From Dismissed to Divine: Reclaiming My Power Through Birth

Metro Detroit Birth Stories

Metro Detroit Birth Stories
From Dismissed to Divine: Reclaiming My Power Through Birth
May 31, 2025 Season 4 Episode 34
Exie Buehler

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 ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of obstetric trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, and infant illness. Please take care while listening and pause if needed. While the episode ends on a very positive and hopeful note—with both Elise and her children doing well—it may still bring up sensitive emotions for some listeners. 

In this deeply personal and empowering episode,my colleague Elise shares the transformative stories of her two births—one filled with unexpected trauma, and the other a healing, redemptive experience.

Her first birth in 2009, which took place on Thanksgiving, included challenges with an unsupportive OB, a postpartum hemorrhage, and her son’s unrelated illness four months later. The emotional weight of that experience led Elise to believe she wouldn’t have another child. But through years of inner work and support, she made the powerful decision to try again—this time with a new care team, a new environment, and a renewed sense of self. Her second birth, in 2012 on Super Bowl Sunday, was a calm, connected experience supported by midwives.

Elise’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and reclaiming agency. It is a reminder that healing is possible and that every birthing person deserves to feel heard and supported.

Elise names these folks in this episode:

Read Elise's blog post explaining Limbic Imprinting

Read Elise's blog post for her thoughts on the significance of the number 13

Connect with Elise

Tranquil Touch Birth & Women's Wellness
Birth support services helping clients feel supported, cared for and confident about birth.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

I want to hear from you! Tell me your thoughts on this episode, or request to share your birth story in an upcoming episode.

Questions or Comments? Contact or Follow Exie


DISCLAIMER: The thoughts and opinions expressed on Metro Detroit Birth Stories are those of the participants. They do not represent any organization or profession. This show is meant to be informative, educational, and entertaining. Nothing in any episode (past, present, or future) should be construed as medical advice or take the place of your medical professional.
Music: https://www.purple-planet.com

Episode Artwork From Dismissed to Divine: Reclaiming My Power Through Birth 1:37:17 Episode Artwork A Redemptive Birth - From "Almost" to "Empowering" 1:13:50 Episode Artwork The Road to Metro Detroit Birth Stories: Growth, Change & Milestones 11:42 Episode Artwork Big Changes! The Future of This Podcast & What’s Next 5:51 Episode Artwork Our 2024 Return and Stat Q&A 1:37:20 Episode Artwork The Dynamic Duo is Back! 1:07:04 Episode Artwork Improving Your Pregnancy with Functional Maternity Care 1:17:07 Episode Artwork Vaginal Twin Birth? Our First Listener Birth Story is a "Two-fer" 1:10:16 Episode Artwork #28: Aftershock - Movie Review by 2 BIPOC Doulas 1:27:56 Episode Artwork Passed! - Another Pandemic Parenting Schoolyear in the Books 45:19 Episode Artwork Living the On Call Life 48:45 Episode Artwork Happy World Doula Week!!!! 42:35 Episode Artwork Books & Birthwork - Good Reads in a "So-So" Year 32:33 Episode Artwork 'Tis the Season...to Induce Labor??? 28:06 Episode Artwork Untitled Our Pre-Pandemi-Fall Episode 34:37 Episode Artwork Doula Training Never Really Ends 37:38 Episode Artwork Self-Care is Not Selfish - Here's why... 20:45 Episode Artwork The Husbands & Our 1st Podcast-iversary 1:21:30 Episode Artwork Your 1st Date with Your Doula 1:00:53 Episode Artwork This Oil's for You - Safe Use of Essential Oils 49:55 Episode Artwork A Revolution of Support 1:18:37 Episode Artwork Birth Partners are the MVPs of your Birth Bubble 37:55 Episode Artwork A Healthy Baby is Not All That Matters 53:37 Episode Artwork Pandemic Birth = Traumatic Birth? How a Doula Can Make the Difference 45:36 Episode Artwork High Points & High Hopes - Gifts from the Pandemic Year 57:30