Seriously… why would anyone skip the epidural? In this episode, I unpack the surprising reasons women say no to pain relief—and why it’s not as crazy as it sounds.

In a world where pain relief is right there for the taking, it can seem wild that some women actually choose to give birth without it.

Listen in to hear some surprising reasons that you may have never considered. From personal stories to common motivators like fear of needles, frustration with hospitals, wanting the full rite-of-passage experience, or avoiding the hidden risks of epidurals—you’ll hear the full picture behind this misunderstood choice.

This isn’t about shaming women who get the epidural (there are just as many valid reasons for that). It’s about pulling back the curtain on why unmedicated birth appeals to some and building more understanding across the birth spectrum.

If you’ve ever wondered why in the world someone would say no to pain relief—or if you’re weighing your own options—this episode is for you.

✨ Resources + Links:

Instagram: @kayla_mackenzie_birth

Values-Based Birth Planning Workbook

Explore In-Person or Virtual Birth Support

Book a virtual consultation

email: hello@kaylamackenzie.co

Thinking about a home birth or curious what a birth center experience is like? In this episode of A Mother Is Born, I sit down with community midwives Brandi Sair (CPM) and Molly Rose (DEM) to talk about the realities of midwifery care, the safety of out-of-hospital birth, and their exciting new birth and wellness center opening in Santaquin, Utah.

We cover:

• The different types of midwives and what their training means for families
• Myths and misconceptions about home birth safety
• How midwives manage complications like hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, and newborn resuscitation
• Why breach and twin births are often misunderstood in our medical system
• The vision behind their new birth center and what families can expect

Whether you’re considering a home birth, exploring midwifery care in Utah County, or just curious about the growing movement toward more autonomous, physiological birth, this conversation will leave you informed, empowered, and inspired.

👉 Tune in, and don’t forget to subscribe for more real talk about birth, autonomy, and motherhood.

Where to find Brandi and Molly:

@safeandsoundmidwifery

@wild.womb.midwifery

wildcomb.co

Instagram: @kayla_mackenzie_birth

Values-Based Birth Planning Workbook

Explore In-Person or Virtual Birth Support

Book a virtual consultation

email: hello@kaylamackenzie.co

What does a doula do—and do you really need one?
In this episode of A Mother Is Born, birth mentor and labor doula Kayla Mackenzie explains the real role of a doula in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Learn how doulas provide physical comfort measures, emotional reassurance, informed decision-making support, and advocacy in both hospital and home birth settings.

We’ll compare doulas vs. midwives, share research-backed benefits like lower C-section rates and shorter labors, and address common myths—such as “I don’t need a doula if I have an epidural” or “My partner can just be my doula.” You’ll also hear tips on how to choose the right doula for your values and birth plan.

If you’re pregnant, planning your first birth, or preparing for a VBAC, this episode will help you understand how a doula can transform your birth experience.

Instagram: @kayla_mackenzie_birth

Values-Based Birth Planning Workbook

Explore In-Person or Virtual Birth Support

Book a virtual consultation

email: hello@kaylamackenzie.co

Why do so many women struggle to trust their bodies, their instincts, and their decisions—especially in birth and motherhood?

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow doula, Veda Weinert, cofounder of Women to Women Informed Health, to talk about how our culture and medical system systematically undermine women's self-trust—from puberty to postpartum—and how we can start reclaiming it.

We share personal stories, real examples from the birth room, and actionable ways to reconnect with your body’s cues. You'll hear:

• How medical providers unintentionally (or intentionally) erode trust
• The impact of early messages around periods, birth control, and hunger cues
• How cycle syncing and natural family planning can build body literacy
• What it actually looks like to trust yourself during birth
• And how to protect your self-trust when you're deep in the system

Whether you're preparing for birth or just starting to reconnect with your body after years of tuning out—this episode is for you.

Women to Women Informed Health

Instagram @womentowomenih

Instagram: @kayla_mackenzie_birth

Values-Based Birth Planning Workbook

Explore In-Person or Virtual Birth Support

Book a virtual consultation

email: hello@kaylamackenzie.co

In this episode of A Mother Is Born, I sit down with Grace, a therapist who specializes in OCD and trauma, to talk about how OCD can show up during pregnancy and postpartum—and why so many parents don’t realize they’re experiencing it.

We cover:

• What OCD actually is (and common myths)
• The difference between intrusive thoughts and intuition
• How to find safe, informed providers
• Treatment options beyond medication
• Our personal experiences with postpartum OCD

Whether you’re a new parent, a birthworker, or just curious about what no one tells you about intrusive thoughts—this episode is packed with clarity, compassion, and practical support.

Resources Mentioned:

• International OCD Foundation
• Postpartum Support International
• Grace’s practice: peacefulriverutah.com

Instagram: @kayla_mackenzie_birth

Values-Based Birth Planning Workbook

Explore In-Person or Virtual Birth Support

Book a virtual consultation

email: hello@kaylamackenzie.co

Why are breasts celebrated in beer ads but hidden when feeding a child? Why do we expect postpartum bodies to “bounce back” like birth never happened? Why do most of us have false ideas about how female sexual anatomy actually works?

In this episode, I sit down with my sister Adri for a conversation about how the sexualization of women’s bodies affects nearly every part of our lived experience—from birth and breastfeeding to bras, body hair, and shame.

We talk about what we learned to expect of our bodies growing up, what culture taught us to hide, and how that plays out in the birth room, the postpartum period, and even basic body functions like feeding a baby.

This isn’t just a conversation about birth—it’s about unlearning shame and reclaiming your body on your own terms.

🔍 What we talk about in this episode:

• How modesty culture contributes to shame
• Body hair removal, bras, and the “bounce back” body
• The difference between stretching and unfolding in the vagina (rugae 101)
• What the “husband stitch” is—and why it still gets joked about
• Breastfeeding in public, body autonomy, and the cost of cultural discomfort
• How women are sexualized and objectified even in the birth room.

💬 If this episode made you think differently about your body—share it with a friend.

Or better yet, leave a review and help others find conversations like this one.

More support, freebies, and birth services at 👉 kaylamackenzie.co

Instagram: @kayla_mackenzie_birth

Values-Based Birth Planning Workbook

Explore In-Person or Virtual Birth Support

Book a virtual consultation

email: hello@kaylamackenzie.co