Welcome to a brand new episode of the She Births® Podcast.
I felt that this story would make a great Father’s Day episode. It is a story that involves many threads, including trauma and healing - but also a wonderful Dad, Chris. Chris shares beautiful and heartfelt words about birth from a man’s perspective - helping us to change the standard narrative of the incompetent dad in the room!
The amazing mumma, Tess, by way of background, suffered a spinal cord injury in 2018 and spent months in and out of the hospital. She knew that she could go into spinal shock or experience AD, similar to a stroke, due to the stress of experiencing labour. It was always a potential for her to have a general anaesthetic and C-section.
I will let Tess tell the rest of the story about how she created a path of empowerment for herself.
Tess Brouwer is also a bestselling co-author with world champion surfer, Layne Beachley, of Awake Academy; Know Yourself to Grow Yourself to live a happier, more purposeful life.
I am loving it as an audiobook - it blends science-backed strategies and soul-deep wisdom to help people navigate some of our most defining chapters, such as birth and parenthood. So check it out!
Within this conversation, Tess speaks to the importance of building trust with your OB, the power of rewriting your story - even mid-birth - and how masculine partners can lead through presence.
This is a conversation about surrender, preparation, and stepping into your inner strength.
I hope you enjoy the inspiration.
xxx Nadine
Key Takeaways:
The importance of practical support and preparation in creating a positive birth experience
How doulas provide emotional and physical guidance through labour
Why trusting your body can be one of the most empowering decisions you make
The role of communication between partners during labour and postpartum
How building a supportive community helps new parents thrive
Mental health, yoga, and emotional readiness as vital components of birth preparation
Understanding medical interventions as a way to feel more in control
The deepening of intimacy and connection between partners during shared experiences
Embracing both masculine and feminine energies during birth
Postpartum care and bonding are an essential part of the journey
Highlight chapters
05:07 Tess's Journey: Overcoming Trauma and Injury
10:22 The Impact of Spinal Cord Injury on Life
16:45 Rebuilding Through Yoga and Community
26:53 Navigating Relationships and Parenthood
47:45 The Birth Plan: From C-Section to Natural Birth
56:16 Navigating the Birth Plan Amidst Uncertainty01:25:37 The Importance of Support and Communication in Birth
Links
@awake_academy
@tessbrouwer
@shebirths