From the Heart with Rachel Brathen

Latest Episodes:

Ask Rachel: Ancestors, Herbalism, and Finding Belonging in the Now Aug 04, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to From the Heart, where today we have a segment of Ask Rachel. In this episode, Rachel takes questions on ways to connect to our ancestral past, where to start when it comes to herbalism, and how to release the fears and anxieties we may feel about good things ending. It is a beautiful array of questions where no two relate, but all are just as important. Tune in for a deep and insightful episode on all things life.

Do you have a question for Rachel? Call her and leave a message at +1 (720) 443 1771. Share your name, where you’re from, and whatever question is on your mind.

The Big Postpartum Episode Jul 28, 2023

Show notes

The first 40 days postpartum are thought to be the most sensitive and vulnerable (although of course, postpartum lasts much longer than this!). As Rachel has just passed the 40 day mark, she is here to share a step by step guide of her journey to replenish and heal herself after birth. If you are expecting (or plan to be soon), this episode will give you actionable advice on how to take care of yourself after baby’s arrival.

Rachel shares her biggest pieces of advice, from the meals she ate, how Dennis supported her, the way she prioritized sleep and rest, her rituals surrounding yoni steams and sitz baths, and more. She also bullet points a list of items she found extremely helpful, answers questions from her community, and discusses some pitfalls and things to avoid.

There is so much focus on baby after birth, but the mother needs just as much love and support. This episode will show you how to lean on your support system, replenish body, mind, and soul, and protect the postpartum bubble that you so deserve.

The Very First Dog: Saying Goodbye to Quila Jul 21, 2023

Show notes

Today’s episode is a hard one… so bring some tissues. This week, Rachel said goodbye to her first dog Quila, who died in her arms. Quila has been with Rachel since the very beginning. She was her very first dog. She moved from Costa Rica to Aruba and to Sweden as Rachel moved. Saying goodbye this suddenly is not easy.

Rachel tells the story of Quila today, sharing how she adopted (stole) her, her personality, and how she was Benjamin Button-ing her way through life and thriving in the winter snow. After experiencing so much life and death over the past couple of months, Rachel has been left heartbroken but grateful. Still, there may be something meaningful in the fact that Quila took her last breaths where Finn took his first. Tune in for an episode that will hold your heart through the ups and downs.

Life Postpartum as a Mom of Two Jul 14, 2023

Show notes

In today’s episode, Rachel is speaking to you at almost four weeks postpartum. She shares what life has been like in the newborn bubble and how her physical recovery has went since birth. On top of that, you get to hear an update on the entire family: Finn’s sleeping patterns, Rachel’s worries about Lea as a mom of two, and how Dennis is handling the transition. Overall, it’s a big time for this little family!

But it’s also a time to lean into softness, show yourself compassion, and lower the bar on productivity. Society tells us we need to “snap back” after birth - but then we miss out on so many tender moments. After all, your newborn is only this little once. This episode will remind you to embrace where you are now and to not take advantage of the small moments of joy that make up your life.

My Freebirth: Meeting Little Sun Jul 07, 2023

Show notes

Just in case you didn’t know… Rachel had a baby! In this episode, she speaks with you at two weeks postpartum to tell you the entire story of free birthing Little Sun. From when she first realized she was in labor, to the mantra she used throughout, who was present, and how everything unfolded - you will hear it all.

Rachel intimately shares her favorite moment with Lea, Ringo’s role in the birth, how she dealt with the nuchal cord, and what she did with the placenta afterward. She bravely shares the epiphanies she had through the process and how she feels about her choices now that Little Sun has finally made it earth side. It’s a beautifully heart warming episode that will remind you of the power of unconditional love, women, and God.

Ask Rachel: Social Media, Body Image, and a Cover Shoot Filled with Shame Jun 30, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to another segment of Ask Rachel. You’re listening to this episode right now because Rachel is currently on leave after giving birth! Today the topic of discussion is social media and how it affects our body image. Rachel shares some very personal stories: one about a magazine cover shoot she did postpartum that made her feel so much shame, and another about a hard moment when she felt self conscious on her wedding day.

We look back at pictures of ourselves so often and are amazed at how beautiful we were. But we should be amazed now. You are beautiful as you are, right now, and your body is nothing short of a miracle. Tune in for a deep and insightful episode that will help you see it.

Do you have a question for Rachel? Call her and leave a message at +1 (720) 443 1771. Share your name, where you’re from, and whatever question is on your mind.

Ask Rachel: Envisioning the Dream While Remaining Open To Anything Jun 23, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to Ask Rachel, where you call in with your questions and Rachel answers from the heart. You’re listening to this episode right now because Rachel is currently on leave after giving birth!

Speaking of birth, in this episode, Rachel answers a beautiful question from a listener about how she envisions her dream birth. Don’t get your hopes up - it’s not the birth story just yet! Rachel shares the Spotify playlist she’s creating for the experience, and more intimate details, such as where she wants to be, what time of day she imagines, who she wants present, the position she wants to be in, the meal she wants to eat after, and more.

Of course, we can never truly plan a birth - it will always happen the way it’s meant to happen. But we can manifest our wishes to the universe while still remaining completely open to anything that may come our way. This story is Rachel’s dream birth. Tune in to hear it.

Do you have a question for Rachel? Call her and leave a message at +1 (720) 443 1771. Share your name, where you’re from, and whatever question is on your mind.

The Final(?!) Pregnancy Update Jun 16, 2023

Show notes

You’ve probably guessed it already, but Rachel is still pregnant. Maybe today’s episode is the last update of this journey - this could be the week.

Rachel is now close to 42 weeks and she shares how she’s feeling spiritually and emotionally. She goes into detail about the signs of labor (although she’s felt nothing yet!), the connection she has to baby, a little update on the farm, and a bit about the medical system and her fears if she goes past 42 weeks. It’s a journey of ups and downs, but if it’s felt long to you - imagine how Rachel feels!

Tune in to hear some guesses from Lea and Dennis, and the last bit of info you’ll (hopefully) receive before Rachel has her baby in her arms.

Still No Baby! Jun 09, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of From the Heart where, yes, Rachel is still pregnant. She shares how she has felt the past week being “over due” and her overall mood, daily activities and sleeping pattern (even a funny story about Ringo that involves poop!). This has been a beautiful time for her family where they are all living on the cusp of very big change. Dennis has been showing up for Rachel in some major ways, and Rachel shares a couple stories about Lea that will warm your heart.

Overall, parenting is one big trip! But somehow, each step of the journey prepares us for the next. Ultimately, our role as parents is to get out of the way so our children can become the version of themselves they were always meant to be. Today’s episode will help you reaffirm this notion. And now there is nothing left to do except wait for this baby!

Week 40 Updates: Everything Happens in Divine Timing Jun 02, 2023

Show notes

Rachel has officially reached her guess date! She is now 40 weeks pregnant, and her family and friends have many ideas about when this baby will come. In today’s episode, Rachel gives an update on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual journey she is on right now. She shares a really cute prediction from her goddaughter, the aches and pains she has dealt with for months, how this pregnancy differs from her first, and what Dennis and Lea think about it all.

No matter how much longer until the baby arrives, there is absolutely no rush. Tune in for a sweet episode that will remind you that the ways of the universe are never early or late, but always right on time.