Midwife Life: Midwifing you through health, motherhood, and the sacred mess of life’s transformations with Diane Ortega

In this intimate solo episode, Diane Ortega invites you into a powerful solstice reflection and shares the behind-the-scenes of her personal transformation. From the grief of letting go of a long-held vision to the light of spiritual rebirth, she offers a raw and radiant look at what it means to midwife yourself through change. She also opens up about her upcoming journey to Avalon—the sacred land...

This week we're throwing it back to the premiere episode of The Midwife Life where Diane sits down with Michelle Ludwig, an experienced birth doula and passionate advocate for women’s health. Together, they delve into the vital roles of midwives and doulas, how they work hand-in-hand to support birthing parents, and the unique benefits they bring to pregnancy and postpartum journeys. Michelle shar...

In this heart-centered conversation, Diane sits down with Nikki Brewer—ayoga instructor, doula, birth educator, and mom of three—to explore thepowerful connection between yoga, birth, and the motherhood journey. With over 15 years of yoga experience and a background supporting laboring women, Nikki brings deep wisdom and compassion to every class she teaches. From embracing strength and surrender...

Postpartum is more than physical healing—it’s a complete transformation. In this Q&A episode of Midwife Life, Diane Ortega answers powerful listener questions about healing, identity, and navigating life after motherhood. From pelvic health and cycle wisdom to the sacred mess of personal rebirth, Diane offers grounded, soulful guidance for women in every season of becoming. What You’ll Learn: What...

**BONUS REPLAY** This week host Diane Ortega welcomes back Dr. Cara English, CEO of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. Together, they explore the critical and often overlooked topic of women’s mental health, including maternal mental health, perinatal care, and the role of midwives and healthcare providers in supporting holistic wellness. Key Topics Covered: The State of Wo...

In part two of this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Diane welcomes Anna Lodder to The Midwife Life. A self-described “career hummingbird,” Anna shares the wisdom she’s gathered from a life of transformation—moving from addiction recovery and early motherhood to grassroots education activism and, most recently, to the healing path of somatic sex education. Together, they unpack what...

In part one of this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Diane welcomes Anna Lodder to The Midwife Life. A self-described “career hummingbird,” Anna shares the wisdom she’s gathered from a life of transformation—moving from addiction recovery and early motherhood to grassroots education activism and, most recently, to the healing path of somatic sex education. Together, they unpack what...

This week we're bringing you the second part of a powerful story of courage, motherhood, and healing. I’m honored to be joined by Shaleigh Rae, a former birth center client, registered nurse, and breast cancer survivor whose diagnosis came during pregnancy. Together, we explore her extraordinary journey: Choosing midwifery care and preparing for birth The unexpected discovery of breast cancer duri...

Today’s episode is the first half of a powerful story of courage, motherhood, and healing. I’m honored to be joined by Shaleigh Rae, a former birth center client, registered nurse, and breast cancer survivor whose diagnosis came during pregnancy. Together, we explore her extraordinary journey: Choosing midwifery care and preparing for birth The unexpected discovery of breast cancer during pregnanc...

The truth? Work-life balance is a myth that keeps women stuck. In this episode of Midwife Life, Diane Ortega, certified nurse midwife and maternal mental health advocate, dismantles the toxic idea of balance and offers something better—living in seasons. Whether you're an entrepreneur, caregiver, or doing all the things (usually at once), this conversation will help you release the guilt of trying...

As spring unfolds around us, we’re reminded that rebirth doesn’t happen all at once — it happens in layers. In this reflective solo episode, Diane explores how birth and motherhood parallel the season of spring. From the tender, muddy beginnings to the fierce and intuitive becoming, this episode is your invitation to slow down and honor your own unfolding. ✨ Inside this episode: Why you’re not me...

Pregnancy gets all the prep—but what about postpartum? In this episode of Midwife Life, Diane Ortega, certified nurse midwife and maternal mental health advocate, shines a light on the fourth trimester—those crucial 12 weeks after birth that often get overlooked in standard care. Whether you’re currently pregnant, newly postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a real-talk guid...

Navigating the early days of motherhood can be overwhelming, lonely, and filled with uncertainty—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down with Kylie West and Jacquie Koopman, co-owners of the New Mom School franchise in Gilbert, Arizona. Both Kylie and Jacquie know firsthand how challenging early motherhood can be, and they’ve dedicated themselves to creating a supportive, empowering...

This week Diane welcomes two inspiring guests—her daughter Julia Ortega and her “adopted” daughter, Klea Soliman. Both are 23-year-old nurses navigating the ups and downs of their early 20s, from building careers in healthcare to prioritizing health and relationships. Together, they dive into the challenges of this transformative stage of life and share lessons on self-discovery, balance, and empo...

\Diane is joined by Ashley Andrews, an Integrative Nutrition & Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Instructor and Reiki Practitioner, who shares her inspiring journey into motherhood and the transformative practices that have guided her along the way. From navigating unexpected pregnancy and birth experiences to discovering the power of integrative nutrition, Reiki, and intuitive movement, Ashley's story...

In this special Q&A episode, I’m answering YOUR biggest questions about pregnancy, birth, postpartum mental health, and how to build a strong support system—even if you’re not a mom! We’ll cover misconceptions about midwifery, how to prepare for birth, recognizing postpartum depression, and the power of sisterhood. If you have a question for a future episode, send it my way on Instagram (@@the.mid...

Hormones are the foundation of women’s health, yet imbalances often go undiagnosed, leaving many of us feeling drained, anxious, or stuck. In this episode, Ashley Rocha, hormonal health expert and founder of Ladywell, joins Diane to break down the basics of hormone health, why it matters for productivity and happiness, and how to naturally support balance at every life stage. They discuss: ✔️ What...

Women are not meant to do life alone. But in today’s world, many of us feel more isolated than ever—pulled away from the deep, meaningful sisterhood we need to thrive. In this episode of The Midwife Life, I’m exploring the science, history, and power of women’s community, whether you’re a mother or not. We’ll unpack why loneliness is becoming a health crisis, how modern life has separated us from...

Navigating the early days of motherhood can be overwhelming, lonely, and filled with uncertainty—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down with Kylie West and Jacquie Koopman, co-owners of the New Mom School franchise in Gilbert, Arizona. Both Kylie and Jacquie know firsthand how challenging early motherhood can be, and they’ve dedicated themselves to creating a supportive, empowering...

In this episode, Diane is joined by Nereyda Martinez, a mother, storyteller, and Licensed Ishtara Teacher who, alongside her husband Angel, co-owns The Healing Tree Collective in Tempe, Arizona. Nereyda shares the unexpected journey of taking over the Collective, the divine intervention that led them to this path, and the challenges they faced in building a successful partnership. Nereyda opens up...

In this reflective episode, we’re diving into the art of hibernation—not in the bear-in-a-cave sense, but as a season of intentional rest, renewal, and preparation. Inspired by nature’s rhythms, Diane explores how slowing down during winter can lead to meaningful growth and peace. If the hustle of the new year has you feeling drained already, this episode is your permission slip to pause, reflect,...

This week, we’re sharing exciting news: Willow Birth Center is expanding with a third location in Gilbert, Arizona! We’re thrilled to bring our midwife-led, personalized care to even more families in the Southeast Valley. Imagine a warm, home-like space designed to celebrate and support you through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. This new location embodies everything you love about Willow, plus a fe...

In this episode of The Midwife Life, Diane welcomes Tirza Hova, the visionary founder of Milk by Mom, who is redefining breastfeeding for modern families. A working mom of two young daughters, Tirza faced the struggles of balancing full-time work with the challenges of pumping, storing, and traveling with breast milk. Her discovery of freeze-drying breast milk was a game-changer—providing superior...

This week on The Midwife Life, Diane sits down with Chelsie Bruggeman, the powerhouse CEO and founder of MOMentum, an organization dedicated to supporting mothers as they navigate the delicate balance of work, family, and self-care. A mom of two and one of Phoenix Business Journal's 2024 40 Under 40, Chelsie shares her journey from raising millions in scholarships at Arizona State University to bu...

This week, Diane is joined by Ashley Andrews, an Integrative Nutrition & Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Instructor and Reiki Practitioner, who shares her inspiring journey into motherhood and the transformative practices that have guided her along the way. From navigating unexpected pregnancy and birth experiences to discovering the power of integrative nutrition, Reiki, and intuitive movement, Ashle...