Birth, Baby! | Guidance for Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum, and Parenting

Birth Stories: Andrea’s Induction Turned Cesarean and Redemptive VBAC

In today’s episode, Andrea shares her night and day birth stories with us. An unnecessary induction turned cesarean to a redemptive VBAC, she tells us about the journey of growing her family. Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Pain Management Options in Labor

There are many options for pain management in labor. Today we will talk about those options in different birthing locations.SummaryIn this episode, Ciarra and Samantha discuss pain management options during labor in different birthing locations. They cover various methods such as having a doula, using water therapy, taking sleep aids, and utilizing movement and positioning. They also explore the use of nitrous oxide in birth centers and the benefits and risks of IV pain medications and epidurals in hospitals. The hosts emphasize the importance of having a birth plan, being flexible, and having a supportive birthing team.TakeawaysThere are various pain management options available during labor in different birthing locations.Having a doula can provide support and assistance with comfort measures and positioning.Water therapy, such as using a birthing pool or shower, can help alleviate pain.Sleep aids like Unisom or Benadryl may be recommended by midwives to help with rest during early labor.Movement and positioning can be effective in managing pain throughout labor.Nitrous oxide is an option for pain relief in some birth centers.IV pain medications can provide temporary relief but may have side effects and can increase the risk of cesarean.Epidurals are considered the gold standard in pain management but come with risks and may require additional interventions.Having a birth plan and being flexible are important in navigating pain management options.A supportive birthing team is crucial in helping individuals make informed decisions and providing the necessary support during labor.Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!
(00:00) - Introduction
(00:41) - Overview of Pain Management Options
(01:22) - The Role of Doulas
(15:16) - Understanding IV Pain Medications
(35:01) - Importance of Birth Plans and Flexibility
(36:18) - Building a Supportive Birthing Team
(37:25) - Conclusion

What is a Pelvic Floor Therapist and who needs one?

Welcome back to Birth, Baby! In today's episode we will talk about what pelvic floor therapy is and how to know if you need it.Our guest today is Dr. Emily Murray. Dr. Emily is a physical therapist specializing in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2013. Since that time, she has enjoyed being a constant learner in her field. She has an extensive history including treatment of low back and neck pain, pelvic floor disorders, pediatric disorders, performance testing, and treatment of orthopedic conditions. Dr. Emily has a passion for helping clients achieve lasting relief from the symptoms they are experiencing.Website: http://www.pillarphysio.com/Email: emily@pillarphysio.comSocial Media:TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook @pillarphysioPlease feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

TENS use for labor

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a tool that can be used in labor, but many people don’t know much about it. Tune in to this episode to learn what TENS units help, what the benefits are, and who should/shouldn’t use a TENS.Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Out of Hospital Birth

On this episode of Birth, Baby! we have midwife Leonora on with us to talk about out of hospital birth. We will discuss birth center and home birth options and the safety of them as well as what the care with midwives looks like in these settings. Leonora has been a birth center and home birth midwife, so we’re excited for her to share this information with us!Leonora is a midwife, mom, and a human who believes that birthing people should have autonomy in their birthing experience. She grew up splitting time between the foothills of Northern California and the Bay Area, took a gap year, and studied abroad for a year in Ecuador. She got a BA in Filmmaking at Bard College in upstate New York and took another year studying abroad in Spain. After graduating she moved to Austin, Texas and began a midwifery apprenticeship in a thriving home birth practice and, after graduating from the Association for Texas Midwifery program, she started working at Austin Area Birthing Center where she worked for 10 years.She is licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). 12,000 prenatal and postpartum visits and over 500 deliveries later Leonora felt called to return to her home birth roots and do everything possible to keep birth safe and normal especially in the midst of a global pandemic.Home Birth Honeyhttps://www.homebirthhoney.com/http://www.facebook.com/homebirthhoneyatx/https://www.instagram.com/HOMEBIRTHHONEYATX/Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Birth Prep - What you can do to prepare for labor

It’s common for people to ask what they can do to prepare themselves for labor and birth. On today’s episode, we will talk about it all…exercises to do, foods to eat, things to drink, and practitioners to see!SummaryIn this episode, Ciarra and Samantha discuss how to prepare for labor and birth. They emphasize the importance of education, knowing your options, and taking a well-rounded childbirth class. They also talk about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, including walking, prenatal yoga, and strength exercises. The hosts highlight the significance of nutrition, such as consuming high protein and high fiber foods, and getting essential vitamins and minerals. They also stress the importance of staying hydrated with water. Overall, the episode provides valuable information and tips for preparing for labor and birth. In this episode, the hosts discuss various methods that can help prepare the body for labor, including drinking red raspberry leaf tea, eating dates, and practicing perineal massage. They also touch on the benefits of chiropractic care, pelvic floor therapy, and acupuncture. While some of these methods have limited scientific evidence, they emphasize the importance of listening to your body and finding what works best for you. They also acknowledge that not everyone has access to or can afford these methods, and suggest alternative options like spinning babies exercises and self-performed perineal massage.TakeawaysTake a well-rounded childbirth class to learn about your options for labor and birth.Engage in regular exercise during pregnancy to build stamina and strength.Focus on nutrition by consuming high protein and high fiber foods and getting essential vitamins and minerals.Stay hydrated with water and limit caffeine intake.Be in tune with your body and listen to its needs throughout pregnancy. Drinking red raspberry leaf tea, eating dates, and practicing perineal massage are thought to help prepare the body for labor, although the scientific evidence is limited.Chiropractic care, pelvic floor therapy, and acupuncture can also be beneficial in preparing the body for labor.It's important to listen to your body and find what works best for you, as not all methods may be effective for everyone.Alternative options like spinning babies exercises and self-performed perineal massage can be helpful for those who cannot access or afford other methods.Mentioned articles:EBB 216 - The Evidence on Prenatal Perineal Massage for Preventing Tears in Childbirth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker - Evidence Based Birth®EBB 128 - Inducing Labor with Castor Oil and Dates - Evidence Based Birth®February 9, 2021, systematic review published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies evaluated 6 databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and AMED database)Mentioned Instragram people to follow:MamasteFit: Gina & Roxanne (@mamastefit) • Instagram photos and videosPUSH fitness (@pushfitmom) • Instagram photos and videosPlease feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!
(00:00) - Preparing for Labor and Birth: Education and Options
(07:50) - Exercise During Pregnancy: Building Stamina and Strength
(11:54) - Nutrition During Pregnancy: High Protein and High Fiber Foods
(24:55) - Being in Tune with Your Body: Listening to its Needs
(30:51) - Preparing the Body for Labor: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, Dates, and Perineal Massage
(33:02) - Additional Methods for Labor Preparation: Chiropractic Care, Pelvic Floor Therapy, and Acupuncture
(44:10) - Perineal Massage and Scar Tissue
(50:52) - Balancing the Body: Chiropractic Care, Pelvic Floor Therapy, and Acupuncture
(58:23) - Alternative Options for Labor Preparation: Spinning Babies Exercises and Self-Performed Perineal Massage

Birth Stories - Amanda’s Story

In today’s episode, Amanda shares her birth stories with us. From a long labor with her first to a surprisingly fast labor with her second, she tells us about her journey into parenthood.SummaryAmanda shares her birth stories of her two boys, Emmett and Hudson. With Emmett, she had a planned hospital birth and experienced hip and lower back pain throughout her pregnancy. She had a long labor, received an epidural, and gave birth after 34 hours. Breastfeeding was initially challenging, but she eventually found success. With Hudson, Amanda had a surprise pregnancy and sought chiropractic and pelvic floor PT care to manage her hip and pelvic pain. She had a quicker delivery and continued breastfeeding. Ciarra shares her experiences with her second pregnancy and birth. She discusses the challenges she faced during pregnancy, including pain and overworking herself. She hired a doula, who provided support and helped with her birth plan. However, her birth plan did not go as expected, and she ended up having a fast and intense labor. She experienced intense pain and had a hard time accepting that she couldn't have an epidural. She eventually gave birth quickly and experienced postpartum bleeding and breastfeeding challenges.TakeawaysHip and lower back pain can be common during pregnancy and may require chiropractic care.The length of labor can vary, and it's important to be flexible with birth plans.Breastfeeding challenges can be overcome with support and perseverance.Second pregnancies may have different experiences and require different interventions.Seeking pelvic floor PT can help with pelvic pain and potentially lead to a quicker delivery. Overworking oneself during pregnancy can lead to increased pain and discomfort.Having a doula can provide valuable support and guidance during pregnancy and birth.Birth plans may not always go as expected, and it's important to be flexible and open to different outcomes.Fast labors can be intense and may not allow for the desired interventions, such as an epidural.Postpartum bleeding and breastfeeding challenges are common experiences that may require additional support and guidance.Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!
(00:00) - Introduction and Family Background
(02:52) - Planning and Pregnancy with Emmett
(10:05) - Labor and Birth of Emmett
(26:55) - Surprise Pregnancy and Seeking Care for Hudson
(29:17) - Pelvic Floor PT and Quicker Delivery with Hudson
(30:45) - Challenges and Pain During Pregnancy
(32:12) - The Role of a Doula in Birth Preparation
(34:01) - The Reality of a Birth Plan
(36:15) - A Fast and Intense Labor Experience
(49:41) - Postpartum Bleeding and Breastfeeding Challenges

Understanding the Signs of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS)

Welcome back to Birth, Baby!In today's episode we will talk about mental health in the perinatal period. We will explore the difference between Baby Blues and PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders). We will discuss how to decide if you need to seek support, and how to find that support if you find you need it.Our guest today is Cheryl Reeley. Cheryl is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and provides people with effective therapy services specializing in perinatal mental health during pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition to parenthood.Cheryl has been licensed since 2011 and was previously employed as a medical social worker in Urbana, Illinois. During her time in the hospital setting, she provided services to the NICU, OB, L&D, Maternal Fetal Medicine, and Pediatrics. In 2013, she and her family moved from central Illinois to Austin and have been enjoying everything Texas has to offer. In 2021, Cheryl opened her private practice, Cheryl Reeley LCSW PLLC, and has enjoyed making connections in the perinatal and birthing communities.Website: www.CherylReeleyLCSW.comEmail: Cheryl@CherylReeleyLCSW.comPhone: 512-641-9528Links:PHQ-9 - AnxietyPHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) - MDCalcEPDS - Depressionhttps://perinatology.com/calculators/Edinburgh%20Depression%20Scale.htmSummaryCheryl Reilly, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in perinatal mental health, joins Sierra and Samantha to discuss perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Cheryl shares her personal journey and how she got into maternal mental health. They discuss the difference between baby blues and PMADs, the various types of PMADs, and the risk factors associated with them. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help and finding a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health. She also highlights the role of partners in supporting someone experiencing a PMAD.TakeawaysPerinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) can occur during pregnancy and the first year postpartum and include depression, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis.Baby blues typically start around day three or four postpartum and resolve around day 14, while PMADs often peak around month four.Risk factors for PMADs include trauma history, socio-economic instability, personal or family history of anxiety or depression, and the transition into parenthood.Partners play a crucial role in supporting someone with a PMAD by validating their experiences, listening to their concerns, and helping them seek professional help.It is important to reach out for help and find a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health, even if you don't have a formal diagnosis.Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:05) - Cheryl's Background and Journey into Maternal Mental Health
(06:31) - Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
(07:00) - Differentiating Baby Blues from PMADs
(09:50) - Intensification of Symptoms over Time
(12:33) - Types of PMADs and Signs to Look Out For
(16:27) - The Importance of Partners in Supporting Someone with a PMAD
(32:27) - Final Advice and Conclusion

HypnoBirthing - What is it?

Have you heard of HypnoBirthing, but don’t understand what it is? Birth, Baby! host Ciarra Morgan is a Certified HypnoBirthing Educator and today she explains what it is!To sign up for any of Ciarra's classes: https://empoweredbeginningsatx.com/class-registration-formTo find a Certified HypnoBirthing Educator in your area, click here: https://hypnobirthing.com/directory/category/hypnobirthing/GlowMama for Hypnobabies https://glowmamahypnobirth.com/Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Dude! You need a doula! How partners benefit from doula support

Let's talk about Birth, Baby!Today we’re joined by Jordan. Jordan and his wife Natalie hired Ciarra and Samantha as their birth doulas. Jordan will talk about how having a doula help a partner through the prenatal and postpartum experience.SummaryIn this episode, Jordan, shares his experience of having a doula during his wife Natalie's birth. They had a long and challenging labor that ended in an emergency C-section. Jordan highlights the importance of having a doula who can provide support, guidance, and advocacy throughout the process. He emphasizes the value of hypnobirthing classes and the role they played in helping Natalie cope with the pain and stay focused. Jordan also discusses the emotional impact of a traumatic birth and the importance of postpartum support from a doula.TakeawaysHaving a doula during labor can provide invaluable support, guidance, and advocacy for both the birthing person and their partner.HypnoBirthing classes can help prepare for labor and provide tools for coping with pain and staying focused.A doula can help partners navigate the different stages of labor and provide reassurance and reminders when things become overwhelming.Postpartum support from a doula is crucial for processing a traumatic birth experience and providing emotional support during the early days of parenthood.Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!
(00:00) - Introduction
(01:09) - Doulas for Partners: Dude, You Need a Doula
(01:35) - Introduction of Jordan and his Family
(03:32) - Knowing about Doulas before Pregnancy
(04:31) - The Role of Partners in the Birth Process
(05:28) - The Importance of Engaging with Doulas
(06:21) - Hypnobirthing and Doula Services
(07:47) - The Benefits of Hypnobirthing
(10:09) - The Impact of Hypnobirthing during Birth
(11:20) - The Role of Doulas in Processing Traumatic Birth Experiences
(13:13) - The Importance of Postpartum Visits and Processing Birth Experiences
(20:54) - The Support of Doulas during Labor
(28:32) - Navigating Unexpected Situations with a Doula
(30:25) - The Importance of Doula Guidance and Support
(32:50) - Overcoming Hesitations: The Value of a Doula
(35:17) - Advice for Partners Considering a Doula
(42:01) - Closing Remarks