Re-Release: Epidurals in Labor & Delivery: Episode #78
True Birth
Epidural anesthesia is a type of local anesthetic that is injected into the epidural space. This procedure numbs the spinal nerve roots and provides a block to the lower abdomin, pelvic and lower extremity portion of the body. It is the safest and most effecive method of pharmacologic pain management in labor available. When it comes to managing labor pain, epidurals are one of the most commonly requested and effective options. But despite their widespread use, many expecting parents still have questions or concerns. Here’s what you need to know. An epidural is a type of regional...
info_outline
Fetal Head Size in Pregnancy: Episode #182
True Birth
In this episdoe, we explore how biometry is used to measure key metrics like Biparietal Diameter (BPD) and Head Circumference (HC), shedding light on what these measurements reveal about your baby’s growth and development. We talk about their role in predicting potential challenges during labor, and how they help ensure a safe and healthy birth. From understanding head size’s impact on delivery to offering expectant parents valuable insights, this episode unpacks the critical connection between fetal head measurements and the labor process. YouTube: Dive deeper into pregnancy tips...
info_outline
Unicornuate Uterus: Episode #181
True Birth
Understanding Unicornuate Uterus: What It Is, Prevalence, Risks, and a Positive Outlook A unicornuate uterus is a rare congenital condition where the uterus develops with only one half, or "horn," instead of the typical two-horned shape of a normal uterus. This happens during fetal development when one of the Müllerian ducts, which form the uterus, fails to develop fully. As a result, the uterus is smaller, has only one functioning fallopian tube, and may or may not have a rudimentary horn (a small, underdeveloped second horn). This condition falls under the category of Müllerian duct...
info_outline
Re-Release: C-Section Delivery Done Right: Dr. Abdelhak's Cesarean Birth Guide. Episode #50
True Birth
When a c-section birth is done with care and precision it can make all the difference in the healing and recovery for the mother. Operating the right way will also enable a woman to continue to have more pregnancies in a safe and secure way. In this episode, Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak, a high risk perinatologist MFM specialist, lays out his method for operating in a c-section and includes what can be discussed ahead of time from a woman to her provider. What an opportunity as he reveals his unique method for conducting C sections step by step in this episode of The True Birth...
info_outline
The Bad and the Ugly: RARE Life Complicating OB Conditions
True Birth
In this podcast we shedding light on rare and complex obstetric conditions that impact pregnancy and maternal health. Without the need for unnecessary alarm, which can happen in pregnancy, we dive into challenging medical cases, exploring the science, emotional weight, and real-world implications of conditions that are often under-discussed. Connect With Us: YouTube: Dive deeper into pregnancy tips and stories at. Instagram: Follow us for daily inspiration and updates at . Facebook: Join our community at Tiktok: Grab Our Book! Check out The NatureBack Method for...
info_outline
First Pregnancy vs Second: Episode #178
True Birth
First vs. Second Pregnancy: What to Expect According to Birth Experts Having attended over 10,000 births together, experienced Dr. Yaakov Abdlehak OB/GYN and certified nurse midwife Kristin Mallon consistently observe differences between first and second pregnancies — both in the body’s physical response and in the way care is personalized. 1. Labor tends to be faster in the second: In a first pregnancy ("primip"), the cervix, uterus, and pelvic floor are going through this process for the first time. Labor (especially early labor) is usually longer because the body is “learning” how...
info_outline
Maternal Resources: How I Built This #177
True Birth
In this special episode of TrueBirth, Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak, a board-certified OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist, relays his inspiring story of how he founded Maternal Resources in 2002. From a solo practice to a thriving multi-location center of excellence with 4 physicians, 3 midwives, over 30 dedicated team members including sonographers, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, billers, and administrators—Dr. Abdelhak shares how he scaled a vision rooted in compassionate, comprehensive maternity care into one of the most trusted women’s health practices in the region....
info_outline
Manual Removal of the Placenta: Episode #176
True Birth
Manual removal of the placenta is a procedure sometimes required when the placenta does not deliver on its own after the baby is born. Typically, the placenta separates and is delivered within 30 minutes of birth, but in some cases, it remains attached to the uterine wall — a condition known as retained placenta. When gentle traction on the umbilical cord and uterine massage fail to deliver the placenta, the next step is manual removal. This involves the provider inserting a hand into the uterus to separate and extract the placenta, often requiring pain management or anesthesia depending on...
info_outline
Swelling in Pregnancy: Edema Episode #175
True Birth
In this episode, we dive into a common yet often confusing part of pregnancy: edema and swelling. From puffy ankles to swollen hands, many expectant parents experience some degree of swelling—but how do you know what’s normal and when it’s time to call your doctor? We break it all down for you with expert insights, practical tips, and clear guidance. What You’ll Learn: What is Edema? A quick look at why swelling happens during pregnancy, including the role of increased blood volume and pressure on veins. Normal vs. Concerning: How much swelling is typical, and what signs...
info_outline
How to Be the Patient Docs Actually Look Forward to Seeing: Episode #174
True Birth
Visiting the doctor can be a straightforward and positive experience with a few simple habits, some you may not even notice you are doing. One effective approach is to communicate clearly and concisely—share your concerns honestly without overwhelming detail. This respects the physician’s time and ensures they can address your needs efficiently. Additionally, arriving punctually demonstrates consideration for the schedule, fostering a calm and productive appointment for both you and the healthcare team. Preparation also plays a key role in maintaining a smooth interaction. Consider...
info_outlineNatureBack is the expression of Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak’s obstetrical philosophy after more than 3 decades in the field of high-risk perinatology Maternal-Fetal Medicine. It is a goal-oriented practical method that can mitigate or possibly even eliminate the need for a cesarean delivery.
Now you can read Dr. Abdelhak's first hand experience in his new book The NatureBack Method.
The NatureBack Philosophy starts at the beginning of pregnancy, with recognition of the factors that can lead to cesarean delivery. The risk of cesarean delivery doesn’t arise when a woman goes into labor; it’s set long before any medical intervention. In many pregnancies, a cesarean delivery is initiated during the first trimester, and there are steps that can be taken in each trimester and during birth to reduce the need for surgical intervention.
Most are familiar with the cesarean epidemic where cesareans account for more than 30 percent of all deliveries in the United States. This is a dramatic increase from the mere five percent of babies delivered by cesarean delivery in 1970. Fingers often point at the bias of overworked obstetricians who want to hurry things along, labor induction, and other seemingly counterproductive medical interventions. There is also the widespread use of the external fetal monitor, which is blamed for fueling the anxiety of litigation-weary obstetricians. Some of these usual suspects have earned their dubious reputation, while others are completely innocent—as the NatureBack philosophy details.
NatureBack proports the honest truth about the largest contributing factor to the cesarean wave which is that many babies are just too big. They’re so big, in fact, that many can’t fit through the pelvis.
A very popular, powerful cultural belief is that Mother Nature–the time-tested, proven, physiological, and finely-tuned process–will not let us down. Women have been birthing vaginally for millennia. Is there any reason to believe that a woman would—or even could!—grow a baby so large that it’s physically impossible for the baby to safely pass through her birth canal? That Mother Nature would provide each mom with a baby that fits her body seems like common sense.
The thing is, we no longer live in Mother Nature’s world. Instead, we live in a world very different from the one we adapted to throughout the millennia of human evolution.
The process of vaginal birth has remained the same; it’s our lifestyles that have changed. We have deviated from nature—and mightily so. Our diets, our activity levels, and our expectations have all evolved (some might say devolved). For most of us, modern society means a sedentary lifestyle. It is synonymous with processed food, with the result that we are now consuming carbohydrates on a scale unprecedented in human history.
As a result, babies are growing bigger in gestation than ever before. With the abundance of calories at our disposal, growing babies are turning out to be easier than delivering them.
At Maternal Resources, the team is ready to safely guide you and your family through a healthy pregnancy utilizing the NatureBack method to achieve all your pregnancy goals including Natural Vaginal Delivery, if you so choose.
You can get your copy of the book on SHOPIFY.
Your feedback is essential to us! We would love to hear from you. Please consider leaving us a review on your podcast platform or sending us an email at [email protected]. Your input helps us tailor our content to better serve the needs of our listeners.
For additional resources and information, be sure to visit our website at Maternal Resources: https://www.maternalresources.org/. You can also connect with us on our social channels to stay up-to-date with the latest news, episodes, and community engagement:
ORDER NOW