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Down to Birth – Cynthia Overgard & Trisha Ludwig — Kids & Family
Down to Birth – Cynthia Overgard & Trisha Ludwig

Join Cynthia Overgard and Trisha Ludwig once per week for evidence-based straight talk on having a safe and informed birth, which starts with determining if you’ve hired the right provider. If we had to boil it down to a single premise, it’s this: A healthy mom and baby isn’t all that matters. We have more than 30 years’ experience between us in midwifery, informed rights advocacy, publishing, childbirth education, postpartum support and breastfeeding, and we’ve personally served thousands of women and couples. Listen to the birth stories of our clients, listeners and celebrities, catch our expert-interviews, and submit your questions for our monthly Q&A episodes by calling us at 802-GET-DOWN. We’re on Instagram at @downtobirthshow and also at Patreon.com/downtobirthshow, where we offer live ongoing events multiple times per month, so be sure to join our worldwide community. We are a Top .5% podcast globally with listeners in more than 80 countries every week. Become informed, empowered, and have a great time in the process. Join us and reach out any time – we love to hear from you. And as always, hear everyone, listen to yourself.

Copyright: © 2024 Down to Birth

Latest Episodes:

#292 | The Wisdom of Our Menstrual Cycles with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack Nov 20, 2024

Announcement: Between now and year-end, we will be releasing a mixture of brand-new episodes interspersed with old-favorites, due to the sudden loss of Cynthia's husband in November. We will be back to our usual production schedule by New Year's. If you'd like to donate a gift to the GoFundMe that was set up for Cynthia and her family, you may do so here. Thank you to everyone for your beautiful messages, gifts and prayers.
Please keep an eye out for new content and an expanded Down to Birth platform on Patreon, including a new Community feature where listeners can post questions for us and each other. To join and gain instant access to our entire library of video content, go to our Patreon and sign up.
Onto the show:
Lisa Hendrickson-Jack is the author of The Fith Vital Sign, a book detailing normal and abnormal parameters around menstruation and fertility and what your menstrual cycle reveals about your health. She refers to her period as "her secretary", who once per month brings her all the unfinished business in her life and plops it down on her desk to deal with. Most of us think of PMS as an annoying, unavoidable side effect of our monthly flow. Lisa challenges us to see it as a dutiful assistant encouraging us to face the pesky tasks, emotions, people, relationships, jobs, etc. that we tend to brush off or continually avoid during our less open, vulnerable weeks of the month.
Additionally, we discuss the abnormal societal normalization of period pain, what your cervical position can tell you about where you are in your cycle, and how your period flow volume can clue you in to your fertility health.
Finally, Lisa responds to your most pressing questions on whether or not you need to tailor your exercise routine to your cycle stages and what it might mean if your postpartum period is mysteriously absent.
You can learn more about Lisa on Instagram or her website Fertility Friday
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Our sponsors:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.

Support Cynthia's family here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-cynthia-overgards-family-after-tragic-loss

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#291 | Discovering Down Syndrome at Birth: Lacey's Story and Her Greatest Gift Nov 13, 2024

At twenty-one years old, Lacey was pregnant with her first child. She was young and healthy and expected everything to go perfectly in her labor and birth. As a result of high blood pressure, she was induced for labor. When her son was born blue and unresponsive with an APGAR score of one, she knew something was off. She held her son for only a minute before he was whisked off to the NICU. Noticing that his ears seemed disproportionally small, her maternal instincts were alert. Five days later, she learned her son had Down Syndrome when a nurse inadvertently said, “This is the second baby with Down Syndrome this week,” upon entering the room. According to Lacey, how and when the news was reported to her and her husband was more difficult and painful than receiving the diagnosis itself.

Today, Lacey shares her mission to help parents understand the gift and beauty of raising a child with Down Syndrome.
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Our sponsors:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#290 | Another Off-The-Record Birth Rant with Midwife Lindsey Meehleis Nov 06, 2024

You may remember midwife Lindsey Meehleis from episode #187 in our first off-the-record-style conversation. When we decide to interview Lindsay, we do so without a plan, knowing that whatever is on our minds will be a worthwhile and impactful conversation. In today's conversation, we chat about the problems with modern medicine, how midwifery has evolved over the years, what breech babies can teach us about our emotions, how Lindsey handles pregnancies that go beyond forty-two weeks, how to get your partner or family members on board with choosing home birth the first time, and we even dabbled a bit in the current political climate. Imagine you are sitting at the table next to us at a cafe, eavesdropping on our shop talk, and that's today's episode. Enjoy!
Lindsey Meehleis

#187 | Carrying the Torch of the Midwives Before Us: An Off-The-Record Kind of Conversation with Home Birth Midwife Lindsey Meehleis

The Business of Being Born
Why Not at Home
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Our sponsors:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#289 | October Q&A: Placenta Previa, Nipple Sensitivity, Home Birth Transfers, Uterine Rupture Risk, Cholestasis, Gentle Sleep Support, Caffeine Oct 30, 2024

Welcome to the October Q&A with Cynthia & Trisha. What's the most absurd thing that you've ever heard said to a woman in labor or to you? Today, we kick it off by sharing your anecdotes and our responses. In our regular episode, we answer:
If I am planning a free birth how do I know if I have a placenta previa and what should I do?
I am twelve weeks pregnant and have extremely sensitive nipples while breastfeeding my toddler. Will this get better or should I stop breastfeeding?
How often do home births transfer to the hospital?
Why do so many women planning unmedicated hospital births end up choosing to get pain medications?
In the extended version available on Patreon and Apple Subscriptions (always ad-free) we address the risk of uterine rupture after a VBAC for a planned home birth, what, if anything, can be done to avoid induction if you have Cholestasis of pregnancy, what gentle sleep training (or support) means, and if you can decline induction with well-controlled gestational diabetes.
In our Quickies segment: Is body odor postpartum is it normal? Why is a VBAC called a TOLAC? Should home birth midwives always carry oxygen? Plus caffeine in pregnancy, postpartum dryness, birthing the placenta in the tub, leaking and letdowns, infant percentiles, and how we take our coffee plus whether our own children appreciate the work we do in the world.
Ep #229 The Risk of Risk-Based Approach with Sara Wickham
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Our sponsors:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#288 | Roundtable: Postpartum Grief and Rage Oct 23, 2024

Postpartum rage is a form of emotional upheaval that many mothers experience but seldom feel comfortable discussing. Today's episode aims to break the silence and offer a compassionate and supportive look into the real lives of two mothers living with these intense emotions. Corrine lost her own mother the day after her son was born. Angela, a mother of five with number six on the way, lost her sister unexpectedly in a car accident on her way to help Angela with childcare. In today's episode, Angela and Corrine, who never met before today, share the unexpected ways grief and rage impacted their postpartum experiences from never wanting to have another child to throwing and breaking things. This heartfelt episode brings you close into the minds of women suffering with grief on top of the classic postpartum isolation and overwhelm that all mothers can immediately understand.
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Our sponsors:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#287 | Lily Nichols on Fertility, Folate and Food Oct 16, 2024

If there is one best place to begin when it comes to optimizing our fertility, it is with food, and who better to bring us the lowdown on what we do and don't need for fertility optimization than Lily Nichols, RDN, the modern-day-author and guru of all things related to food and pregnancy. In today's episode, she delivers crucial information about how our modern food practices, particularly the standard American diet, set us up for sub-optimal fertility and contribute to the most common complications of pregnancy including pre-eclampsia, pre-term labor, PPROM, and more. She opens our eyes to the significant problems with folic acid in our food sources, prenatal vitamins, and birth control, and we get into the nitty-gritty on the difference between folic acid and folate. Additionally, she explains which macro- and micronutrients we need to best support the female body for conception. If optimizing fertility is on your mind, this is a must-listen, must-share episode!
Lily Nichols on Folate: Why it’s Superior to Folic Acid for Pregnancy (even if you don’t have MTHFR)
Lily Nichols on Instagram

And check out our episodes with Lily Nichols:
#203 | Pre-eclampsia: Diet, Nutrition and the Influence of Sperm with Lily Nichols

#155 | Gestational Diabetes Prevention and Management with Author Lily Nichols, RDN, CDE

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Our sponsors:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#286 | Facing Childhood Trauma Through Birth: Courtney's Story Oct 09, 2024

Emotional trauma is stored in the body and can lead to a host of health issues if left unresolved. In this episode, Courtney shares her deeply personal journey of navigating the effects of a controlling and emotionally abusive her mother -- so controlling, in fact, that her demanding mother caused early marital issues for Courtney and her husband. Further, due to being placed on hormonal birth control at a young age, Courtney developed a belief that she couldn’t ovulate or conceive naturally, leading her to IVF when she and her husband were ready to start a family.

As she recounts her experiences—including distressing moments during her hospital care that triggered her childhood coping mechanisms of freezing and disassociation—Courtney describes the thought process of being coerced by and ultimately succumbing to a doctor while in labor. Courtney herself is a hospital-based medical professional who was accustomed to doctors and hospitals in her everyday life, so the betrayal and intimidation she experienced came as a genuine shock to her system. After her first birth experience, Courtney shares the heavy emotional work she did to reframe her trauma and establish strict boundaries - for the very first time - with her mother. Courtney went on to have four children in all, ultimately experiencing spontaneous conception and a completely empowered, peaceful birth with her fourth at home.

Courtney's story sheds light on the complex interplay of early trauma and birth, and how embracing physiologic birth can facilitate healing and restore trust in the body’s innate capabilities. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion about resilience, healing, and the journey to reclaiming one's body and mind.
@_holisticourtney

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Our sponsors:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#285 | The Mother's Mind: Harnessing Peace and Calm with a Simple Meditation Practice with Kelly Smith Oct 02, 2024

There are few things a mother can do with such a profound impact as meditation, yet it remains one of the hardest habits to incorporate into one's life, let alone the life of an exhausted, busy mother with a new baby in her arms.
In today's episode, Kelly Smith, yoga/meditation instructor and podcast host of Mindful in Minutes, explains the benefits of meditating for as little as just ten minutes a day. We also discuss the various forms of meditation (including guided), the most common barriers to meditation, and the practical tips to get started right now. In today's outtake, you'll hear about some of our own personal meditation experiences.
If you want to yell less, sleep better, be kinder to yourself, feel better, act calmer, lower your blood pressure, and age in reverse, or if you've just always wanted to meditate but have never taken that first step, then run, don't walk, to listen to this enlightening and inspiring episode!
Mindful in Minutes podcast
Kelly Smith's Website
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Our sponsors:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#284 | September Q&A: The Midwife-Client Relationship; Ghosting Your Induction; 2-Step Delivery; Postpartum Resentment; Platypelloid Pelvis; No FER Sep 25, 2024

Welcome to the September Q&A episode with Cynthia & Trisha. Today, we begin with discussing the problem of increased reliance on Google searches and googling our way to answers that require deep introspection and self-trust rather than an automated and potentially biased and generalized result.
In our first question, Cynthia & Trisha debate one woman's question on whether or not she should stay with a midwife she does not feel emotionally connected to or fire her late in the game and choose free birth instead.
Additionally, we answer the following:

My midwife is making me feel very uncomfortable about my weight gain. How much focus should be put on weight and nutrition in pregnancy?
My home birth midwife told me her home-to-hospital transfer rate is 30%. Is that too high, and if so, what should I do about it?
What happens if I don't show up for my induction, and should I do this if I don't want to be induced?

Later, in the extended version of today's episode available on Patreon or Apple subscriptions, we discuss:
Two-step delivery: what it is and why we don't like it; Pushing your baby out when you have no urge to push; Rupturing of membranes and the potential impact on causing a baby to rotate from an anterior to posterior position; What it means to have a platypelloid pelvis and if any pelvic shapes make vaginal birth impossible or more difficult?
Finally, we close with a round of quickies on the following: nipple shields; eating placentas and likening it to cannibalism; height and big babies; holding clingy babies; flying at 35 weeks; resenting sleeping husbands; prolapse after birth; making a twin pregnancy happen; morning sickness; timelines for breastfeeding babies getting back to birth weight; and personal experiences with terrible haircuts.

#87 | Postpartum Rage: The Outburst-Guilt-Shame Cycle

#272 | Nancy Wainer, CPM and Pioneer of the VBAC, Shares Her Journey from Mother to Midwife

#273 | Special Q&A Featuring Nancy Wainer on VBAC and More

Livestream: Postpartum Rage: A Deep Dive into postpartum rage, why it occurs, and how to understand and break the cycle. Available on Patreon.
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Our sponsors:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#283 | Breastfeeding Q&A: A 5-month Old Baby Starts to Breastfeed, Low Milk Supply, How Often To Feed in First 24-hours, Plugged Ducts & Pumping Sep 18, 2024

Welcome to our second 'Breastfeeding Q&A' episode with Trisha & Cynthia. We open with an inspiring success story of a mother whose baby did not start breastfeeding for the first time until around five months of age. Additionally, we answer the following questions:

I tried everything to increase my supply and stumped every lactation consultant I met with; is this going to happen to me again and what could have been the cause of my low milk supply?
I have low milk supply and recurrent plugged ducts. My lactation consultant told me to pump after feeding but won't that increase my plugged ducts? How do I increase my supply and prevent plugged ducts?
From a nurse: In my hospital, we teach moms that babies are sleepy in the first 24 hours and won't eat very much, but also we tell them to wake the baby every 2-3 hours to feed them so they don't get low blood sugar. Help! I feel like I am confusing mothers.

Lastly, we answer quickies including: what are the best breastfeeding snacks, are nipple shields harmful, does milk supply drop in pregnancy, how do I increase milk supply on one side, how to prevent thrush, what's the best breast pump, and more!
Listen here to the May 2024 Breastfeeding Q&A
Jaundice & Breastfeeding:
When grouped by number of breastfeeds in the first 24 hours, exaggerated jaundice on day six occurred in:
28% who breastfed 0-2 times
24.5% of babies who breastfed 3-4 times
15% of babies who breastfed 5-6 times
12% of babies who breastfed 7-8 times
0% of the babies who breastfed 9-11 times
(Yamauchi and Yamanouchi, 1990)
Thanks to everyone who called in! Please call 802-GET-DOWN (that's 802-438-3696). See you next week!
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Our sponsors:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#282 | Escaping a Doctor Just Before His Arrest: Olivia's Story Sep 11, 2024

"Hi I’m Olivia. I was a patient of Dr. Javaid Perwaiz, so, I don’t trust you." Each time Olivia met with a new medical provider, she prefaced her introduction with the above statement. Olivia was a patient of Dr. Perwaiz for many years before he was sentenced to 59 years in prison after a jury convicted him on 52 counts of health care fraud arising from performing medically unnecessary procedures including irreversible hysterectomies. Eventually, Olivia found a team of providers who she trusted to have a baby under their care. Despite developing severe pre-eclampsia, resulting in a 35-hour induction and relinquishing her natural birth plans, Olivia had a safe and satisfying birth experience because she had learned to take the most important advice: Hear everyone and listen to yourself. This self-trust allowed her to control what she still could and surrender to the rest. This powerful story is the perfect example of finding the balance between bodily autonomy, informed consent, and medically necessary care.
To learn more about the case against Dr. Javaid Perwaiz read here
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#281 | Co-sleeping with a NICU Premie: Taylor's Birth Story at 33 weeks with an Unconsented Episiotomy Sep 04, 2024

Taylor Westenberger celebrated her baby shower at 33 weeks pregnant with her first baby. Little did she know, two days later she would go into labor and give birth to a 4.5 pound baby boy. Her birth experience, while generally smooth, involved the absence of her husband due to Covid protocols and an unconsented episiotomy. She was encouraged to breastfeed in the NICU, but when it came to taking her baby home she was warned about the dangers of co-sleeping and told horror stories of babies who had died in their mothers' beds. Determined to provide the safest environment for her little one, Taylor embarked on a mission to learn about safe co-sleeping practices. If you've ever wondered about co-sleeping safely with a newborn, this episode offers valuable insights and reassurance. Tune in for Taylor’s inspiring story and expert advice on creating a secure and loving sleep environment for your baby.
Taylor's Website: The Sleepy Circle
Taylor Westenberger on Instagram
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#280 | August Q&A: Crossing Boundaries, Signs of Ovulation, Navigating Finances as a SAHM, Marginal Cords, Fundal Massage, "Anorexic" Pelvis, Libido Aug 28, 2024

Welcome to the August Q&A episode with Cynthia and Trisha. Today, we start by discussing various experiences in which mothers feel a visceral response to a family member, friend, or provider crossing a boundary with their baby--think kissing your baby without permission. In our first question of the episode, we invite Carly Hartwig from @cleanlivingwithcarly, to explain how to understand our fertile window and ovulation through assessing your cervical mucus. Next, Cynthia provides some financial guidance in response to one mother's concern about transitioning to a SAHM and not having her own financial independence or source of income. Additionally, we discuss the risks, or lack thereof, with marginal cord insertions, uterine windows, concerns about fundal massage, the bogus term anorexic pelvis, contact naps, GBS in urine, postpartum hemorrhage, lack of libido and more!
If you are not already a subscriber on Apple podcasts or Patreon, please join us today for the extended version of today's episode. Thank you for your wonderful questions as always, and please keep them coming at 802-438-3696 or 802-GET-DOWN.

#92 | Postpartum Mini: Rethinking Self-Care

#60 | Love + Marriage + Baby: Interview with Maggie O'Connor, LMFT

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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with our unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#279 | Leveling The Playing Field in Parenthood with Dan Doty of Fatherhood Ready Aug 21, 2024

If you've ever felt that your husband is falling short or if you are a dad looking to be more available to your wife, this episode is for you. Today, we chat with Dan Doty, the co-founder of Fatherhood Ready and a passionate advocate for expectant dads. As a father of three, Dan brings his unique perspective on building a men's organization focused on emotional growth, exploration, and connection. His journey from wilderness guide to fatherhood expert was shaped by his transformative experiences working with adolescent boys and their fathers. Witnessing the profound emotional breakthroughs that happen when fathers and sons connect deeply inspired Dan to support expecting dads.

We delve into the challenges new fathers face, from societal expectations to the lack of role models, and Dan offers practical advice on bridging the gap between intention and action.

Additionally, we tackle the issue of the "motherload" and its impact on parental and marital stress. We share personal and professional anecdotes, exploring why many women feel their partners "just don't get it" regarding the immense responsibilities and emotional burdens they carry daily.

Dan’s honest and heartfelt discussion provides valuable insights for anyone navigating the complexities of parenthood or seeking to understand family dynamics better. Join us for this engaging conversation and discover how expecting dads can make a meaningful impact from day one, contributing fully to their family's well-being and their own growth as fathers.
Fatherhood Ready
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#278 | Inside Medical Billing: The Complexities, Ethical Concerns and Tips for Reducing Your Bill Aug 14, 2024

Were you billed erroneously for your birth, or charged for something frivolous like "skin to skin contact" or "out of hospital birth"? Did you receive an exorbitant hospital bill for services you may not have asked for or even incurred? Are you worried that your hospital bills are going to go unpaid? Did you want to leave Against Medical Advice (AMA) but were told your insurance would not pay for your services? In today's episode, we invite Sue Chamberlain, a medical billing professional with over twenty years of experience in the industry to explain how medical billing in the United States Health Care system works, the ways you can fight or contest charges you don't believe are valid, and how hospital and insurance companies finagle the system to benefit their bottom line over patient well-being.
Thank you for your wonderful questions as always, and please keep them coming at 802-438-3696 or 802-GET-DOWN.
**********
Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Davin & Adley-- The perfect nursing and pumping bra combined
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#277 | Hyperemesis Gravidarum with HER Foundation: A Matter of Life and Death Aug 07, 2024

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is not morning sickness, but rather a potentially life-threatening complication of pregnancy that may cause weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, disability due to severe nausea and/or vomiting and can cause long-term health issues for mother and baby, including death.
Today, we are joined by Kimber W. MacGibbon, executive director of the HER foundation, and Ashton Paige Clark, a wife and mother who experienced HG in five pregnancies. Together, they share Ashton's story of struggling through HG and the desperate decision she was forced to make to ensure her survival. Ashton and Kimber help us understand the true severity of HG, the lack of provider understanding, and the potentially life-saving treatments that are available but often withheld from mothers experiencing HG in their pregnancies. If you are anyone you know is struggling with HG, this episode could be life-saving. If your care provider is not aware of the dangers of HG or is neglecting to consider it as a diagnosis, please share this episode.
The HER Foundation
If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:
#211 | Declining RhoGAM: A Conversation with Two Rh-Negative Women

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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Vitality: An athleisure brand made for women, by women, designed with style and comfort for pregnancy and beyond.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#276 | July Q&A: Twins & Induction, Faith-Based Midwives, Weight Gain, Low Progesterone, TDAP, Botox, Hemorrhoids, Weight Gain Jul 31, 2024

Welcome back to the July Q&A with Cynthia & Trisha. Today we kick off the episode with one mother's story of her transition from OB to midwife to an unintentional free birth her 9 pound, 4 oz baby born at home in her bathroom and then the premium medical bill she received from her OB for "extra counseling time." Next, we jump into our questions starting with:

Do twin moms need extra medical help to get their labor going because the mother's uterus is more stretched out?
What is your opinion on faith-based midwives and how their beliefs may influence how they care for you?
Do you have any tips for managing the postpartum period with a toddler?
What do you recommend regarding the TDAP vaccine in pregnancy?
Does having a hemorrhoid that bleeds pose any risk to giving birth at home?

And in the extended version of today's episode available on Patreon and Apple subscriptions, you'll hear the following:

Should I be worried about gaining 55 pounds "already" in my pregnancy?
What is your opinion on low progesterone and what do you recommend for supplementing? (You'll hear which product is no longer FDA-approved, after years of use.)
Is it normal to leak colostrum in pregnancy and does it indicate anything about my milk supply?

As always, we close with a round of quickies touching on Botox in pregnancy, breastfeeding acne, NSTs, breastfeeding and tooth decay, breast pumps, compressions stockings, toddler immune systems, fashion trends, and foods we won't touch.
Thank you for your wonderful questions as always, and please keep them coming at 802-438-3696 or 802-GET-DOWN.
**********
Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#275 | How to Interview Your Pediatrician with Dr. Joel Gator Warsh Jul 24, 2024

Dr. Joel Gator Warsh is a classically trained integrative pediatrician with a holistic health practice in California. His approach to care puts parents at the center of the decision-making process. In today's episode, we discuss the key questions parents should ask when interviewing a pediatrician (and yes, you should interview numerous pediatricians before choosing the best fit for your family), including:

How to talk about the vaccine schedule;
The benefits and risks of Vitamin K;
Does where you give birth affect how your pediatrician views you, and, if applicable, will they support your having a home birth;
What are the most common reasons a pediatrician would release a family from their care;
How important are growth curves; and
Are there alternatives to antibiotics for an ear infection?

Dr. Joel delves into these questions and helps us understand the most effective relationship dynamics between a family and their pediatrician for a child-centered, holistic healthcare experience. Keep an eye out for Joel's new book: Parenting at Your Child's Pace: The Integrative Pediatrician's Guide to the First Three Years.

Episode #169: Protecting Today's Children with Integrative Pediatrician Dr. Joel Gator Warsh
Dr. Joel Gator Warsh
Dr. Joel's Website
**********
Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Vitality: An athleisure brand made for women, by women, designed with style and comfort for pregnancy and beyond.
Davin & Adley-- The perfect nursing and pumping bra combined
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#274 | Myofunctional Therapy: How To Assess and Help Your Baby Jul 17, 2024

The importance of healthy oral function is essential not only for infant feeding but also for a person's entire life. Poorly shaped palates, low resting tongue posture, restricted tongues, and mouth breathing are all common signs of oral restrictions or tension that can begin in the womb and influence one's health from infancy through adulthood. In today's episode, Jeannie Nelson, a speech and language pathologist from Breathe Eat Sleep Talk joins us to explain what myofunctional therapy is, how it can help, and the key red flags to look for in infancy or childhood to identify oral restriction. In this episode you will learn:

Why mouth breathing can be harmful
What resting tongue posture is and why it matters
What to do if your baby sleeps with an open mouth
How tongue position influences your facial development
Simple tips to help your baby improve and strengthen his or her oral function

The purpose of today's episode is to inform parents on how oral health and the musculature of the tongue affects whole body health, and to address potential matters related to airway health early on in order to prevent issues later in life.

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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Vitality: An athleisure brand made for women, by women, designed with style and comfort for pregnancy and beyond.
Davin & Adley-- The perfect nursing and pumping bra combined.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#273 | Special Q&A Featuring Nancy Wainer on VBAC and More Jul 10, 2024

In last week's episode (#272) you met legendary midwife-author Nancy Wainer. Well she's back today for Part II, where she joins us in a Q&A-style episode to answer our listeners' questions. Nancy experienced the first planned VBAC in the United States and she coined the acronym itself in her first book, Silent Knife, published in 1983. She has over 40 years of birth experience and has supported women through some incredible births that almost certainly would have resulted in surgery in any other environment. Today, she takes questions from our community including:
1. What are the common characteristics of women who have had successful VBACS
2. Is it still safer and healthier to have a VBAC if it has been less than 18 months since your cesarean?
3. Is a classical cesarean incision truly a contraindication to VBAC
4. How much impact does the shape of a woman's pelvis have on her labor?
5. Is there ever an indication to break a woman's bag of water in labor?
We are honored to have her wisdom and advice to share with our community and this won't be the last time you hear from her!
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Vitality: An athleisure brand made for women, by women, designed with style and comfort for pregnancy and beyond.
Davin & Adley-- The perfect nursing and pumping bra combined
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#272 | Nancy Wainer, CPM and Pioneer of the VBAC, Shares Her Journey from Mother to Midwife Jul 03, 2024

This episode has been a long time coming and is finally here! Meet Nancy Wainer, the legendary woman who began the Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) movement. Not only did Nancy coin the term VBAC, but she is the first on record in the United States to experience a planned VBAC. Nancy has been a midwife, fierce birth advocate, author, mentor, and teacher to thousands and thousands of women, mothers, and birth professionals over the last forty-plus years.
Today, we are honored to have her join us to share the story of her traumatic first birth and what led her to become the incredible midwife, author and birth educator she is today. This midwife has turned no woman away: mothers in her care are given the prenatal care and birth support they deserve when no one else will work with them. Nancy discusses who, if anyone, should be induced, what makes a good home birth candidate, why you shouldn't drink milk in pregnancy, and the importance of switching sides in your bed. If you are considering a VBAC or just want to hear what it means to truly trust women and their bodies, you will relish every word from Nancy Wainer and her story. Also: Stay tuned for Part II: a special Q&A episode with Nancy next week!
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Vitality: An athleisure brand made for women, by women, designed with style and comfort for pregnancy and beyond.
Davin & Adley-- The perfect nursing and pumping bra combined
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#271 | June Q&A: Boundaries When Pregnant, Pre-eclampsia & AROM, Mobile Monitoring, Posterior Babies & Pelvic Shape, Placenta Consumption for PPH Jun 26, 2024

Welcome to the June Q&A with Cynthia and Trisha! Today, we start the episode with all the romantic, hilarious, and random ways our community met their spouses, and we finish the episode with one woman's question to us: "If you were a dog, what kind would you be?" -- you'll hear us reach out to a friend on the spot to answer that question for us. In the regular version of this episode, we answer the following questions:

Help! I am losing trust in my body after having experienced miscarriage. What do I do?
My midwife told me I that my pelvic shape causes me to have back labor and a posterior baby. Is this true?
How can I manage negative comments at work about pregnancy in general?
Is artificial rupture of membranes a necessary part of induction for pre-eclampsia?

In the extended version of today's episode, available on Patreon and Apple subscriptions, we answer the following:

Should you limit time spent breastfeeding to ensure a baby doesn't burn too many calories feeding at the breast?
Do I have to be monitored continuously in labor for high blood pressure?
Does consuming the placenta or cord tissue after after birth prevent postpartum hemorrhage? My midwife told me this is a biohazard. Is this true?

As always, we close with a round of rapid fire quickies! Thank you for your excellent questions and please continue to call them in to our hotline at 802-438-3696 or 802-GET-DOWN!
**********
Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#270 | Trusting Birth: The Journey From Maiden to Mother with Lea @trusting_birth Jun 19, 2024

Can you imagine giving birth without ever "checking on" your baby? Without a test, an ultrasound, a need for reassurance from others that your baby is okay? And, what does it mean to cross the threshold from Maiden to Mother? How does a woman step into her wiser feminine self, relinquishing her controlled, organized, masculine energy and need for control in birth? What is required of a woman to feel so safe in her body that she can release hypervigilance and surrender fully to the power of her body? These are some of the untraditional questions we consider in this deeply provocative conversation with Lea, the woman behind Trusting Birth and the Wise Woman Diaries Podcast. This open and deeply personal episode invites us to look more closely at our lifelong struggle to trust ourselves, to embrace stillness, and to distinguish fear from intuition. Ultimately, this conversation dares us to take radical responsibility for the power of our feminine energy and all it can do for us.
Trusting Birth on Instagram
#14: Roundtable: Mothers of Stillbirth and What They Can Teach Us
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Vitality: An athleisure brand made for women, by women, designed with style and comfort for pregnancy and beyond.
Davin & Adley-- The perfect nursing and pumping bra combined
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#269 | Healing, Protecting, and Restoring Your Pelvic Floor with Dr. Lizzie Kieffer Jun 12, 2024

Dr. Lizzie Kieffer is a doctorate of physical therapy with a specialty practice in women's pelvic floor health. She joins us today to let us in on the little-known secret to protecting, relaxing, strengthening, and restoring your pelvic floor. She teaches us three simple techniques you can initiate immediately after birth to optimize pelvic floor recovery, how, when and why to do kegel exercises, what it means to have diastasis recti, and explains the differences in pelvic floor changes in a vaginal versus cesarean birth. Not only should every woman having a baby hear this episode, but also, every woman should make pelvic floor therapy a regular part of their life, even as they age into menopause and beyond.
Dr. Lizzie on Instagram
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#268 | Navigating Infant Food Reactivity in the Breastfed Baby with Dr. Trill @Free.To.Feed Jun 05, 2024

Dr. Trillitye Paullin is a molecular biologist and founder of Free to Feed, a consultation service for navigating infant food reactivity in breastfeeding dyads. Today, Dr. Trill joins us with one of her clients, Chelsea, a first-time mom who found Trill and our podcast and reached out to help spread the research around newborn food reactivity. Trill shares her ground-breaking research into why and how a mother's diet causes allergic responses in babies in the form of bloody stools, skin rashes, vomiting, reflux and colic-like symptoms. With around 25% of parents reporting food allergy symptoms in their babies, these issues have been grossly underserved and misunderstood for decades. We cover:

The top 12 foods causing allergy symptoms;
The timing of protein transfer, reactivity, and gut healing;
How our gastrointestinal health impacts infant food allergies;
How stress and cortisol impact the transfer of proteins into milk.

Stanford University and Free to Feed have embarked on a transformative partnership to develop tools aimed at accurately identifying and managing pediatric food allergies. This collaboration, part of the "Improving Outcomes for Food-Allergic Children" project led by Dr. Trillitye Paullin and supported by Stanford’s Data Science for Social Good Program, seeks to enhance care quality while preventing unnecessary dietary restrictions for children. By integrating these tools into clinical practice and fostering enhanced awareness among providers, the initiative promises to improve health outcomes for children and provide significant insights into the complexities of food allergies, shaping future policies in pediatric healthcare.

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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- For before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a free 8-day supply.

Connect on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#267 | May Q&A: Pre-eclampsia & Gestational Diabetes, Steroids for Pre-Term Labor, Declining the Anatomy Scan, IM vs. IV Pitocin, Preventing Mastitis May 29, 2024

Hello everyone! Cynthia and Trisha are back with the May Q&A episode. Today, we kick it off with an enlightening discussion on the worst parenting advice you have ever received--here's to all the things we never need to hear as mothers! Next, we hear one woman's beautiful take on her cesarean scar. Then, we dive into your awesome questions beginning with:

What is the likelihood that if I had pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes in my first pregnancy that I will have it again, and what can be done about it?
If I have a history of pre-term labor twice, should I take steroids preventatively at 30 weeks by my doctor's recommendation?
I am pregnant with my fourth baby, planning a home birth, and I don't want any ultrasounds. Do you think this is ok and will my midwife approve?

In the extended version of the episode, available on Apple subscriptions and Patreon, we discuss the pros and cons of the midwifery lifestyle for one woman trying to decide if she should go the CNM or CPM route; when it is appropriate or necessary to take a urine sample in pregnancy; and why one mother may have been given intramuscular Pitocin instead of intravenous when she already had an IV in place.
As always, we close with a round of quickies touching on how to keep breastfeeding while pregnant, getting induced for "mild" pre-eclampsia, what a high LH reading means, preventing mastitis when you have a plugged duct, our recommended prenatal vitamin, and our most embarrassing moments in public!
Thank you as always for your wonderful questions! Please call in your question to 802-GET-DOWN or 802-438-3696. To get the extended version of today's episode (and all episodes 100% ad-free) just click the subscribe button on Apple Podcasts or download the Patreon App and join any tier.
If you enjoyed this episode, please see our April Q&A episode:
#262 | April Q&A: Prenatal Vitamins, Premature Rupture of Membranes, Painless Breech Birth, Precipitous Labor, HypnoBirthing, Prenatal Hypertension
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Vitality: An athleisure brand made for women, by women, designed with style and comfort for pregnancy and beyond.
Davin & Adley-- The perfect nursing and pumping bra combined
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#266 | The ARRIVE Trial Reaches Overseas: Birth Culture in France with Nicola Thompson and Her Daughter May 22, 2024

Today's episode is a four-way conversation between us and a mother and daughter who are living in France. Nicola Thompson is a former L&D nurse of 30 years who worked in the U.S., and is now working in France as a traditional birth attendant, full-spectrum doula and IBCLC. Sasha Sharif, her daughter, is a mother of two with a third on the way. Sasha explains the impact her mother's life's work has had on her, and how that wisdom ultimately guided her away from birthing in the French maternity system. Instead, she (and her sister as well) have repeatedly opted to give birth at home attended by their mother.
In this episode, we dive into the birth culture in France including what it is like to be a midwife in France, the country's 87% epidural rate in hospitals, how the ARRIVE Trial has influenced birth across the Atlantic, and the fact that the French consider the "due date" to be at 41 weeks!
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Vitality: An athleisure brand made for women, by women, designed with style and comfort for pregnancy and beyond.
Davin & Adley-- The perfect nursing and pumping bra combined
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#265 | The Art of Hands-Off Birth with Beautiful One Midwifery May 15, 2024

Tiffany and Kelly of Beautiful One Midwifery are a midwife team in California who both began their birth work as doulas. As a result, they designed their practice from a hands-off, hands-out approach--meaning, the woman is the focal point of all decision-making making, and interventions are only utilized with her absolute permission and desire. Not only does this model require a woman to take radical responsibility for her birth, but it also gives her body and mind the space to give birth as undisturbed as possible while still being supported by a professional and skilled midwife. Tiffany and Kelly rarely do vaginal exams in labor and essentially never break a woman's bag of water. They consider even speaking to a woman in labor as an intervention that can alter her birth energy. In today's episode, you will learn what hands-off midwifery means and how birth can be safely, effectively, and beautifully supported under this model of care.
Beautiful One Midwifery
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Vitality: An athleisure brand made for women, by women, designed with style and comfort for pregnancy and beyond.
Davin & Adley-- The perfect nursing and pumping bra combined
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#264 | Breastfeeding Q&A: Pacifiers, Pumping, Bottles, Domperidone & IGT, Flat Nipples, Weaning and Breast Implants May 08, 2024

Welcome to our first breastfeeding-only Q&A with Trisha & Cynthia. Trisha is a Certified Nurse-Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with thousands of hours of clinical experience. Today's episode follows the format of our regular monthly Q&A episodes, where women call in with questions and we wrap up with Quickies at the end, but this time it's your breastfeeding questions only. Today Trisha answers questions such as:

Can I introduce a pacifier to my exclusively breastfed baby at two and a half weeks?
Is it a nursing strike or weaning: Help! My eleven-month-old is refusing my breast.
What is the best way to manage pumping for my exclusively breastfed baby when I am away?
How and when do I introduce a bottle to my exclusively breastfed baby so that I can leave him/her with a caregiver?
What are your thoughts on using the medication Domperidone with a diagnosis of Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT)?

In our round of Quickies, we touch on leaking, supplements for increasing supply, prenatal hand expression of colostrum, alcohol and breastmilk, breast refusal, lip blisters, breast fullness and milk supply, and flat nipples.
Please remember, that every mother and baby dyad is unique, and breastfeeding issues require an individualized care plan. Online appointments are available with Trisha by texting 734-649-6294.
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Vitality: An athleisure brand made for women, by women, designed with style and comfort for pregnancy and beyond.
Davin & Adley-- The perfect nursing and pumping bra combined
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#263 | Amanda's Good Birth Despite Abandonment, Harassment and Threats May 01, 2024

Amanda Holden was planning a home birth with her first baby, having hired a midwife she loved. When she reached 42 weeks, her midwife terminated her care abruptly, due to Colorado state law prohibiting midwives from attending late-term home births. With a heavy heart but optimistic mindset, Amanda and her husband made the decision to birth in a hospital rather than have an unattended home birth. Using the education she had under her belt by that point, Amanda rallied herself into believing her hospital birth would go mostly according to her plan of a natural, undisturbed birth. Once in labor, she settled into her hospital bed with a pink satin eye mask over her eyes, having no idea what she was about to endure: being relentlessly badgered, labeled, patronized, and threatened throughout her labor. She declined continuous monitoring and vaginal exams and the doctors retaliated by overwhelming her with a roomful of strangers watching her laboring naked in the tub, while "reporting" her over the phone in her presence. The doctor even threatened that Amanda's baby would likely need to be airlifted on life support to another hospital as soon as she was born, and that Amanda wouldn't be able to go with her baby. Meanwhile, there was no legitimate reason to suspect the baby would need life support. At one point, the doctor even brought in a male security guard into Amanda's birth space, claiming she (the doctor) didn't feel "safe" around Amanda's husband, who simply advocated for Amanda through the birth. When it was finally time to give birth, Amanda was tricked into lying down and then forcefully put on her back against her will. She says she gave birth "feeling hated" by everyone in the room, and one nurse privately told Amanda's mother she had seen meth patients in labor treated with more respect than Amanda. When Amanda gave birth vaginally to her girl, she felt elated, and noticed every medical staff in the room stared at her and her baby with utterly joyless expressions, after all that Amanda had achieved. Amanda and her husband have been doing somatic healing to process their experience, but she is absolutely clear that the birth itself caused her no distress or discomfort. Despite all drama, Amanda's story is ultimately inspiring because of her and her husband's resolve not to succumb under truly extraordinary pressure.
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Vitality: An athleisure brand made for women, by women, designed with style and comfort for pregnancy and beyond.
Davin & Adley-- The perfect nursing and pumping bra combined
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.

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Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#262 | April Q&A: Prenatal Vitamins, Premature Rupture of Membranes, Painless Breech Birth, Precipitous Labor, HypnoBirthing, Prenatal Hypertension Apr 24, 2024

Welcome to the April Q&A episode with Cynthia & Trisha. Today, we invite you to guess the two things that Cynthia and Trisha will never talk about on the podcast. Hint: They are not scandalous or controversial. Shoot us a DM with your guesses! Next, hear the most annoying habits from our podcast community regarding their partners. As for our questions this month, here we go:

I had a pain-free breech vaginal birth. Why do some women experience pain at birth and others don't?
My second baby was born precipitously at home. Should I plan for my third to be the same and when should I call the midwife?
Does learning hypnobirthing techniques lead to a more peaceful birth experience?
I have white-coat hypertension. Will this risk me out of a birth center birth and do I need to take aspirin in pregnancy?
What percentage of women whose water breaks before labor begins will start labor within an hour or two?
Are prenatal vitamins really necessary and if so, which ones?

In our extended version of today's episode, we answer questions regarding breaking your tailbone in labor, whether you should tell your neighbors if you are planning a home birth, whether it's expected or appropriate to plan on feeding your home-birth midwives, and if it is necessary to be catheterized in labor if you can't void while in labor.
In our quickie segment, we discuss the necessity or not of ovulation tracking apps, male versus female sperm, the midwives' brew, and how loud the music is in our cars while driving.
Thank you as always for your wonderful questions! Please call in your question to 802-GET-DOWN or 802-438-3696. To get the extended version of today's episode (and all episodes 100% ad-free) just click the subscribe button on Apple podcasts or download the Patreon App and join any tier.
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Vitality: An athleisure brand made for women, by women, designed with style and comfort for pregnancy and beyond.
Davin & Adley-- The perfect nursing and pumping bra combined
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#261 | Emma the Naked Doula on Pleasurable, Orgasmic Birth and Her New Book Apr 17, 2024

Emma Armstrong, author of The Fearless Birth Book, and Instagram birth influencer at @thenakeddoulaofficial, joins us today to delve into the meaning of pleasurable birth. We ask the questions, "Why should a woman want a pleasurable birth, what does it even mean, and what holds women back from experiencing pleasure instead of pain?" In this enlightening and off-the-record-style conversation, we uncover the emotions holding us back from ecstatic, pleasurable, even orgasmic birth. Emma opens up about her unexpected cesarean birth and how a woman who teaches other women about vaginal birth can feel confident in doing so despite her never experiencing a vaginal birth herself. This is about healing, letting go and experiencing deep, ecstatic pleasure.
The Naked Doula on Instagram
The Fearless Birth Book
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Vitality: An athleisure brand made for women, by women, designed with style and comfort for pregnancy and beyond.
Davin & Adley-- The perfect nursing and pumping bra combined.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy.
Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all of the above sponsors.
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and receive a free 8-day supply. Be sure to use the unique link to buy yours today.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#260 | Triplets at Home! With Traditional Midwife Kristine Lauria @globalmidwife64 Apr 10, 2024

You won't find an obstetrician anywhere in the United States who will birth triplets vaginally in the hospital, but today you'll hear the story of traditional midwife Kristine Lauria who welcomed them at home with the respect and reverence for birth every woman deserves. Kristine witnesses some of the most "high risk" births around the world in her midwifery work for Doctors Without Borders. She has attended over 500 breech, twin, and triplets births!
In this episode, you will hear the story of a mother in her 7th pregnancy birthing three babies at home as told by Kristine. We discuss what it means to be a traditional midwife, what happens in a triplet homebirth, the dying art of midwifery skills, and how to manually extract a baby at home. You'll hear how the mother's own mother received the first baby and how this mother avoided preterm birth by leaving the hospital AMA after an episode of bleeding and went on to naturally birth her babies at 38 weeks with perfect APGAR scores! This story is a beautiful example of the true midwifery model of care, a fiercely dedicated mother, and a birth team who deeply trust the innate process of physiologic birth regardless of the number of babies or their positions.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#259 | Resisting Coercion: Carolyn Marrone's Story of a Miscalculated Due Date and Standing Up To Pushy Providers Apr 03, 2024

When Carolyn was pregnant with her first baby, she went past her "due date." After declining an induction at 41+6, her doctor questioned her integrity as a mother, stating, "I am surprised your motherly instinct (to protect your baby) hasn't kicked in yet." Knowing that she and her baby were ok, she continued to wait despite heavy pressure from her OB. When she passed the 42-week mark, feeling out of options and having been told she was going to have a ten-pound baby, Carolyn accepted an induction on her 31st birthday. Her baby was born vaginally, weighing seven pounds and five ounces. Looking back at her conception date, her baby was more likely closer to just forty weeks. Carolyn's entertaining story highlights the inexcusable emotional abuse of her OB while demonstrating Carolyn's remarkable trust and faith in her baby and her body.
Follow Carolyn on Instagram @carolynnmarrone
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
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DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT today and receive a free sample kit. Stay salty.
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Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#258 | March Q&A: Implants & Breastfeeding, Giving Birth Advice, Ultrasounds, Newborn Transition in Waterbirthing, Posterior Babies, Family Boundaries Mar 27, 2024

We are back with the March Q&A episode with Cynthia & Trisha. We kick off today's episode with an unbelievable, once-in-a-lifetime story of an OB who holds off a mother's pushing to tie a bow in the baby's hair before being born! Next, we get into our questions beginning with a mother who wants to offer important birth advice to her friend's daughter but doesn't know if it is her place or how to not overstep boundaries. Also, what questions to ask at a late third-trimester ultrasound to best avoid unnecessary interventions? Then, Barbara Harper of Waterbirth International answers the question of why it takes a baby longer to "come to" after a water birth. Another mother inquires about how much her energy and anxieties can influence her baby's arrival--is her stress causing her baby to be born "late?"
In the extended version of today's episode, available on Apple subscriptions or Patreon, we discuss whether or not a pregnancy is easier or harder based on which gender baby you are carrying, how to navigate boundaries with a mother-in-law who has been blatantly disrespectful but planning to help you postpartum. Finally, how do breast implants impact the ability to exclusively breastfeed? We also have doula Colleen Myatt, a spinning babies instructor, answer a mother's question about posterior babies.
As always, we close with a round of rapid-fire quickies covering tongue ties, evening primrose oil, delivery time for the placenta, setting boundaries, soothing crying babies, and more!
Thank you for your excellent questions and keep them coming at 802-GET-DOWN or 802-438-3696. For the extended version of today's episode please join our Patreon page or subscribe on Apple podcasts.
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
David & Adley -- Nursing bras that are stylish and allow hands-free pumping
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this link today and receive a free sample kit.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
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Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
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734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#257 | Labor & Delivery Nurses' Roundtable: How Their Hands are Tied to Doctors' Orders Mar 20, 2024

In today's episode, three current and former L&D nurses join us in a roundtable-style conversation to share their behind-the-scenes experiences on the L&D floor. These three women get raw, real, and honest about what pulled them to this line of work and for one, what forced her to leave. They share their experiences and that of the women they serve on how birthing mothers are manipulated, coerced, and betrayed by their providers and the system. You'll hear astonishing quotes such as "Well that's what she gets for refusing Pitocin yesterday," when a mother ends up with an unexpected cesarean birth, and you'll hear answers to our questions:

Why did you choose to become an L&D nurse?
In your mind, who do you work for?
Why do OBs get so upset when they "miss" the delivery?
What do you think is driving unnecessary cesarean sections?
What is the most outrageous thing you've heard a provider say to a woman?

In the end, you'll gain insight into the culture of hospital-based birth and learn ways to best support your birth goals when having a baby at the hospital.

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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this link today and receive a free sample kit.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#256 | Transforming Your Hospital Birth Experience with Taylor Dilk @taychayy Mar 13, 2024

Like many mothers, Taylor Chamberlain Dilk had no idea where to begin in preparing for childbirth. Lucky for her she has a large social media presence and requested recommendations from her audience, and lucky for us, Down to Birth Show came highly recommended. Once she started digging in, she felt her inner maternal voice rising to the surface. She knew she wanted an unmedicated birth, but had no idea what she was up against giving birth with an OB in the hospital. When she was offered a membrane sweep in her 41st week, she accepted, triggering uncomfortable contractions but not labor. As an unsure first-time mom, she went to the hospital thinking her water had broken yet still awaited labor. It wasn't until she transformed her hospital room into a safe space that she could truly let go and allow her labor to flow. Join us as Taylor shares her invaluable insights, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making, cultivating a supportive environment, and harnessing the power of one's own thoughts to guide the miraculous journey of childbirth.

Taylor on Instagram
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this link today and receive a free sample kit.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
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Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#255 | What's Up with Intrauterine Growth Restriction: An Off-the-Record-Style Conversation with Dr. Stu Fischbein Mar 06, 2024

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Stu Fischbein for his third appearance on Down to Birth Show. We start the conversation by catching up on some of the latest problems occurring on the birth scene including VBACs, aspirin in pregnancy, the monetization of birth, late pregnancy ultrasounds, big babies, and due dates, before we get into the meat of the episode on Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). Dr. Stu shares a letter from one of his followers regarding her IUGR diagnosis resulting in an induction at 37 weeks for a 4-pound 14-ounce baby, which launches into a conversation around what IUGR is anyway and the actual risk of IUGR. Would that baby have been better off staying in utero for a few more weeks? How can you know postpartum if the baby was in fact IUGR? There are so many nuggets of great information dropped throughout this episode. You don't miss this one! And for more with Dr. Stu, catch episodes #111 & #128.
Dr. Stu Fischbein & Birthing Instincts
Dr. Stu on Instagram
#128 | Vaginal Breech Birth with Dr. Stu of Birthing Instincts: Why It's Safer Than you Think
#111 | The Obstetric Model of Care vs. the Midwifery Model of Care: Interview with Dr. Stuart Fischbein, MD
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this link today and receive a free sample kit.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
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Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

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734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#254 | February Q&A: Vomiting in Labor, Cord Traction, Pacifiers, Probiotics and Plugged Ducts, Breast Milkshake, PPH, Bicornuate Uterus Feb 28, 2024

Welcome to the February Q&A with Cynthia & Trisha. To kick things off, we share some of your New Year's Resolutions--don't miss this as Trisha makes Cynthia momentarily speechless! Next, we dive into your questions beginning with: Is cord traction really necessary to birth the placenta? Another woman explains that she always throws up in labor right when her water breaks and asks if this is normal. Also, a new mother is curious if giving her baby a pacifier will be harmful or helpful...and more. In our extended version of today's episode, we answer several more questions about the breast microbiome and the occurrence of plugged ducts, uterine prolapse and how it may impact a future pregnancy, how to care for the ntact) penis, non-stress tests, bicornuate uteri (you read that right) and what constitutes a postpartum hemorrhage.
As always, we thank you for your questions an encourage you to call in at 802-GET-DOWN or 802-438-3696. Our extended and ad-free episodes are available on Apple subscriptions and our Patreon page. Thank you for tuning-in.
Down to Birth is sponsored by:
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this link today and receive a free sample kit.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#253 | The ACOG Files: Exploring the Guidelines That Support Physiologic Birth Feb 21, 2024

In today's episode, Cynthia and Trisha break down some of the current guidelines published by ACOG (the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists). You'll see many of these guidelines favor physiological birth and stand for minimal medical intervention in exactly the ways we recommend, which makes it all the more perplexing why so many of today's obstetricians don't follow along. By understanding ACOG's position on common concerns in pregnancy and birth, you can feel more empowered to advocate for what you know is best for you and your baby. Did you know that ACOG clearly and strongly states that the use of medical coercion is harmful and should never be practiced or that delivery of a baby is not warranted for suspected fetal macrosomia (big baby)? Or that ACOG knows that routine amniotomy (breaking the bag of water) is not necessary and suggests its use does not improve outcomes? Furthermore, ACOG states that ultrasound performed in late pregnancy is associated with an increase in cesarean section, with no evidence of neonatal benefit (yet how many OBs recommend third-trimester ultrasound)? Tune in to hear what this revered medical authority has to say, and stand tall in defense of your physiological birth plan. You'll see ACOG is on your side more than you might have believed, particularly in light of how today's American obstetricians tend to practice.
ACOG Statement on Refusal of Medically Recommended Care in Pregnancy
Approaches to Limit Intervention During Labor & Birth
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this link today and receive a free sample kit.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

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734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#252 | A Father's Perspective on his Baby's Inaccurate IUGR Diagnosis Feb 14, 2024

IUGR or Intrauterine Growth Restriction is the latest trend on the obstetric scene--a diagnosis that has afflicted many mothers unnecessarily. Eric, a father of two daughters, joins us on the show today to discuss his experience with his wife's IUGR experience. When an early ultrasound told them their baby was measuring smaller than expected, they were sent to maternal-fetal medicine and their baby was labeled as growth-restricted. As their dreams of a birth center birth quickly vanished, they started having regular ultrasounds and non-stress tests to monitor their baby. While Eric's intuition told him everything was ok with their baby, he had to balance the forceful voice of the medical system and his wife's nerves and unease, given the pressure and fear-tactics she was relentlessly subjected to, while having to make constant trips to and from the doctor to continually check on the baby. At forty-two weeks they scheduled a hospital induction, birthing a perfectly non-growth-restricted baby who was estimated to be just forty weeks’ gestation, indicating the doctors incorrectly estimated the due date at the outset. This story illuminates the excessive fear and risk put upon parents and the common inaccuracies of IUGR diagnoses.
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Modern Nursery--Your one-stop shop for eco-friendly, stylish baby gear
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this link today and receive a free sample kit.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#251 | HPV and Your Abnormal Pap May Not Be What You Think: Cervical Cancer Prevention with Nathan Riley, MD Feb 07, 2024

Have you ever wondered why we actually need to get a pap smear or why the testing guidelines frequently change? The presence of HPV or the Human Papilloma Virus is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer and is the reason behind the pap smear. A pap smear looks at the health of the cells in our cervix and the presence of HPV. When abnormal cells are found, it is usually recommended that we have those cells removed at the risk of the functionality of our cervix.
In this eye-opening conversation with Nathan Riley, MD, we learn the statistics around actually developing cervical cancer even with an abnormal pap smear, the risks versus benefits of the Gardasil vaccine, and the long-term consequences of cervical procedures, particularly as it relates to a woman's birth experience. Nathan encourages us to think about the HPV virus as we would any virus that we come into contact with in our environment. It's not the virus that we should fear, but rather the response of our immune systems, which can be influenced by modifiable risk factors. If you are due for your pap or have an abnormal result, be sure to listen to this episode.
Nathan Riley MD
Beloved Holistics
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this link today and receive a free sample kit.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#250 | January Q&A: Cervical Massage, VBAC Provider Red Flags, Due Date Calculation, Infant Sleep, Sufficient Milk Supply, RhoGAM and More Jan 31, 2024

Hello and is it too late to still say Happy New Year?! Cynthia & Trisha are back with the first Q&A of 2024 in season five of the Down to Birth Show! We kick it off today by sharing some of your highs and lows from the holiday season. Next, we get into our questions beginning with a mother who had low milk supply with her first baby and wonders what she can do in pregnancy and birth to prevent it from happening again; one curious listener wants to know if she can check her own cervix to help determine at what point she should go to the hospital; another caller asks us to explain why due dates are based on your last menstrual period rather than your ovulation date--what happens to those two weeks?
In our extended version, available on Apple subscriptions and Patreon, we first answer a question about normal, healthy sleep patterns for infants and the pressure mothers face to have the baby "sleep through the night." Then we answer if and when "cervical massage" is indicated for a cervix that might be scarred from a previous cervical procedure. Another mom is concerned that her midwives missed a case of early jaundice in her newborn and inquires if getting the RhoGAM shot in pregnancy could have prevented the jaundice. Finally, one mother explains her OB's behavior around her choice to have a VBAC and we chime in with our take on his audacity!
Last, we close with a round of quickies addressing morning sickness, postpartum hemorrhage, GBS swabbing, IUGR and the strangest things we've ever eaten!
Thank you for your great questions and keep them coming at 802-438-3696 or 802-GET-DOWN.
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Modern Nursery--Your one-stop shop for eco-friendly, stylish baby gear
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this link today and receive a free sample kit.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#249 | Katie Spinks Breaks the Silence: Pitocin, Uterine Rupture, and Life-Altering Consequences Jan 24, 2024

Pitocin has been named the most over-used and abused drug in maternity care. It is increasingly used for elective induction despite the lack of FDA approval for this purpose. Rupture of the uterus is a known adverse reaction to this drug, and its use is contraindicated when there is fetal distress or overstimulation of the uterus. Few, if any, women are given full informed consent to the administration of this drug in labor. Katie Spinks is one of these women.
Katie had a routine, elective induction at 39 weeks for the birth of her fourth child. Her uterus ruptured and her baby suffered a long period without oxygen. She was born with severe brain damage, unable to speak or walk, and has been given a very short life expectancy. In this episode, Katie shares the egregious care she received in labor, detailing the mistreatment by her nurse and the medical staff's refusal to listen to her pleas for help when she knew something was wrong. She also describes the overt manipulation of her medical records to remove any evidence of the use of Pitocin in her care.
Katie shares with us the painstaking ways in which her life and that of her family were changed as a result, but also the deep love and connection she shares with her disabled daughter, Jolene. Among Katie's life missions is for women to receive full informed consent when it comes to Pitocin.
This episode sheds light on the rare, but real, harms of a drug that is causally and excessively given to women without medical indication or complete informed consent.
Katie Spinks on Instagram
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#248 | Redefining Power in Birth & in Life with Cait Scudder @themillionairemother Jan 17, 2024

Cait Scudder, also known as the Millionaire Mother, is a successful entrepreneur and mother of two. Currently in her third pregnancy, she joins us today to share her story of transformation from resistance to surrender in birth and in life. She describes her traumatic first birth resulting in a third-degree tear and bladder prolapse and the way she was robbed of her power through hospital policy, despite still achieving an unmedicated, vaginal birth. After going deep into somatic and physical healing modalities between her first and second pregnancies, she chose home birth, giving birth in the water to a ten-pound fifteen-ounce boy without tearing or trauma. It was this experience of birthing in her absolute inherent power that transformed her, and Cait is certain the experience is precisely what immediately propelled her business to the next level.
The Millionaire Mother on Instagram
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products for before, during and after pregnancy
Modern Nursery--Your one-stop shop for eco-friendly, stylish baby gear
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT today and receive a free sample kit.
Love Majka Products -- Support your milk supply.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#247 | The Birth of Fierce Lizzie: From Rule Follower to Autonomy Advocate Jan 10, 2024

Lizzie Bolliger, aka Fierce Lizzie on Instagram, wasn't always fierce. She went into her first birth experience knowing very little other than that she wanted an unmedicated vaginal birth. After experiencing premature rupture of membranes, her first birth resulted in Pitocin augmentation and then meconium aspiration, resulting in her baby being taken away from her for the first fifteen hours of life. The second time around, she figured she knew enough to avoid an epidural and Pitocin but still passed on reading, educating or preparing for birth, for the most part. While she achieved an unmedicated vaginal birth, she saw it didn't come without challenges, and she began to deeply question the modern birth industry. In what she calls her postpartum mental breakdown, one day she arrived at her school job and literally couldn't bring herself to enter the building. This "crash" became the turning point that opened Lizzie's eyes and ultimately led to her leaving her teaching job and going full-steam ahead into birth work as a doula and educator. Today, she shares the details of her journey from "good girl" to fierce, autonomous, and unapologetic Lizzie.

#146 | Finding Autonomy and Asserting Your Birth Plan with Fierce Lizzie

Fierce Lizzie on Instagram

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#246 | Your Sex Life Revived with "Sexpert" Susan Bratton Jan 03, 2024

Susan Bratton is an intimacy expert and champion advocate for all who desire their most fulfilling and passionate intimate relationships. She joins us today to discuss how mothers can have a thriving sex life after having a baby and far beyond menopause. If you are someone who doesn't orgasm easily, or who feels guilty for not wanting more sex, or if you just want to learn more about what your body is capable of, this episode is for you! She details the anatomy of the yoni (the tantric word to describe the entire urogenital system--because its not just about the vagina or even the clitoris!) and gives us specific ways in which our partners can worship our female parts, giving us orgasms far beyond what we may believe is possible. We recommend grabbing your partner, maybe a glass of wine, and listening all-in for this juicy and inspiring episode that might just transform your sex life for the rest of your life.
Bonus: Today's episode includes visuals, and is available in full video format to anyone who is a Tier I (or higher) member in our Patreon community. Join us now!
Susan Bratton's Intimacy Coaching
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Modern Nursery--Your one-stop shop for eco-friendly, stylish baby gear
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this link today and receive a free sample kit.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#245 | December Q&A: Your Holiday Traditions; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Failure to Progress; RSV; Precipitous Birth; Osteoporosis Dec 27, 2023

Welcome to the December Q&A episode with Cynthia and Trisha! Today, we begin with revealing your holiday traditions and difficult family challenges of the season. Additionally, we share our long-standing holiday traditions. Next, we dive into your questions beginning with:

What are the signs of postpartum hemorrhage?
Is failure to progress dangerous and what can you do to prevent it?
Is it safe to use breastmilk to treat pink eye in a baby?
Considering the danger of RSV, should I ask family members not to kiss the baby and if so, what should I say?

In the extended version of today's episode, we discuss whether or not vaginal birth is possible when a woman has osteoporosis; whether or not a mother who has a history of precipitous birth should plan to be induced to avoid giving birth en route to the hospital; and is intentionally rupturing the bag of water a good idea to prevent having a precipitous birth at home?
As always, we close with a round of quickies on topics such as weight gain in pregnancy, cervical lips, prenatal vitamins, must-have baby items, and more!
Thank you as always for your fabulous questions and keep them coming by calling into our hotline at 802-438-3696.
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products for before, during and after pregnancy
Modern Nursery--Your one-stop shop for eco-friendly, stylish baby gear
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT today and receive a free sample kit.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#244 | Our First-Annual "Ask Us Anything Personal" Dec 20, 2023

As we gear up for our season finale next week, we've got a special treat for you today – a "holiday special" episode that's a departure from our usual format. In this extra-long, off-the-record conversation, which we recorded Friday night at Trisha's house, we're delving into the personal questions you've been curious about throughout 2023. That's right, we're steering clear of the usual birth-related questions, and don't worry, you'll get your full dose of those in next week's December Q&A. Join us today for an intimate chat, grab your favorite drink, and settle in for an inside look into our lives.
A big shout-out to our guest-host, the delightful and witty Liz Eidelman, known from @lizeidelman on Instagram, who not only gathered and organized these questions but also did her best to keep us on track. Ever wondered what it's like when we let our hair down? Now's your chance to find out!
As a special end-of-year gift, we're offering this extended episode to everyone ad-free. If you enjoy it, consider supporting our podcast for as little as $2.50/month on Apple or by joining us on Patreon for 100% ad-free episodes every week. We wish a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season to you and yours, and we'll see you Dec 27 for our final episode of season four!

Explore exclusive content and support our podcast at: Down to Birth Show on Patreon.

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#243 | Dr. Green Mom Answers Your Questions on Vitamin D, Circumcision, MTHFR Gene, C-Sections Babies' Needs, Fevers, Probiotics & More Dec 13, 2023

Join us for our long-awaited episode with Ashley Mayer, affectionately known as Dr. Green Mom, a highly respected family and pediatric doctor specializing in individualized and holistic medicine. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Mayer not only answers your burning pediatric healthcare questions but also provides a unique blend of personal insights and professional opinions on some of the most commonly debated topics in pediatrics.

Dr. Ashley Mayer addresses crucial concerns such as developing a protocol for fevers in babies under six months of age and discovering the best strategies for managing a fever in young infants. Dive into the realm of infant nutrition as we discuss the use of probiotics for babies and under what circumstances they are recommended. Get her take on infant bowel movements as she shares her perspective on whether it's normal for a breastfed baby to poop only once a week.

We also delve into essential topics like the necessity of vitamin D drops for babies, the contentious issue of circumcision, and the supplement needs for children with the MTHFR variation. Find out whether, and when, she thinks infants require iron and vitamin D supplementation.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the expertise of "Dr. Green Mom" and gain a deeper understanding of the nuanced world of family and pediatric medicine. This episode could make some tough decisions easier for you and transform the way you approach your child's health.

Dr. Green Mom
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DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this link today and receive a free sample kit.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#242 | The Legal Rights and Roles of Doulas with Attorney Hermine Hayes-Klein Dec 06, 2023

Doulas are an increasingly important, if not essential, member of a birth support team. However, along with their increased importance, doulas are exposed to an ever-increasing level of risk and liability.
In this episode, we welcome back to the show maternal healthcare and human rights attorney Hermine Hayes-Klein, to discuss the legal rights and roles of doulas. She asks the question, what does support really look like, and can the doula actually assert the mother's right to informed consent or refusal? The answer is complex, in part because doulas don't answer to a Board and therefore enjoy a flexible job description, which is exclusively between her and her client. Hayes-Klein dispels myths surrounding doula advocacy, clarifying that doulas cannot make decisions for their clients, but can speak for the client with the mother's consent and understanding of all parties in the birth space.
Hayes-Klein discusses her latest project, The Birth Rights Law Project, focusing on legal security for out-of-hospital midwives and doulas. The Project provides assistance in creating and understanding documentation, offering a potential lifeline for doulas facing or seeking to avoid legal liability.

If you are a doula or a pregnant mother considering doula support, this episode will shed light on how to best establish the client-doula relationship and help doulas to best understand how not only to protect themselves legally but also to define their personal job description between you and her in your birth space.

#178| How Out-of-Hospital Birth Prejudice and Provider Bias Harms Mothers and Babies with Attorney Hermine Heyes-Klein

#153 | Legal Case Study #2 with Attorney Hermine Hayes-Klein: Injured by Obstetrics with Nowhere Else To Turn
#138 | Legal Case Study #1 with Attorney Hermine Hayes-Klein: Traumatized at a Major Teaching Hospital While Interns Watched and Learned

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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products for before, during and after pregnancy
Modern Nursery--Your one-stop shop for eco-friendly, stylish baby gear
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT today and receive a free sample kit.
Love Majka Products -- Support your milk supply.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#241 | November Q&A: Biophysical Profiles; Preventing PROM; Lacking Natural Birth Support; Declining Cervical Exams; Having Hashimoto's; Anemia Nov 29, 2023

Welcome back to our monthly Q&A with Cynthia & Trisha! This month, we kick things off with a short story from an L&D nurse attending a mother giving birth to her seventh baby who was coerced into an unnecessary cesarean and what we think about how it was handled.
Next, we get into your questions starting with: How do I defend myself against friends and family who don't support my plans for a natural birth? Another mom asks what she can do to prevent her waters from breaking before labor begins, followed by a woman who expresses her frustration with her OB for insisting that she do a vaginal exam in late pregnancy to determine the baby's head position. Is this necessary or useful? We answer quickies on blackout curtains for baby naps, let-downs while breastfeeding, blood pressure checks in labor, handling natural birth nay-sayers, and more. The personal question of the month had to do with what each of us enjoys as an "old person" habit or hobby.
In the extended version of today's episode, available on Apple subscriptions and Patreon, you get additional questions on Hashimoto's disease in pregnancy, accidental urine leaking in pregnancy, iron absorption and diary, and drawing the line on what should and should not be considered routine in prenatal care.
Then, as always, we wrap up with quickies and the personal-question of the month!
Join us today on Apple subscriptions or Patreon for ad-free and extended episodes.
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products for before, during and after pregnancy
Modern Nursery--Your one-stop shop for eco-friendly, stylish baby gear
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT today and receive a free sample kit.
Love Majka Products -- Support your milk supply.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#240 | An Unexpected Twin Born at Home: Elizabeth Parsons of @PurelyParsons Nov 22, 2023

Elizabeth Parsons of Purely Parsons is a mother of five, living on seventy acres in Appalachia, homesteading with her husband and children. For her fourth pregnancy, she had a planned home birth with her seasoned midwife. Despite having regular prenatal care and even an ultrasound the day before she went into labor, Elizabeth had an unexpected twin double breech birth at forty weeks! After the first baby was born, six minutes later, she felt the urge to push again and it seemed unusually intense for the placenta they all expected to emerge. Out came another baby -- born bottom first! In fact, both babies were breech, but nothing was so remarkable as an unexpected twin that evaded all prenatal care. Tune in for this inspiring, fun birth story affirming that twin, breech vaginal birth is a viable option, even at home.
Purely Parsons on Instagram

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#239 | The Cost of Breastfeeding Versus Formula Feeding with Dr. Rhonda Trust, PhD Nov 15, 2023

A 2023 article from Yale News flashed across news outlets in the United States headlined:

"Yale researchers find that breastfeeding can cost over $11,000 a year. " The article goes on to say, "While the 2022 baby formula shortage in the United States sparked calls for an increase in support for breastfeeding nationwide, a group of researchers at the Yale School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine sought to demonstrate how breastfeeding can impose significant financial burdens on families as well."
While there is no doubt breastfeeding is a major commitment and consumes a tremendous amount of time, there is also a significant cost of NOT breastfeeding, which failed to be discussed in the article.
In today's episode, we invited university professor and lactation expert, Dr. Rhonda Trust, PhD, to discuss the true costs of formula feeding versus breastfeeding. She explains that the Yale article misled the public and failed to name the protective health benefits for both mom and baby over a lifetime when breastfeeding is optimally supported, such as lower infant mortality and decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer for mothers. Drawing from her prior experience as the Policy and Advocacy Chair for the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition, Rhonda also shares economic data from numerous research studies, demonstrating the direct cost savings are upwards of 14 billion dollars annually when 90% of babies are exclusively breastfed.
Breastmilk is a free food source for every baby and saves infants' lives. While breastfeeding may not always be the right choice for every mother, breastmilk is the best choice for every baby. It is the job of public health officials and medical schools to share accurate and complete information regarding breastfeeding. In this episode, we discuss critical research that was either purposefully or unintentionally omitted from this article.

Yale News Article
No Such Thing as a Free Lunch: The Direct Marginal Costs of Breastfeeding
Suboptimal Breastfeeding in the United States: Maternal and Pediatric Health Outcomes and Cost
Rhonda Trust on Instagram
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#238 | Our Eldest Fan Shares Her Wisdom with Today's Young Mothers Nov 08, 2023

In this heartwarming episode, we met with the woman we believe is our oldest and wisest podcast fan and devout member of our Patreon community: Lee Roversi, a CSA farm owner in Hawaii, mother of three adult children, and grandmother. Lee begins by reflecting on her upbringing in Connecticut during the 1950s and how it shaped her perspective on motherhood. Her traditional family background contrasted with her later path toward holistic childbirth choices. Lee's story unfolds with anecdotes from her three home births, defying the norm of hospital deliveries at the time. Her first childbirth experience, in Manhattan with a midwife, was marked by a marathon 36-hour labor, yet it was a transformative experience that set her on a unique path.
Lee spent most of her time with us sharing her thoughts on the changing landscape of childbirth practices over the decades. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the inner strength within every birthing woman -- a lesson she learned firsthand. Lee's journey wasn't without its challenges, but her conviction in the power of intuition and her commitment to natural childbirth prevailed.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Lee discusses the significance of postpartum support and community. She highlights the value of support groups like La Leche League and the importance of maintaining connections in the age of isolation. Lee's heartfelt advice to new mothers centers on cherishing the fleeting moments of early motherhood and finding solace in the knowledge that women are never alone in their struggles.

We engaged in a heartfelt dialogue about the transformative journey of motherhood, the power of community, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. This episode reminds us to savor the precious moments of motherhood, to seek support and connection, and to trust in our innate abilities as women.
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products for before, during and after pregnancy
Modern Nursery--Your one-stop shop for eco-friendly, stylish baby gear
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT today and receive a free sample kit.
Love Majka Products -- Support your milk supply.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#237 | On Life Support During Birth: Tess Frame Describes Waking Out of a Coma Postpartum Nov 01, 2023

Tess Frame is a mother of two who experienced severe pneumonia in late pregnancy after contracting the flu. Her condition became septic, resulting in organ failure and premature labor. She gave birth by cesarean at thirty-five weeks while comatose, and was intubated in critical care for several weeks after. While in a coma, she experienced and/or perceived traumas she could only begin to unwind after becoming conscious, trying to unravel what experiences were real and what were only imagined in her unconscious state. She was convinced she had been kidnapped and assaulted and struggled to reconcile her conscious and subconscious experiences while in the coma. It was a heart-wrenching twenty-five days before Tess could finally meet her baby, and it took an additional three to four months for Tess to fully feel he belonged to her. She shares her birth story and her ambitious healing journey guided, perhaps surprisingly, by the twelve-step addiction recovery program. Supported by her church and community, she focused on mending her mind, body, and family, ultimately being granted a second chance at life.
Tess on Instagram
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products for before, during and after pregnancy
Modern Nursery--Your one-stop shop for eco-friendly, stylish baby gear
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT today and receive a free sample kit.
Love Majka Products -- Support your milk supply.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#236 | October Q&A: Mom Friends, Tight Abdominal Muscles, Diabetes & Pregnancy, Velamentous Cords, Vitamin D & Breastfeeding Oct 25, 2023

Hello everyone - it's your favorite day of the month, when we take your calls! As always, thank you for submitting your excellent questions to 802-438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). Keep them rolling in! We love hearing from you.
Today, we kick things off with some of the hilarious comments and questions your husbands and partners have said during pregnancy and birth. Next, we dive into our questions beginning with one mom seeking guidance on how best to make mom friends after having a baby. Another listener asks if it is true that her friend needed to have a C-section because her abdominal muscles were too tight. The answer is no, but we brought on pelvic floor specialist, Tara Gibson, to explain why. Next, we give our opinion on the recommendation for a mother with type 1 diabetes to have twice-weekly ultrasounds and non-stress tests starting at 32 weeks. Is having a velamentous cord insertion a reason for needing a C-section or induction?
In the extended version of today's episode, always available ad-free on Apple subscriptions and Patreon, we answer the controversial question about the necessity of Vitamin D drops for breastfed babies, followed by another listener's concern about her "big baby" needing hourly glucose checks, questions on glucose, weaning, and more.
Finally, we close with a round of quickies including a question on VBACs, weaning from breastfeeding, and at last, our "personal question" of the month: the last show we each binged!
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products for before, during and after pregnancy
Modern Nursery--Your one-stop shop for eco-friendly, stylish baby gear
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT today and receive a free sample kit.
Love Majka Products -- Support your milk supply.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.

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Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#235 | Solution or Sham? The Anti-Depressant Industry Exposed with Dr. Roger McFillin Oct 18, 2023

Dr. Roger McFillin, a seasoned clinical psychologist and the compelling voice of the Radically Genuine Podcast, dares to question the prevailing surge in depression diagnoses in our modern world. He boldly sheds light on the truth about SSRIs, leveling grave accusations of "criminal negligence" at the doctors who knowingly sidestep informed consent requirements. Dr. McFillin uncovers a disturbing reality—one where patients are shielded from the harsh truth of low efficacy rates, serious risks, and debilitating long-term side effects, such as inability to orgasm.

In this episode, Dr. McFillin unveils the elaborate charade woven by the pharmaceutical industry. He underscores the unsettling fact that antidepressants, touted as life-changing solutions, actually provide relief to a mere fifteen percent of those who turn to them, all while carrying a risk of suicide that's double that of a placebo. The heart of our conversation revolves around the calculated cherry-picking of scientific data, which serves to construct a narrative that prioritizes pharmaceutical profits over individual well-being.

Dr. McFillin contends that labeling these medications as "anti-depressants" is a gross misnomer, a stance he courageously shared through his YouTube channel. His insights earned him the attention of influential figures like Joe Rogan, but punishment from YouTube, who mysteriously took down his channel without explanation immediately after he exposed critical research findings. Dr. McFillin's mission is clear: he implores the public to embrace critical thinking and cast aside the blinders that obscure a disconcerting reality—a medical system that peddles drugs not on the basis of research, but rather at the whims of the marketing department.

As we delve deeper into the episode, we explore how the catchphrase "trust the science" often contradicts the actual scientific research. Later on, our conversation shifts over to postpartum depression and the lives of postpartum mothers. These exhausted and overwhelmed women represent just one of many vulnerable groups suffering harm, not help, by the professionals they entrusted.

Join us in this eye-opening discussion as we unravel the layers of deception and confront the unsettling truths about our contemporary medical landscape. Dr. Roger McFillin's unwavering commitment to authenticity challenges the status quo, beckoning us to peer beyond the facade and reckon with the stark realities we collectively face.

Radically Genuine Podcast
Radically Genuine YouTube
Radically Genuine
**********
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#234 | Cynthia's Second Birth Story: Lessons in Trust Oct 11, 2023

Hello, everyone! It's Cynthia here. Today, in celebration of my birthday, I want to share the extraordinary story of my daughter's birth. This personal narrative delves into the pivotal role intuition and self-trust played throughout my conception and pregnancy with her. You'll learn of some unexpected challenges we faced, and you'll hear about our unconventional attempt to reposition our breech baby head-down. Definitely don't try that at home - even though we did.
I hope you enjoy it. Catch Trisha in the outtake.
p.s. I shared my son's birth story way back in Season One, Episode 10 and you can listen to that here or you can read the published article here.

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#233 | Esophageal Atresia: When Liz Eidelman's Baby Was Born "Incompatible With Life" Oct 04, 2023

Liz Eidelman, whose name some of you may recognize as the funny mom on Instagram @lizeidelman, gave birth to her first child in the hospital with a team of med students present. She had an episiotomy she didn't want, a vacuum-assist that led to another flood of people in the room, and a baby who was whisked away to the NICU within moments of birth, leaving Liz in the dark about her baby's condition. Overhearing nurses whisper, "The mother doesn't know yet," added to her anxiety. What Liz and her husband soon learned was that their baby was born with esophageal atresia, necessitating a life-saving surgery on Day Two of their baby's life.
Now, with the perspective of a few years and two births under her belt, Liz reflects on the many ways in which she was grossly mistreated in her birth, by the very people and system who helped her baby go from a status of "born incompatible with life" to healthy and well. Liz dives into how her labor could have taken a different course, not only the first time but also the second, had she been more aware of her rights within the hospital birth environment. Liz shares her personal story and reveals alarming details that ignited her passion to become a doula. She also created a thriving Instagram community for moms, where humor serves as the antidote for the challenges of parenting, birth, and life. Don't miss this enlightening and empowering episode with Liz Eidelman.
Liz on Instagram
Liz's Doula Page @The.Sage.Sister

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#232 | September Q&A: Infant Reflux, Tearing, The Homebirth Environment, Waterbirthing with PROM, Esophageal Atresia, Postpartum Cramping, Newborns Sep 27, 2023

Hello Friends! It is time for the September Q&A episode! Today, we open with two listener emails sharing their experiences on declining circumcision and accepting a necessary emergency cesarean birth. Next, we dive into your questions beginning with:
Can I still labor and birth in the tub even if my membranes have ruptured before labor begins? Lucky for ya'll, we have Barbara Harper of Waterbirth International pop on the show to answer this question.
Next up, we address whether experiencing a 3rd or 4th-degree tear during your first birth should deter you from pursuing a subsequent vaginal birth. Does it categorize you as high risk? We'll explore this important topic.

Seeking more comprehensive solutions for infant reflux beyond the basics? We've got you covered.

Then, we tackle the dilemma of giving birth at home when it feels safest, despite not feeling the most relaxed due to working from home. We'll share valuable perspectives on making the right choice for you.

Curious about the accuracy of ultrasounds in diagnosing esophageal atresia? Liz Eidelman, a mother of a baby born with EA, joins us to answer this question.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg! In our extended version of this episode, available exclusively on Patreon and Apple subscriptions (ad-free, of course), we delve into a treasure trove of topics, including ABO incompatibility and jaundice, alternatives to ibuprofen for postpartum cramping, the newborn transition, nuchal cords at birth, and much more!
As always, we close with quickies and a personal question about the best advice each of us has ever received.
PS: Don't miss the outtake at the end of every episode.
**********
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#231 | Heart Moms: One Mother's Journey with Congenital Trans-Position of the Great Arteries Sep 20, 2023

Jo Young is a "heart mom" from the U.K. Being a heart mom indicates belonging to a community of parents whose children are born with congenital heart defects.
The pivotal moment in Jo's story began at her twenty-week anatomy scan with her husband. It was here that they received the life-altering revelation that their baby girl bore a congenital heart defect requiring immediate postpartum surgery. This condition, known as "transposition of the great arteries" (TGA), unveils a complex anomaly where the aorta attaches to the right side of the heart while the pulmonary artery attaches to the left. This incongruity disrupts the circulation of oxygenated blood within the body. Notably, TGA affects only one in every four thousand live births and often eludes detection during pregnancy.

Jo's narrative unfolds as she recounts the poignant moment when her plans for a home birth dissolved into the stark reality of laboring within the confines of an ambulance. She describes her postpartum moments of cradling her newborn daughter before relinquishing her to the surgical team, and delves into the trials and tribulations of the breastfeeding journey, underscoring the indomitable spirit that she, her partner, and their resilient baby summoned to surmount these challenges.

Jo's story is a beacon of encouragement and a wellspring of inspiration for families navigating the turbulent waters of heart parenthood. Through her compelling narrative, she extends a comforting hand to reassure others of the unwavering support within the heart community. Furthermore, she highlights the remarkable strength and resilience that reside within the spirit and character of these special infants. Join us for a stirring conversation that sheds light on the power of love, hope, and strength in the face of adversity.

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#230 | The Free Birth Dilemma with Sara Rosser Sep 13, 2023

Sara Rosser is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). While she has not had a free birth herself, she has supported women in her community who have chosen to do so. Free birth (or "wild birth") is a controversial practice in which a woman chooses to give birth in the absence of a trained birth professional, whether that be a midwife or obstetrician. In today's discussion, we dig into why a woman might choose free birth, whether or not free birth is "safe" for a mother and baby, how those women who require medical support are treated if they transfer from a free birth, the role of the doula in free birth, and a general discussion around how and why the free birth movement has taken hold. Ultimately, we seek to answer the question: Are those who support free birth enabling the movement or simply supporting a woman's right to choose what she believes is best for herself and her baby?
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Needed -- Optimal nutritional products for before, during and after pregnancy
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Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#229 | Sara Wickham: The Risk of the Risk-Based Approach Sep 06, 2023

Dr. Sara Wickham, PhD, MA, PGCert, BA, is a best-selling author, speaker, and researcher who works independently. She has more than twenty years' experience as a midwife; she's lectured in more than 30 countries; and, she is a researcher and author of seventeen books, and has edited three midwifery journals. She is considered a leading expert on the research and evidence around many of the most controversial topics and most difficult decisions in childbirth: Induction, newborn interventions, GBS infection, RhoGAM or Anti-D prophylaxis for Rh-negative mothers, and plus-size pregnancy.
Today, she joins us to talk about risk and risk reduction. In focusing on risk factors or lack thereof in any individual woman, we are generalizing and categorizing her care not based on her individual and holistic assessment, but rather on a risk category that may not actually be the best fit for her and her baby. Sara explains five ways in which we should consider risk and risk assessment in childbirth. For example, are we considering the impact of a risk-centered approach on the long-term health of the mother and baby or how it may undermine a woman's confidence? Ultimately, she questions the conviction that, in childbirth, more action, more tests, and more intervention lead to safer outcomes. And as a bonus, she answers the top-three questions from our community.
Sara Wickham
Sara Wickham on Instagram
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Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#228 | August Q&A: Routine PP Pitocin, Insufficient Glandular Tissue, Boundaries with In-laws, Fundal Massage, Fore-milk, Manual Dilation, Weight Gain in Pregnancy, A Husband with Addiction Aug 30, 2023

It's time for the August Q&A episode with Cynthia & Trisha! We kick off today's episode with the crazy and unsupportive comments most often heard by our listeners. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and get ready for some laughs. Next, we get into our questions, including:
Is routine Pitocin postpartum necessary?
What can you tell me about insufficient glandular tissue and breastfeeding?
What to do about family members who use sweets as a way to get children's attention?
Is aggressive fundal massage really necessary?
Is too much fore-milk in breastfeeding causing problems for my baby?
and more.
And in the extended version of today's episode found on Apple subscriptions and Patreon we discuss: Experiencing nausea in labor and what can be done about it; manual dilation of the cervix and whether it's effective; how a nuchal hand at birth impacts tearing and whether a cesarean section necessary; and, what is normal weight gain in pregnancy, and what if I have already gained the recommended amount too soon?
Finally, we have our quickie segment in which we answer another ten questions or so, including how period cramps influence labor experiences, heart rate in labor, boy versus girl pregnancies, and more!
Thank you for all your great questions and please keep them coming at 802-438-3696 or 802-GET-DOWN.
**********
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Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
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#227 | Tips For Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage with @thealliewoods Aug 23, 2023

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality around the world. When considering home birth, preventing and/or effectively treating PPH is an essential part of safe care.
Allie Woods of Almost Holistic Allie is here today to share her three home birth stories, the first two of which resulted in significant postpartum hemorrhaging, including a hospital transfer. In the first case, she and her midwife presumed it was a fluke when she had an unknown retained placental lobe with a fully intact placenta (a very rare occurrence). Knowing that scenario was highly unlikely to recur, she planned her second home birth, and had a second PPH, this time staying home to manage it. Allie realized she may have a genetic predisposition to hemorrhaging, supported by the fact that her own sister also hemorrhaged during her births as well. When Allie decided to have a third baby, she remained fully committed to giving birth at home despite her past bleeding experiences and spent her pregnancy researching everything she could to prevent PPH. In this episode, Allie provides all the specifics on exactly how she successfully prevented postpartum hemorrhage the third time around.
Almost Holistic Allie
The Power of Placenta for Hemorrhage Control
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#226 | The Case for Co-Sleeping with OnTrack Baby Aug 16, 2023

Every mammal in nature sleeps with their offspring, but these days, many mothers are cautioned against co-sleeping by pediatricians and well-meaning friends and family. This guilt or fear keeps parents distant from their sleeping babies even when it goes against their own inclination. Then, the cycle continues with a baby whose nervous system wakes them often in search of physical comfort, while parents frantically seek the latest and greatest sleep product on the market (Snoo, anyone?).
What is the right approach for mothers who feels conflicted? Today we've brought back Jenny and Carrie, the occupational therapist sisters of OnTrack Baby to discuss sleep and how it relates to newborn development.
Our discussion starts by debunking the myth that sleep is a problem for babies. The real issue, according to OnTrack Baby, is parents' general lack of understanding of a baby's needs. They stress there is nothing wrong with a baby who struggles with sleep because their nervous systems have them wired to awaken easily, and that many of today's sleep products are unnecessary, if not counterproductive toward long-term development. Their professional opinion is what many parents believe instinctually: that babies who sleep with or in close proximity to their parents are actually calmer, safer and better able to sleep.

Jenny and Carrie don't prescribe any particular sleep method even to their own clients, nor do they insist co-sleeping is the only way for every family. They are, however, proponents of sleeping in close proximity however best serves the family, as a means of creating a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes healthy sleep patterns and overall well-being for both themselves and their children.
OnTrack Baby

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#225 | Free-Birthing as a Woman of Color: How Nichollette Chose One Extreme Over Another Aug 09, 2023

Maternal mortality for black women is three times higher in the United States, at almost 70 deaths per 100,000. As a woman of color, Nichollette Jones was motivated to protect herself and her daughter from the risks and protocols associated with hospitals, especially during Covid, which showed a sky-rocketing of maternal mortality statistics across the board in the U.S. Unable to cover the cost of a home birth midwife, she determined her next-safest option was to have her baby at home with her mother and partner. Nichollette spent her pregnancy learning the most common childbirth emergencies and how to handle them, but mostly, she nurtured a deep trust in her body and her ancestral wisdom to give birth with ease and without complication. And that she did! As you'll hear, Nichollette has a hard time not laughing through the joyful memories of her empowering home water birth story.
During the second part of our discussion, we get into the psychology/mindset Nichollette practiced, which likely contributed to her positive outcome beyond luck, which is always a factor in any birth. Nichollette demonstrates the degree of responsibility it takes to birth without professional labor support. We also explore the heaviness of the free-birth option: What "drives" some women to free birth when it wasn't their first choice upon becoming pregnant? What was Nichollette's 'Plan B' if a complication had occurred? Are most women reasonable candidates for free birth? And, did our ancestors really birth alone, free-birth style, or what did their support actually look like? The United States medical system is already lacking in its support for midwife-attended home-birth transfers; it's nonexistent with free birth.
Today's episode gives us a joyful scope into one woman's birth, while raising more serious considerations around the lack of safe birthing options for American mothers, and especially women of color.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#224 | Introducing Solid Foods with Katie Ferraro of Baby Led Weaning Made Easy Aug 02, 2023

Katie Ferraro of @babyledweanteam is a mother of seven, registered dietician and baby led weaning proponent. Baby-led weaning is a method of introducing solid foods to babies where purees and spoon-feeding are skipped in favor of finger foods, allowing the baby to self-feed. When Katie found out she was pregnant with quadruplets, she knew she needed the easiest, most effective way to feed her babies, and has developed a digital community support program on baby-led weaning and founded her "100 First Foods" program. The idea is to introduce 100 foods to your baby before the age of one! Can you believe that? Do you even have 100 different foods in your house right now?
In this episode, Katie explains what baby-led weaning really means (yes, the name is confusing) and answers everything you need to know about introducing solid foods such as:

When is the right time to do begin baby-led weaning?
How can you reduce parental anxiety around introducing foods?
What can be done about picky eaters and how to prevent them?
Are pureed foods ever necessary?
What constitutes a food allergy and is there a way to avoid them from the start? What foods should be avoided, if any?
Are there any foods babies can’t eat?
Do babies need teeth to start solid foods?
What is the difference between gagging and choking and how can it be prevented?

Don't miss this insightful and helpful episode that will set you and your baby up for happy tummies and happy hearts.
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Connect with us on

Postpartum Soothe
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#223 | July Q&A: Prolapsed Cord, Tearing & Sutures, PROM, Nursing & Tooth Decay, Irish Twins, Breastmilk Calorie Concerns, Breech Birth, Pet Peeves Jul 26, 2023

Welcome to the July Q&A episode with Cynthia & Trisha. Today, we kick off the conversation with a story of an OB commenting on the "tightness" of a woman's perineum. Next, we jump into our questions on when sutures are or are not needed after a tear; placenta previa and a prolapsed cord; the risk of infection after rupture of membranes when GBS negative; how to get oxytocin flowing when your spouse is not present at birth; are there risks in pregnancy and postpartum if you have Irish twins; could I have birthed my frank breech baby vaginally even though the hospital said I could not, followed by Trisha's story of her one and only breech birth experience as a midwife.
In the extended Q&A, we discuss the difficult decision one mother faces when the only available midwives don't align with her birth choices; a woman whose toddler developed significant tooth decay and questions teething oil over breast milk as the culprit; another mother who is told her baby is not gaining weight well because her breastmilk has an insufficient amount of calories, and a woman who is struggling with appetite due to her stress and anxiety and worries how it will impact her pregnancy.
Finally, we close with a round of quickies including Cynthia's and Trisha's biggest pet peeves in life.
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#222 | Overcoming & Understanding Sleep Deprivation with Dr. Lynelle Schneeberg Jul 19, 2023

Dr. Lynelle Schneeberg, PsyD, is a sleep psychologist, an assistant professor at the Yale School of Medicine, and Director of the Behavioral Sleep Program at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. She’s also a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. She works with adults who have insomnia and has a particular passion for helping parents whose children have sleep difficulties. She is the author of "Become Your Child’s Sleep Coach: The Bedtime Doctor’s 5-Step Guide, Ages 3-10. "
Today, Lynelle give us her expert advice and education on and around sleep difficulties experienced by new parents and parents of young children. Recognizing that sleep deprivation is a bona fide torture tactic, our discussion delves into the negative effects of interrupted sleep for new parents, which can affect them for months and even years.
Lynelle clarifies the four stages of sleep, and how much of each stage we tend to require. She also explains how the body prioritizes deep sleep and can brilliantly adjust sleep cycles to compensate for those late-bedtime streaks or the evenings we're awake with insomnia or broken sleep. Lynelle debunks sleep myths (such as, "Can we only obtain deep sleep between the hours of 10pm and 2am?") and helps us to understand: healthy sleep architecture; the various kinds of insomnia; and, the benefits of micro-naps. She provides strategies for getting children to go to bed more easily, and tells us what to do - and what not to do - when it comes to getting good sleep back into your life.
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Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT today and receive a free sample kit. Stay salty.
Love Majka Products -- Support your milk supply with nourishing protein powder, hydration boosters and lactation bites.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort after vaginal birth.

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#221 | Understanding Fetal-Maternal Microchimerism with Rachel Marynowski of @Kale.Blossom Jul 12, 2023

Rachel Marynowsk of @Kale.blossom is a licensed naturopathic physician focusing on preconception, fertility and postpartum. In today's episode, Rachel introduces us to the fascinating phenomenon of fetal-maternal microchimerism and how it may influence women's health, particularly postpartum.

Fetal-maternal microchimerism refers to the presence of fetal cells in a mother's body and vice versa, exchanged during pregnancy and birth. These cells are believed to serve as a unique form of communication between the mother and the baby, both physically and emotionally, and may be key players in the development of postpartum health issues such as perinatal mood disorders and thyroid changes. Studies show that fetal cells, which also function as stem cells, are found in various organs of the mother's body, potentially offering protective and regenerative properties. It is believed these cells play a role in the mother's intuition and protective instincts toward her child and may be associated with certain health conditions. The topic raises important questions for further research and exploration, offering a new perspective on the intricate bond between mother and baby.
@Kale.Blossom on Instagram
Kale Blossom
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#220 | Catrina's HBAC: A Mother's Triumph Over Medical Intervention Jul 05, 2023

Catrina's first pregnancy was labeled high risk when a routine ultrasound revealed a two-vessel cord, leading to repeat ultrasounds and a diagnosis of IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) and low fluid at 35 weeks. Her doctor immediately sent her in for an induction, and because her baby was still breech at that point, she ended up with a C-section. Catrina felt completely "checked-out" during the whole experience, as this was the exact opposite of the birth she had planned for. Her baby ended up in the NICU for five days and over 24 hours of time passed before she held her newborn. After this experience, she was sure she would never have another baby. Just over a year later, she was pregnant again, chose home birth and had the HBAC (home birth after cesarean) of her dreams.
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#219 | June Q&A: Assault in Labor, Home Birth Risk, a Swollen Cervix, Parental Conflicts, Laboring in Water, Nuchal Hands, Being Dropped as a Patient Jun 28, 2023

We are back answering your questions in the June Q&A episode. We kick it off with a woman's story of multiple non-consented vaginal exams in labor, her complaint to the hospital, and the hospital leadership's response. Next, we jump into our questions including:

I really want a home birth, but I am afraid that hospital birth is safer and that home birth is dangerous. How do I determine this risk?
My mom had a c-section for a cervix that swelled shut. Is that possible?
I am struggling with boundaries and decision-making with my husband around staying home and home-schooling the children versus returning back to work.
Could getting in the water too early slow down my labor? Barbara Harper from Waterbirth International calls in her response.
I am ten weeks postpartum and have a positive pregnancy test. Could this be for real?

In the extended version, available on Apple subscriptions and Patreon, one woman asks if she should have listened to her nurse who ordered her not to push. Could a nuchal hand in labor be a justified cause for a c-section? Should the cord only be cut after the placenta has been delivered? Who should I notify about being dropped as a patient and black-listed in surrounding practices?
In our quickies segment, we discuss weight gain in pregnancy, periods returning too soon, precipitous labor and increased bleeding, birth pools, early pregnancy, red raspberry tea and dates, strengthening the amniotic sac, a fear of sex in pregnancy, and our best marriage advice for after baby. We were also asked to share something we can do that most people don't know about us.
Finally, don't miss the outtake!
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#218 | Birth Trauma Alchemy with Eyla Cuenca Jun 21, 2023

Eyla Cuenca, a birth doula and birth trauma alchemist, delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of pregnancy and birth. She highlights the varying experiences pregnant women may encounter when it comes to their healthcare providers and how it can impact their journeys.

Eyla introduces the concept of birth trauma alchemy, which focuses on transforming birth traumas and wounds into opportunities for growth, self-knowledge and empowerment. We delve into the psycho-emotional work required during pregnancy and after, highlighting how a woman's birth experience profoundly shapes her memory and emotions surrounding the event. For example, giving birth can trigger past feelings of "unwanted touches" from childhood, even from seemingly mild memories of being told to hug and kiss relatives and friends of parents.
We explore the societal pressure to prioritize a healthy baby over a woman's emotional well-being and challenge the notion that a healthy baby is the only measure of a successful birth. Our conversation underscores the need for women to utilize their sense of self-worth and the ability to advocate for their birth preferences to ensure a positive and empowering birthing experience.
Eyla Cuenca Birth
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#217 | EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing for Birth Trauma with Carolyn Yates, LMFT Jun 14, 2023

At least one-third of women report to experiencing birth trauma. Traumatic experiences can be trapped in the physical body and manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder, easily triggered by everyday events and preventing us from fully embracing our experience as a mothers. Talk therapy can be helpful but often is not sufficient to fully resolve trauma, because trauma causes our brains to become wired to focus on repetitive thoughts, creating a maladaptive circuit. Fortunately, when we sleep, our brains process our emotions and release negative associations, but it takes many weeks or even years for trauma to fully process in our sleep. EMDR works to accelerate this process through specific, guided eye movement therapy, and has been shown to be extremely effective at quickly and successfully releasing trauma. In the United States, the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense have cited EMDR as a “best practice” in treating veterans with PTSD. Research demonstrating the effectiveness of EMDR includes dozens of clinical trials, research studies and academic papers. It has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and multiple other governmental and/or health organizations. Carolyn Yates, LMFT and EMDR practitioner joins us today to explain how and why EMDR is a revolutionary treatment for not only birth trauma but any traumatic event.
For more about EMDR visit:
https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
Carolyn Yates, LMFT
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#216 | The Mystery of Functional Birthing Explained with Author Sarah Thompson Jun 07, 2023

With the right knowledge and education about the intricacies of our own health, we have the potential to influence how our body gives birth. Did you know that by twenty-eight weeks of pregnancy your body is already making physiological and functional shifts to prepare for labor? Or that your baby's adrenal glands are the biggest factor in the initiation of labor? Have you ever heard that sub-clincal hypothyroidism is associated with a significantly higher rate of postpartum hemorrhage or that if you are magnesium deficient, your oxytocin receptors may not be as readily available? Are you curious about the role of CoQ-10 in the prevention of pre-eclampsia or how hylauronic acid influences cervical readiness for labor? Author Sarah Thompson of @functionalmaternity gets into all the fascinating details of the functional birth process and gives us practical tips on what we can do to optimize our bodies for birth. We're sure you've never heard physiologic details like this before. Grab a pen, a pad of paper, and your thinking cap for this one!
Functional Maternity on Instagram
Functional Maternity
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#215 | May Q&A: NSTs, Short Cords, Boundaries, Fetal Ejection Reflex, Decels in Labor, Artificial Rupture of Membranes, VBAC, Postpartum Doulas May 31, 2023

Hello! We are back with the May Q&A. This month we kick things off with a short conversation on obstetrical rhetoric around the risks of cesarean birth and induction, followed by your excellent questions on:

Short cords and small placentas
Setting boundaries with well-meaning parenting advice-givers
The necessity or not of Non-stress tests (NST) in late pregnancy
True medical indications for artificial rupture of membranes (AROM)
VBAC labor contractions and an interesting tidbit on the impact of eating dairy in pregnancy
Supporting the fetal ejection reflex (FER)
Can coffee (yep, you read that right) prevent tearing in labor?

And in our extended version of this episode, we dive into:

Ultrasounds in late pregnancy
Pap smear recommendations
Fetal heart rate decelerations in labor
Postpartum doulas and how they can best support breastfeeding
Umbilical cords as bungee cords or not?
And of course, everyone's favorite, a round of quickies!

Pitocin Episode #134 here.

Join us over on Patreon or subscribe on Apple podcasts for the extended version of this episode.
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#214 | Four Ways Waterbirthing Improves Home Birth Outcomes May 24, 2023

Lisa Marie and Richard Oxenham are a water-birthing midwifery duo extraordinaire in addition to being husband and wife and protégés of Barbara Harper of Waterbirth International. Lisa has attended over six hundred water births and has never, not once, induced a woman's labor. Through their years of experience, they have come to believe that giving birth in water improves birth outcomes over giving birth out of the water. In this episode, we cover the ways in which water birth increases the safety of home birth by reducing complications associated with cord evulsion, shoulder dystocia, deep tearing, postpartum hemorrhage, and newborn transition. Lisa also touches on how water birth may be the most effective tool for easing the birth experience for those with a history of trauma or abuse. We also learn the real meaning of the word "vagina." Don't miss this incredibly important and highly informative episode on the benefits of home water birth.
BarefootMidwife
Beardedmidwife
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#213 | Choosing Home Birth the First Time Around with Colleen Mason @Uncomplicated Family May 17, 2023

When your hospital birth plan repeatedly includes the word "No", considering home birth becomes extremely enticing. In this episode, Colleen of @uncomplicatedfamily shares with us how she left her OB and chose home birth not only the first time but six more thereafter! Many mothers fear the idea of home birth because they only imagine what might go wrong. And while there are certain risks to consider before home birthing and it isn't the preference of every woman, we review how it can be a safe and smart choice for many, even the first time around.
In this conversation we discuss the top reason for home-to-hospital transfer, the data from the largest study ever conducted on home birth (and what information was "conveniently" kept out of the study), and why home birth can be a reasonable choice for 99% of women, yet only 1% are pursuing them.
Perinatal mortality and morbidity in a nationwide cohort of 529,688 low-risk planned home and hospital birth.

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#212 | A Conversation on Pitocin with an L&D Nurse and Expert Witness May 10, 2023

Chanie of @yoledetacademy is an experienced labor and delivery nurse and expert witness in cases which the appropriate use of Pitocin is in question. Today, she joins us to give us an insider's perspective on the use of Pitocin in hospital birth. Pitocin, now known as the narcotic of modern obstetrics, is increasingly overused and the harms of its use are significantly under represented. Join us in this discerning conversation around the use and abuse of Pitocin in hospital birth.
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#211 | Declining RhoGAM: A Conversation with Two Rh-Negative Women May 03, 2023

RhoGAM or Anti-D is a blood product offered to pregnant women with an Rh-negative blood type who have conceived with an Rh-positive father. The use of RhoGAM is said to significantly reduce the chances of the mother becoming sensitized to a future baby if the current baby she is carrying has an Rh-positive blood type. The RhoGAM injection is routinely offered to all Rh-negative women, despite that it is not always needed, comes with certain side effects, and isn't 100% effective.
In this episode, we hear from two women: Kelsey and Emily, both of whom are Rh-negative mothers. Kelsey and Emily each had RhoGAM in the past: Kelsey had it with her first baby, and Emily had it when she miscarried. Both of them had some degree of side-effects from the shot. In Kelsey's second pregnancy and birth, she declined RhoGAM entirely, and Emily (currently pregnant) is open to getting RhoGAM after her baby's birth. In this roundtable-style episode, we learn about the thought processes leading to their respective decisions.
If you are struggling to determine if RhoGAM is the right choice for you, this episode will give you the statistics and factors to consider if and when RhoGAM or Anti-D is necessary and the right choice for you and your baby.
**********

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#210 | April Q&A: PPH, Tipping Doulas, Vitamin A in Pregnancy, Surrogacy, Postpartum Rage, After Birth Pains, GDM, Age Over 35, Cholestasis Apr 26, 2023

Hello everyone! We are back with our April Q&A episode, and it is loaded with your excellent questions! Don't forget you can subscribe on Apple podcasts Patreon to hear the extended, ad-free versions.
Here's what we are talking about today:

Is it safe to plan a birth center birth if someone has a history of pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome and a postpartum hemorrhage?
Is it appropriate and/or expected to tip your doula?
Other than placenta accreta, what other reasons are there for retained placenta?
Can I take beef liver supplements in pregnancy? And do I need to worry about getting too much Vitamin A? What is safe and what is not?
In the case of surrogate and adoptive mothers, who should hold the baby first after the birth?
I am experiencing postpartum rage and resentment toward my partner. How long does this last?

And in our extended version (available on Apple subscriptions & Patreon):

What can I take for after birth pains?
If I have an elevated fasting blood sugar and a diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes, is my baby really at risk? If so, what can I do without going on medication?
Is being over age 35 really a risk factor in birth?
Is there anything you can do to prevent Cholestasis in pregnancy?

And of course, everyone's favorite: Quickies!

Thanks for joining us, and remember you can call our phone line with your questions 24/7 at 802-GET-DOWN. (That's 802-438-3696)
**********

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#209 | The Danger of Retained Placenta, Delayed Postpartum Hemorrhage & Negligent Care: Chelsea's Birth Story Apr 19, 2023

Chelsea was determined to have an unmedicated hospital birth. When she was unexpectedly diagnosed with cholestasis at 38 weeks, she found herself getting induced with Misoprostil, Pitocin, and ruptured membranes at 3 cm dilated. She quickly progressed to full dilation, had a short pushing phase and birthed her baby vaginally. Everything seemed great until she went home and starting passing large blood clots. After multiple calls to different OBs that all passed it off as normal, she started bleeding profusely and was transferred back to the hospital for delayed postpartum hemorrhage. Chelsea's story is one of knowing the importance of trusting our own intuition and insisting we get the care we need when we know something is wrong.
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**********

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#208 | Achieving a Pain-Free Birth with Karen Welton @painfreebirth Apr 12, 2023

If you are pregnant for the first time or even the second or third, we all want to know the secret ingredient to experiencing a "pain-free" birth experience. Today, we brought on a leading voice in the pain-free birth world, Karen Welton, to go deep on what it takes. Do you know the most important step in accessing a "pain free" birth? Hint: It's not about what you do in labor. It's not about position. It's not even about your birth location or provider. It's about your brain. It begins and ends with your mindset and focus. The key to mastering your birth is mastering your brain's influence on your physiology. Can you create an environment for birth where you could be so relaxed and embodied in your physiology that you could have sex in that space? Join us in this enlightening discussion and take the first step to finding a "pain-free" ecstatic, even pleasurable birth experience.
Painfreebirth on Instagram
Pain Free Birth Free Masterclass
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#207 | My Baby is Not Going Anywhere: Yoga Teacher Erika Halweil's Birth Story Apr 05, 2023

Erika gave birth to her first child in the hospital and was labeled a "weirdo" and stamped as "difficult" for her birth plan intentions. When the hospital staff tried to take her baby away in order to administer the Vitamin K shot and Erythromycin eye ointment, she refused, holding her baby close as the staff tried to pull the baby from Erika's arms. Next came the call to CPS (Child Protective Services), putting Erika on a government watch list as a threat to her child's well-being. As a long-time yoga practitioner and deep spiritualist, Erika shares her perspective on birth as a one-of-a-kind opportunity to embrace discomfort and release the notion of separation from oneness.
Erika Halweil
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**********

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#206 | March Q&A: Choosing a Midwife, HELLP, Cold Sores, Drying the Baby, Lindsay Clancy, Covid & Aspirin, IUGR, Bottles, Parent Resources Mar 29, 2023

We are back with the March Q&A, and it is packed with your awesome questions!

How do I go about choosing a midwife? Are there red flags?
I had pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome. Can I still have a home birth?
Is it safe to take Valtrex in pregnancy for cold sores or is there an alternative?
Is it necessary to rub and dry the baby after birth or can baby just be handed to me?
Can we talk about the Lindsay Clancy situation and how do we know if we are suffering postpartum psychosis?
Does Covid cause decreased blood flow and does Aspirin help?

And for those who subscribe on Apple podcasts or Patreon, in the extended version we answer:

How do you know when IUGR is a legitimate diagnosis?
Is there a way to pump enough to delay the return of your period when breastfeeding?
Can you prevent the loss or decrease in milk supply when pregnant but still nursing?
When should you introduce a bottle or transition a breastfeeding baby to the bottle and how do you do both?
Do you have resources that you recommend for continuing education for parents?
In a home-to-hospital transfer for the mother, does the baby go too and if so, does the baby get evaluated? Can the baby stay home?

And in our quickies segment we touch on:

Surrogates and co-sleeping, young midwives, periods and breastfeeding, induction for gestational diabetes, favorite items for new moms, keepsakes, hiccups in pregnancy, retinol in breastfeeding, Vitamin K alternatives and our shoe collection.

Thank you as always for calling in your awesome questions! Don't forget to join us on Patreon for the extended version and twice monthly live Q&As on all kinds of topics!
Thanks for joining us, and remember you can call our phone line with your questions 24/7 at 802-GET-DOWN. (That's 802-438-3696)
**********
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Love Majka Products -- Support your milk supply with nourishing protein powder, hydration boosters and lactation bites.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort after vaginal birth.

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#205 | Six Principles of Holistic Fertility & How to Conceive with Dr. Nathan Riley Mar 22, 2023

Dr. Nathan Riley is an OBGYN who understands the holistic picture of women's health. You may remember him from Episode #165 where he discussed autonomous, empowered birth. Today, he joins us to explain why infertility rates are on the rise, especially for men, and gives us the six principles of holistic fertility that are important for healthy, conscious conception, along with the five fertility powerhouse nutrients.
In the second part of the episode, we discuss the aspect of fertility that goes far beyond the standard "temperature" and "timing" approach: the importance of intimate, fun, playful sex for conception. This episode is sure to open your mind and give you the holistic scope you won't get at your IVF clinic. Grab your partner and your baby MOJO and sit down for an enlightening discussion on fixing fertility.
#165 | The Holistic OBGYN, Dr. Nathan Riley, on Autonomous, Empowered Birth
Down to Birth is sponsored by:
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT today and receive a free sample kit. Stay salty.
Love Majka Products -- Support your milk supply with nourishing protein powder, hydration boosters and lactation bites.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort after vaginal birth.

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#204 | The Return of Claude Racine-Valinsky From the Depths of Postpartum Depression to "Gangster" Mom Mode Mar 15, 2023

Claude Racine Valinsky is a former professional dancer and choreographer in Los Angeles who is now a mother who has recovered from postpartum depression and become a thriving mom-preneur. She returns to the show for the third time to share her "gangster mindset" for turning our most difficult moments in life into our greatest opportunity for growth, expansion, fulfillment and success. Claude joined us in episode #28 to share her home birth story and again in episode #72, where she opened up about the darkness of her postpartum depression, sudden weight gain, and health struggle with a Hashimoto's diagnosis.
After that episode, we promised to do a follow-up to and none of us imagined such a transformation would follow.
Today, at 41, Claude is in the best shape of her life physically, fulfilled as a wife and mother, and making far more money than she ever imagined possible from a business she started just two years ago, which has financially transformed every aspect of her family's life. She is back with a powerfully motivating message on how mothers who may barely recognize themselves right now can begin to take small steps toward reinventing themselves. She tells us how she picked herself up by her bootstraps and gives us advice on how to embrace our own power even amid despair, and to recognize we are all capable of living a happy, vibrant and fulfilling life postpartum.
Claude Racine-Valinsky
#28 | Claude Racine-Valinsky's Birth Story: No Place Like Home
#72 | The Winding Road Through Postpartum with Claude Racine-Valinsky
This podcast episode is sponsored by LMNT, the electrolyte drink with everything you need and nothing you don't. Get a free 8-day supply with your first order here.
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#203 | Pre-eclampsia: Diet, Nutrition and the Influence of Sperm with Lily Nichols Mar 08, 2023

Pre-eclampsia impacts more than 5% of pregnancies, is a leading cause of pre-term birth and is increasingly on the rise. When it comes to this difficult diagnosis, we often are told there is nothing we can do other than give birth, usually by induction, sometimes by cesarean. While the etiology of pre-eclampsia is not fully understood and much more research needs to be done, we do know that diet and nutrition play a key role in the development of and/or severity of pre-eclampsia. Lily Nichols, expert nutritionist and author, returns to explain the critical nutrient deficiencies that are associated with this illness and illuminates the newest research pointing to male sperm as a potential player in the development of pre-eclampsia. If you are wondering if there is anything you can do to prevent or slow the development of pre-eclampsia, then this episode will guide you on how to do just that.
Lily Nichols
Special Offer: LMNT is a tasty electrolyte drink mix that replaces vital electrolytes without sugars and dodgy ingredients found in conventional sports drinks. With this link, get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase.

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#202 | From Bliss to Rage: A Mother's Journey with Postpartum Depression Mar 01, 2023

When Lauren gave birth to her first baby, everything was seemingly perfect. Breastfeeding was going well, and she was totally in love with her baby girl. What she didn't see coming was a series of lifestyle changes including moving that set her up for her previously-managed OCD transforming into bouts of postpartum rage. At 9 months postpartum, when her pediatrician told her that her baby was too small, the regularly occurring outbursts that soon followed were classic for the postpartum rage cycle: trigger-outburst-guilt, with much of her rage directed at her husband. We discuss the triggers that exacerbated her postpartum mood disorder and the importance of seeking support and understanding the signs and symptoms of perinatal mood disorders.
Postpartum rage is one of the manifestations of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. It is a stress-related response, which triggers our "fight" mechanism when we reach a point of overwhelm. While the outburst brings relief, guilt is quickly ushered in and the cycle continues. The key to interrupting the cycle is to manage the triggers--for Lauren, this was her baby's sleeping habits.
In today's episode, Lauren courageously shares her most vulnerable postpartum moments in hopes of helping other mothers realize they are not alone in this common yet significantly under-recognized manifestation of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Special Offer: LMNT is a tasty electrolyte drink mix that replaces vital electrolytes without sugars and dodgy ingredients found in conventional sports drinks. For a limited time, get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase.
**********

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#201 | February Q&A: Tongue-Tie & Bodywork, Cervical Exams, Ovulation, Postpartum Baths, Placenta Accreta, Forceps, Synthetic Fragrances, Tearing Feb 22, 2023

It's time for our monthly Q&A episode with your Down to Birth Show hosts Cynthia & Trisha. After a quick chat about the brutally cold weather (how unoriginal), we jump right into our listener-submitted questions beginning with:

How important or helpful is body-work for tongue-tied babies?
Is there ever a legit reason for a cervical check in late pregnancy?
When exclusively breastfeeding, when should you introduce a bottle and start saving milk for going back to work?
What supplements should you take in pregnancy, particularly related to iodine?
Can you take a bath postpartum after a vaginal birth?
How do you manage boundaries and visits with family who uses harmful and excessive fragrances in their home?
Should I have a medicated birth in case I tear? My OB suggested the idea.
My OB said I should abstain from sex because I have a placenta previa. Is this true?

And in the ad-free, extended version for our Patreon and Apple Subscribers, we answer a question about newborn transition, difficulty breathing and delayed cord clamping; the use of forceps and whether or not they are ever needed; the idea of ovulatory cycles and just how much "lifetime" ovulation is optimal; placenta accreta and how likely it is to recur, and more. Finally, we give our input on one woman's concern about her 16 month old breastfeeding "too much", according to her pediatrician.
And, of course, we close out with a great round of quickies...be sure to catch the last one and don't be shy on sending us your guilty pleasures!
Trisha's Pear Recipe:
1-2 pears sliced or diced
1 teaspoon of olive oil
1 whole fresh squeezed lime
Pink sea salt
Touch of honey to taste
Thanks for joining us, and remember you can call our phone line with your questions 24/7 at 802-GET-DOWN. (That's 802-438-3696)
**********

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#200 | Physiologic Birth of the Placenta in Water, Optimal Cord Clamping and Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage with Barbara Harper Feb 15, 2023

Active management of the third stage of labor refers to interventions that are taken to speed up the delivery of the placenta and reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. This typically involves the administration of an oxytocic drug like Pitocin or Syntocinon to increase the contraction of the uterus and the use of techniques like fundal pressure and controlled cord traction to guide the placenta out of the uterus. Expectant management, on the other hand, is a more hands-off approach in which the placenta is left to detach and be delivered naturally, without the use of drugs, manual manipulations or interventions. This approach is usually used when there are no risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage and the mother and baby are both in good condition.
In this episode, we have Barbara Harper on the podcast with us. Barbara is a midwife, author, and the founder of WaterBirth International, which she founded exactly 40 years ago. She is a world-expert in birthing and to this day travels the globe educating obstetricians, nurses and midwives on physiologic birth.
Few mothers are given the opportunity to birth their placentas in the water, but is it really necessary to move women post-birth into a bed to complete the third stage (placental birth) of labor? In order to explain whether this is the right choice for any mother and baby, Barbara walks us through the most common causes of postpartum hemorrhage, how to prevent it, and the critical understanding of newborn transitional physiology: what she says is literally the most important moment in any human being's life.
Is fundal massage necessary? When is the optimal time to cut the cord? What is the case for keeping the cord attached until the placenta is fully birthed? Is manual extraction of the placenta ever justified? These are some of the questions we answer in today's episode with Barbara.
Barbara Harper
Waterbirth International
#100 | The Benefits of Water Birth: Interview With Barbara Harper of Waterbirth International
#122 | Provider Green Lights: Interview with Barbara Harper on Holistic, Respectful & Supportive Birth Providers
Down to Birth is sponsored by:
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT today and receive a free sample kit. Stay salty.
Love Majka Products -- Support your milk supply with nourishing protein powder, hydration boosters and lactation bites.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort after vaginal birth.
*********

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#199 | The Art of Spiritual Midwifery with Anna Feb 08, 2023

Anna is a Swedish-practicing midwife who was professionally trained in Australia. Anna discusses her view of birth as a rite of passage and a transformational experience, and she laments the current state of the maternity system, which often leads to birth trauma for women. She talks about the desire to control every aspect of pregnancy and birth, and the importance of relinquishing to the unknown and trusting in the intelligence and expertise of the mother and baby. Anna also shares her thoughts on the role of birth in society and the need for a more holistic approach to maternity care.
This episode discusses birth trends around the world, the corporate and financial influences over birth practices, the meaning of spiritual midwifery and what it looks like in practice, and the ultimate feminine principle that birth is so often missing: Surrender.
The fact is that nature is not inherently flawed. And while it is not perfect in every instance, the pursuit in the name of safety to monitor and control every mother and baby through the birth process has led to more problems than it has prevented. Join us in this free-flowing conversation on returning to our roots and fiercely protecting the divine feminine to achieve our safest and best birth with Anna the Spiritual Midwife.
Down to Birth is sponsored by:
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT today and receive a free sample kit. Stay salty.
Love Majka Products -- Support your milk supply with nourishing protein powder, hydration boosters and lactation bites.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort after vaginal birth.

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#198 | Midwife Jessy's Undisclosed Breech Home Birth Feb 01, 2023

Jessy is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) in the state of Utah where breech home birth is against state law. In her second pregnancy, she made three attempts using gentle version techniques to turn her baby, yet her baby turned back to breech every time. Weighing out the risks of breech vaginal home birth versus cesarean, she opted for home birth but kept her baby's breech position to herself and off-the-record. She only hinted to her midwife that her baby was being "stubborn." Jessy's intuition told her that forcing her baby to turn around was not the safest choice, which became evident as truth when her baby arrived with a short cord and a velamentous insertion. This inspiring story overcomes many obstacles including threatened early miscarriage, retained placenta, breech birth, a short cord and vaginal prolapse and demonstrates the ultimate power of a mother's intuition.

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#197 | January Q&A: Postpartum Hemorrhage; Mucous Plugs; Pumping for Work Trips; Beyond 42 Weeks; Flat Nipples; Starting Solids; Placentas Jan 25, 2023

We are back with our first Q&A of 2023. We begin today by discussing absurd comments shared with us around natural birth statistics before we jump into our regular Q&As, starting with:
How can I prevent another postpartum hemorrhage when I feel like I did everything right the first time but still bled too much? What role does a doula play in a home birth and how does she interact with the home birth midwife? Is it normal to lose your mucus plug at 32 weeks, and will it come back? How can I pump enough milk for my exclusively breastfed baby to leave for a 4-day work trip without risking oversupply? Is it worth it to switch from an insurance-covered nurse-midwife that I don't really like to an out-of-pocket homebirth midwife?
Next, we jump into our quickies which cover topics like: oxygen at home birth, "powering through" engorgement, nipple shields, supplements for mental health while breastfeeding, flat feet in children, and - here was an off-topic surprise that came in - our favorite karaoke song to sing?
And there is much more! For those who are Apple subscription or Patreon members, we answered several additional questions including: What to do in a home birth if an emergent situation arises? Is midwifery just for low-risk women? How to start solids? Is the placenta filled with toxins and is placenta encapsulation unwise? What does it mean if you can't find the heartbeat early in pregnancy?
Thanks for joining us, and remember you can call our phone line with your questions 24/7 at 802-GET-DOWN. (That's 802-438-3696)
**********

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#196 | The Toughest Part of Being a Doula with the Dynamic Doulas of London, Ontario Jan 18, 2023

Sarah Hutchison & Lara Martens are the Dynamic Doulas of London, Ontario. Doula work is a delicate balance of keeping a "soft front and hard back", stepping-in and and not overstepping. The fact is, doula burnout is high, the emotional work can be heavy, and the lifestyle is challenging. But as any doula knows, those who are called to the work can't imagine doing anything else and the rewards of supporting mothers in achieving their birth goals are tremendous.
Today's episode is an "off-the-record" kind of conversation between us and this "dynamic" doula team, where we get into the heartfelt anguish of being a doula. In today's discussion we explore: What do women really want from their doulas? What's the hardest part of keeping a client happy? Should doulas take on any client who's willing to hire them, or should doulas be selective about whom they choose to work with? How can doulas avoid burnout? How far should a doula go in advocating for their clients and how do doulas manage a client's unwillingness or inability to speak up for herself when faced with an unwanted intervention? How can doulas support women whose birth values starkly differ from their own, and what should doulas do when they suspect the woman's chosen birth location has firm policies in contrast to physiologic birthing? Should doulas speak up more or less, and to what extent do women expect doulas to go beyond birth support and assume the role of protector and advocate? Whether you're looking to be a doula or hire one, today's episode gives you a behind-the-scenes scope into the demanding lifestyle of providing emotional, mental and physical labor support to birthing women and their families.
Dynamic Doulas on Instagram.
Dynamic Doulas

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#195 | Your Menstrual Cycle & Its Vital Role in Health Explained with Author Lara Briden Jan 11, 2023

If you are considering the birth control pill to fix your period, think again. Did you know the hormones in your pill don't replace the hormones your body naturally makes? Instead, they mask and suppress them. The period you get at the end of your birth control pill pack is not a real period; it's simply a withdraw bleed from synthetic hormones. Your brain, bones, heart, mood, sex drive, motivation, inspiration, and creativity are all influenced by the hormonal cycles of naturally-occurring estrogen and progesterone.
Lara Briden, author of The Period Repair Manual, joins us today to teach us the difference between a real period and a "pill" period. She explains how various contraceptive devices influence our hormones and how our body is affected by natural versus synthetic hormones. Her goal is for each woman to experience symptomless, naturally-occurring menstrual cycles throughout her lifetime.
Lara Briden
Taking the Pill as a Teenager May Have Long-Lasting Effect on Depression Risk

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#194 | Birth Trauma & PPD Healed Through EMDR and a Redemptive Hospital Birth Jan 04, 2023

When Emma's first baby was one year old, she opened her phone to review her baby's photos and realized she had spent that year completely avoiding looking back at any images from the first three months of her baby's life. It was clear in that moment, she had experienced significant postpartum depression and delayed bonding with her baby, and the photos were a stark reminder of a truth she hadn't been ready to face. Six months later she ruptured her spleen, resulting in a post-traumatic stress response for which she sought out EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) Therapy. As she worked through her trauma, much of her first birth experience and PPD memories resurfaced. Later, when she found out she was pregnant again and considered where to birth her next baby, she ran the gamut from a fully medicalized birth to free-birth (unassisted home birth) and landed on a hospital birth with a "unicorn OB." She chose to birth in a hospital because it "scared" her, and was a fear she felt she needed to overcome. Emma was GBS positive and established a "No IV, no antibiotics" birth policy and confidently declined. Her water broke just minutes before she welcomed her eleven pound baby safely into her arms. That's right: Eleven pounds.
========

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#193 | December Q&A: Rhogam; Premature Rupture of Membranes; Meconium; Fevers in Pregnancy; Cord Traction; Vitamin D; Waterbirth & Cold Plunges Dec 28, 2022

Hello everyone! It is that time of the month, and we are back with our December Q&A. To kick it off, we have a follow-up conversation based on one listener's response to episode #188 on Rhogam. Next, we jump into our questions discussing the actual risks of going past 24 hours or ruptured membranes without contractions and how you can mitigate those risks. We break down why meconium becomes more concerning after 42 weeks gestation and what those actual risks are. One mother who has the flu in the third trimester wonders if this is harmful to her baby and what she should do about it; another mom is curious if it is more helpful or hurtful to use assistance to birth her placenta and questions if a hep-lock or IV port is really necessary in labor. Furthermore, is vitamin D supplementation truly necessary for breastfed babies?
Additionally, we have a great quickies segment on pregnancy headaches, aging placentas, newborn rashes, breast changes in pregnancy, cold-plunging postpartum, water birth and infections and whether or not sleep training babies is really needed.
In our extended version, over on Patreon and Apple Subscriptions, we dive into a very important topic: How to accurately calculate your due date based on your specific menstrual cycle, not the average cycle. We discuss delayed cord clamping and where to clamp the cord, two-vessel cords and the implications for induction and the safety of home-birth with midwives who have restricted access to emergency medications. It's an extra-long extended episode this month - happy new year!
Remember you can hang with us twice a month during our interactive and educational livestream for our Patreon community members!
Thanks for joining us, and remember you can call our phone line with your questions 24/7 at 802-GET-DOWN. (That's 802-438-3696)
**********

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#192 | Your Hospital Anecdotes, Our Comments Dec 21, 2022

If we could share every single woman's birth story on this podcast we would; but instead, today we are giving you a glimpse into a handful of hospital stories and anecdotes that represent the rhetoric, mistreatment, and disrespect that mothers experience from hospital staff, midwives, OBs and pediatricians. In this episode, you will hear such things as a mother having her call light put on the other side of the room so she couldn't bother the staff with her questions, another mother purposefully ignored when she needed to use the bathroom postpartum because she refused to give her baby sugar water, an OB telling a mom that her baby will have Cerebral Palsy if she declines a vaginal exam, and another mother getting an episiotomy without her consent, plus other examples of medical coercion and abuse. After each mother's story, you will hear Cynthia's and Trisha's comments. While we know this episode will get you fired up, we hope it will also shed light on just how rampant the problem is within today's maternity care system, with the reminder that you don't have to tolerate mistreatment. Thank you to these mother for taking the time to call us with their stories and thank you for taking the time to listen.
Remember to join us for two livestreams per month on Patreon.

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#191 | Placental Abruption: Meghan's Third and Final Birth Dec 14, 2022

Meghan Murray and her husband decided to have one more baby. She'd already experienced beautiful vaginal births with her first two boys and, like so many women, she mentally went through all the things she could do this time around to get things just right. In preparing for her dream birth, Meghan hired new midwives who practiced outside of a hospital setting and seemed perfectly aligned with her wishes. She remained fit, practiced Spinning Babies and learned relaxation techniques for a comfortable physiologic birth. She savored her pregnancy knowing it was her last, and excitedly planned her first water birth.
At 36 weeks, Meghan suddenly heard a pop and assumed her membranes had released. But instead of amniotic fluid, she saw blood -- and lots of it. As she and her husband left immediately for the hospital, Meghan knew a placental abruption had occurred.
Meghan is more than a year out from her birth, and talks to us about her journey of processing what happened. In particular, what it was like having a very traumatic birth her last time around, when her hopes and expectations were at their highest.
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#190 | Babies in the NICU: Three Mothers' Stories Dec 07, 2022

No matter how beautiful, long, short or difficult your birth experience is, nothing compares to the agony of your brand new baby being whisked out of your arms and admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Nursery (SPC). Mothers in this position often experience less autonomy and authority over the decision-making and informed consent process than they did in their own birth experiences.
Today, we share the individual stories of three women whose babies ended up in the NICU or SPC with one common thread: Informed consent was insufficient or lacking altogether, interventions were performed without permission, and timely diagnoses for their babies were neglected.
Meet Cameron, whose home birth plans were derailed when she went into labor spontaneously at 34 weeks; Nicole, a mother of five and birth doula whose baby was grossly misdiagnosed until a year of age; and Erin, a mother of three who successfully insisted on breast-feeding in the NICU and followed her instincts to fight for her baby to get an early release from an unnecessarily prolonged stay in the NICU.
Each mother shares her story and her battle to feed, hold, comfort and mother her baby within the confines of NICU and SCN procedures and policies. And even though these three moms never met, they each came to the same individual conclusion when it comes to the advice they have for all parents: Know your rights, your breastfeeding expectations and your values, and use your instinct to defend all three relentlessly through your NICU experience.
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#189 | November Q&A: Cholestasis; Growth Curve Worries; Petite-Women Birth Concerns; The McRobert's Position; Retained Placenta; Burping & Formula Nov 30, 2022

Hello everyone! It is Wednesday, and we are back with our monthly Q&A!
In this month's extended Q&As (always ad-free and available to all by subscribing to Down To Birth + on Apple or joining our Patreon community) we discuss an interesting situation reported by one mom regarding her "retained placenta" - or was it? How would you know if it's really a medical situation or a failure to be patient? We also respond to one mom regarding the quality of European versus U.S. formulas, we discuss how to really know when to go to the hospital in labor, and whether it is ok to push without an urge - should you do it or wait for the go-ahead? Finally, the question so many parents can relate to: How much should I worry when my breastfed baby has plummeted on the growth curve?
In our regular Q&A version (non-extended), one mother inquires about her bedroom temperature being too cold for her newborn but necessary for her own sleep comfort - what's too cold for a newborn and what's the risk? We also discuss petite mothers' abilities to vaginally birth babies, because one woman has received plenty of unsolicited negativity about her body size, despite that she's fit and healthy. We also discuss one provider's comment about having to keep women on their backs while pushing "in case" she needs to utilize the McRobert's position in the event of shoulder dystocia. Is that legit? Cholestasis is the special circumstance faced by another mom, who wants to understand the risks and isn't thrilled it'll most likely mean induction. One Home Birth After Cesarean (HBAC) mom is concerned about whether she should get an ultrasound to ensure her placenta has not attached over her scar - should this be routine for VBAC and HBAC women?
Other moms are asking:
"Is it normal to feel nauseous when breastfeeding"
"Do babies need to be burped after feeds?"
and more.
Thank you for all of your awesome questions and for being part of this fabulous community! Call 802-GET-DOWN any time to submit a question for our next Q&A. And remember to join our Patreon community to attend our two educational, interactive livestreams every month!
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#188 | Rhogam for Rh Negative Mothers: How It Works and When It Doesn't Nov 23, 2022

In today's episode we discuss the problem with Rh negative blood types and how it impacts future pregnancies. We've invited Courtney, mother of three, and her midwife, Jessica, to discuss her experience as an Rh negative mother who became isoimmunized against her baby, resulting in the need for multiple in-utero blood transfusions to save her baby's life.
Typically, women who carry the Rh negative blood type are given a blood product called Rhogam, which protects the mother from developing an auto-immune response against her future babies. In Courtney's case, Rhogam (also known as anti-D) did not work. As a result, her own body "attacked" her third baby, causing her baby to have life-threatening anemia in utero.
The purpose of this episode is to help mothers (a) learn about the issue behind Rh negative blood types; (b) understand how Rhogam works to prevent isoimmuization; (c) know the risks associated with receiving the Rhogam injection; and (d) feel empowered by discovering that even a high-risk pregnancy, such as Courtney's, can be co-managed under midwifery care to achieve the labor and birth goals associated with a low-intervention or natural birth.
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#187 | Carrying the Torch of the Midwives Before Us: An Off-The-Record Kind of Conversation with Home Birth Midwife Lindsey Meehleis Nov 16, 2022

Lindsey Meehleis is a midwife in Southern California who practices traditional midwifery and has supported women in home birth over the last nineteen years. We invited her on the podcast today without a specific agenda (a rather unusual twist on our style) and let the conversation take on a life of its own. We discussed what is happening with midwifery today as we pondered, "Where have all the traditional midwives gone, how has midwifery changed with the advent of nurse-midwifery, and who will carry the torch for the ancient wisdom of birth going forward?"
We stumbled into a passionate conversation around the current cancel culture and concerns around the insidious yet intentional erasure of women through fundamental changes in everyday language and how women unknowingly give their power away through compliance not only in language but also in birth. Grab a cup of tea and join us at the table for this inspiring and important conversation on the future of birth and women.
Lindsey Meehleis on Instagram @lindseymeehleis
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#186 | Five Tips for Your Easiest Birth with The Naked Doula Nov 09, 2022

Emma of the naked doula is a mother, instagram phenomenon, artist, and passionate, bold birth educator residing across the pond from us, in England. She uses bright colors, raw imagery and impassioned language to teach her birth philosophy and method.
Today, she joins us on the Down to Birth Show to share her secret sauce to your easiest and best birth. She explains five specific strategies that anyone can incorporate into their labor including: Floppy face, floppy fanny, the comb technique, KICO (knees in calves out), and how and why to "party through labor!"
We also discuss how birth can be orgasmic and what circumstances exist to even make that possible. This must-listen episode will leave you with important and essential need-to-know tips to help you have your easiest, safest and best birth.
The Naked Doula on Instagram
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#185 | Reyna's Unmedicated Twin Birth Against Doctors' Orders Nov 02, 2022

When Reyna learned she was pregnant with twins she was told she would need to be induced and get an epidural and that there was no point in staying pregnant beyond thirty-eight weeks. Refusing induction, she went into labor naturally at 39+2. As labor progressed, her obstetrician told her she needed to give birth in the operating room. Without a second thought, Reyna turned and said, "No, I am not giving birth in the OR." Instead, she went into the bathroom, dropped to her hands and knees and created a safe, quiet space for herself while her OB pleaded with her to at least allow her to "deliver" her babies. "No, I don't like you!" Reyna responded. This is an inspiring and courageous twin birth story showing what is possible when a woman takes absolute full responsibility for her birth choices regardless of who attends her birth or where.
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#184 | October Q&A: Evening Primrose; Breastmilk Storage; IUGR; Pumping the Second Side; Bacteria in Urine; Longer Gestations & Early Milestones; Postpartum Meals Oct 26, 2022

Hello Friends! It is Wednesday, and Cynthia & Trisha are here with your October Q&A episode. To kick it off, we share a story from a listener who wanted everyone to know how a routine gynecologic exam in her twenties turned into a precarious moment in her VBAC experience. Next, we dive into our questions beginning with the potential association between evening primrose oil in pregnancy, a smelly baby at birth, and early cord clamping--could they all be related? Then, we go through the real deal on how long breast milk can sit unrefrigerated and still be safe to feed your baby. Next, comes a lengthy discussion on intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)--what is it and how is it diagnosed? Another mother asks if it is necessary to pump the alternate breast overnight to keep up her supply.
Other moms are asking:
"If I have bacteria in my urine at eight weeks gestation, do I need antibiotics in labor? My doctor told be it is non-negotiable."
"Is there any correlation between longer pregnancies and meeting developmental milestones sooner?"
"Help! I want to support my postpartum friend but have no idea what meals to make; what is a nutritious postpartum meal?"
And, of course, we finish off the episode with a round of quickies touching on pacifiers versus thumb-sucking, home birth, how soon to have sex after trying to conceive, water birth, prolapse, and eating dates for a faster labor!
And if that is not enough, you can get more of your questions answered in our extended version of this episode by subscribing to Down To Birth + on Apple or joining our Patreon community. There, we discuss how uterine fibroids may impact labor, experiencing postpartum insomnia, baby wanting food at just 4 months; setting boundaries with in-laws and managing breastfeeding along with wanting your partner to take at least one of the nighttime feedings.
Thank you for all of your awesome questions and for being part of this fabulous community!
And remember you can call our phone line with your questions 24/7 at 802-GET-DOWN. (That's 802-438-3696)
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#183 | Group B Strep: Screening, Risks, Protocols, Problems and Alternatives Oct 19, 2022

GBS affects approximately one-third of all pregnant women, and involves widespread use of intravenous antibiotics in labor even though the screening tests are known to be highly imperfect, and some women are at significantly greater risk of GBS colonization than others. Further, there are specific risk factors making some babies far more likely to contract GBS than others. This "universal" approach to GBS management is the very start of our deep and detailed discussion on GBS. Cynthia and Trisha have reviewed all the available data from the past three decades to provide you with informed decision-making on GBS.
This episode is divided into two parts, with the first part available on all podcast platforms, and the full, extended version available right now on our Patreon platform or through Apple Subscriptions.
In the regular episode (the first half of the extended episode) we cover what GBS is, how it's screened, who is most likely to test positive, the controversies around the universal approach to treating GBS in labor, how effective the antibiotics are, plus a detailed analysis on the likelihood of a baby becoming ill from GBS in both the mothers who opt for and against the antibiotics. We also discuss the difference between colonization and infection in babies, the associated risk to babies and the maternal risk factors that increase risks to the baby. Ultimately, we break down the stats to answer the question everyone wants to know: How likely is it that my baby will get sick and/or die from GBS infection if I do or do not get tested and/or take antibiotics in labor?
In the extended version of this episode, available to all our listeners at the click of a button on Patreon, we also cover:
- ways to "pass" the test, and what to keep in mind if you do so;
- how to treat your GBS naturally, skipping the antibiotics altogether;
- the effects of the antibiotics on your baby's microbiome and the two no-risk, natural things you can do postpartum to restore your baby's flora safely and quickly;
- risks of the antibiotics on moms, and how to minimize those risks;
- how the antibiotics can interfere in your breastfeeding relationship;
- what we're seeing with probiotics, how to take them and specifically the best probiotic to take during pregnancy to support vaginal flora;
- what if you're planning a home birth and have GBS;
- the rapid test (promising results but not without its limitations); and
- what you can do to reduce your chances of being a carrier of GBS in your pregnancy.
Our goal in this episode is to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not you will accept or decline the GBS test in pregnancy and whether or not you will choose antibiotics in labor, should you test positive. As usual we don't provide medical advice, but we do hope to support the informed decision that's right for you and your baby.
Please support our work by joining our community on Patreon. With your subscription, you'll immediately have access to every extended episode we've ever produced, plus additional ben

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#182 | Labor Induction: Risks, Reasons and Results with Dr. Rachel Reed, PhD Oct 12, 2022

Dr. Rachel Reed, PhD, author, midwife, researcher and expert in physiologic birth joins us for the second time on the Down to Birth Show to discuss the differences between physiologic birth and induced labor. She shares with us the different ways in which Pitocin/Syntocin impacts the course of labor, including significant risk to mother and baby, versus our own natural oxytocin. You'll learn the unique risks of Pitocin for first-time moms, and the entirely different set of risks Pitocin presents to women who've already given birth before. She explains the general risks of induced labor, and discusses circumstances when induction is absolutely necessary. In this episode, we critique the ARRIVE trial and its flawed results, which have led to many women choosing elective induction at 39 weeks believing it to be a safer option for mother and baby. If you haven't heard it already, be sure to listen to our very popular first episode with Rachel Reed.
#150: Myth of the Aging Placenta with Author/Midwife Rachel Reed
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#181 | A Motherless Mother in Recovery Experiencing Birth As the Ultimate Surrender Oct 05, 2022

Melissa Pennel was thirty-four years old when she was pregnant for the first time. She already had experienced significant life challenges: She had lost her own mother a few years earlier, plus she was seven years sober. Her pregnancy presented several health scares along the way, such as a two-vessel cord and a perceived hole in the baby's heart, eliciting words like possible "fetal demise" from her providers and the potentiality of "organs not developing normally". Her baby was also breech until 36 weeks, keeping Melissa questioning whether her own ego and attachment to a natural birth were the reasons for her challenges. She then went post-term, all the way to 42 weeks, despite pressure from her providers, and during a vaginal exam at her check-up, the amniotic sac "accidentally" ruptured. Due to her work in recovery and a strong muscle for accepting responsibility, she kept coming back to the feeling that she was somehow creating these situations herself - she called this "the choke-hold of control". Melissa caught herself forming negative beliefs like, "Everything's going wrong" and "Nothing is going to be easy." Once her OB broke her waters, she was advised to be induced, and an extremely long and difficult labor ensued.
Traumatized by her first birth, Melissa both took greater responsibility and surrendered further in her second pregnancy, realizing that the only person who had to "have her back" was herself. A year later, she birthed her second daughter on her terms and far more quickly and easily than she dreamed.
Today Melissa views pregnancy as a powerful vessel for self-growth and transformation--a container she says which, "poured MiracleGro on all her issues," while learning the delicate balance of what she could and could not control.
Melissa is the author of the following books:
https://linktr.ee/MelissaPennel
Questions You'll Wish You Asked: A Time Capsule Journal for Parents and Children
Questions You'll Wish You Asked: A Time Capsule Journal for Grandmothers and Grandchildren
The Motherless New Mother's Pregnancy Journal
**********
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Connect with Cynthia and Trish

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#180 | September Q&A: Family Boundaries; Induction; Cesarean Predisposition; PROM; Marriage After Baby; Lotus Birth; Nausea; Amnio-Infusion Sep 28, 2022

Hello all! We are back with our monthly Q&A. To kick it off, we have a short conversation on maternal instincts. Next, we discuss how one woman should handle her mother-in-law's request to be called "Mama". Then we review the very few reasons when an induction is absolutely needed, how long you can go with ruptured membranes before inducing labor, followed by a question on familial history and a genetic predisposition to needing a cesarean birth. Another mother calls in to express her postpartum exhaustion and relationship struggles, as she feels depleted by the day and with nothing left to give her husband at the end of it. One mother wonders if being sick during pregnancy is harmful to her baby, and finally we discuss Lotus birth--what is it and is it un-hygienic?
In our extended version, available via Apple Subscriptions, we'll be responding to one woman's concern about pre-empting family issues postpartum in her quest to get them to provide help when they visit. Another mom asked our opinion on amber teething necklaces, and Trisha explains how they're often misunderstood as actual "teething" products, when they're not. There were some breastfeeding questions related to frequent plugged ducts; fever and low milk supply. And finally, one birth worker is asking whether amnio-infusion is a reasonable solution when amniotic waters are low.
If you don't listen on an Apple device and would like access to our exclusive and extended episodes, email us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com and put "Extended Episodes" in the subject line.

Thank you as always for your great questions and see you next week! If you would like to submit a question, please call and leave us a message with your question at (802) 438-3696 That's 802-GET-DOWN.
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#179 | Creating Healthy, Independent Infant Sleep Habits with Ellie Lindenmayer Sep 21, 2022

Infant sleep is one of the most important topics on the mind of every new parent. New parents are left wondering what normal infant sleep looks like, how much their baby needs at each age, and how create easier sleep routines resulting in longer stretches of sleep during day and night. Many of today's parents are afraid that any degree of crying will create negative associations or, worse, teach the child their needs won't be met. In preparation for this episode, we solicited questions from the Down to Birth community on Instagram, and we've asked the expert: Ellie is a birth doula and infant sleep specialist who shares her expertise on how to help babies learn healthy sleep habits using wake windows and without aggressive sleep training techniques. In this episode, we take your most important infant sleep questions and get Ellie's expert answers on how to help, such as: Should I swaddle to sleep? Is it ok to breastfeed to sleep? Can I let my baby cry it out? How do I get my baby to sleep longer stretches, how to handle vacationing with baby, and many more. Ellie gives us practical and gentle tools to help our babies get their daily sleep needs met without feeling guilty. If you are looking for more sleep with less stress, this episode is for you.
Ellie Lindenmayer
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#178 | How Out-of-Hospital Birth Prejudice and Provider Bias Harms Mothers and Babies With Attorney Hermine Hayes-Klein Sep 14, 2022

Hermine Hayes-Klein is a fearless legal advocate for sexual and reproductive rights with a particular passion for defending women’s human rights in childbirth, which, she says, are routinely violated in maternity care systems.
You may recall attorney Hermine Hayes-Klein from our previous episodes with her:
Episode #138 | Legal Case Study #1: Traumatized at a Major Teaching Hospital While Interns Watched and Learned
Episode #153 | Legal Case Study #2: Injured by Obstetrics with Nowhere Else to Turn

In today's episode, we talk to Hermine about provider bias; in particular, the bias hospital-based providers can demonstrate toward (especially home-birth) midwives. However, limiting birth options for mothers does not decrease risk of poor outcomes but rather puts mothers and babies at increased risk. When women choose an alternative birth experience, such as out-of-hospital birth or home birth, the medical bias held by hospital-based providers often results in sub-par or even negligent care of the birthing woman, increasing both her risk and her baby's risk. Hermine Hayes-Klien talks to us today about how United States law fails to protect birth choices and instead excuses obstetricians for biased and negligent care of women who transfer from home to hospital.
What if instead, we had a system allowing for collaborative care with continuity of providers...So how do we get over the paradigm clash and create an integrated system to better protect women who choose out of hospital birth?
This show is sponsored by:
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Beautiful Births and Beyond*
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#177 | Going Clean & Green for a Non-Toxic Lifestyle with Carly Hartwig Sep 07, 2022

There are over 85,000 chemicals approved for use in personal care products and fewer than 200 of those have been tested for safety. Carly Hartwig is a home-birth mother of one, Instagram influencer @cleanlivingwithcarly, and soon-to-be certified endocrine wellness and fertility counselor. Her passion for clean living grew out of her own hormonal havoc when she was told in her twenties she had the hormonal landscape of a post-menopausal woman. She soon realized the products she was using daily in her skincare, make-up and household routines were compromising her health and hormones. After eliminating the most common culprits of toxic living such as heavy metals, Pthalates, and Bisphenols, her health was beautifully restored. Today, she is here to educate us on the lack of FDA-regulation when it comes to the personal-care and household-product industries in the Unites States. She also shares some of the primary sources of endocrine disruptors, teaches how to swap the toxic for clean-and-green products, and explains why this is critical for all mothers who are pregnant or trying to conceive. This episode will have you going "Marie Kondo" on everything in your bathroom, pantry, laundry room, and cleaning products, so get ready for clean living with Carly!
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
DYPER*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
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Baby Notebook - Get the App Here
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#176 | August Q&A: Multiple Miscarriages; Evening Primrose Oil; Safe Bed-Sharing; Breastmilk Stashes; Failure to Descend; Pushing; High Blood Pressure Aug 31, 2022

Hello! It is the last Wednesday of the month, and you know what that means. We are here with our August Q&A episode. Today, Cynthia & Trisha are discussing weight loss after having a baby--can you lose too much too fast? What tests should be done if you've had multiple miscarriages? Can you give us the scoop on Evening Primrose oil for getting labor started--is it helpful or hurtful? How do I handle my mother-in-law who keeps giving me keepsakes for the baby that I don't want? Is there a way to safely bed-share with your baby without investing in extra contraptions? What is the best way to create a stash of breastmilk without causing oversupply? And one of everybody's favorite topics: pushing in labor--when should you and when should you not?
Remember you can access the extended, ad-free version of this episode by subscribing on Apple. This month's extended version is jam-packed and includes the following:

Trisha gives one woman the lowdown on all the types of "pain relief" options in labor. Another moms is experiencing some unusual physical symptoms at six-months postpartum and wonders if it means her period is returning. We discuss "failure to descend" versus failure to progress because one listener had a c-section and had never heard of that diagnosis before. We discuss a pregnant woman's high blood pressure questions as she's preparing for her home birth, and Trisha responds to a question about newborn feeding schedules as far as whether there's a time and place for using an alarm. We also discuss short cords, and resources for evidence-based info on induction versus waiting.
If you don't listen on an Apple device and would like access to our exclusive and extended episodes, email us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com and put "Extended Episodes" in the subject line.

Thank you as always for your great questions and see you next week! If you would like to submit a question, please call and leave us a message with your question at (802) 438-3696 That's 802-GET-DOWN

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#175 | Optimizing Your Fertility at Any Age with Naturopath Dr. Aumatma Aug 24, 2022

Dr. Aumatma is a holistic fertility expert who, through her own hormonal challenges, became impassioned about supporting and optimizing women's cycles and fertility irrespective of age. Today, she shares with us the three most common myths in infertility and fertility management, explains what tests we must do to better understand our hormones, and walks us through the key lifestyle factors, sleep, stress, and diet, and how they impact our fertility and conception.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
DYPER*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
Baby Notebook - Get the App Here
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#174 | This is How Your Marriage Ends with Author Matthew Fray Aug 17, 2022

Matthew Fray's new book "This Is How Your Marriage Ends: A Hopeful Approach to Saving Relationships" is directed primarily toward a male audience, and asserts most marriages end with a whimper, not a bang. Matthew helps us understand how good people like him "can be terrible husbands" by unknowingly causing harm to their wives. Did you know most divorces are initiated by women? Matthew explains relationships don't tend to end from a single betrayal, but after years of a slow but persistent erosion in trust over seemingly minor marital disputes. Having first-hand experience with a wife who left him when their son was a toddler, Matthew turned to blogging as his outlet for expressing his extreme pain and frustration, initially victimizing himself as a good guy who didn't deserve to lose his family just because he's not perfect. But after hearing from thousands of men and women - particularly after his viral article "She divorced me because I left dishes by the sink" - Matthew experienced a transformation by taking full responsibility for hurting his wife time and time again, having seldom taken seriously her complaints along the way. Matthew says part of the problem is that no one ever taught him how to be a better husband, and he doesn't hold that opinion as an excuse, but as a conviction that men can learn to do better and not end up with wives who'll leave them, as his did. Matthew has been coaching couples for several years before writing his book.
Postpartum is an extremely vulnerable time for mothers and a delicate time for relationships. We hope this episode will shed light on how husbands can best support their wives and avoid the pitfalls of resentment and relationship breakdown over time. We read Matthew's book and invited him on the show because we believe he understands how to bridge the gap between well-meaning husbands and the wives they unwittingly end up hurting or disappointing.
Matthew - and we - recognize the obvious fact that these conversations don't apply to all men, nor do all relationships follow the heterosexual normative. Nevertheless, we believe this discussion, through all its generalizations, are eye-opening and beneficial for either partner in any relationship.
Send this one to your partner or a friend. We believe they'll thank you for it.
Matthew is the author of "This is How Your Marriage Ends: A Hopeful Approach to Saving Relationships."
Matthew Fray
This show is sponsored by:
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#173 | Obstetric Violence with Home Birth Midwife Anne Margolis, CNM, RN Aug 10, 2022

Anne Margolis is a Certified Nurse Midwife, author, and trauma specialist who has been catching babies for over twenty-seven years. Anne began as a nurse, whose first birth experience ended in a fourth degree episiotomy and vacuum delivery after being told she needed an emergency cesarean because her baby's heart rate was decelerating. She was so "checked out" due to stress and shock that Anne describes her first birth as an out-of-body experience. Her baby was born with normal APGARs, which immediately refuted her doctor's fetal distress diagnosis, and she was left completely traumatized in the aftermath. This led her to develop a program for birth trauma healing and turn to home birth midwifery practice, where she could put the mother at the center of the decision-making process. She joins us today to share stories of obstetric violence and redemptive births alike, and to discuss how women can shift their mindsets and make the commitment to birth their babies on their terms, no matter where they choose to give birth.
Instagram: Homesweethomebirth
Natural Birth Secrets: An Insiders Guide on How To Give Birth Holistically, Healthfully and Safely, and Love the Experience!
Trauma Release Formula: The Revolutionary Step by Step Program for Eliminating Effects of Childhood Abuse, Trauma, Emotional Pain and Crippling Inner Stress, ... without Drugs or Therapy

This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
DYPER*
NOM Maternity*
Vyana Infant Massage*
Wildbird.co*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#172 | Our Sexual Energy as The Secret Weapon to Our Best Birth and Best Life with Kim Anami Aug 03, 2022

Sex and birth are inextricably linked. Both functions operate optimally under the same conditions: trust, safety, security, surrender. Furthermore, they both require oxytocin. So it is no wonder that birth can actually be the biggest oxytocin rush and/or orgasm of your life. But the importance of healthy sexual energy goes far beyond birth. It is also the key to our best relationship and our best life. Kim Anami is a holistic sex and relationship coach whose thirty years' experience has been dedicated toward working with couples to show them how to harness their sexual energy as the ultimate power source of their lives. As Kim states, "When we are disconnected from our sexual energy, we are operating at a deficiency. Conversely, when we are connected to our sexual energy we are operating on all cylinders. It is our life force."
So why do so many of us struggle with sexual desire, especially post-baby? How many of us are going through the motions of sex as opposed to building intimacy and fueling our maximum sexual life force? And how can we keep this sexual power alive as we go through postpartum, early parenthood and old age? Kim is emphatic that everyone can - and should - be experiencing earth-shattering, life-altering orgasms as an integral component of a whole, healthy lifestyle. Tune in today - for sure at a lower volume if the kids are around - to hear Kim's roadmap to keeping your sex life and relationship thriving...and if you ever wondered what "birth rape" means or what a cervical orgasm feels like, now is your chance to learn.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
DYPER*
NOM Maternity*
Vyana Infant Massage*
Wildbird.co*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#171 | July Q&A: Premature Rupture of Membranes; Hyperemesis Gravidarum; Aspirin in Pregnancy; Waterbirth Safety; Nipple Pain in Pregnancy; Quickies Jul 27, 2022

It's the last Wednesday of the month, and you know what that means! We are back with our monthly Q&A episode. Today, we are discussing how long it is safe to go after your bag of waters releases (see link to our amazing birth story below); What can be done to treat or prevent Hyperemesis Gravidarum? Is Aspirin in pregnancy really necessary and what does ACOG have to say about it? When your hospital says waterbirth increases the risk of infection and is harmful to the baby--is that true? The world-expert in water birthing, Barbara Harper, founder of Waterbirth International, steps in to answer this one. And one woman was told her uterus wouldn't be "safe" to have another baby for one year. Also, is it normal to have nipple pain in pregnancy and how will this impact breastfeeding...and quickies!
Remember you can access the extended, ad-free version of this episode by subscribing on Apple. This month's extended version includes:

Severe carpel tunnel in pregnancy and what can be done about it; Fetal scalp electrode monitoring: what is it, and do the benefits ever outweigh the risks? You'll hear our thoughts on this "extreme" intervention; Having a two-vessel umbilical cord that was identified during the 20-week anatomy scan; What's the lowdown on red raspberry leaf tea? What are the benefits, and when/how much to consume during pregnancy.

Thank you as always for your excellent questions and see you next week! If you would like to submit a question, please call and leave us a message with your question at (802) 438-3696 That's 802-GET-DOWN. (Cute, right?)
#78 | Christina's Run From Induction to a Home Birth with Group B Strep
**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#170 | An Empowered Cesarean Recovery with Nicole Alfred Jul 20, 2022

Nicole Alfred the @csectionrecoverycoach is a cesarean recovery coach, massage therapist, and mother of two. She has given birth two times by C-section: one emergent and traumatic, the other empowered and planned. Her different experiences opened her eyes to the abject lack of support mothers receive post-operatively. Nicole sees a need for much more emotional and physical attention. In today's episode, she shares with us the key steps she believes mothers must take, beginning immediately after surgery and through the first 12 weeks postpartum for optimizing recovery. These steps include restoring healthy digestive function, wound & scar healing, pelvic floor recovery, and connecting with the incision scar to facilitate emotional processing and healing.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
DYPER*
NOM Maternity*
Vyana Infant Massage*
Wildbird.co*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#169 | Protecting Today's Children with Integrative Pediatrician Dr. Joel Gator Warsh Jul 13, 2022

Should we really be treating fevers in young children? Why are babies so gassy? Are germs helpful or harmful for our kids? Do kids actually need cows' milk? What is the problem with dairy? Dr. Joel Gator Warsh , an integrative pediatrician in Los Angeles, CA, joins us today to discuss what is happening in our environment that is contributing to making kids sicker in the past generation rather than healthier, despite all the resources of modern society. He answers our most pressing questions as new parents, gives us tips on how to make our households healthier and teaches us the most important step we can take to protect our children's health for the long term.
Integrative Pediatrics and Medicine
* * * * * * * * * *
Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow, where we post new information daily related to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com. We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To submit a question, visit the Down To Birth website or send us a voice memo through Instagram messenger.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
DYPER*
NOM Maternity*
Vyana Infant Massage*
Wildbird.co*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#168 | The Business of Birth Control with Abby Epstein: The Importance of Safety, Autonomy and Informed Consent Jul 06, 2022

The Business of Birth Control is a new documentary directed by Abby Epstein and produced by Ricki Lake, who achieved international acclaim for their revolutionary 2008 film, "The Business of Being Born". Abby joins us today to discuss why she and Ricki made their new film, which boldly shines a light on some of the severe side effects that accompany hormonal birth control, including death -- and the fact that congress, and the pharmaceuticals who make the pill, have long known about these adverse outcomes and have done nothing about it. Most disturbing of all, even though women have gathered, protested and demanded a safer and better-quality pill since the 1960s when these side-effects became known, there has been absolutely no advance in technology nor any improvement in safety standards in decades. In fact, the majority of the budget is allocated toward marketing and advertising. And while most bereaved families have been gagged in exchange for financial settlements, in the film we meet the parents of those who refused and who are demanding change.
Did you know a full fifty-percent of women who go on the pill come off it due to side effects? This only drives up the risk of unwanted pregnancies. We also discuss the lack of informed consent and unnecessary risks taken with women and young, prepubescent girls, who are encouraged to go on the pill to clear up acne.
Abby gives us an insider's look into how the film is spun in the media as controversial and is mischaracterized as "anti-birth control" when the opposite is true: The Business of Birth Control is overt in its demand for safer birth control and more education; and, for those who wish to come off the pill, it seeks to empower women to understand their fertility cycles so they can choose the birth control that's safest and most effective for them. Abby and Ricki have been on a busy media tour and we're so grateful they came on the Down to Birth Show to invite us into this important conversation regarding women's health, choice, autonomy and consent.
To view The Business of Birth Control, visit the website and use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH to stream at 50% off.
Instagram: businessofbirthcontrol
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
DYPER*
NOM Maternity*
Vyana Infant Massage*
Wildbird.co*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#167 | June Q&A: A Small Pelvis, Plugged Ducts, Vaginal Exams, ECVs, Libido Woes, Castor Oil, Cord Prolapse & Painful Sex, Plus Bonus Content Jun 29, 2022

Hello! This month's Q &A begins with a story from one of our Instagram followers on the pressure to have a vaginal exam to document cervical status so that her doctor can schedule an induction that she didn't need or want. Next, we jump into our questions starting with, "I have a narrow pelvis and grow big babies; what can I do stretch my pelvis for birth?" What can be done about plugged ducts and "Is my haaka helpful or hurtful?" Do I have to be on my back for a cervical exam? What are the risks of external cephalic version for breech babies? Is it normal to have no libido at four months postpartum? Should I use castor oil to induce labor? What is actually necessary for baby care; do we really need all the things? Why is cord prolapse dangerous? And finally, why is postpartum sex so painful?
And if you want a lot more Q&A content, please subscribe to Down To Birth + on Apple subscriptions to get our extended version of this episode.
For our Apple subscribers, our ad-free, extended version includes:
Oral Vitamin K for babies, placental encapsulation, bad breastfeeding advice from pediatricians, what to do about prodromal labor, trans-vaginal ultrasounds, and how to process a birth that did not go as planned.
Thank you as always for your wonderful questions and see you next week!
Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow, where we post new information daily related to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com. We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To submit a question, visit the Down To Birth website or send us a voice memo through Instagram messenger.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
DYPER*
NOM Maternity*
Vyana Infant Massage*
Wildbird.co*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#166 | Developmental Toilet Training: How to Train Your Baby for Big Kid Success Jun 22, 2022

Danielle Daure holds a Master's Degree in Education and has over 20 years' combined experience in education and behavior analysis. She is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst (BCBA, LBA). For years, Danielle worked with children as old as five with extreme anxiety around toilets, to the point where they had severe constipation through tears and tantrums. She saw frustrated parents trying to reward and/or punish their children into potty-training; children who couldn't start preschool because they weren't out of diapers; and even older toddlers with impacted bowels who had to be hospitalized because of days of withholding bowel movements.
Toilet training isn't inherently difficult to learn; it is only that adults haven't been taught how to property introduce children to the toilet in a way that's natural and developmentally-appropriate. She has learned personally and professionally that when parents take simple daily steps, just 2-3 minutes per day from about four months on, toilet training will develop as easily and naturally as learning how to walk and talk and ride in a carseat.
Her method is called Developmental Toilet Training, and doesn't subscribe to the diaper-free approach of the well-known Elimination Communication method because she says it's not practical, nor is it especially beneficial, to rush the process during infancy and avoid diapers entirely. Danielle, who offers a video series for parents, also encourages her clients to avoid using training-potties.
Today, she walks us through her method for creating the easiest transition from diapers to toilet, and, surprisingly, the process isn't about getting to the goal of potty-training as soon as possible; it's about creating a safe, happy, stress-free and rewarding process for parents and children along the way.

Developmental Toilet Training Website
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
DYPER*
NOM Maternity*
Vyana Infant Massage*
Wildbird.co*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

Bonus Episode | Midwives Under Assault by Hospital Administrators Jun 20, 2022

"There is something going on against midwives, against birth centers, and against choice for women." Cathy Parisi is the director of the Connecticut Childbirth & Women's Center in Danbury, Ct since 1999. The center is the only free standing birth center in Connecticut and promotes physiologic birth under the midwifery model of care, offering women choice, freedom, and empowered decision making in their care in the birth center itself or across the street at Danbury hospital. Recently, the hospital administration cited more than one midwife for practicing "out of their scope of care" and revoked one midwifes' privileges to attend birth at the hospital for an incident that happened within the birth center, was clinically appropriate, and entirely within her scope of practice. Cathy joins us today to share the battle that not just her team of midwives are facing from the hospital monopoly; but also, what she believes to be a trend nationwide--punishing midwives and the women who choose to birth with them for choice and autonomy over their own bodies and birth. This episode is close to our hearts as it impacts our local community of women and midwives, is where Cynthia gave birth to her first child and where Trisha provides her breastfeeding services. We stand with the midwives of CCWC.
The Connecticut Childbirth & Women's Center
Help Support The Fight Against Danbury Hospital and Defend the Midwives
**********
Connect with Cynthia and Trisha at:

Instagram: @downtobirthshow on Instagram
Email: Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Call: (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN)

Work with Cynthia:

Email: Cynthia@HypnoBirthingCT.com
Text: 203-952-7299 to RSVP to attend a free information session live on Zoom. Upcoming dates are posted at HypnoBirthingCT.com. You can also sign up for our Fourth Trimester Workshop, Breastfeeding Workshop or Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes and weekly postpartum support groups at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Work with Trisha at:

Email: Trisha.Ludwig@gmail.com for online breastfeeding consulting services or text 734-649-6294 for more info.

We serve women and couples coast to coast with our live, online monthly HypnoBirthing classes, support groups and prenatal/postpartum workshops.

We are so grateful for your reviews and shares!
Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#165 | The Holistic OBGYN, Dr. Nathan Riley, on Autonomous, Empowered Birth Jun 15, 2022

Dr. Nathan Riley is a board certified obstetrician in California advocating for autonomous birth. Through his experiences as a hospice care provider he learned that choices around end of life care are no different from choices in birth: What matters is that mothers feel in charge of their bodies during their birth experiences. He argues that birth is so much more than the standard metrics of vital signs, length of labor, fetal status or any variable routinely measured in labor in the medical model of care. Join us in this stimulating conversation on how women can better empower themselves in birth and hear one courageous OB's perspective on what his role actually is in birth: Supporting your sovereignty and your choice without coercion or judgement.
Dr. Nathan Riley OBGYN
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
DYPER*
NOM Maternity*
Vyana Infant Massage*
Wildbird.co*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#164 | Kendra's Story: A Traumatic Birth Due To Hospital Policy and Poor Training Jun 08, 2022

Kendra grew up around physiologic birth and was a VBAC, breech baby herself. She was planning a birth center birth when she went into labor unexpectedly at 35 weeks. Her physiologic birth plans quickly went out the window as she was continuously monitored, poorly treated, stalled around 7 cm, got an epidural and ended up with a C-section when her baby's heart rate dropped. Despite being born with excellent APGAR scores, her baby was whisked away from her and sent to the NICU for five days, where she had limited access and wasn't able to breastfeed on her terms.
Later, she was accused of drug use when they found opiates in her urine (forgetting that she had an opioid in her epidural), was threatened with her baby dying when she refused antibiotic eye ointment, and was questioned about taking her baby home with mild jaundice upon discharge. Every step of Kendra's hospital experience was dictated by policy and protocol rather than individualized care, leaving her with post traumatic stress and delayed bonding.
She shares her story today to help women understand that obstetric violence is real, but healing is possible and bonding with your baby always happens.
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
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Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#163 | Postpartum Roundtable: A Candid Conversation on Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, Unmet Expectations & Spousal Challenges Jun 01, 2022

Today's episode is another special roundtable, in which we sat with some postpartum women in Cynthia’s kitchen to talk about their experiences with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, arguments with their spouses, lack of professional and personal support and unmet expectations. Amy is a young mother of three; Devon is a forty-year old mother of one. Through tears and some laughter, you’ll discover that much of what a struggling mom experiences in her early months and years is universal, and even with different lifestyles and networks of support, it’s the emotional journey of postpartum life that everyone can relate to.
To listen to our previous Postpartum Roundtable, listen to Episode #3:
Postpartum Roundtable on Isolation, Anxiety, Sex and Marriage
Postpartum Support International
Call the PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773

**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#162 | May Q&A: Conversations with Your OB; Erythromycin; Mastitis; IUDs; Artificial Rupture of Membranes; Feeding Routines for Babies; Quickies! May 25, 2022

Hey everyone! Starting this month, we have an exciting announcement: Down to Birth Show is now producing longer Q&A episodes. So if you can't get enough Q&A, and you want to enjoy ad-free episodes all the time, be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts!
This week we're answering questions on: Difficult conversations with your doctor and how to discuss things like aging placentas, eating during labor, breech deliveries, etc.; What Erythromycin eye ointment works for and what it does not; Are there ways to prevent mastitis? How soon after birth can or should you have a non-hormonal IUD placed? Does artificial rupturing of membranes make labor more painful? When can I expect some sort of routine with my exclusively-breastfed one-month old baby? Don't forget to check the chapter markers to skip to specific questions or to our quickies section where we talk about elevated prolactin levels, skin-to-skin, doulas & midwives at your birth, "running" from your in-laws, and more!
And for Apple subscribers, our ad-free, longer version includes: Our thoughts about one home-birth midwife's advice in telling her client not to take a shower for days after giving birth; how to know whether you're hiring the right doula for you; and we answer a second-time mom's question about her tendency to bleed into her second trimester when pregnant, and whether that's a miscarriage or stillbirth risk. Finally, we give our advice to another second-time mother about how best to prepare her toddler for the imminent new family member, and Trisha answers a breastfeeding question that had us laughing for a bit.
Here's the link to the "preparing your dog for baby" episode we referenced:
Episode #38: Your Dog And Newborn: Interview with Heather Corum from Canine Company
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
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Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
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734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#161 | Four Tips to Train Your Body for Natural Birth with Doula Krisha Crosley May 18, 2022

You may remember today’s guest from episode #105: Tips for Supporting Women in Labor with Guest Host Doula Krisha. This time, Krisha of @serenitylifedoula returns to the show to discuss her effective techniques for "training" - in the athletic sense - her clients for a natural birth. As a former collegiate athlete, Krisha has developed a methodology for training your mind and body to have your easiest, fastest, and safest birth. Today, she explains her four key steps to get there and how you can utilize these practices at home to get your mind and body in the best birth shape.
Krisha on Instagram
Krisha's Website
* * * * * * * * * *
Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow, where we post new information daily related to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com. We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To submit a question, visit the Down To Birth website or send us a voice memo through Instagram messenger.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
DYPER*
NOM Maternity*
Serenity Kids*
Wildbird.co*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#160 | The Vagina Whisperer: Painful Sex, Prolapse, Incontinence & Diastasis Recti After Birth May 11, 2022

If you are on Instagram and you have a vagina, you most likely know Sara Reardon, aka the vagina whisperer, pelvic floor extraordinaire! Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that attach to your pelvis and support your bladder, rectum, and reproductive organs. A healthy pelvic floor is essential to normal functions such as: peeing, pooping, sex, and childbirth. But after pregnancy and childbirth many women experience difficulty in one or all of the above.
Sara joins us today to let us know that it is all fixable with the right help and support. She talks us through painful postpartum sex, what to do about leaking urine, when diastasis recti is actually harmful, why you might need a "squatty potty" to have bowel movements after birth, how to breathe to best support your pelvic floor and when, why, and how to Kegel for your healthiest pelvic floor post birth.
For more information on your pelvic floor check out episode #25:

#25 | Your Core & Pelvic Floor: Interview with Women's Health Physical Therapist Tara Gibson

* * * * * * * * * *
Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow, where we post new information daily related to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com. We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To submit a question, visit the Down To Birth website or send us a voice memo through Instagram messenger.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
DYPER*
NOM Maternity*
Serenity Kids*
Wildbird.co*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#159 | Yvonne Strahovski's Birth Story: The Most Important Lesson in Childbirth May 04, 2022

Yvonne Strahovski is the Emmy-nominated, SAG Award-nominated and Golden-Globe-nominated actress whose voice you may recognize as the stoic Serena Joy Waterford from The Handmaid's Tale. She is the mother of a toddler and newborn, with starkly different birth stories to share. During Yvonne's first pregnancy, she felt an intuitive pull toward birthing at home, but suppressed her inner voice in favor of the rational, which warned Yvonne that she lived too far from the hospital in the event of a possible transfer. Choosing not to explore it further, Yvonne had her first baby in the hospital. Despite having an obstetrician she deeply trusted, she felt her birthing body start to shut down as soon as she arrived to the unfamiliar setting and found herself surrounded by numerous "strangers" - e.g. hospital staff. Yvonne began her second pregnancy sensing some PTSD from her first birth, and this time allowed her inner voice to grow louder. Yvonne shares her story of consuming a series of inspiring home-birth stories on Down to Birth Show and other platforms, until finally she said, "If all these women can do it, why can't I?" Yvonne's second son was born at home in December 2021, with her husband, midwives and doula present, along with some of her closest friends and even her obstetrician, who served as a back-up attendant.
Yvonne shares how her fear was never completely eradicated before going into her second labor, and said her supportive team and HypnoBirthing - which she had once assumed was best-suited for those with an inclination toward yoga and meditation - were what kept her erring on the side of grounded and calm through pregnancy and birth rather than fearful.
Yvonne commented on the irony of playing Serena Waterford in the world of Gilead during these formative years as a new mother, and is certain she'll have more to say when she can speak freely after the next season drops. Even though Yvonne is typically very private, she felt compelled to join us as a way to pay forward an inspiring story that might reach those with their own inner voices about pursuing home birth.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA
DYPER
NOM Maternity
Serenity Kids
Wildbird.co
Beautiful Births and Beyond
Postpartum Soothe
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#158 | April Q&A: Jaundice; Neonatal Hypoglycemia; C-section & Your Pelvic Floor; Family Boundaries; Meconium; Tearing; Anterior Placentas; Quickies! Apr 27, 2022

It is time for our monthly Q&A episode! This month we kick it off with a follow-up conversation on the impact of early, frequent breastfeeding on significant jaundice. Next, we address the question of why babies who are born "big" get heel sticks for blood sugar monitoring; the impact of a c-section birth on your pelvic floor; how to manage family boundaries around your birth and birth preferences with your sister and mother-in-law; if you tear during vaginal birth and get medication for stitches, is it still considered an unmedicated or natural birth? Is there a way to monitor your baby's heart rate and still be able to move freely and change position? Will an anterior placenta impact my labor? Tune in to catch all these great questions and more. Thank you to everyone who submitted questions for our monthly Q&A. If you have a questions for a future episode, please submit on our website downtobirthshow.com
* * * * * * * * * *
Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow, where we post new information daily related to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com. We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To submit a question, visit the Down To Birth website or send us a voice memo through Instagram messenger.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
DYPER*
NOM Maternity*
Serenity Kids*
Wildbird.co*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#157 | Labiaplasty Gone Wrong: The Collateral Damage of Ignorant Doctors Apr 20, 2022

When Jessica Pin was a teenager, she became convinced her labia minora were unusually large and unattractive. Within days of her 18th birthday, she underwent labiaplasty with a prominent and trusted OB/GYN. Without her consent or knowledge, her surgeon severed the dorsal nerve of her clitoris, resulting in a loss of clitoral sensation. In the face of clear evidence, her doctor denied wrongdoing.
Jessica has since discovered labiaplasty is regularly performed by OBs even though (a) it's not covered in residency, (b) there are no training standards, and (c) there is no procedure code, which means there is no way to know how many labiaplasty surgeries are performed, and (d) adequate vulvar anatomy is not talk to OBGYNs, which makes damages difficult to prove in litigation. Through her online platform, Jessica has attracted countless women who've shared their stories of losing sensation during the same surgery.
Jessica is here to tell her personal story - including how her parents reluctantly supported her surgery - and to share the achievements and challenges of her activism. Jessica has already succeeded in have some medical texts and journals corrected, and she's on a tireless mission to warn women that surgeons know little to nothing about clitoral anatomy.
Jessica Pin
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#156 | Surviving Psychosis: Christa's Story of Postpartum Hallucinations, Intrusive Thoughts & Suicidal Ideations Apr 13, 2022

Postpartum psychosis occurs in 1 to 2 per thousand births and involves extreme conditions such as hallucinations, intrusive thoughts, paranoia, suspiciousness, hyperactivity and inability to sleep. Today, Christa Ardelean joins us to share her powerful story of suffering with postpartum psychosis. Her story begins with a difficult pregnancy and birth, which, unbeknownst to Christa, included numerous risk factors associated with perinatal mood disorders. When Christa's son was born, she didn't want to hold him. Shortly after, she woke up one morning and said to herself, "My baby would be so much better off if he were dead or if I were." Terrified, she found 24/7 support for the next six weeks while she suffered with hallucinations, intrusive thoughts, and an inability to bond with her baby. With continuous support, medication, and journaling, in time, she completely overcame these feelings. By nine months, she felt like her own person again and now reflects on how her deep love for her son saved her life.

If you are suffering from postpartum psychosis, you can can get help now.
Call the PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773
Postpartum Support International

More episodes like this:
#50 | Postpartum Mini: You're Not Going Crazy, It's Probably Postpartum Anxiety
#94 | The Terror of Intrusive Thoughts: Lisa's Postpartum Anxiety
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Wildbird.co*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#155 | Gestational Diabetes Prevention and Management with Author Lily Nichols, RDN, CDE Apr 06, 2022

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic complication of pregnancy impacting 5-10% of pregnancies in the United States. It is controversial, complicated and loaded with misinformation. Do I really have it? Can I reverse it? Is there a way to prevent it? According to Lily Nichols, RDN CDE author of Real Food for Gestational Diabetes and Real Food for Pregnancy, you can certainly "stack the deck in your favor" to reduce your chances of it impacting your pregnancy and birth. In this episode, we discuss the nutritional deficits that may set you up for the development of GDM along with the flaws in how we screen women for GDM and finally, the things you can do to best manage your diet if you are diagnosed with GDM.
Lily Nichols
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#154 | March Q&A: Postpartum Boundaries; Infant Lip Blisters; Newborn Separation After Birth; Legitimate Reasons For C-section; Splitting Parental Duties; Quickies Mar 30, 2022

It is time for our monthly Q&A episode! Thank you to all who submitted excellent questions. Today we are talking about managing postpartum boundaries with in-laws, newborn nursing blisters--are they normal or not? What can I do to ensure my baby is not separated from us after giving birth in the hospital--do they really need to leave the room to be examined? What are the actual reasons I might truly need a C-section? What is the best way to split parental duties after baby arrives? And finally, we finish with a round of rapid fire quickies touching on topics like leaking breasts, prolapse, enlarged feet in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, bathing babies and what surprises women most about birth!
This show is sponsored by:
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Wildbird.co*
Silverette USA*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
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*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#153 | Legal Case Study #2 with Attorney Hermine Hayes-Klein: Injured by Obstetrics with Nowhere Else To Turn Mar 23, 2022

"You'll never get sued for doing a C-section. You'll only get sued for the C-section you didn’t do." This is the narrative in obstetrics and the lens through which hospital birth is viewed. Litigation is feared in obstetrics but for the wrong reasons. What if, instead of resorting to C-sections to prevent liability exposure, doctors were rewarded for avoiding unnecessary C-sections? United States law as it's practiced today actually incentivizes OBs to perform C-sections, and this system plays a role in today’s high maternal mortality rates in the U.S. Further, obstetricians get paid more from their hospital administrators for cesarean sections.
You may remember Hermine Hayes-Klein, the women's healthcare and human rights attorney who joined us in December for Down To Birth Episode #138 for Legal Case Study #1. Hermine is back today to tell us of one woman whose bladder was permanently damaged by her birth management team. Our discussion demonstrates how U.S. law protects providers in such cases, not the patient, and how true informed consent is routinely and repeatedly neglected in obstetrics.
Hermine Hayes-Klein
This show is sponsored by:
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**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#152 | The Impact of Birth Stress on Infant Development with Ontrack Baby Mar 16, 2022

Today's discussion with sisters Jenny & Carrie, the pediatric occupational therapists behind Ontrack baby and the NOEL method, is a fascinating exploration of how the way we give birth impacts infant development. In particular, when the baby does not experience the "vaginal squeeze" the infant Moro or "startle" reflex may become over-reactive, leading to more fussy babies and slower development. Jenny & Carrie explain how vaginal birth can help infant development and answer the important question of how to best support babies born via cesarean section or have a high stress, high-intervention birth. They share the number one thing we can do to help our babies development and give us their take on swaddling, SIDS, and stomach sleeping for infants.
Ontrack Baby
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**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#151 | Labor & Delivery: A Nurse Shares Why She Left Obstetrics Mar 09, 2022

"I don't have time for this today. My son has a soccer game. I am going to say that her baby's heart rate is decelerating and we need to do a c-section." This is just one of the many things Shelby, a nurse in Arizona, heard from doctors in labor & delivery when she worked on the maternity ward. This episode brings to light the very real fact that providers don't always have the laboring woman's best interest in mind. Instead, profits, time, and liability concerns drive many of the decisions leading to unnecessary birth interventions. Shelby joins us today to share what she witnessed in her years as a nurse and why she left obstetrics.
This show is sponsored by:
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Beautiful Births and Beyond*
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**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#150 | Myth of the Aging Placenta with Midwife/Author Dr. Rachel Reed Mar 02, 2022

Dr. Rachel Reed, PhD, is a midwife and author of Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage. Since earning her doctorate, she is inarguably now among the world’s leading experts on placentas. The publication of her book has come during an era in which women are often told placentas can “fail”, “calcify” and “stop working”, or even cause stillbirth. This rhetoric - all of which we discuss in the episode - is not only terrifying, but false and harmful, and consistently contributes to high rates of unnecessary medical interventions, such as labor inductions and scheduled cesareans.
Dr. Reed also debunks the myth of the “aging” placenta and tells us the real reasons for compromised placentas. Spoiler alert: It has nothing to do with placental age and isn’t shown to correlate with stillbirth even when signs of it do occur.
By the end of this episode, you’ll know what the world’s research has and hasn’t shown, and you’ll develop both an understanding of and appreciation for the placenta, which will help to inform your own decisions around induction and your birth plan in general.
@midwifethinking
Dr. Rachel Reed
This show is sponsored by:
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#149 | February Q&A: Eating in Labor; Leaking Breastmilk; Postpartum Bodies; Homebirth & Ultrasound; Ovulation After Baby; Birthing Positions; Quickies Feb 23, 2022

We are back with our February Q&A episode! Today we are answering your questions around: Whether or not it is ok to eat in labor, leaking (or not leaking breastmilk), how long it takes to feel good in your postpartum body and relationship again; whether or not you need an OB in order to get prenatal ultrasounds if you are having a home birth; understanding ovulation postpartum; why not to birth on your back, and our quickies series, loaded with great questions submitted by all of you!
* * * * * * * * * *
Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow, where we post new information daily related to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com. We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To submit a question, visit the Down To Birth website or send us a voice memo through Instagram messenger.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
NOM Maternity*
Serenity Kids*
Wildbird.co*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
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Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#148 | Choosing Egg Freezing: The Process, Cost, Benefits and Rationale Feb 16, 2022

Today we are joined by Diana Marks, a social media influencer and coach, who is deeply passionate about bringing awareness to women on how and why to consider egg freezing for fertility preservation. If this is a topic you've been curious about, today's episode will answer your questions from, "When should someone consider egg freezing," to "How much does egg freezing cost," to "What is the emotional journey of going through this process?" With more women choosing to start families later in life - or wanting the option to do so - egg freezing is a rapidly evolving technology that is growing in popularity. And for Diana Marks, it was the logical decision that brought the peace of mind she was looking for.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#147 | Stefanie's Birth Story: Healing Generational Birth Trauma Feb 09, 2022

How do you know if you are carrying generational birth trauma? And if you identify it, what can be done about it prior to giving birth? Today we meet with Stefanie, whose mother had a traumatic obstetrical experience while birthing to her second daughter, resulting in permanent brain damage and disability to Stefanie's little sister. Stefanie was five at the time. For nine months, she had excitedly anticipated her parents coming home with a baby, only to end up in her grandparents' care while her parents spent most of their time in the NICU. The childhood experience left a fear and trauma so deep, Stefanie always intended never to get pregnant. It was only after Stefanie fell in love and got married that she recognized she carried her mother's birth trauma with her throughout childhood and into adulthood, impacting her beliefs around the safety of childbirth. Feeling a longing to become a mother herself, she went on a courageous healing journey including therapy, reiki, and even mediumship, to confront her trauma. Once she came out the other side, her pregnancy and birth transpired as the most natural and magical experience of Stefanie's life.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#146 | Finding Autonomy and Asserting Your Birth Plan with Fierce Lizzie Feb 02, 2022

Lizzie Bolliger of Fiercelizzy doesn't consider herself necessarily a fierce person but very much a fierce advocate for autonomy and informed decision making in childbirth. Today, she joins us as a guest host to discuss what it actually means to be fierce in your birth planning and preparation. Guess what? According to Lizzie, it's not about having the most detailed birth plan because there is no power in the birth plan if you don't know why you are checking the boxes. So what is the most important component of your birth plan? That is the topic of today's episode as we walk you through the critical questions to ask yourself and your provider in preparing for your best and safest birth.
This show is sponsored by:
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Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#145 | January Q&A: Hypertension & Induction; Boundaries with In-Laws; Posterior Babies; Birth Centers; Distracted Breast Feeders; Limited Provider Options; The "Nurse Curse"; Quickies! Jan 26, 2022

Our January Q&A is here and has a special treat! In addition to your more in depth questions we've add a "quickies" series to the end of the episode. Be sure to check it out and send in your feedback!
Today's Q&A begins with induction and hypertension: when is the right time to be induced (see our episode on Pitocin)? Next we touch on setting boundaries with passive-aggressive in-laws; how does having one posterior baby (and an anterior pelvic tilt) impact my birth? Should I be concerned about leaving the birth center so soon after giving birth? What tips do you have for a distracted breastfeeding baby? How do you find the right provider when there are very limited options in your area? Plus, our advice to a baby delivery nurse who has seen birth trauma and received very little support from her colleagues.
Enjoy our brand new quickies section! And check out the chapter markers to skip to a specific question. Thank you for all your great questions. Keep 'em coming! And if you would, please leave a review on Apply podcasts or Spotify:)
#134: Pitocin for Labor: Why and Why Not
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#144 | Restrengthening from Within through Yoga with Deb Flashenberg of The Prenatal Yoga Center Jan 19, 2022

How is yoga like birth? They both ask us to get uncomfortable and sit with that discomfort. How long can we sit with it? Where does our mind go when we get uncomfortable? How quickly do we reach for distraction? Yoga prepares us for birth not only physically but also by integrating the mind/body connection and strengthening our intuition and our physical body. Today, Deb Flashenberg of the Prenatal Yoga Center in NYC speaks with us about how to get safely uncomfortable and learn to use your body, breath and mind to get to the to other side, whether on your yoga mat or at your birth. We also discuss postpartum recovery, and the importance of recovering physically from inside to outside, such as when it comes to diastasis recti and posture.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#143 | Radical Boundaries in Birth with Guest Host Tranquility by Hehe Jan 12, 2022

Can you be so firm and stable in your boundaries around pregnancy and birth that it doesn't actually matter who attends your birth because you know exactly what and what not you will let into your birth space? In this conversation with HeHe Stewart of Tranquility by Hehe, we dive into hard boundaries versus soft boundaries; how to set them; and why they matter so much in our birth planning as well as our personal relationships throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
* * * * * * * * * *
Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow, where we post new information daily related to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com. We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To submit a question, visit the Down To Birth website or send us a voice memo through Instagram messenger.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
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Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#142 | Healing from Birth Trauma with Hypnosis: Molly's Birth Story Jan 05, 2022

Molly had a textbook first pregnancy and went into labor just at 37 weeks. After an uneventful labor, her baby was born with an APGAR score of one. Despite a successful resuscitation, her baby was put into an intentional state of hypothermia for seventy-two hours to prevent or reverse any potential brain damage. During this time, Molly knew very little about why this was happening, what caused it or if it was really even necessary.
Thankfully her baby made a full recovery; but, needless to say, she left her first birth with significant trauma.
In preparation for her second birth, she sought out a hypnotherapist and a midwife. She learned trusting herself, her decisions, and her physical body were essential to achieving the birth she desired. She created mantras and vision statements and cultivated a daily practice to get there. Three years later, that dream came true with the birth of her second child.
This show is sponsored by:
Silverette USA*
Beautiful Births and Beyond*
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

New Year's Eve Bonus | Our Youngest Listener Dec 31, 2021

New Year's marks exactly two years since we launched our first episode of Down To Birth. While we didn't know what to expect, we never dreamed so many people from every single (inhabited) continent would become avid followers of our show, and we are deeply grateful you find our show worth your time, attention and dedication.
Today we're going to delight you with a brief conversation we had with our youngest listener: eight-year-old Scarlett, from Belfast, Maine. Scarlett's mom, Leah, is expecting twins any day now, and, until they started listening to the Down To Birth Show, Scarlett's plan was to grow up and become a doctor.
She's since changed her mind. Guess what she wants to be now? We'll give you one guess.
Wishing all of you and your loved ones the very happiest, healthiest, and most fulfilling of all your years to date. May there be peace on earth and in every heart.
**********

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#141 | December Q&A: Increasing Breastmilk; Urge to Push; Cervadil; Posterior Cervix; PP Anxiety; Big Placentas; The Purple Line; Amusement Parks in Pregnancy Dec 29, 2021

Our December Q&A is here and loaded with entertaining and informative questions: We begin with a question around increasing supply without pumping: Is it possible? Next we dive into expectations around pushing as it relates to hypnobirthing and the urge to push. We discuss Cervadil and the subsequent cascade of interventions and what happens with a posterior cervix? How do you know if you have postpartum anxiety? What are placental lakes and will a large placenta cause a big baby? Is the purple line a good indicator of cervical dilation? And finally, is it safe to go to Disney and go on amusement park rides in pregnancy? Play now on all podcast platforms! Check chapter markers to skip to a specific question.

This show is sponsored by:
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#140 | How to Write Your Birth Story with Carrie Murphy Dec 22, 2021

Writing your birth story seems like a simple thing to do, yet so many of us struggle with where and how to begin; and many of us never get it on paper at all. We can also opt to skip the writing and record ourselves telling the story. Writing your birth story is not only creating a beautiful memory to be shared and passed on, but it can also be a necessary and important part of healing from a difficult birth. Join us today with doula Carrie Murphy who walks us through a simple process to effectively and easily capture your birth story in one hour a day over seven days.
This show is sponsored by:
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#139 | Katie's Gentle Birth After a Host of Unnecessary Interventions the First Time Around Dec 15, 2021

At 41+1 weeks Katie was pressured into an induction beginning with a foley bulb followed by forcefully rupturing her bag of water, high amounts of Pitocin, restricted movement due to fetal heart rate abnormalities, a maternal fever resulting in an urgent need for a forcep delivery to "save her baby," and a six hour separation from her baby for monitoring after birth.
Left traumatized and burdened with guilt, when she became pregnant again she sought out midwifery care at her local hospital and set her intentions on the "redemptive birth" she deserved. In her second birth, she didn't even know she was in labor until she had a cervical exam and found she was 6 cm and shortly thereafter had her baby in her arms. Her story represents the classic cascade of labor interventions that all too often leads to an avoidable traumatic birth experience for first time moms who then become empowered with the knowledge to choose differently the next time around.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#138 | Legal Case Study #1 with Attorney Hermine Hayes-Klein: Traumatized at a Major Teaching Hospital While Interns Watched and Learned Dec 08, 2021

Today on the show we have attorney Hermine Hayes-Klein, a fearless legal advocate for sexual and reproductive rights with a particular passion for defending women’s human rights in childbirth, which, she says, are routinely violated in maternity care systems. We’re also grateful to have her her clients, Lillie and George, whose birth experience we will be focusing on today.
By the end of this episode you’ll have clarity as what obstetric abuse looks like, who is committing it and why it’s self-perpetuating. Plus, a better understanding of your legal and human rights, and how the two still need to better align in today’s maternity - and, primarily obstetric - model of care systems.
There are two things we would like you to know before listening:
1. Hermine drops one quick f-bomb between the 7-8 minute mark, and
2. We made the choice to bleep-out the hospital name. It was a last-minute decision, and we made it for the following reasons:
(a) we didn’t want to complicate any current legal matters between the client and hospital, and
(b) we don’t want the listener to think stories like these can’t and don’t happen all over, because, unfortunately, they do.
If you follow us on Instagram, you’re welcome to reach out and ask.
This episode is the first among a new series of “legal case studies” with Hermine Hayes-Klein.
This show is sponsored by:
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*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#137 | When Providers Get It Wrong: Kassidy's Birth Story of Mistreatment and Claiming Her Power Dec 01, 2021

When Kassidy was preconception, she had Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and was told she would never conceive. But she did. When she told her providers her conception date, they refused to listen, and determined her due date based on her last menstrual cycle. This insistence on method over mother caused them to overstate the gestational age throughout Kassidy's entire pregnancy, which resulted in perpetual talks about how "small" her baby was, and "if" he makes it to 28 weeks. When she was 35 weeks pregnant (with her providers convincing themselves and Kassidy she was at 38 weeks) they induced her, resulting in a long and difficult induction because her body and baby weren't ready for birth. Once he was born, he was misdiagnosed with Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) based on the faulty due-date, and they were helicoptered to a larger hospital immediately after giving birth. Suffering from unstable blood sugars and thermoregulation, her baby spent six days in the NICU. From beginning to end, Kassidy was provided with misinformation, instilled with fear, and conditioned to believe her baby - both in-utero and postpartum - could die at any moment. Her anxiety through the roof for years, she returned to the same providers in her second pregnancy until the straw broke the camel's back at 34 weeks. Kassidy found a home birth midwife, and on the way to her first appointment, went into labor with her second baby in the car.
This show is sponsored by:
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#136 | November Q&A: Membrane Sweeps, PP Hemorrhage, PP hormones & Mood Disorders, When to go to the Hospital, Cord Traction, Group B Strep Nov 24, 2021

Our Q&A is here again! We open with some interesting survey results on how long mothers spend in the waiting room versus in the actual prenatal appointment. This month we had excellent questions from our community on whether or not you should have a membrane sweep in late pregnancy, how to avoid experiencing a postpartum hemorrhage, how and why postpartum hormones influence baby blues versus postpartum depression and anxiety; and whether there any hormonal treatments for postpartum mood disorders. How can one recover from the trauma of still birth? When should you go to the hospital in labor? Is cord traction necessary for birth of the placenta? And finally what to do if you test positive for Group B Strep and want a low-intervention birth.
Thank you as always for your great questions and keep them coming! Please see chapter markers to skip to specific questions.

This show is sponsored by:
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*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#135 | Covid Vaccine Research for Breastfeeding Moms with Dr. Kaytlin Krutsch of Texas Tech University's Infant Risk Research Team Nov 17, 2021

Breastfeeding women have been having a difficult time knowing whether to get the Covid vaccine, given that the vaccine is new and neither the CDC nor vaccine manufacturers have studied whether vaccine ingredients make their way into breast milk. Meanwhile, pregnant and breastfeeding women have been told to get the vaccine despite this lack of research. It has been the historical norm for vaccines not to be tested on pregnant or nursing mothers, making informed consent difficult, if not impossible.
We provide no recommendation for or against the Covid vaccine for breastfeeding women, as we believe the decision is only yours to make. Whenever there is unknown/potential risk on either side of a decision, freedom must accompany choice.
We do, however, want to empower you to conduct your own research. We begin by demonstrating how easily misleading and biased information makes its way to major news outlets, and how it's carefully designed to look like statistically-valid research when it is actually rhetoric. If you've listened to our podcast before, you know "medical rhetoric" in pregnancy and childbirth is a recurring theme in obstetrics and maternity care, and one of our missions is to help our listeners develop an ear for recognizing rhetoric. In the first half of this episode, we cite specific headlines (e.g. New York Times Parenting; Apple News, Reuters) and point out that the underlying "research" does not adequately support the headline, nor are the sources necessarily independent/objective.
In our own quest to find vaccine information for breastfeeding mothers, we invited Dr. Kaytlin Krutsch from Texas Tech University's Infant Risk Center, which, for years, has studied the effects of drugs and medications on breast milk. In September 2021, the Infant Risk research team published the first known study of the Covid vaccine and its possible impact on breastfed newborns. They did this research because curious/concerned breastfeeding moms flooded their call centers all year with questions about the vaccine. Dr. Krutsch shares the results of the Infant Risk team's study while also pointing out the gaps in their own research and what work still needs to be done.
Our hope is that, whatever parents choose, they will learn from this episode (a) how to recognize research versus rhetoric in all areas of healthcare; (b) how to interpret whether research is valid and significant, and (c) what is meant by certain scientific terms such as "confidence interval"; "control group"; etc.
This is an important topic affecting millions of breastfeeding women today who simply seek evidence of risk and safety. We hope it empowers you in your healthcare decisions both now and in the future.
Please share this episode with others who might benefit from the discussion. We thank the Infant Risk researchers, who are self-funded and independent, for their work and contribution to this episode.
The Infant Risk Center
The VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) Database
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#134 | Pitocin for Labor: Why and Why Not Nov 10, 2021

Did you know that Pitocin is said to be the most abused drug in the world today? Did you know it is used 97% of the time for off-label purposes? Did you know it is not FDA approved for labor augmentation or the elective induction of labor? And that Pitocin is not the same as Oxytocin? Join us as Cynthia and Trisha talk through all the things you probably don't know about Pitocin but wish you did, and how it impacts birth and postpartum.

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#133 | Julie's Birth Story: Redemption in Home Birth After a Traumatic Midwife Hospital Birth Nov 03, 2021

When Julie was 40+4 she had a slow leak but no contractions. Eagerly, she went to the hospital where she was admitted and encouraged to "get things going" by breaking her water. She started Pitocin and when it came time to push, her baby was born with meconium and shoulder dystocia and was helicoptered to a nearby hospital with a NICU.
Devastated, poorly treated by hospital staff, and left in the dark about what was happening to her baby, Julie drove hours to get to her newborn who was being treated for possible brain damage.. Thankfully, her baby was fine, but she was not.
When she became pregnant the second time, she realized in order to overcome her fear and anxiety, she needed to educate herself and take more authority over her own birth experience. She found a home birth midwife who reviewed her medical records, smiled, and said, "This shouldn't have happened and it won't happen again."
Tune in today to hear Julie's redemptive home birth story and how it changed her for life.
This show is sponsored by:
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*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#132 | October Q&A: Postpartum Hemorrhage at Home; Conceiving with PCOS; Kegels; Baths with Ruptured Membranes; Labor Positions with Spinal Issues; Length of Labor Variations; Coffee in Pregnancy; Postpartum Feels Oct 27, 2021

It's that time of the month! We are back with our October Q&A. Today, we begin with a recap of fundal massage and postpartum bleeding as Trisha shares a story of postpartum hemorrhage at a recent home birth. Next we jump into our questions including: Can midwives help with pre-conception care and fertility, especially when it comes to PCOS? When should I start kegels after giving birth? Is it ok to take a bath after waters have released? What causes postpartum night sweats? Are there any special positions for labor if you have spinal issues such as scoliosis or spinal fusion? Why does the length of labor vary so much among women? Can I drink coffee in pregnancy? And finally, we wrap with a recap of feelings shared by one woman in our weekly postpartum support group.
Check out the chapter markers to skip to specific questions.

This show is sponsored by:
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**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#131 | Cynthia Mini: Nonviolent Communication for Building Connection Oct 25, 2021

This week's mini-side provides a scope into dozen of emotions we can feel, especially when home with baby postpartum. Cynthia provides an explanation of Nonviolent Communication - the communication method developed by clinical psychologist Marshall Rosenberg - for better connection in our interpersonal relationships. It's about feelings, but it's ultimately about needs.
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Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow, where we post new information daily related to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com. We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To submit a question, visit the Down To Birth website or send us a voice memo through Instagram messenger.
This show is sponsored by:
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Call: (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN)

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Email: Cynthia@HypnoBirthingCT.com
Text: 203-952-7299 to RSVP to attend a free information session live on Zoom. Upcoming dates are posted at HypnoBirthingCT.com. You can also sign up for our "Fourth Trimester Workshop" or Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes and weekly postpartum support groups at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Remember - we're in CT but you can be anywhere. We serve women and couples coast to coast with our live, online monthly HypnoBirthing classes, support groups and prenatal/postpartum workshops.
Connect with Trisha at:

Email: Trisha.Ludwig@gmail.com for online breastfeeding consulting services

We are so grateful for your reviews and shares - we love what we do and thank you all for your support!
Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#130 | Krystle's Twin Home Birth with Dr. Stu of Birthing Instincts Oct 20, 2021

It is a rare OB or midwife who will support a twin home birth. When Krystle learned she was pregnant with not one but two for her fourth and fifth babies, and after having her third baby at home, she knew she was not going back to hospital birth. Instead, she found Dr. Stu Fischbein of @birthinginstincts to assist her in birthing her twins in the comfort of her home. Today we share her inspiring twin home birth story, where Krystle shares how she educated herself on the knowledge, risks, and safety of twin birth and why she was adamant about doing it at home.
This show is sponsored by:
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Beautiful Births and Beyond Doula Services*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#129 | Provider Red Flags in Your Third Trimester Oct 13, 2021

The third in our series of provider red flags episodes is here. Today, Cynthia and Trisha talk about the words, behaviors, and "recommendations" that concern us most around third trimester pregnancy topics such as: elective inductions, big babies, due dates, failure to progress, and vaginal exams. How your provider thinks about, discusses and manages these topics tells you a lot about whether or not your birth goals will be supported. We are here to give you our best knowledge and advice on when and how to know if your provider is right for you! Don't miss our other two episodes in this series:
#124 | Provider Red Flags: Your Second Trimester

#118 | Your First Trimester: Provider Red Flags

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#128 | Vaginal Breech Birth with Dr. Stu of Birthing Instincts: Why It's Safer Than you Think Oct 06, 2021

Dr. Stu Fischbein is an OBGYN in California and one of the very few providers who will attend home breech and twin birth. Breech babies make up about 6% of pregnancies at term but few women will experience a vaginal breech birth. 98% of providers will not support a vaginal breech birth, not because it is dangerous (because it is not); but rather, because OBGYNs and most midwives no longer have the skills to safely support it. Dr. Stu has a 100% vaginal breech birth success rate for moms who have already had one baby and an 80% success rate for first-time moms. He believes we are doing a huge disservice to women by not offering them the option to give birth vaginally with a breech baby because we are not thinking about the down-stream effects, including that the mother will likely have a repeat cesarean if she plans to have more children. Today, Dr. Stu walks us through the myths and misconceptions around breech birth and helps us understand why vaginal breech birth is safe and deserves the same care and support as a head-down vaginal birth.
BirthingInstincts.com
BirthingInstincts on IG

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#127 | September Q&A: Pediatricians, Shoulder Dystocia, Family Dynamics & Birth Choices, Fundal Massage, Preventing Big Babies, Using the Haaka, Fetal Hiccups, Fourth Degree Tears, Changing Your Mind in Birth Sep 29, 2021

Our September Q&A is here! Today, we open the episode with a discussion around choosing the best pediatrician for you and your baby; next we address shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage followed by questions such as: How do you handle family dynamics where you and your Mother-in-law have differing ideas about where and how to give birth? Is fundal massage after birth necessary? Do you have any tips on how to prevent a big baby? Is using a Haaka harmful or helpful in breastfeeding? Are hiccups in utero related to cord compression? If I have a history of shoulder dystocia, do I need to have a cesarean next time? How often does someone who is planning a natural birth change their mind and go for the epidural?
See chapter markers to skip to a specific question.
Thank you to all who have submitted these great questions. We look forward to answering more in our next Q&A the last Wednesday of October.
This show is sponsored by:
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*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#126 | Giana's Shoulder Dystocia Birth at Home Sep 27, 2021

Giana is one of our Down To Birth Show listeners whose OB had told her to get an induction at 38 1/2 weeks due to a large baby. When she declined, her OB offered a scheduled Cesarean section as an alternative. Giana noticed the OB emphasized the importance of getting the baby out, but ignored the risk factors associated with induction or scheduled Cesarean. She took matters into her own hands by hiring midwives and planning a home birth. But then doing her home birth, after the baby's head was out, they were facing a clear case of shoulder dystocia. When all was said and done, her baby weighed 10 lbs, 12 oz.
Listen to Giana's story about having to move around with just her baby's head out, and why she wouldn't do anything differently if she could plan her birth again from the start.
Giana is happy to speak to any listener who would like to connect regarding home birthing.
This show is sponsored by:
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*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#125 | Uterine Fibroids in Pregnancy: Their Impact on Birth, Uterine Scars, and How Black Women are Affected the Most Sep 22, 2021

Mabel Bashorun of withinherbirthservices is a certified Lamazae childbirth educator and certified lactation consultant. Her journey into birth work stems from her unique story of trying to conceive, at age 26, and desiring a vaginal birth while having uterine fibroids. Today, she shares her struggle with achieving her birth goals as a result of her diagnosis and helps other women living with fibroids learn how to advocate for themselves in their pregnancy and birth journey. She is deeply passionate about women with special scars and/or fibroids receiving the respect and support they deserve in pursuing their birth choices. If you are facing limited options in birth based on special scars or uterine fibroids, this episode is for you.

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#124 | Provider Red Flags: Your Second Trimester Sep 15, 2021

We are back today with our 2nd episode in our three-part series on provider red flags. In this segment, we discuss the key issues that may come up in your second trimester and will get you thinking if you are in the right place with the right provider...think glucose screening test, discussions around baby's size, doulas, attention to your emotional well being, provider punctuality and conduct, etc. If you haven't heard our first episode on provider red flags, you can catch it here: #118 | Your First Trimester: Provider Red Flags
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#123 | Trisha Mini: Orgasmic Birth: What is it and How Does it Work? Sep 13, 2021

What does it really mean to have an orgasmic birth? Sure, you might have a “birthgasm,” but more likely you’ll feel the ecstasy of the physiological birth process. In today’s minisode, Trisha walks us through the complex interplay of hormones that brings us to ecstasy in birth and what it takes to get there.
This show is sponsored by:
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*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#122 | Provider Green Lights: Interview with Barbara Harper on Holistic, Respectful & Supportive Birth Providers Sep 08, 2021

Barbara Harper is an internationally-published author and the founder of Water Birth International. Her best selling book “Gentle Birth Choices” has been translated into nine languages. Her latest collaborative project was published in May 2021, entitled, “Bringing Birth Home.”

Barbara joined us on Down to Birth to discuss all the benefits of water birth in episode #100. Today, she is back to share her insight and experience in training obstetric professionals around the world. She helps to identify the qualities that indicate a provider is respectful, supportive, and holistic in his or her view of pregnancy and birth, and details the “green lights” to look for when choosing a provider to support our highest and best birth desires.

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#121 | Marriage After Birth Trauma with Kayleigh Summers Sep 01, 2021

Kayleigh Summers of @thebirthtrauma_mama joined us on the show in episode #116: Surviving an Amniotic Fluid Embolism, to share her deeply traumatic birth story in which she literally died during childbirth. She and her baby both survived. In that episode we discussed her lengthy and non-linear healing process. It just so happens Kayleigh is also a therapist, who has a unique perspective on her own trauma as well as that of her clients. Today she returns to talk about the impact of birth trauma not on the birthing mother but on the spouse/partner, who can get overlooked or marginalized in the process. Kayleigh talks about how that stress played out with her and her husband in the household, and how they began their journey toward reconnecting and healing.
This show is sponsored by:
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Beautiful Births and Beyond Doula Services*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#120 | August Q&A: Family Boundaries; Good Babies; Measuring Big; VBAC Safety; Tandem Nursing; PTSD in Labor; Lotus Birth; AMA Aug 25, 2021

Hello Again! It is time for our August Q&A. Because we love our IG conversations so much, we open the episode with the very important topic of establishing family boundaries postpartum and share your biggest concerns while offering our best advice. Next we have a short convo on "good babies" followed by answering your questions including: Is measuring too big a reason for C-section? How to handle questions around the safety of VBAC in a birth center? Is high blood pressure in pregnancy a reason to be induced? In tandem nursing, will the new baby still get colostrum? How do you relax in labor if you have a history of birth trauma? Is there a happy medium between a lotus birth and delayed cord clamping? Do I need to do testing for AMA if my due date is just after my 35th birthday?
As always, thank you for your questions and your contributions to this awesome community!
This show is sponsored by:
Postpartum Soothe*
Beautiful Births and Beyond Doula Services*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#119 | Mini: Jessica's Breastfeeding Struggles After Her Dream Birth Aug 23, 2021

Jessica found that community made all the difference, starting in pregnancy. After having a beautiful birth, she ran into significant breastfeeding and even formula challenges. She was moved and humbled when a community formed around her once again to ensure her baby was cared for and fed. Jessica's story inspires us to seek community and become that lifeline for someone else.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#118 | Your First Trimester: Provider Red Flags Aug 18, 2021

In today's episode, Cynthia and Trisha present the first of three conversations on determining whether you've hired the right provider for your pregnancy and birth. In our experience there are tell-tale warning signs indicating your provider may not be as supportive of your birth goals as you think. When you hear or see this language or behavior, it may be time to look elsewhere. Stay tuned next month for the second episode in this series.
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#117 | Home Birth of a Black MD from NYC: Why Home Seemed the Safest, Smartest Option Aug 11, 2021

Dr. Jess MD is a NYC-based doctor of Psychiatry who sought routine OB care early in her first pregnancy. When her provider didn't know which trimester of pregnancy she was in, she realized she was just a number in a system that was not going to support the kind of birth experience she envisioned for herself, her husband, and her baby. She sought out a home birth midwife and never looked back. After experiencing birth as the supernatural, spiritual experience it can be, she wants all women, and especially Black women, to know that not only are they statistically safer birthing at home than in the hospital; but that they too can experience the bliss of a positive birth experience.
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#116 | Surviving an Amniotic Fluid Embolism, Birth Trauma, and Its Impact on Postpartum Aug 04, 2021

Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive content around birth and birth trauma and may not be for everyone.
Kayleigh describes the birth of her son as the worst day of her life; and it literally was because she actually died during birth. Her son was born via emergency cesarean as she was being resuscitated on the operating table after experiencing an Amniotic Fluid Embolism. She and her baby survived and are healthy and well but the lasting trauma and post-traumatic stress is something she is still working through two years later. As a survivor and therapist, she is a voice for of support and encouragement for those who have experienced any kind of birth trauma. Today, she shares her story and her emotional process of recovery to help other mothers who may be struggling with recognizing and processing their birth trauma.
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#115 | July Q&A: Nausea Remedies; Pregnancy Cravings and Aversions; Partner Struggles; Fear of Childbirth; Baby Engaging in Pelvis; Induction; Transition; Writing Your Birth Story Jul 28, 2021

It is time for our monthly Q&A! We are back with a short birth story of a necessary C-section birth followed by your input on food cravings in pregnancy, nausea remedies and your most common pregnancy food aversions. Next, we discuss the most common relationship challenges in the early postpartum followed by your questions including: Can I have an unmedicated birth if I have a low pain tolerance? Do I need to workout in pregnancy to have an easier birth? How do I get my baby to engage in the pelvis? Is it safe to go past 42 weeks of pregnancy? How do you manage transition? And what do you recommend for writing your birth story? So many great questions! Thank you to those who have submitted, and keep them coming!
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#114 | Birth Story Mini: Airbnb Birth After Crossing International Borders Jul 26, 2021

Nicole Neesby, her husband and children are Americans living in Mexico. In this mini-sode, Nicole tells the story of searching for the just-right provider to attend the birth of her fourth baby. When she didn't find what she was looking for in Mexico, they booked an Airbnb in San Diego and gave birth back in her homeland.
This show is sponsored by:
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
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#113 | Kristina's Birth Story: Anticipating the Pain that Never Came Jul 21, 2021

Before Kristina became pregnant, she believed birth was a scary, painful, and potentially dangerous event. Her mindset around birth was mostly fear-based and centered on pain. Once she became pregnant, something stirred inside. She wanted to learn more. In educating herself, she realized she craved to feel all aspects of labor, took Cynthia's HypnoBirthing class, and decided to have an unmedicated birth. In the end, what surprised her most was that during labor she kept waiting for the pain — but it never came! Her baby’s head slipped out very unexpectedly. Tune into this inspiring, beautiful birth-center birth story.
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#112 | Late-Term Abortion: Andrea's Story of Choosing the Impossible Jul 14, 2021

Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive content and detail and may not be for everyone. We share this story because we know many women, like Andrea, suffer with the nearly impossible choices around late term abortion.
Andrea is a singer/songwriter living in NYC who wants to be a mother. She joins us on the show today to share her heart-wrenching story of choosing between having a severely disabled child or letting go of the baby she desperately wanted, not once, but twice. She has been pregnant three times, one ending in a spontaneous miscarriage, and the other two ending with the agonizing experience of choosing late-term termination. In both cases, she was faced with a short window of time to determine the level of viability of her babies using the available screening tests for 1st and 2nd trimester genetic and anatomical screening. Today's story sheds light on the question of how we judge ourselves and others in making these nearly impossible choices.
At the closing of the episode, Andrea sings a song from her newest album release, titled "Bruno" in honor of her journey in pregnancy and loss.
Listen now to Bruno
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#111 | The Obstetric Model of Care vs. the Midwifery Model of Care: Interview with Dr. Stuart Fischbein, MD Jul 07, 2021

Are doctors misinforming patients? How can the medical model of birth cause harm to birthing mothers? Why are half of the cesarean births in the United States performed unnecessarily? Why is one's satisfaction with her own birth experience so low on the priority list? These are the questions we dive into with Dr. Stu on today's episode.
Stuart James Fischbein, MD, also know as “Dr. Stu” is a Board Certified OBGYN. He has been a practicing obstetrician in Southern California since 1986. In practicing obstetrics, he realized something wasn’t right in the medical model of birth, and he started offering backup support to home and birthing center midwives.

He now practices community based birthing and works directly with home birthing midwives at www.birthinginstincts.com to offer hope for those women who prefer and respect a natural birthing environment and cannot find supportive practitioners for VBAC, twin and breech deliveries.

He is an outspoken advocate of informed decision making, the midwifery model of care and human rights in childbirth. He joins us on the show today to discuss the biggest challenges facing birthing mothers today.
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#110 | Cynthia Mini: How Fear Affects Labor Jul 05, 2021

Your body has been perfectly designed for childbirth. In this episode, Cynthia explains the difference between a mammal birthing in a state of fear versus trust. It's all part of nature's perfect design to protect the baby from arriving amid harm. Our job is to respect that process and to learn to work with it. This episode may be even more important for your partner to listen to than you, because partners tend to hold that special role of being the ones who can put us into a trusting state physiologically. And when it comes to childbirth - just like when it comes to sex - nothing is more important than trust.
This show is sponsored by:
Postpartum Soothe*
*Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH
**********

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#109 | June Q&A: Confessions From Our Community; Postpartum Blues; Premature Rupture of Membranes; Breastfeeding & Oversupply; Changing Providers if High Risk; Pain Management; Foods in Labor; Making Hospital Feel Homey Jun 30, 2021

We have a fun and informative Q&A episode for you this month! We kick it off with confessions and shares from our Instagram community related to: Comments from our own mothers after we give birth; Finding community when we have none; Fear of intrusive thoughts; What constitutes too much crying postpartum; Fear of managing the "pain" of labor; Best food choices for labor and more.
Next we dive deeper into our questions of the month including the topics of: Premature Rupture of Membranes; Breastfeeding problems related to having too much milk and a strong Milk Ejection Reflex; How to make your hospital birth environment feel more like a home birth; and, if and how to change providers when you are high risk.
Catch us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon or wherever you tune in! Follow and engage with us on Instagram for more helpful pregnancy, birth, postpartum and breastfeeding information. If you love us, please give us a review on Apple Podcasts and thank you for being part of our community.
Referenced Episodes:
The Terror of Instrusive Thoughts
The Fourth Trimeseter: Interview with Kimberly Ann Johnson
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#108 | VBAC in the Car: Opera Singer Gives Birth as Husband Drives on the Interstate Jun 23, 2021

Emily Geller Hardman, a New York Opera singer, gave the performance of a lifetime with her unassisted VBAC in the back of the car as her husband sped down the highway en route to the Connecticut birth center from Pennsylvania. At 37 weeks, she went into labor unexpectedly while at a wedding three hours from home. In the middle of the night, she knew she was in labor, and it was time to hit the road. After having had a Cesarean for her breech baby the first time around, she was well-prepared for a VBAC this time, and determined to do whatever it took to have her second baby unmedicated and vaginally. Little did she know, she would do it entirely on her own with the cool, calm, collected grace of only one who's spent their life performing under pressure with ease, sound, and breath work. Tune in to this exciting, fun, and inspiring birth story.
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#107 | Trisha Mini: Where You Should Give Birth Jun 21, 2021

Hello friends! When you first become pregnant, the next question is where and with whom will I give birth? In today's mini sode, Trisha helps you to determine the best place for you to give birth. You may be surprised to learn that you have the answer more than we do, but we can tell you the most important question to ask yourself and how to create your best birth space. Take a listen to today's mini-sode and reach us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow with any feedback or on our website at www.DownToBirthShow.com Thanks for listening, and we'll see you Wednesday!
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#106 | The Fourth Trimester: Interview with Author Kimberly Ann Johnson Jun 16, 2021

Wondering how to best manage the fourth trimester? This week on the show we are speaking with Kimberly Ann Johnson, author of "The Fourth Trimester" and "Call of the Wild." After experiencing her own “black hole” through her postpartum experience, she studied indigenous cultures around the world to learn how we can do a better job with the postpartum period.
From her experience, she determined there are five universal needs that all women across the globe require postpartum.
Today, she walks us through these five essential needs and helps us understand the best way to set ourselves up to get these needs met for a better, easier and truly restorative postpartum recovery.
If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
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#105 | Tips for Supporting Women in Labor with Guest Host Doula Krisha Jun 09, 2021

Husbands and partners, this is one is for you! Today, on the show we have guest host Krisha of @serenitylifedoula speaking with us about the best ways to support mothers in labor. Did we mention that Krisha is a birth doula with a 100% vaginal birth rate? And she gives all that credit to the birthing mother AND their partners for doing all the tricks and tips we share with you today! Birth partners have an important job in labor and knowing the best possible ways to provide support go a long way toward mothers and their partners having the birth experience they desire. So, tune in today and get the low-down on all things birth support!
If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
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#104 | Cynthia Mini: 6 Red Flags That Could Mean You're With the Wrong Provider Jun 07, 2021

In today's "Pregnancy" Minisode, Cynthia discusses six red flags that could mean you're planning to birth with a provider who may not be right for you. After this episode, find us @downtobirthshow on Instagram and share your stories with us. That is, how do you know you are with the wrong - or right - provider?
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#103 | Giving Birth Like a Feminist: Interview with Author Milli Hill Jun 02, 2021

When it comes to giving birth, women are too often told a healthy baby is all that matters. And while none of us will argue that a healthy mom and baby are the highest priority, it’s time to give mothers the respect, dignity, and agency they deserve in their birth experiences.

Milli Hill is the author of “Give Birth Like a Feminist” and “The Positive Birth Book”, and is here to tell you that women matter, too. Because how we give birth stays with us the rest of our lives.

Milli believes birth is a feminist issue and asks women to no longer allow birth to be left in the hands of patriarchal control and dominance. In today’s episode, she offers practical steps you can take to claim your birth power and have your safest, best birth.
Give Birth Like a Feminist
The Positive Birth Book
The Positive Birth Movement
Related Episodes: Is a Healthy Mother & Baby All That Matter?
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#102 | May Q&A: Full Moons & Labor; Impact of Fear on Labor Progress; Birth Centers vs. Hospitals; Low Amniotic Fluid; The Fourth Trimester; Breastfeeding with a Toddler; Placenta Encapsulation; Pushing; Pregnancy Tests May 26, 2021

It's that time of the month! Our May Q&A is here and kicks off with two short, entertaining birth stories followed by excellent questions submitted by our listeners including: Are more babies born under the full moon? If I experience fear in labor will my cervix close or regress? Do I need a cesarean birth if I have too much or too little amniotic fluid? What is the difference between a birth center and hospital birth? What are the best ways to take care of yourself physically and emotionally after having a baby? How do I handle breastfeeding in front of my toddler? What are the benefits of placental encapsulation? How do I stop peeing when I throw-up in pregnancy? What is the earliest you can get a positive pregnancy test? Is there any benefit to pushing before you are fully dilated? Check the chapter markers to jump to a specific question.
Thank you to all of you who submitted your questions, and please keep them coming! You can call us at 802-GET-DOWN to submit your own question.

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#101 | Birth Story Mini: Rachel's Perfect Birth Proves Some Things Can Go Wrong in All the Right Ways. May 24, 2021

As Cynthia always says, no one is more determined to have a good birth than a woman who's already given birth. Meet Rachel: a mom from Idaho who took Cynthia's live online HypnoBirthing class with her husband prior to having their third baby. After interviewing literally 17 home birth midwives - clearly a resource that's more abundant in Idaho than most states - Rachel felt she hadn't found quite the right provider yet. They ended up hiring a team of midwives in a hospital birth setting. Rachel describes how she felt - and what the midwives said to her - that made her realize she'd chosen the right team. In this birth story minisode, Rachel takes us through the details of her birth, which included having Group B Strep, an induction she had hoped to avoid, and discovering that laboring on her back for a brief moment was just the trick to allow her baby to easily descend.
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#100 | The Benefits of Water Birth: Interview With Barbara Harper of Waterbirth International May 19, 2021

For our 100th episode, we are featuring Barbara Harper: the leading voice for childbirth and maternity care reform, an author, educator, midwife and internationally recognized expert on the use of warm water immersion for labor and birth.

Today, we are honored to have her join us on the @downtobirthshow to talk to us about the “great liberator” aka water birth and all the benefits for you and your baby including: hydrostatic pressure, increased oxytocin, immediate and prolonged skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping, and more. And if you’ve ever wondered why a baby doesn’t breathe under the water, she has the answer—and it’s not what you think!

If you've ever been curious about water birth don’t miss this informative interview with Barbara Harper of @waterbirthint.
You can find out more about Barbara Harper at Waterbirth.org.
* * F-Bomb Alert in the second half of the episode - we didn’t see it coming and chose to leave it in because if Barbara weren’t so passionate about what she does, she wouldn’t be changing the world one hospital at a time. * *

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#99 | Easier Pushing, Less Tearing with Hehe Stewart of Tranquility by Hehe May 12, 2021

“Push like you are taking a poop! Pushing is a long, grueling process!” This is what most people are told about pushing in labor. But, is it true? Hehe Stewart, of Tranquility by Hehe, is a doula and maternity coach who grew up on a farm watching animals give birth in an undisturbed and effortless way. After attending births in hospitals and homes, she realized things looked very different there from what she had seen. This experience inspired her to start teaching how to birth with faster, uninterrupted labors and easier pushing stages. In today’s episode, Hehe shares her insights on birthing and breaks down her three-point secret sauce to easier pushing and less tearing for your best birth.
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#98 | Breastfeeding Mini: Prevention, Causes, and Treatment of Plugged Ducts May 10, 2021

In today's mini-episode, Trisha explains how and why we get clogged or plugged ducts and provides guidance on how to recognize them, how to prevent them, and simple steps to resolve them quickly to keep you breastfeeding comfortably.
If your plugged duct does not resolve within 24-48 hours seek the help of a professional lactation consultant.
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#97 | Amanda Pahl's Birth Stories: Four Births and a Miscarriage May 05, 2021

Amanda Pahls is a mother of four daughters, a blogger, and a home school educator with a passion for honoring women's birth experiences. She joins us on the show today to walk us thorough her first hospital birth followed by three home-births and the dramatic difference in care she received between the two. Her fifth pregnancy and most recent birth was a miscarriage, at home, which brought her a depth of grief, sadness, and even guilt that she never expected. She opens up about the hard questions we have to face after a miscarriage, like "what do I do with the remains of my baby?" and explains the importance of bringing more awareness, compassion, and empathy to mothers who've miscarried.
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#96 | April Q&A: A little About Us; Risks of IVF; Uterine Massage; Postpartum Essentials; Pre-term Birth; Birth Prep Tips; Low Lying Placentas Apr 28, 2021

This month's Q&A kicks off with a couple personal questions of Cynthia and Trisha about their dream travel and what they admire in themselves and in each other. After our little heart-to-heart, we get down to business discussing: Pregnancy & birth risk associated with IVF; why you don't need painful uterine massage after birth; what our "must-have" items are for new moms and baby; tips for preventing pre-term birth; tips for preparing for birth related to teas, supplements, & foods; how to handle a low-lying placenta; and the likelihood of your baby coming early if you were born early. See chapter markers to jump to a specific question.
Don't forgot you can submit questions for our Q&A episodes through our website or DM us on Instagram. We hope you enjoy today's episode and if so, please share with a friend or two:)
For more on the active management of third stage labor see episode: #40 | Q&A: The Placenta & Advanced Maternal Age; COVID-19 Silver Lining ; Chapped Nipples & Poor Latch; Who Can Have a Natural Birth; Pitocin Postpartum; Unsolicated Family Advice
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#95 | Birth Story Mini: Jessica's 5 Hours of Pushing Using HypnoBirthing Apr 26, 2021

Jessica is a first-time birthing mother from Atlanta who recently attended Cynthia's HypnoBirthing class via Zoom. She and her husband had a birth that began with laughter over a misunderstanding, and ended with a 5-hour pushing stage doing HypnoBirthing deep-breathing while wearing a mask. Jessica's story emphasizes how she and her husband felt respected and supported by their hospital staff from start to finish, including an appreciation for the COVID protocols that disallowed visitors postpartum, allowing them to become acquainted with their son, Smith, without distraction or interruption.
To learn more about HypnoBirthing, visit HypnoBirthing of CT to attend a free information session, and to learn more about Postpartum Soothe visit www.PostpartumSoothe.com.
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#94 | The Terror of Intrusive Thoughts: Lisa's Postpartum Anxiety Apr 21, 2021

In this episode, Lisa shared out loud for the first time the full extent of the intrusive thoughts that have been haunting and terrifying her postpartum. When women suffer from a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder such as postpartum anxiety, depression or psychosis they can suffer from intrusive thoughts such as: fear of drowning the baby in the bath, imagining yourself or someone else dropping the baby, falling down the stairs with the baby, or even imagining yourself or someone else harming the baby with a knife.

Lisa volunteered to speak with us about her struggle, in hopes of bringing awareness and help to anyone who may be struggling with intrusive thoughts postpartum. An important takeaway from this episode is to recognize that if a mother expresses a fear of being alone with her baby or expresses thoughts of harming herself or the baby, imagine those words on a billboard as a cry for help.

Professional support is required and is readily available by trained specialists. If you don’t know where to begin, you can contact Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4773.

Postpartum support groups are offered every week on Tuesday mornings @downtobirthshow.

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#93 | Intuitive Eating For Pregnant & Postpartum Moms with Jaren Soloff, RD, IBCLC Apr 14, 2021

As a registered dietician (RD) and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Jaren Soloff was inspired to create a space and program to help postpartum moms navigate eating and body image after birth. She guides her clients in the anti-diet method of "intuitive eating," which focuses on tapping into your body's signals to tell you when you are hungry and when you are not. Intuitive eating is a process of learning to trust your appetite and cravings as a means of guiding you. In today's episode, Jaren teaches us not only about intuitive eating and how to determine when our cravings are physically driven versus emotionally driven; but also, how breastfeeding our babies can help us attune to our own instinctual eating.
Jaren is the author of: The Postnatal Cookbook: Simple and Nutritious Recipes to Nourish Your Body and Spirit During the Fourth TrimesterPaperback
You can find her on Instagram at @fullcrcl_

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#92 | Postpartum Mini: Rethinking Self-Care Apr 12, 2021

Most of us fall short when it comes to practicing self-care - especially postpartum moms, who are usually happy enough just to get more than 5 hours of sleep plus a shower. And when anyone tells them to go do something nice for themselves, it's always well-intended, but is it helpful when those moms think self-care means getting a professional massage, attending a live yoga class or getting a mani/pedi? In today's episode, Cynthia talks about self-care as a lifestyle rather than an event. Even 5 minutes a day will have a greater impact than a whole weekend away once a year, or the occasional massage. We need to remove the barriers to self-care, and question what it means in the first place. It doesn't have to involve money, complicated scheduling or baby care. Ideally, it doesn't have to involve other people at all. You're the most important person in your baby's life, and just as the weight of caring for your baby falls on your shoulders, so too does your own self-care. Reach out to us on Instagram or our website to tell us your own story related to needing, struggling with or creating self-care.
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#91 | Colleen's VBAC: Relying on Instinct over Provider Apr 07, 2021

Colleen always felt called to birth and was determined to have the birth of her dreams. After two miscarriages, she was so excited to give birth to her first child. When her birth resulted in a cesarean, she knew the next time around she would make sure things went differently.
Despite her mother and husband resisting the idea of a VBAC she went for it anyway. At 1/2 a centimeter dilated, the hospital sent her back home while she feared her birth was going to end up with the same outcome as before.
Discouraged, she labored at home in the tub, nursed her 22 month old, and shortly after had the overwhelming urge to go to the bathroom! Realizing it was time to have a baby, they rushed to the hospital only to be told, "Don't push. Keep the baby in. We don't have a room for you yet!" After an hour of waiting, she vaginally birthed her baby into her arms.
While delighted to have had her VBAC, her postpartum physical recovery was far more challenging. Looking back, she realizes how she trusted her doctor more than herself and how that may have impacted her recovery. Next time, she says, "I'll choose a home birth."
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#90 | March Q&A: Ultrasounds; VBAC Providers; Vaginal Exams; PPD in Pregnancy; Exploring Home Birth; Distraction Techniques in Labor Mar 31, 2021

Our March Q&A episode is here! We begin with a discussion around the use of ultrasound measurements in pregnancy to determine your baby's size and weight at birth (hint: a baby that is measuring long is likely to be taller than average not macrosomic); we discuss when you might consider changing providers for your planned VBAC birth; can a mother experience postpartum depression (PPD) while still pregnant? What about the use of distraction techniques in labor and how does that impact hypnobirthing techniques? Do I need more Ultrasounds in pregnancy after the anatomy scan, and how will I know that everything is going ok? How about vaginal exams in labor? Are they really necessary and if so, how many? Finally, do you have any recommendations on how to prepare for home birth before being pregnant?
As always, thank you for your great questions and please continue to submit them through our website or in Instagram! See chapter markers for specific questions in today's episode.
#60: Love + Marriage + Baby: Interview with Maggie O'Connor, LMFT
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#89 | Birth Story Mini: Kimberly's Unplanned Home Birth Mar 29, 2021

Kimberly always wanted a home birth -- especially the second time around -- but decided to stay with the providers she liked and trusted. She began having doubts during the implementation of Covid protocols, and those doubts only grew when her doctor started talking about induction before she was at 41 weeks. But she declined the induction and implemented some natural means of induction at home, including a recipe for eggplant parmesan she got in her HypnoBirthing class. Once labor began, Kimberly started feeling her body push spontaneously before her husband even finished packing up the car to head to the hospital. Kimberly realized she wasn't going anywhere, and by the time she arrived at the hospital, she was holding her second baby girl in her arms.
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#88 | Jamie's Unattended Freebirth with Twins Mar 24, 2021

Jamie Davison Ortiz is a mother, doula, and student midwife who birthed her twins naturally during a planned freebirth with her husband and doula. For those who don’t know, a freebirth is a controversial birth movement of giving birth at home without a medical professional in attendance. Jamie’s birth wasn’t without risk and while Jamie says she has no regrets, she’s the first to say that free-birthing took years of preparation, comes with risk, and is not for everyone.
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#87 | Postpartum Rage: The Outburst-Guilt-Shame Cycle Mar 17, 2021

Postpartum rage is among the lesser known perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that can impact postpartum women and even their partners. Unfortunately, what women don’t understand is that sometimes anger comes more easily than tears, and it doesn’t mean that anything is fundamentally wrong with them or with their character; but rather, they are suffering from one particular manifestation of postpartum depression or anxiety. Postpartum rage can look like: snapping at your children or partner, yelling more than usual, swearing, or even throwing things across the room. Any type of unexpected, intense outburst can signal a one-time or ongoing case of postpartum rage.

Tune in today as Cynthia and Trisha discuss the risk factors, triggers, emotional experience, and possible solutions for postpartum rage.

Postpartum Support International
Call the PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773

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#86 | Breastfeeding Mini: The Three Most Common Challenges for Breastfeeding Moms Mar 15, 2021

In today's minisode, Trisha reviews the three most common challenges that breastfeeding moms experience: Engorgement, Nipple Pain, and Supply issues. She briefly explains why they occur and offers simple steps to recognize and resolve each issue so that you may comfortably and easily continue your breastfeeding journey.
See other episodes on breastfeeding:
#33 | Breastfeeding Mini: Out With The Rules, In With Your Instincts
#44 | Breastfeeding Mini: The First Week of Breastfeeding and Why it Matters Most
#56 | Breastfeeding Mini: The Importance of Establishing Your Milk Supply in the First Month
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#85 | Understanding Gestational Diabetes with Dietitian Leslee Flannery Mar 10, 2021

Approximately 1 in 12 women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which can leave them feeling confused ashamed and overwhelmed with questions like, “Have I done something wrong? What can I eat now? Does this mean I have to be induced?”

In this episode we speak with Leslee Flannery a dietitian from Ohio and founder of @gestational.diabetes.nutrition who loves supporting, educating and empowering women with gestational diabetes, because diet isn’t the only cause, and it doesn’t mean you have to cut out all the foods you enjoy.

Today, we discuss problems with and alternatives to the Glucose screening tests, why women with a normal BMI can test positive, and most importantly, how a diagnosis of gestational diabetes can potentially pose a risk for your birth.

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#84 | Lynne's Last Minute Home Birth After Two C-Sections Mar 03, 2021

For Lynne, giving birth via Cesarean just didn't feel like giving birth. Learning she was pregnant with her third and having had two prior C-sections, she wanted a different experience. After meeting a friend for lunch who was planning a home birth, she got curious and started exploring options and digging into the research on VBAC.
While giving birth at home felt outside her comfort zone, she planned to hire a home birth midwife to support her through the early labor hours at home, before eventually heading to the hospital for a vaginal birth.
Once in labor, things moved quickly, and she found herself ten centimeters dilated and unwilling to go anywhere. Moments later she birthed her baby vaginally, peacefully, and with a deep sense of satisfaction. Tune in to this inspiring VBA2C/HBAC birth story of education, empowerment and transformation.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

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#83 | February Q&A: Plus-Size Pregnancy; What to Wear During Birth; Waking a Sleeping Baby; Implications of a Subchorionic Hematoma; Waterbirth & Baby's First Breath; Best Times to Pump Feb 24, 2021

Our February Q&A episode is here! Today, we discuss a wide variety of topics from the influence of medical rhetoric on our decisions in pregnancy and birth to the implications of being plus-size in pregnancy to the best time to pump your breastmilk. We have a lengthy discussion on what to wear in pregnancy and seriously question why hospitals still promote the classic hospital gown for birthing?! We talk about the physiologic mechanisms that protect babies from breathing under water during a water birth and why water birth is a wonderful option for low-risk birth. We touch on subchorionic hemorrhage (when a woman is bleeding in pregnancy) and what it means, and discuss how long breastfeeding mothers should let their babies sleep before waking them, along with the best way to do so. We hope you enjoy today's episode, and keep the questions coming! See chapter markers to skip to a specific question.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.
You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

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#82 | Birth Story Mini: Stefanie's Home Birth After C-Section (HBAC) Feb 22, 2021

“I would give birth like that ten more times!” In today’s mini-sode Stefanie tells her story of choosing a homebirth VBAC (HBAC) for her second birth after knowing she would absolutely not return to the hospital to have her next baby. Despite going into to labor just before 37 weeks, Stefanie was fully committed to her HBAC birth and beautifully supported by her midwives, doulas, and partner through the entire experience.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

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#81 | Andrea Left the Hospital AMA (Against Medial Advice) to Avoid Induction Feb 17, 2021

Andrea was thirty-three years-old and experiencing a low-risk healthy pregnancy when she went in for her prenatal visit at five days past her guess date and - it just so happened - the week of Christmas and New Year's. Her OB informed her that she would need to be induced. In response to her question, "What happens if we wait for labor to begin on its own," he replied, "Your baby is going to die."
A few days later, when she went in for a routine check-up, her amniotic fluid level was slightly low, and her doctor told her she could not leave the hospital. She learned in the process that hospital staff would be ultra-low during the holiday week, so it was better if she had the baby immediately. But better for whom? In tears, she flat-out refused to stay for the induction. Later that evening she spontaneously went into labor, returning to the same hospital early the next morning to naturally welcome her baby into arms just three hours later. This inspiring birth story demonstrates deep knowing and trust in oneself and decisions for your safest and best birth.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

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#80 | Roundtable: Mothers Who've Miscarried Feb 10, 2021

Approximately 1 in 5 known pregnancies result in miscarriage before 12 weeks, and 1 in 4 women have experienced a miscarriage in their lifetime. Despite it being a relatively common experience, it is often left unspoken of, leaving mothers heartbroken and shrouded in feelings of guilt and failure.
Today, Amanda, Nicole and Meghan share their heartfelt stories, expressing the deep emotions surrounding their losses. Amanda suffered three miscarriages between the birth of her two boys, and deeply regretted going to the hospital when her first miscarriage occurred. Nicole, who works in the medical field, opted for a DNC, but did so only when she felt ready. Both women were struck by the lack of emotional support offered by hospital staff and even their own medical providers; they described walking through the halls as a sort of "walk of shame" during their surreal moments surrounding their DNCs. Meghan, who had just committed to a home birth the day before her miscarriage occurred, opted to go through her loss naturally at home, and then held a series of memorial rituals with her husband, sons and midwife in the following days. This episode demonstrates that no matter how a woman goes through her loss, the emotions of guilt, regret and isolation can be universal.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

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#79 | Cynthia Mini: What is Medical Rhetoric? Feb 08, 2021

Medical Rhetoric involves language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect on its audience, but often lacks sincerity or meaningful content. How can you tell when your obstetrician or medical provider is using rhetoric to persuade, discourage or manipulate you into going along with a particular course of action without first offering you any information or data that would be useful in your decision-making?
Share your stories of rhetoric with us @downtobirthshow on Instagram or at www.DownToBirthShow.com.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

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#78 | Christina's Run From Induction to a Home Birth with Group B Strep Feb 03, 2021

When Christina showed up at the hospital with ruptured membranes and GBS+ status, the hospital informed her that she was not allowed to leave—not even to return home to get her hospital bag.

According to Christina, every cell in her body told her to run. She made a few phone calls, started crying while she searched for a way out, and soon found herself driving across state lines to see a home birth midwife for another opinion.
This is Christina's remarkable story of following her intuition even when faced with rational medical advice. Her decision did not come easy. She had her doubts, but her intuition spoke louder than her provider or anyone else. This story is sure to inspire!

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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

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#77 | January Q&A: Co-sleeping; Prodromal Labor; Switching Providers; Third Babies; Conceiving While Breastfeeding; Vaginal Dryness; Baby-Led Weaning; Hep-Locks and IVs Jan 27, 2021

This month's Q&A is packed with valuable information! Check it out below:
Did you Co-Sleep with your babies?

I am thinking about leaving my provider. What do you recommend I say or do?

Do you have any tips for prodromal labor?

Is it common to have vaginal dryness while breastfeeding?

Is it true that the 3rd baby can be a "wild card?" And if so, is there anything I can do?

Do I need to make any changes to my breastfeeding schedule if I am trying to conceive?

What is baby-led weaning and can it work with exclusive breastfeeding?

Can I refuse a saline-lock IV in labor?

Don't forget you can submit questions via our website downtobirthshow.com or via Instagram @downtobirthshow. See chapter makers to skip to a specific question.

* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#76 | Birth Story Mini: Tara's Empowered Birth During Covid Jan 25, 2021

After losing her first baby in utero at five months, Tara and her husband became pregnant again and quickly realized they were with a large group of rotating obstetricians who didn't feel quite right for them. After switching to a midwifery practice and preparing with HypnoBirthing, Tara had a beautiful birth amid COVID protocols, but not without some obstacles along the way, including dehydration, meconium and a hospital transfer. With the support of her husband and midwives, and getting creative with various positions during a 3-hour pushing stage, Tara birthed her baby in what felt "almost like a romantic experience" due to the care she received, music and essential oils. Tara describes her birth as having felt like a true victory after peacefully moving beyond all the unforeseen challenges they encountered along the way.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

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Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#75 | Fetal Monitoring and Fetal Distress with Midwife-Author Amy Romano Jan 20, 2021

To monitor or not monitor: that is the question. More specifically, how to best monitor your baby in labor without causing undue worry and intervention is the question of today's episode. Author, midwife, and researcher Amy Romano MBA, MSN, CNM tells us that a large body of evidence on fetal heart rate monitoring indicates that we are likely looking for and finding problems that don't actually exist when it comes your baby's heartbeat in labor. And there is a significant cost to both mom and baby including higher rates of cesarean section, more forcep and vacuum deliveries and fewer vaginal births. In today's episode you will learn:
1. The difference between Intermittent Auscultation (IA) and Continuous Electronic Fetal Monitoring.
2. The evidence or lack thereof to support Continuous Electronic Fetal Monitoring (CEFM) and the risks of EFM.
3. How to ask your hospital and care provider for Intermittent Auscultation for fetal monitoring in labor.
Amy Romano MBA, MSN, CNM
#5 | Preterm Babies & the Case for Midwifery Care: Interview with Midwife/Author Amy Romano
Optimal Care in Childbirth: The Case for a Physiologic Approach
Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement

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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#74 | Table For Five: Author Ted Yang Gives Voice To Fathers Who've Lost A Baby Jan 13, 2021

When Ted Yang learned his wife was pregnant, life felt amazing! He was married to the love of his life, had a fulfilling and lucrative career, and was expecting not one but three babies. But his world was turned upside down when he found himself facing the reality of premature birth, one infant loss, and two premature babies fighting for their lives. His experience as a loss father left him feeling alone in a society which fails to adequately support mothers of loss and premature infants, let alone fathers.
Ted tells his story today in hopes of inspiring more fathers to come forward, to share, and to inspire hope and healing for those coping with the life-long challenges of overcoming prematurity and grieving the loss of a child.
Table For Five: A Father's Story of Life, Love, and Loss
Ted Yang
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#73 | Trisha Mini: The Six Week Postpartum Visit: No, I'm Not Ready to Have Sex Jan 11, 2021

The six week postpartum visit is generally the time when new moms get the green light to return to having sex, yet so many (more than 80%) are not ready to do so. In today's mini-sode Trisha digs into the meaning of the six week postpartum visit and discusses how we can do better in supporting mothers in the postpartum transition.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#72 | The Winding Road Through Postpartum with Claude Racine-Valinsky Jan 06, 2021

You may remember professional dancer and choreographer Claude Racine-Valinsky from episode #28. Claude came back on the show today to talk about her postpartum experience – the battle she’s having with the body she’s always counted on; the resentment she feels toward the husband she adores; and the knowledge that her son’s physical and emotional wellness has not merely integrated into her life but has taken center stage. Through her forthright language and tears, what emerges in this episode is a woman taking an honest look at her marriage, motherhood, and even her own childhood, with a wisdom and compassion that she didn’t see coming.
#28 | Claude Racine-Valinsky's Birth Story: No Place Like Home

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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#71 | December Q&A: Postpartum Hair Loss; Fear of Childbirth; Sex During Pregnancy; Postpartum Resentment; Induction for High Blood Pressure; A Mother's Stress on Baby; Co-Lactation in Same-Sex Parents Dec 30, 2020

Our last episode of 2020 is here and it's loaded with great questions! Have you wondered why so many women experience significant hair loss postpartum? How much does a mother's experience of stress impact her baby? Why do I feel so resentful toward my husband? My OB wants to induce me for a past history of high blood pressure even though my blood pressure is currently normal. What's up with my sex drive in pregnancy? And, is it possible to experience a pain free birth?

Thank you to all of our listeners and our community. What a wonderful year it has been on the podcasting front! Please remember to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you tune in so you'll never miss an episode. See you next week and next year!
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#70 | Home Birth on Little Cranberry Island Breaks 93-Year Streak Dec 23, 2020

On a little island off the coast of Maine, reside only sixty-five year round residents. The last woman to give birth on the island was Erin's grandmother ninety-three years ago. On September 26th, Azalea Belle Gray was born peacefully at home with her five siblings nearby, after a long and tiring prodromal labor followed by a swift and sudden active stage. Today's home birth story is as heart-warming as it is historical and represents the profound importance of community and family.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#69 | Birth Story Mini: Courtney's Birth Managing Rh Incompatibility with RhoGam Dec 21, 2020

In this birth story mini episode, Courtney shares the story of her second son's birth, which involved managing her pregnancy with a RhoGam shot due to her Rh incompatibility (which occurs when a mother's blood type is negative and her baby's is positive). Courtney's birth took place during the earlier part of the Covid pandemic and despite these unforeseen obstacles, particularly after having had an easy birth with her first son, her second birth went well and very quickly.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#68 | Our Five Must-Hear Episodes of 2020 Dec 16, 2020

While we still have a few more episodes going live before the end of the year, Trisha and Cynthia spend this episode looking back at the 67 episodes published thus far in season one, since the launch of Down To Birth last New Year's. Disclaimer: One of the episodes may not be suitable for everyone, as it deals with stillbirth. But check out why we selected these as our top five, and hear snippets of the episodes through our discussion.
To listen to any of our "Top Five" click here:
#5:
Episode 38: Your Dog and Newborn: Interview with Heather Corum from Canine Company
#4:
Episode 7: Jessica's Fooling Breech Baby Coming Through
#3:
Episode 14: Roundtable: Mothers of Stillbirth and What They Can Teach Us
#2:
Episode 9: Birth Plan 101: Evidence-Based Birth as the Safest, Smartest Approach
#1
Episode 3: Roundtable: Postpartum Moms on Isolation, Anxiety, Sex and Marriage
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#67 | Leah's Birth Story: From Trauma to Triumph in Two Dramatically Different Births Dec 09, 2020

Leah’s first-birth trauma began the moment she arrived at the hospital and continued during an unusually difficult, even dangerous postpartum recovery period. She was the last person to believe her second baby would arrive quickly, vaginally and naturally among a joyful staff of midwives and nurses. In this episode, Leah discusses the details around her first birth: What happened, how she was treated, how she regained control over her provider relationship and healed herself mentally and emotionally before conceiving her second baby and facing her fears all over again. Leah's story is one of moving through her trauma and thriving in the aftermath.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#66 | Informed Pregnancy: Interview with Dr. Elliot Berlin Dec 02, 2020

Dr. Elliot Berlin is a chiropractor and doula who has a knack for getting babies to assume the best position for birth. He's become an integral part of the Los Angeles county natural birth community and is the host of the Informed Pregnancy Podcast. He believes every woman should have the birth they desire and provides the tools and knowledge he feels make all the difference. In this episode with Elliot, we discuss women's choices when it comes to birth, and the variance in care among providers. Can a breech baby be born vaginally? (Yes!) Does he think all providers should be supportive of VBAC (yes!) Can emotional support and physical skeletal and fascial release make all the difference in a woman's birth outcome? You get the idea...tune in to hear Elliot's take on pregnancy and birth, and his thoughts around providing women with the support, space and respect they deserve.
Spinning Babies - Gail Tully's fetal positioning resources
Colleen Myatt - doula referenced in episode
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#65 | Birth Story Mini: Jen's First VBAC After Placenta Previa Nov 30, 2020

In today's mini-episode, Jen shares the story of her first of two VBACs - that is, vaginal birth after Cesarean. Jen's first birth was a scheduled Cesarean due to placenta previa, and having been cleared of that condition the second time around, Jen switched providers when her doctor didn't seem 100% on board with the idea of a VBAC. The midwives she hired believed in her every step of the way.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#64 | November Q&A: Comfort Foods & Breast Milk; Water-Birthing Temperatures; Struggling with Asking For Help; Antenatal Colostrum; Labor Breathing Techniques; Pubis Symphysis Dysfunction; Combating Nausea Nov 25, 2020

We are back with our monthly Q&A! This week we discuss the just right temp for laboring in the water, understanding why it is so hard to ask for help postpartum, how to best breathe in labor, what to do about morning sickness and nausea in early pregnancy; and finally, we bring in physical therapist, Tara Gibson, to help us better understand the impact of pubic symphysis dysfunction during labor.
PS: What's the ultimate comfort food: hint, it's drinkable! Tune in to find out.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and call us at 802-GET-DOWN to submit your own question.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#63 | Planning Your Successful VBAC Nov 18, 2020

What does it take to have a successful VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)? In this episode, we hear from several women about their successful VBAC stories followed by a discussion between Cynthia and Trisha on what it takes to get there. If 60-80% of VBAC attempts are successful and only 13% of candidates are having them, what is holding them back or standing in their way? Tune in to hear our thoughts on planning the VBAC you desire.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#62 | Cynthia Mini: Deconstructing "Supportive Partners" Nov 16, 2020

I've been doing this work a long time. And from where I sit, I have the unique advantage of being able to observe trends and societal patterns. And there's something I've been trying to figure out for a long time: What's up with postpartum women telling us their partners - especially when those partners are men/husbands - are "supportive"? This doesn't quite sit right with me, and in today's mini-episode, I explore why.
After you give it a listen, please message us @downtobirthshow on Instagram or click on our website link below. Do you agree or disagree? How come? I mean, is it just me? I think I'm onto something here. Now tell me what you think.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends. Please also check out our new website at www.downtobirthshow.com and let us know what you think!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#61 | When Breastfeeding Sucks: Interview with Zainab Yate Nov 11, 2020

Breastfeeding aversion is a little known and little discussed phenomenon that more than a few mothers experience. Zainab, author of “When Breastfeeding Sucks” and advocate for women who experience breastfeeding as less than wonderful at best and seriously shitty at worst, is here to explain what it is, what it means, and how to work with it...or not because sometimes breast is not best. If you've ever had the overwhelming urge to stop breastfeeding, this episode is for you.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#60 | Love + Marriage + Baby: Interview with Maggie O'Connor, LMFT Nov 04, 2020

We are never more receptive to love (thank you, oxytocin) than in the early months after having a baby. For every couple, bringing home a baby for the first time brings up massive amounts of emotion; and, how we recognize and process these emotions with our partner determines whether we grow closer or more distant during this unique and highly vulnerable life transition. In today's episode, Maggie O'Connor, LMFT, explains how we can strengthen our relationships during this time and identifies the habits and behaviors that help us or hurt us along the way.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#59 | Birth Story Mini: Andrea's Natural Birth Nov 02, 2020

In this episode, one of Cynthia's HypnoBirthing clients, Andrea, shares her pregnancy and birth experience. She wanted a happy, natural birth and describes her process in achieving one, but the predominant thing she feels she learned is that she - and all women - should feel they have choice along the way. That all decisions belong to the birthing mother.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends. Please also check out our new website at www.downtobirthshow.com and let us know what you think!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#58 | October Q&A: Milk Supply; VBA2C; Second-Pregnancy Symptoms; Urge to Push; Sitz Baths; Vertex Babies Who Flip Oct 28, 2020

What does it mean if my baby won't stay head down in late pregnancy? Can I prepare my perineum for birth by taking a sitz bath during pregnancy? Let's talk about VBAC/VBA2C and why Failure To Progress (FTP) is NOT a risk factor for another cesarean birth. Here's the biggest worry for new mothers planning to breastfeed: making enough milk and how to do it. What if I get the urge to push before I am fully dilated? How late in pregnancy can I change providers? Am I pregnant? My symptoms are completely different this time. All this and more in this week's Q&A episode!
If you have a question, please visit our website to submit or send us a message on IG. We love to hear from you.
#56 Breastfeeding Mini: The Importance of Establishing Your Milk Supply in the First Month

#55 | Against Many Odds: Jasmine's Vaginal Delivery After Two Cesarean Sections (VBA2C)

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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and call us at 802-GET-DOWN to submit your own question.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#57 | Childbirth: A Woman's Awakening with Certified Professional Midwife, Joni Stone Oct 21, 2020

Joni Stone is a homebirth midwife of twenty years. After studying neuroscience in undergrad, she earned a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Spirituality from Columbia. Her work explored the physical changes our brains go through in becoming mothers, and how these changes are akin to the same brain changes that occur after an intense life experience, which may result in spiritual enlightenment. In this episode, she explains the five factors in enlightenment, raises the possibility that traumatic birth may interfere with having those types of experiences, and discusses simple yet powerful techniques for both awareness and healing.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#56 | Breastfeeding Mini: The Importance of Establishing Your Milk Supply in the First Month Oct 19, 2020

It's not your boobs! It's your baby. One of the biggest misconceptions that new mothers have around breastfeeding is that they won't be able to produce enough milk to meet their baby's needs. And one of the top three reasons that mothers stop breastfeeding is a sense of insufficient milk production, leaving mothers feeling that their bodies and breasts have failed them. In today's minisode I address the critical window of time for establishing a full milk supply and the three biggest culprits that stand in the way of getting there...and your breasts aren't one of them!
Episode #44: Breastfeeding Mini--The First Week of Breastfeeding & Why it Matters Most
Episode #33: Breastfeeding Mini--Out with the Rules, In with Your Instincts

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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends. Please also check out our new website at www.downtobirthshow.com and let us know what you think!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#55 | Against Many Odds: Jasmine's Vaginal Delivery After Two Cesarean Sections (VBA2C) Oct 14, 2020

When it came to having the birth experience she desired, Jasmine was not giving up. After two prior C-sections, she was determined to have a VBAC. More than forty-eight hours into her third labor with a failed epidural she was exhausted, afraid....and nine centimeters. Three pushes later, despite many odds, her baby was in her arms. Tune in today to hear this inspiring VBA2C birth story.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends. Please also check out our new website at www.downtobirthshow.com and let us know what you think!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#54 | Spinning Babies: Optimizing Your Baby's Position for a Faster, Easier Labor with Gail Tully Oct 07, 2020

Do you know why some vaginal births are fast and others slow? Some easy and others difficult, if not impossible? Optimal fetal positioning is the answer and despite what we've been led to believe, head-down is not the whole story. Gail Tully, the world's foremost expert on fetal positioning and founder of Spinning Babies is here with us today to explain how your everyday activities from your job to how you sit, stand and exercise, greatly influence your baby's position at birth. Tune in as Gail details some steps you can take to optimize your baby's position for your safest, easiest and probably fastest vaginal birth.
Spinning Babies
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends. Please also check out our new website at www.downtobirthshow.com and let us know what you think!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#53 | Birth Story Mini: Candra's Back Labor with Group B Strep Oct 05, 2020

Today's Birth Story Mini-Episode features Candra, a first-time Mom who had GBS (Group B Strep), release of membranes, antibiotics, vomiting and intense back labor. Despite everything her birth was natural and as soon as her daughter came out, she said she was ready to have another. Candra's story is a great example of how birth can be a good and fulfilling experience even when it's not necessarily "easy" along the way.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#52 | September Q&A: Hilarious Husbands; Birthing Positions; Flat Nipples; Gentle Cesarean; Unassisted Home-Birth Tips; Anterior Placentas Sep 30, 2020

Imagine if your husband left for the hospital without you while you were in labor?What does it mean to have an anterior placenta? How might flat nipples impact your ability to breastfeed? When it comes to positions for giving birth, YOU are in charge. Ever wondered how to prepare for the possibility of an unexpected and unassisted home birth? Whether you are planning a cesarean birth or suddenly shift plans to having one, there are ways to do so feeling more empowered and respected throughout. Tune into to this week’s Q&A with Cynthia & Trisha for the scoop!
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends. Please also check out our new website at www.downtobirthshow.com and let us know what you think!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and call us at 802-GET-DOWN to submit your own question.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#51 | Postpartum Incontinence: Author Luce Brett's Journey Through the Wet-Knickered Wilderness to Dry Land Sep 23, 2020

She asks for a list of things that make me leak – my first incontinence homework. I begin: ‘Walking, running, stretching, coughing, sneezing, lifting up a baby, farting, shouting, crying, standing up, long strides, buses, exercise, stairs ...’”

This is the beginning of Luce Brett’s book PMSL or How I literally Pissed Myself Laughing and Survived the Last Taboo to Tell the Tale. Today, we interview Luce on her postpartum incontinence journey--a life chapter shrouded in embarrassment, sadness, itchy wetness and bewilderment during a time she had expected to feel elated, joyful, and deeply in love with motherhood and her baby.

With 1 in 3 women experiencing bladder weakness and urinary leakage, this topic is as important as it is taboo. Luce’s story is both funny and factual, raw and heartfelt and something all women can benefit from hearing--if not for themselves then for someone they love.

PMSL: How I Literally Pissed Myself Laughing and Survived the Last Taboo to Tell the Tale
* * * * * * * * * *
If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#50 | Postpartum Mini: You're Not Going Crazy, It's Probably Postpartum Anxiety Sep 21, 2020

Hi everyone! In this Postpartum Mini episode Cynthia talks about Postpartum Anxiety, which is four times more common than Postpartum Depression, though it technically falls under the same umbrella. Postpartum anxiety can affect anyone (even fathers and parents who adopt), and is a function of how intensely bonded you are to your baby. The problem is, most people don't know about it. And if you experience intrusive thoughts - like being terrified you'll drop the baby down the staircase, or that your baby will experience a freak accident that you keep playing over and over in your mind - you just might think you're going crazy when you're not. In this episode, Cynthia describes some ways postpartum anxiety can manifest, why it can occur and what can be done about it. Please share this episode with any postpartum moms you know, because they just might be suffering from this condition (almost all parents do to some extent) and they're probably living with it in silence. Reach out to Cynthia and Trisha at the links below to share your story or ask us a question. This is a community-based podcast, and you're our community!
Finally, if you’d like to hear three moms have a conversation among themselves about postpartum anxiety, be sure to listen to our Postpartum Roundtable, Episode #3.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#49 | Dr. Neel Shah OBGYN: Agency, Dignity, & The Number One Risk Factor for Cesarean Birth Sep 16, 2020

Dr. Neel Shah, an obstetrician and professor at Harvard medical school, is dedicated to improving maternity care in the United States.Think part-scientist, part-sociologist and you'll see how his work in maternity care has made him a globally-recognized expert in tackling one of the biggest challenges for women giving birth today: the widely variable and sometimes extreme cesarean rate across the nation.
Today, Dr. Shah talks to us about one of the simplest yet most effective solutions for improving birth outcomes in the hospital-based maternity system.
Dr. Neel Shah Instagram
Dr. Neel Shah Twitter
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#48 | Becky and Tom's DIY Home Birth Sep 09, 2020

Today we're talking with Becky and Tom, one of several HypnoBirthing couples Cynthia has worked with who ended up with an unplanned home birth. When you hear these stories, it's often hard to remember that the couple really believed they were about to get in the car. But some babies don't give quite enough advanced notice and you find yourself having a DIY birth at home!
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#47 | Pregnancy Story Mini - Jess Hears Herself Sep 07, 2020

Hi all! One of Cynthia's expecting HypnoBirthing moms had a story to share in class that brought her to tears, and now she's sharing it for all of you. How do you know if you're with the right provider? With so much uncertainty and so few hard facts, a woman's intuition, and often her partner's as well, is hands down the best way to inform this all-important decision. Jess tells you what this experience felt like for her.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you on Wednesday!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#46 | Sandy's Secret Home Birth Sep 02, 2020

Some things are best kept to ourselves...when Sandy and her husband decided to have a home birth, they also decided to keep their decision just between the two of them. This is a beautiful birth story of trusting ourselves, the parents
of the baby, to know what is best for our desired birth experience.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#45 | August Q&A: Outrageous OB Comments; Pooping in Labor; Mastitis; C-Sections and Genetics; Birth Plans; Children in the Birthing Room Aug 26, 2020

We are kicking off this month's Q&A with some outrageous, real-life OB comments (#shitmyobsaid) because it is all too common that women are subjected to outlandish untruths and often degrading language. There are plenty of excellent providers out there, so switch if you must!
Here's the question on almost every woman's mind: Will I poop in labor and how can I prevent this? Also, do you know the difference between infectious and inflammatory mastitis? It’s important to recognize the early warning signs and take steps to prevent it from becoming a full-blown infection. "If my mother had a C-section, does that mean I am more likely to have one as well?" No, but your paradigm for how you view birth has a big impact and your pelvic type has a small one. Is it okay to have children in the room while giving birth? We are personally proponents of including children in the birth process, but it is not for everyone, so how's a couple to make this decision? Tune in today to hear our thoughts on all these great questions from our community and call us at 802-GET-DOWN to submit your own question.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#44 | Breastfeeding Mini: The First Week of Breastfeeding and Why it Matters Most Aug 24, 2020

Hi everyone! Today Trisha continues providing breastfeeding information for those of you who want to know what to expect in that first week of forming a breastfeeding relationship with your newborn. Trisha gives tips as to what makes this process easier and also describes how your investment in this first week will payoff in the long run with an easier breastfeeding experience overall. Thanks for listening, and message us on IG or email us if you have any follow-up questions for our next monthly Q&A episode!
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends and be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#43 | Katie's Birth Story: Twins Born Naturally Against All Odds Aug 19, 2020

In the United States approximately 90% of mothers with twins give birth by C-section, the majority of which are scheduled. Katie Novack of The Wonder List is a travel blogger who never planned on having children. Suddenly she and her husband of 13 years discovered they were not only pregnant - but with twins! They felt a strong desire to bring their babies into the world vaginally and discovered pretty much until the moments the babies came out that this would be no easy feat.
Katie's here with us today, just four weeks postpartum, to tell us what happens when your intuition speaks louder than hospital staff and how hiring the right provider can make all the difference.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#42 | Birth Story Mini: Rachel's Natural Water Birth Aug 10, 2020

In this birth story mini-episode, Rachel shares the story of her blissful birth using HypnoBirthing and how feeling empowered in her own birthing choices allowed her to have a pain-free and truly thrilling birth experience.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#41 | How the Language We Use Impacts Our Birth: Interview with Sara Pixton of Birth Words Aug 05, 2020

Have you ever wondered why we call it "labor" or say he or she "delivered" my baby? Maybe you felt defeated when your care provider diagnosed you with "failure to progress" or suggested you had an "incompetent cervix". The words we use matter a lot. Sara is a mother, educator, birth worker and founder of Birth Words. With a master's degree in linguistics, she was inspired to fuse her passion for words and birth into a revolutionary movement, bringing awareness to the words we use and reframing our language in a way that gives strength to the birthing woman. She joins us today to explain just how to do this.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#40 | July Q&A: The Placenta & Advanced Maternal Age; COVID-19 Silver Lining ; Chapped Nipples & Poor Latch; Who Can Have a Natural Birth; Pitocin Postpartum; Unsolicated Family Advice Jul 29, 2020

So many excellent questions came in for this week's Q&A episode! We begin with a brief discussion on the possibility of a little silver lining for mothers & babies giving birth during Covid-19. Next, we tackle the question of changing placental function based on maternal age, followed by chapped, bleeding nipples two-weeks postpartum and how to fix them. We discuss how all women can access the confidence to give birth naturally and why a shot of Pitocin after the birth of your baby is not only controversial but usually not properly consented to. Finally, one women is persuaded by her mother-in-law that she will spoil her baby by holding her too much! Remember you can call us at 802-GET-DOWN to submit your own question.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#39 | HypnoBirthing Mini: How and Why Affirmations Work Jul 27, 2020

Hi everyone! We're back today with another HypnoBirthing mini. Regardless of whether you have taken - or plan to take - a HypnoBirthing class before giving birth, we're going to talk about one of the tools in the program that's application to all of us: Affirmations. How do they work? What do they have to do with your belief system? And how can you use them toward preparing your most important birthing organ? (Hint: It's not your uterus.) Tune in to get the inside scoop on how the human brains works, and how this little-understood powerhouse of ours can become our greatest asset - or obstacle - when it comes to achieving your ideal birth or any goal at all.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#38 | Your Dog And Newborn: Interview with Heather Corum from Canine Company Jul 22, 2020

We love dogs and we love babies, so what is the best way to bring your baby home when you already have a dog in the house? All of us at the DTB show are dog owners and dog lovers, and we thought this was not only a fun, but also an important topic for new parents. Today, we have Heather Corum from Canine Company to give us the dog's perspective on what it's like when baby comes home and to teach us all the ways to train your dog for a safe, smooth transition to one big happy family with your pooch!
Canine Company
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#37 | Hospital To Home: A Midwife's Perspective with NYC Midwife Chloë Lubell Jul 15, 2020

Chloë Lubell is a midwife living and working in New York City. She has worked in a number of different settings including public hospitals, private hospitals, birth centers, and homes. After the birth of her own daughter she transitioned out of the hospital to grow a new practice: Cosmos Midwifery.
Chloë’s story shares why a hospital-based midwife made the change to home birth practice and details her experiences feeling unsupported in the hospital and unable to make the changes to the system she knew were necessary to improves health outcomes for all, regardless of insurance status, socioeconomic background or race.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#36 | Birth Story Mini: Tiffany's Breech-Baby Cesarean followed by Natural VBAC Jul 13, 2020

Hey, everyone! We've got another great birth story for you on this mini-episode Monday. Tiffany shares the birth stories of each of her sons. Tiffany's first birth was incredibly arduous; after hours of laboring and pushing, her baby started to emerge breech, resulting in an emergency Cesarean section. During her second pregnancy, Tiffany invested extra energy to fetal positioning exercises, and to practicing hypnosis to keep her in a calm, positive state through her second labor. Her hard work paid off, and you'll hear just how quickly Tiffany's VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarean) was!
If you'd like to share your own pregnancy, postpartum or birth story, we'd love to hear it!
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#35 | Sex: From Pain To Pleasure: Interview with Women's Physical Therapist, Dr. Lauren Crigler Jul 08, 2020

Sex after childbirth. The topic everyone’s thinking about, but hesitates to bring up. Whether it’s pleasurable or painful, we can put a lot of guilt and pressure on ourselves to do things a certain way, or in a certain time period. Dr. Lauren Crigler is sexual wellness therapist and specializes not only in pelvic floor physical therapy, but also in helping couples have more pleasure and connection during sex -- physically and emotionally.

Talking to women about painful intercourse, feeling disconnected from their partners or feeling too exhausted to even think about sex is Lauren’s everyday life. She guarantees your sex live will improve if you address the physical, mental and emotional barriers to enjoying sex again.

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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

Bonus Episode | Trisha's Take on the recent CDC data and NY Times Article: Study Raises Concerns for Pregnant Women With the Coronavirus Jul 03, 2020

In this bonus mini-sode, Trisha address the questions and concerns related recent data released by the CDC and published in the New York Times article by Apoora Mandavilli: Study Raises Concerns for Pregnant Women With the Coronavirus. Learn what the new CDC data on COVID-19 really means for pregnant women and whether you need to feel especially concerned just because you're pregnant. Tune in for Trisha's take, and get the details.
New York Times Article: Study Raises Concerns for Pregnant Women With the Coronavirus
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#34 | Postpartum Depression: Interview with Jen Schwartz of Motherhood Understood Jul 01, 2020

Jen Schwartz is the founder and CEO of Motherhood Understood, a community for women affected by pregnancy and postpartum mental health issues.

Jen had the perfect fairy tale vision of what life with a baby would look like. But, almost immediately after giving birth, everything felt different and she knew something was not right. She tells of how her mother described “the light going out of her eyes.”

Today, she shares with us her journey through both postpartum depression and anxiety and how her recovery inspired her passion for helping to inform, support and heal the lives of other women who’s postpartum mental illness may otherwise have remained hidden in the dark.

Motherhood Understood
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#33 | Breastfeeding Mini: Out With The Rules, In With Your Instincts Jun 29, 2020

In this "Mini-sode Monday" episode, Trisha shares the first and most important rule of breastfeeding--there are no rules! In this short episode, she explains how breastfeeding is a right-brained activity and doesn't require logic, thinking, and planning to be successful. In fact, those left-brained functions can be just the thing that interferes with the natural flow and process of establishing an easy, long lasting breastfeeding relationship with your baby.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#32 | June Q&A: The Difference Between HypnoBirthing and Bradley, When Formula Might be Needed, What's a Cystocele, When To Allow Family Members at the Birth, Membrane Stripping and Vaginal Exams Jun 24, 2020

It's the last Wednesday of the month, which means it’s time to answer your pregnancy, breastfeeding, birth and postpartum questions. Today we're discussing birth support and boundaries, especially when it comes to having a family member, like your own mother, attend your birth. Next, we discuss membrane-stripping for full-term pregnant women. Is it safe? Is it effective? How well does it work? Our breastfeeding topic today is around supplementing with formula--when is it really needed and what can you do to increase your supply? Next we dive into HypnoBirthing and discuss how it differs from the Bradley method. Cystocele? What's that, and what you can do about it if you have one? Finally, Cynthia asks Trisha some of the most common questions her clients ask: How can a provider tell how many centimeters dilated a laboring woman is, and is it really true that all women get to exactly ten centimeters?
Don't forget to see our chapter markers if you want to look for a specific question.
Thank you to all of our listeners who submitted questions for this month's Q&A - keep them coming. Call us at 802-GET-DOWN to submit your own question. We love to hear from you!
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#31 | Megan of Wilson Family Homestead's Birth Story: Unattended Home Birth in the Kitchen Jun 17, 2020

We love a good birth story, and especially one that can’t help but inspire you to give a little or a whole lot more trust to the birth process! Megan, a blogger, homesteader, and lover of all things DIY, founder of the Wilson Family Homestead, joins us today to share the unassisted home birth story of her second child. After three weeks of prodromal labor, Megan figured it was just another night of false labor as she tucked herself into bed...Less than two hours later, she was standing naked on her rustic kitchen floor with her son, Dimi, in her arms, her husband by her side, and her midwife en route.
Later on in the episode, Megan discusses her experience with postpartum depression after her first birth.
Video: Megan's Unassisted Birth in Her Kitchen
Megan Wilson's YouTube Page: Wilson Homestead
Wilson Family Homestead Instagram Page
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#30 | Birth Story Mini: Three Pushes and Lydia's Baby Was Out - In Triage! Jun 15, 2020

Hey, everyone! We've got a great birth story for you on this mini-episode Monday. Lydia shares the story of her second pregnancy and natural birth - it was a fast ride in labor to Yale New Haven Hospital and an even faster ride once they got there! Lydia gave birth to her daughter before they could even get her to the maternity ward!
If you'd like to share your own pregnancy, postpartum or birth story, we'd love to hear it!
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#29 | Birth Control and Your Libido: Interview with Ann Konkoly, Certified Nurse Midwife Jun 10, 2020

Today, we are having a different kind of conversation--one about how to not get pregnant and yet another on how to rev up that lagging sex drive after having kids. We have Ann Konkoly, Certified Nurse Midwife, on the line to give us the run down on the best available contraceptive options from IUDs to implants to the withdrawal method, as well as sharing her tips on how to boost your libido. Be sure not to miss the questions from our community at the end! You are sure to learn some fun facts from this episode.
Bedsider
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#28 | Claude Racine-Valinsky's Birth Story: No Place Like Home Jun 03, 2020

Claude Racine-Valinsky is a professional dancer and social media influencer who developed determination and grit in an industry that tells pretty much anyone over thirty that they're too old for dance. Refusing to buy into those limitations, her career and social media following skyrocketed in her thirties. So when she and her husband were newly pregnant and expecting their first baby at age 37, and her doctor told her at her pregnancy confirmation that she's too old to have children, Claude took the bold step of ghosting her doctor. It was then that Claude's instinct rose to the surface, and for her, that meant there was only one place to birth her son: at home. And while her birth was far from easy, she says she wouldn't have dreamed of doing it any place else.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#27 | Postpartum Mini: The Link Between Postpartum Depression and Wonderful Mothers Jun 01, 2020

Hey, everyone! It's another Mini-Episode Monday and today I describe the burden we impose on pregnant and postpartum women when we lovingly predict she'll be a "wonderful mother". It may come as a surprise to learn that this term actually has a causal relationship to postpartum depression and anxiety. Where does this come from, what does it mean, and how can we reshape this thought pattern into something that will serve parents better? Listen to this mini-episode and be sure to get in touch with us afterwards by leaving us a voice message at the number below. We'd love to hear your own thoughts around calling someone - or being told that we are - a "wonderful" mother.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#26 | May Q&A: Refusing Newborn Interventions, Birthing the Placenta, Breastfeeding Support At Birth, Co-Sleeping May 27, 2020

We are back with another monthly Q&A episode. This week we have some big topics such as "mandatory" newborn interventions: can I say no to the antibiotic eye ointment and/or the Vitamin K shot? Next, we explain the birth of the placenta: when it happens and what to expect. Also, we address how to get started with breastfeeding immediately following birth--don't miss the one simple first step! Lastly, we talk about co-sleeping: what does it mean, who is it for, and is it safe?
Thank you to all of our listeners who submit wonderful and inquiring questions for our community.
Co-Sleeping & Bed Sharing
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and call us at 802-GET-DOWN to submit your own question.

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#25 | Your Core & Pelvic Floor: Interview with Women's Health Physical Therapist Tara Gibson May 20, 2020

In today's episode we're sitting down with physical therapist Tara Gibson, founder of Aligned Life Physical Therapy and Pelvic Wellness, where she works with prenatal and postpartum women in repairing and maintaining a healthy core and pelvic floor.
Just think Kegels, sex, abs, peeing when you sneeze, diastasis, and what can be done about scar tissue. Let's learn to how to strengthen, recover and tone where it matters most. Don't miss the incredibly valuable information in this episode on why a healthy core and pelvic floor are essential.
Aligned Life Physical Therapy
Voices for Pelvic Floor Disorders
Recovering From Birth
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#24 | HypnoBirthing Mini: Group B Strep with Released Membranes and Her Instinct Told Her to Run from Induction May 18, 2020

Hi, Listeners! In this first Monday-Mini-Episode, I share the story of one of my HypnoBirthing clients, Christina, who was diagnosed with Group B Strep at 36 weeks. When her membranes released at 39 weeks, her midwives made the evidence-based recommendation that she go immediately to the hospital for induction and antibiotics, even though labor hadn't yet begun. When she and her husband got to the hospital parking lot, she called me sobbing with the words I'll always remember: "Every cell in my body is telling me not to go into the hospital right now". Listen to find out what she did from there, and discover the one thing powerful enough to make her refuse the sound, reasonable recommendation of her trusted midwives.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#23 | Lisa Bass's Birth Story: In the Hospital, In a Car, and At Home May 13, 2020

Our guest today is blogger and mother-of-six, Lisa Bass, who you may recognize by her social media platform Farmhouse on Boone. Lisa is the epitome of the modern-day natural living mother. She's making sourdough starter one moment and sewing her children's clothes the next, while wearing her baby in a sling and managing her multi-platform business. Her husband is home with her full-time, and they home school.
Today Lisa joins us to share how her six birth experiences evolved, from her highly medical first birth to a planned birth center birth, which resulted in an unassisted car birth while her husband drove 70 mph down the highway.
All three babies after that were born peacefully at home.
Lisa's story inspires the intuitive approach to finding the right provider and right birth space, where a mother feels her safest during labor and most at peace with her birth experience.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#22 | Birth Into Being: Interview with Elena Tonetti-Vladimirova May 06, 2020

Elena Tonetti-Vladimirova is one of the pioneers of the Conscious Birth Movement. From 1982 to 1989, she was one of the original organizers of the birth camps at the Black Sea in Russia, where many women gave birth in shallow lagoons in the presence of wild dolphins. If you've taken a HypnoBirthing class, you may have seen this in Elena's movie, Birth As We Know It. Elena is revered as a spiritual midwife to thousands of families and professionals alike. Elena has been training new facilitators in her method, Birth Into Being, since 2004, and her graduates are now teaching her method in all major languages across 22 countries. The key focus of Birth Into Being is to prevent birth complications through healing on the conscious and subconscious levels. Elena was featured in the UN-sponsored book Force Such As the World Has Never Known: Women Creating Change, as one of the 30 Most Influential Grassroots Women in the World. She received the Legendary Leader Award and has been a keynote speaker at countless conferences.
Elena's specialty is in the field of limbic imprinting. In this episode, Elena explains how she's prepared thousands of couples for blissful birthing through her birth-preparation programs, and shares her perspective on how the very world we live in has the opportunity to heal through the way in which we birth our babies.
Birth Into Being - Elena's Website
Birth As We Know it - Video Link
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#21 | April Q&A: Supporting the Immune System in Pregnancy, Painful Postpartum Sex, Your Rights Regarding Separation of Baby After Childbirth, Why You Can Skip the Newborn Bath, What to Expect During the Postpartum Recovery Process Apr 29, 2020

How can you stay your healthiest during pregnancy? While the immune system is slightly compromised and worries are higher with COVID-19, there are many healthy, easy ways to keep yourself strong and healthy. Tune in to hear our tips! In this Q&A we also answer questions around experiencing painful, sexual intercourse several months postpartum, the key reasons babies are unnecessarily separated from parents postpartum, why you can skip the newborn bath, and what to expect during recovery from a vaginal birth and how to best support your healing. Oh, and bonus...our favorite natural birth books. Remember you can call us at 802-GET-DOWN to submit your own question!
Postpartum Soothe - for an easier recovery from vaginal birth
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
National Institutes of Health: Unraveling the Mystery of Vernix
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

Bonus Episode | How Doulas Support Couples During COVID-19: Interview with Doula Colleen Myatt Apr 24, 2020

Hey podcast community - We've been getting so many questions around COVID-19, we wanted to dive deeper on how doulas are supporting couples right now. In this bonus episode, we spoke with birth- and postpartum-doula Colleen Myatt to find out how doulas are supporting couples during social distancing and/or while certain hospitals currently disallow doulas from attending couples' births. Colleen is certified through DONA International, and she is also an Evidence Based Birth and Spinning Babies Parent Educator. Thanks for listening and see you for our April Q&A episode on Wednesday!
Beautiful Births and Beyond
DONA International
Spinning Babies
Evidence Based Birth
* * * * * * * * * *
If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#20 | Cord Blood Banking and How It Can Help with Diabetes, Cancer, Alzheimer's and Autism: Interview with Marion Welch of Cryo-Cell International Apr 22, 2020

When it comes to having babies we all agree health matters most. While the benefits of delayed cord clamping are well known, less understood is cord blood banking--that is, saving those stem cells for potential use later on. Marion Welch, cord blood educator from Cryo-Cell International is here today to share some of the promising new developments in this field.
Did you know cord blood is being used to treat Alzheimer's, diabetes, cancer and even autism? Marion is taking us on a deep dive to explain how and why an increasing number of parents are incorporating cord blood banking into their baby's birth plan.
Cryo-Cell International
Parents’ Guide to Cord Blood
Foundation for the Accreditation for Cellular Therapy
ACOG FAQ on Cord Blood Banking
* * * * * * * * * *
If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#19 | Trauma & Childbirth: Lindsay's Story Apr 15, 2020

Today's episode depicts Lindsay’s story of healing from the emotional and physical trauma through her own grief, and how each of her births brought her one step closer to freedom from her past.

* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#18 | Courtney's Birth Story: Baby + Triplets Make Four Apr 08, 2020

Imagine you've had an easy, natural birth and are ready for baby number two. Then, when your first child is twelve months old, you go for your pregnancy confirmation visit only to hear, "Surprise! Triplets are joining the family!" Courtney is here today to share her roller coaster journey of shock, excitement, self-determination, and ultimately, her peaceful surrender to the cesarean birth she never thought she would have.
https://www.multiplesofamerica.org/
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends! You can text "downtobirth" to 22828 to join our monthly newsletter.
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood.
You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#17 | Roundtable: How COVID-19 Protocols are Affecting Pregnant Couples Apr 01, 2020

Pregnant and birthing mothers face unprecedented challenges in birth choices during the Coronavirus pandemic. Not only are they concerned about exposure to the virus; but also, many are being told they may have to give birth alone - without the presence of their very own partners, let alone their doulas and other immediate family members. As hospitals across the country have begun to ban labor support, expecting parents face the possible reality of not sharing the birth of their child with each other — and the babies’ fathers missing out on the birth entirely. Today, three expectant mothers share the impacts of social isolation during pregnancy, and their frustrations, hopes, and suddenly-shifting plans for giving birth in the time of Coronavirus. Tune in for this intimate discussion on Covid-19 and its emotional impact on pregnancy and birth.
ACOG: Coronavirus (COVID-19), Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Message for Patients
CDC Update: COVID-19 for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Women
National Perinatal Association: COVID-19
La Leche League International: Coronavirus and Pregnancy
Harvard Medical School: Pregnant and Worried About the New Coronavirus?
International Confederation of Midwives Statement on Women's Rights During Corona Pandemic
Corona Virus Global Tracker
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remem

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#16 | March Q&A: COVID-19 Update for Expecting Parents, Uterine Scars & Childbirth, When Your Partner's Birth Plan Differs from Yours, Taking Hot Baths & Sleep Positions in Pregnancy, Missing Out on the Golden Hour Postpartum Mar 24, 2020

Before we get into our regular Q&A episode, we bring you the current information we have on COVID-19 and its impact on pregnancy and breastfeeding. After reviewing the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), what we know thus far is good news. Sigh of relief. Please tune in to hear more.
In this week's Q&A, we answer questions on uterine scars and the impact on vaginal birth versus cesarean section; what to do when your partner wants you to birth in a hospital and you want to birth at home or at a birth center to avoid unnecessary interventions; some of the most common pregnancy-related questions, such as "Can I take a hot bath in pregnancy" and "Is it unsafe to sleep on my back in pregnancy?" And, don't miss our conversation on the "Golden Hour" after birth, in which we dispel the myth that this an irretrievable moment of bonding if circumstances of your birth interfere. And remember you can call us at 802-GET-DOWN to submit your own question.
Information from the CDC on COVID 19, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Q&A from the WHO on COVID-19, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#15 | Julia's Birth Story: When Bonding Doesn't Happen Mar 18, 2020

If you look up Julia Dzafic’s blog, Lemon Stripes, you’ll find a vibrant young mother sharing her tips on fashion, decor, motherhood, and lifestyle. But today on the podcast, Julia shares a part of her the public hasn’t fully seen: a woman with a history of anxiety who struggled with conception and miscarriage, and who finally conceived and birthed the healthy baby she’d dreamed of, only to feel completely disconnected from the moment of birth.

This is the story of a woman who began motherhood merely going through the motions, hiding her disillusion and belief that her baby deserved better...until some of her own fans sent her into a deeper spiral than she’d ever experienced. Julia tells us about reaching her breaking point, and the steps she took to face her truth and begin her journey toward healing.

Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Anxiety
Julia Dzafic's Blog: Lemon Stripes

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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#14 | Roundtable: Mothers of Stillbirth and What They Can Teach Us Mar 11, 2020

Stillbirth is defined as the loss of a baby between 20 weeks' gestation and birth. Globally 1 in 160 expecting families experience stillbirth, and that incidence is ever greater in the U.S. If this number is surprising that's because stillbirth isn't really talked about. And the effect of the silence is isolation. While society is well-meaning, we're often ill-prepared to truly understand the emotions felt by these parents. Especially the mothers, who tend to have have their own unique set of emotions beyond grief. What does she most need from us? What comments are helpful, and which are hurtful? When, if ever, should you presume it's time to stop asking her how she's doing? To stop mentioning her baby? Our own nervousness and lack of understanding can misreflect the compassion we feel.
March is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. In today's roundtable Samantha, Laura and Jessica are here to share their stories, starting with the births of their babies Alana, Henry and Teddy. If you are pregnant, or feel it would best serve you to skip those details, then you can jump directly to the fourth chapter marker halfway through this episode. If you listen to the very end, you may be surprised to hear appreciation and inspiration make their way into these women's stories, not in spite of their babies, but because of them. You'll also learn that nothing is more important and meaningful to these women than telling their stories, saying their children's name, and honoring their existence. And for giving them this opportunity to be heard, thank you for listening.
Star Legacy Foundation
Stary Legacy Foundation - NY Metro Chapter
Pregnancy Research Project
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
Glow in the Woods
PALS: Pregnancy After Loss Support
Faces of Loss
An Unexpected Family Outing
Still Standing Magazine
How Family & Friends Can Help
Parenting in Pregnancy
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#13 | Is Your Provider Right For You? The First Three Questions to Ask. Mar 04, 2020

The person we choose to attend our birth is one of the most impactful decisions we can make. Unfortunately, all too often the decision is made by default, choosing our gynecologist or our friend’s OB, or simply someone whose practice is close and convenient. We believe in making an informed and conscientious choice about who we allow to attend our birth.
Today, we talk about the first three questions you should consider asking your provider, along with some red flags that would have us running in search of someone better. And most importantly, we identify the one question you should ask yourself each time you leave your provider’s office.

* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#12 | February Q&A: The Banned Frida Mom Ad, Weaning, Ideal Intervals Between Babies, Being High-Risk, High-Lipase Breast Milk, Eating vs. Vomiting in Labor Feb 26, 2020

Let's talk about the Frida Mom ad depicting the real truth of a newly postpartum mom, which was banned from airing during the Oscars. Then, what's a mother to do when the pediatrician is suggesting weaning before mother or baby feels ready? Other questions we cover in this episode relate to feeling in control during labor even when you're high-risk; the ideal interval between babies; why some breast milk smells after it's been frozen or sitting out; and the truth about vomiting and/or eating in labor.
Tune in today to hear our thoughts and opinions on all of these great questions! And join the continued conversation on our IG page @downtobirthshow, and call us any time at 802-GET-DOWN!
The Frida Mom Ad
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#11 | Building Community and Trusting Ourselves as Parents: Interview with Award-Winning Author Peggy O'Mara Feb 19, 2020

Peggy O’Mara has been a role model and icon for generations of mothers, including us. As an award-winning author and journalist and the owner of Mothering magazine, Peggy became the voice for the attachment parenting and natural living community. This interview with Peggy provides a glimpse into her all-embracing, solution-focused and deeply trusting mindset, which demonstrates how she took a once-fragmented, seemingly-radical community of natural parents in the late 70s and turned it into a movement of intellectually-curious and accepting mothers and fathers who learned to relinquish judgment in support one another in their mutual quest to raise their children conscientiously. Even the most casual conversation with Peggy is loaded with wisdom and golden nuggets of truth and inspiration. In this episode Peggy provides countless suggestions for creating your tribe, and shares her thoughts on trusting the birth and parenting process. We also discuss the impact of social media on postpartum isolation, and much more. Finally, be sure to check out the numerous resources Peggy provided for this episode.

Peggy O'Mara
Off Her Back, by Cynthia Overgard
Six Reasons to Break Up With Your Prenatal Caregiver, by Cynthia Overgard
Sarah J Buckley
Michel Odent
Family & Home Network
La Leche League
Holistic moms network
Attachment Parenting International
Resources for Dads
Postpartum Guide for Dads
Birth Resources for Native Women and Women of Color
In Defense of Mothering
Trusting Yourself as a Parent
Benign Neglect
US Family Policy & Family Fun Pack
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-G

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#10 | Cynthia's First Birth Story: Taking Charge of Giving Birth Feb 12, 2020

The story of Cynthia's first birth has been published internationally in various print media between 2007 and 2020, under the the original title Off Her Back and, later, Taking Charge of Giving Birth. Some of those publications include Mothering magazine, Pathways to Family Wellness, and a textbook called Opposing Viewpoints: Childbirth. It's the story of a once-uninformed, overwhelmed woman who channeled her anxiety into educating herself, advocating for herself, and later firing her obstetrician, hiring midwives, and facing her fear of natural childbirth using HypnoBirthing. In the end, she birthed her 8 lb. 14 oz son in exactly three hours from start to finish, and four years later, her 9 lb. 7 oz. daughter during a planned home birth with midwives Amy Romano and Cynthia's co-host Trisha Ludwig. This is the story that prompted Cynthia to leave her corporate career and become a childbirth educator and advocate.
In this episode, Cynthia tells you the remarkable story of the pregnancy and birth of her son in her own words.

Taking Charge of Giving Birth, by Cynthia Overgard
American Association of Birth Centers
DONA International
CAPPA
HypnoBirthing of CT

Other Related Articles by Cynthia Overgard

* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#9 | Birth Plan 101: Evidence Based Birth as the Safest, Smartest Approach Feb 05, 2020

"Can I just say 'No' to an episiotomy? Do I have to give birth on my back? I want to be free to walk around in labor. I don't want to be hooked up to an IV. I believe in skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth." Do you ever feel like what you want - or don’t want - in your birth experience is at risk of not happening for you? This episode spells out the research on various Evidenced Based Birth practices so you can feel confident and comfortable in the choices you make around your birth experience. Grab a pen and your partner, and listen in because you don’t want to miss this essential information.
The evidence presented and statements made in this episode apply to normal, healthy, low-risk pregnant women seeking a low-intervention birth. The statements made are supported by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. The commentary around the statements are our own opinions and are not medical advice.

American College of Nurse Midwives
ACOG Committee Opinion #766: Approaches to limit intervention during labor & birth

Skin to skin care in preterm infants

Optimal Care in Childbirth: The Case for a Physiologic Approach
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#8 | Q & A: Waterbirthing, Postpartum Anxiety, Breastfeeding, Velamentous Cords, Self-Advocacy, & When To Go To The Hospital Jan 29, 2020

It’s time for more Q&A! Today we talk about considerations around water birthing, dealing with your feelings around students/interns providing your care, when and how to introduce a bottle to your breastfed baby, understanding signs of postpartum depression, what to do if you have a velamentous cord insertion (and what is that anyway?), and the biggie every first time mother wants to know: “How do I know when it is time to go to the hospital?”
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
Bed Sharing & Breastfeeding Protocol
Waterbirth International
Postpartum Support International
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#7 | Jessica's Birth Story: A Footling Breech Baby Coming Through Jan 22, 2020

It isn't often we hear stories of women who change providers when their baby is full-term. At her 39 week check-up, Jessica learned her baby was breech...feet first!
After facing an impending cesarean section that same day, she took matters into her own hands. This is the story of a woman whose trust in herself was so absolute, she trekked from New York into Amish country to birth her baby not only in the unlikeliest of places, but also in a most unusual position. If you've ever doubted your body's ability to do what it is designed to do, Jessica's story will inspire you to trust in your own intuition above all.
Episode Resources:
Spinning Babies: www.spinningbabies.com
Ina May Gaskin’s Guide to Childbirth
ACOG FAQ: Breech Babies https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/If-Your-Baby-Is-Breech?

* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#6 | Amazing Husband Syndrome Jan 17, 2020

Every week, Cynthia and Trisha moderate a postpartum support group, where women gain validation and unique insight into one another's thoughts, experiences and comments. Over time, it's clear to see certain patterns emerge within every new group. In this episode we discuss one of them: Why do so many women feel compelled to describe their partners as "amazing" -- not good, not 'doing his best', not human -- but amazing. Thus was born our term Amazing Husband Syndrome. We question why women suffer so much guilt around their mothering while holding their partners to a markedly different standard. While overemphasizing the magnitude of their partners' contributions, we women can unwittingly underemphasize our own efforts, qualities and achievements in parenting.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#5 | Preterm Babies & the Case for Midwifery Care: Interview with Midwife/Author Amy Romano Jan 15, 2020

Certified Nurse Midwife and award-winning author of Optimal Care in Childbirth: The Case for a Physiologic Approach, Amy Romano, joins us today to share dramatic trends ranging from physiologic to sociologic, which are contributing to poor outcomes in the U.S., especially for black women.

What are the risk factors for preterm birth, and do those risk factors impact black and white women differently?
What mental and emotional factors are contributing to preterm babies?
Finally, Amy discusses the provider/client benefits of a Yale model of care involving group midwifery care.

* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#4 | Q & A: Induction, Due Dates, Placenta Previa, Glucose Drink, Ultrasound & Baby's Size, Plugged Ducts, Family Boundaries Jan 08, 2020

Tune in to our first Q & A session where Cynthia and Trisha offer their thoughts on your questions: to induce or to wait at 41 weeks, alternatives to the one hour glucose tolerance test, ultrasound says my baby may be too big, what happens when you pump a little too much, family member input on birth choices, and what to do about placenta previa.
* * * * * * * * * *

If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can sign up for online and in-person HypnoBirthing childbirth classes for pregnant couples taught by Cynthia Overgard, as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#3 | Roundtable: Postpartum Moms on Isolation, Anxiety, Sex, and Marriage Jan 08, 2020

Today's episode was recorded on location at HypnoBirthing of CT in Westport, where we brought together three women between 8 and 16 months postpartum to reflect on their experiences. You'll hear about their anxieties and how they've struggled to stay connected to the husbands they love. This episode contains sensitive content and uncensored language. Before tonight, these women had never met before; yet their feelings, fears, and hopes instantly connected them in this open, honest discussion of real life after a new baby.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can check out online and in-person prenatal, breastfeeding, HypnoBirthing childbirth classes and postpartum events at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#2 | Lee's Birth Story: A 42-year-old Mother's Fast, Unplanned Home-Birth Jan 02, 2020

Today on the podcast we're debuting our Birth Stories segment with an incredible account of a woman whose planned hospital birth had a plan of its own. Lee is here today to share her remarkable story of how a forty-two year-old woman experienced an ecstatic and transformative birth experience in the most unexpected of places. This story is as inspiring as it is surprising.
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can check out online and in-person prenatal, breastfeeding, HypnoBirthing childbirth classes and postpartum events at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

#1 | Is A Healthy Mother & Baby All That Matters? Jan 02, 2020

Tune in to our very first episode where Cynthia, Trisha, and Zuzana talk about how they met and why they do what they do. They discuss the significance of birth choices and why a healthy mom and baby is NOT all that matters when it comes to having a baby. This is about women finding their own voice in pregnancy, and about having a birth that's not only safe, but leaves you feeling respected, heard and honored. It's about having a birth that leaves you feeling at peace. Because isn't that ultimately everything?

Episode Resources:
Taking Charge of Giving Birth: https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Pregnancy-Birth/taking-charge-of-giving-birth.html
American College of Nurse Midwives: https://www.midwife.org
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists: https://www.acog.org
Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net
Hypnobirthing of Connecticut: http://hypnobirthingct.com
Life After Birth: https://www.lifeafterbirthct.com
Midwives Alliance of North America: https://mana.org
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality
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If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!
Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can check out online and in-person prenatal, breastfeeding, HypnoBirthing childbirth classes and postpartum events at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Postpartum Soothe
Postpartum Soothe™ is 100% organic. An herbal tincture for pads toward a safer, easier recovery.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

Trailer: Let's Get Down! Dec 29, 2019

Please join us and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends!

Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from you and will strive to feature your questions and comments on upcoming shows.

You can check out online and in-person prenatal, breastfeeding, HypnoBirthing childbirth classes and postpartum events at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

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