Ep 333: The Midwife Who Told Her She Didn't Need a Midwife

Have you ever been so certain about a decision that, even when everyone around you questioned it, you knew deep down it was the right path for you?   My friends, today’s conversation is a fascinating look at conviction, trust, and what it means to take full responsibility for your birth experience. This week, we're speaking with Gabrielle Lacey, a wife, mother, welder-turned-farmer, and soon-to-be mother of three living in the mountains of North Carolina. Gabrielle shares the stories of her first two free births, both of which unfolded in unique and memorable ways.     Episode Roundup:   1. I keep coming back to the power of preparation. Whether or not you’d give birth unattended, one thing is undeniable about Gabby’s choices: she spent years thinking about birth before she ever became pregnant. She listened to stories, studied, asked questions, and spent time considering what she believed about birth and motherhood.   2. I loved hearing the difference between Gabby’s first and second births. Her first birth felt very independent. It was just Gabby and her mother-in-law, taking the situation as it came.  In the end, they were the only ones who witnessed her daughter’s entrance, with Gabby’s husband Hayden arriving 15 minutes later. But by her second pregnancy, she had built a community– one that she wanted to witness her birth. She talked about hosting women's circles, finding friendships with other mothers, and inviting support into the experience. How special that she’s experienced the birthing process in two very different ways.    3. The theme that stayed with me most was trust. Trusting her body. Trusting her baby. Trusting the process. There was that incredible moment during her first birth when her baby's head was born and then everything paused. Instead of panic, Gabby prayed. She spoke to her baby. She stayed present. And eventually labor resumed exactly as it needed to. What a reminder: Fear is not the only option when something unexpected happens. And one more thing before we close. I loved Gabby's reflection at the very end of our conversation when she talked about trusting babies. Not rushing them. Not forcing timelines or assuming we know better than they do. How beautifully does this translate to motherhood: Trusting that our children are participating in this journey with us.  We’re working together as we grow.     Link:   FREE Peaceful Birth Reset: https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/birthreset   Whole Mother Homebirth | https://www.myhappyhomebirth.com/wholemotherhomebirth (use code PODCAST for 10% off)   Learn more about Samaritan Ministries: https://samaritanministries.org/happyhomebirth   Youtube Episode Link: https://youtu.be/nTGVW4bIHH4 Gabby's Instagram | www.instagram.com/humble.hill.homestead