindset How addressing emotional tension helped her feel safe enough to surrender Why her contractions progressed without feeling painful How cuddling her son helped her relax enough to fall asleep during labor Why Annelisa believes she may have slept through transition What happened when her husband could not get the birth pool filled The moment her body entered the fetal ejection reflex How she watched her baby crown and emerge using a mirror in the shower What happened when her baby was born with the cord around her neck How the experience transformed her husband’s view of physiological birth Why preparation and surrender are not opposites What this birth taught Annelisa about trusting God, her baby, and her body Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
August 4 · 47 min
#113 | She Caught Her Own Baby: A First-Time Mom’s Pain-Free Home Birth Story
What if birth could feel peaceful, natural, and so deeply joyful that you were actually sad when labor ended? In this episode of the Pain Free Birth Podcast, Karen sits down with Abby Neese, an Iowa mom who experienced two pain-free home births. During her first birth, Abby followed her intuition, remained calm when her midwives did not arrive in time, and caught her own baby in the birth tub. Rather than feeling afraid, she trusted the physiological process unfolding within her body. Abby’s second birth was completely different, yet still pain-free. Through intentional breathing, prenatal yoga, hypnobirthing techniques, and a deep trust in God’s design, Abby allowed her body to take over. She experienced the fetal ejection reflex and gave birth without coached or forced pushing. Abby also shares how these births inspired her to become a doula, catch her friend’s baby, and begin pursuing a future calling toward midwifery. Tune in to hear: How Abby’s intuition accurately prepared her for a fast first birth Why hospital water birth policies led her to consider home birth The simple explanation of uterine contractions that removed her fear How positive birth stories and physiological birth education shaped her mindset What Abby did during early and active labor with her first baby How she remained calm when her midwives did not arrive in time What it felt like to catch her own baby in the birth tub Why she describes her first birth as peaceful, natural, and pain-free How relaxed, physiological pushing affected her postpartum recovery Why her second birth felt emotionally intense without being physically painful How breathwork and prenatal yoga helped her release tension What the fetal ejection reflex felt like during her second birth Why Abby believes women should protect their minds from fear-based birth stories How her birth experiences inspired her to become a doula The incredible story of catching her first baby while serving as a doula How Abby’s experiences confirmed her future calling toward midwifery Connect with Abby Instagram: harvesthopedoula Website: Harvest Hope Doula Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
July 28 · 58 min
#112 | From Birth Trauma to Redemption: Preparing Your Heart and Body for Birth
What if childbirth was not something you had to fear, endure, or simply survive? In this deeply personal and hope-filled conversation, Karen Welton joins Emily Smaczniak from the Beyond the Pain Podcast to explore the physiology, mindset, and heart preparation behind an empowered birth. Karen shares how her own journey from fear to mostly pain-free home births led her to become a doula, birth educator, and creator of the Pain-Free Birth course. Together, Karen and Emily discuss pregnancy and birth after stillbirth, the desire for a redemptive birth experience, and how women can prepare for physiological birth even within a hospital setting. They also unpack the fear-tension-pain cycle, the physical effects of gratitude, the importance of releasing hidden fears, and why your internal environment can have a greater impact on labor than your external circumstances. Tune in to hear: How Karen’s fear of childbirth led her to research pain-free and physiological birth Why birth pain is not always inevitable The connection between fear, tension, stress hormones, and labor pain How oxytocin and endorphins support the body during childbirth What Scripture may actually communicate about pain and sorrow in childbirth Why birth is not a random event that simply happens to you How to balance personal responsibility with surrender during labor What a redemptive birth can look like after stillbirth or pregnancy loss Why women cannot always “logic” their way out of fear after trauma How gratitude can help shift the nervous system during contractions Why the internal environment can override a difficult hospital environment How to prepare for a natural, physiological birth in a hospital The importance of choosing a trauma-informed provider, doula, or midwife Why honest communication can help release tension and support labor progress How practicing discomfort can teach the brain to respond differently to pain Practical ways to move from fear and resistance into trust and partnership with your body CONNECT WITH EMILY: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-pain-heart-and-home-healing-after-loss/id1779756290 Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
July 21 · 42 min
#111 | An Unexpected Pain-Free Resort Birth at 42 Weeks
What happens when your carefully planned home birth turns into an unassisted birth at a family resort? After five years of hoping for a baby, fertility treatments, surgery, and the removal of one fallopian tube, Jessica Richards and her husband were overjoyed to conceive naturally. They prepared for a peaceful home birth with a trusted midwife, but when Jessica reached 42 weeks pregnant, their baby still had not arrived. With her midwife’s approval, the couple decided to join their family for a Christmas trip at a resort two hours from home. A day filled with laughter, water slides, connection, and relaxation soon became the beginning of labor. When Jessica’s contractions intensified and her water broke as they attempted to leave, she and her husband realized they would not make it home. Instead of panicking, they returned to their room, leaned into the physiological process, and welcomed their son in the bathtub with no birth team present. Jessica shares how preparation, prayer, movement, surrender, and trust helped her remain peaceful during an experience she never could have planned. Tune in to hear: Jessica’s journey through infertility, surgery, and naturally conceiving with one fallopian tube Why she felt peaceful traveling at 42 weeks pregnant How relaxation, family connection, and oxytocin may have helped labor begin The signs that told Jessica’s doula she was close to birth Why Jessica and her husband chose to return to their resort room How water, movement, breathing, music, and low vocalization supported her labor What it felt like to experience spontaneous pushing without forcing her body The surreal moment Jessica caught her own baby in the bathtub How her husband remained calm and supported her throughout the unexpected birth The role faith and surrender played in Jessica’s mindset How Jessica prepared physically with walking, chiropractic care, massage, and pelvic floor therapy What happened after the baby and placenta were born Why the family stayed at the resort for another night Jessica’s encouragement for women struggling with fear, anxiety, or going past their due date How this birth strengthened Jessica’s trust in her maternal instincts CONNECT WITH JESSICA: @jessicanicolerichards Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
July 14 · 55 min
#110 | God Redeemed Her Unexpected Pregnancy and Gave Her a Pain-Free Home Birth
What happens when an unexpected pregnancy disrupts the life you thought you had finally learned to accept? When Amanda discovered she was pregnant with her fifth baby, she did not feel the immediate excitement she had experienced with her previous pregnancies. Instead, she felt shocked, angry, disconnected, and ashamed of her own emotions. For months, she struggled privately while pretending everything was fine. Through prayer, counseling, humility, and surrender, Amanda experienced a powerful change of heart that transformed the pregnancy she had resisted into one of the most redemptive stories of her life. That redemption continued into birth. Although Amanda secretly longed for a home birth, she and her husband planned to deliver at the hospital. But when labor progressed faster than expected, her water broke at ten centimeters while her midwife was already in the house. Amanda remained home, experienced a peaceful rest and be thankful phase, and delivered her baby in the bathtub after only three minutes of pushing. After four hospital births, she describes this unmedicated home water birth as her calmest and least painful birth. Tune in to hear: Amanda’s honest reaction to discovering she was unexpectedly pregnant with her fifth baby Why she felt ashamed of struggling to accept a pregnancy that others would consider a blessing How resentment began affecting her marriage and emotional well-being The role prayer, therapy, humility, and surrender played in changing her heart How Amanda intentionally connected with her baby after months of feeling detached Why she chose midwifery care after four pregnancies with an obstetrician How God opened the door for her to work with the Christian midwife she had specifically prayed for What prodromal labor felt like after four previously fast and straightforward labors The moment Amanda’s water broke at ten centimeters in her living room Why her midwife recommended staying home instead of rushing to the hospital How the rest and be thankful phase gave Amanda time to prepare for birth What made this water birth less painful than her previous hospital and epidural births How breathing, worship music, gratitude, and Christian hypnobirthing supported her labor Why physiological birth education changed Amanda’s fifth birth experience How this unexpected baby became an irreplaceable blessing to the entire family Connect with Amanda: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_joy_photography/ Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
July 7 · 1 hr 4 min
#109 | Two Sets of Twins, Two Unmedicated Hospital Births, One Incredible Testimony
Have you ever wondered if a twin birth can truly be peaceful, unmedicated, and even pain free? In this powerful episode of the Pain Free Birth Podcast, Karen sits down with Destiny Randolph, a mom of six who has birthed two sets of twins naturally, unmedicated, and in the hospital. Destiny shares the incredible story of conceiving both sets of twins naturally, navigating the mental weight of a “high risk” label, and learning to trust her body, her intuition, her husband, her care team, and the Lord through it all. This conversation is full of practical wisdom for any mama preparing for birth, especially those navigating hospital birth, induction, twin pregnancy, provider pressure, or fear of the unknown. Destiny’s story is a beautiful reminder that your internal environment matters deeply, that advocacy can be peaceful and collaborative, and that birth can be powerful, holy, joyful, and far less painful than you have been led to believe. Tune in to hear: Destiny’s story of conceiving two sets of twins naturally How she processed the shock and fear of finding out she was pregnant with twins again Why twin pregnancy felt mentally and physically harder, but twin birth felt easier than her singleton births How she prayerfully navigated an induction recommendation at 37 weeks and 4 days Why she chose Pitocin but declined breaking her water right away The role of her husband in advocacy, decision making, and emotional support How a supportive nurse helped her trust her body and make decisions with peace Why cervical checks can impact labor mindset The “open hands” practice that helped her relax through intensity How worship music, water, closed eyes, and her husband helped her stay focused in the OR What happened when Baby A was born in the OR and Baby B came later in the labor room The shocking moment Baby B came flying out in her sac while the nurses thought it was “just fluid” Why Destiny believes hospital birth can still be beautiful, spiritual, and empowering Her encouragement for twin moms, hospital birth moms, and women afraid birth will ruin their bodies The deeper lesson Destiny learned about surrender, trust, and letting go of control CONNECT WITH DESTINY: @Destinyjrandolph Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
June 30 · 45 min
#108 | The Hidden Harm Behind "Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby"
Did you have a healthy baby, but still feel broken after birth? For decades, women have been told that if their baby is healthy, they should simply be grateful. But what happens when your body, your heart, and your spirit are still carrying the weight of a birth that left you feeling unheard, violated, disappointed, or ashamed? In this deeply personal episode, I unpack the hidden damage behind the phrase "healthy mom, healthy baby," why birth trauma is so often minimized, and how true healing begins. Whether your birth included unexpected interventions, a cesarean, feelings of failure, or simply didn't unfold the way you dreamed, this conversation will remind you that your story matters and that healing is possible. Tune in to hear: Why "healthy mom, healthy baby" has become one of the most harmful phrases women hear after birth How birth trauma happens, even when everyone says your birth was "normal" The emotional signs that you may still be carrying unresolved birth trauma Why trauma is about what happened inside of you, not just what happened to you The connection between birth trauma, nervous system regulation, and postpartum healing How shame, fear, and self-blame become trapped in the body The powerful role forgiveness plays in healing, including forgiving yourself Questions that help uncover the root of birth trauma and lifelong patterns What family, friends, doulas, and birth workers can say instead of "At least you had a healthy baby" Practical first steps for processing grief and reconnecting with your body Why empowered mothers create healthier families and healthier birth culture Resources available through Pain Free Birth for deeper healing and support Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
June 23 · 1 hr 32 min
#107 | She Faced a 40-Hour Induction and Still Loved Her Birth with Eliana Ghen
What if your birth doesn't go according to plan, but becomes even more transformative because of it? In today's powerful birth story, actress, filmmaker, and creator Eliana Ghen shares her incredible 42-week induction journey. After being pressured toward an early induction for a suspected IUGR diagnosis, Eliana learned to advocate for herself, trust her body, and ask better questions. That decision ultimately allowed her baby more time to grow and led her into one of the most transformative experiences of her life. What followed was a 42-hour labor that tested every mental, physical, and emotional reserve she had. Through Pitocin, Cytotec, Foley balloon induction, relentless back labor, extreme exhaustion, and moments where she believed she couldn't continue, Eliana discovered a level of strength she never knew existed. Her story is a powerful reminder that birth does not have to be perfect to be empowering. Tune in to hear: • How a suspected IUGR diagnosis almost led to a 37-week induction • Why she chose to continue her pregnancy past 42 weeks • What really happened during her Foley balloon and Cytotec induction • The truth about Pitocin and whether it made contractions more painful • How mindset preparation changed her entire labor experience • The fear release exercises that helped her stay grounded • Why back labor became the biggest challenge of her birth • The moment she nearly chose an epidural • How her husband helped her avoid a decision she wasn't ready to make • What happened when her water was finally broken • Why pushing felt completely different than labor • The surprising pain-free ending after 42 hours of labor • How birth transformed her confidence forever • Her advice for women facing induction • Why empowerment matters more than any specific birth outcome Connect with Eliana: ElianaGhen.com TikTok: Eliana Ghen You tube: Eliana Ghen Instagram: eliana_ghen Facebook: Eliana Ghen Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
June 16 · 1 hr 9 min
#106 | How Faith, Physiology, and Preparation Led to a Redemptive Birth
Can a traumatic birth experience be redeemed, even after years of fear, postpartum struggles, and disappointment? In this powerful episode, Karen sits down with Anna Kroese, a homeschooling mom who shares her journey through three radically different birth experiences. After an induction for suspected IUGR, a difficult breastfeeding journey, and a fast but overwhelming home birth that left her feeling disconnected, Anna wondered if birth would ever feel empowering. Seven years later, everything changed. Through intentional preparation, understanding birth physiology, renewing her mindset, and partnering with God throughout pregnancy and labor, Anna experienced a peaceful, redemptive home birth that transformed not only her labor, but her entire postpartum experience. Tune in to hear: Anna's first hospital birth and unexpected IUGR induction How breastfeeding struggles, tongue ties, and body tension impacted her family Why bodywork, fascia release, and craniosacral therapies can be game changers The red flags she missed during her first pregnancy How she convinced her husband to support home birth Why she switched midwives in her third trimester The surprising lessons she learned from a fast, intense second birth How fear changed her perception of pain during labor The physiology behind pain-free birth The role of Christian hypnobirthing and faith during pregnancy How her husband became an incredible labor support person The moment she realized birth didn't have to hurt Delivering her baby before the midwife arrived Why her postpartum experience was dramatically different after her third birth How birth hormones can impact postpartum healing and mental health Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...
June 9 · 1 hr 25 min
#105 | Pain-Free VBAC After 5 C-Sections: A Testimony of Faith and Trust
What if the birth you've been praying for feels impossible according to everyone around you? After five cesarean births, Derika Brown was told over and over that a vaginal birth was out of the question. Doctors dismissed her questions, providers refused to support her, and fear surrounded every conversation about birth. But deep in her heart, she believed God was showing her a different path. In this powerful episode, Derika shares the remarkable story of her journey from five cesareans to a pain-free home birth. From hospital coercion and birth trauma to finding a supportive midwife just four days before labor, this testimony is a powerful reminder that faith, preparation, advocacy, and trust in the body's design can transform the birth experience. Tune in to hear: How Derika's first birth led to a cascade of repeat cesareans The dream that first planted the possibility of a VBAC in her heart What happened when she attempted a VBAC after four cesareans The shocking hospital experience that ended in a fifth cesarean Why informed consent matters in maternity care How birth trauma impacted her emotionally and spiritually The role faith played in rebuilding her confidence for another pregnancy Finding a supportive midwife only four days before labor How her 9-year-old daughter became her unexpected doula The atmosphere of worship, prayer, and peace surrounding labor What a pain-free birth actually felt like Experiencing the fetal ejection reflex after five cesareans The emotional moment of finally achieving her long-awaited VBAC Encouragement for mothers believing for their own redemption birth Derika's Birth Video on IG: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXkpAMrDY-e/ Doors are open for the Doula Certification Program. Grab your spot HERE. CONNECT WITH KAREN: Use code PODCAST to get $50 off the Pain Free Birth E-course HERE Submit Your Birth Story Apply to Come on the Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube Looking for a like-minded provider? View the PFB Directory HERE. Want to join the directory? JOIN HERE Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health, pregnancy, birth, or postpartum care. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Pain F...

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