Episode 22: Childbirth Education
The Doula Download
Episode 22: Childbirth Education Taking a childbirth education class is helpful, but for many, it’s also essential for feeling prepared for labor and birth. A good class should cover the basics, like understanding the natural signs and stages of labor, and recognizing important red flags that could signal the need for medical attention. It's also vital to learn about the labor process itself. What’s happening in your body, how to make decisions along the way, and what options are available to you. Because yes, you do have choices! Childbirth education is about helping you gain the tools...
info_outline
Episode 21: When to Hire Your Doula
The Doula Download
If you’ve been wondering when to book your doula, the answer might be much sooner than you think. In this episode, we’re discussing why hiring your doula early in pregnancy can make a big difference in your experience, not just during labor, but throughout your entire journey. Early doula support can help you build confidence, navigate decisions with less stress, and feel more prepared as you approach birth. Plus, waiting too long might mean missing out altogether. As many doulas book up quickly, and you don’t want to be scrambling to find support late in the game. Whether you’re...
info_outline
Episode 20: Expectations vs Realities
The Doula Download
For many families, the expectations for how the postpartum period will unfold is vastly different than the reality. Social media often shows beautiful nurseries, blissful moments with a newborn, and a perfectly well-kept home and family. However, for most families, their reality is vastly different. It's difficult to remember that social media typically only shows the best moments of someone's life. What these images fail to show is the reality for many, including the pile of laundry in the corner, the sink full of dishes, wearing the same clothes for three days that might be stinky and...
info_outline
Episode 19: Creating a VBAC Plan
The Doula Download
In many communities, those who desire a VBAC or vaginal birth after a 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. The most important factor in going into a VBAC with confidence is knowing that you have support. 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...
info_outline
Episode 18: Internal Fetal Monitoring
The Doula Download
There are many options for monitoring the health and well-being of the baby during labor. External monitors monitor the baby's heart rate from the outside. Internal fetal monitoring records the baby's heart rate from the inside. When there are concerns about how the baby responds to labor, an internal monitor called a fetal scalp electrode is often used. Internal monitoring is a method of monitoring a baby from the inside. It’s also a more accurate method of monitoring the beat-to-beat variability of the baby’s heart rate during labor. As doulas, we don't subscribe to the...
info_outline
Episode 17: Immediate Postpartum Recovery
The Doula Download
The big day has come. Your baby is here! Now it's time to focus on getting to know your new bundle, but first, you have to navigate the immediate postpartum recovery. Those first few hours and weeks post-birth have many physical and hormonal changes. From recovery from a vaginal or cesarean birth, postpartum bleeding, and fundal massage to navigating your need for sleep, immediate postpartum recovery is something many do not expect. No matter how your baby was born, there will be challenges in your physical recovery and your transition into parenthood. As doulas, we like to help clients...
info_outline
Episode 16: Maternal Mental Health Awareness
The Doula Download
May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. This month we direct awareness and recognition to those affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. When discussing maternal health happen, they tend to focus on postpartum depression. However, mood disorders can happen well before the post-birth period. For some, depression and anxiety may begin during pregnancy. Those with a history of depression and anxiety before pregnancy are at an increased risk of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Approximately 20% of those who have given birth recently, or 1.3 million individuals each year,...
info_outline
Episode 15: Decision-making for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond
The Doula Download
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 the decisions you make 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...
info_outline
Episode 14: What To Pack ForYour Birth
The Doula Download
As doulas one of the most common questions get is, "What should I pack for birth?" A quick google will result in countless lists that recommend all the things that you should have on hand for your birth. However, if you ask the parents what they actually used once their baby is born, the list of what they take is drastically longer than what they used. Overpacking is common, we totally get it. You want to make sure you have everything you might possibly need. However, the reality is that the things that you actually need can fit into two backpacks or small duffle bags. We recommend...
info_outline
Episode 13: Fear of Giving Birth
The Doula Download
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...
info_outlineEpisode 22: Childbirth Education
Taking a childbirth education class is helpful, but for many, it’s also essential for feeling prepared for labor and birth.
A good class should cover the basics, like understanding the natural signs and stages of labor, and recognizing important red flags that could signal the need for medical attention. It's also vital to learn about the labor process itself. What’s happening in your body, how to make decisions along the way, and what options are available to you. Because yes, you do have choices!
Childbirth education is about helping you gain the tools to approach labor with less fear and more confidence. It’s about learning what’s normal, what questions to ask, and how to advocate for yourself and your baby. Whether you're planning a hospital birth, birth center delivery, or home birth, this information will help you feel empowered, more confident, and in control of what can feel like an out-of-control experience.
Education is the foundation for a positive birth experience. Tune in and take the first step toward a more informed, confident, and supported birth.