Ep. 349: Preparing for Birth as a Rite of Passage with Britta Bushnell, PhD

In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe delves into the transformative journey of birth and parenthood with guest Dr. Britta Bushnell—an expert in childbirth education, mythology, and parenting. The episode explores the impactful themes from Dr. Britta's book, 'Transformed by Birth,' emphasizing the balance between feminine (Artemis) and masculine (Apollo) energies during childbirth. Listeners are encouraged to embrace both the untamed, intuitive side of birth and the structured, analytical aspects. The discussion also highlights the importance of partner involvement, the practice of receiving support, and the experience of parenthood as a rite of passage. HeHe gets vulnerable, sharing personal insights and fears as an expecting mother, offering a relatable and heartfelt narrative for listeners navigating similar journeys.

00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome

01:08 The Joy of Podcasting and Listener Engagement

04:02 Encouragement and Requests for Listeners

05:13 Introduction to Today's Episode and Guest

09:26 Discussion on Birth as a Rite of Passage

12:55 Intuition and Pregnancy Experiences

18:31 Challenges and Changes in Parenthood

32:25 Building Resilience and Strong Relationships

41:12 Encouraging Partner Involvement

47:14 The Role of Partners in Pregnancy

47:59 Involving Partners in Birth Decisions

48:44 Supporting Partners' Emotional Needs

51:33 The Metaphor of the River and the Banks

56:50 Practical Tips for Sharing the Mental Load

59:31 Practicing Discomfort Together

01:02:52 Empowering Partners in Birth

01:10:59 The Balance of Artemis and Apollo

01:24:54 Final Thoughts and Resources

 

Guest Bio:

Britta Bushnell, PhD, is a mother, veteran childbirth educator, celebrated speaker, mythologist, and specialist in childbirth, couples, and parenting. For the last 20 years, Dr. Bushnell has worked with individuals and couples as they prepare for the life-changing experience of giving birth. Her work with parents has been enriched by her doctoral work in mythology and psychology, her years spent as a co-owner of Birthing From Within, as well as her dedicated study of solution-focused brief therapy, storytelling, and sustaining vibrancy and helping romantic partnerships thrive even during parenthood.

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BIRTH EDUCATION:

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LINKS MENTIONED:

brittabushnell.com

Curious about Transformed by Birth? Enjoy this free download of Chapter One!

https://brittabushnell.com/free-resources/