Disabled Birth Stories Podcast

25/05/2024

If you're disabled and you've been hoping to get into birth work or having a birth worker for your birth, check out this bonus episode OUT NOW and the next bonus episode coming soon! More birth stories coming as well!

16/05/2024

We're looking for more interviewees!! If you would like to be on the podcast please email us at [email protected] or DM us here or on FB.
-Kelsey

27/04/2024

New episode out NOW!! Hear Amy Rae's Story of life with Marfan Syndrome, giving birth to her son, and life as a parent.
Find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere you get podcasts. If you would like to be featured on the podcast DM me or email me at [email protected]

30/03/2024

New episode out NOW! Kristen S. Shares her birth story with her first child and experience advocating for herself as a deaf person, and raising her children alongside her husband. She is a birth photographer and doula and we will be sharing her bonus episode soon! Listen on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

Spotify is working on captions so they may have them already. If not, the audio is also uploaded to YouTube, where you can get captions. :)

Image description: women sitting in a birth pool, leaning over the edge holding her midwives hands. Midwife is squatted down in front of birth pool facing her with a clear mask on. Another midwife is squatted behind birth pool supporting her.

Image Two: woman sitting in chair holding a camera smiling. Image Text: "episode 13" "Kristen S's Story"

24/02/2024

New episode out now! Author Jessica Taylor -Bearman returns to Disabled Birth Stories to share her experience with the birth of her son! Listen to Disabled Birth Stories on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts!

27/01/2024

New Episode out NOW! Kara tells us her story of pregnancy and birth before and after paralysis. Listen now on apple podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you get podcasts! (Links in bio/in the info section on FB)

20/01/2024

Hi everyone!
The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and anywhere else you get podcasts! (Links in bio/info section on FB)
New episodes drop on the Last Saturday of every month with bonus episodes dropping in the middle of the month as we get them!
So that's at least one episode a month! You can listen to the previous episodes now.

If you would like be featured on the podcast please email me at [email protected]. Or DM me here!

23/12/2023

A new episode is out NOW! Learn about Jessica's journey with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome "CFS"(myalgic encephalomyelitis) and how it affected her before and during her pregnancy!
Jessica is an author and her books tell her life story! Follow Jessica here: . Her books are on Amazon! The link to her books is in the description of the podcast episode! (There's also links to all her things in her Instagram bio!!)

Listen to her podcast episode on Spotify and anywhere you get Podcasts!! Links in bio.

Thank You for coming on ! I loved having you!

Jessica is The World of One Room on Facebook!

16/12/2023

New mini episode TODAY!! Link in bio!
Gabby () is back to talk about perinatal social work!! Check it out wherever you get podcasts. (sorry about the sound quality this week)

15/12/2023

Q&A From us at "Disabled Birth Stories Podcast"

Common questions I get about the podcast:

I still get questions about where to find the podcast or how to listen.

The best way to listen is on Spotify.

Or if you already listen to podcasts on other podcasts platforms you can find it wherever you already listen to podcasts. (Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, etc)
Just put "Disabled Birth Stories Podcast" in the search bar and look for our logo and tap either "subscribe" or "follow", by doing so you will get a notification every time we release a new episode.

The next question I get most is "How often do you release episodes?"

We release birth story episodes the Last Saturday of every month.

We release bonus episodes (when we have them) in the middle of the month. (Bonus episodes are usually shortened mini episodes)

"What are the bonus episodes about?"

Bonus episodes are (usually) from those in the disabled/chronic illness community themselves who also happen to be birth workers or involved in child care, parenting, or treating people with disabilities. For those who happen to not be disabled, they are open to helping and making things adaptive for those in the disabled community. As I said, most people interviewed will be disabled themselves.

"Do you have transcripts/ transcription for the podcast?"

Not yet, BUT they are coming! We are working on this now. Being about "disability" and being a part of the disabled community, we want to be accessible to everyone. So it is very important to us to have them be accessible.

We are putting our episodes on our YouTube channel so that you can use captions in the meantime. (I know they aren't perfect and I apologize).

Spotify is also supposed to provide autogenerated captions soon as well!

"What made you want to do this?"

I was searching for pregnancy/birth information for myself once I got married and couldn't find much. I found birth podcasts and other things related to birth and pregnancy but none really included disability, so I decided to combine my love for birth, birth podcasts, and podcasts in general and create what I was looking for. (I have a more indepth post about this pinned too)

09/12/2023

Are you following us on Spotify?? If not, you should be!! Mini bonus episode is coming next week!! Be ready by subscribing on Spotify! You can also always go back and listen to previous episodes! ❤️
(Or even start from the beginning and make your way through ;)).

Link here

https://open.spotify.com/show/3uI3WOlta4aph92yGkwd8L?fbclid=PAAab_s0S7hEm3lEjh4oeLGbOcl2kwT6rqSw3hnErPcxaghHqpTXxlCzBrYXM

30/11/2023

I was going through my reviews for the podcast and found this one. 😭❤️
THIS is why I do this podcast.
And it's not even about able-bodied moms needing to feel like they shouldn't feel taken for granted. Their birth and pregnancy experience(s) are just as valid and you are allowed to feel the way you feel.

What I love is, this reviewer recognizes a need for the disabled community and is able to empathize with and see that need.

Hearing how this small little podcast has helped others is THE BEST part of all of this!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't hesitate to DM me, email me ([email protected]) or leave a review on .
( listeners can only leave a rating)
Hearing from others makes my day!

If you know of anyone who would benefit from this podcast PLEASE don't hesitate to share with them! Tag them here if you want! I'd love to connect!

27/11/2023

It's The Cooper's (our) 2nd Anniversary!! Thank You to my husband for agreeing to be my tech guy and going along with my crazy ideas! ;) ❤️
He is definitely the reason this podcast exists! Couldn't do it without him!

26/11/2023

We are trying to get transcripts of the podcasts available to you!!
We have some ideas and are trying some things out. Also is working on auto transcription. We've checked, it's not available for account YET but they say it's coming soon! Also we have a account so that you can turn on auto captions. (We're working on getting the rest of the podcast episodes uploaded to YouTube)

We're trying to come up with the best option.
Being a disability advocate and an account based on disability it's my hope to make them available to EVERYONE! If you have any ideas on Transcription (and any other way) could be more accessible please let us know! ❤️

25/11/2023

In this episode Gabby shares about her journey becoming a single parent by choice while also having hypotonia and scoliosis and being a wheelchair user!

Available wherever you get Podcasts!!

Link to listen in bio!

Share the podcast! word of mouth helps the podcast reach more people! My hope is to help and encourage others in the disabled community!

If you'd like to be on the podcast DM, comment or email ([email protected])

24/11/2023

NEW EPISODE RELEASES TOMORROW!! (MIDNIGHT U.S. CST)

Subscribe wherever you get Podcasts!!
(Link to listen in info section)

All episodes release the last Saturday of the month at 12:00 AM (U.S. Central Standard Time, CST)

You can always go back and listen to previous episodes at anytime

20/11/2023

Hi!! It's Kelsey Cooper from Disabled Birth Stories Podcast!! I feel like it's been a while since I've really made a post introducing myself and the podcast!
I love all things babies, and birth.
I'm married to my husband Sam (my tech guy and editor for the podcast) for what will be 2 years on November 27th.
We don't have kids of our own (yet). We both have Spastic Diplegic-Cerebral Palsy. Sam walks with forearm crutches and afos (braces, as those in CP community call them)
I walk unassisted with an abnormal gait. (I'm supposed to wear afos but don't. 😬)

I enjoy spending time with family, the outdoors, reading, watching sports.

Sam enjoys video games, editing videos, , spending time with family, watching movies/tv shows together, and reading.
( () ()
() ())

I've loved birth stories ever since I watched "A Baby Story" on /. As we began planning to get married I started thinking about my own journey to starting a family and what that might look like. Which lead me to preparing my body and learning more about fertility etc. So, I came across "Taking Charge of your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. (HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE! disabled or able bodied) (Get the most recent Edition)
which lead me to the
Which somehow got me to birth story podcasts. Lol ( )
And (still love it, and listen to every episode!) Check it out!
I started to dig into the resources mentioned on her podcast like Ina May Gaskin and her books. ( )
, evidence based birth
( ), and many others.

In searching for resources for those with disabilities and disability and pregnancy, I wasn't coming up with much.
I found the Disabled Woman's Guide to pregnancy and birth by Judith Rogers and Molleen Matsumura.
That's all id found for awhile until I found .maternity.care they have many resources and books on their website.
After searching I realized how much was lacking for those who are disabled and pregnant. So, I decided to start my own podcast! ❤️ Check link in bio!

16/11/2023

What are some things YOU wish the medical community (and others) would understand about disability and accessibility?
Note: I understand that red tape and other factors prevent these things from being implemented. I don't want to put down on anyone in particular. Just voicing some concerns I've noticed
1. In my own life experience living with a disability. And
2. Things that have been mentioned on the podcast itself.

15/11/2023

What are some things YOU wish the medical community (and others) would understand about disability and accessibility?
Note: As stated in the vid, I understand that red tape and other factors prevent these things from being implemented. I don't want to put down on anyone in particular. Just voicing some concerns I've noticed
1. In my own life experience living with a disability. And
2. Things that have been mentioned on the podcast itself.

11/11/2023

A face to the name and the voice! Thank You! The Birth Hour , Mama Doctor Jones Dr Stuart Fischbein with birthing instincts podcast, and Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins

11/11/2023

SURPRISE!! We have a mini BONUS episode today! Alesha Thomas () is back to tell us a little bit about Adaptive Parent Project. If you're subscribed it should already be in your feed! (You just may have to refresh) If you're not subscribed...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??

Alesha's "Adaptive Parent Project" is a non profit. Her passion is helping disabled parents at all stages of parenthood. If you have any questions about disability and parenthood feel free to connect with her on IG or email. I'd be happy to help you get in touch with her as well!!

If anyone you know would like to be on the podcast connect with me on IG, FB or email ([email protected])

We loved being able to be connected and we hope to stay connected from here on out!

Side note: I do this to spread the word about disability pregnancy and birth. This is a passion project for me. I don't get paid, I have no sponsors, it's just my husband and I tackling this thing.

Word of mouth is the best way for podcasts to grow!! The more people that subscribe, listen, rate or review the easier the podcast is to find. Thanks to algorithms. Lol
Also!! Not only do shares of my posts help, but so do ORIGINAL posts by my subscribers on their social media! So, if you feel led PLEASE share and post. When you share or make your own post please remember to tag us on IG, FB or even better yet BOTH!

All that to say, tag Adaptive Parent Project and Disabled Birth Stories and spread the word!!

03/11/2023

Our most recent episode was released on October 28th!
So sorry for the delay in posting it's been a busy week for us here!
BUT Alesha Thomas from joined us to share her story! It's up now on all major podcast platforms and at the link in our bio on IG (info section on FB)

30/09/2023

We have a new mom this month! Her story is our first from outside the U.S.
Coming to you all the way from the U.K. We talk about her diagnosis and life with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
Her fast delivery and the differences in medical care during Pregnancy and birth between the U.S. and the U.K.
Be sure to listen anywhere you get podcasts. (Link in bio for IG users. Link in info section for FB users!)

08/09/2023

Woo!!

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

07/09/2023

We've uploaded all our podcasts on YouTube! Go subscribe!

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

26/08/2023

We've got a new mom with a new story this month!!

Check out Kathlyn's experience with
TAR Syndrome.

Her story can be found on all major podcast platforms. Link to the podcast in Bio!

Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe!

AND!! Don't forget to spread the Word!! Tell friends, family, those in the birth community and anyone else you think may benefit!

If you'd like to be featured on the podcast message us here on IG, FB, or email us at [email protected]!

29/07/2023

Jilliann's 3rd and final Birth Story is now live. Go check it out now! We'll have a new mom to interview next month!

26/07/2023

Today is the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act!!
Thank You!!
So much has been done, but there's more to do!!

What accommodations are you thankful for?? What are some you think are still needed or need to be available more often?

24/07/2023

Calling everyone!! We want to hear from YOU!
What do YOU want to see from us??
More posts? More episodes? More info? More about the host and editor?
If yes, what type of things would you like to know/see?

Disability stats? Our (host and editors) experience with disability? Disability and pregnancy research and stats? Disability and pregnancy resources? Anything else we haven't thought of? Comment below!!

22/07/2023

WHO WANTS FREE MERCH?!? That's Right! FREE. MERCH. Well we have a way for you to WIN some!
Step 1. Post a screenshot of you listening to any of our episodes
2.Tag us (Disabled Birth Stories Podcast, for our FB Peeps)
3. Hashtag
And your name could be entered to win this awesome Tee! WOO!!