What If Birth Felt Supportive, Not Stressful?

You picture how your birth will go. The environment, the people in the room, how you want to feel. Calm. Supported. In control.

But then the questions start. What if things do not go as planned? What if I do not know what to say in the moment? What if I am not heard?

In this episode of Beyond the Checkup, certified nurse midwives Jessica Borgstrom and Kristin Hazeman walk through what it really means to design the birth experience you actually want. Not a perfect plan, but a supported one.

They explain how trust, communication, and preparation can completely change how a birth feels, even when it takes unexpected turns. Because a positive birth is not about everything going exactly right. It is about feeling heard, respected, and supported every step of the way.

This episode covers how to build a birth plan that reflects your preferences, how to advocate for yourself early, and why the relationship you build with your provider matters more than any checklist.

[00:00:44] What “partnering with patients” really means in midwifery care

[00:02:24] Why feeling heard is the most important part of a birth experience

[00:03:34] Common fears during pregnancy and labor

[00:06:04] How to advocate for yourself early in pregnancy

[00:07:20] What makes a birth feel positive even when plans change

[00:08:56] What a birth plan really is and how to think about it

[00:10:28] How environment impacts labor and patient experience

[00:13:05] Creating a plan that is both empowering and flexible

[00:15:04] Staying grounded and avoiding overwhelm during labor

[00:18:14] Final advice: trusting your body and the process

Resources

• Beyond the Checkup Podcast – Stellis Health

• Jessica Borgstrom

• Kristin Hazeman

• Midwifery Services at Stellis Health

• Stellis Health Appointment Scheduling

Memorable Quotes

“Birth is unpredictable, but feeling heard changes everything.”

“A positive birth is not about perfection. It is about feeling supported.”

“Your birth plan is not a checklist. It is how you want to feel.”

“We build trust early so you feel confident later.”

“Your body is meant to do this.”

What's inside this episode:

• What it really means to partner with your provider

• How to advocate for yourself before labor begins

• Why birth plans should be flexible, not rigid

• What creates a positive experience even when things change

• How environment and support impact labor

• What partners can do to be involved and helpful

Have you ever felt your stomach drop before a big moment? Lost your appetite under stress? Or turned to comfort food when you're down?

You're not alone—and you're not imagining it.

In this episode of Beyond the Checkup, Stellis Health mental health practitioner Tom Hawkins joins host Pete Waggoner to unpack the powerful relationship between your brain, your emotions, and your digestion. Together, they break down why anxiety and appetite are so closely linked, how your nervous system plays a role, and what simple tools can help bring balance to your body and mind.

Whether you're dealing with nausea, overeating, or just wondering why your stomach reacts to stress—this episode will leave you thinking differently about the phrase “gut feeling.”

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• How anxiety and digestion are connected

• Why your appetite changes when you’re stressed

• What it means to have a “gut feeling”

• How trauma or chronic stress can cause long-term digestive issues

• Easy holiday tips for emotional and digestive wellness

• A practical breathing technique that signals your body to relax

  
  

Episode Highlights (Timestamps)

[00:02:15] Is “gut instinct” real? How our brain and body communicate
[00:04:08] Fight, flight—or digestion? How stress literally shuts down your gut
[00:07:22] Why anxiety can feel like a stomachache
[00:09:20] Top-down vs. bottom-up emotions—and how your gut and brain affect each other
[00:12:19] Why holidays throw off digestion and how to help your body adjust
[00:14:20] The small plate trick: easy mindful eating tip for big meals
[00:16:00] Appetite changes and mental health—what your eating habits are telling you
[00:20:00] A simple breathing exercise to calm your nervous system

Listen to all podcasts here: https://stellishealth.com/category/podcast/

The Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore About Your Mental Health

Have you ever told yourself “I’m just tired” or “I’ll be fine once things calm down” - but deep down you weren’t actually fine?

This episode of Beyond the Checkup shares why those thoughts matter.

Stellis Health mental health practitioner Tom Hawkins joins host Pete Waggoner to explain what counseling really looks like, how to know when it might be time to reach out, and what small tools can help you start feeling better now.

Whether you’re curious about therapy or looking for simple ways to manage stress and overwhelm, this episode is packed with practical advice.

Episode Highlights (Timestamps)

[00:01:00] What a mental health counselor does and the different credentials you might see

[00:03:11] The power of daily self-care, including movement, gratitude, and connection

[00:05:00] Red and yellow flags: subtle signs it might be time to seek support

[00:07:59] Common myths and misunderstandings about counseling

[00:11:00] How Tom helps patients track progress and build coping skills

[00:13:28] Practical tools: journaling, grounding techniques, gratitude

Resources Mentioned

• Tom Hawkins, MHPRAC, Mental Health - Monticello location

• Quiet by Susan Cain

• Calm app

• Stellis Health Podcasts & Blogs