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The #1 Reason for Cesarean Birth
We know that if you're following along with us there's a good chance you are not planning for a cesarean birth. It may surprise you to learn what the number one reason is that providers list on medical paperwork when performing a cesarean birth. Nothing to fear though! As usual, we are going to give you all the details you need to understand the background to why this occurs, how to keep birth moving freely so you don't get stuck in the curve, and what you need to know to avoid an unnecessary cesarean birth altogether.
Show Notes
2:00 - If you had to guess what the #1 reason is for unplanned cesarean births in first-time moms, what would it be?
9:53 - Your body is not broken. The system is broken. Patience or the lack of it may be the reason we are seeing so many women moved through the system and into cesarean birth.
11:03 - This information from the 1950s is still playing a part in your birth and you will want to know not only what it is but what information you need to make sure...
Making Your Birthplace Like Home & Why It Matters
Often when we head to our birthplace we are walking away from all of the things that bring us comfort. What if we told you that there was a way to create more of an at-home experience in whatever setting you're birthing in AND that it will even help your labor to progress more comfortably? Oxytocin and adrenaline have an interesting relationship and when oxytocin is flowing it's generally due in part to mom feeling safe and being able to relax. Hint: Oxytocin is the hormone that causes contractions and the same hormone that flows during intercourse. Naturally, if you can find a way to be more relaxed and feel safe, your body will react positively to those feelings.
Show Notes
3:30 - Everything in the hospital is so generic and wipedown-able (yuuup, that's a word now). Literally from the walls, to the pillows, to the waterproof covered bed to the linoleum floor, most of it screams, "This is not home."
11:40 - Hospital gowns. They're uncomfortable, drafty, there are buttons and...
Episiotomy: Will You Need One?
If you ask around, chances are you're going to find some moms who have had an episiotomy and it may leave you wondering if you will need one too. Don't worry! We've got you covered. In case you're wondering what an episiotomy is, it's a cut made with scissors into your perineal area to make more room for baby's grand entrance into the world. There's some debate about if it's really necessary or not and what the benefits and risks are to mother and baby. Plus, we're going to tell you everything you need to know to avoid one altogether!
Show Notes
3:55 - In case you need to know what an episiotomy is and also the different ways they are performed, we get into all of that here. You're welcome.
6:58 - There are benefits to staying in-tact or not having an episiotomy for both mother and baby. On the other side, there are things that can be much more difficult when an episiotomy is performed, and it doesn't just have to do with the birth.
13:53 - There are certainly some risks involved...
Does a Full Moon Cause Labor?
We hear this a lot as doulas and it seems to get a lot of attention once every month when women are approaching their due date...so is it true that a full moon brings on labor? You will definitely want to tune into this fun episode where we talk about the research, the personal and professional experiences we've had, and give you our take, as well as the facts, behind this concept.
Show Notes
1:33 - Where does this idea come from?
6:00 - These are all of the good causes of labor. The things that get labor going naturally in a great way.
8:26 - The not-so-great things that can cause labor. These are the random less than positive ways to go into labor as well as the medical reasons.
11:49 - What are the signs that baby is coming and labor will be starting soon?
17:41 - So...Does a full moon cause you to go into labor??
20:03 - Does the time of day have sway on when birth will begin?
What Makes Labor Longer or Shorter?
We know you get to hear ALLLL of the craziest birth stories while you're pregnant and you're probably wondering, "How do I make sure my birth isn't like THAT?" Well, today we're answering your questions about what causes a longer or shorter labor and what you can do to have some control over it!
Show Notes
3:46 - The pros and cons to longer or shorter births. You may think you want a faster birth, but do you? You may want to really work through a nice long labor, but do you?
10:40 - If you're wondering what could contribute to things that make for a longer labor, listen in here.
26:59 - All of the things that will contribute to a shorter labor.
39:34 - The number one reason listed on medical documents for cesarean birth.
Should I Push OR Let My Body Push On Its Own?
We know this is a pretty hot topic right now and we've been getting quite a few questions about whether moms should bear down and push their babies out OR if they should let their body do the work on its own. Well, as per usual, we've broken down all of the details you will need in order to answer this burning question. We discuss the length of the pushing stage, what it looks like with or without an epidural, why dilation and position matter, and even give tons of real-life examples of what this all looks like.
Show Notes
4:35 - What the second stage is and what you can expect during this stage.
5:40 - What does a prolonged pushing stage look like? We talk about the guidelines, outcomes, and recommendations.
9:48 - Babies that are in the birth canal for an extended period of time may have increased risks to baby once they are born. We talk about that here as well as reasons baby may stay there for a bit.
13:21 - What pushing looks like for moms who have an epidural and how...
What To Do When Your Water Breaks
You are not alone in wanting to know what happens if your water breaks and what you should do if it does. We hope you love how we broke this down into the different ways this can happen, funny scenarios of where it can happen, and even some role play to show you how you can safely and comfortably speak with your provider about when and if it's time to head into your birthplace. Plus, we take it one step further and give you the truth behind your provider asking to break your bag of waters during labor.
Show Notes
3:13 - Fun facts about labor and water breaking!
7:48 - Where and when does your water break? You might want to listen in for some good stories here.
11:05 - Here's everything you need to do if your water breaks before you're in labor, including how to report it to your provider.
15:50 - Scenario 1. This is the first of three examples we give of a mother talking to a provider about her bag of waters being broken.
18:00 - Scenario 2.
19:44 - Scenario 3.
22:28 - Some things...
The 3 Stages of Birth: First Stage + Transition, Pushing, & the Placenta
Perhaps you've heard of stages before, and maybe you haven't, but once you understand what they are and how to tell when you've reached each stage, it will make a huge impact on how you and your partner work through the process of labor. This episode helps us break down the information into what's happening in each stage as well as what you will feel or notice as you reach and move through them.
Show Notes
4:07 - Early First Stage of Labor. If you're trying to figure out if you're actually in labor this will walk you through what you can expect both inside and out.
9:17 - Active First Stage of Labor. Things become serious, you're not guessing if you're in labor anymore and it's time to get to work!
15:45 - Transition. The literal transition from the first stage of labor to pushing. This is the final stretching of the cervix and often the most challenging
21:35 - Second Stage! This is when pushing happens. We're actually talking about when you finally feel that urge to push...
How Late is TOO Late for Birth Prep?
We often get comments like, "I'm so sad I just found your podcast/birth course, I only have a few weeks until I give birth." To which we say, GREAT! That means you still have time to do tons of prep work. In case you're wondering about the very most important things you can do when you have just a few weeks to prepare, we break it down and give you our best advice! Make sure to have a pen and paper ready for this episode because it's jam-packed with all the pregnancy and birth prep goodness you can handle.
Show Notes
4:50 What you can skip when you're getting started preparing for birth when you're over 36 weeks.
6:05 Some things to definitely begin right away that will be super useful for birth.
9:00 Learn about these (get ready with your pen and paper). These are all the very best things you can do in the few weeks right before birth.
16:34 Mindset work may be one of the most important things you do to prepare for your birth.
26:12 It's never too late to change your birth...
Working vs Stay-at-Home Moms: Pros, Cons, & How to Make It a Success
Whether you're a Stay-At-Home, Work-At-Home, or Working mom, there are definitely some good things (benefits), some not-so-great things (risks), and ways to make it successful (preparation - sound familiar?). We are here to shower every mother, no matter the situation she feels is best, with love and support!
Show Notes
3:31 - Stay-At-Home Moms
4:40 - SAHM - The Good Things! Staring at your baby, taking pictures, the snuggles, the nursing, not having to get ready for the day unless you want to, especially after a long night of nursing...it's great!
11:29 - The downfalls for stay-at-home moms including not getting to hang out with a lot of adults and having adult conversations, feeling lonely, not getting a break, postpartum mood disorders, and more.
18:23 - How to make being a SAHM successful!
26:45 - Work-At-Home Moms!
27:30 - The Good Things! Supporting your family financially, talking to other adults regularly, breastfeeding is easier, no cost for a sitter unless you...
