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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...

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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...

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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?

 

ALL our best,
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Avoiding Holiday Inductions & Understanding Due Dates

It's true that having a due date around the holidays may increase the chance of an unnecessary induction. You may also be surprised to hear that both moms and providers have their own reasons for recommending induction. So how do you know when it's a good idea to induce? We are going to provide some insight on that and dive a little bit deeper into the science behind the "due" date.

REASONS WHY A MOTHER MIGHT WANT AN INDUCTION

-Family being in town during a certain period of time and wanting to have their help with the new baby.

-Knowing when baby will be born makes it easier to plan for the holiday season.

-If the provider of their choice is going on vacation close to their due date.

-To take advantage of the tax break/deduction.

-If they've already met their insurance deductible for the year.

-Weather. Winter weather & distance to the birthplace may lead to concerns about a safe trip and making it in time.

REASONS A PROVIDER MIGHT OFFER AN INDUCTION

-Not...

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The Illusion of No Control

 

Peace is a choice. We can choose to do those things that invite peace into our lives, even when so much around us seems out of control. And that's the topic that we want to introduce to you guys this week- what you can control in your pregnancy and birth. We fear that there's this illusion out there amongst birthing women, that there is no control.

In fact, what triggered this topic for us was coming across a birth story post on Instagram. This woman shared her rather traumatic birth story and concluded it by telling her followers that there's no point in having a birth plan or preparing for the experience because it's all out of your control. 

Maybe having that perspective was a coping strategy for her, a way to process a disappointing experience. Because when you don't believe you can control anything, perhaps you're able to maybe more easily release the experience you've had, especially if it wasn't a great one. BUT! women who head into pregnancy and birth...

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Sick of Being Pregnant?

 You often hear how morning sickness is rough, having your insides cramped due to lack of space is rough...but not many people talk about how challenging it can be to be patient in those last weeks of pregnancy. Especially if you go past your guess date. Sometimes you're just freakin' sick of being pregnant! 
 
Maybe it's because you're tired of getting up a million times at night to pee. Maybe it's because you can't get comfortable enough to get a good night's sleep. Maybe you are just super anxious to meet your baby! Maybe you desperately want to be able to eat a full meal or take a fuller breath.
 
Whatever the reason, we're here to guide you through how to be patient, how to make the most out of those last few weeks when you really just don't want to be pregnant anymore!
 
1. The first thing you've got to have is a clear understanding of due dates and how they work. If you don't understand how due dates work, you're inevitably going to be far more...
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How To: Provider Scenarios

 
Being knowledgeable about something inside of our heads doesn't always translate to a coherent and comfortable response to a provider. Don't stress though! We're going to walk you through some common pregnancy and birth scenarios with providers and help you find and form the response that's right for you!
 
[3:38] Labor rehearsals are your time to put what you are learning into practice and this is what good rehearsal looks like.
[8:21] The specific questions that make a difference for avoiding induction during COVID
[10:00] Pregnancy Scenario 1: Let's schedule that induction
[13:00] Pregnancy Scenario 2: Moving a due date in the third trimester
[16:20] Birth Scenario 1: In active labor and your well-meaning nurse says to your birth partner "we need to get her into the bed"
[17:57] Birth Scenario 2: Adding meds to the IV without formal consent, but more of a side note
[21:40] Birth Scenario 3: Your nurse picks up a low fetal heart rate.
[25:06] Want more scenarios? Join...
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It Takes Two: Interview with a Birth Partner

 
Cortney interviews her husband, Nate, to find out what it takes to support a birthing woman and how to handle different birthing scenarios. It's so good and we promise this is one you won't want to miss. Hint: make sure your birth partner listens along!
 
[3:38] Your partner should NOT be the only one preparing for this birth!
[5:06] Advice from a dad: "You cannot be that stereotypical guy in these situations. You just can't." -Nate
[9:47] Cortney tests Nate's birthing knowledge
[12:05] More quizzing for Nate! Play along...does your birth partner know how to answer these correctly?
[12:47] Scenario 1
[16:07] Scenario 2
[18:44] Scenario 3
[26:34] What birth was like for Nate
 
Subscribe & Review in iTunes
 
If you haven't subscribed to the podcast yet, you definitely should! We love breathing life into our mamas and don't want you to miss a thing. Plus we have some neat bonus episodes coming and if you're not subscribed you may miss them. Click ...
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OB's vs Midwives Showdown

 
Don't let this title fool you- it's not that dramatic! We love both, and dislike both, depending on the provider. But the right provider for you will largely depend on what kind of birth experience you desire. Above all, find someone who respects and supports those birthing goals!
 
[2:45] The difference in Education/Schooling
[6:12] What kind of care each offers
[8:00] Who takes insurance and what that looks like
[8:57] Hot topic: Obstetricians are trained surgeons
[10:04] Midwives are trained in normal
[11:09] The different medications that can be prescribed during labor for each provider
[13:12] Cesarean birth rates
[14:11] What if a mom is high-risk??
[15:08] Reliance on medical tools
[15:50] The Med-wife
[22:16] OB vs Midwife during birth
[25:27] What we've observed as patients and doulas
[32:11] Questions to find the right provider for YOU
[33:29] Tell us who you chose and why!
 
Subscribe & Review in iTunes
 
If you haven't subscribed to the...
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Get It Started! Natural Ways to Induce Birth

 
You asked, we listened! This episode will give you some simple, fun ways to get birth started. Some you may have heard of, and others may be totally new to you. While we are careful to share only those things that are safe and evidence-based, we are not medical professionals and cannot provide medical advice so be sure to talk with your provider before trying these.
 
[3:05] When you want to utilize these tools and all the legitimate reasons to get things moving.
[11:47] Why we just spent all this time talking about why to not get things moving!
[12:23] Ways that you can jumpstart your birth from the comfort of your home; everything from dates, castor oil, baby positioning, herbs, sex and more.
[17:56] After 37 weeks and it's time to get things moving...
[19:00] Your cervix and the Bishop's Score
[23:21] Membrane sweeps and when it's a good time to give it a go!
[25:29] What if I tested positive for GBS?
[27:35] Wrapping it all up!
 
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