Birth With Power

Latest Episodes:

Ep54: What We Can Do About Obstetric Violence and Birth Trauma with Cristen Pascucci Feb 04, 2020

Show notes

Today's topic is an incredibly important one: obstetric violence. I know it sounds a bit heavy, but it's something that all of us - expecting families, doctors, midwives, doulas, and people in society - should know more about.

I'm excited to be joined on this episode by Cristen Pascucci, an incredibly dedicated advocate and activist for human rights during childbirth. She has a number of projects, including Birth Monopoly and Mother May I (a documentary about obstetric violence), that are working to reduce the amount of birth trauma that mothers are currently experiencing around the world.

Cristen and I cover a lot of ground in this episode - we talk about what exactly obstetric violence is, whether it's different from birth trauma, and why it's so common.

We also talk about what you can do if you have experienced obstetric violence and what we need to do in the health care system and beyond to move to a more patient-centered care model for expecting moms.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

What obstetric violence is and how it relates to birth trauma
How medical providers and other birth professionals can put patients through obstetric violence
Why you shouldn't be afraid to change your birth professional if you aren't getting the care you want
Why we have to examine not only individual instances of obstetric violence, but our systems as well
What you can do if you have suffered birth trauma as a result of obstetric violence
Why you should know that you can absolutely heal from birth trauma
What Cristen likes to tell expecting families so they get to have the birth experience that they want

Links Mentioned In The Episode

How To Make A Birth Plan That Works - Free Online Class!
The Birth Preparation Course
Cristen Pascucci | The Birth Monopoly | | Facebook | Instagram
Ep #3: How to Be Sure You Have the Right Doctor
Ep #4: Choosing the Right Hospital to Give Birth
Birth Allowed Podcast
Exposing the Silence Project
ImprovingBirth
Mother May I
There Is a Hidden Epidemic of Doctors Abusing Women in Labor, Doulas Say from VICE
Join my email list here!

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Ep53: What You Need to Know About Getting Vaccinated Before and During Your Pregnancy Jan 28, 2020

Show notes

A lot of soon-to-be moms aren't sure what vaccinations they should (or shouldn't) get during pregnancy, if any. I know there are a lot of questions and misconceptions about immunization generally, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to do a deep dive into vaccines and pregnancy.

There is a key difference between inactive and live vaccines, and the live kind are never recommended during pregnancy. In fact, there are only two immunizations that are definitely recommended during pregnancy; otherwise, you should try to be up to date before you get pregnant, or wait until after you've given birth to get vaccinated.

Today I'll tell you what immunizations you should get before getting pregnant, which ones you should not get while pregnant, and some of the effects that these preventable diseases can have on mom and her developing baby if she doesn't get vaccinated.

Don't forget about your flu shot, either - I did a whole episode on why you should get your flu shot during pregnancy, too! And if you have any questions, come join us in the All About Pregnancy and Birth Facebook Group.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

Why immunizations are such an important part of a healthy pregnancy
How safe vaccinations are and what to keep in mind before getting any new immunizations
How the body produces antibodies and passes them along to your baby
Why it's such a good idea to get your MMR and Varicella (chicken pox) vaccines before you get pregnant
Some of the effects that measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella can have on mom and baby during pregnancy
Why moms should get the TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) during pregnancy

Links Mentioned In The Episode

How To Make A Birth Plan That Works - Free Online Class!
The Birth Preparation Course
Ep #43: What You Need to Know About Flu and Pregnancy
Join my email list here!

Learn more about donating your cord blood and get up to $100 Amazon gift card! --> thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

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Ep52: Miranda's Birth Story - Why You Must Learn About Childbirth, Even if You Can't Predict It Jan 21, 2020

Show notes

We're back with another birth story for you today! This is an extra special one because this is the first time I'm having someone on who used my Birth Preparation Course as part of their childbirth education.

Miranda is an emergency veterinarian and self-described data-driven person. She learned as much as she could before giving birth to her daughter, who was only 11 weeks old when we did this interview.

I really appreciate Miranda's honesty in this episode about how scary her birth felt, why she's so proud of how she handled it, and what she did when she was dealing with postpartum anxiety in the weeks after her daughter's birth. She also shares the huge positive impact that her doulas had both during the birth and afterward.

We also chat a little bit about the Birth Preparation Course, what Miranda felt was the most helpful about it, and other great resources for childbirth education.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

What resources Miranda used to prepare for her birth (including the Birth Preparation Course), and some of the most important things she learned
Why you can't know exactly what you need during your birth until you're in it
What Miranda's birth was like and why it was harder than she imagined it would be
Why she and her team decided to use forceps during delivery
How a childbirth doula and postpartum doula made a huge difference in Miranda's birth experience and postpartum transition
What her mental health was like in the weeks after her baby arrived
Miranda's number one recommendation for expecting parents

Links Mentioned In The Episode

Learn more about donating your cord blood and get up to $100 Amazon gift card! --> thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep51: Preparing for Postpartum Life, Relationships, and Mental Health with Dr. Alyssa Berlin Jan 14, 2020

Show notes

So many parents prepare a lot for their pregnancy and birth, but don't think much about how they are going to handle the postpartum transition period. Health professionals are guilty of this, too. We don't do enough to prepare parents for all the changes they are going to experience after their baby arrives: mentally, emotionally, physically, and in their relationships.

Here to talk with us today about easing that transition into parenthood is Dr. Alyssa Berlin. Dr. Berlin is a clinical psychologist who specializes in pregnancy, the postpartum period, and birth trauma. She and her husband Dr. Elliot Berlin (who was on the podcast a few episodes ago) run a prenatal and family wellness practice in Los Angeles.

In this episode we're focusing on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) that can affect new parents. Dr. Berlin and I talk about what to look out for, why PMADs are so common, and how we can help each other and ourselves through the postpartum transition.

Dr. Berlin shares tons of practical tips for staying connected with your partner throughout this process, how to find help if you need it, and why she is such a big believer in preparing for all the changes you're going to experience.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

What perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are, who they affect, and what some of their symptoms are.
What you should do if you think you're having trouble with mood or anxiety after your baby arrives
How Dr. Berlin treats parents with PMADs and helps them reconnect with each other
Why we need to draw on the resources around us - family, friends, professionals, and partners - when we're having a hard time in the postpartum transition period
The importance of preparing for the postpartum period and the many changes it will bring
Why therapy can be an especially great tool for dealing with the traumas that can be triggered or occur during the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods
How to put your relationship with your partner front and center and why this is ultimately great for your baby, too

Links Mentioned In The Episode

How To Make A Birth Plan That Works - Free Online Class!
The Birth Preparation Course
Dr. Alyssa Berlin | The AfterBirth Plan Workshop | Instagram
Ep #44: How Prenatal Chiropractic Can Ease Common Pregnancy Pain with Dr. Elliot Berlin
Maternal Mental Health NOW
Postpartum Support International
International Cesarean Awareness Network
And Baby Makes Three: The 6-step plan for preserving intimacy and rekindling romance after baby arrives by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman
Join my email list here!

Learn more about donating your cord blood and get up to $100 Amazon gift card! --> thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

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Ep50: 10 Things to Help You Have Your Best Pregnancy, Birth, and Life Jan 07, 2020

Show notes

Happy New Year everyone, and thank you so much for sticking with me through 50 episodes! It's been such a rewarding journey, and I love being of service to you all.

I thought I would kick off this year with ten pieces of advice that I hope will help you in pregnancy, birth, and life beyond. I want to share ten of the things I think are most important for not only having a healthy and happy pregnancy & birth, but for building a fulfilling life, too.

We'll start off with some practical advice like how to make sure you're getting the best care possible from your doctor or midwife, and what to do if you have concerns about your care. We will also talk about why I think all moms should rethink their baby registry & shower, and how to prepare for the postpartum transitions you'll experience.

We'll finish up with some advice about life in general and talk about why it's so important to take great care of yourself. The first step in raising a healthy child is being a healthy mom - and that means physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I'm wishing all of you a wonderful 2020!

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

Why you really need to get to know your doctor, midwife, and/or the practice where you'll be giving birth
How to approach a discussion with your doctor if you're not happy with your care
Why you shouldn't be afraid to advocate for yourself and your birth plan
How to rethink your baby shower and get more than just cute baby clothes
Why it's so critically important to get some quality childbirth education
Why you should prepare for the postpartum transition & period while you are still pregnant
How and why you can accept and ask for help during and after your pregnancy
The importance of learning to trust yourself and taking good, holistic care of yourself

Links Mentioned In The Episode

Learn more about donating your cord blood and get up to $100 Amazon gift card! --> thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep49: What to Know About Genetic Testing For You and Your Baby Dec 17, 2019

Show notes

There's a lot of confusion out there around genetic testing during pregnancy. Who should get tested? When? Is it a cause for concern, or a harmless preventative measure?

I wanted to clear up any confusion or misconceptions about genetic testing in today's episode of the podcast, so I invited Dr. Keisha Reddick back on the show to help me do so.

Dr. Reddick is a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor and is up-to-date on everything you need to know about genetic testing and carrier testing for you and your baby.

We talk about the different kinds of genetic testing you may encounter, what trimester you can get them, and what each one will tell you. Dr. Reddick also talks about why she is such a proponent of genetic testing for high-risk pregnancies and anybody else who wants to be prepared with knowledge about their baby.

The vast majority of pregnancies are normal, but it's a good idea to prepare yourself mentally and ensure the safest delivery for your baby if there's any chance they might need extra care.

I also have a super-special offer for you on my Birth Preparation Course this December, and it won't be happening again anytime soon! Head to ncrcoaching.com/enroll and use the code DECEMBER, and you'll get $150 off the all-access level of the Birth Preparation Course.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

The difference between genetic screening and carrier screening
What genetic tests can be carried out in each trimester
Why genetic testing should be combined with other types of tests
The benefits of noninvasive genetic testing options
Why it's such a good idea to prepare yourself for any issues your baby may have at delivery or beyond
What Dr. Reddick believes is the biggest advantage of genetic testing for mom, baby, and your health providers

Links Mentioned In The Episode

How To Make A Birth Plan That Works - Free Online Class!
The Birth Preparation Course
Dr. Keisha Reddick | High-Risk OB Care
Ep6: High Risk Pregnancy with Dr. Keisha Reddick

Join my email list here!

Learn more about donating your cord blood and get up to $100 Amazon gift card! --> thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

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Ep48: How Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Can Affect Pregnancy and Babies Dec 10, 2019

Show notes

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a common part of life, though many of us are afraid or ashamed to talk about them. In reality, 50% of adults will have an STI at some point in our lives. This includes pregnant women, and there shouldn't be any stigma associated with having an STI.

Having or contracting an STI during pregnancy happens to many people and it's important to know how STIs can affect your pregnancy and your baby. Today I'm running through five common STIs - chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV) - to talk about the treatment for each.

Treatment for STIs during pregnancy can be a little different than normal treatments, but it's important to catch infections early so that they don't spread to your baby. Many STIs can only reach baby during the actual birth process, but some can cross over the placenta - so it's best to know what your options are early on.

Remember that STIs don't mean anything about your worth - they should just be treated as a health issue that can treated for the benefit of both mom and baby.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

Why we have switched over to the term STI instead of STD
What STI tests you can expect in your first trimester and why we run them
How each of these STIs can affect you during pregnancy
Which of these STIs can affect your baby during pregnancy and which can only be transmitted during birth
How each of these STIs can be treated during pregnancy
Why it's important to get an accurate diagnosis of the phase of Syphilis, herpes, or HPV you are in

Links Mentioned In The Episode

How To Make A Birth Plan That Works - Free Online Class!
The Birth Preparation Course
Ep 46: A Guide to Prenatal Testing and What to Expect from Tests in Each Trimester
The Evidence on: Erythromycin Eye Ointment for Newborns by Rebecca Dekker of Evidence Based Birth
Join my email list here!

Learn more about donating your cord blood and get up to $100 Amazon gift card! --> thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ep47: Everything You Want to Know About Fertility and Pregnancy with Fertility Specialist Dr. Cindy Duke Dec 03, 2019

Show notes

I'm so excited to have today's guest on the show to talk about a topic I know many of my listeners are really interested in: fertility. Whether you're actively trying for a baby or are only just starting to consider getting pregnant, it's good to know what to expect with your fertility and when to seek help.

To talk all about fertility today we're joined by the amazing Dr. Cindy Duke. Cindy M.P. Duke is a M.D. Ph.D trained Physician Scientist who is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Fellowship trained in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI). Dr. Duke is also an active member of her community and is also the host of the ‘Girl Powered Success & Survival International’ (aka GriPSSI) Podcast, which is aimed at highlighting the work and dynamic career paths of women and girls around the globe!

Dr. Duke and I talk about what you should expect from your fertility appointments, when you should seek to meet with a fertility specialist, and some of the common obstacles she sees couples facing when they are trying to get pregnant.

We also discuss the importance of male partners taking part in the fertility process, too, because often times there are fertility issues on their end as well. You'll leave this episode with a much better understanding of fertility treatment and all the questions you should be prepared to ask a fertility specialist!

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

Why and how Dr. Duke got into the field of fertility
When people see fertility specialists in their pregnancy journeys
How to prepare for your first visit to the fertility specialist and what they'll ask
Three questions to ask your fertility specialist
The top three things Dr. Duke sees people dealing with in terms of infertility
Why a male partner should partake in fertility appointments and treatments
Why you don't need to break the bank for ovulation test, pregnancy tests, and vitamins/supplements
Dr. Duke's thoughts on complementary or alternative fertility treatments, like teas, supplements, and acupuncture
Common misconceptions about fertility appointments and treatments

Links Mentioned In The Episode

How To Make A Birth Plan That Works - Free Online Class!
The Birth Preparation Course
Dr. Cindy Duke | Nevada Fertility Institute | Podcast | Instagram | Twitter
Join my email list here!

Learn more about donating your cord blood and get up to $100 Amazon gift card! --> thecordbloodgroup.com/drnicole

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Ep46: A Guide to Prenatal Testing and What to Expect from Tests in Each Trimester Nov 19, 2019

Show notes

Have you ever felt confused about prenatal testing and why your doctor is running so many tests on you during your pregnancy?

I realized that a lot of OBGYNs don't do a great job of explaining all of the tests we do during pregnancy, so I thought I'd walk you through the recommended ones. Thank you to Julie, who suggested this topic in the All About Pregnancy & Birth Facebook Group!

You'll have most of your testing done at the initial appointment, which includes a full blood count and some tests for various infections, too. Then we'll talk about some of the tests you can expect to receive in the second and third trimesters and why we do each test that we do.

And don't worry about taking notes today - you can download a companion guide to this episode, with all the information about prenatal testing we'll cover today, right here.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

What tests you can expect to get at your initial appointment and throughout the first, second, and third trimesters.
Why we do each test and how it helps your doctor monitor your health and the health of your baby.
A brief overview of some genetic tests you can receive.
Why and how we test for gestational diabetes, which is fairly common in the third trimester.
Why many doctors don't do an ultrasound in the third trimester.
Some of the infections that doctors test for and how they can affect your pregnancy & birth.

Links Mentioned In The Episode

How To Make A Birth Plan That Works - Free Online Class!
The Birth Preparation Course
Download this episode's companion guide to prenatal testing!
Come join us in the All About Pregnancy and Birth Facebook Group! This episode was inspired by one of our conversations there, and it's a great place to meet other pregnant women and learn more about what to expect from your pregnancy & birth.
Ep #22: All About Your Due Date
Ep #31: Pregnancy & GBS (Group B Strep)
Join my email list here!

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Ep45: Lynn's Birth Story - Advocating for Your Birth Wishes During a Long, Unmedicated Hospital Birth Nov 12, 2019

Show notes

Lynn Turcotte-Schuh was a marine mammal trainer before she gave birth to her daughter, which inspired her to become a Certified Childbirth Educator, Toddler Trainer, and coach of other moms through her practice Happy Mama Wellness.

Lynn originally wanted to have a home birth, but after discussing it with her wife, they decided that giving birth in the hospital while creating a relaxing, supportive, home-birth-like environment was right for them. Lynn had a 53-hour labor, during which she, her wife, and her midwife were able to advocate for Lynn's ideal birth.

Lynn and I chat about her birth story on this episode, including why she didn't want to be hooked up to any machines or use any medication during her birth. We also talk about how she and her wife educated and prepared themselves for the birth, what she might have done differently, and why she now loves helping other moms create a holistic pregnancy and birth experience.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

How Lynn decided that she wanted to work primarily with a midwife
What she and her wife did to prepare themselves for the birth of their daughter
Why Lynn originally wanted to have a home birth, but switched to a hospital birth
How a doula or midwife can help you advocate for your unique birth plan in the hospital
Why it's so important and empowering to educate yourself before birth
How Lynn turned her good birth experience into a whole new career
Lynn's top two recommendations for feeling supported during pregnancy and birth