Instinctual Motherhood Podcast

Why Every First-Time Mom Needs a Doula

What if you could have someone on your birth team who’s been there, knows how to guide you and your partner through labor, and helps you stay grounded in your birth plan when it matters most? Enter: the doula.
In today’s episode of Instinctual Motherhood, we’re diving into why hiring a doula is one of the smartest decisions a first-time mom can make. Whether you’re planning a home birth, birth center, or hospital birth, this conversation will help you understand the critical role a doula plays in improving birth outcomes, supporting informed decisions, and advocating for the birth experience you desire.
We’ll cover:
What doulas actually do (spoiler: they don’t deliver babies, but they might just be your secret weapon)
The data-backed benefits of having a doula on your team
Why doulas are especially important in hospital births
How to find the right doula for you—plus the questions you need to ask before hiring one
What to look for to make sure your doula aligns with your values and birth preferences
This episode is packed with practical tips, personal stories, and empowering reminders that you deserve support—the kind of support that makes you feel seen, heard, and held.
✨ Grab your free doula interview question guide ✨ Book a free 15-minute birth plan coaching call with me at instinctualmotherhood.com/coaching
✨ Use code Jordyn.Riegel at ⁠https://justingredients.us/⁠ to get 10% off at checkout
 
Access the full show notes for today's episode: https://instinctualmotherhood.com/8-why-every-first-time-mom-needs-a-doula 

When Your Village Isn’t There: Navigating Motherhood Without the Support You Expected

So many moms feel this but don’t say it out loud: postpartum can be lonely. When the friends you thought would check in don’t, when no one shows up with meals, when you feel like you have to beg people to come meet your baby—it’s heartbreaking. Today, we’re normalizing this experience, unpacking why it happens, and giving you tangible steps to build the village and support system you deserve. Because motherhood was never meant to be done alone.
Shop Just Ingredients with code Jordyn.Riegel for 10% off at checkout --> https://justingredients.us/

Theodore’s Home Birth Story: An Unforgettable First Birth Experience

I had my first baby at home. No hospital, no epidural, just me, my instincts, and one wild ride into motherhood.
This is Theodore’s birth story—the real, raw, unfiltered version. I’m talking about:
Finding out I was pregnant while drinking a margarita
The intensity of back labor with a baby that had a nuchal hand (hello the worst back pain of my life)
Giving birth en caul (this means my water didn’t break, no hollywood water on the floor experience for me)
What went down when my birth plan got thrown out the window (that tub birth dream is still waiting for me)
Some fun, unforgettable moments of my labor
I didn’t know what I didn’t know—but this birth cracked me open, in every way possible. If you’re curious about home birth, navigating unexpected pregnancy, or just love a good, no-BS birth story, this one’s for you.
👉 Hit play and let’s talk about the moment I became a mother.
If you need help getting started with your birth plan, download my FREE Birth Plan Research Guide to help you walk through the different decisions you may need to make throughout pregnancy and birth
Looking to clean up your supplement game? Just Ingredients has been my go to for clean supplements in pregnancy and postpartum. Use the code Jordyn.Riegel at checkout to get 10% off your order today! Head over to justingredients.us to get the supplements you need to fuel your body mama!

The Gender Reveal No One Talks About: Grief, Guilt & Growth

Gender reveals are exciting, but what if the result isn’t what you expected? In this episode of Instinctual Motherhood, I open up about my own experience with gender disappointment—the grief, guilt, and growth that followed. If you’ve ever felt conflicted about your baby’s gender, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about the emotions no one prepares us for and how to find peace in your journey.

Building Your Dream Birth Team : Who You Need and Who to Ditch

Your birth team can make or break your experience—so how do you choose the right support? In this episode, we cover how to build a team that aligns with your vision, from choosing an OB or midwife to doulas, birth photographers, and setting boundaries. Plus, I’m sharing must-ask questions and my own experiences to help you feel confident. Grab my free Birth Plan Research Guide to get started planning your dream birth!

Choosing Your Birth Location: Hospital, Birth Center, or Home Birth?

Where you give birth matters! In this episode of Instinctual Motherhood, Jordyn explores the three main birth locations—hospital, birth center, and home—and how each impacts your experience. Learn the pros & cons, how your birth team aligns with your choice, and why exploring options beyond a hospital can lead to an empowered, instinct-driven birth. Download the Birth Plan Research Guide,
 

The 3 Most Important Decisions for Your Birth Plan

Your birth plan matters! In this episode, we cover the 3 key decisions that shape your birth—where to give birth, who is your birth team, and what interventions you're comfortable with. Learn how to make informed, confident choices for an empowered experience.✨ Download my free Birth Plan Research Guide to start planning today! → Birth Plan Research Guide

Welcome to Instinctual Motherhood: Embrace Your Instincts and Celebrate Your Unique Journey

Welcome to Instinctual Motherhood! I’m Jordyn Riegel, and in this episode, I’m sharing why I created this platform to empower moms to trust their instincts and embrace their unique motherhood journey. We’ll explore how motherhood exists on a spectrum, and how you get to make confident choices for your family. Join me in celebrating our differences and creating a supportive community where moms feel empowered, not judged. Let's dive in!