Taking Back Birth

Margo and I created something new! Listen in on the how, when and why we created this new version of our 8 year old midwifery school. We are open for enrollment for our first cohort beginning September 22, 2025. Learn more here.Click the icon below to listen.      

Today I talk directly to birth workers and about birth work specifically in this new offering for September. Most women I meet are chronically depleted and exhausted, and birth workers are at the top of that list. Is that what we want for ourselves? Is that what we want for the future? I am done with hearing and seeing women wear exhaustion as a badge of honor. It’s not anything to be ashamed about either! In this month long container we will explore the issues and beliefs around being tired and hopefully all come out the wiser (and more energized!) for it. Here’s the link: https://maryngreen.co/catchyourbreath/ And the discount code BREATH23 until 9/1Click the icon below to listen.      

In offering my Miscarriage Mother to women all over, I’ve been witness to some key themes and feelings that may arise for women after a miscarriage. The time “after” means days, to months to years and I’ve also used my own experience to get familiar with what these beliefs and themes may be. I’m starting a waitlist for my 5 week Postpartum Miscarriage Support 1:1 container, and you can join below if you’d like to be notified about that. Listen to this podcast if you’re curious about what this may look or feel like, whether you need the support personally or maybe you hold space for women as well. Check out the Miscarriage Mother here (still offering pre-miscarriage and active miscarriage support as well), and join the waitlist for Postpartum Miscarriage 1:1 support here.Click the icon below to listen.      

Here’s the Indie Birth ladies, once again creating a stir around labels and boxes and what we call things. It was so fun and beautiful to talk with my bestie, Margo, on this podcast about her new adventures in birth work. Tune in to hear about how she came to this, why, when and so much more. I love that we can always challenge the status quo together, in our own ways. And don’t forget to check out our Sacred Sisterhood Doula Program; we have an amazing deal going on till July 15th that includes front row seats (so to speak) to Margo’s doula business creation and adventure. Check it out! And here’s Margo’s website!Click the icon below to listen.      

My birthday happened this past weekend so I thought I’d recount my own birth story; with some rabbit holes and observations and reflections from life at this moment. Check out my Midwife Stories project (which starts August1) and my Miscarriage Mother support which is ongoing.Click the icon below to listen.      

I share a couple of stories with you here; one a birth story, one a surf story but both with great vibes and potential lessons for all of us. It is both very old and new to teach and share by storytelling; it is how wisdom and experience is passed on. I can’t wait to offer my new project to you and the world! I will be releasing more “Midwife Stories” starting in August as a new project that you can learn more about below. The deadline to sign up is July 31, and you will receive unique birth and other stories based on my own life and wisdom for 6 months. Enjoy and share with the world and your fellow birth nerds. Learn more here.Click the icon below to listen.      

Death. Loss. Rebirth. I never thought I’d be in this space and place of offering miscarriage virtual support, but here it is. Miscarriage is not a place anyone wants to find themselves, but if you do, or someone you know does, the support is necessary and valuable. Holding space for women to go through this in a humane way and emerge powerful is my main objective, and I am honored to be doing this sacred work. I am in the role of Miscarriage Mother; here to mother and hold you through this process. Please check out the page and share, or bookmark for when the need arises. Click here for miscarriage support.Click the icon below to listen.      

Here’s my truth: I’ve personally experienced freebirth AND I’m in the role of midwife and I do not see those two things as mutually exclusive. However, I do have some thoughts/questions and maybe some wisdom to share around what I see the freebirth movement as. I want us all to question the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to labeling births as this or that, and I definitely come back to the issues of transparency and honesty. Ultimately, each of us will choose what is right for us but that journey isn’t always so simple. I see that the freebirth conversation is one that is both enhancing and detracting from the journey of self-realization in birth and frankly I think we need to question absolutely everything! In this podcast, a re-release from the archive, I unpack the issues around freebirth like trauma, preparation for emergencies (or not) and what I think is a crucial acknowledgement of many women desiring to be “witnessed” in the initiation of birth. Download the TranscriptClick the icon below to listen.      

I wrote an email this week addressing birth drama and how I am happy to have left the fake, social media “birth world” that exists. I know so many of you get it, and so I’d love you to listen and see what resonates. I do believe that together we can create something new, outside of victimhood, around birth that ultimately serves the planet and the future. Click the icon below to listen.      

I am feeling more clarity lately about what is next for me and Indie Birth. I am sharing here a bigger vision to teach the world about birth and wonder how that might impact our world at large. I know it will, and that it might take time, but this is what feels most aligned for me right now. Take a listen and send me your thoughts!Click the icon below to listen.      

There is no experience like growing a baby for deciding to feel the body and tuning into her! This is a slow process, with time and space and healing cannot be rushed. I share more about how I think this work can benefit pregnant women and mamas specifically, so tune in and see what you think! So grateful to my friend Erny for sharing her session and experience which you can watch and read here. This is the session I reference in this podcast. And my 3 session package deal ($240) is good till February 1.Click the icon below to listen.      

I’m back here with the last podcast of 2024 to blab about a real nerd topic. Whether you’re the mom or the midwife or student, which is better, the doppler or the fetoscope? There is a lot of nuance here as always and things to consider; from the why and when to the subtleties of the relationships we are wanting to build. Listen to hear more! Also, I start the episode with a reflection on freedom and where I think this New Year may be leading me. Click the icon below to listen.      

Sharing my honest process here and reminiscing about the first birth I ever attended alone, 17 years ago! My sister and my nephew gave me this honor (or rather, the Universe did) and I enjoyed reflecting on this story and the relative innocence. Can we regain innocence and a naive nature for something we know so deeply? Listen in and hear my thoughts and this story.Click the icon below to listen.      

It’s been a weird month that feels both long and short! This is primarily a personal update and also a share about three things (I tried to keep it to 3!) that I came away with during my last intense somatic training. It does tie back to birth and birth work in many many ways and also is a start to educating more people about the way these teachings of the body can benefit YOU. I close with a quote I heard and what it means to me, and I know you will hear it and love it if you’re meant to! Book sessions with me and try all this out: https://maryngreen.co/sessions/ Our new Raising 10 Kids Podcast: https://raising10kids.orgClick the icon below to listen.      

Ah, this was so healing to share! I tell the story of having half my cervix taken many many years ago. The story defies what actually happened after (birthing 10 babies!) and I feel like it’s such a powerful testament to our bodies, beliefs and our Soul path. Our bodies know how to heal and where to look is the unique journey. To do a 1:1 session with me (focused on the womb or anything else!) check out maryngreen.co. Also, my new podcast with Jason, my husband and co-host: raising10kids.org Click the icon below to listen.      

I am so honored to have recorded this chat with my mentor and elder, Donna Maria. I began life studies with her over 4 years ago and this glimpse into her stories and life and perspective is only a fraction of her wisdom. Her way of seeing is what people NEED at this time, in order to evolve and become royalty walking on this earth. Her teachings about the sacred ceremonies of conception, pregnancy and birth are some of the highlights of our Sacred Birth program. If you are also feeling called to remember, this is for you. Our Sacred Birth Program: https://sacredbirthcertificate.org Donna Maria’s Website: https://www.sacredtreetraditions.comClick the icon below to listen.      

I loved having this chat with another of our wisdom keepers from the Sacred Birth Certificate program. I love Felicia’s way of speaking about what sacred is, her varied experiences of serving women and a quick swerve into the blood mysteries and the wisdom of the womb. I think you will love this conversation and you can learn more from Felicia through our program which closes October 15. Links From This Episode Sacred Birth Program Felicia’s Links: To learn more about her work or to work with her check out her website: https://www.feliciasokol.com Instagram: @feliciasokol Download Felicia’s FREE resource books The first book, Preparing for Birth is for pregnant women or couples. The second book, Womb Care is for any and all women. And here’s a short video about Felicia and her work Click the icon below to listen.      

Whew, it’s been a big week with so many realizations and new awareness. I share the biggest ones with you here, around the need for really resting the body INTERNALLY and seeing what fabulous things flow out of that. It’s been such a cool experience to see what those things are for me, and to learn more and be in better connection with my body. Also, check out my new site where you can schedule sessions and other things. I am feeling so great about this direction and putting this out to the world. Click the icon below to listen.      

In this new podcast, I talk with another of our wisdom keepers from our Sacred Birth Certificate program. Verena is an evolutionary astrologist and shares about her own creative spark and process. It won’t come as a surprise, but life imitates birth and birth is just one of the creative forces that may be available to us as women. The passion, mission and drive to “make things” is something Verena and I have in common, and I thoroughly love her and our chat. Links: Sacred Birth Certificate Program Verena’s Links: Get Your Free Gift – Astro Archetypes Mini Guide Visit Verena’s Website Subscribe to Verena’s Newsletter Visit Verena’s YouTube Click the icon below to listen.      

I am so excited to feature one of our wisdom keepers from our Sacred Birth Certificate program. In this teaching, Jess shares her sacred miscarriage story. It was so nice to hold space for her and allow you to feel her amazing energy! Learn more about Jessica here. Jessica is a featured teacher for our Sacred Birth program. Details are here.Click the icon below to listen.      

…and how that has carried through to birth work! With the announcement of our Sacred Birth Certificate program, I wanted to do a lengthier storytelling share about my former life as a young musician. This came to me in a dream recently as something I needed to feel in my body and I know it’s because it all comes back to unraveling LIFE wisdom which informs birth wisdom. This is also the mission and purpose of our Sacred Birth program and if you’re in for a longer listen, I share the teachings of the music teachers that shaped me. So grateful for them all, those that I mentioned and those I did not. I am so appreciative of all of my teachers (music and midwifery) and aware that these “wisdom teachers” have always been with me, through various paths in my life. Lastly, I’ve linked to one of my last recorded performances as a professional oboist if you’d like to take a listen! Sacred Birth Certificate Program Two movements of me (Maryn) performing the Bach Double Concerto with violinist Tanya Becker-Bender in NYC (2001): Adagio | Allegro Click the icon below to listen.      

I am sharing this podcast I did with Brittany on HER podcast (link below) because it felt so good and resonant to offer my community. I am grateful for this opportunity to share more with you all about our daily life, and how we approach topics like schooling and learning in our family. Brittany’s Podcast (The Brittany and Bridgette Podcast) Brittany’s birth story on my podcast My time on her YouTube Channel Click the icon below to listen.      

I start this podcast with a mini-rant on blame and shame and miscarriage and why I think we need to shift this old paradigm and way of thinking. It’s literally everywhere; in the foods we’re told we shouldn’t eat to the air we breathe to the studies that say…this causes miscarriage. I am feeling this one strong as I realize how deep this programming has gone. Then, the real podcast for today! I don’t bring my kids to medical doctors and here’s why. It doesn’t make me a hero, it makes me someone that knows what I get when I go there and how I mostly think it’s a system of illness and death rather than health. Click the icon below to listen.      

This episode is an interview and chat with Nikko Kennedy, quantum biologist and doula. I love the wisdom she shares here around light and the Sun and all of the reminders to help us get back to what we know. Being human does come with challenges, but it also comes with built in systems to allow Nature to heal us. Links For This Episode: https://www.brighterdaysdarkernights.com/indiebirth (Use this link for half off your first year’s subscription.) https://instagram.com/brighterdays.darkernights https://linkedin.com/in/nikkokennedy https://nikkokennedy.com Click the icon below to listen.      

It’s been exactly a year since we arrived here with the intentions of staying a few months. I never dreamed of all the things and gifts and blessings that we would receive here, yet it’s been an intense year of lessons and upgrades. If you have the dream of doing something equally as crazy with your tribe of kids, I say dream it, and go for it, and your Soul will steer you the correct way!Click the icon below to listen.      

I’m physically and emotionally feeling a little in between worlds right now, so come with me on a journey here through vaginal steaming, and then birth, death and midwifery! I somehow tied it all together here by sharing my current desire for the definition of “midwife”; one who witnesses the initiation, whether that be life or death or both. Somehow we need to collectively get back to the archetype that was wise in the walking of LIFE and its experiences, not just the professional version of a midwife that makes sure it all goes perfectly. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Shout out to Leiamoon vaginal steaming set up.Click the icon below to listen.      

I have so much to share about my recent miscarriage but it felt easiest in some ways to begin by sharing the experience from a midwifery perspective. It really gets me how many women don’t know what a “normal” loss looks or feels like, or are told lies or shoved into the medical system for unnecessary intervention. I realized once again my body’s strength and power and the strength and power in ALL women to know their bodies and to release a pregnancy that is no longer growing. This is information that all women should have, and even though one doesn’t “need” a midwifery education and experience to navigate personal loss, it sure did help and come in handy when I needed it most. I’ll be sharing the spiritual and emotional story(ies) in our upcoming new Sacred Birth program.Click the icon below to listen.      

Some updates here first and then a ramble about considering what your soul desires for birth rather than your ego or mind. Take a listen and see if you can feel for yourself what I am talking about. Click the icon below to listen.      

This podcast was inspired by a student considering working with a mama who’s had a prior cesarean and wanting to birth at home. I realized how much goes into this for me as a midwife, and what helps me understand and fully believe in a mama who I’m supporting after cesarean. I told her that even when it all goes beautifully (which is often!) it can feel like a grad level course for the new midwife or student. Here are some things to consider, assess and weigh for yourself if you are considering taking on a woman who has had a cesarean; they make amazing clients often, and of course are still just birthing women like everyone else. Click the icon below to listen.      

In this podcast, Margo and I dream about the new version of “midwife” that we are helping to create in this world and through our Indie Birth Midwifery School. It is truly time for a change; away from the drastic, static versions of what exists and has come before. We are imagining a world where the midwife archetype is values by herself, her clients and her community as a world and life changing role. Enrolling in Indie Birth Midwifery School now!Click the icon below to listen.      

In this podcast, I talk about some of the ways that our school is unique and special…plus, she (Indie Birth Midwifery School) is almost 8 years old!!! I share my take on this question of knowing, between stories from my own life and further thoughts for your own inquiry. We are accepting applications and enrolling for Indie Birth Midwifery School through July 1.Click the icon below to listen.      

On this podcast, I wrap up the transgender madness from the week and then move on to the REAL discussion! I chat with my mama friend and former client Kaleigh about the birth of her two babies last year. Kaleigh has so many insights to share and such a fabulous story. It was so fun to reconnect with her after some time and talk about her experience. Links: We Are Transphobic Kaleigh’s IG Click the icon below to listen.      

What if students could learn and practice and be in an “apprenticeship” that isn’t in the physical? We may try it out with a few of my former students who live in Kentucky as I stay living in Hawai’i. I love the idea of creating this model and making it sustainable and a win for all; the student, the mama client and the mentoring midwife. I do think it’s possible once the kinks get worked out, and we’ll keep you posted here on how it’s developing!Click the icon below to listen.      

“A return to all that is human, sacred and ancient” -Alexandra Kisitu I loved talking to kindred spirit and author Alexandra about her book, “Back to the Womb: Claiming Birth Sovereignty”. I really loved this discussion with such a kick-ass, smart woman who has dug deeper into the culture of home birth here in Hawai’i. Alexandra also includes her own personal stories and beliefs around the power and sacredness of birth. They are so similar to my own, and with midwifery politics to boot in our chat, we could have spoken for hours. Learn more about her here.Click the icon below to listen.      

What a pleasure to hold space for Alyssa as she shares her intimate journey through the death and birth of her baby in the middle of her last pregnancy. I know you will be inspired by Alyssa’s way of choosing to experience death and live life. You can find Alyssa on Instagram at: @alyssarafidi_Click the icon below to listen.      

Deva is 7 today! Her majorly watched birth video is below for you to watch again and share. Otherwise, I share a short recent story and celebration of my womb in the event that you feel inspired and are led to do something similar. I am being shown more and more that ritual in one way that our bodies lead us when they need us to focus and feel; ceremony and ritual can be simple, something we do alone in the spur of the moment, and still be profound and meaningful. Deva’s Birth: thebirthmovie.com Indie Birth Calendar: https://www.indiebirth.org/calendarClick the icon below to listen.      

What is embodiment? Listen in on some musings around what this is and isn’t; I also share some personal stories around learning to feel in my body, honoring where I am at and following what my body is feeling. I definitely see this as (one of) the missing links in abundant and joyful birth work; this ability to sense and decode what’s going on for us, so we can more readily meet the woman in front of us. I also explain what my Beyond the Mind Circle for Birthworkers is; check it out and join me for this 4 week somatic adventure in April. Click the icon below to listen.      

I share more about my witchy experiences in Spain first; and then move onto how it feels to hold space as a mother for a daughter’s first moon cycle. I love this initiation and am so proud and happy with how my girls have embraced themselves and their new womanhood. It brings me back to my own experience, which wasn’t really treated as special or as anything, and it feels so healing for all generations to witness my girls in this powerful rite of passage. Click the icon below to listen.      

This past week marked 8 years since my son Sable died in my womb and was born 4 months later. I share how I am feeling now, and how this experience has shaped me and changed me in the last bit of time. Then, I share an older podcast with readings from my journal during the months when I was waiting for him and my body to decide it was time. What a crazy, poignant time in my life that taught me so much. Even if you haven’t had a loss, I hope you enjoy this raw reflection from the past and the present. Click the icon below to listen.      

I know, I Know…what?! I am hoping for some huge cultural shifts (and maybe some email responses) around this podcast. I can’t keep quiet any longer that I am TIRED of women/people abdicating responsibility for their birth in a myriad of ways…one of which is the entire paradigm of someone ELSE paying for your birth (and dictating your decisions). Here we go!Click the icon below to listen.      

This is an expansion on an email I wrote recently about going through pregnancy and birth alone, SPECIFICALLY from the lens of trauma and safety. This isn’t a commentary on why all women choose “wild pregnancy” or freebirth but is a perspective on choices being made from the bodily sensations of lack of safety. This perspective feels so true for me, deep in my body. Acknowledging our own triggers and feelings of truth can help the collective move more quickly towards living from our wholeness; both individually and collectively. The Birth Trauma Circle is here and happening soon.Click the icon below to listen.      

After an update, I talk about the feelings I have around “doulas” and what our passion is when creating new doulas in the world. The way I see it, there is still the vanilla/mainstream doula stuff going on and then also the opposite extreme of doulas being trained to attend births outright on their own in a completely different role. We of course love the middle, sacred road of transparency and following one’s soul. Along those lines, our doula program got an update and refresh, and you can check out the page and new program name, Sacred Sisterhood Doula Training, here.Click the icon below to listen.      

This is a short synopsis of what my foundational beliefs and teachings are around the sacred postpartum time. We had a lovely Mothering the Mother retreat this weekend, so I have that to share as well. Our Mothering the Mother online course is open and there is a $100 discount if you use code: SUPPORTMAMA. This discount is good through February 18, 2024 only.Click the icon below to listen.      

I recently enrolled and completed the first Somatic Experiencing (SE) training and I am so exuberant and full of learning that I wanted to share. I was mindblown around how much similarity there is between SE and the belief systems I already hold around the role of the midwife, and the trust in body; as well as the emphasis on relationship. I am sure so much more wisdom will be shared with me over these next 3 years, and I look forward to sharing it with you and offering my skills as a somatic “expert” as I walk this road. Links: Somatic Experiencing International My list for somatic information as I offer it. The Birth of Cove River Click the icon below to listen.      

I don’t typically share other podcasts on my podcast, but this chat about the power of birth, the initiation of a soul and the Divine Feminine with Bridget Nielsen felt worth sharing. I hope you enjoy it, and subscribe to Bridget’s YouTube channel if you feel aligned. Links mentioned: Pregnancy Care Circle: Spirit Babies on Feb 4 Bridget’s Podcast, Wild and Awake, on YouTube Click the icon below to listen.      

This podcast is actually an old podcast. I released this one in 2018, and thought I’d publish it again for all the reasons. Spirit babies is a topic both new and old and one I love soooo much. Check out my Spirit Baby class coming up and we’ll dive into all things new and old around this topic. Click the icon below to listen.      

This week, I share some more of my heart and soul with you as I re-tell the experience of a 5 week pregnancy that didn’t choose to stay in my body at this time. There is so much to explore, and I share this all vulnerably with you for our healing as powerful women with wombs. There is so much mystery, so many ways we each experience what is a really common occurrence. I am truly grateful for the ability to be held here by the internet-verse as I weave this tale of knowing and Spirit. To join my upcoming Spirit Baby session of my Pregnancy Care Circle, go here: https://indiebirth.org/pregnancycarecircleClick the icon below to listen.      

We will be re-naming our Indie Birth Midwifery School and in general expanding our vision, so I wanted to take even more time to share with you how this change is aligned with me and my Soul. I hope it inspires you to always think beyond and above and perhaps you will help us change the consciousness of birth and midwifery going forward!Click the icon below to listen.