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40. An Uncensored Conversation with Keira Welsh on Doulas Advocating In the Hospital
Episode 40 • 15th September 2025 • The Birth Link • Colette Wagholikar, RN
00:00:00 00:54:04

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Kiera Walsh is a doula, birth educator, and host of the Birth Advocacy Podcast. She’s supported hundreds of first-time moms through birth and is known for her bold, no-BS approach to education and advocacy. Kiera’s not afraid to call out outdated hospital routines or speak up when something doesn’t sit right—and she teaches moms and doulas how to do the same. With a mix of real talk, practical tools, and unfiltered honesty, she helps women feel prepared, confident, and fully in control of their birth experience.

Today we discuss how to ACTUALLY advocate for yourself during birth, even when you're not a medical or birth expert. How to stand up to bullies in birth.

We get all fired up on this episode and you won't want to miss it!

Find Keira at www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/moms and www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/doulas

IG: https://instagram.com/thebirthroom

Chapters00:00

Introduction to Birth Advocacy

01:31

Kira's Journey into Birth Work

05:04

Navigating Hospital Birth as a Doula

06:34

Understanding Advocacy in Birth

09:33

The Importance of Asking Questions

11:17

Informed Consent and Obstetric Violence

16:10

The Role of Providers in Birth

22:25

Planning for Birth: A, B, and C

25:51

The Role of Doulas in Birth Advocacy

30:29

Experiences with Provider Intimidation

37:27

The Impact of Hospital Policies on Birth

42:24

Final Thoughts on Birth Advocacy


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