Ep 308: First time Peaceful Homebirth as a First Time Foster Mom with Alexis Meisenholder

Ep 308: First time Peaceful Homebirth as a First Time Foster Mom with Alexis Meisenholder

Author: Katelyn Fusco January 5, 2026 Duration: 46:55
Change can be tough. How do we integrate the arrival of our new baby? Moreover, how do we integrate the arrival of our new baby mere weeks after the arrival of our foster child and a move into a new home?   This week, we're speaking to Alexis. A foster-turning adoptive mother to a 7-year-old daughter, and homebirth bio mom to a 1 year old baby boy at the time of this recording. Alexis and her family experienced so. much. change. during her pregnancy, and leading up to her birth, and yet you will love the attitude and perspective with which she holds all of this as we hear her journey.   Episode Roundup:    Alexis found confidence in herself as she navigate pregnancy and motherhood, and so much of this was because she was in control of her care. She wasn't being told what to do or forced or coerced. Alexis was surrounded by midwives who truly cared for her and wanted her to be in charge of her experience. What a massive difference this makes in terms of how we feel about ourselves as mothers. What a beautiful gift of an experience to know that we've got the stuff we need to be who we were designed to be. Alexis said that, overarching, she sees how God's timing was so perfect in her story, despite the fact that she certainly couldn't see that or even fully feel that during the process at times. Isn't it so humbling to realize that our perspective just isn't as big as that of our Creator's? What feels like pain, a struggle, something incredibly difficult or even wrong from where we're standing.... that can be used, too. Alexis celebrates the fact that in His timing, she gained two beautiful children-- two children she wouldn't trade for the world. How amazing. Links:   Redeem ™ |  https://hubs.ly/Q03K0Dr90 “Click here to learn more about REDEEM HealthShare Ministry”   Restorative Roots  | restorativeroots.com (use code HAPPYHOMEBIRTH for $20 off your first order)   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/presale (use code PODCAST for 10% off)

Hosted by Katelyn Fusco, Happy Homebirth creates a genuine space for conversations that go far beyond the simple how-to of having a baby at home. This podcast centers on the real, unfiltered narratives of people who have experienced natural childbirth, primarily in their own homes. You’ll hear directly from mothers as they recount the intensity, joy, and transformative power of their journeys, alongside the perspectives of midwives and other care providers who support them. While the tone is often uplifting and engaging, these discussions don’t shy away from the raw and challenging moments, offering a fully rounded picture of what homebirth can entail. It’s about building a supportive community through shared stories, where education and encouragement are woven into every episode. Tuning in means connecting with a resource that honors the entire spectrum of motherhood, from pregnancy and birth to parenting and personal health, all while exploring the intersections of family life and personal well-being. For anyone curious, planning, or simply seeking honest dialogue about this profound life experience, this podcast serves as a valuable and comforting companion.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Happy Homebirth
Podcast Episodes
Ep 283: Homebirth Healed Her Pelvic Floor! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:18
The pelvic floor: it can be wounded during childbirth– but– could it be healed during the process instead? Victoria Hedrick is a wife to her wonderful husband Jonathan, and the mother of their almost three year old daugh…
Ep 282: Experience Pelvic Floor Freedom! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:57
The pelvic floor- can you truly heal it and restore function? Or is there a point where you’re beyond help? This week we are speaking with Paris Latka. Paris has been involved in the practice of Bowspring since 2016, and…
Ep 281: Long Labor Turned Surprise Breech Homebirth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:26
Breech birth is supposed to be rare, right? How would you feel if you had more breech babies than head down babies?! This week we’re speaking to Stephanie Kase, who has had twice as many breech babies as she’s had cephal…
Ep 280: Embracing Your Intuition in Birth and Motherhood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:43
If you had a pretty good experience in the hospital with your first baby, what’s the point of changing things up with subsequent births? Today we’re speaking with Kylie, who is living the dream as a stay at home mom of 3…
Ep 279: Holding Fast with an Open Hand [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:58
What is the balance when it comes to preparing for our birth, but also holding it all with an open hand, knowing that outside factors can contribute to our experience? Sara West and her husband Andrew live on Florida's s…
Ep 278: Intuition: When You Know Deeper Than Mere Logic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:49
You’re either for something or you’re against it, right? Like, you either love ultrasounds or you don’t. Or you want testing done or you don’t….. Or… gasp, could there be more to it than right or wrong? This week we’re s…
Ep 277: An Unexpected Medical Diagnosis Mid-Pregnancy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:07
A shocking medical diagnosis is never easy to grapple with– but what happens when it comes in the middle of your pregnancy? This week we’re speaking to Chloe, a wife and mother to two precious little boys. Chloe’s story…
Ep 276: A New Perspective on Birth: Labor Through Dad's Eyes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:10
Dads- how does the idea of your wife giving birth make you feel? Does the idea immediately excite you, or does it put a level of fear on you– do you wonder how you can protect her and your baby? Do you feel out of contro…
Ep 275: From Midwife to Motherhood [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:06
When a midwife gives birth to her first baby, she’ll know exactly what to expect, right? This week we’re speaking with Leigha Fairchild, a midwife who serves mamas and families in the Kansas City area. She became a midwi…
Ep 274:  Birth Can Bring You Full Circle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:40
Is it really safe to have hopes and desires for your birth? What if you plan but things don’t unfold the way you’d wanted? This week we’re speaking to Lindsey Fuller, a homemaker and former registered nurse living in Tam…