Achieving Balance in the Pelvis for Pregnancy and Birth with Deb Flashenberg
Tune into this excellent conversation we had with prenatal yoga instructor, doula, Lamaze Childbirth Educator, and mother, Deb Flashenberg as we discuss why it's so important to have balance in the pelvis throughout pregnancy and birth. Deb shares her personal and professional experience including how she went from a five-hour pushing stage with her first baby to a five-minute pushing stage with her second baby all due to balance in the body and mind. We also discuss how having the proper preparation for the mind and body is crucial to your birth experience no matter how you're choosing to birth.
Show Notes
2:44 - Why the topic of achieving balance in the pelvis lights Deb up. She has had some excellent personal and professional experiences to gather information and be able to share that on the podcast.
7:58 - There is so much more than just baby being head-down when we are talking about positioning. Listening to pain and discomfort can help us move into...
Your Biggest Challenge in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
It's not that you can't eat a ton, or that you're swollen, the heartburn, exhaustion, or crazy pregnancy dreams, so do you know what it is!? We have seen a massive increase in this challenge for pregnant women especially since Covid hit in 2020. Don't worry though, we've got you covered. We'll tell you what you need to know, what your options are, and how to be prepared for this. We know...we haven't said what it is. But that's what the episode is for! So take a guess and a listen!
Show Notes
2:21 - Your biggest challenge in the third trimester is not that you can't eat a ton, or that you're swollen, or your crazy pregnancy nightmares. So if you're wondering what it is, listen in here.
8:34 - This is our absolute biggest pet peeve with inductions plus everything you need to know about how it's done and what your options are.
15:32 - More managed births affect our mental state while we birth. It's easier to believe that a mother's body "doesn't work on its own" when we jump-start it...
When Do I Leave for My Birthplace During Labor?
This is probably the thing moms are most curious about as they approach their due date! When do I head into the hospital? When do I call the midwife at the birth center? How will I know it's really time? Whether you are birthing medicated or unmedicated, we have some excellent tips for you to know when it's time to get into the car and head to your birthplace, as well as when it's just fine to labor at home for a while. Of course, much of this will depend on your vision for your birth so we walk you through what the ideal birth looks like for you in order to pinpoint that right time.
Show Notes
3:20 - What happens if my water breaks? What if you want to stay at home? How do you know when you need to head in?
11:13 - What to look for so you know it's the right time to head in (depending on your goals for birth.) If you're wondering what contractions feel like and when to pay attention, we talk about that here.
20:12 - First-time moms, listen up. These are the magic numbers we...
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...
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...
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...
Is Birth Like Running a Marathon?
Running a marathon was one of the most challenging, rewarding, and empowering experiences of my entire life, much like birth, and I am so excited to share this incredible story with all of you! Yes it's 100% true that you do not need to be able to run a marathon to give birth. I should know, I gave birth three times without ever being physically able to run a marathon. However, we often hear that the physical exertion required is about the same. So now that I have done both, I am anxious to tell you everything I've learned about the mental and physical powers of our minds and bodies.
Training for a marathon and training for birth have SO many similarities!
- In both cases, you know the approximate date of when you need to be ready. So, if you knew you had 9 months to prepare, would you start preparing right away? I don't think most people would plan to "wing" a marathon, and you definitely can't "wing" birth!
- I had to be committed & consistent with my runs. You need to be...
Is It Real Labor?
COVID-19: Birthing With Less Support
Things They Don't Tell You: Pregnancy Edition
