Ep. 125 - What is Risk?: Understanding Risk to Prepare with Confidence and Pleasure

with Debra Pascali-Bonaro

“When you feel empowered to make choices about your birth, even if things don't go as planned, you will remain more positively connected to the experience of your body and your baby. Keep your power so your voice and choice are heard.”
Debra Pascali-Bonaro
Episode 125, orgasmic birth the podcast

Welcome to episode 125

The concept of risk in childbirth is highly subjective, varying greatly among different healthcare providers and settings. What one caregiver deems as high-risk, another may consider a normal variation. The location of birth can also significantly impact the perceived level of risk, with stark differences in intervention rates between hospitals and home births. 

In this week’s episode, we are going to explore the complex and often misunderstood topic of risk in childbirth. 

Tune in as Debra talks about the historical shift from birth as a sacred, communal experience to a medicalized event, the impact of language and fear on the birth process, and practical tips for creating a more positive, pleasurable, and empowering birth journey.

Episode Highlights:

01:19 Understanding Risk in Childbirth

03:45 Impact of Language and Perception of Risk

07:29 The Role of Stress and Fear in Childbirth

08:43 Empowering Birth Through Knowledge and Support

10:35 Birth is Powerful, And So Are You

Become a doula

Join Debra’s February doula workshop and become a working doula in 2025!

Doula WOrkshop testimonials

what past particpants are saying...

Doula WOrkshop testimonials

what past particpants are saying...

“What you will receive is far beyond what is written on the curriculum the camaraderie with women from all around the world. This is definitely an advanced doula training. I would, I just think that there are so many facets to it, and tools that I have gained that I will walk with for the rest of my life. There are so many relationships that I have now cultivated so many connections, even even to myself work that I have places that I found myself questioning. How can I be a better doula? How can I serve more fully? How can I take care of myself within my practice?”
-Sheree
“It’s been really special for me. I was not aware of the power of the international community of doulas and birth workers and I really felt that this week. I really felt that we are not only sharing the same vocation, but we also are all activists and sisters and really mothers of life.”
-Eva Luna
“I would say just do it! Bali is a magical place and the EPD teachers are an incredible source of knowledge. We are blessed to have the opportunity to learn from them. You will leave inspired, transformed, loved, and you will gain new sisters all over the world! I cannot recommend it enough! “
-Jasmine