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Jun 2025
1h 10m

342: The Doula’s Guide to Labor, Bonding...

KELLY LEVEQUE
About this episode

In this episode, I’m joined by doula, certified nutrition consultant, and author Carson Meyer for a heartfelt conversation about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Carson has supported over 100 births, and she brings so much wisdom to topics like what to expect each trimester, how to build your birth team, and the growing interest in home birth and natural labor support.

We talk about prenatal bonding, reducing induction and C-section rates, the power of movement and waterbirth, and how to set birth intentions instead of rigid plans. Carson also shares insight into spiritual preparation for motherhood, facing birth fears, and creating a supportive postpartum plan. 

Leave Us A Voice Message! | https://telbee.io/channel/4_b9zzx58wdkuwirqkcxwa/

TOPICS DISCUSSED: 

→ What does a doula do during pregnancy and birth?

→ How can movement and water support natural labor?

→ What are the benefits of home birth vs. hospital birth?

→ How do you reduce the chance of induction or C-section?

→ What’s the difference between a birth plan and birth intentions?

Sponsored By: 

→ Be Well By Kelly Protein Powder & Essentials | Get $10 off your order with PODCAST10 at bewellbykelly.com.

→ LMNT | Get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Kelly

→ WeNatal | You can use my link, wenatal.com/kelly, with any subscription order, to get a free one month supply of WeNatal’s Omega DHA+ Fish Oil.

→ OneSkin | Visit oneskin.co/BEWELL and use code BEWELL for 15% off your first purchase.

Timestamps: 

→ 00:00:00 - Introduction 

→ 00:02:44 - What drew Carson to doula work?

→ 00:05:17 - Doula training 

→ 00:06:39 - Building a doula business 

→ 00:08:56 - Doulas, Midwives, & your OBGYN

→ 00:13:45 - Rise in home births & writing journey 

→ 00:17:53 - Demystifying birth & pregnancy 

→ 00:21:10 - Witnessing over 100 births 

→ 00:22:43 - Prioritizing maternal well-being

→ 00:25:15 - Exploring your fears around birth

→ 00:29:34 - Surrendering to the raw intensity of birth

→ 00:32:04 - Essential info for every trimester

→ 00:36:11 - The spiritual side of parenthood  

→ 00:37:06 - Prenatal bonding & attachment 

→ 00:41:38 - Birth intentions vs a birth plan 

→ 00:45:59 - C-section rates 

→ 00:48:25 - Knowing when baby is ready to arrive

→ 00:51:13 - Water birth, movement, & reducing induction rates

→ 00:53:12 - Understanding waterbirth & home birth 

→ 00:56:04 - Four pillars of postpartum 

→ 01:00:18 - Kelly’s postpartum experience 

Check Out Carson:

Instagram

Website 

Skincare Line

Growing Together: Doula Wisdom and Holistic Practices for Pregnancy, Birth, and Motherhood (book)

Check Out Kelly:

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