Reflections from the Mic (Part 2): Partners, Postpartum, and the Magic of Birth
Continuing my conversation with Vanessa Bauman on The Breath & Birth Co. Podcast, we dug into some topics that don’t get nearly enough airtime—like how partners can prep for birth, why we need to stop compartmentalizing the perinatal experience, and how birth continues to blow my mind, even after all these years. If you didn’t read my first post about being on this podcast, check it out here. It’s hard for two lovers of all-things-birth to contain the passion, expertise, and first-hand experience that we possess, but I think we did a pretty good job of staying on topic for the hour! Here are just a couple more takeaways from our lively discussion.
We Have to Stop Compartmentalizing the Perinatal Experience
Pregnancy, birth, postpartum—it’s not a tidy little timeline with hard stop dates. It’s a spectrum. A metamorphosis. And frankly, our culture is failing at honoring that.
Postpartum is too often reduced to a six-week checkup, which is laughable if it weren’t so tragic. You don’t bounce back—you evolve. And that evolution deserves support, not silence. Your body, your mind, your identity—they all shift. And that should be honored, not rushed.
Partners Need a Game Plan, Too
If you’re a partner reading this: Hi. I see you. And I need you to know that your role matters. Not just when it’s go-time, but now.
We talked about how some partners literally go into physical shock during labor—not because they’re squeamish, but because they’re overwhelmed and unprepared. Don’t be that person. Take the class. Read The Birth Partner. Talk to other dads or non-birthing partners. Your presence is powerful, and your preparation makes it even more so.
Birth isn’t just a one-day event. It’s a life-altering transformation. When partners show up ready, they become active, grounding presences in the room. That kind of support changes birth.
I walked away from this conversation with my cup full. Talking birth lights me up. Sharing space with a fellow birth worker who gets it? Even better. And if just one person listening to that episode or reading this blog post walks away thinking, “Wait… I DO have options,” that’s the win.
Thanks again to Vanessa for the platform and the thoughtful questions. You can find my self-paced, online childbirth course Your Birth, Your Options here, and follow along for more insights and resources on Instagram at @doulakelliblinn.
