In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff speaks with Steph—a mother of eight whose birth experiences stretch across continents and care models. From hospitals in the U.S. to birth centres and home births here in Australia, Steph’s story weaves together moments of trauma, empowerment, and deep resilience. They talk through what it’s really like to give birth eight times under vastly different systems, how care providers can shape an experience for better or worse, and the incredible responsibility midwives carry in holding space for families. It’s an emotional, powerful conversation that highlights just how critical compassionate, individualised care is in the world of birth.