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

With the holiday season in full swing, life can feel like a whirlwind of festive chaos. In this episode, Diane shares her top four “non-negotiable” self-care practices to stay grounded, healthy, and present during the holidays. From mindful movement to restful sleep, Diane opens up about how she protects her energy while embracing the season’s beautiful busyness. What You’ll Learn: 🎄 Daily Moveme...

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...

In this episode, Diane Ortega is joined by guest, Kari-Ann Hubbard, LAc, MSOM, a national board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist specializing in women's health, fertility, and perinatal care. Kari-Ann shares her extensive knowledge of Chinese medicine, explaining how this ancient practice takes a holistic approach to wellness by considering the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and enviro...

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 Women’s Mental Heal...

In this episode of The Midwife Life, host Diane Ortega is joined by Alyssa Leon, founder and CEO of Cherry Blossom Doula Services. Together, they discuss Alyssa’s unexpected journey into the doula profession and the evolution of her solo practice into a thriving doula team. Alyssa opens up about the joys and challenges of supporting families through birth and postpartum care, and how her work has...

In this compelling episode of The Midwife Life, host Diane Ortega sits down with Dr. Cara English, CEO of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies and an expert in perinatal mental health. Together, they explore the often overlooked but critical subject of mental health for women during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. English shares her expertise on recognizing, understanding, and a...

In this premiere episode of The Midwife Life, host Diane Ortega 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 shares her personal journey f...

Welcome to The Midwife Life, the podcast that empowers and educates women on all things related to pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, and careers in healthcare. I'm Diane Ortega, a midwife with 16 years of experience, the co-owner of three successful freestanding birth centers, and proud mom to four. I'm thrilled to have you join me on this journey as we explore the world of women's health togethe...