Episode 22: Healing Through Homebirth with Aly McClain, RN, Podcast Host, and Homebirth Coach

In this episode of the Birth Like a Mammal™ podcast, host Lindsay Askins interviews Aly McClain, a Mother of four and an RN from Nebraska who transitioned from hospital births to home births. Aly shares her contrasting experiences of a Cesarean in a hospital followed by three peaceful home births, emphasizing the transformation and healing she found in home birthing. 

Aly discusses the importance of overcoming fear, the traumatic impact of hospital protocols, and the empowerment and hormonal benefits of mammalian birth at home. Both Lindsay and Aly reflect on their own journeys and the importance of asking questions, taking personal responsibility, and opting out of obstetrics for a mammalian experience in birth.

Aly shares how her background in nursing, combined with her personal experiences and a commitment to unlearning medical indoctrination, led her to advocate for home births. She also discusses the impact of birth trauma, the importance of personal responsibility, and the healing power of understanding mammalian biology. This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, the importance of the laboring space during birth, and the hope in all of us for healing and growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. The indoctrination of obstetrics in medical and nursing school is legit. 
2. Informed consent simply does not truly exist in obstetrics. 
3. No matter your experiences or education, there is always hope for healing.
4. Mothers and families must take back birth into their own power and decision making - nobody is going to hand it to us.

Notable Quotes from Aly:

• “They use their authority to diminish your questions.”
• “We would just draw up the vaccine before we even asked them if they wanted them.”
• “I remember they strapped my arms down, and I just disassociated because i had to. I didn’t even know where my husband was.”
• “On the drive home from that appointment, I told my husband 'I will NOT have another c-section again.’”
• "I couldn't even drive past the hospital.....how was I going to birth there?"
• "The reason my last birth went so bad was because I didn't feel safe."

Aly McClain is a dedicated advocate for empowering first-time homebirth Mothers to embrace the beauty and serenity of homebirth. Aly is the host of the Peaceful Homebirth Podcast, a Registered Nurse, and Homebirth coach, Aly combines her passion for holistic health, mindset techniques, and practical wisdom to guide expectant Mothers through every step of their journey to a peaceful and empowering birth experience.