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Episode 19: Creating a VBAC Plan
In many communities, those who desire a VBAC or vaginal birth after cesarean can face many obstacles and challenges. For some, the biggest challenge is finding a care provider who is supportive of vaginal birth after cesarean. For others finding a birth location can be a major obstacle. Knowing that you have support is the most important factor in going into a VBAC with confidence—support from your partner, family, friends and your provider. There are many facets to consider when creating a plan for vaginal birth after cesarean. Hiring a doula for support is one way to ensure you are aware of all the options for your birth. Join us…
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Episode 18: Internal Fetal Monitoring
There are many options for monitoring the health and well-being of the baby during labor. External monitors monitor the baby’s heart rate from the outside. Internal fetal monitoring records the baby’s heart rate from the inside. When there are concerns about how the baby responds to labor, an internal monitor called a fetal scalp electrode is often used. Internal monitoring is a method of monitoring a baby from the inside. It’s also a more accurate method of monitoring the beat-to-beat variability of the baby’s heart rate during labor. As doulas, we don’t subscribe to the philosophy that all intervention is bad. As a result, we see the internal fetal monitor as…
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Episode 17: Immediate Postpartum Recovery
The big day has come. Your baby is here! Now it’s time to focus on getting to know your new bundle, but first, you have to navigate the immediate postpartum recovery. Those first few hours and weeks post-birth have many physical and hormonal changes. From recovery from a vaginal or cesarean birth, postpartum bleeding, and fundal massage to navigating your need for sleep, postpartum recovery after birth is something many do not expect. No matter how your baby was born, there will be challenges in your physical recovery and your transition into parenthood. As doulas we like to help clients plan ahead for these transitions. Join us as we explore…
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Episode 15: Decision-making for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond
Decision-making surrounding pregnancy, labor, and birth is often the first introduction to major life decisions many individuals will experience. For many, this will be the first time they are responsible for making major decisions for someone other than themself. As doulas, we understand your decisions do not happen in a vacuum. Your life experiences and personality strongly influence how and why you will make decisions about caring for yourself and your baby. There are four basic ways that most people come to a decision. Some will rely on research and the best evidence available. Others will purely rely on their gut and intuition and where it leads. The opinions…
