We had the good fortune of connecting with Katy Iengo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katy, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Peaceful Mama Birthing was born out of a desire to help people experiencing childbirth find the joy and power within it, rather than fear or trauma. Instead of entering the birthing space afraid and disempowered, my goal is to guide birthing persons to a more autonomous, confident, and supported birth. Birth trauma is no joke and it effects a staggering percentage of the general population. Unfortunately, the birthing world is rife with systemic racism, toxic patriarchal values, and a tragic amount of shame. These issues are truly life threatening. When the birthing person isn’t authentically seen or heard, then vital things can missed. There’s also rampant obstetric abuse stemming from a severe lack of informed consent. This is why I created Peaceful Mama Birthing. To provide education and support to ALL birthing persons, allowing them to be the architects and bosses of their births! In addition, I co-founded Inclusive Birth Collective, a non-profit providing financial resources to low-income, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ members of the community, which gives them access to crucial birth support. In my opinion, changing birth can truly change the world! 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’ve owned Peaceful Mama Birthing for just over 3 years and have attended 143 births in that time. It has been a true honor to witness so many powerful births! I believe the thing that sets me apart in my business is my ability to bridge nature and science. They both rely heavily on each other, especially in child birth. One cannot exist without the other, and neither should be shamed. I’m a firm believer that every version of informed birth is beautiful! Whether you want an epidural, a scheduled cesarean, or a natural birth in the woods, your desires should be honored and respected. And you should have a qualified team around you to foster those desires. I believe approaching this work with authenticity and vulnerability has a created a beautiful community filled with trust and love that is so much more than I could have ever hoped for!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m based in Fort Collins, about an hour north of Denver. There are so many fun things to do here! We’re right in the foothills, with access to the beautiful Poudre Canyon and Horsetooth Reservoir. In the summer months, our favorite past time is playing in the lakes and rivers around us. We’re also fortunate enough to have countless parks and open spaces to enjoy in every season! In addition, we have dozens of breweries and distilleries, most of which have amazing outdoor seating and lounging spaces. Old Town Fort Collins is known for its cute shops and “mom and pop” restaurants. My most favorite weekend pastime is camping up the Poudre Canyon and attending a show at Mishawaka Amphitheater!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shout out to all the BIPOC Birth Workers who have fought the fight of birth rights for centuries and have paved the way in modern midwifery care!

Website: www.peacefulmamabirthing.com
Instagram: instagram.com/peacefulmamabirthing
Facebook: Facebook.com/peacefulmamabirthing

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