The Gift of Giving Life

Kara shares a tender experience with her adopted daughter as a baby,  letting her know, there were more babies on their way.  How they came to join their family  is a beautiful story  I am happy to share today. 

I loved sharing this experience of Shari and the adoption of her son. I also love that she took this experience and created a children's book to help adopted children better understand their journey to their "forever family" HELPFUL LINKS This weeks episode transcripts and/or show notes – Here is a link to Once Upon a Baby book.  http://thegiftofgivinglife.com/adoption-it-really-is-about-love-giveaway/ Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes

Giving the gift of life is sometimes  a partnership between two mother hearts —a birth mother yearning for a loving home for the child in her womb  and another mother eagerly awaiting the child she has “grown” within her heart.  I hope you enjoy Judith’s story of the adoption of her second son as much as I did.

I loved being able to interview Edward who searched for his adoptive mother when he was 68 years old. The information that he found led him on a journey that was eye opening and led to a greater appreciation for mothers and birth. The Gift Best Given is his memoir that he wrote after years of delving into discovering his birth mother’s experience. Sadly he started his search a few years after she passed away. But with DNA testing, Google and many miracles leading the way, he was able to learn so much! Please sit back and enjoy this inspirational interview that kicks off our adoption series.

We spend a lot of time preparing for our births and many of us create a birth plan. Here are 10 things to think of incorporating  into your Postpartum Plan! HELPFUL LINKS This weeks episode transcripts and/or show notes – http://thegiftofgivinglife.com/postpartum-adjustment-plan/ Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes

Robyn had successfully navigated trials before,  but after her 5th baby, she struggled with finding any joy. She shares a game that helped her to climb out of the pit  and learn to better manage  "being in the trenches" of motherhood.  HELPFUL LINKS This weeks episode transcripts and/or show notes – http://thegiftofgivinglife.com/the-just-be-glad-game-and-my-postpartum-struggle/ Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes

The Fourth Trimester concept is: there is another three months of gestating AFTER we give birth.  It often gets overlooked because we focus so much on the birth, but the real test comes AFTER the baby arrives. Here are 10 tips to help you survive! HELPFUL LINKS This weeks episode transcripts and/or show notes – http://thegiftofgivinglife.com/the-fourth-trimester/ Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes

Heather shares -  This Easter thoughts about “the womb” and “the tomb” have been on my mind.  I have been thinking a lot about the lesson I learned after Abraham’s birth. In his birth story I wrote: I got in the shower to clean up. As I rubbed soap over my belly I couldn’t help but think how strange it was that just earlier that morning, in the same shower, I’d rubbed soap over a full, pregnant belly. Now it was empty. I thought to myself, “Wow, where did it all go!” and the then the phrase “He is not here” pierced my heart and I found myself remembering another part from our “The Gift of Giving Life” book.

Maranda Bower was a wonderful guest to interview for the podcast. She is the CEO and founder of Postpartum University, supporting both mothers and professionals in health and whole body healing. She’s a renowned expert in top educator in the fields of functional nutrition and coaching in relation to postpartum, and is nicknamed The Womb Whisperer, named as a bestselling author, international speaker, and has appeared in over 50 publications. Her latest book is Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness, and it’s a number one bestseller now available on Amazon. And she also has a podcast that I’ve enjoyed listening to. She shares 3 specific things we can do to prepare for the 4th Trimester (postpartum) and make our transition to mothering easier. Create a Useful Support System Harness the Power of Nutrition Support your Nervous System Regulation We also talk about different cultures and how they support postpartum women. As well as how you and your baby are both on a journey! [00:00:18] Meet Maranda [00:01:53] What are some things we can do to prepare for the 4th Trimester? [00:05:45] first have a support system in place [00:07:48] Two - Harness the Power of Nutrition! [00:11:42] 3 - Nervous System Regulation [00:14:06] Understanding Intrusive Thoughts [00:17:14] Malaysia’s System of Postpartum Support [00:19:11] Meal Trains Can Be Helpful...... SOMETIMES [00:20:22] You and Your baby are on a journey together [00:22:14] Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness Book and where to find Maranda Here is where you can find Maranda and her wonderful resources. https://postpartumu.com/ Postpartum University Podcast Reclaiming Postpartum Wellness HELPFUL LINKS Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes

Those 2 moments of birth, when things really change for a woman. When that mantle of motherhood comes upon her! Heather shares some beautiful thoughts about these powerful moments  and how God give us this mantle to support us as we transition to mothering our babies. HELPFUL LINKS This weeks episode transcripts and/or show notes – http://thegiftofgivinglife.com/the-mantle-of-motherhood/ Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes

It was such a pleasure to talk with Katie and hear her insights and inspiration for many of her pregnancy/birth themed art. From Eve to Mary to Heavenly Mother to Jochebed and more.   What were her inspirations to do these paintings  and how have the come to mean different things to different people.  TOPICS COVERED [00:00:26] Meet Katie Garner [00:01:07] Adam and Eve Series of Paintings [00:02:18] Why is Eve never pregnant in paintings?? [00:03:22] "God Blessed me." [00:04:17] Adam and Eve are not "distant" relatives. [00:05:43] That They Might Have Joy [00:07:03] Painting Eve and Mary Together [00:08:45] Two Women with the Most Pivotal Roles [00:10:23] Mother to Mother [00:14:02] The power of God using Katie as a tool. [00:15:09] Mother's Embrace [00:17:46] Surrender [00:19:43] Katie's Experience with The Gift of Giving Life HELPFUL LINKS This weeks episode transcripts and/or show notes – http://thegiftofgivinglife.com/art-to-inspire-katie-garner/ Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes

"God is Love" How can knowing this help us better understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ? How can knowing this help us to better appreciate this Valentine's Season,  even if we are not being "showered" with love from others? HELPFUL LINKS This weeks episode transcripts and/or show notes – http://thegiftofgivinglife.com/thoughts-on-love/ Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes

I loved hearing the things that Kelly learned with each of her 8 births. From a cesarean, to a traumatic VBAC to many healing births and some challenging ones too.   Each one taught her something different. Kelly is also a birth doula and childbirth educator and shares her knowledge with other expecting moms. This was such a fun interview and I know you will learn a lot as Kelly shares her insights with us. How to Connect with Kelly MindfullyPreparedBirth.com Instagram/FB @MindfullyPreparedBirth Southern Utah Locals can find me at PeacefulBirthChoices.com

Jayne struggled with Hyperemesis Gravidarum through 4 of her pregnancies. It was wonderful to talk with her about her experience and hear the blessings that came from it.          "I found it didn't have to be a dark place if I was looking upward, and like reaching out to heaven and saying,            What does this experience have to offer me? What is here for me to learn?" She also wrote a children's book When Mommies are Sick as well as a journal for other moms experiencing Hypermesis Gravidarum. Definitely a must listen to episode! TOPICS COVERED [00:00:42] Meet Jayne - Mother and Author [00:02:13] When Pregnancy Doesn't Go as You Imagined [00:04:13] Her Doctor Dismissed Her Concerns! [00:06:45] Learning to Track Symptoms and Speaking Up For Herself [00:07:42] Challenges Don't Have to Bring You to a Dark Place [00:08:50] Delving into Understanding Consecration [00:11:00] Having the Courage and Strength to Have More Babies [00:14:31] Diving Help was Needed to Make it Through Last Pregnancy [00:16:12] Writing the Books [00:20:22] Have the Courage to Be Imperfect [00:22:12] Where to find Jayne and her books! LINKS Find Jayne Here life-onpurpose.com @mommingonpurpose Amazon - When Mommies Get Sick and My HG Journal as well as Watching Over Angels Gift of Giving Life Links http://thegiftofgivinglife.com/category/podcast/ https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGiftofGivingLife https://amzn.to/3LUcGn5 Find the Show Notes Here http://thegiftofgivinglife.com/hyperemesis-gravidarum-helped-her-deeply-understand-submission-and-consecration/ http://thegiftofgivinglife.com/category/podcast/

It was such a joy to interview Katie and Amie about their powerful new book. This book and journal, helps to lead you through documenting and processing your birth experience. Leading towards healing and hope.  HELPFUL LINKS thegiftofgivinglife.com/giving-birth-to-motherhood https://amiemccrackenauthor.com/ https://katierossler.com/giving-birth-to-motherhood IG: @katie.rossler Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes

Frankincense is known as the king of oils. Myrrh is known as the oil of Mother Earth. When I learned about the spiritual powers  these two oils posses,  I was overcome with awe. It gave new meaning to the gifts of frankincense and myrrh  that the wise men brought to the baby Jesus  as He left the premortal world  and His Heavenly Parents to walk among men during His earthly sojourn. HELPFUL LINKS thegiftofgivinglife.com/frankincense-and-myrrh Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes

I’ve always felt at least a little uncomfortable  with the common modern renditions of the conditions of Christ’s birth:  Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem, poor and alone.  They reach the one inn in town,  Mary obviously ready to pop,  if not already in labor,  only to find it crowded  and run by a grumpy and inhospitable innkeeper  who gruffly forces them to leave.  In despair and urgency,  they take refuge in a stable among the animals and filth.  Alone and in the most squalid of circumstances imaginable,  the Christ child is born and  laid in the manger  where the cows and goats continue to nibble the hay out from under his head. This weeks episode, we dive into another way it could have gone! HELPFUL LINKS thegiftofgivinglife.com/mary-and-the-nativity-story Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes

With Christmas approaching I have been  pondering the concept of “humble birth.” HELPFUL LINKS thegiftofgivinglife.com/humble-birth Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes

There are many beautiful works of art depicting Mary riding a donkey as Joseph led them to Bethlehem.  I never questioned whether or not Mary rode a donkey on her journey with Joseph.  However, as I was researching the symbolism of Mary riding a donkey to Bethlehem  and Christ riding a donkey as he entered Jerusalem in the Triumphal Entry,  I realized that the scriptures don’t actually say that Mary did. In todays episode I share what Robyn learned while doing this research. HELPFUL LINKS thegiftofgivinglife.com/did-mary-really-ride-a-donkey Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes

Morgan had a cesarean with her twin girls  and then a cesarean with her son. She used some tips from the Creating a Sacred Cesarean and got some of the things she really wanted with her second birth experience. She also shares the magical time of those first 2 weeks after a baby is born.  HELPFUL LINKS Thegiftofgivinglife.com/morgan-postpartum-period Get your copy of The Gift of Giving Life Book here Sign up for our Newsletter Follow us on Instagram @giftofgivinglife You Tube Channel All Podcast Episodes