112. Two Decades of Birth Knowledge in One Episode with Doula Erica Paulson Artwork

The Expecting and Empowered Podcast

We’re Amy and Krystle, sisters, mamas and co-founders of Expecting and Empowered. We built this business because we saw a HUGE gap in information given to women who were pregnant or postpartum. During the incredibly demanding and challenging years of early motherhood, we wanted to create a safe space for women to learn, grow and feel supported.We wholeheartedly believe in serving every woman no matter where they are in their motherhood journey. Through our professional background, real life experiences and mamas in our community, we are opening up the conversation around common issues that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum, sharing birth stories and giving women the knowledge and resources they deserve to put their best foot forward in motherhood.

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The Expecting and Empowered Podcast

112. Two Decades of Birth Knowledge in One Episode with Doula Erica Paulson

May 13, 2026 • Amy Kiefer + Krystle Howald

0:00 | 33:53

Birth is more than just a physical event - it’s a deeply transformative experience that can shape a woman’s memories, relationships, and mental health for years to come. In this powerful conversation, Amy sits down with Erica Paulson, founder of Nurture, doula, trainer, and childbirth educator with nearly two decades of hands-on experience. Known for her integrative and compassionate approach, Erica is passionate about giving individualized, intentional support to help women feel truly seen, empowered, and cared for throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Amy and Erica discuss the role of a doula during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. Erica clarifies that doulas are there as a guide and support system, not meant to take the place of a birthing partner - because they are important too! As a doula, advocating for your clients is key. Erica breaks down what true advocacy looks like as a doula, but also as a partner, family member, and birthing person. Erica is a wealth of knowledge and shares insight into how women can mentally and emotionally prepare for labor and early parenthood through education, prenatal bonding, and exposure to positive birth stories. Erica warmly gives advice and encouragement for aspiring doulas - that presence and supporting mamas matters and more. She also had some encouraging and empowering words for mamas with upcoming births that brings new light to birthing prep!

If you enjoyed listening to this episode, we would love it if you could share it to your Instagram stories and tag us, @nurturecincy and @expectingandempowered. As we like to say, knowledge is power, and we just really want to give more people the information that they may need on their childbirth journey!

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This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Amy Kiefer

Co-host

Krystle Howald

Co-host