Your Birth, Your Worth Podcast

Pregnant people, new moms, birth workers, birth nerds and birth geeks will all love this conversation with The Doula Darcy and Hillary A. Melchiors Ph.D., MPH, LCCE, CD(DONA). In addition to having all those letters after her name, Hillary is the down-to-earth co-host of The Birth Geeks Podcast. She's also an anthropologist, birth doula, and childbirth educator who lives in Newburgh, IN. She holds a Ph.D. in Medical Anthropology and a Master’s in Public Health from Case Western Reserve University and has been working as a doula and childbirth educator since 2014. Darcy and Hillary chat about the science (in an easy-to-understand-way) behind "mom brain" and why the postpartum period is a time of neuro-plasticity in our brains. They also cover: neuro-plasticity, the brain and feelings of worth how the pandemic is giving us all "mom-brain" and why why Hillary loves postpartum doulas Doula Urban Legends the doula's role in being cognizant of a person's neuro-plasticity during birth & postpartum what all birth workers and people need to know about our brains during this time Birth Geeks Podcast: https://thebirthgeeks.com On Demand Postpartum Doula Support https://www.thedouladarcy.com The Doula Darcy's Facebook Group: The Doula Village: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheDoulaVillage

Pregnant in a Pandemic: Tips and Silver Linings It’s an intense time to be giving birth right now due to COVID-19.  If you are pregnant or home with a newborn, you will definitely want to listen in to this episode. Taylor and Darcy share some ways to feel more empowered and in control during your pregnancy, labor and the first weeks home with your baby.  Taylor shares tips for pregnancy and birth that are especially helpful right now.  Darcy talks about things you can do while pregnant to prepare for your maternity leave while social distancing.  And, the doulas also share some silver linings!  There are many things that they are seeing in their work with families right now that are very positive. Sign up for the free online Navigating Childbirth & Early Postpartum during COVID-19 they mentioned here: https://mailchi.mp/45548ba35f4d/free-virtual-childbirth-education-series   Online Yoga for Birth workshop for couples with Darcy: https://doverdoula.com/prenatal-yoga   Here are links to the guided meditation apps Taylor mentions:   https://insighttimer.com/ https://expectful.com/ https://www.gentlebirth.com/app   Virtual Postpartum Doula Support with Darcy https://doverdoula.com/virtual-postpartum-doula-support

Today, Darcy is chatting with long time friend and fellow postpartum doula, Krista Maltais.  Krista has been a doula for 14 years, and is now also a DONA Postpartum Doula Trainer as well.  Darcy and Krista bond over their love of their work supporting new mothers.  They also share their history of working together to build awareness of postpartum doulas in their community.  In this episode, they discuss the importance of finding other doulas for support and focusing on collaboration over competition. If you’ve ever considered being a doula, then this episode is for YOU!   Listen in as these two mothers and doulas chat all things from motherhood to having their dream jobs of supporting mothers and building a successful and fulfilling doula business.     Episode Breakdown:   How they met What made Krista become a postpartum doula The interesting journey of becoming a postpartum doula before motherhood and how that changed after motherhood. Postpartum hormones and the power of speaking in short sentences.  The Imposter Syndrome - Being a Doula without being a Parent  Boundary setting in motherhood  How to effectively ask for help The power of a postpartum doula for a family - a non judgmental, trusted resource with no family baggage. Training other postpartum doulas - All new parents need support The struggle of being a parent in today's culture Implementing business strategies to find clients - The Postpartum Doula Academy Is becoming a Doula right for you? The power of making your own schedule DONA - Becoming a Postpartum Doula How to find Krista’s Postpartum Doula Trainings Relief Parenting Center  Importance of in person mom connections - mom groups     Key Takeaway: If you’re feeling called to becoming a doula, follow that call! It takes time BUT if it's something that is pulling you, explore it and connect with people.  Take the training and know that families need your help!       Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/   Darcy Sauers Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/doulas     Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/   Krista Maltais Website: https://www.reliefparenting.com/ https://www.reliefparenting.com/doula-training     https://www.dona.org/  

Darcy is on the podcast today having a discussion with Dr. Kat about the mental health issues surrounding pregnancy and post partum. Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D. PMH-C, is a psychologist certified in perinatal mental health and the creator and host of the Mom & Mind Podcast. She was drawn to this specialty after going through Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum OCD with her first child.  Dr. Kat supports mothers and families in her private practice in Southern California. She is a trainer and board member for Postpartum Support International. Dr. Kat offers training and education and advocacy in perinatal mental health to her to local community and worldwide.  Dr. Kat is available for perinatal psychotherapy clients throughout California through online sessions. www.drkaeni.com   In today’s episode, Darcy and Dr. Kat discuss how social media is making moms feel inadequate and that they’re parenting wrong, the impact of women’s hormones during pregnancy as it relates to mental health, the lack of planning around birth and being self aware of your emotions so you can seek help before post partum anxiety or depression kicks in. Key Takeaway: Plan for how you want your birth and post partum to play out. But, also plan for the unexpected. Planning for the unexpected will give you the emotional support and a guide to follow when things don’t go the way you hoped.   Highlights:   The effect of social media on new moms Feeling inadequate Hormones affecting anxiety, stress and depression during pregnancy The lack of planning around birth that leads to post partum stress The stigma around cesarean births Talking to someone and telling your birth story Accepting the way your birth plays out Seeking help and guidance from a counselor vs. a psychiatrist Traumatic birth experiences     Your Birth Your Worth Podcast   Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/   Darcy Sauers   Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/ https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/   Blog: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/blog/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/   Dr. Kat   Website: http://www.momandmind.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomandMindPodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momandmind/      

Today, Darcy is solocasting about the lack of community surrounding breastfeeding. Women in our country are struggling with beastfeeding because they haven’t been taught how to beastfeed by the women in their communities, i.e. their mothers, grandmas, cousins, aunts etc.. This causes a lot of guilt and shame in new moms. In this episode Darcy sets out to destigmatize breastfeeding for new moms and provides some resources and tips to ease your breastfeeding journey.   Key Takeaway: We need to build stronger communities to support new moms in their breastfeeding journey.   Highlights:   It’s ok to not know how to do everything as a new mom The lack of community surrounding breastfeeding The Myth that breastfeeding is simple DONA – Doulas Of North America   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast   Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/   Darcy Sauers   Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com Third Trimester Thrive: https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/   https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1350&dat=19871113&id=8cstAAAAIBAJ&sjid=7AIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6685%2C4248073&hl=en&fbclid=IwAR18ChJYRr4UckRedEwxhSv23Cnh1sWriH_LD5YVSi0WOscM9UX0gvsnIKQ   The Doula Darcy's On Demand Postpartum Doula Support:   www.thedouladarcy.com   www.doulamatch.net   www.dona.org          

In today’s episode, Taylor offers her 5 steps to overcoming and managing your VBAC fears. After seeing the popularity of the previous VBAC episodes, Taylor decided to devote an entire episode to make sure you all felt prepared when planning your next VBAC. We seem to forget that it is absolutely normal to get scared sometimes. It’s necessary for our evolution and personal development to experience fear and anxiety after/before stressful situations. That being said, we do have a responsibility to process this pain it in order to manage it and eventually grow from it. Giving yourself permission to take the time to face these fears is no simple feat though. It takes time, love, and patience to step into those thoughts. But, by following Taylor’s steps, you can begin your journey to start working on those fears, eventually breaking them down, and reclaiming the joy associated with giving birth.   In this episode, Taylor will focus on how to process your VBAC fears, how to manage them, and how to create your own “Rallying Team.”   Key Takeaway: When fear starts to infiltrate into our thinking, the first instinct is to push it down and out of sight. The problem is, when we do that, that fear isn’t being processed and will continue to bubble up unexpectantly in our day to day lives. By getting honest with our fears, taking the time to identify and process the reasons behind it, we can actually start to overcome this particular fear. Our minds need information, support, validation, and closure into order to truly eradicate certain fears that dominate our thinking. It doesn’t necessarily mean it goes away permanently, but you do have the tools to manage them accordingly, and not let it control your life. Highlights:   Revisit episodes 4 and 11 for previous VBAC episodes What is a VBAC clarity session? Fear is reasonable and there to tell you something. Uncover and explore your fear Recognize those physical changes that happens when fear creeps in What effect is this fear having on your life? Information to address fear- processing the past and moving forward Perceived risk of VBACs Share your story safely Create a “Rallying Team” Identifying potentially triggers and sharing them with your team Make a plan for triggers Use the template!     Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/     Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/ PDF template: http://yourvbacdoula.com/yourvbacfears   VBAC Clarity Sessions with Taylor: https://yourvbacdoula.com/vbacmentorship/ Taylor's Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/ ICAN: http://www.ican-online.org/ 5 Steps to Hiring your Best VBAC Provider: https://yourvbacdoula.com/vbacprovider/ Template for planning to manage VBAC Fears: https://yourvbacdoula.com/vbacfears/   ICAN Ican-online.org        

Today, Darcy welcomes Kimberly Johnson to the show. Kimberly is the author of the book “The Fourth Trimester”. The book is a holistic guide that offers practical advice to support women through postpartum healing on the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual levels—and provides women with a roadmap to this very important transition that can last from a few months to a few years. In this conversation and her work, Kimberly draws from her vast professional experience as a doula, postpartum consultant, yoga teacher, body worker, and women’s health care advocate, and from the healing traditions of Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and herbalism. In this episode you will hear about the importance of healing and calming the nervous system during the postpartum period, what Somatics is and how we can heal our bodies during postpartum.   Key Takeaway: During the postpartum period, it’s essential to be surrounded by “wise women” to support you   Highlights: Why new moms today are living in a state of hyper-vigilance Your baby is reflecting your nervous system back to you Birth is a rite of passage and transition for women and needs to be treated as such When we are anxious, our minds capture information that supports our inward thinking The body is weakened, and you must repair Reflecting on your birth: How do you feel about it? Somatics: mind and body telling two different stories. Our Biology is our biography Anxiety is an unresolved flight response The opposite of trauma is resilience, wholeness, and freedom. Activating Your Inner Jaguar: embodied consent, healthy boundaries, understanding of nervous system   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/   Darcy Sauers Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/ https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Blog: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/   Kimberly Ann Johnson Instagram: @magamamas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magamamacom/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Trimester-Postpartum-Balancing-Restoring/dp/1611804000 Activating Your Inner Jaguar: https://www.magamama.com/jaguar    

In today’s episode, Darcy spoke with Lindsey Mathews, the founder and CEO of BirthFit. Lindsey is also a Doctor of Chiropractic, Birth Doula, Strength and Conditioning Coach, NLP Practitioner and a Yoga Instructor. BirthFit is a revolutionary company that supports and educates women throughout their transition into motherhood. With an array of online and in-person programs, experiences, and workshops, BirthFit strives to give women access to free information so they can make informed decisions regarding their pregnancy. Lindsey was inspired to create BirthFit when she realized that the medical community wasn’t giving parents necessary information and emotional support throughout their pregnancy.   Key Takeaway: Pregnancy is not a time to sit back and rely solely on the medical establishment. It’s a time to get to know more holistic and healing practices and learn to listen to your body’s innate wisdom.   Highlights: Birthfit is a company that seeks to educate and empower people with both online and in-person programs and experiences surrounding pregnancy and birth. When it comes to pregnancy and birth, there is a whole world of information that people don’t have access to. To gain access to all the information out there, parents need to search for it online and in their community, not just rely on what they hear in hospital settings. Our society programs women to view birth as scary and painful, but in reality giving birth can be a strong and empowering experience. Society is often so focused on what’s good for the baby, we forget to ask about what’s good for the mother and her body, especially postpartum. Women get little time to recover from giving birth, especially when compared to the average healing time for a typical surgery. Don’t feel ashamed to take the first year to heal and reconnect with your body after giving birth. After giving birth, the birthing parents health is often disregarded. In order to remedy this, Birthfit created classes that allow new parents to get back in touch with their needs and wants.   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/ Other resources mentioned: Birthing & Postpartum Plans: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/plan/ History of Midwives: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2582410/   Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/   Darcy Sauers Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com Third Trimester Thrive: https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/   BirthFit Website: https://birthfit.com/ Programs: https://birthfit.com/programs/programs-we-love/ Podcast: https://birthfit.com/education/podcasts/    

Taylor and Darcy are back together today, discussing breastfeeding. They both share some personal stories about their breastfeeding journeys. They discuss the benefits of breastfeeding, pumping, the guilt and shame surrounding the choice to either breastfeed or not. They share tips for breastfeeding as well. It’s important to remember that your personal journey through breastfeeding is uniquely your own and the choices you make surrounding your baby and breastfeeding don’t make you a good or bad parent.   Key Takeaway: Your worth isn’t determined by the details of your breastfeeding journey.   Highlights: Struggling getting the baby to latch on Getting your partner on board with breastfeeding Breastfeeding is natural, but it has to be learned Pumping The guilt and shame surrounding breastfeeding or choosing not to The benefits of breastfeeding for the baby The benefits of breastfeeding for mom Breastfeeding and pain The magic hour Supply and demand, the more the baby is on the breast, the more milk you will produce Hiring a lactation specialist is worth every penny Using breastfeeding apps   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/   Darcy Sauers Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/ https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Blog: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/   Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/        

In today’s episode, Darcy welcomes Kasey Mathews who gave birth to a baby girl at only 25 weeks in 2010 to the show. Kasey is also a book writing coach, transformational life coach, and author. In her book “Preemie: Lessons in Love, Life and Motherhood” Kasey talks candidly about how her seemingly perfect life was disrupted when she went into labor four months early, delivering her one-pound, eleven-ounce daughter, Andie. In this riveting, honest, and often humorous memoir, Preemie chronicles the journey of one tiny baby’s tenacious struggle to hold on to life and the mother who ultimately grew with her.   In this episode you’ll hear Darcy and Kasey discuss the journey of having a premature baby, how Kasey navigated the stress of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during Andie’s time there, and how we can all settle into the love to overcome fear.   Key Takeaway: The stress that comes along with having a preemie is intense and long-lasting. This stress can often translate into delayed bonding with our preemie infants. Fear sometimes distracts us from the infinite love and power we have inside ourselves. Once we understand our fear and recognize it comes from a place of love and security, we can surrender and release.   Highlights: Moms of preemies need extra care and NICUs need to put more emphasis on the family unit. “These things don’t happen to me” When birth plans go awry Kasey’s premature birth and the birth announcement Reclaiming your birth in nontraditional ways What is it like inside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)? Preemie Magic The dimmer and the quieter the better! What is the the 4th Trimester? And what does that mean for the baby? Overcoming trauma and fear to surrender in to love   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/   Darcy Sauers Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/ https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Blog: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/   Kasey Mathews Website: http://kaseymathews.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaseymathews/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/kaseymathewsmagic/ Blog: http://kaseymathews.com/awaken-magic-blog/ Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Preemie-Lessons-Love-Life-Motherhood/dp/1578264235/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1466627337&sr=8-4&keywords=Preemie+book    

In today’s episode, Darcy welcomes Sheila Kamara Hay to show. As the founder of Ecstatic Birth, Sheila empowers women around the globe to understand and honor their feminine flow and locate their fierce feminine power while they birth their babies. Sheila trains birth practitioners and expectant moms around the globe to integrate the most holistic birthing tool, pleasure, in birth preparation and support. Whether you are birthing a baby or your soul’s work, birth is a journey to be thoroughly enjoyed, rather than endured. Sheila is passionate about reclaiming and honoring birth as a sacred rite of passage. Today you will hear Shelia talk about what exactly an Ecstatic Birth is, how you can achieve one, and why rejecting fear and channeling pleasure instead might just change your life forever.   Key Takeaway: When women connect to their bodies and allow themselves to feel deep, spiritual pleasure, they can unlock an incredibly powerful channel of self-love, gratitude, and empowerment. Honoring your feminine power and your sacred sexuality can allow your body to better transcend the pains of labor and birth and shape your postpartum experience for the better.   Highlights: Why there is a stigma about enjoying your birth? The Ecstatic Revolution of women’s The gifts and possibilities of birth Sheila’s birthing experience and the reclamation of her body Learning to connect to your body and opening channels of pleasure consciously Honoring your Sacred Sexuality Immerse yourself in the community, stories, and images of positive pleasurable birth experiences Understanding you’ve been raised in a fear-based culture How to switch your mindset for the future   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/   Darcy Sauers Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/ https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Blog: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/   Sheila Kamara Hay Website: https://ecstatic-birth.com/ Instagram: https://twitter.com/EcstaticBirth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EcstaticBirth/ Instagram: @ecstaticbirth          

How deeply does the patriarchy affect parents, the birthing process, and postpartum? In this episode, Taylor and Darcy sit down and discuss how patriarchal mindsets are ingrained within society and how it is harming pregnant women. This topic recently came to light as the media has become increasingly critical over Meghan Markle’s pregnancy, the choices surrounding her birth, outfit choices, nail polish colors, and more. This critical view of pregnancy is also reflected in how the medical industry looks down upon doulas, midwives, and birthing parents who choose to have home births. These attitudes and aggressions show how women are distrusted and questioned throughout the birthing process. Unfortunately, pregnant parents are often seen only as vessels and their wellbeing isn’t taken into account. One reason why these mindsets have become so ingrained may be due to the patriarchy trying to seize power that women naturally have to bring forth and nurture children. Key Takeaway: We live in a patriarchal society that views birthing parents as vessels who are only valuable when bringing a child into the world. These sentiments are echoed through hypercritical attitudes, aggressions, and judgements towards pregnant women that insinuate that their choices shouldn’t be trusted. Highlights: Recently, the media has been hypercritical over Meghan Markle’s pregnancy by criticizing her nail polish, outfit choices, weight gain, birthing choices, and more. This criticism ties into how our society tries to control and influence women, the birthing process, and postpartum. Within our patriarchal society, it’s almost as if you become an object that anyone is allowed to touch, judge, and comment on. This is echoed in the actions of people who touch your belly without consent or tell you that you’re parenting choices are wrong. When you become pregnant, it feels as though you suddenly aren’t trusted to make decisions about yourself. This mindset treats women as if they are just vessels and their only value comes from the child they are carrying. This can also be seen in the way that women are treated postpartum, as they feel as though they don’t matter anymore and their support network shifts from worrying about them to worrying about the child. Postpartum depression can be connected to hormones but adoptive parents and fathers also experience postpartum symptoms, depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. The key to thriving postpartum is to avoid isolating yourself and creating a community and support network. Patriarchal mindsets were created in order to seize the power that women naturally have to bring forth life and nurture their children.   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast   Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/ Other resources mentioned: Birthing & Postpartum Plans: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/plan/ History of Midwives: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2582410/     Taylor Davis   Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/   Darcy Sauers   Website: https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/    

In today’s episode, Darcy and Taylor talk about how you can manage sleep deprivation as a new parent. All babies have different sleep preferences and habits and it takes a while to understand them. During postpartum, most parents find it hard to catch up on missed sleep. Sleep deprivation can be debilitating and create another layer of challenges during the postpartum time period. Fortunately, with the help of postpartum planning, asking for help from friends and family, and learning more about the ins-and-outs of sleep, we can all reclaim our rest and better serve our babies and our bodies.   Taylor and Darcy talk about how important sleep is for parents and baby, share tips on maximizing sleep time, and offer ideas for encouraging baby to sleep.     Key Takeaway: Sleep is the restorative time that new parents need to heal and reenergize after giving birth. Planning for postpartum and understanding baby sleep patterns can help maximize sleep time during these early days.   Highlights:   Baby sleep is in 2/3 hour increments Unrealistic expectations of postpartum Sleep deprivation will affect mood drastically Sleep deprivation causes your body to produce adrenaline/cortisol which fuels anxiety Sleep directly affects milk supply Entertaining visitors postpartum How can I encourage a baby to sleep? New moms might have to rework their schedules to fit baby’s schedule Options for where baby can sleep Darcy’s Sleep Classes Share your sleep stories on social media!   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/   Darcy Sauers Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/ https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Blog: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/   Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/    

On today’s episode, Taylor welcomes Te-Ana Souffrant to the show. As a full spectrum birth and postpartum doula, she is also the founder of The Arch App, an app which connects birthing families to birth professionals and local resources in their communities. Te-Ana created the app to bridge access to resources around labor, birth, postpartum and maternal health to those who both want and need it. By sharing classes, workshops, and doulas in countless cities, Arch App is the go-to resource for anyone seeking quality, personalized care! In this episode Taylor and Te-Ana discuss the importance of birthing people having power over their decisions, experiences, and bodies. They talk about why black women are suffering at the hands of the healthcare system, being allies to marginalized communities, and how everyone deserves accessible, affordable care from providers they trust.   Key Takeaway: It’s time to put the power back into hands if people who need it! When we open our eyes to the unjust treatment and systemic abuse of vulnerable individuals and communities within the US, we can start to provide the love and support to families in need of quality healthcare.   Highlights: Te-Ana’s birth stories and the unnecessary medical procedures/appointments she was subjected to The growing trend of hospitals taking advantage of their patients The disparity in the maternal mortality rate in America between black women and white women How to change the trajectory of your family and frame the future for your children Developing empathy and awareness of individuals from different socio-economical classes than you Systemic problems/obstacles within marginalized communities Is a doula work sustainable? Full spectrum doula care How the Arch App can help you   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/   Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/   Te-Ana Souffrant Website: www.thearchapp.com app.thearchapp.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArchAppCreator/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thearch_app/  

Should you or should you not create a birth plan? This seems to be a somewhat divisive topic among parents-to-be. Today, Darcy and Taylor explain the value in creating a birth plan and share tips and ideas for putting one together. They also emphasize the importance of creating a postpartum plan so that you can truly focus on resting, healing, and bonding with your baby in your postpartum days. Taylor and Darcy share a bit about the free birth and postpartum planning templates they’ve created for you to grab on the Your Birth, Your Birth Website. Key Takeaway: Knowledge is power and you can make more informed decisions when you’ve learned about your options. Creating birth and postpartum plans helps you gather information, think about your preferences, and communicate them with your team. Learning about your options and preferences will make for a less stressful and more enjoyable birth and postpartum experience. Highlights: How we have been conditioned to hand over our power Determining your birth preferences Learning about your options will ultimately inform your decision-making process You don’t know what you don’t know, so creating a birth plan spurs you to do research A birth plan helps you share with your nurse(s) and doctors/midwives what matters to you Previous experiences can inform the future Setting boundaries and having tough conversations about what’s most important to you The emotional transition of becoming a parent The importance of planning for postpartum Surround yourself with people “who get it” Talking about your needs postpartum and asking for help Use the template, fill it out, and make copies!   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/ Free Birth and Postpartum Planning Templates: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/plan/   Darcy Sauers Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/ Third Trimester Thrive: https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Blog: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/   Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/

As a fierce advocate for accessible information about VBACs, Jen has built a platform that “neutralizes the misinformation and confusion about VBAC so respectful, evidence-based care is the foundation from which families grow.” In today’s episode, Taylor and Jen talk about Jen’s 2 births and the path they started her on towards the work she does now. Jen Kamel is a nationally recognized Consumer Advocate who founded VBAC Facts in November 2007 after learning how many women were coerced into repeat cesareans violating medical ethics and their human rights. Her mission is to increase access to VBAC so that every pregnant person knows in their bones that they have complete control over what happens to their body. She created the VBAC Facts Professional Membership where she supports perinatal professionals around the world who want to confidently guide their clients through the evidence so they can make truly informed decisions. She also offers online educational courses for parents. She is a national speaker and legislative consultant focusing on midwifery legislation and regulations. She has testified multiple times in front of the California Medical Board and legislative committees on the importance of VBAC access and serves as an expert witness in legal proceedings.  Her free resources and signature courses are at vbacfacts.com.  Key Takeaway: It’s important to make decisions about birth based on solid information. For so many people birthing after cesarean, finding that information is hard. That’s where Jen and VBAC Facts come in. Being an empowered decision-maker during your birth experience can mean the difference between being traumatized after birth and being triumphant and confident, regardless of exactly how your baby is born. Highlights: Jen’s own experiences giving birth Why the phrase “VBAC is an option for next time” changed Jen’s life Empowerment post-VBAC How different cultures handle postpartum How being honest about the trauma of birth can lead to eventual healing New parents need empathy, love, and support Where and with whom to share your birth story A healthy baby isn’t all that matters The Rise and fall of VBAC in America What people can do to improve their chances of having a VBAC and the element of luck when it comes to birth Hospital guidelines & policies on VBAC Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/ Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/ Jen Kamel Website: https://vbacfacts.com/ Blog: https://vbacfacts.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vbacfacts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vbacfacts/      

In today’s episode, Darcy welcomes Kate Northrup to the show. As an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and mother, Kate’s mission is to support ambitious, motivated and successful women to light up the world without burning themselves out in the process. In her new book Do Less: A Revolutionary Approach to Time and Energy Management for Busy Moms, Kate provides a practical and spiritual guide for working moms to learn how to have more by doing less. Full of strategies and concrete tools, Do Less is a book for working women and mothers who want to shake off the culturally inherited belief that their worth is equal to their productivity, and instead build a personal and professional life that's based on presence, meaning, and joy. In this episode you will hear Kate and Darcy discuss the benefits of embracing the female cycle, Kate’s unique birth experiences, and how our birth experiences affect so much of our lives. Key Takeaway: Tapping into our feminine cycles and managing our energy instead of our time makes life easier. Highlights: Productivity does not dictate your worth Tapping into Your Menstrual Cycle/Managing your energy, not your time How to embrace the “dark side of the moon” to your benefit Birth expectations vs reality Kate’s unexpected complications during her first birth The rawness of the immediate time after birth Working on protecting your boundaries and speaking up about your needs during labor. The power dynamic between healthcare providers and mothers. How a birth doula can support you so that you only have to focus on laboring Why some people feel unworthy of postpartum doula support Motherhood and feeling out of control The fear that comes with being a new mother Enjoying some stages of motherhood more than others Managing your energy and tending to your body’s needs The pressure that society puts on mothers   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/ Darcy Sauers Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/ https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Blog: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/ Kate Northrup Website: https://katenorthrup.com/ Twitter: @katenorthrup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katenorthrup/ Podcast: https://katenorthrup.com/podcast/ Book: https://katenorthrup.com/book/

In today’s episode we welcome Ginger Breedlove, PhD, to talk about the Maternal Mortality Crisis in the United States. Ginger has been a Midwife and OB Nurse 40 years. Her decades of experience shine light on the worsening crises in supporting and caring for new moms and babies in the U.S. As past president of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, Founder and President of March for Moms, Founder of Grow Midwives Consulting, LLC and widely known speaker on improving maternity care, her current focus is encouraging consumers to find voice and engage in decision-making to save lives and improve their health. Ginger also recently edited the book “Nobody Told Me About That: The First 6 Weeks”. This book covers many critical issues confronting the first few weeks of parenting. Nobody receives a comprehensive education on how to be a new parent. The authors are experienced professionals from a variety of disciplines dedicated to helping families of newborns. In this episode, Ginger and Darcy discuss the reasons why the maternal healthcare system in America is failing so many mothers and families, why we all need to raise awareness of the lack of medical attention to some mothers, and how you can reclaim your power to ensure a healthy, happy experience giving birth and becoming a mother. Key Takeaway: We all must work together to improve the way mothers are cared for in this country. Empowering women to be more verbal with their healthcare providers, preparing them for obstacles they may face, and encouraging them to find the support the need, will ultimately decrease the maternal mortality rate and usher in a new age of healthcare in America. Highlights:  What is causing this epidemic? How to help others to use their voice in order to take back control during their healthcare experience. Strategies to stand up for yourself The deadly “Deny and Delay” in healthcare Midwife vs OB Maternal Health Care System in different countries Birth has become far too medicalized in American Self-education and know/plan what you want! Shared-decision making How March for Moms happened Advocacy App The importance of marching on the mall and being visible to Congress “Nobody told me about that……” Postpartum facts Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/ Darcy Sauers Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/ https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Blog: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/blog/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/ Ginger Breedlove Website: http://www.growmidwives.com/who-we-are/ginger-breedlove/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gingerbreedlove Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Nobody-Told-Me-About-That/dp/1790133637 March for Moms Website: http://www.marchformoms.org/  

In honor of World Doula Week, Darcy shares her experience at the March for Moms in Washington D.C in 2018. Darcy describes her last-minute decision to hop onboard an RV dedicated to breastfeeding (pumpspotting’s Breast Express) for the all-night ride to Washington DC. She talks about the excitement and energy at the March, as well as the heaviness related to the United States’ increasing maternal mortality rate. Darcy and Taylor talk about the need to raise awareness about this major problem, institutional racism in maternity care, and the importance of prenatal and postpartum support for mothers and families. Key Takeaway: The United States is currently experiencing a crisis in maternity care. There is major change and overhaul that needs to happen within the system. While not the sole answer to this problem, doula care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is an essential piece of the puzzle in providing expert care, attention, education and information to new mothers and families. Highlights: Darcy’s journey in the “Breast Express” to D.C What is the March for Moms about? Why are mothers dying in the United States? Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die of pregnancy related complications than white women Reasons for higher mortality rate among mothers The doula’s role in caring for families How to find a hire a doula March for Moms: http://www.marchformoms.org/ Why America’s Black Mothers and Babies are in a Life-or-Death Crisis: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/11/magazine/black-mothers-babies-death-maternal-mortality.html Pumpspotting: http://pumpspotting.com Your Birth, Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/ Darcy Sauers Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/ https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/ Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/  

In today’s episode, Darcy welcomes Amber Lilyestrom, a transformational branding strategist, business coach, author, and speaker to share her shocking near-death experience giving birth and how it ignited a new life path towards spiritual wellness, realizing her life’s mission, and breaking free of a limiting mindset. After the birth of her daughter, Amber quit her demanding career in collegiate athletics and started her own coaching business which she quickly grew to $1.5 million in sales. Amber is the creator of the Ignite Your Soul Summit annual live event in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and is the host of The Amber Lilyestrom Show podcast. Amber's mission is to empower women to position themselves as sought-after experts and thought leaders through the creation of an online brand presence and to actively seek a life full of abundance and gratitude. Amber has been featured by Entrepreneur, Mentorbox and Working Mother Magazine and is the author of the book “Master Your Money Mind.” Key Takeaway: Amber’s near-death experience during her c-section woke her up to face the fact that she wasn’t living her best life. Instead of struggling with PTSD and returning to her job, she decided to listen to her intuition which was telling her she was made to do more. Highlights: Amber’s experience balancing pregnancy and a career Amber’s labor and near-death experience while giving birth Why Amber wishes she had hired a doula Post-pregnancy health struggles, life changes, and PTSD How Amber’s perspective on life shifted with the birth of her daughter How to combat others “telling you your truth” Design a life that you really want to live What the Ignite Your Soul Summit is about Staying abundant, living with gratitude, and owning your worth   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/ Darcy Sauers Website: https://www.thedouladarcy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/ Amber Lilyestrom Website: www.amberlilyestrom.com Instagram: www.amberlilyestrom.com/Instagram Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrandLoveCoach/ “Master Your Money Mind” Book : https://www.amberlilyestrom.com/master-your-money-mind    

This week, Taylor welcomes Rachel Adler, the owner of Doulaworks. Rachel is a certified doula and childbirth educator and her work focuses on the journey from pregnancy back to work – whether that’s a job outside the home, a work at home job, or a job as a stay-at-home parent. Rachel is passionate about raising awareness about the challenges of going back to work for new parents and works with families and workplaces to help make this a smoother transition. Taylor and Rachel dive into the different ways that companies can support new families, including creating a dedicated pumping space, being clear about benefits, and shifting the office culture. Key Takeaway: Companies can validate and support families by shifting the culture of the workplace, implementing simple solutions, and recognizing that work life and family life influence one another. Highlights: Being a stay at home parent is a new identity and it can be helpful to view it as a journey rather than something that you can train for Having kids asks us to create a new normal There needs to be more awareness around the importance of bridging the gap between the workplace and family life Rachel’s multiple passions led her to doing this work and there’s so much value in following our passions and seeing how they fit together in the long run Advice to businesses on how they can encourage and support parents as they’re returning to work from maternity or paternity leave We are expected to be perfect at work and as parents, putting tension on working parents New parents returning to work should focus on small shifts, a clean space to support pumping, maintaining a flexible schedule, and creating a childcare plan   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/ Other resources mentioned: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/25/upshot/the-relentlessness-of-modern-parenting.html Rachel Adler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doulaworks/?hl=en Website: https://www.doulaworks.com/ App: https://www.my-ellie.com/ Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/ Darcy Sauers Website:  https://www.thedouladarcy.com Third Trimester Thrive: https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/      

In today’s episode, Taylor and Darcy talk about the growing number of parents who are experiencing guilt, loneliness, and anxiety when taking care of their newborns. By unraveling the myths and expectations of being a “Super Mom”, Taylor and Darcy explain how mothers can get clear on what they are struggling with, what they need, and how others can help. Modern life sets new parents up in isolation and the challenges that come along with that can affect feelings of worth. Key Takeaway:  Everybody parents in their own way. We don’t need to sacrifice everything for our babies and children and we are worthy of caring for ourselves. It is when we can be open and honest with their struggles that loved ones, or trained professionals, can step in and help during this transformative time. Highlights: Parenthood and martyrdom The importance of self-care and exercise Weaker communities leading to more isolation and guilt Why media pressures moms to become “Super Mom” Making your postpartum plan Nourishing food for recovery Communication with your partner and working out a system Support is self-care Sustainable over sacrificial   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/ Other resources mentioned in the episode https://www.mealtrain.com/ Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/ Darcy Sauers Website: https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/                                  

In today’s episode, Taylor talks about her favorite topic – VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Tune in to learn what you can expect during your VBAC journey. In this in-depth conversation, she shares the facts, history, and challenges of VBAC and talks about why it’s hard for some people to access care for a VBAC. She dives into tips and idea to help people on their VBAC journey. Her mission as a doula and VBAC mentor is to help parents find the VBAC support they need and help them prepare for empowered births that leave them feeling respected, supported, and confident. Key Takeaway:  Support from care providers, friends and family, and a doula is incredibly helpful as you pursue a VBAC. You deserve support and you have the right to make the choice that feels best for you and your family. Highlights: The history of VBAC and VBAC myths How to research providers and birth locations if considering a VBAC Challenges of the VBAC journey The gift of finding a supportive provider Why worth plays a role in deciding your options Best online resources for VBAC Taylor’s Facebook group What you can do to improve your chances of having a VBAC The benefits of professional VBAC support Your Birth, Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/ Resources mentioned in the episode ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network): http://www.ican-online.org/ VBAC Facts: https://vbacfacts.com/ Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/ Darcy Sauers Website: https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/    

Today on the podcast Darcy shares her experiences about giving birth to her three children. She had her first child, her daughter, 15 years ago and had planned on having a natural birth. She labored for a long time and eventually needed a cesarean section. This was a complete shock and not something she had planned for. It took her on a rollercoaster of emotions. Her second birth and third births were planned cesareans. Her birth postpartum experience with her first child led to feelings of unworthiness as a mother and ultimately inspired her to become a postpartum doula. She also learned some valuable lessons about speaking up regarding your needs while in the hospital and the importance of asking questions to doctors, nurses and hospital staff. Key Takeaway: Your experience matters.  Your emotions are valid and you are worthy of being supported and listened to. Highlights Centering Personal goal to have a natural birth Not getting to the hospital too early Advocating for yourself with healthcare providers Struggling with pain after labor Feeling like a bad mom Dealing with relatives and friends shortly after giving birth Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/ Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/ Cesarean Stories Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cesareanstories/?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=ay7ixghmxvqg Darcy Sauers Website: https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/                                

Today’s episode is all about Taylor’s birth experiences and what she learned in the process of each of those journeys. After a cesarean and a VBAC, in which she never fully maintained ownership of herself and her experiences, she knew that things would need to be different when she had and third child. She shares about how her first birth affected her feelings of worth and her connection with her baby. She dove into doula work after her 2nd baby was born and some years later, ultimately had an empowered home birth with her 3rd son. Her mission as a doula and VBAC mentor is to help parents prepare for empowered births that leave them feeling respected, supported, and confident. Key Takeaway: Birthing people deserve respect, support, and autonomy. Only each person knows what’s best for them and their family. Birth interventions can be life- saving, but they’re being used way more than they are needed, and often undermine parents’ confidence and self-ownership. Highlights: The right to have options during birth Breech babies What supportive doula care is and isn’t The cesarean rate in the U.S. is high, with 1 in 3 babies being born via cesarean How birth experiences affect our postpartum and parenting experiences VBAC is a safe a reasonable option, with a lot of misinformation around it Sharing your birth stories as a way of healing   Your Birth Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/   Taylor Davis Website: http://yourvbacdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/ Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvbacjourney/   Darcy Sauers Website: https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/                                

Welcome to the premier episode of Your Birth, Your Worth. This is a podcast by Doulas for mothers and mothers to be. In this episode, your hosts, Taylor Davis, a Birth Doula and Darcy Sauers, a Postpartum Doula discuss their reasons for becoming doulas and why they want to help new mothers develop feelings of worthiness. Today, Taylor and Darcy both open up about birthing their first children and why it’s ok to question your delivery provider. Key Takeaway:  Our birth and postpartum experiences can affect our feelings of worthiness. Our feelings of worthiness affect our birth and postpartum experiences.  You are worthy of a respected, safe, and empowered birth and postpartum period. Highlights:  Worthiness - The quality of deserving respect and attention Birth/pp experiences affect our feelings of worthiness The role of a Birth Doula Midwiife vs. Doula The role of a Postpartum Doula The power of non-judgmental support Darcy and Taylor’s experiences around worthiness and birth/pp Questioning your care provider is ok C-Section affecting your feelings of worth Your Birth, Your Worth Podcast Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/   Taylor Davis Website: http://www.taylordavisdoula.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylordavisdoula/   Darcy Sauers Website: https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/