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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 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 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 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.…
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Episode 10: Placenta Encapsulation – Location Matters
When it comes to placenta encapsulation, who you choose to process your placenta matters. The placenta is an organ. An organ that carries all of the biohazardous risks that any other organ or meat carries. How it is processed, and the location in which it happens is foundational to a safe process. When considering the encapsulation, you may picture a stainless steel location, like a commercial kitchen. But the reality is most individuals who perform encapsulation are doing so in their own homes. Typically their own kitchen or garage. While this can seem harmless on the surface, many factors can impact the quality of the process and the finished capsules.…
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Episode 9: Recovering from Traumatic Birth
TW: Discussions of trauma surrounding childbirth and neonatal loss. Trauma surrounding childbirth can come in many forms. Physical and emotional trauma is the most common, but the perception of a threat to oneself or the baby can also result in trauma. Childbirth is one of the great unknowns. How the birth of your baby may unfold is unpredictable for most pregnant individuals. Especially for those who desire a vaginal birth. Individuals who have experienced previous trauma are at an increased risk for trauma surrounding childbirth. Along with those who have existing anxiety or panic disorder. Trauma can result when labor doesn’t go to plan or expectations surrounding how labor and…
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Episode 7: Five Common Doula Myths
Ask 10 people about doulas, and you’ll likely hear at least one of the common doula myths among the responses. Doulas are like midwives. They are only for those who plan to have an unmedicated birth. Doulas hate hospitals and doctors. The possibilities are endless. While some of the myths may apply to some doulas because they had to start somewhere, right? There are far more doulas today that do not fit these common myths and stereotypes. In this episode, we address five of the most common doula myths: I have a supportive partner; I don’t need a doula. Doulas are the same as midwives. Doulas can’t support those who…
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Episode 6: Pregnancy Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
When it comes to pregnancy, there’s no doubt that it brings a host of physical and emotional sensations. Many of which you’ve likely never experienced. With all the “weird” that is happening to your body, it’s hard to know which pregnancy symptoms are normal and which to be concerned about. Many pregnant individuals don’t want to bother their providers. They hesitate to call or go in to be checked when they have a new symptom. But ask any provider. They’d rather you call and determine it is nothing vs. it being something that you shouldn’t have ignored. In this episode, we discuss five pregnancy symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. Vaginal…
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Episode 5: Choosing A Prenatal Care Provider
One of the first decisions you make when you find out you are pregnant is who you will hire as your prenatal care provider. For some, an established relationship with a trusted gynecologist may make this an easy choice. Others may find themselves searching for the perfect provider to provide their prenatal care and to facilitate their birth. You may have a preference for an obstetrician, or perhaps you prefer a midwife. Regardless of your choice, the individual you pick will significantly influence where you will give birth and what options are available to you as you navigate pregnancy and birth. As doulas, we recommend giving some thought to what…
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Episode 4: When Parents and Grandparents Collide
Having a grandchild is often one of those peak moments in a grandparent’s life. There is typically a lot of excitement surrounding welcoming a new baby into the family. Some grandparents are anxious to jump in and get their hands dirty, and others prefer to give their support from afar. When grandparents are present and participate in the lives of their grandbabies, there are often points at which the grandparents and their own children will disagree on how a baby should be raised. This is a power dynamic that many growing families may not have experienced before. So how do you handle those disagreements or differences of opinions with your…
