Ep. 12 - A Hospital Birth, Homebirth, and the Power of Informed Choice with Heather
Show Links
Homebirth Honeys Austin Midwives
Labor Tinctures : Angelica, Happy Mama Herbals, Black Cohosh (always speak with your midwife before using!)
Nutrition is First - Heather’s Business Built to Help with Your Picky Toddler
Follow Heather on Instagram @nutritionisfirst
Discount Codes
My all time favorite baby carrier: MABE Baby Carrier - $10 Off!
Incredible pre-prepared Ayurvedic meals and snacks for east Postpartum nutrition: Eat Mama Meals - $20 off first order of $200+
Encouragement for Expecting Mamas
Whether you’re planning a home birth, hoping for a natural hospital birth, or preparing for the unexpected, Sydney’s story will leave you feeling encouraged and grounded in the truth that birth is not just about the moment of delivery — it’s about the journey, the surrender, and the strength you carry with you long after.
🎧 Tune in to this episode of the Bare Birth Podcast wherever you listen, or click the link above to listen now!
Pregnancy, birth, and motherhood are rarely linear. Each experience adds a layer—of wisdom, of challenge, of clarity.
For Heather, a pediatric PA, dietitian, and mom of two with one on the way, the journey into motherhood has been filled with contrast: medical knowledge balanced with personal intuition, hospital protocols met with home birth peace, and the chaos of picky eaters held with patience and care.
In this week’s episode of the Bare Birth Podcast, Heather shares her personal story of becoming a mother, navigating the ups and downs of pregnancy and postpartum, and launching a business that supports families through nutrition and parenting. Her insights are both grounded and inspiring, especially for those preparing for birth, postpartum, or parenthood.
Plans for An Unmedicated Hospital Birth with Unexpected Intervention
Heather’s journey began with a relatively easy first pregnancy and the goal of an unmedicated hospital birth. She abored naturally and did everything she could to allow her body to lead the way. But after hours of pushing and slow progress, her provider recommended forceps assistance and an epidural to help bring her baby into the world.
One thing I appreciated so much about my interview with Heather was her ability to reflect and see this experience not as trauma, but as the best decision she could make at the time. She approached this decision informed and that made all the difference.
Choosing a Home Birth the Second Time Around
With her second pregnancy, Heather chose something different: a home birth. Rooted in trust, research, and personal experience, she knew her body was capable—and this time, she wanted a setting that reflected that trust.
Her home birth experience was everything she hoped it would be: empowering, peaceful, and aligned with her values. Surrounded by a supportive midwife and birth team, Heather was able to move freely, labor intuitively, and welcome her baby in the comfort of her own home.
Preparing for Baby Number Three
Now pregnant with her third child, Heather is navigating new terrain: advanced maternal age, previous birth experiences, and current medical concerns. Yet she remains grounded in her approach—balancing her background in medicine with her deep belief in bodily intuition and informed decision-making.
She emphasizes that being educated about your options, asking questions, and advocating for your care matters, especially as pregnancy and maternal health become more complex.
Parenting and Feeding: A Real-Life Perspective
Beyond birth, Heather’s passion lies in helping families navigate one of the most common parenting challenges: feeding young children. As a pediatric PA and registered dietitian, she brings both clinical knowledge and real-life experience into her business, where she supports parents in managing picky eating and establishing healthy mealtime habits.
She offers encouragement to parents who feel overwhelmed by food battles and reminds them that feeding is about connection, patience, and trust—just like birth.
The Power of Trust and Support
Heather’s story is a beautiful reminder that no two births are the same, and every chapter of motherhood offers new opportunities for growth. Her shift from a hospital birth with intervention to a peaceful home birth wasn’t just a change of location—it was a reflection of her growing confidence, her willingness to learn, and her commitment to trusting her body and advocating for herself.
Whether you’re preparing for your first birth, considering home birth, navigating postpartum, or dealing with the day-to-day realities of motherhood, this episode offers support, insight, and encouragement.
🎧 Listen now on the Bare Birth Podcast, available on all major platforms.
