Shanna’s Birth Story: 42 Weeks & Learning to Surrender

This show has so many parts to it! Shanna and Eric were in my Hypnobirthing series and Eric was so amazed at their process when I picked up their placenta – he could not stop talking about how awesome his wife was! Shanna and I talk through her journey to becoming a mom- a few losses led her and her husband to a fertility clinic, genetic testing, and ultimately IVF. Important information for parents pre-pregnancy – you may want to look at both sets of genes before you begin trying.

We also get into what it looked like to prepare for birth with education, a supportive partner, and a doula she truly connected with—plus how those tools helped her advocate with confidence in the hospital. Shanna shares going past her due date, navigating induction conversations, and making real-time decisions when things didn’t go exactly according to plan. 

We talk about the mindset shift of “surrender,” what that can look like during labor, and how those lessons carry right into postpartum and early parenting. We wrap with a few practical encouragements around pelvic floor therapy, lining up breastfeeding support, and why being informed can make everything feel less scary—no matter what direction your birth takes.

@doula.lydiakay

Let’s connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204