When birth doesn't go as planned: speak life over your story | Alexa Penavega

In this episode I sit down with Alexa Penavega who shares the birth story of her daughter Rio. Alexa was planning a home birth for her third child when her water broke 7 weeks early and she was airlifted to Oahu for emergency care to be near the NICU. The mindset she shares through her story is inspiring. Opening our hearts to each other’s birth stories and the power of speaking life to our circumstances can be extremely healing.
Alexa is an actress, most famously known for her role as Carmen Cortez in Spy Kids and she’s been featured in various films and tv shows throughout her young and adult life. She competed on Dancing with the Stars alongside her husband Carlos PenaVega and together they recently had their third child and are raising their family on the island here.
In this episode we cover:
- Alexa’s birth stories with her children
- Her NICU experience
- The power of the mind and choosing joy
- Speaking life to your circumstances and radical gratitude
- Mourning loss and releasing / letting it flow
- How hardships shape our testimony
- Alexa’s two sides to pregnancy
- The mind + body approach to postpartum and the partner’s role
- Hospital care and tips with nurse staff, voicing your desires
- Emphasis on skin to skin contact and breastfeeding NICU babies
- The power of telling your story and finding support through loved ones
Where to find Alexa:
Alexa’s Instagram: vegaalexa?hl=en
LexLovesLos KZread channel: kzread.info
Where to find me:
Get my ebooks: www.ellenfisher.com/ebooks
My instagram: ellenfisher
LISTEN to these episodes on Apple Podcast or Spotify: link.chtbl.com/ellenfisherpod
Family KZread channel: kzread.info

Пікірлер: 95

  • @theellenfisherpodcast
    @theellenfisherpodcast2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you all for being here for the third episode of the Ellen Fisher Podcast! Please bear with me as these first few episodes I am learning how to get the sound/audio JUST RIGHT. So just know that even though the sound isn't exactly perfect between the two of us today, I get the sound better and better as I go with each episode! Not to worry, I will perfect it haha! It means so much to me that you are here and I'm so excited to share this episode with you. I loveee this interview with Alexa. She is truly one inspiring woman and shares so much wisdom with us. I hope you find as much value as I did in this conversation. Enjoy!

  • @PixieFiction
    @PixieFiction2 жыл бұрын

    I’m loving this so far and I’m only 15 minutes in. Alexa is such a beautiful soul. Thank you Ellen for having her on your podcast!

  • @kerrikiser1440
    @kerrikiser14402 жыл бұрын

    oh yes! A podcast on the sacredness of the postpartum period would be so lovely! It is so important for mama to rest and heal!

  • @ebonijohnson9271
    @ebonijohnson92712 жыл бұрын

    Awe, I remember growing up and watching her in movies. She has grown into such a beautiful and genuine woman. Listening to her talk made my spirits high because she speaks with so much joy. Thank you for this episode, Ellen! It came packed with some good things to consider in the future, when I begin making my own family!

  • @WandertoWonder
    @WandertoWonder2 жыл бұрын

    I love this episode so much. I don't even have kids, but what Alexa shared is so filled with truth and wisdom and applicable for all aspects of life, not just childbirth and parenting. Thanks for hosting this episode, Ellen!

  • @bluerock32
    @bluerock322 жыл бұрын

    Watching this was helpful for me to process my experience with the NICU, I did a home birth and my son was immediately taken away from me to the hospital due to issues, I didn't even get to hold him. I wasn't able to hold him for the first two months of his life due to intubation and it was so traumatic. We were there three months total during covid while his father was mainly not there, and no one really visited or helped because of fears of the virus. He is healthy and thriving, and is developing normally despite the lack of touch and slow start with normal milestones in the hospital. Thank you for doing this episode 🙌

  • @jesusistheway83
    @jesusistheway832 жыл бұрын

    I love this! I love Ellen's channel and I am Christian myself, love hearing a women of faith! Girl thanks for sharing scripture ✝️

  • @belladazzi
    @belladazzi2 жыл бұрын

    There are so many helpful lessons and tips of advice in this episode even if you are not someone who has children/is giving birth any time soon. So much wisdom ❤️

  • @blissfullybalancedblonde
    @blissfullybalancedblonde2 жыл бұрын

    Ellen you are a gift to this world! And so is Alexa. What an Incredible, uplifting, and inspiring listen!

  • @radostdinkova7909
    @radostdinkova79092 жыл бұрын

    I love the setting! Its so cozy and feels like you are having conversation with your best friend.

  • @averykerr3328
    @averykerr33283 ай бұрын

    I listen to this on repeat for her outlook in life is an essential reminder for new moms.

  • @sarahr5513
    @sarahr55132 жыл бұрын

    Whoa!! I have not heard of Alexa in years!! I used to be obsessed with Spy Kids when I was a kid 🙂

  • @karengraves3900
    @karengraves39002 жыл бұрын

    Have always been a fan of Alexa Penavega and your podcast just reinforced it! Great chat. So open and honest. Great job - looking forward to more!

  • @carrensaunders572
    @carrensaunders5722 жыл бұрын

    I’m only 10 mins in (can only watch by sections due to mom life) I also had to deliver on Oahu (I’m from the big island) my birth/motherhood in general was/is nothing like I planned it to be…this is bringing me healing ❤️

  • @jenniferreyes7682
    @jenniferreyes76822 жыл бұрын

    What an amazing pod Cast. I've had 3 babies and this was just amazing and not only for birth but for life. I love the concept of "it is written " and just living in peace in the moment. Thank you Ellen for doing this pod cast. I've been watching you for years and years and you have had such a positive affect in my life and my parenting.

  • @faithwithmelody
    @faithwithmelody6 ай бұрын

    This is so healing and helpful as I'm processing the birth of my first child that didn't go as I had wished. Such an inspiring and empowering episode ❤🙏🏼

  • @MichaelaHutchison
    @MichaelaHutchison2 жыл бұрын

    I love this episode so much! Neither of my births went as planned for me for different reasons so this was really helpful and healing for me!

  • @samanthabrown7811
    @samanthabrown78112 жыл бұрын

    I needed this today!!! I love the practice of a Positive Mindset!!! It can do sooo much for you and others around you! Practicing Joy is such a good thing!! Thank you to both of you for this!

  • @hayleysunnex1208
    @hayleysunnex12082 жыл бұрын

    Oh she is such a beautiful, inspiring and joyful woman - as are you Ellen 🥰 Thank you for this incredibly uplifting interview 💕

  • @pip5284
    @pip52842 жыл бұрын

    I had nearly the same experience as Alexa, with my 34 week baby coming early and ending up in the NICU instead of having a homebirth like I had planned. I didn't handle it nearly as well as Alexa did - for me it was rather traumatic - , so listening to this feels both inspiring and healing.

  • @ellerbetsch2893
    @ellerbetsch28932 жыл бұрын

    MORE PLS!!! Omg I took so much advice from this. I will watch this at least 100 times!! Thank you! ♥️

  • @tiffanywilkerson5569
    @tiffanywilkerson55692 жыл бұрын

    Same, Ellen! My birth, 3 days ago, took 36 hours of natural laboring and I felt like my body just doesnt work right. So nice to find someone to relate too❤

  • @chrisfleck7683
    @chrisfleck76832 жыл бұрын

    Hi Ellen, this is another amazing podcast. Alexa has an incredible faith-based outlook on life which is something I aspire to. My husband and I challenged our New Zealand laws on adoption that states the newborn child must remain with the birth-mother for fourteen days post-delivery, or if the birth-mother is unwilling, must remain in hospital. Our birth-mother told us she didn't want anything to do with the baby once he was born and she was going to discharge herself. We applied to the court to take immediate custody of the child once he was born because of our unwavering belief that two weeks was a crucial bonding period. We couldn't change the law but came up with a successful resolution. I searched for a maternity hospital that would allow me to stay with my son from birth. We accommodated our birth-mother and her 18-month-old son in our home for two weeks, which was an amazing blessing to really get to know her and her other children. Also, she went on to have another son whom we also adopted (these were baby numbers 8 and 9 for her...no judgment cos we would be childless otherwise). I've never posted before but this incredible podcast touched my soul. Forever Ellen and Hannah fan xoxo

  • @sarahm640
    @sarahm6402 жыл бұрын

    LOVE this!!! Not even halfway through but I’ve learned so much from you both

  • @dcdukes6276
    @dcdukes62762 жыл бұрын

    I had such a traumatic birth with my frost it went from home birth to my baby being in the NICU for a week. Everything that I couldn’t possibly think of went wrong… it’s been so traumatic and has made me not want anymore children even though I do… lol thanks so much for this I don’t feel like people touch on traumatic births my baby is 2 and it’s still hard to even look at her photos of that first week. Thank you ladies so much definitely have a different mindset now ❤️

  • @oceana3070
    @oceana30702 жыл бұрын

    Omg I remember Alexa in Spy Kids and it is so surreal to now see her all grown up! Can’t wait to hear this convo, now that I am also of the age where we are preparing for a family 🥰

  • @katelynp234
    @katelynp2342 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely beautiful! Would love if Alexa came back for more episodes! You both share so much value 💛

  • @kdmm7
    @kdmm72 жыл бұрын

    Her outlook on life is amazing ♥️♥️♥️ great podcast

  • @missmartpants2269
    @missmartpants2269 Жыл бұрын

    Im thinking about her saying "I was even like juggling my belly" to find the heartbeat😂 that is so funny. I'm so happy for them. God bless!

  • @agusaroundtheworld
    @agusaroundtheworld2 жыл бұрын

    the sound of the leaves in the background is so peaceful

  • @oliviad464
    @oliviad4642 жыл бұрын

    ELLEN, this podcast is AMAZING! Love both you and as for Alexa...what an awesome blast from the past! Some really good topics and loved hearing both of your angles. I'm a midwife myself, and would love for more home birthing and community birthing centres in Aus and worldwide!

  • @KimberlyAnn
    @KimberlyAnn2 жыл бұрын

    This is my first podcast/KZread video I’ve seen/heard from you. And this was so so good!!! Thank you 🥲

  • @LivingUnconventionally
    @LivingUnconventionally2 жыл бұрын

    Loved this! She is such a light

  • @BartTonya12
    @BartTonya122 жыл бұрын

    I needed this reminder. Thank you!

  • @Jessica-gk7rf
    @Jessica-gk7rf2 жыл бұрын

    I loved this share. I Ioved the part where you allowed yourself to cry without judgment… I think there is something such as chronic positivity that can be unhealthy to not express it healthily. It’s ok to feel however you feel in each moment. Feeling it and expressing it can help heal faster ❤️

  • @leavixx6814
    @leavixx68142 жыл бұрын

    Loved this episode and the positive energy Alexa has!

  • @mmmbaaby
    @mmmbaaby2 жыл бұрын

    WOW ALEXA 💜 one of my fave childhood stars. Amazing story

  • @A.Anne.Aurora.9
    @A.Anne.Aurora.92 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Ellen 💓 this is such a enlightening podcast on how to live your life in a positive way always whatever the circumstances are and it goes for everything I’m life . This is really uplifting, wow she is such a warrior!!! I am so grateful for this interview 🙏 💖💫

  • @annemacintyre6887
    @annemacintyre68872 жыл бұрын

    This was so helpful and powerful! Thank you, Ellen and Alexa for sharing your stories and advice :)

  • @elizabethmcgowan9743
    @elizabethmcgowan97432 жыл бұрын

    Great episode!!! Love everything about this

  • @fruityeva
    @fruityeva2 жыл бұрын

    Such a great episode. Thanks!☺️

  • @nikim9194
    @nikim91942 жыл бұрын

    This was great! So relatable. I had an amazing birth, however, I really wanted to start labour naturally. I had a beautiful image of labouring at home as long as possible before I made my way to the hospital. Unfortunately, I had to be induced at 37 weeks because our guy was measuring a week behind. It was not how I pictured it, but we were so grateful he arrived safe and sound and was just perfect!

  • @rawlyroo5975
    @rawlyroo59752 жыл бұрын

    This podcast is just the best !🎉

  • @tlinks11
    @tlinks112 жыл бұрын

    Wow this was amazing! I relate to Alexa soooo much.

  • @joankgillette
    @joankgillette2 жыл бұрын

    Finally! Rio’s birth story! 💗

  • @MadisonNicosia
    @MadisonNicosia2 жыл бұрын

    Loved this podcast episode so much!

  • @emmamatos5416
    @emmamatos54162 жыл бұрын

    Loved this! Thank you!

  • @JessLucas25
    @JessLucas252 жыл бұрын

    Great conversation ladies! Loved this. Thanks!

  • @camilahufnagel
    @camilahufnagel2 жыл бұрын

    Amazing conversation. You both inspired me!

  • @earthtohannah
    @earthtohannah2 жыл бұрын

    So unbelievably inspiring♥️

  • @littlelana696
    @littlelana6962 жыл бұрын

    Beautifully hosted, Ellen! I watched your home birth videos and the one about Scout and I was so pumped to have an amazing birth but my birth was 40 hours start to finish instead 😂. So grateful for it and proud but I feel like birth is a school for the mind. I’m excited to see how I can learn and progress on the next one

  • @kinziemiller
    @kinziemiller2 жыл бұрын

    This is so perfect. Thank you

  • @elenaalexandra9506
    @elenaalexandra95062 жыл бұрын

    Great podcast!!❤️❤️💕🌸

  • @tripodmanifesto1728
    @tripodmanifesto17282 жыл бұрын

    She’s not afraid to share her faith.

  • @rebeccalovett-kotze3695
    @rebeccalovett-kotze36952 жыл бұрын

    Wow! Delightful! I’ve had two completely different birth experiences (emergency c section for my first and an unplanned homebirth VBAC for my second), both completely beautiful in their own way as has been the postpartum period! I’m so thankful for my two gorgeous boys! 😍🥰🥺😇 😘❤️🌺🙏🏽 God always has a purpose and plan (Rom 8:28,29,31,38,39) and I love this interview not just for birth but for the positive mindset! Our demeanor affects our husbands, babies, kids and those around let alone ourselves. 🌺 thank you and blessings

  • @basic_CeceRae
    @basic_CeceRae2 жыл бұрын

    I enjoyed this so so much. I look forward to hearing more about pregnancy,labor,motherhood and I hope to hear you discuss infertility as well.

  • @Vanessa-ge4eh
    @Vanessa-ge4eh2 жыл бұрын

    This was a good one! Really enjoyed the whole positive mindset thing. My first labor was 18 hours long, second labor was 2 hours and my third labor was 1 hour and 45 minutes (all from start to finish). It's definitely extremely overwhelming when it goes that fast, but I do prefer it. Anything longer would drive me bonkers haha

  • @the_light_writer
    @the_light_writer2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Ellen! This was great, but be careful not to interrupt your guests mid-sentence. Allow them to finish their thought first, and they may say something you never expected. ☺️

  • @rahifarhana885
    @rahifarhana8852 жыл бұрын

    Ellen Fisher well done 👍 and thank you for having alexa penavega

  • @flybabyskybaby
    @flybabyskybaby2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Ellen this was great ❤️

  • @hannahtaylor2739
    @hannahtaylor27392 жыл бұрын

    I love this episode!!! Would love to see episodes with your husband in it like yall mentioned :D

  • @hannahtaylor2739

    @hannahtaylor2739

    2 жыл бұрын

    Also cant wait to see Heather on the podcast!!!!!

  • @CustomComfyCrochetByDawnMarie
    @CustomComfyCrochetByDawnMarie2 жыл бұрын

    Awesome podcast! ❤️

  • @room1019
    @room10192 жыл бұрын

    On the note of good tunes: Nahko Bear and Medicine for the People - It Is Written Great podcast, looking forward to more!

  • @Julesflavoni
    @Julesflavoni2 жыл бұрын

    I have been a follower of both fo you for so long! I am SO happy you are friends!❤️

  • @Jessica-gk7rf
    @Jessica-gk7rf2 жыл бұрын

    Ahhh just watched the full episode I love that you dived deeper around the allowing ourselves to feel more and the aspect of pride. I’m due my third home birth baby as a single mum and I’m wondering how I’m going to get the postpartum support being single with two toddlers already xx

  • @storytimewithelisa3607
    @storytimewithelisa3607 Жыл бұрын

    Oh my I would love a post partum episode with Andrew!

  • @HijaAmada9693
    @HijaAmada96932 жыл бұрын

    My labor was over 24 hours with 2 hours of pushing, with 5 days of prodromal labor. My sister in law just had her baby after 12 hours of labor and 30 minutes of pushing. I feel you on the indignation and almost feeling like a failure haha! But it really is something to be proud of and everyone is different ❤

  • @daniellemcnamara3990
    @daniellemcnamara39902 жыл бұрын

    Wow this was healing!!! “It is already written!” Praise God 😭 from Texas

  • @me827
    @me8272 жыл бұрын

    Been waiting :)

  • @ashton6001
    @ashton60012 жыл бұрын

    Hi Ellen, this was so beautiful. It would be SO interesting if you could have Dr. Shefali on your podcast I think 🤗❤️

  • @flybabyskybaby
    @flybabyskybaby2 жыл бұрын

    God spoke us all into existance. Speak life. So Beautiful ❤️

  • @tatyjimenezr
    @tatyjimenezr2 жыл бұрын

    Amazing episode Ellen! Love it, congrats on this new project!! Just to let you know a little constructive comment, the audio when the voice rices is a little off, like burned out. Check that! Other than that perfect!!!! Love from Punta Cana, DR!!

  • @maidenmothercrone3790
    @maidenmothercrone37902 жыл бұрын

    I planned on having this natural water birth with my doula and midwife and it being ethereal, but ended up having a completely natural birth by myself because labor loved so quickly. Ended up just finding my super woman strength!

  • @tatianaolaru2514
    @tatianaolaru25142 жыл бұрын

    Can you add time stamps to your videos please?

  • @ChelseaLampinen
    @ChelseaLampinen2 жыл бұрын

    I could have written this myself it was identical to my recent 3rd birth a month ago!

  • @dannacadena8811
    @dannacadena88112 жыл бұрын

    Loving it

  • @mercedezliston3892
    @mercedezliston38922 жыл бұрын

    Thank you my friends. ❤️

  • @harmzyd
    @harmzyd2 жыл бұрын

    This is Harmony, not Kyle. Do postpartum episode with your husband!!!! I would love to hear that!!

  • @taylorlaverdiere2463
    @taylorlaverdiere24632 жыл бұрын

    Oh would have loved to hear here speak on her live a c t i o n thoughts i love love love her now ❤️

  • @Xx_SmokeysHonor_xX
    @Xx_SmokeysHonor_xX2 жыл бұрын

    You know what. Lex is absolutely right. I have pcos & currently struggling to get pregnant.. it’s so hard not to be negative sometimes; especially when it seems like EVERYONE is getting pregnant. But I just have to keep looking at the positive until that baby does get here. 💚😌 Thank you for the wise words. You spoke right to me & said exactly what I needed to hear.

  • @RJ-bj8ic
    @RJ-bj8ic2 жыл бұрын

    💛💛💛

  • @shyannadesiree
    @shyannadesiree2 жыл бұрын

    Haha so yeah the vein in the v lol same girl same! the third baby was so bad and I had to sit on an ice pack. my husband snuck blueberries into my ice pack cover and I sat on them so many time not knowing it was blueberries when I did realize we just would like and call those my vagina-berries and told people just don't eat those lol

  • @Novaturientsworld
    @Novaturientsworld11 ай бұрын

    Even tho i think Alexa Penavega meant well, she is promoting toxic poitivity i think. Always trying to be positive in crisis dismisses the Reality of our diverse Human Experience and leads to shame, guilt and unhealthy coping mechanism. Teaching children to "sit" with negative Emotions and accept them is a healthier approach. I do agree there is a critical line to "spiralling out of controll", thats exactly why you should teach appropriate reactions to negative emotions and not teach to supressing them alltogether.

  • @Zbxwzz
    @Zbxwzz2 жыл бұрын

    I didn’t even recognize her ! And I thought I loved Spy Kids lol

  • @Sum.Mer444

    @Sum.Mer444

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@uhohstinky5850 ps she isn’t vegan xo

  • @hannaheier6164
    @hannaheier61642 жыл бұрын

    I didn’t even recognize Alexa from Spy Kids in the preview!!

  • @sarahpeartart
    @sarahpeartart2 жыл бұрын

    Neither of my childrens births went to plan! Both early, both dramatic, both less than 2 hours!!

  • @missmarissaaa
    @missmarissaaa2 жыл бұрын

    i had a horrible birth and then a miscarriage. good advice here

  • @Drea312
    @Drea312Ай бұрын

    …and to this day, Alexa remains a strong witness to Christ’s peace after having given birth to their stillborn daughter. 🩷🙏🏼🩷

  • @user-cg4ch5dh5o
    @user-cg4ch5dh5o2 жыл бұрын

    Look into Fatima.

  • @jackiemoore8941
    @jackiemoore89412 жыл бұрын

    The bigger the trauma the bigger the potential for growth

  • @SarymaryQuiteContrary
    @SarymaryQuiteContrary2 жыл бұрын

    Dear Ellen, I didn't enjoy this guest, all together it was hard to listen to her. She primarily toled her storys from a "me focus", talked very loudly into the mic, spoke a lot without saying a lot which brings along a slightly narcissistic vibe (wanting to hear yourself talk) and lastly interrupting you. She probably is a sweet character, to me however she is a very unfavourable interview partner. Just as feedback. Love your podcasts so far :) Greetings from Germany xxx

Келесі