Welcome to the final episode of Season 7.
We’ve journeyed through episodes 78 - 119, exploring preconception to postpartum.
Today, I’m joined by Elizabeth Greaves, a mother of three who is passionate about understanding physiological birth and supporting mothers and families in making choices that align with their hearts and real needs.
She shares her personal experience of receiving an unconsented episiotomy—a violation that far too many birthing people endure. From this place, we explore the wider context of:
🌿 The degrees of tearing in birth
🌿 The body’s physiological design to birth when supported and undisturbed
🌿 The role of the perineum and how pressure from the baby’s head initiates a natural feedback loop
🌿 Why perineal massage—especially with external tools—isn’t always encouraged
🌿 The importance of intimacy, movement, and nourishment as ways to prepare the body
🌿 Reclaiming birth as a space of safety, consent, and inner knowing
This episode is a reminder that the body holds wisdom and that honoring that wisdom begins with trust, presence, and deep listening.
🔗 Chris Greaves - A Father’s Journey: Experiencing Home Birth and Fatherhood Depths of Motherhood Podcast
Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram:
@elizabethaquin.g
Connect with Danielle:Home | Women's Circle
Have you ever wondered if there’s more to postpartum care than simply “getting back to normal”?
What if the path to healing wasn’t about bouncing back but coming home to your body, womb, and rhythm?
In this episode, I sit down with Julia Demillones Moore, mother, herbalist, and founder of Moonbeam Steams.
She’s a women’s health advocate who came into this work through her own struggles with painful periods, hormonal imbalance, and postpartum depletion.
In reconnecting with the ancient practice of vaginal steaming, rooted in her Filipino lineage, she found a path of profound healing—and now shares that wisdom with others.
FREE PDF FOR YONI STEAMING
Together, we explore the three stages of postpartum steaming:
The Early Postpartum, from 1 month to a year—focused on rebuilding the body’s reserves, strengthening the womb, and restoring moisture and vitality.
And the Later Postpartum, which can be months or even years after birth, supporting circulation, energy, and emotional integration. Because it’s never too late to care for your womb.
We also talk about:
When it’s safe to begin steaming—whether you’ve had a vaginal birth, cesarean, tearing, or episiotomy
Herbs that support the womb, nervous system, and postpartum healing—like plantain, marshmallow root, nettle, yarrow, rose, and chamomile
Connect with Julia
Connect with Danielle:
danielle-catherine.comInstagram: @depthsofmotherhood | @womenscircleonline
In this deeply nourishing conversation, I sit down with Brittany Zeer, mother, guide, and student of INNATE Postpartum Care, to explore the sacred design of women and the ancestral postpartum traditions that are being remembered and rewoven in modern times.
We explore:
Learn more about Brittany’s work: blissfulwombcare.com/about
🎧 Also tune into: Mother Centered Communities with Rachelle Garcia Seliga Depths of Motherhood Podcast
Connect with Danielle:
danielle-catherine.com
Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood | @womenscircleonline
In this powerful episode, I sit down with somatic educator and STREAM founder Ellen Heed to explore a topic often overlooked in healthcare—scar tissue.
Far from being a minor footnote in our healing journey, scar tissue can hold physical, emotional, and energetic imprints that shape our relationship with our bodies.
Ellen shares her vast knowledge from decades of work in somatics, anatomy, sexology, and trauma-informed care. We speak about the silent impact of unaddressed scar tissue after birth—be it episiotomy, cesarean, or internal tearing—and how we can begin to re-establish trust and intimacy with our bodies.
In this conversation, we cover:
Why scar tissue is a foundational pillar of health
The long-term impact of unacknowledged trauma and birth interventions
The body’s innate intelligence and the importance of uninterrupted healing time
Castor oil as a gentle and effective anti-inflammatory support
Cervical scar tissue and its link to interventions like the morning-after pill
How media and pornography shape distorted views of the body and sexuality
Reclaiming the uniqueness of our bodies through curiosity and touch
Why vagus nerve awareness is essential in trauma resolution
The need to move beyond reductionist models of healthcare
If you're a birth worker, bodyworker, sex educator—or simply someone wanting to feel more at home in your body—this is a conversation not to miss.
✨ Learn more about Ellen’s STREAM Certification for practitioners here: www.scartissueremediation.com/stream-certification
Connect with Danielle
🌀 Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
🌐 Website: danielle-catherine.com
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Brienne — Mother, Postpartum Ceremony Facilitator, and founder of Cosmic Mama Medicine.
Brienne shares her powerful story of becoming a mother and how it led her to reclaim postpartum as a sacred time for slowing down, healing, and receiving the care that is so often overlooked.
We explore what true postpartum support looks like:
✨ Naming your needs — even when they feel blurry
✨ Reimagining community care — beyond cute baby clothes ✨ Honoring the mother — through presence, nourishment, and space
💗 Special Offer: Get 50% off Brienne’s Sacred Postpartum Course — now only $47.50 with code MAMALOVE
Connect with Brienne
🌿 Website:cosmicmamamedicine.com
✨ Instagram: @cosmicmamamedicine
Connect with Danielle
🌑 Join the next online women’s circle: Dark Moon Circle – April 27th
🌀 Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
🌐 Website: danielle-catherine.com
Welcome back to Depths of Motherhood. Today, we’re diving into the world of babywearing—an ancient practice that offers deep connection, practical support, and comfort for both mother and baby.
Joining us today is Karla Gabriela, a mother of five who has carried each of her children from birth well into toddlerhood. Her daughters are 12, 10, 8, 3, and her newest little one arrived in December 2023.
With years of experience in the babywearing community, Karla serves as an Admin and Lending Library Leader, helping parents discover the confidence and ease that babywearing can bring. She’s also a trained Babywearing Educator through the Center for Babywearing Studies and is currently expanding her knowledge with the Slingababy Consultancy Course.
In this conversation, we explore:
Babywearing isn’t just about convenience—it’s about connection, comfort, and honoring your baby’s primal need to be close. Karla is here to share her wisdom, experience, and encouragement for anyone curious about this practice.
Connect with Karla: The Babywearing ClubInstagramConnect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A Guide to Hosting Women’s Circles
Online Women’s Circle: RSVP Here
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Energy Healing Evolving Humans
In this episode of Depths of Motherhood Podcast, we welcome Melissa Boyles, founder of Rise in Bloom, to explore the sacred, intuitive journey of caring for a newborn.
Melissa shared her personal story of birthing at home in episode 60
Her mission is to help women reconnect with their bodies, intuition, and the sacredness of birth and postpartum.
Main Topics Covered:
The mother’s and baby’s nervous system connection
How birth stories shape healing and bonding
Understanding and navigating newborn cries
The role of the father or non-birthing partner in postpartum care
Sleep and feeding rhythms: inviting connection over schedules
Body Wisdom Prenatal care for alignment and intuition
Elimination communication: responding to a baby’s cues
Creating a womb-like, nurturing environment
Integrating siblings in the newborn transition
Emotional awareness in creating mindful shopping lists
Family dynamics and how fears can guide postpartum decisions
Join us in this deeply nourishing conversation about how intuitive care can transform the postpartum experience and create a foundation of connection, pleasure, and healing.
Guest Links: Visit Melissa Boyles’ website - Rise in Bloom
Instagram:@RiseinBloom
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A Guide to Hosting Women’s Circles
Online Women’s Circle: RSVP Here
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Energy Healing Evolving Humans
Are you navigating or supporting a postpartum mother — are you noticing experiences of feeling foggy, fatigued, or just not quite yourself?
You’re not alone and you don’t have to settle for merely surviving. This week, we’re diving deep into postpartum nutrition and the transformative power of nourishing your body to reclaim your vitality and well-being.
Brittany, a birth doula, nutritional therapy practitioner, and mother of three, is joining us. Brittany has firsthand experience with the challenges of postpartum recovery—hormonal imbalances, brain fog, and exhaustion—and she’s here to share the tools she discovered to thrive.
Today, she’s on a mission to empower mothers to move beyond survival mode.
In this episode, Brittany will share:
The common nutrient deficiencies affecting postpartum mothers—and how to address them. How symptoms like anxiety, depression, and brain fog might signal deeper nutritional needs. The critical role omega-3s play in recovery and how to seamlessly incorporate them into your diet. Practical, nourishing meal ideas, including smoothies, breakfasts, and tips for creating a supportive meal train. The rejuvenating magic of an adrenal cocktail to boost energy and balance.Plus, Brittany has a special gift to help you take the first step toward feeling your best postpartum.
So, pour yourself a warm cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and join us for this empowering conversation.
Resources and Connections:
Brittany’s Free Gift: Postpartum Nutrition Guide
Connect with Brittany: Website | Instagram
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A Guide to Hosting Women’s Circles
Online Women’s Circle: RSVP Here
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Energy Healing Evolving Humans
Welcome to this episode, dedicated to the postpartum phase, where we hold space for the mother's experience following birth.
This is a time following her rite of passage, when she returns, embodying her new experience. As with any rite of passage, this moment is not just for the mother and child, but for the community and the collective as well.
I am honored to have Beatriz, a postpartum and birth doula joining us today.
Together, we raise awareness on how to recognize when things are not okay and how we can notice these signs, whether you are a mother feeling confused about what is happening or a family member/support person.
There are many expressions of imbalance—physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual—and all of these expressions are valid and welcome.
The main thing is that something needs holding.
We begin with the most fundamental needs: you are not broken; your needs are simply not being met.
As we journey through this conversation, we also explore the needs of the immediate family, with a reminder that they too require support.
Thank you for joining us today. Sending love to the mothers, past, present, and future, and to the families and children coming through. We are planting the seeds to reclaim our innate nature and reconnect more deeply with ourselves and one another.
January's FREE Mother's Circle Recording
Connect with Beatriz:
www.doulabeatrizfacio.com
Instagram: @doulabeatrizfacio
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles
Online Women's Circle: RSVP
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Website: www.Danielle-Catherine.com
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Evolving Humans
January's Mother's Circle FREE Recording l Women's Circle
Today, we are joined by the wonderful Olivia Hinge—a mother, midwife, lactation consultant, and author dedicated to supporting families through one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of early parenthood: feeding their babies.
Previous episode - Depths of Motherhood Podcast - Episode 40 (Mastitis, Aversion, and Inverted Nipples)
Having personally struggled with establishing feeding with her first child, Olivia’s journey inspired her to qualify as a lactation consultant in 2019. Since then, she has been on a mission to empower parents with evidence-based knowledge and judgment-free guidance, ensuring that every family can make informed decisions about how they feed their baby in a way that feels right for them.
In today’s conversation, we’ll delve into :
The physiology of breastfeeding, including baby positioning and latch.
The truth about common tools like pumps, the Hakka, and silver caps.
Managing oversupply, supporting low milk supply, and building confidence.
Calling in the “cheerleaders” and creating a safe environment for mothers to thrive.
Practical tips for navigating painful nipple and healing wounds
Debunk myths about whether babies need winding.
Whether you’re expecting, new to parenting, or supporting someone in your life on this journey, Olivia’s wisdom is here to inspire and uplift. January's Mother's Circle FREE Recording l Women's Circle
To connect with Olivia and learn more about her work, check out:
Her book: A Judgement-Free Guide to Feeding Your Baby on Amazon
Her online course and resources: The Wonderhood
Follow her on Instagram: @olivia_lactation_consultant
Depths of Motherhood Podcast - Episode 40 (Mastitis, Aversion and Inverted Nipples)
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles
Online Women's Circle: RSVP
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Website: www.Danielle-Catherine.com
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Evolving Humans January's Mother's Circle FREE Recording l Women's Circle
In this episode, we begin our exploration of the postpartum phase which will span over 10 episodes, each delving into the essential needs of postpartum mothers.
This week, we're joined by Jay, a skilled herbalist, forager, menstrual cycle educator, and doula.
Key Points:
Discover the importance of using locally accessible herbs in the postpartum phase for nourishment and healing.
Learn about different forms of herbal medicine, including teas, tinctures, and yoni steams, to support postpartum recovery.
Reconnect with your intuition to choose herbs that resonate with your body, embracing a holistic, mindful approach to healing.
Connect with Jay:
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles
Online Women's Circle: RSVP
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Website: www.Danielle-Catherine.com
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Evolving Humans
This week, I’m honored to share the story of Karena, a mother, healer, and mushroom mama at Fungi Academy. Her journey from maiden to mother is a powerful exploration of sovereignty, intuition, and empowerment in birth.
Karena shares how she:
Welcomed a birth team that made her feel nourished and supported.
Explored self-stimulation to connect deeply during labor.
Built a nurturing community in Guatemala which supported her journey.
Her story reveals the courage to trust intuition, reclaim autonomy, and honor the unique path of mother and child.
Connect with Karena:
Instagram: @karenaabeana
Website: fungiacademy.com
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles
Online Women's Circle: RSVP
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Website: www.Danielle-Catherine.com
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Evolving Humans
This week on Depths of Motherhood, we explore the journey of men’s rites of passage and also the transition into fatherhood.
While much of our podcast centers on women’s rites of passage, today’s conversation shifts the focus to men—our partners, fathers, sons, and friends.
This topic is raw, relevant, and deeply necessary for everyone, especially those raising boys, partnering with men, or seeking to build deeper relationships with men in their lives.
Our guest, Dan Doty, a leader in the global men's movement, shares his heartfelt insights into the healing journey of men. Through his work as a writer, wilderness guide, and meditation teacher, Dan has guided thousands of men in reconnecting with their true selves, their families, and their communities.
Link to FREE complimentary blog with guided meditation for our boys and men
In This Episode:
What are Rites of Passage?
The Role of Male Role Models?
The Journey to the Heart?
Rite of Passage in Manhood
Fatherhood as a Rite of Passage
Meeting Conditioned Beliefs, Traumas, and Fears
Connect with Dan:
Dan Doty (@fatherhoodunlocked)
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles
Online Women's Circle: RSVP
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Website: www.Danielle-Catherine.com
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Evolving Humans
In this episode of Depths of Motherhood, we are joined by Rev. Olivia Bareham, a death midwife, interfaith minister, and the founder of Sacred Crossings, an organization dedicated to transforming our approach to death and dying.
Through her work, Olivia seeks to restore the sacredness of the death journey, offering education, support, and after-death care to families during life's most profound transition.
In this powerful conversation, she reflects on her personal experiences and deep insights into death, grief, and healing.
Key points from this episode:
*If today’s topic feels intense, please honor that feeling and come back when you’re ready. For those listening today, prepare for a deep exploration of birth, death, and the sacred space where they meet.* FREE GIFT: Guided Grief Practice and Meditation
Connect with Olivia:
Sacred Crossings | The Institute for Conscious Dying and Alternative Funeral Home Olivia Bareham (@sacred_crossings)
*Join the 'Nourished Mother' package*
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles
Online Women's Circle: RSVP
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Website: www.Danielle-Catherine.com
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Evolving Humans
Welcome to today’s episode, where I’m joined by Victoria Wilbraham—mentor, guide, and host of *Normal Boring Freebirth*
Victoria’s approach to birth is beautifully simple and grounded, helping families strip back unnecessary interventions and complicated language to experience birth in its most raw, embodied form.
She supports families in trusting their own "yes" and "no," finding their voice and asking questions that nourish their journey.
Today, we dive into the common fears Victoria sees arise in the women she works with and how she guides them to examine these fears, often tracing them to their roots in the ultimate fear—death.
As our conversation unfolds, we explore:
- How to bring death into conversation with reverence, just as we do with life.
- How the fear of death can drive unnecessary interventions in birth.
- Reclaiming death as a rite of passage, deserving of connection and presence.
- How grief and death have been medicalized and silenced, and what it might mean to reclaim their sacredness.
This episode also sets the stage for next week’s conversation with Death Midwife, Rev. Olivia Bareham, founder of *Sacred Crossings*. Rev. Bareham guides individuals and families through end-of-life care, bringing reverence and support to the journey of dying.
*If today’s topic feels intense, please honor that feeling and come back when you’re ready. For those listening today, prepare for a deep exploration of birth, death, and the sacred space where they meet.*
Connect with Victoria
Free to birth - Birth educator and homebirth support
Instagram @freetobirth
Normal Boring Freebirth for Normal Boring People
*Join the 'Nourished Mother' package*
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles
Online Women's Circle: RSVP
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Evolving Humans
Today we sit down with Myofascial Release Therapist Lindsay Courcelle to uncover the secret power hidden within our bodies.
Did you know that your fascia—a vast network of connective tissue—holds the key to releasing years of stored tension, trauma, and emotional pain?
Lindsay shares her deep wisdom on how Myofascial Release can help mothers heal from the inside out.
Get ready to discover how trauma and emotions are stored in your fascia and learn practical, easy-to-follow techniques to release that tension at home.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, physically drained, or disconnected, this episode offers tangible steps to reclaim your body, find your flow, and nurture yourself in motherhood.
*Correction: Lindsay misspoke when she mentioned the research on breast cancer cells. Research at UC Berkeley has shown that cancerous cells can revert back to normal healthy cells through manual pressure (in a laboratory setting), not through Myofascial Release specifically.
Here’s a link to this study:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29560858
https://news.berkeley.edu/2012/12/17/malignant-breast-cells-grow-normally-when-compressed
Connect with LindsayLindsay- Pelvic Alchemy & Myofascial Release (@lindsaycourcelle) • Instagram photos and videosLindsay Courcelle
*Join the 'Nourished Mother' package*
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles
Online Women's Circle: RSVP
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Evolving Humans
We’re thrilled to have Maryn Green as our guest. Maryn is a birth guardian, co-founder of Indie Birth, and host of the Taking Back Birth podcast.
In this episode, we address questions from our community, including:
How can you truly show up for the mother during labor?
How can you work through fears and emotions to hold space without intervening?
How can you become the voice for the mother during labor?
We also delve into:
Somatic experiencing: finding questions and answers and holding space for fears
Finding our voice
The joint journey of mother and baby, and how it reshapes the narrative around birth
Connect with Maryn Green
Indie Birth Private Association
Indie Birth Association (@indiebirth)
Home (indiebirthmidwiferyschool.org) Podcasts (indiebirth.org)
*Join the 'Nourished Mother' package*
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles
Online Women's Circle: RSVP
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Evolving Humans
Welcome to today’s episode! I’m thrilled to be joined by Kelsey Cooper, the inspiring host of the Disabled Birth Stories podcast.
This episode is an inspiring conversation for birth teams, healthcare providers, and anyone in the birthing community.
Kelsey’s work highlights the gaps in understanding around pregnancy and disability, encouraging open dialogue and reminding us that it’s okay not to have all the answers—what’s important is the willingness to ask questions and learn.
Today, we’ll explore the broader issues surrounding pregnancy and disability, from the barriers faced in healthcare to the ways birth workers can create inclusive, supportive environments for all families.
Thank you for tuning in! FREE resources with links for further support.
If you have any questions or would like to be featured on Kelsey's podcast, feel free to reach out to Kelsey at:
kelseycooper@disabledbirthstories.com
Disabled Birth Stories | Podcast on Spotify
*Join the 'Nourished Mother' package*
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles
Online Women's Circle: RSVP
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Evolving Humans
Today, we are honored to have Dr. Stuart James Fischbein, MD, as our guest. Known as "Dr. Stu," he’s a renowned expert in obstetrics and midwifery care, with a lasting impact on twin and breech home birth education. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Stu seamlessly merges traditional medical training with a deep respect for holistic birth practices.
Dr. Stu also hosts the Birthing Instincts podcast and co-authored Fearless Pregnancy: Wisdom & Reassurance from a Doctor, a Midwife, and a Mom. In this episode, we dive into topics surrounding childbirth and women’s rights.
Here’s what to expect:
Connect with Dr Stu: Birthing Instincts with Dr. Stu
*Join the 'Nourished Mother' package*
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles
Online Women's Circle: RSVP
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Evolving Humans
Welcome, everybody! This week, we are joined by Chris Greaves, husband to Elizabeth and proud father to Isabel (15), Camilla (7), and Natalie (3).
I'm excited to share more about Natalie's journey into this world through a home birth.
This episode is particularly special because it's the first time we've had a father on the show to share his story.
Chris will take us through the preparation leading up to the big day, how he navigated his own concerns, and the valuable lessons he’s learned from this experience.
Before we dive in, I want to take a moment to give a big shoutout to Elizabeth, Chris's wonderful wife.
Elizabeth has just released a PDF birth guide called Coming Home, which is designed to help you understand physiological birth and make informed choices within your birth story.
This guide includes two separate workbooks—one for the father and one for the mother—allowing couples to prepare together and also in their own unique ways.
Connect with Elizabeth
www. Elizabeth.myflodesk.com @Elizabethaquin.g
*Join the 'Nourished Mother' package*
Connect with Danielle (Host):
Book: Reclaiming Circle - A guide to hosting women's circles
Online Women's Circle: RSVP
Podcast Instagram: @depthsofmotherhood
Email: Depthsofmotherhood@protonmail.com
Sponsor: Evolving Humans
