Down to Birth

• #333 | Emily Vondy's Encounter with God During Labor

  Send us a textEmily Vondy hardly needs an introduction. She's a mother of six, songwriter, and online creator @emilyvondy whose humor, reflections, and music have brought laughter and validation to millions. In this episode, she invites us into the story of her fifth birth, which came after two heartbreaking miscarriages. What began as a pregnancy marked by fear and doubt became an experience of profound peace—and what she vividly experienced as clear-as-day divine intervention.That’s right: Emily shares the story of how she had not one but three vivid spiritual encounters with Jesus during her hardest hour of labor—on the car ride to the birthing center. The experience brought her so much peace that she became completely silent in the throes of labor, and the drive—one she had made many times in previous labors—felt to her like just five minutes. As our conversation unfolded, we talked about why it may have happened then, and why it hasn’t happened since. She recognizes her story will inevitably leave some incredulous, and she admits she sometimes has to remind herself how very real it was. In fact, her birth video shows her describing the encounter to her husband immediately after her baby was born. Emily also reflects on how the experience left her feeling humbled by God’s nearness—not “special” or “chosen”—but deeply comforted, grateful, and mystified.At the end of the episode, Emily lets us into the world behind her on-screen presence, answering our listeners’ questions about past jobs, family size, support systems, and marriage—making our conversation both deeply inspiring and refreshingly honest. She speaks openly about balancing the chaos of a big family, the grounding practices that help her in moments of overwhelm, and the ways her faith, humor, and disposition keep her marriage strong. If you think you couldn't love Emily Vondy more than you already do, this episode just may prove you wrong. Watch this episode in full video format on YouTube.**********Our sponsors, Patreon, and contact info below: Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <-- this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure: ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% off Join Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshow HypnoBirthingCT.com Down to Birth Show Call 802-GET-DOWN Watch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

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• #332 | The Hidden Power of the Infant Microbiome: Optimizing Exposure in Birth & Breastfeeding

  Send us a textIn this episode, filmmaker and microbiome advocate Toni Harman joins us to explore the groundbreaking science behind establishing the infant microbiome—and why the earliest moments of life matter so much for lifelong health. Toni shares her personal journey from an unexpected C-section to uncovering how birth methods, antibiotics, and feeding choices shape immunity, metabolism, and risk of chronic disease over our lifetime.Key Points Discussed Include:Why vaginal birth, skin-to-skin contact, and early exclusive breastfeeding are the gold standard for seeding a healthy microbiome;How C-section birth changes microbial exposure—introducing hospital and staff microbes instead of the mother’s;Why even a single bottle of formula can shift the gut microbiome, and how exclusive breastfeeding and skin-to-skin can help restore balance;The fascinating recent research about vaginal seeding during C-sections...is it actually effective?The impact of newborn exposure to maternal gut microbes at birth;How the microbiome begins to “lock in” by age 2–3, and ways to keep building resilience through early childhood.Buckle up for some mind-blowing ideas in this episode! As always, Mother Nature has the perfect, albeit a little dirty, plan! Microbirth FilmInstagram: Toni HarmanWatch this episode in full video format on YouTube.**********Our sponsors, Patreon, and contact info below: Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <-- this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure: ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% off Join Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshow HypnoBirthingCT.com Down to Birth Show Call 802-GET-DOWN Watch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

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• #331 | August Q&A: Sugar Cravings, Exclusive Breastfeeding vs Bottle, Moxibustion, Obstetric Coercion, Late Onset GD, Dystocia, Fundal Height

  Send us a textWelcome to the August Q&A episode! What is your secret quirk? We want to know! We share a few of yours along with our own. Today's first question is from a mother who had a large first baby without a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. She's concerned in her second pregnancy that she might develop late-onset gestational diabetes.Next, a pregnant mother's mother is a medical doctor and is having a hard time supporting her daughter's natural birth choices because of her experiences in the medical system. Another mom is struggling with sugar cravings in pregnancy and is wondering what advice we have to reduce those cravings.In the extended episode, available on Patreon and Apple subscriptions,  we address the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding over exclusive bottle-feeding, whether or not you should have a planned cesarean after a shoulder dystocia, and if moxibustion works to turn a breech baby. Quickies: Fundal height measurements, prenatal appointments at the end of pregnancy, hemorrhoids, spotting postpartum, short breastfeeds, LEEP procedure and cervical scar tissue, high lipase milk, laboring down, restless legs in pregnancy, and finally, would we tell anyone about our pregnancy before 12 weeks? Call us with your questions, comments or stories at 802-GET-DOWN!Watch this episode in full video format on YouTube.**********Our sponsors:Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packUse promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors. Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <-- this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure: ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% off Join Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshow HypnoBirthingCT.com Down to Birth Show Call 802-GET-DOWN Watch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

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• #330 | Sleep Like a Baby: The Impact of Melatonin, Blue Light, and Sunrise with DreamWalkerz

  Send us a textSleep is the foundation of health—and yet in modern motherhood, it’s often the first thing we lose. In this episode, we’re joined by Heidi and Thaddeus of DreamWalkerz, parents of six and passionate educators on the biology of sleep. Together, we explore how light—yes, just light—is one of the most overlooked but powerful regulators of our sleep, hormones, mood, and even fertility.Heidi and Thaddeus break down what circadian rhythms really are, how they’re installed in babies, and why so many of us are unknowingly “teaching” our newborns to be awake at night and asleep during the day. We talk about the biological cost of blue light, the myth of the night owl, and how shifting even small habits—like going outside at dawn or switching a lightbulb—can radically change the way we sleep and parent.We also explore melatonin myths, the complex hormonal dance between light and reproduction, and why syncing your body to natural light is not just a lifestyle tweak—it’s a return to something deeply human.This episode offers no quick fixes, but rather a steady reminder that rest is not a luxury—it’s a birthright. And it begins not with a supplement or a schedule, but with the rising sun.Dreamwalkerz: Use Promo code DOWNTOBIRTH to save 10%Instagram: DreamwalkerzThe Melatonin Makeover#172 | Our Sexual Energy as the Secret Weapon to Our Best Birth and Best Life with Kim Anami Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <-- this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure: ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% off Join Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshow HypnoBirthingCT.com Down to Birth Show Call 802-GET-DOWN Watch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

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• #329 | Doula Confessions: Bearing Witness to Birth and Broken Systems

  Send us a textDoulas play a critical role in supporting women through childbirth—but their work is anything but easy, and their work isn't for the faint of heart. Many face disrespect from providers and routinely witness coercion, misinformation, and violations of informed consent. Even with their deep commitment to the women they serve, doulas often feel powerless in the face of hospital systems driven by profit and control. Still, many doulas are called to this work—and despite everything, they continue with resilience, purpose, and unwavering commitment.Doulas are indispensable. The evidence is clear: When a doula is present, C-section rates drop -- as do all other routine interventions. Physiologic birth is more likely. Breastfeeding is more successful. And most important, mothers walk away feeling more satisfied and supported. Doulas are, and always have been, the original birth keepers. Their presence makes birth safer, more humane, and more aligned with what women actually want and need.In today’s episode, we hear directly from doulas about what they’re up against—and why, despite it all, they keep showing up. We also share our reflections on what it means to support doulas as they continue this vital work.**********Our sponsors:Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packConnect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.Email [email protected] @downtobirthshowCall us at 802-GET-DOWNWatch the full videos of all our episodes on YouTube Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <-- this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure: ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% off Join Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshow HypnoBirthingCT.com Down to Birth Show Call 802-GET-DOWN Watch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

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