The Birth Hour

“I listened to The Birth Hour obsessively during both of my pregnancies, and it helped me so much. What I love most is that the podcast, and now this book, create space for women to share the paths that felt right for them, without shame or judgment. Hearing so many different experiences, from epidurals at the hospital to birth center births, helped me feel empowered in my own choices and reminded me that there are many valid ways to approach pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I’m a huge fan!”
—Danae Mercer, journalist, speaker, and self-love activist @danaemercer

“Being a guest on The Birth Hour podcast reminded me how powerful birth stories can be. When stories reflect the diversity of bodies and experiences, more people feel seen and their own stories honored. I’m excited to see this book bring more birth stories to expecting parents worldwide.”
—Jen McLellan, CBE, founder of Plus Size Birth

“Listening to birth stories on The Birth Hour podcast helped not only educate me but gave me solace that something we have done for over 10,000 years can be reclaimed and celebrated. The more we arm ourselves with knowledge of what CAN be and unlearn what we have been told, the more we thrive. The Birth Hour provides that, and I am so grateful for it. I know this book will bring even more necessary awareness and understanding around birth.”
—Rebecca Minkoff, fashion designer and co-founder of the Female Founder Collective

“Birth is one of the most transformative experiences a person can go through, and it lives on within you forever. Yet because it is so common, it is often minimized—its grandeur, impact, and beauty overlooked. This powerful collection of birth stories creates space to pause and take it all in, honoring what an incredible moment birth truly is.”
—Sarah Landry, body confidence advocate and podcast host @thebirdspapaya

“As a midwife, I have learned so much by listening to a mother’s birth story. We need birth stories to normalize the variations in birth, so that all births are celebrated.”
—Shafia Monroe, midwife and author of Mothering the Mother: African American Postpartum Traditions, Recipes and Healing