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Episode 20: Postpartum Expectations vs. Realities
For many families, the expectations for how the postpartum period will unfold is vastly different than the reality. Social media often shows beautiful nurseries, blissful moments with a newborn, and a perfectly well-kept home and family. However, for most families, their reality is vastly different. It’s difficult to remember that social media typically only shows the best moments of someone’s life. What these images fail to show is the postpartum reality for many, including the pile of laundry in the corner, the sink full of dishes, and wearing the same clothes for three days that might be stinky and covered in body fluids. Life at home with a new baby…
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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 16: Maternal Mental Health Awareness
May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. This month we direct awareness and recognition to those affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. When discussing maternal health, the conversation tends to focus on postpartum depression. However, mood disorders can happen well before the post-birth period. For some, depression and anxiety may begin during pregnancy. Those with a history of depression and anxiety before pregnancy are at an increased risk of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Approximately 20% of those who have given birth recently, or 1.3 million individuals each year, will suffer from a postpartum mood disorder, according to Postpartum Progress. In fact, postpartum anxiety may be more common than…
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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…
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Episode 14: What to Pack for Your Birth
As doulas one of the most common questions get is, “What should I pack for birth?” A quick google will result in countless lists that recommend all the things that you should have on hand for your birth. However, if you ask the parents what they actually use once their baby is born, the list of what they take is drastically longer than what they used. Overpacking is common. We get it. You want to make sure you have everything you might possibly need. However, the reality is that the things you need can fit into two backpacks or small duffle bags. We recommend a different approach to pack for…
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Episode 13: Fear of Giving Birth
The fear of giving birth is a common experience for expecting families. However, it’s a fear that isn’t often vocalized. Far too often, those who are pregnant are hesitant to express their feelings surrounding birth. Oftentimes this is rooted in a fear that no one will understand. Or concern that their feelings may be invalidated. As doulas, talking about the common fears surrounding childbirth is a common part of our practice. There are 5 common fears that we often hear growing families express: Perineal tearing or trauma during birth Something bad will happen to themselves or the baby Birth takes a different path than they were expecting Not being able…
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Episode 12: Postpartum Planning
As you prepare for the birth of your baby, a lot of your focus is on creating a plan for labor and delivery. What is often overlooked is developing a plan for your recovery and transition into life with your new baby. Postpartum planning is the process of assessing your needs and resources during the days and weeks after birth. This process goes far beyond who will be responsible for doing the dishes or walking the dogs. This in-depth process can help growing families turn a time of exhaustion and confusion into a time of nurturing, bonding, and intentional recovery. From meal planning and housekeeping. Prepping your home to facilitate…
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Episode 11: Induction of Labor
Induction of labor is a topic that many of our clients bring to their doulas, especially as the due date grows closer. Induction of labor can happen for two reasons. Some indications are necessary for medical reasons, and others happen due to the ability to schedule the day the labor will begin. When induction is medically necessary, there are some factors to consider. The Bishop’s score will indicate whether the chance of the induction is likely to result in success. When the Bishop’s score is not determined to be favorable for induction, cervical ripening is the first step. There are two methods to approach cervical ripening. One that involves medications.…
