logo
episode-header-image
Jul 15
44m 17s

3 Birth Stories, 3 Experiences: Maren Ri...

My Essential Birth
About this episode

What do you get when you mix Irish twins, a surprise pregnancy, and a determined mama ready for her first home birth? A fast, powerful, and totally redemptive third birth story! 🙌 In this episode, Maren takes us through the highs, the stalls, and the five-minute pushing stage that made her say: “I’m never going back to the hospital.”

She shares the mental prep that kept her grounded, how her husband and mom tag-teamed support, and why letting her body lead was the best decision she could’ve made. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to give birth at home—this one’s for you.

Spoiler alert: She’s now officially had a hospital, birth center, and home birth… and she’s got so much wisdom.

Links Mentioned:

Get the "Rise & Birth Pack" now through October 7th when you purchase the My Essential Birth Course!

The Rise & Birth Pack comes with the full step-by-step training that’s helped thousands of mamas prepare for birth PLUS Downloadable Affirmation Audio Track & Affirmation Cards helping you rewire your thoughts and prepare for a calm, confident birth experience. 

GET IN TOUCH! 🤩

Reach out at any time to hello@myessentialbirth.com. We love hearing from you!

Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!

Up next
Oct 8
Birth Story at a Military Hospital: Fast, Faith-Filled, and Unmedicated
This week I'm chatting with Daizjah, who shares her incredible first birth story at a military hospital.From finding out she was pregnant just weeks before her wedding, to preparing with CrossFit up until 34 weeks, mental rehearsals, the role that faith played, and a labor playli ... Show More
59m 2s
Oct 1
Pregnancy & Postpartum Nutrition: Myths, Milk Supply & Weight Loss
Join the My Essential Birth Course by October 7th and get exclusive Affirmations BONUSES:featuring a calming Birth Affirmations Audio Track and 25 beautifully crafted, printable Birth Affirmation Cards to keep you grounded, confident, and inspired for birth.Grab it Here: https:// ... Show More
55m 47s
Sep 24
"BIG" Baby?! The Exact Steps to Take Right Now!
Join the My Essential Birth Course by October 7th and get the exclusive Rise & Birth Pack (My Essential Birth Course PLUS downloadable Birth Affirmations Audio + Affirmation Cards) Grab it here: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedIf you've ever been told you have a suspec ... Show More
33m 6s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 5
Birth Is Not a Medical Emergency: The Fight for Autonomy in Women’s Health with Dr. Stuart Fischbein from Birthing Instincts
In this powerful episode, Dr. Stuart Fischbein—renowned OBGYN, midwifery ally, and co-host of the Birthing Instincts podcast—unpacks the truth behind modern obstetrics, the rise in unnecessary interventions, and what it really means to trust your body during birth. We explore my ... Show More
1h 44m
Jul 16
The Mum Who Delivered Her Own Baby Via C-Section
At 38, with no partner but unwavering determination, Bree embarked on a fertility journey that would test her resilience but ultimately fulfill her lifelong dream. After navigating the emotional rollercoaster of two failed IUIs, Bree's persistence led her interstate where she acc ... Show More
24m 22s
Nov 2024
Ep 280: Rachel’s Birth Story - Weaning Off Anxiety and Depression Meds
Rachel always wanted to be a mother, but before she could begin that journey, she felt it was important to get off of depression and anxiety medication. After spending three months weaning off her meds, she very quickly got pregnant. Her pregnancy, although a source of great exci ... Show More
1h 3m
Apr 2024
Hypnobirthing 101: Simple Tools to Make Your Birth Better
Before I fell pregnant, I honestly couldn’t have taken less interest in pregnancy, birth or babies & for the first two thirds of my pregnancy my attitude remained the same. Until I read a book & that book sparked an obsession and sent me deep down the rabbit hole and I am now utt ... Show More
53m 25s
Oct 2021
From C-Section to Free Birth
One of the things I hear most often from women who had a transcendent, empowering, largely independent, birth experience, is that it wipes out the residue of former births they may have had, where they were more entrenched in the allopathic system. Women who had C-sections have g ... Show More
1h 3m
May 2025
Ep. 349: Preparing for Birth as a Rite of Passage with Britta Bushnell, PhD
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe delves into the transformative journey of birth and parenthood with guest Dr. Britta Bushnell—an expert in childbirth education, mythology, and parenting. The episode explores the impactful themes from Dr. Britta's book, 'Transfor ... Show More
1h 30m
Jan 2025
Imperfect Birth Stories with Sophie Walker
In this episode of our Summer School, we are joined by Sophie Walker, creator, and host of Australian Birth Stories. With over 17 million downloads, and 500 episodes, Australian Birth Stories podcast has been accredited by the Australian College of Midwives and has been instrumen ... Show More
1h 1m
Sep 2024
Ep 272: Nicole’s Birth Story - An Empowering VBAC Followed By a Five-Week NICU Stay
Nicole (yes, another Nicole!) is here to share her empowering story of a successful VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) followed by a challenging postpartum. Because she was intentional about her care team, she set herself up for success in the ways that she was able to control.H ... Show More
49m 20s