Stephanie is a mama to 3 boys & 2 girls {3 of which she has given birth to and all born very differently}, professional childbirth educator, doula, host of the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy podcast, and creator of the online course, “My Essential Birth.” She is passionate about empowering women through knowledge to trust in their bodies and the process of birth. When she’s not doing birth work you can find her homeschooling, serving in her church calling, indulging in good food and company, & spending time in the sun with her kids.
Stephanie's Journey into Birth Work Stephanie King shared her personal birth story, explaining that she was "called to the work" and it wasn't her initial dream. Her first baby was born via an "unnecessary cesarean," which motivated her to understand the birth process better (00:00:51). Her second birth was a medicated vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) in a German hospital, which she found redemptive (00:01:39) (00:05:36). Her third baby was born at home, an experience that changed her life and convinced her to help other women (00:01:39) (00:06:21).
Importance of Birth Education Stephanie King emphasized the importance of birth education, especially since she felt unprepared for her first birth despite taking hospital classes (00:01:39). Brooke Harmer highlighted that education helps individuals understand their options and prepare for scenarios aligned with their values (00:11:28). Stephanie noted that many healthcare providers offer opinions rather than objective facts, underscoring the need for individuals to find a provider who aligns with their personal birth philosophy (00:12:23).
Common Misconceptions About Birth Stephanie King addressed common misconceptions about birth, such as the belief in a low pain tolerance or the necessity of medication (00:15:08). She also debunked the idea that some individuals' pelvises are too small or misshapen for vaginal birth, explaining that this is often a "copout" and related to impatience on the part of providers. She clarified that natural movement during labor is crucial for baby's descent, which is often inhibited by medication (00:16:08) (00:19:54).
The Role of Mindset in Childbirth Stephanie King stressed the significant role of mindset in childbirth, introducing the "find it and flip it" exercise to reframe negative thoughts into positive affirmations (00:22:03). She explained that consistently practicing these affirmations can rewire the brain, fostering confidence and excitement for birth (00:22:51). Stephanie also highlighted the importance of a supportive birth team, including partners and providers, to maintain a positive mindset (00:23:40).
Distinction Between Hospital and Independent Birth Prep Courses Stephanie King differentiated hospital-offered birth classes from independent birth prep courses, stating that hospital classes often focus on making individuals "good patients" rather than providing comprehensive options or relaxation techniques (00:24:37). She noted that even hypnobirthing classes taught in hospitals might have restrictions on what can be taught due to hospital policies (00:25:42). A good birth course, she argued, provides all available information and empowers individuals to make informed choices that align with their values, regardless of their birth preferences (00:26:53).
Comprehensive Nature of Stephanie's Birth Prep Course Stephanie King described her birth prep course as being rooted in years of professional and personal experience, blending evidence-based information with a holistic approach for the entire family (00:31:37). The course starts with nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, emphasizing their impact on reducing complications and giving individuals more control over their birth choices (00:32:27) (00:34:59). It also extensively covers the labor process, actively involving birth partners through specific training, and continues through immediate postpartum and breastfeeding support (00:33:18).
Addressing "What If" Scenarios in Birth Stephanie King explained that her course includes a dedicated section on "what ifs," preparing individuals for unexpected scenarios and encouraging them to make informed decisions in real-time (00:35:57). She emphasized that a positive birth experience is not solely defined by a vaginal or unmedicated birth but by being an active participant in every decision and having those choices respected. She noted that this proactive approach helps individuals process outcomes, even if they result in a necessary cesarean (00:37:39) (00:39:36).
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