Human Rights in Birth Series

Ep 169 Description:

"Information is power. It will allow you to differentiate scaremongering and fear mongering and just detect the red flags, and that's important for you to advocate for yourself." —Maria Alejandra Cardenas

Have you ever felt sidelined in your pregnancy journey? A lot of women do. Navigating birth can feel like running up against a system that forgets women are the ones at the center. But there's a powerful truth: our experience isn't just about bringing a baby into the world—it's about standing up for our rights and reclaiming agency.

Alejandra Cardenas, a human rights attorney with decades of global advocacy, once found herself silenced during her first birth—despite her expertise. Her journey from disempowerment to a triumphant, self-directed second birth fuels her mission to help others break free from outdated norms and reclaim control.

This episode unpacks Alejandra's personal stories, the realities of obstetric violence, the life-changing impact of midwives and doulas, and practical ways to advocate for yourself, challenge fear-based care, and build a birth team that puts you first.

Connect with Debra!

Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth

X: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1

Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471

Episode Highlights:

04:22 Meet Alejandra— First Birth Experience

08:57 Challenges and Decisions During First Birth

19:42 Being a Protagonist of Own Birth Pregnancy Journey

23:23 Second Birth Experience

31:20 Reflections on Birth and Systemic Issues

39:03 Advice for a Positive Birth Experience

Resources:

💗If you are already a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker and in need of continuing education units, join Debra's Orgasmic Birth Practitioner Training. Birthworkers gather from around the world to learn together and create an Orgasmic Community. Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training

💗A pleasurable, safe birth begins with quality, positive childbirth education. Join Debra's online childbirth class, Pleasurable Birth Essentials: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/pleasurable-birth-essentials