Birth Story: Not Asking for Permission & Preparing for Her Unmedicated Birth with Jo Gibson
Birth Story: Not Asking for Permission & Preparing for Her Unmedicated Birth with Jo Gibson  
Podcast: Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy
Published On: Thu Sep 03 2026
Description: This first aired in March 2023 and became one of my most downloaded birth stories. Once you hear Jo's "ask forgiveness, not permission" approach, you'll understand exactly why. Jo Gibson is an army wife. Her closest family lives nine hours away. Her insurance meant she had to give birth in a hospital, with a rotating team of midwives she'd never met before — and no real option to switch providers.On paper, that's a tough setup for the unmedicated birth she wanted. But Jo did something I love. Instead of asking permission, she decided to ask forgiveness. 😏She stopped asking her providers "can I do this?" and started telling them "this is what I'm doing." She flipped the whole dynamic...and it worked. She showed up to the hospital already eight centimeters, laboring in the ER while nurses tried to hand her a wheelchair, and had her baby boy completely unmedicated. Her husband did counter pressure for so many hours his arms were sore the next day (as they should be if you're doing it right...little tip for dads 😉).Her birth story is so encouraging, especially if you're a military mama, or any mama who feels stuck with a provider or a hospital and wonders if she can still have the birth she wants. And Jo doesn't just share the wins. She talked about the parts she'd do differently too, which makes this one even more valuable. Here are some highlights from the episode:What it's really like to prepare for birth as a military mom - far from family, with limited provider choicesThe "ask forgiveness, not permission" approach that changed everything for JoHow she handled a midwife who told her "most moms don't do that because birth is painful" (and what she did next)The genius way she flipped the script with her providers...you'll LOVE this partHow her knowledge from the course actually earned her provider's buy-in and trustWhy counter pressure was hands down the most helpful thing she and her husband didThe birth affirmation cards she made herself — and the difference they made in real-time during her birth (they are seriously SO powerful mamas!!)Her fast, intense labor at home, and why she trusted her gut to head in before hitting 3-1-1Walking into the ER already eight centimeters with a bulging bagThe shift change that changed the course of her pushing stage...and what she'd do differently next timeHer reflection on tearing, hemorrhage, and immediate postpartumHer best advice for moms and dads, including a postpartum tip every partner should hearJust a reminder — this episode is for information and education, not medical advice. Always work with a provider you trust for your pregnancy and birth. Links Mentioned: 🔗 My Essential Birth Course: myessentialbirth.com/getstarted 🔗 3 Free Exercises: myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises 📱 Instagram: @myessentialbirth Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple PodcastsFind “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcastSelect “Ratings and Reviews”Click the stars!Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On SpotifyFind "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcastClick the 3 dots "..."Select "Rate podcast"Click the stars and write a quick review!FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titlesLet's Connect!Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedEmail: hello@myessentialbirth.com.  Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!