Podcasts about ibclc

In this insightful episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, host HeHe welcomes Ashlee Brown, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mother of three, to discuss the crucial topic of perceived versus true low milk supply. The conversation starts with the prevalence of perceived low milk supply and its impact on breastfeeding duration. Ashlee shares her personal pregnancy journey and emphasizes the importance of understanding how your body changes during this period. They delve into the significance of early breastfeeding, the first hours after birth, and pumping strategies to build an optimal milk supply. The discussion also covers the role of flange sizes, hormonal influences, and the importance of proper latch techniques. Ashlee explains the benefits of evidence-based tools and supplements, and addresses common myths surrounding lactation. She also highlights the issue of widely spaced tubular breasts and insufficient glandular tissue (IGT) as potential reasons for low milk supply. Tune in to discover effective solutions and strategies for successful breastfeeding and learn how to distinguish between perceived and actual low milk supply.   00:00 Introduction and an update on HeHe's Pregnancy Journey 03:12 The Birth Lounge App: Features and Benefits 06:04 Introduction to Low Milk Supply 06:53 Meet Ashlee Brown: Lactation Consultant 07:52 Understanding Low Milk Supply: Myths and Facts 23:24 Causes and Solutions for Low Milk Supply 29:07 The Importance of Proper Flange Sizes 33:07 Challenges with Breast Pumps and Wearable Pumps 37:26 Choosing the Right Breast Pump 38:29 Reusing Pumps for Future Children 40:28 Power Pumping and Its Effectiveness 44:14 Strategic Pumping to Increase Supply 49:18 Supplements and Diet for Milk Supply 53:04 Medications for Low Supply 55:08 Understanding Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT) 59:21 The Importance of Weighted Feeds 01:04:46 Final Thoughts and Support for Low Supply Moms    Guest Bio: Ashlee is a mom of 3, IBCLC, and the owner of Kentucky Breastfeeding Center located in Lexington, KY. She started as a childbirth educator and earned her IBCLC via pathway 3 mentorship at Novant Prince William hospital in Manassas, VA. She specializes in tongue & lip ties, low supply, and mentorship for future IBCLCs. Her passion is educating other professionals on the benefits of breastfeeding and the field of lactation. INSTAGRAM: Connect with HeHe on IG  Connect with HeHe on YouTube   Connect with Ashlee on IG  BIRTH EDUCATION: Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!   Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone! LINKS MENTIONED: www.kentuckybreastfeedingcenter.com

In this episode of the Tongue Tie Experts Podcast, host Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, speaks directly to dentists — whether you're already performing frenotomies or considering a laser purchase. Drawing on over a decade of experience supporting families and collaborating with dentists, Lisa outlines six essential considerations for best practices in tongue tie release.Key Takeaways:

It's amazing how fast time goes.  This podcast started as Katie Oshita began her traveling journey in an RV summer 2021.  Katie traveled to 40 states, 3 Canadian provinces and met with many wonderful providers along the way.  Then in 2023 Katie sold the RV and settled down in western WA.  With this podcast Katie is still able to travel, tho most is virtually now, and meet with skilled providers all over the world.  Listen here as Katie recaps the last 4 years, 100 episodes and podcasts guests.Podcast Host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 25 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  While Katie sees clients locally in western WA, Katie is also a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email katie@cuddlesandmilk.com or www.cuddlesandmilk.com  

Lactatiekundige Teddy Roorda zit bij Simone in de studio om te kletsen over borstvoeding! Teddy heeft ontzettend veel kennis over alles omtrent borstvoeding, dus Simone stelt haar al onze vragen.We beginnen natuurlijk met de voorbereiding op borstvoeding geven. Hoe kun je je hierop voorbereiden? Waarom zou je je erop moeten voorbereiden? Waarom helpt dat? We gaan in op hoe de kraamweek is of kan zijn met een kleintje, welke valkuilen er zijn, maar ook welke feitjes zó handig zijn om te weten. We praten over bijvoeden, afvallen, aankomen tot het geboortegewicht, hoeveel je baby moet plassen, hoeveel pijn normaal is aan je tepel etc!Daarnaast hebben we het ook over borstweigeren, kolven, de speen, overvoeden, je borst als slaapassociatie (is dat nou slecht!?) en die oneindige nachtvoedingen. We spreken ook over de gezondheidsvoordelen en ook tot welke leeftijd dat nou wel of niet nog geldt. Als laatste geeft Teddy ook antwoord op een paar hardnekkige stellingen en mythes.Teddy Roorda is IBCLC Lactatiekundige en heeft de cursus Kickstart je Borstvoeding. Ze was lang werkzaam in het ziekenhuis en nu werkt ze volledig zelfstandig. Daarnaast is ze moeder van 3 kinderen en inmiddels ook oma! Wil je meer over Teddy weten? Ze heeft een website vol met informatie, te vinden in haar blogs en natuurlijk haar cursus. En ook op haar Instagram staan veel informatieve reels.Huh, waar is Malou dan? Omdat Malou lekker op vakantie is in hebben we vooraf drie expertinterviews opgenomen voor je. De ene met Malou en de twee andere met Simone. Zo kunnen we tijdens de vakantie echt even ontspannen! We zijn heel benieuwd wat je ervan vindt.***Extra:Gebruik onze code- MOEKES15 voor 15% korting bij ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Plantoys - duurzaam houten speelgoed⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- MOEKES30 voor 30% korting bij ⁠⁠⁠Happy Earth & Waterwipes⁠⁠⁠Meer weten of heb je een vraag? Volg ons op Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@moekesdepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Malou de Rooy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simone Plukkel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-----Deze aflevering wordt gesponsord door ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waterwipes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Deze babydoekjes zijn de puurste babydoekjes ter wereld! Met maar slechts 2 ingrediënten: 99,9% water en een druppel fruitextract. De doekjes zijn plastic vrij, biologisch afbreekbaar en gemaakt van plantaardige materialen. Zonder parfum, geurstoffen, parabenen, sulfaten, conserveringsmiddelen en andere chemicaliën. Ze zijn dermatologisch getest en geschikt voor gebruik bij newborns. Wij gebruiken ze al vanaf de geboorte van onze kindjes. En we gebruiken ze echt voor ALLES: van het schoonmaken van tafels en het afhalen van onze make-up, tot de hele knoeiboel van de kinders opruimen.Gebruik nu MOEKES30 voor 30% op je bestelling Waterwipes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ via de site van Happy Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Adverteren in deze podcast? Mail naar moekesdepodcast@gmail.com

 Every so often a project comes along with the potential to radically change the experience of lactating parents. My guest this week, Amber, has one such project.Amber Clark is an infant feeding specialist nurse and IBCLC working in Wessex. Her work, the Early Breast Milk Improvement Project is all about improving outcomes for pumpers by fitting flanges properly and increasing pumping efficiency.In our conversation, we delve deep into the world of breast pumping and flange sizes. Amber shares her expertise and exciting findings, covering the critical impact of correctly fitted flanges, the challenges of standard pump sizes, and practical advice for both health professionals and parents. Find the project toolkit here - https://healthinnovationwessex.org.uk/projects/658/early-breast-milk-improvement-project-toolkitAnd the research that inspired Amber here - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/08903344241296036Amber is @‌empoweredbirthuk on Instagram or you can contact her at amberclarkibclc@gmail.comMy new picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie's Milkies, is available from Amazon here -  The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children's Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing.You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Is breastfeeding harder than you expected? You're not alone.I'm joined by Therese Dansby, a former NICU nurse and holistic lactation consultant, for a real, no-fluff convo on nursing struggles, nipple changes, tandem feeding, and how your cycle might mess with letdown. Raw, honest, and full of support—this is the breastfeeding chat every mom deserves

Join me as I talk with Allegra Gast, registered dietitian, IBCLC, and founder of Aloha Nutrition. Together, they dive into the unique nutritional needs of moms, especially in the busy seasons of motherhood. From breastfeeding support to practical meal tips, self-care strategies, and life hacks for raising a large family — this conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice.Whether you're a new mom, a seasoned parent, or somewhere in between, you'll walk away with tools to nourish your body, care for your family, and thrive in your journey.Email: allegra@aloha-nutrition.comInstagram: instagram.com/aloha.nutritionwebsite: www.aloha-nutrition.com

In this episode, Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, speaks with Patricia Berg, IBCLC and craniosacral therapist, about the power of combining bodywork and lactation care. They explore how craniosacral therapy supports breastfeeding, the importance of addressing birth trauma, and how collaboration and evidence-based practice enhance infant outcomes.Key takeaways:Craniosacral therapy is gentle, holistic, and non-invasive.Addressing birth trauma can support breastfeeding success.Peer support and interdisciplinary teamwork matter.Evidence-informed care enhances confidence and results.Patricia Berg can be found here: 800lactate.comResources & Links:

In this episode, Jacqueline sits down with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist and AAP spokesperson, to explore what truly builds a strong foundation between parents and their newborns. From NICU realities to bonding after surrogacy, this episode is a science-meets-heart deep dive into connection, communication, and ditching the pressure to “do it all.”What you'll learn:Why bonding isn't about perfection—it's about presenceHow early relational health impacts brain developmentThe science behind skin-to-skin contact and kangaroo careWhat to know about birth plans, baby gear, and bonding expectationsHow babies communicate through crying and cooingThe truth about sleep training, co-sleeping, and newborn needsWhy it's okay if love doesn't happen “at first sight”How your baby benefits from your support systemMisconceptions about newborn needs and bonding “rules”Why “you are enough” matters more than anything elseQuestions answered in this episode:What happens in the brain when a baby bonds with a caregiver?Is it possible to bond deeply if you didn't carry your baby?Does skin-to-skin actually do anything physiologically?What should you do if bonding doesn't happen right away?Are birth plans helpful—or harmful?Is it okay if I'm not a “baby-wearing mom”?Can babies really communicate through different cries?What's the science behind co-sleeping or sleep training?How can parents build trust and resilience in their baby?What do newborns really need most from us?Connect with Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie:Instagram: @jopargalinkiemdBook: The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting with Your NewbornAAP Parent Resource: HealthyChildren.orgConnect with the podcast:Facebook: Motherhood Intended CommunityInstagram: @motherhood_intendedLeave a review for the podcastApply to be a guest on the show!Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!Support the showIf you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

Struggling with low milk supply can feel overwhelming, isolating, and confusing. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker talks with midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Katie James to demystify the realities of low milk supply. Together, they explore the hormonal, medical, and systemic factors that can affect lactation, as well as the critical importance of early postpartum support. Katie shares how birth interventions, lack of education, and misinformation can interfere with lactation—and how reclaiming knowledge, honoring instinct, and receiving timely help can make all the difference.   (07:21) How Birth Interventions Impact Breastfeeding (09:30) Prolactin, Oxytocin, and the Critical First 3 Days (11:18) What is Low Milk Supply—and Can it Be Prevented? (14:58) Medical Conditions That Can Affect Milk Production (19:27) Gestational Diabetes, Cesarean Birth, and Milk Supply (23:42) The Trap of “Perceived” Low Supply (28:48) Why Judgment-Free Support Matters (36:56) When and How to Get Help from an IBCLC (38:16) The Rule of 3s: Key Windows to Boost Milk Supply (44:39) Why Partners Need Breastfeeding Education Too   Resources Follow Katie: katiejames.site | Instagram Listen to her podcasts: The Midwives' Cauldron and The Feeding Couch Find an EBB Childbirth Class: evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirthclass Learn about the EBB Instructor Program: evidencebasedbirth.com/instructor   For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

Guests: Lindsay Meyer Turner, PhD, CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLC, RLC, NTMTC, Leena Sayed, MS, Inéz Esparza, MS, L-SLP, CCC-SLP, Megan Richmond, DHA, MS CCC-SLP, and Meredith McLain, MCD CCC-SLPHosted by: Michelle Dawson MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-SThis episode is worth 0.1 ASHA CEU and meets ASHA DEI certification requirement, enroll here: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/pfd-and-deiaIn this episode, Michelle is joined by an all-star line-up of PFD advocates from across the nation: Lindsay Meyer Turner, PhD, CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLC, RLC, NTMTC, Leena Sayed, MS, Inéz Esparza, MS, L-SLP, CCC-SLP, Megan Richmond, DHA, MS CCC-SLP, and Meredith McLain, MCD CCC-SLP to address DEIA within the framework of pediatric feeding disorder! United together, these women create a safe space to hold a crucial and intimate conversation about the unique challenges that our colleagues, patients, and caregivers are encountering on a daily basis. Yes, there are tears, yes there is laughter, and yes there are numerous evidence-based resources to support listeners in their walk as they stand up for improved access to care, fight racism, sexism, and ableism, and most importantly serve one another with humility, compassion, and an abundance of grace all in time to close out Pediatric Feeding Disorder and ARFID Awareness Month with unparalleled joy!

Spoiler alert‼️ It's NOT normal to pee when you sneeze, or when you jump or when you exercise!  Not even after having babies.  So many people are told that this is normal and just something they will have to live with.  Thankfully there are knowledgeable PT's out there focusing on exactly this issue and more.  Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized field, not something that should be preformed by any physical therapist.  In this episode Katie Oshita and Rachel Doza discuss what pelvic floor PT really is all about, including covering the new diagnosis of Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation (GSL) and how this effects postpartum parents.Podcast Guest: Dr. Rachel Doza decided to open her own physical therapy practice to provide higher quality care than high patient-volume clinics. Her pelvic floor physical therapy practice is focused on quality over quantity, and the patient results speak for themselves!Rachel has been in the physical therapy field for over a decade and has extensive education beyond her doctorate degree in pelvic health, dry needling, orthopedics, and is a certified Pre & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist.Stemming from her military background, she is a fierce advocate for women's rights and loves helping women regain control over their bodies.Podcast Host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 25 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  While Katie sees clients locally in western WA, Katie is also a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email katie@cuddlesandmilk.com or www.cuddlesandmilk.com  

We know feeding your baby isn't always straightforward. This week on Growing, Beth and Lilly are joined by Dr. Eliza Hannam - GP, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Possums-accredited practitioner and founder of Nurtured Medical for a refreshingly honest and non-judgemental chat about all the ways to nourish your baby.Whether you're breastfeeding, mixed feeding, bottle feeding or using formula, this episode is here to meet you with warmth, compassion and gentle guidance. Because while feeding can be a beautiful part of early parenting, it can also be full of pressure, confusion and comparison. We want to help you feel empowered, not overwhelmed.From the hormonal magic of breastfeeding to the challenges so many parents quietly face, we explore the full feeding spectrum.This episode is for any parent who's been up at 3am wondering if they're doing it “right”, who's felt the sting of unsolicited advice, or who simply wants to understand their options and feel supported in their choices.The beauty and complexity of breastfeedingMaking mixed feeding work for your familyFormula feeding without guilt or pressureResponsive feeding and tuning into your baby's cuesWhen and where to seek supportLetting go of the idea of a “perfect” feeding journeyDr. Eliza Hannam is a Sydney-based GP with extended training in lactation (IBCLC), women's and children's health, perinatal mental health and neuroprotective developmental care. She is a Possums-accredited practitioner and the founder of Nurtured Medical - a modern general practice dedicated to nurturing women, babies and families through compassionate, evidence-based care. Work with Dr. Eliza Hannam:Website: www.nurturedmedical.com.auBook Online: HotDoc – Dr. Eliza HannamInstagram: @drelizahannamServices available in-person (Leichhardt, Sydney), via Telehealth, and home visits in select suburbs. Areas of care include:Breastfeeding, bottle feeding and sleep supportAntenatal shared care and pregnancy planningPostnatal recovery and mental healthHolistic care for babies and children Possums & Co – Neuroprotective Developmental CareAustralian Breastfeeding AssociationRaising Children Network – Feeding your babyHealthdirect – Breastfeeding & Bottle FeedingJoin our community of parents supporting each other through the messy, magical seasons of raising and loving little people. Instagram: @growingthepodcastIn This Episode We Explore:Meet Our Guest: Dr. Eliza HannamResources Mentioned:Follow Growing PodcastDid you find the episode helpful?Please follow, rate and review Growing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your reviews help more parents find this supportive space and feel less alone.

My guest this week is Dr. Louise Goldsmith, a urologist and aspiring IBCLC from North London. Louise successfully breastfed her first daughter but was taken aback when that previous history didn't protect her from a crisis of confidence second time around.Carrie's feeding style was very different to Paloma's, which surprised Louise and her husband, and they feared she was not receiving enough milk. But after a weigh-in confirmed that she had in fact gained weight since birth, things started to get on track. At six months, Carrie is now successfully breastfeeding, and her older daughter, Paloma has got in on the act, returning to breastfeeding after a year of being weaned. Louise is now tandem feeding both daughters. My new picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie's Milkies, is available from Amazon here -  The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children's Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other bookshops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing.You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

This week Monique welcomes Arnikka de Kort to the podcast, to chat about breastfeeding and infant sleep. Arnikka is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Neonatal Nurse and Founder of SuckleBubs - a space that reimagines how women and babies are supported in the early weeks of newborn life. She is also the creator of In Bloom - a postpartum and breastfeeding mentorship program guiding mothers through their transition to motherhood, from pregnancy and into postpartum. Drawing from her clinical and lived experience as a neurodivergent mother, Arnikka blends her clinical skills with a deeply attuned and compassionate approach to the care of mothers and babies. This ep is packed with knowledge gems direct from Arnikka’s brain, so flick it on to anyone you know who is pregnant or postpartum, neurodivergent or not! Monique and Arnika cover: What is an IBCLC? What neurodivergence means to Arnikka and her personal journey to discovering her own neurodivergence and the self-acceptance that came with that. Arnikka’s personal experience as a neurodivergent mother with birth and breastfeeding. The variability in infant sleep needs. The interrelationship between infant sleep, feeding, and baby’s sensory needs. Some of the key challenges parents face in their infant feeding journey, including those specific to neurodivergent mothers. Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER). Arnikka’s tips for parents experiencing infant feeding challenges. Tips for problem solving issues with infant sleep and supporting infant circadian development. Elements of pregnancy, birth, and infant care that can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent mothers and tips to manage these. Things we mentioned: Before the Letdown: Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex and the Breastfeeding Mother by Alia Macrina Heise The NDC institute – free resources and a practitioner directory. Motherkind by Zoe Blaskey Mama Rising by Amy Taylor-Kabbaz Connect with Arnikka through her website, Suckle Bubs, or on Instagram @sucklebubs. Got questions for us?? Come along to our LIVE Q&A event! Held online on 27th June (with replay available to all ticket holders). Grab a ticket here and submit your question! Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive ad-free episodes, basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod. Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here. Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning for a birth that makes breastfeeding easier? Check out my FREE guide on setting yourself up for breastfeeding success:https://bit.ly/los-birthpractice-workbook---------------------------------In this evidence-based episode of Lo's Lactation Lab, host Lo Nigrosh addresses a common concern for new parents: Is it safe to consume caffeine while breastfeeding? With practical examples and scientific clarity, Lo demystifies how caffeine enters breast milk, what effects it may have on infants, and how to safely manage your caffeine intake while caring for a baby. Whether you're surviving on lattes or craving chocolate, this episode offers peace of mind and realistic guidance.Lo Nigrosh is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), birth doula, and certified childbirth educator. With deep expertise in breastfeeding and postpartum recovery, Lo brings both technical knowledge and emotional support to families navigating infant feeding. Her compassionate and empowering approach helps parents make confident, informed choices. Expect to Learn:How caffeine is metabolized in adults versus infants, and why it matters.What the science says about how much caffeine is safe while breastfeeding.Common signs that your baby might be sensitive to caffeine.Practical ways to enjoy your favorite drinks without worry.Myths about caffeine “drying up” milk supply and what's actually true.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps[00:00] – Introduction and Why Caffeine Matters[03:57] – Half-Life of Caffeine by Age Group[06:34] – Safe Caffeine Limits and Common Sources[08:25] – Signs to Watch Baby Sensitivity to Caffeine[09:41] – Managing Intake and Spacing Caffeine Around Feeds[10:52] – Debunking the Myth of Caffeine Lower Milk Supply?[12:12] – Final Thoughts and How to Get SupportFollow the Host:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lo-nigrosh-16371495/Website: https://www.quabbinbirthservices.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quabbinbirthservices/Listening Links:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/los-lactation-lab/id1614255223Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F54fe1szmemB9n7YUJgWv?si=2eea7f1cfba64867YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@loslactationlab3967Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes on maternal health, breastfeeding challenges, and expert lactation advice. Share your own experiences and tips in the comments below! #breastfeeding #breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingstruggles #breastfeedingsupport #postpartum #postpartumsupport #ibclc #childbirtheducation #caffeinewhilebreastfeeding #breastfeedingandcoffee #postpartumnutritionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lo-s-lactation-lab--5834691/support.

✨ Ya lo lograste. Eres IBCLC.Después de tanta preparación, estudio, esfuerzo, noches sin dormir y años de experiencia… llegó ese esperado momento: ¡tienes el título!Y entonces aparece la gran pregunta:

In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, hosts Gina, a perinatal fitness trainer and birth doula, and Roxanne, a Labor and Delivery nurse and student midwife, are joined by Andrea Syms-Brown, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). They discuss simplifying the breastfeeding journey, especially during the first month postpartum. Andrea shares practical tips on how to ensure that your baby is eating enough, identifying potential breastfeeding issues, and supporting an exclusive breastfeeding journey. The conversation covers preparing for breastfeeding before birth, recognizing early signs of proper and improper latching, and understanding the basics of how to know if your baby is getting enough milk. Andrea emphasizes the importance of taking breastfeeding classes, working with a supportive team, and seeking help as early as day four if experiencing pain. The episode is filled with valuable insights and simple, actionable advice aimed at making the breastfeeding journey less daunting.00:00 Introduction to the MamasteFit Podcast00:29 Meet the Hosts: Gina and Roxanne01:19 Episode Overview: Simplifying Breastfeeding01:43 Guest Introduction: Andrea Syms-Brown03:13 Top Tips for Starting a Breastfeeding Journey05:58 Personal Breastfeeding Experiences07:57 Addressing Nipple Damage and Initial Latch Issues18:58 Ensuring Your Baby is Eating Enough23:57 Nursing Newborns: Early Days and Milk Drunk Babies24:44 Tracking Diapers and Reducing Anxiety26:36 Identifying Red Flags in Newborns27:44 Simplifying Breastfeeding: Tips and Tricks30:53 The Importance of Support and Resources33:58 Breastfeeding Challenges and Solutions37:10 The Role of Products in Breastfeeding43:24 Final Advice and Resources for New ParentsFind Andrea here!: babyinthefamily.comThis episode is sponsored by Bodily: https://rstyle.me/+_Nvv7BkX_TzNw68fZdLRkQUse code MAMASTEFIT20 to save on orders over $135——————————Get Your Copy of Training for Two on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VOTdwH

Send us a textExciting News! Our very own host Naiomi Catron—award-winning Labor & Delivery Nurse and IBCLC—is not only sharing her expert insights in this episode but also launching her very own breastfeeding book. Get an inside look at the story behind this groundbreaking resource designed to fill the gaps in lactation care and support families like never before.In this episode, Naiomi steps into the spotlight, inviting her very own editor, Jessica Noel, to interview her to share the real reasons behind her new breastfeeding book. Drawing from years of experience as a nurse and IBCLC, she opens up about the common gaps in breastfeeding support—basic but crucial knowledge that many parents never hear. Naiomi talks about why so many families feel confused or like they've “failed,” especially when their experience doesn't match the textbook. She also shares the motivation behind putting all these insights into a book, so future generations won't have to struggle through the same questions again.Tune in to hear:

Send Kiona a Text Message!Amanda dives deep into her true emotions about finding out she was pregnant so quickly after intentionally trying, and how that impacted her pregnancy and postpartum time with her first daughter, Aila. She also talks about how different each of her births unfolded because of how she prepared ahead of time. Furthermore, she dives into how being an active birth doula while pregnant and needing to birth during the height of COVID impacted her pregnancy care and birth choices and overall experience with her third child, Haiden.birthasweknowitpodcast.com/85Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only, with no intention of giving or replacing any medical advice. I, Kiona Nessenbaum, am not a licensed medical professional. All advice that is given on the podcast is from the personal experience of the storytellers. All medical or health-related questions should be directed to your licensed provider.  Want to hear another birth story from a birth worker who is also a mother of three? Check out 58-Kayla Tschumper-3 Vaginal Births-Kennedy, Claire & Emelia-My Birth ChoicesResources:Amanda Clarke-Ray (Birth Doula) : https://amandaclarke-raydoula.com/ Katie Rohs (Birth Doula) : https://katierohs.com/ Catherine Fenner, IBCLC: http://nurturenewlife.com/about-seattle-ibclc/ Perinatal Support of Washington: https://perinatalsupport.org/ Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.netBucal, Lip & Tongue Tie Info: https://www.firstfoodforbaby.com/tongue-lip--buccal-ties.html Definitions:Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (DMER)Two Vessel Umbilical Cord Paced Bottle FeedingSupplemental Nursing System Split NightsSupport the showThank you so much for tuning in to this episode! If you like this podcast, don't hesitate to share it and leave a review so it can bring the podcast to the attention of others. If you want to share your own birth story or experience on the Birth As We Know It™️ Podcast, head over to https://birthasweknowitpodcast.com/ or fill out this Guest Request Form. Support the podcast and become a part of the BAWKI™️ Community by becoming a Patron on the Birth As We Know It Patreon Page! And don't forget to join in on the fun in the Private Facebook Group!

Postpartum nutrition, breastfeeding, and milk supply concerns are some of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) topics in motherhood. In this episode, registered dietitian and IBCLC Allegra Gast helps you navigate postpartum recovery and breastfeeding with clarity and confidence. Allegra shares her real-life experience as a twin mom and expert insights into how proper nutrition, mineral balance, and intentional habits can transform your postpartum journey. From prepping freezer meals in the third trimester to the power of mineral mocktails, you'll learn the foundational habits that help you thrive! We bust common breastfeeding myths, discuss the truth behind weight loss and breastfeeding, and clarify what actually affects breast milk quality. Plus, Allegra offers grounded guidance on sensitive topics like caffeine, alcohol, allergens, and clogged ducts. Her warm, down-to-earth approach will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to nourish both your baby and yourself. Whether you're preparing for your first baby or in the thick of postpartum life with multiples, this episode is packed with practical tips and encouragement to help you feel your best both physically and emotionally. Topics Covered In This Episode: Postpartum nutrition for breastfeeding moms How to boost milk supply  Breastfeeding tips for twin moms The truth about clogged ducts and sunflower lecithin Caffeine, alcohol, and allergen exposure in breastmilk Energy and mood support through mineral mocktails Show Notes: Learn more about Aloha Nutrition Follow @aloha.nutrition on Instagram Get Allegra's Free Mineral Guide Sign up for Allegra's "Baby Ready” Course Learn more about "Beyond Birth" Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell's Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child's number one health advocate! Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD's Substack Mindset + Metabolism where women can learn how to nourish their bodies, hit their health and body composition goals, and become the most vibrant version of themselves.  Listen to today's episode on our website Allegra Gast is a functional registered dietitian and international board certified lactation consultant passionate about helping families navigate both their postpartum health and their breastfeeding journeys. Allegra has a team of 5 other registered dietitians and lactation consultants who offer virtual consults for families all around the world. She started her business, Aloha Nutrition, when she lived in Hawaii but currently resides in Texas with her husband, and 4 children including twins! This Episode's Sponsors  Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by women's health practitioners and mamas alike to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. Try their 4 Part Complete Nutrition plan which includes a Prenatal Multi, Omega-3, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic. To get started, head to thisisneeded.com, and use code DOCTORMOM20 for 20% off Needed's Complete Plan! Active Skin Repair is a must-have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean.  Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you.  Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order. INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can't wait to meet you! @stephgreunke @drelanaroumell Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.

In this episode, Karen sits down with Rachael Austin, RN, IBCLC—an internationally recognized midwife and head educator for the Thompson Method of Breastfeeding—to unravel some of the most misunderstood parts of the birth-to-breastfeeding journey. Whether you're preparing for your first baby or recovering from a rough start, this episode will open your eyes and give you confidence to trust your body—and your baby.   Timestamps: 03:29 – How Birth Interventions Affect Breastfeeding 05:08 – Nipple Pain & Outdated Breastfeeding Techniques 06:05 – How Pitocin & Epidurals Disrupt Oral Function 09:02 – Alternatives When Breastfeeding Isn't Working 10:19 – Bottle Design & Breastfeeding Confusion 13:13 – Colic, Reflux & Overfeeding Explained 15:31 – Can You Overfeed a Breastfed Baby? 23:30 – Retraining Baby to Breastfeed After NICU/Interventions 24:07 – Proper Latch vs. Common Mistakes 30:17 – The Truth About Newborn Weight Loss & IV Fluids 33:29 – Mastitis, Oversupply & Nipple Trauma 46:35 – Tongue Ties, Lip Ties & Misdiagnosis 51:09 – The Tongue Tie Surgery Boom (900% Increase?) 57:11 – Postpartum Mental Health & Maternal Burnout   Get 50% OFF the Thompson Method Birth & Breastfeeding Course:https://thompsonmethod.com/painfree   CONNECT WITH KAREN: Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@painfreebirthwithkarenwelton  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/painfreebirth  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/  Spotify Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5zEiKMIHFewZeVdzfBSEMS  Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/pain-free-birth/id1696179731 Website - https://painfreebirth.com/  Email List https://pain-free-birth.mykajabi.com/website-opt-in  

Historically, having a baby was not a solitary endeavor. The partner was involved of course, but the parent's family, friends and whole community would come together to support not just the gestating parent but the whole family during this transition.  As a midwife and IBCLC in Australia, Kellie Eason sees the consequences of lack of support for families.  In this episode Katie Oshita and Kellie Eason discuss strategies of supporting families and finding ways to decrease isolation for parents.    Podcast Guest: Kellie Eason, IBCLC, brings more than 20 years of dedicated experience to her role as a trusted support for families.  Her background as a nurse, midwife and international Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in Melbourne, Australia, has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of family needs during the early parenting journey.Podcast Host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 25 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  While Katie sees clients locally in western WA, Katie is also a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email katie@cuddlesandmilk.com or www.cuddlesandmilk.com  

In our latest DNS podcast episode, we chat with Egondu Onuoha, MS, RD, CDN, IBCLC, RLC, CDCES, GPC, FAND, FILCA —healthcare executive and former Academy board member—about how AI is transforming nutrition assessments, predictive analytics, and personalized care plans.Join us as we explore how AI is enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of nutrition assessments, the most promising tools available to clinicians, and the potential of predictive analytics to identify patients at risk of malnutrition. We'll also tackle challenges like implementation, ethical considerations, and maintaining evidence-based care in an AI-driven world. This episode is hosted by Christina Rollins, MBA, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, CNSC and was recorded on 4/14/25.

Planning for a birth that makes breastfeeding easier? Check out my FREE guide on setting yourself up for breastfeeding success:https://bit.ly/los-birthpractice-workbook---------------------------------In this episode of Lo's Lactation Lab, host Lo Nigrosh discusses the foundational steps expectant parents can take to set themselves up for breastfeeding success before their baby arrives. From understanding their ideal feeding scenario to building a support network and planning for the logistics of daily life with a newborn, Lo guides listeners through a thoughtful, proactive approach emphasizing preparation over perfection.Lo Nigrosh is a seasoned IBCLC, birth doula, and certified childbirth educator. She brings a wealth of clinical expertise and compassion to her mission of making infant feeding a more joyful and less stressful journey for families. With years of experience supporting parents both prenatally and postpartum, Lo combines evidence-based guidance with heartfelt support. Expect to Learn:Why prenatal breastfeeding preparation is as important as choosing the right baby gear.How to align your support network and birthing environment with your feeding goalsThe significance of having a flexible plan and how to create your “ideal” feeding vision.What to consider when evaluating hospitals or birth centers for breastfeeding support.The role of lactation consultants and how to find one who fits your needs.Episode Breakdown with Timestamps[00:00] – Introduction and Importance of Prenatal Planning[04:07] – The Power of Colostrum and Early Milk[04:58] – What Feeding Really Looks Like[06:54] – Building a Postpartum Support Plan[07:49] – Defining Your Ideal Feeding Scenario[10:00] – Assessing Your Birth Setting[11:37] – Pump Availability and Phalange Sizing[13:16] – Creating Your Lactation Support Network[15:43] – Personalized Prenatal Consultations[16:56] – Trusted Resources and Final Encouragement  Follow Lo NigroshWebsite: https://www.quabbinbirthservices.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lo-nigrosh-16371495/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quabbinbirthservices/#Listening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F54fe1szmemB9n7YUJgWv?si=2eea7f1cfba64867Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/los-lactation-lab/id1614255223YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@loslactationlab3967Don't forget to subscribe for more tips on breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, and maternal wellness. #breastfeeding #breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingstruggles #breastfeedingsupport #postpartum #postpartumsupport #ibclc #childbirtheducationBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lo-s-lactation-lab--5834691/support.

It's gotta be one of the things my 0-6 month old clients panic about the most - SOLIDS. When to introduce them, what to introduce first, what about choking, what about allergies, what method...All. The. Things.Luckily for us, this week we're going to the American Academy of Pediatric's favorite baby feeding experts, Cinthia Scott, RD, IBCLC, and Dr. Krupa Playforth, MD, FAAP. Among other things, Cinthia & Dr. Playforth are co-authors of Baby Leads The Way, the AAP's brand new *official* evidence-based guide to introducing solids.You can pick up a copy of Baby Leads The Way here, and be sure to check out our guests on each of their respective Instagram channels: The Baby Dietitian and The Pediatrician Mom, for more practical tips on all things feeding and solids!Loved this episode? There is so much more where that came from:️Subscribe....leave a review....and share with your friends!Follow The Fun On IG: @BrittanySheehanSleepWork with me:Custom Sleep PlansSleep CoursesPotty Training & Parenting PlansThe B Hive Client Membership ProgramTake The Sleep QuizSay Hi: info@brittanysheehan.com

In this episode of Tongue Tie Experts, host Lisa Paladino speaks with pediatric therapy specialists Rachel Best and Jamie Smith. They discuss their pilot study on the timing of frenotomy and its impact on treatment outcomes. The conversation explores the importance of research in infant feeding therapy, the role of pre-frenectomy care, and how tissue changes influence interventions. They also address accessibility challenges, insurance barriers, and the need for collaboration among healthcare providers. Additionally, they emphasize educating parents, recognizing feeding difficulties, and taking a holistic approach to pediatric health.Key Takeaways:Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential in pediatric therapy.Research, including their pilot study, helps validate treatment timing.Pre-frenectomy therapy can improve outcomes.Accessibility and insurance challenges limit care options.Effective communication with families is crucial.Open mouth posture and tongue position affect oral development.Mouth breathing can contribute to health issues.Colic often requires deeper investigation.Individualized care leads to better outcomes.Online resources can support families lacking in-person access.Rachel Best is the founder and clinical director of Small Steps Therapy LLC, where she has built a multidisciplinary, multispecialty practice that provides comprehensive, whole-body care for families. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist, and IBCLC, she is one of the few clinicians worldwide to hold all three credentials. With 17 years of experience, Jamie Smith is the Director of Occupational Therapy at Small Steps Therapy and one of Rhode Island's few AOTA Board-Certified Pediatric Specialists. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in infant feeding, development, and torticollis management, emphasizing the connection between tongue tie, body function, and feeding success.Together, Rachel and Jamie are passionate about advancing pediatric therapy, supporting families, public speaking, and mentoring professionals. You can find Small Steps Therapy here: https://www.instagram.com/smallstepstherapy/and connect to Rachel & Jamie here:Rachel@SmallStepsTherapy.comJamie@smallstepstherapy.comMore From Tongue Tie Experts:To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/LinksUse code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.A gentle disclaimer. Please do not consider anything discussed on this podcast, by myself or any guest of the podcast, to be medical advice. The information is provided for educational purposes only and does not take the place of your own medical or lactation provider.

On this episode, we explore postpartum experiences. We discuss new mothers' emotional and physical challenges, the importance of women supporting each other, and recognizing and managing postpartum difficulties. The conversation emphasizes self-advocacy in healthcare, building a support network, knowing local resources, and maintaining spiritual and emotional health. We also stress reaching out for help and utilizing resources for the well-being of mothers and families.CHAPTERS00:00 Understanding Postpartum Challenges09:59 The Emotional Rollercoaster of New Motherhood20:02 Recognizing and Addressing Postpartum Depression21:44 The Importance of Women Supporting Women22:43 Recognizing and Addressing Postpartum Depression24:20 Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare25:45 Creating a Support Network28:56 Building Your Village: Finding Support32:09 Maintaining Spiritual and Emotional Health36:15 Utilizing Resources and Seeking HelpADDITIONAL RESOURCESCrisis Hotline If you feel alone and your thoughts and emotions are overwhelming you, dial 988 to access the mental health crisis hotline for confidential listening, support, and connection to resources.The National Maternal Mental Health HotlineCall or text 833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262) to connect with a counselor with 24/7 support in sixty languages.Postpartum Support International Call or text 800-944-4773 to find a provider and connect on social media groups.La Leche LeagueVisit lllusa.org for peer-led breastfeeding support groups in person and online.The Lactation NetworkVisit lactationnetwork.com to access one-on-one lactation support in person or online.Our guest, Ashley Jackson, BSN, RN, IBCLC, is a grown-up pastor's kid from Wilmington, Delaware, and a founding member of Wilmington Apostolic Pentecostal Church, where she remains active in ladies' ministry and Bible quizzing. Ashley has been a nurse for eighteen years, focusing on women's and children's care for the past ten years. In addition to being a nurse, Ashley shares her busy life with her husband, Rich, and two children, Rashid and Corlette. Your Story MattersWe want to hear from you! Postpartum can be overwhelming, but no one should go through it alone. Share your recovery story, insights, or questions with us on Facebook and Instagram @reflectionsupci. Let's support each other during this challenging time.REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE:Current Reflections subscribers can log in to read the full article about this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://reflectionsupci.com/author/cmiller/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.New subscribers are welcome to join the community at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://reflectionsupci.com/membership-join/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you missed an episode, please check out our channel at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@reflectionsupci.CONNECT WITH US:Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://reflectionsupci.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/reflectionsmagazineupci ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/reflectionsmagazineupci ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/07xYABSct5gSONhEZ3W82a/p>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reflections-upci/id1652558161⁠⁠

Planning for a birth that makes breastfeeding easier?Check out my FREE guide on setting yourself up for breastfeeding success:https://bit.ly/los-birthpractice-workbook---------------------------------In this episode of Lo's Lactation Lab, Lo explores a topic many new parents are curious (and often confused) about, that is nutrition while breastfeeding. She exposes common myths, highlights the vital nutrients needed for lactation, discusses foods that may support milk supply, and clarifies how your diet affects your baby's health. Lo offers reassuring, evidence-based advice that focuses on nourishing yourself without stress or guilt, making the postpartum nutrition journey more manageable.Host Lo Nigrosh, an internationally board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), brings her years of experience and compassionate guidance to support new parents. Lo is known for her no-judgment approach and deep expertise in breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, and maternal health.Key Topics:The importance of focusing on milk transfer and supply before making any dietary changesEssential macronutrients including protein, healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetablesGalactagogues such as foods like oats and flaxseed that may help boost milk supplyInformation about caffeine and alcohol including what is safe and how they affect breastfeedingPractical ways to nourish yourself when time and energy are limitedEpisode Highlights and Timestamps:[00:00] – Introduction and importance of milk supply[01:23] – Breast milk's adaptability and importance of maternal nutrition[03:21] – Essential proteins for breastfeeding parents[04:58] – Easy ways to incorporate whole grains and healthy fats[06:29] – Quick nutrition hacks including precut veggies, nuts, and hydration tips[09:32] – Understanding galactagogues and milk supply myths[10:49] – Foods to be mindful of including caffeine, alcohol, and potential allergies[12:29] – How to recognize signs of food allergies in babies[13:36] – Practical meal prep and snack ideas for busy parents[14:54] – Closure with encouragement and an invitation to connect and ask questionsFollow the Host on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lo-nigrosh-16371495/Website: https://www.quabbinbirthservices.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quabbinbirthservices/# For more on boosting milk supply, tune in: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/los-lactation-lab/id1614255223?i=1000579034356Listening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F54fe1szmemB9n7YUJgWv?si=2eea7f1cfba64867Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/los-lactation-lab/id1614255223YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@loslactationlab3967Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes on maternal health, breastfeeding challenges, and expert lactation advice. Share your own experiences and tips in the comments below!#breastfeeding #breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingstruggles #breastfeedingsupport #postpartum #postpartumsupport #ibclcBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lo-s-lactation-lab--5834691/support.

Breastfeeding is universal, however the options for support are not.  In the US an Osteopath has very different training than in Australia, where all Osteopaths are trained in Osteopathic Manual manipulation (OMM) unlike in the US where it's difficult to find an Osteopath with any manual training at all.  In Australia there's also no prescribing from an Osteopath.  Kirsten Hannah is not only an IBCLC but also an Osteopath supporting families in the AU with her immense knowledge.  Listen as Kirsten Hannah and Katie Oshita discuss biological norms, root cause support and tongue tie in the US and AU.Podcast Guest: Kirsten Hannan is an Australian trained and registered Osteopath with 20 years of clinical practice experience, with a particular interest in pregnancy and postpartum care and working with babies and children of all ages. She has experience in treating babies for a variety of issues, including latching and feeding difficulties, birth trauma, neck tension, flat head syndrome and digestive issues. Kirsten uses a variety of osteopathic treatment methods, including cranial osteopathy. Her passion for education and helping children to develop in the best possible way led her to further her knowledge of breastfeeding and she qualified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2017. She enjoys integrating the very best of bodywork and evidence-based lactation care and support to help mums and their babies.Kirsten is a speaker, an author and reviewer for the International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, a member of Osteopathy Australia and registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).Podcast Host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 25 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  While Katie sees clients locally in western WA, Katie is also a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email katie@cuddlesandmilk.com or www.cuddlesandmilk.com  

Planning for a birth that makes breastfeeding easier?Check out my FREE guide on setting yourself up for breastfeeding success:https://bit.ly/los-birthpractice-workbook--------------------------------In this continuation of Catherine's lactation journey on "Lo's Lactation Lab," host Lo sheds light on the complexities of low milk supply, breastfeeding difficulties, and potential underlying causes.After reviewing Catherine's initial consultation and discussing her struggles with milk transfer and supply, Lo suggests further testing and interventions to get to the root of her challenges.From potential thyroid imbalances to insulin resistance and tethered oral ties, Lo offers a comprehensive approach to managing these common yet often overlooked issues. Catherine shares her experiences and hesitations, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone facing similar struggles.Key Topics:The role of thyroid function and insulin resistance in milk supplyHow postpartum bloodwork can reveal hidden issues affecting lactationThe impact of tethered oral ties on milk transfer and breastfeedingExploring supplements that could help improve milk supplyNavigating the healthcare system for additional support and diagnosisEpisode Highlights and Timestamps:  [00:00:00] - Recap of Catherine's breastfeeding journey and struggles[00:01:40] - Discussion about Catherine's lab results and missed tests[00:07:47] - The potential role of thyroid dysfunction and insulin resistance in low milk supply[00:15:41] - The pros and cons of different supplements for improving milk supply[00:21:22] - Discussion about oral motor dysfunction[00:25:43] - Practical advice for new mothers dealing with breastfeeding difficulties[00:33:40] - Lo's recommendation on early intervention and IBCLC[00:40:49] - Next steps for Catherine: Testing, supplements, and consultationsFollow the Host on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lo-nigrosh-16371495/Website: https://www.quabbinbirthservices.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lo.dandyListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F54fe1szmemB9n7YUJgWv?si=2eea7f1cfba64867Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/los-lactation-lab/id1614255223YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@loslactationlab3967Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes on maternal health, breastfeeding challenges, and expert lactation advice. Share your own experiences and tips in the comments below!#breastfeeding #breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingstruggles #breastfeedingsupport #postpartum #postpartumsupport #ibclcBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lo-s-lactation-lab--5834691/support.

In this episode, Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, explores the complex—and often controversial—challenges that lactation consultants face when assessing and managing tongue tie in infants. From inconsistent training and ambiguous assessments to provider disagreements and family pressures, Lisa breaks down the barriers to effective care and offers actionable strategies to overcome them.Key Topics Covered:Inconsistent Training & Guidelines: Education on tongue tie varies widely, leaving many professionals with limited or conflicting knowledge. Lisa stresses the need for specialized, evidence-based continuing education and peer collaboration to build confidence and competence.Challenges in Assessment: Accurate diagnosis requires more than a visual check—functional assessment is key. Lisa highlights the importance of understanding oral mechanics and using supportive and proven assessment tools. Interprofessional Disagreements: Differing views among health care providers can confuse families and complicate care. Lisa advocates for respectful, evidence-informed communication and building a trusted referral network.Parental Pressure for Immediate Answers: Families often seek quick fixes amidst feeding struggles. Lisa emphasizes the value of compassionate education, managing expectations, and offering follow-up support.Limited Access to Qualified Providers: A shortage of experienced tongue tie professionals can hinder timely treatment. Lisa encourages exploring virtual consults, maintaining referral lists, and advocating for increased local training.Takeaway: Navigating tongue tie assessment and treatment is both controversial and challenging—but with the right tools, education, and collaboration, lactation consultants can support families more effectively and confidently.Resources & Links Mentioned:

In this deeply insightful episode of "Lo's Lactation Lab," host Lo resumes the podcast with a telehealth consultation featuring Catherine, a new mother facing significant breastfeeding and milk supply challenges. Despite trying various strategies and consulting multiple lactation experts, Catherine struggles with low milk transfer, nipple discomfort, and the overwhelming task of finding the right pump flange size. Join their conversation as they explore these issues in detail, providing a real-time glimpse into the complexities of feeding a newborn.

Pregnancy and postpartum nutrition are not just helpful but essential to milk supply.  Thyroid issues, PCOs, insulin resistance, gut microbiome dysfunction all cause problems in milk supply and nutritional status.  Learn how working with an IBCLC RD can help to uncover those issues and get parental health, nutrition and milk supply on the right track.Podcast Guest: Allegra Gast is a functional registered dietitian and international board certified lactation consultant passionate about helping families navigate both their postpartum health and their breastfeeding journeys. Allegra offers virtual nutrition and breastfeeding consults for families all around the world. She started her business, Aloha Nutrition, when she lived in Hawaii but currently resides in Texas with her husband, and 4 children including twins. Podcast Host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 25 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  While Katie sees clients locally in western WA, Katie is also a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email katie@cuddlesandmilk.com or www.cuddlesandmilk.com 

In this episode Melinda Pariser-Schmidt, MSN, RNC-NIC, IBCLC, talks about Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) and innovative NICU strategies to optimize non-pharmacologic intervention.

Send us a textWhen Laci Tang experienced painful breastfeeding with her first child, she had no idea it would launch her into a career transforming how mothers receive lactation support. Her journey from anxious first-time mom to innovative IBCLC offers a much-needed blueprint for better postpartum care.Birthing at a midwifery center opened Laci's eyes to a different kind of care—one where she was listened to, believed, and supported in finding real solutions. After navigating tongue ties, low supply, mastitis, and then oversupply with her second baby, she realized how vital individualized support is for breastfeeding success.What makes her practice, Milk in Motion, stand out isn't just her expertise—it's her commitment to personalized care. “There has never been a single dyad, a mom and baby team, that has been exactly like the one before,” she says. Her innovative “pump bar” lets moms test different breast pumps before investing, solving a common frustration many face.Laci also speaks openly about her own postpartum anxiety—from intrusive thoughts to fears about her baby's safety—reminding moms they're not alone. Her story shows that mental health and feeding support go hand in hand.Whether you're expecting or currently struggling, Laci's story is proof that the right support can shift your journey from overwhelm to empowerment.Connect with Laci: https://www.milkinmotion.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkinmotion.co/ Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be! Coaching offerKelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth CoachBasically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth CoachBasically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showConnect with Kelly Hof!Grab The Book of HormonesMedical Disclaimer:This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman's medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

What if you already have what it takes to breastfeed your baby—and just need the right support to unlock it?This question is at the heart of my conversation with Lisa Paladino, Certified Nurse Midwife, IBCLC, and a fierce advocate for women and babies. Lisa has decades of experience helping families navigate the powerful, joyous, and sometimes confusing, emotional, and occasionally challenging terrain of breastfeeding. Not just a brilliant clinician, but a graduate of both my Women's Integrative and Functional Medicine and Herbal Medicine for Women training programs… and now, a lifelong friend.Lisa is the passionate founder of Tongue Tie Experts. She's spent decades supporting parents through the intense, sacred, and often confusing path of breastfeeding—especially when things don't go as planned.Lisa's journey from hospital-based nurse and midwife to fierce advocate for women's rights and breastfeeding education is one you won't forget. And what we unpack in this conversation might change how you see everything from nipple pain to infant sleep—and even adult airway health.In this episode, we dive into:What exactly is an IBCLC—and why it mattersThe silent struggle of mastitis, milk supply issues, and painHow breastfeeding shapes your baby's airway—and possibly lifelong healthThe heartbreak of not making enough milk—and how to support yourselfSetting yourself up for breastfeeding success before the baby comesWhy so many moms stop breastfeeding before they want to—and how we can change thatAnd yes… we go there with nipple toughening myths, lactation cookies, pumping in broom closets, and airplane glares. Because we've all been there—or know someone who has.

Starting Solids: Evidence-Based Baby-Led Feeding with Cindy the Baby DieticianIn this episode, Jacqueline chats with Cindy, an experienced dietician and lactation consultant, about safe and effective methods for introducing solid foods to babies. Cindy discusses the general recommendations for starting solids at around six months, the signs of readiness, and debunks common myths about baby-led feeding. She shares practical tips on choosing nutrient-dense foods and stresses the importance of not pressuring children, which can lead to picky eating. Cindy also emphasizes the need for allergy prevention and the benefits of letting babies self-feed. The discussion includes insights from the book Cindy co-authored, 'Baby Leads the Way,' published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which offers evidence-based guidance on starting solids.GET CONNECTED!Motherhood Intended:Motherhood Intended websiteJoin our FREE Motherhood Intended CommunityFollow @motherhood_intended on InstagramLeave a review for the podcastApply to be a guest on the show!Cinthia Scott, RD, IBCLC:Follow @the.baby.dietitian on InstagramStarting Solids 101 CourseBaby Leads the Way: An Evidence-Based Guide to Introducing Solid Foods101 Before One printed bookDownload the 101 Before One appEPISODE BREAKDOWN:01:26 Starting Solids: Expectations and Practices03:59 Introducing Food Allergens05:20 Benefits of Baby-Led Feeding08:00 Safety Tips for Baby-Led Weaning12:33 Nutrient-Packed First Foods15:56 Preventing Picky Eating21:49 Creating a Positive Mealtime Environment26:03 Understanding Baby-Led Feeding Myths29:12 Practical Tips for Family Meals32:11 Introducing 'Baby Leads The Way'Send us a Text Message with questions, suggestions, or to just say hello!Support the showIf you're interested in helping give the absolute greatest gift to deserving intended parents, learn more about becoming a surrogate (and earn up to $650 just for taking the first few simple steps!): share.conceiveabilities.com/hello12

Join me for my next live video in the app Get full access to Christine Staricka, Lactation Consultant at ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe

Learning about oral ties and airway dysfunction hasn't only helped Katie's clients and practice.  Along the way Katie and her family have benefited from this knowledge.  Since learning more about lip and buccal ties, Katie and her Kidds all had these released.  Listen for details on why and the results.Podcast Host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 25 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  While Katie sees clients locally in western WA, Katie is also a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email katie@cuddlesandmilk.com or www.cuddlesandmilk.com  

Je reçois aujourd'hui Caroline de Ville, médecin, consultante en lactation IBCLC et fondatrice de l'institut « au sein en douceur ». Je l'ai choisie pour nous parler de l'allaitement dans le cadre d'un diabète de type 1, mais nous évoquerons aussi le diabète de type 2 et le diabète gestationnel. Le diabète, c'est quand ton pancréas fait la tête, et décide de ne pas bosser correctement pour gérer ta glycémie (le taux de sucre dans ton sang), et pour la grossesse ça peut déjà se révéler très embêtant, mais aussi pour l'accouchement et donc de façon logique pour l'allaitement aussi. A quoi sont exposées ces mamans qui souffrent de diabète durant la grossesse, la naissance et le post partum ? Et comment cela va influer sur la mise en place d'un allaitement ? On va se poser toutes ces questions avec Caroline et on va bien sûr se demander ce qu'on peut mettre en place pour que ça se déroule au mieux, selon les souhaits de chacune. On va aussi se demander si l'allaitement en cas de diabète peut d'une façon ou d'une autre présenter un risque pour ces bébés. Je vous rassure tout de suite : allaiter avec un diabète qu'importe son type est possible, ce n'est pas le chemin le plus facile mais bien entourées, tout peut très bien se passer. Écoutons donc Caroline qui va tout nous expliquer. Belle écoute, Charlotte Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.

Starting solids can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! In this episode, Dr. Whitney is joined by registered dietitian Cinthia Scott, RD, IBCLC, co-author of Baby Leads the Way: An Evidence-Based Guide to Introducing Solid Foods, to break down everything parents need to know about introducing solid foods with confidence. They discuss common misconceptions, signs of readiness, gagging vs. choking, allergy introduction, and how to encourage adventurous eating from the start. If you're feeling anxious about starting solids or want evidence-based tips to make the transition easier, this episode is for you!See the full show notes here.You can find the Audiobook Version of Doing it All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant to Be HERE.

Johanna is a girl mama joining us today from Canada. She had an unplanned C-section with her first, an HBAC with her second, and was pregnant with her third at the time of recording! Johanna reflects on her experiences with both supportive and unsupportive care during her pregnancies. Meagan and Johanna dive into your options surrounding PROM,  the significance of intuition in decision-making, the impact of provider choices on birth outcomes, and the nuances of VBAC postpartum recovery.The VBAC Link Blog: Home Birth VBACEverything You Need for Your HBACSupportive Providers10 Signs to Switch Your ProviderWhat to Do When Your Water BreaksLabor GuideCoterie Diapers - Use code VBAC20 for 20% offHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details Meagan: Hello, Women of Strength. We have our friend Johanna with us from Canada today, and she's going to be sharing her HBAC story. So for those who may be , new to the VBAC world, or just all of the acronyms that the VBAC world has, HBAC is pronounced home birth after Cesarean. So if you are one of those who really wants to look into all of your options for birthing locations, which I encourage everyone to do, definitely listen up here. We're going to be talking about a lot of really great things including picking a provider and PROM knowing that you maybe had a provider that wasn't ideal the first time and more about HBAC. So we are going to be diving into a lot of really, really great, juicy topics. But in place our review today, Johanna and I are actually going to talk a little bit more about picking the right provider. So, Johanna, welcome to the show.Johanna: Thank you.Meagan: I am so excited for you to be with us today and so grateful that you are here to talk about this topic. Because like I was saying before we pressed record, I see daily in our community, every single day, and not even just our community, in other VBAC communities or this is weird, but people's statuses, like my friends and family's statuses on Facebook, where you type like, "Hey, I'm looking for this," or "I'm feeling very frustrated," or "I need prayers." People will seriously say, "I don't know what to do, you guys. Has anybody ever heard of VBAC?" on their own status? But especially in the VBAC groups, I see people and I just want to yell, "Hey, you over there. You're with the wrong provider" or, "Hey, you should move." That's a really hard thing because especially when I type that it can be like, oh my gosh, who is this broad telling me that I'm with the wrong provider and that I chose wrong? I'm not trying to say that. I'm not trying to say you chose wrong. Like, how dare you choose wrong? It's just like, hey, what you're telling us in this community is screaming, you're the wrong provider. So, Johanna, you , mentioned before we press record that you realized after your first birth that you were with the wrong provider. What made you realize that you were with the wrong provider? And were there signs during pregnancy that you recognized and maybe pushed away? Or was it really not something that you recognized until after? Because I know really, it can go both ways.Johanna: Yeah, I think that there were signs during the pregnancy. I mean, one of them, and I just didn't listen to my gut because you don't know what you don't know. I put too much blind faith that it was all gonna work out. But I never felt comfortable with her. I didn't have a good connection with her. I was asking a lot of questions about what I can be doing because my first birth, I really wanted to be a home birth. She basically just didn't give me very much information about what I can be doing. She sent me to your generic birth course through the hospital. Yeah. I didn't really feel like she was really invested in the outcome of my birth. I was just like another one of her patients. So I didn't feel great about that. And then when push came to shove with my birth and things weren't going great, she threw her hands up in the air and just took a step back and didn't really advocate for me or try and help me through things. So I was left with a pretty unpleasant taste in my mouth.Meagan: Yeah, I mean, exactly what you said just a minute ago. You didn't feel that she was invested in the outcome of your birth. And then it proved. It proved to be true when she just threw her arms up. So you had that experience, and you're not alone. There are so many of us out there. Me too, me included and a lot of people on The VBAC Link team included. We have all been in a similar situation where our providers, threw our hands up, weren't invested in our birth and our experience and had to go out there and seek that support that we deserved. So if there's anything we talk about on The VBAC Link, and I'm sure you've heard it, is find the right provider. I mean, seriously, you guys, I say it daily, every single day. If I'm not typing it, if I'm not voice memo-ing it, if I'm not saying it in my mind, it's find the right provider. Johanna, what would you give for tips for our listeners to find that right provider? And how did you find that right provider?Johanna: So I found my midwife that I used for my second birth and I'm actually using again for my third birth because I am 31 weeks pregnant today.Meagan: Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Yay.Johanna: I found her actually because when I got pregnant for the second time, the first thing I did was get a doula.Meagan: Uh-huh.Johanna: I asked her for recommendations on a VBAC friendly midwife. She had recommended this midwife. So immediately I was like, yes, I would like to meet her. When I met her, instantly, I felt so much more at ease.So I would say going with your gut. If something doesn't feel right, even if it's the tiniest thing, just look for a new provider. Just find someone where it feels right.Meagan: Yeah. I can relate to that so much because that's how I was feeling. I was searching, I was searching, I was searching. I mean, it was insane. I interviewed a lot of providers, but that's what I was searching for is that immediate like, oh, I'm in the right place. You are my person. And it took me a long time. And that sucks. It sucks that it took so long. I know that in some areas they're really rural and it's almost impossible to find that feeling. But I agree. So just as a reminder for those looking, before we get into the story, I wanted to make sure that you know to ask open-ended questions. Do not say, "Do you support VBAC? Yes or no?" Do not say, "Do you support me to go to 40 weeks? Yes or no?"Let's ask open ended questions. "How do you feel if I approach my due date and I haven't had a baby yet? How do you feel about VBAC? What is your experience with VBAC? How do you support your VBAC clients to make sure patients get the birth that they want? How do you advocate for them?"Asking these big open ended questions and then like Johanna said, diving deep. What is your heart and your gut feeling and saying? If at any point you are questioning, which I think is when people come out on social media, that is when I think they comment and they're writing, "Hey, I'm, feeling defeated. Hey, this is what my provider said." It's because they're doubting. They're questioning. That's their intuition. If that even comes into play at all, it's time to switch. It is time to switch. And first-time parents, if you are out there listening, this applies to you too, right? We have to avoid these unnecessary Cesareans which are happening all over the world. We have to follow our intuition. So that's another thing we talk about until we're blue in the face-- intuition. So follow that intuition. Ask open ended questions. Really dive in deep because your provider really can make an impact.And really, really quickly, we're going to just barely skim the surface on PROM. PROM is premature rupture of membranes. Johanna and I have both experienced it. She's two for two. I'm three for three. Maybe you won't be three for three girl. I don't know. I'm hoping you're not. Johanna: Fingers crossed. Meagan: I'm hoping you won't. But if you are, we know that it's okay. Vaginal birth still happen. But talking about providers, if you have PROM, which means your water breaks before labor begins, and just to let you know, it can take hours, even days for your body to turn over into labor after your water breaks. But if you have PROM and you don't have a supportive provider, that is right there the beginning of a fight. It shouldn't have to be a fight, but that can impact things because they want to get things going. Some providers won't even induce labor or touch you or 12 hours later they're like, "Nope, you haven't had a baby. You have to have a C-section." So yeah. So really quick Johanna, do you have any tips for our listeners who might have had PROM or may have PROM?Johanna: Yeah, it's difficult because especially when I experienced it, I mean, I experienced it for both births and the second time I really felt anxious because I was like, oh no, I'm on a ticking time-clock again.Meagan: Yeah, yeah. Because that's how you were treated.Johanna: Yes. I was lucky that I have a super supportive provider. And she was like, "Baby's fine, you're fine, everything's fine. We're just going to wait it out."Yeah, I mean crucial to have the right provider that is going to give you that grace and give you that time and that space, but just know the facts. Just arm yourself with information that as long as the fluid is clear, as long as you have no signs of infection-- at least here they make you come in for non-stress tests like every, I don't know if it's 12 hours or 24 hours when your water has broken. As long as everything's looking okay, you can wait, I think, up to 72 hours.Meagan: I've actually even had a client wait five days. Johanna: Holy smokes. Meagan: Five days. Close monitoring you guys, really close monitoring. But it was nothing that said a baby needed to be born. So five days is maybe abnormal. This was a home birth transfer to hospital. Even with five days rupture of membranes, the hospital did not "make" her, as I'm putting quotes up, have a Cesarean or do anything different because she advocated for herself. But it really can. 72 hours. It really can happen. So okay, we are going to stop talking about this, you guys. We're going to have links in the show notes to dive deeper into questions for your provider. What about premature rupture of membranes and things like that. So we're going to have those in the show notes if you want to dive more into that. You can dive in. But we're going to take one quick break for the intro, and then turn the time over to Johanna. Okay girl, thank you so much for chatting with me about that. I really do think it's so important.Johanna: I think knowledge about everything is your best friend when you're planning for any birth, but especially a VBAC.Meagan: Right. I know. It does suck that VBAC has to be so much more intense in our prep and our research and all these things because we're just moms going in to have vaginal births. That's all we are. But, but unfortunately that's not how it's viewed. That's just not how it's viewed in most areas of the world. So yeah, all right. Let's talk about that first birth.Johanna: Okay. So I got pregnant with my first daughter Mila in the summer of 2020. So heavy, COVID times. So that was scary enough. Because of COVID and the shift in culture towards socialization and going into hospitals and stuff like that, me and my husband decided to look into home birth which was not really on my radar before, but the more that I looked into it, I was like, oh, this is super beautiful, and I love the idea of birthing my baby at home in the piece and quiet of our own space.Meagan: Yeah. And a lot safer than a lot of people think.Johanna: Yeah. Yeah, for sure. The more I looked into it, the more I was like, okay. This is a totally viable option for us. I had a pretty uneventful pregnancy. I was very lucky. I had very minimal symptoms. Everything went well. I didn't have anything scary happened during the pregnancy. I will say that I didn't take the best care of myself. I am usually a pretty active person and I totally just didn't do much exercise or working out. I think in the back of my mind, I was scared that something bad was going to happen if I overdid it. It was just a lot of first-time mom anxieties.Meagan: Totally get it.Johanna: Yep. I didn't eat the best. I didn't take the best care of myself. I didn't do a whole lot to prep for the birth other than your typical childbirthing classes, bringing baby home through the hospital, generic courses that I think a lot of first-time moms, that's what they do, right? I read a couple of books. I read the What to Expect books, and I think I read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth.Meagan: Great book.Johanna: Yep. But I had no idea what to expect. When it came to labor and birth, I really was going in blind. I will say, I just put my faith in that my provider was going to hold my hand through it. That was a mistake. So yeah, I mean, it was a pretty uneventful pregnancy. There wasn't a whole lot to say other than it was COVID and everything was scary and didn't really know what was going on. When I was 41-ish weeks, my water ended up breaking. It was the middle of the night, and I didn't really know what happened. It was just like a little squirt and went back to bed. And in the morning, it was like when you move a position and a little bit comes out and you move a position and a little bit. It was one of those. And then I lost my mucus plug. So I was like, oh, I better call my midwife. So I gave her a call, and she totally brushed me off. She was like, "No, I think it's probably just discharge. I wouldn't worry about it." So that was another red flag was her just totally brushing off my feelings and what I believed was going on. So I hung up the phone and I was like, well, I don't really know what to do now. I'm fairly certain that my water's broken. So I waited a couple of hours, and it continued to trickle out. I eventually called her again and she was like, "Okay, okay, you can come in. You can come in and I'll check, but I'm pretty sure it's just discharge." So I went in and sure enough, she was like, "Oh, your water did break and it's amniotic fluids. Look at that."Meagan: Interesting.Johanna: Yeah, I could have told you that. So I was like, "Well, what do we do now?" And she was like, "Well, we can wait up to 72 hours as long as everything's healthy. That's fine, so we'll keep monitoring things." She sent me home and told me to just relax. She said, "If labor doesn't pick up today, go to bed and in the morning, do a castor oil induction." I did that. When I woke up the next morning and nothing had happened, I did do the castor oil induction. I will say that I will never do that again because it was horrible. Sorry for the TMI, but it just gave me severe diarrhea, and then nothing happened, and I was super uncomfortable. So that wasn't fun. That wasn't fun. That didn't work.I went in for a non-stress test that afternoon. She decided to check me, and I had made zero progress. I was not dilated at all. I had zero effacement or anything like that, so no progress. I felt super discouraged. My water has been broken for however long at this point-- 36 hours, I think, probably. I've made no progress. The castor oil induction and failed. I had barely slept the night before, so I was tired and I was just stressed. I was like, when is this going to happen?Meagan: But at this point you weren't really thriving with contractions. Nothing was too intense to be telling you that there should be progress, right?Johanna: Literally not a single contraction or anything. Nothing was happening.Meagan: True PROM, and so your defeating feeling is super normal because in our minds we were told our water breaks, we should be having a baby. But if we have PROM, don't expect to be dilated. Right?Johanna: Yes.Meagan: I did too. I expected to be way dilated and I wasn't.Johanna: So I felt super defeated. And like I said, I wasn't sleeping. I barely got any sleep the night before because I was just anxious for birth to get going. I ended up crying in her office about how stressed I was to end up in a C-section because my sister had a long, pretty terrible labor that ended in a C-section. It was just not a great experience for her. I don't exactly remember what my midwife said, but I did not feel reassured leaving that appointment. But we did end up deciding that if I didn't go into labor that night, I was going to be induced the next morning because I was just not sleeping well. I was not able to rest and relax because I was just anxious. So I was like, okay. I guess my home birth plan is out the window, but at least there's a plan. I ended up going home. We had dinner, and I started getting contractions just after dinner which was exciting.Meagan: Yeah.Johanna: But then they petered off after, like, I don't know, an hour or two. So we went to bed, had the hospital bags packed and everything ready to go for an induction the next morning. Labor started around 2:00 AM. It started on its own around 2:00 AM.Meagan: How many total hours is this until labor comes?Johanna: I think it was about 48 hours after my water broke that I had the rupture of membranes that my labor actually started. I will say, it was pretty intense right off the hob. I hear a lot of women say that their early labor is like, "Oh, I took my other kids for a walk. I baked a cake. I did this. I did that to distract myself." My labors are not like that. My labors are intense right out the gate. I tried to eat something for breakfast. A few hours after that, I woke my husband up. We tried to eat breakfast. I got in the bathtub to try and relieve some of the discomfort. I hung out in there for a while. We had rented a birth tub. My husband got that set up. I called my midwife. She came probably around 11:00 AM, so at that point, I'd probably been laboring for like, I don't know, eight or nine hours. I was not coping well. It was very intense and I was not coping well with the pain. She checked me, and I was a 3. I was like, dang it. In my mind, what I know now is that it's not a linear thing and that it's not going to take another 18 hours to go from a 3 to 9. But in my mind then I was like, oh no, I can't do this for however many more hours because I'm already not coping well and I'm only at a 3. So I told her I was totally deflated and I told her, "I want to go to the hospital and get an epidural." She was like, "Okay, if that's what you want to do, that's fine." So I think between the time that she checked me and I was at a 3 and the time that I got the epidural, it was about two hours. That car ride to the hospital, wow, was not fun. But yes. So, in that two hours that it took between her checking me and me getting the epidural, she checked me again right as soon as it kicked in and I was at a 9.Meagan: Whoa.Johanna: Yeah. Meagan: 0 to 100. Johanna: Yeah, when I say that car ride, it was ripping through me.Meagan: Yeah, you were in transition at that point.Johanna: Yeah. When we were in the hospital waiting for the anesthesiologist to come in and do the epidural, my midwife and husband are joking around trying to make me laugh. I'm like, "This is not where are at right now." I was not having it because, obviously, I was in transition, and it just was not where I was at. So yeah, she was like, "Okay, well you're at a 9 now, that's great. So rest for an hour and then we'll probably be pushing." The epidural was heavy. I felt nothing from my ribs down. So an hour went by and she's like, "Hey, you're complete. Start pushing." I felt nothing. I'm trying to push, and she's telling me that I'm doing a pretty good job considering I have an epidural, but baby was still high. And then all of a sudden, I think I'd pushed a couple of times and all of a sudden, all of these doctors and nurses and bunch of people just start run into the room and they're all speaking French because it's a French speaking hospital.Meagan: Oh my gosh.Johanna: So I have no idea what's going on. Nobody is telling me anything. They're all speaking a different language. And I was just like, "Can somebody please tell me in English what's going on?" They told me that she was having late decal every time that I was pushing.Meagan: Okay.Johanna: So between pushes she was fine, but every time I'd push, her heart rate would go down and then have trouble recovering. At no point did anybody recommend maybe trying a position change or anything like that. Like maybe her cord was being pinched in that position. If only I knew now or knew then what I know now.Meagan: Yeah, like hydration, movement, doing something, pushing in a different position.Johanna: Yeah, yeah no. So like I said, my midwife threw her hands up and stepped back and let the OB take over and didn't say anything to me after that. The OB basically let me push three times and then was like, "Nope, this is going to take too long. We need to have a C-section," and she called a C-section.Meagan: Wow. Do you remember how low your baby's heart rate was getting?Johanna: No, I have no idea.Meagan: Okay, interesting. I mean late deceleration are less ideal, right? We don't want them to happen late. We want that to be the recovery period.But yeah, there could have been some things done.Johanna: Yeah, and looking back, it's frustrating to know that maybe if one little thing had been changed, the outcome could have been totally different.Yeah, but you can't blame yourself for that either. It's hard to look back and be like, the what if's. But yes, you did whatever you did in the moment with the information you were given.Johanna: Exactly. So I went in for the C-section. It went fine. There were no complications, but being strapped down to a table in a really cold room and having the shakes and not feeling that, not being the person to get to hold your baby. I mean, everyone listening to this podcast pretty much knows what thats like and how it was demoralizing and traumatizing for sure. But it went fine. She was born healthy. I didn't have any complications. But yeah, the emotional trauma was real and not just for me, but for my husband too. We got discharged about 24 hours after the C-section and going home and seeing the birth tub still set up in our living room was a very emotional experience. We both ended up breaking down crying.Meagan: Yeah.Johanna: So I had to do a lot of emotional recovery from that birth as well as physical recovery because the physical recovery from C-section was also extremely rough. I remember every time I would have to get up out of bed, it felt like I was being ripped in half. It's rough, but I knew right from the moment she was born that I would be VBACing my next baby because we had always planned on having a few kids.Meagan: I want to point out to everyone, too, the importance of postpartum support and postpartum help and planning. We never know the outcomes of birth. I didn't know the outcomes. I didn't realize that it was going to take me 15 minutes to walk 10 stairs up to my bedroom. I didn't realize it was going to take me 15 minutes to walk down the stairs. I couldn't be holding anything. I didn't realize how exhausting it was going to be to get out of bed to go to the restroom let alone taking care of a newborn baby and also thriving as an individual. So it's really important to really try not to ignore the postpartum period. I think it's easy to do because we're so focused on the birth. Especially with VBAC, I think we're so hyper, hyper focused on that VBAC, that outcome, and that experience which I do not shame anyone for being. I just want to plug it in. Don't forget about your postpartum because whether it's physical or emotional.You came back to this space of seeing a plan that didn't unfold the way you wanted it to. That can be very emotional, very traumatic even in some ways. So yeah, having some resources for postpartum as well. I just want to plug that in.Johanna: Yeah, that's a really good point. I did no prep for postpartum for my first birth.Meagan: Me either.Johanna: It wasn't even something that like dawned on me to think about. When I was in postpartum, I was like, wow, this is really intense. Like the sleep deprivation, the recovery, the breastfeeding, everything. It;s super intense. So for sure, don't neglect postpartum plans and getting the support that you need.Meagan: Yeah.Johanna: So anyway, I think from a couple weeks postpartum with Mila, I ended up finding your podcast and absolutely just binging it and trying to intake any knowledge I could get about VBAC natural childbirth-- just anything I could get my hands on, I was consuming because I knew that I was going to VBAC. I knew that I wanted to have a birth that was as intervention-free as possible for my second. So I ended up getting pregnant with my second daughter Bailey in the summer of 2022. The very first thing I did was I hired a doula. I already knew what doula I wanted before we even got pregnant because we had interviewed a few, and the doula that I found was actually a VBAC mom herself. And she just had a beautiful calming energy about her. I was like yep, that's who I want. So with that test, the lines turned pink, and I was already getting her on board. I ended up hiring the midwife that she recommended as well. I was intent on doing everything that I could this second pregnancy to set myself up for a successful VBAC that I could possibly do because I knew that if I did everything that I could possibly do and it still ended up in a C-section, then I don't have to have any lingering questions of well, what if I had done this? So it was like, I was going to do everything I could to set myself up for success. I was super diligent with eating well, exercising, and chiropractic care. I did all of the Spinning Babies' exercises, walking, and yoga. I did a HypnoBirthing course which I really, really liked, and I'm doing again for this pregnancy. I put up my birth affirmations. I did all the things You name it, I did it. My husband was super, super amazing and supportive and he was there with me every step of the way through every appointment and did all the coursework with me and everything like that. I'm very lucky to have a super supportive husband. I had another pretty uneventful easy going pregnancy. Other than a little bit more morning sickness and some SPD, it was pretty easy. I will say there's one thing that they make you do here, and I don't know if you guys have to do it in the US but if you're planning for a VBAC you have to see an OB around 36-37 weeks. Do you guys have to do that as well?Meagan: Yeah, so not if you're out-of-hospital. You don't have to do it. Some midwives still out-of- hospital will be like, "Hey, I want you to consult with a partnering physician," as in, "Hey, this is someone we would transfer to.: I went a consult with them, but with the midwives in hospital they require them to do a VBAC consult, and it's pretty much a visit where the OB is like, "Hey, this is what you're doing. Here is your risk. Do you comply?"Yeah.Johanna: Yes. So I ended up having to do that, and I knew it was going to be a negative experience. I knew it was just going to be fear-mongering and throwing scary statistics out. So I already had my guard up for that. And then it was also at the hospital where I had my C-section, so even just walking into that environment was very triggering.Meagan: Yeah. So I went to that and I was right. She told me, "As soon as you go into labor, you need to go to the hospital and you should have continual monitoring and and epidural just in case," and all of these things where I'm just like, no, that so goes against everything that I believe will lead to like a healthy, happy birth.I definitely didn't tell her about my plans. I actually was hoping this would end up in a home birth. I didn't actually mention this. My plan-- I didn't want to commit to a home birth. I was a little bit anxious because of my first birth ending up transferring to hospital, that I would end up having to do that again and then have that crushing disappointment that it didn't work out again. So my plan with my midwife was that I was going to labor at home as long as possible, and we were going to play it by ear. As long as everything was going well, then I would potentially have her at home. But I just didn't want to have that pressure that I needed to stay home because this was going to be a home birth. Do you know what I mean?Meagan: No, I totally do. I mean, when I was planning my, it wasn't a HBAC, it was a birth center birth. It's like a downplayed HBAC. I mean, I was in a different home. Right. I totally do. I know exactly what you mean.Johanna: Yeah.Meagan: Yeah, yeah.Johanna: So yeah, I definitely did not tell the OB that my plan was to have a home birth because I just did not even did not want to get into that. So I nodded my head and was like, "Yes, sure. Okay, great."Meagan: Yep.Johanna: At one point, also during my midwifery care for the second pregnancy, my midwife was like, "It's standard for you. The hospital wants you to sign a release form with a backup C-section date."Meagan: What?Johanna: And I was just like, "Yeah, I will also not be doing that." And she was like, "That is totally fine. Just sign that you won't do that." Meagan: I do not consent. Yeah, I do not consent in doing this.Johanna: Yeah, yeah. I was like, I don't need that to clock above my head.Meagan: No.Johanna: So again, my due date arrived and passed. I ended up getting a couple membrane sweeps to try and move things along, but they were unsuccessful. And wow, they are very, very painful.Meagan: So can I super quick touch on that?Johanna: Yes.Meagan: Membrane sweeps-- that's a really big question we see as well. And when you talk about them being painful, that's actually a sign that the cervix wasn't ready. Like it wasn't forward. It wasn't open. If a membrane sweep is painful, it's a real big sign-- it's not a guarantee, but it's a real big sign that your cervix isn't ready. So quick rule of thumb, if you are dilated 2+ centimeters, 3 or more is more ideal. Your cervix is really forward, meaning they don't have to reach back and in, and you are effaced at least 75-80%, that's a little bit more ideal and less painful. But if they are going back, a lot of the times is because they have to reach back and in. And so that is, that is that. And then it can cause pain, prodromal labor, things like that and, and frustration because you're wanting it to work and it's not working.Johanna: Yes. So yeah, they didn't work for me, but my midwife did tell me that I was actually 3 centimeters and she could stretch me to 3. Meagan: Great. So you were at least dilated.Johanna: Yes. So despite the fact that it was super painful and didn't work, I was still feeling very encouraged to know that my body was doing something good. Meagan: YesJohanna: Because you'll remember my first birth, I was completely closed and nothing was happening after my water broke. So I was feeling pretty good about that. At about 40 weeks and 4 days, my water broke again before labor started. It was another one of those slow trickles, and it was the middle of the afternoon, so I called my midwife, and she was like, "Okay, come meet me." She asked if the fluid was clear and I said, "Yes." And she said, "Okay, come meet me at the office later, and we'll do the non-stress test and check you out and make sure everything's dandy." So I went and everything was fine. We were just waiting again for labor to start. I felt okay because I had been through this before, and I knew my body would go into labor, but at the back of my mind I was a little bit stressing out because I was like, okay, I'm on a clock again. I went home. Nothing happened. I woke up the next day and tried to get things going with the breast pump. That got contractions going, but they never stuck around. I ended up confiding with my doula about how stressed I was feeling that I was on a clock and feeling like why can't my body just go into labor? She was extremely reassuring. She came over, and we just talked for a bit, and I felt a lot better after that. That was in the evening, the day after my water broke, and I was supposed to go in for a non-stress test. So I went and met my midwife for a non-stress test that night. It was 36-ish hours after my water had broke. Still, everything was looking good. Baby was good. She was happy. I was fine. There was no need to rush into an induction or anything like that. But she could tell I was stressed. My midwife could tell that I was a bit stressed and she was like, "It's fine. We've got lots of time. You don't need distress.: And she's like, "But I can give you these tinctures or whatever if you want to try them." It was like the blue or black. Meagan: Cohosh.Johanna: Cohosh, yes. I was like "Sure, I'll do anything at this point. I'll try anything. I don't care. So they almost look like tiny, tiny little white beads. I don't know if they're always in the same form.Meagan: Yeah, sometimes they're in drops like tincture drops or almost like you said, a pill-like bead type. Johanna: So she was like, "Okay, let's give you one now." She wanted me to take four doses an hour apart.Meagan: Did you put them under your tongue?Johanna: Yeah. So she got me to take one when I arrived for the non-stress test and then when the non-stress test was over, it had been about an hour, so she gave me a second dose, and then she sent me home with two more. So we went home, and then I took one an hour after the previous dose and it was probably 10:30 at night at that point. Contractions started going after I took the third dose and I was like okay, they're probably going to peter out again because that's what they've been doing all day. I'm tired and I want to go to bed and I don't feel like staying up another hour to take the fourth dose. So me and my husband both took a gravel because my midwife told me to take a gravel and go to sleep.Meagan: What's a gravel?Johanna: A gravel is like an anti-nausea medication, but it makes you sleepy.Meagan: I did not know that. I've never heard of that. I don't think I've never heard it.Johanna: Yeah. Interesting.Meagan: Cool. I love learning. A gravel.Johanna: Gravel.Meagan: Yeah. Okay.Johanna: So yeah, she told me to take one and go to sleep because it makes you drowsy. So I think we had fallen asleep for maybe an hour and a half and I was woken up again with very intense contractions. And this time I was like okay, this is it for real. And like I said, with both my labors, contractions were intense straight out of the gate. So I woke my husband up. Taking the gravel was a mistake because we were both super drowsy. I woke him up and I was like, "I think you need to call the doula because this is definitely happening." And so he called her over and I labored in bed. I did my HypnoBirthing tracks. I did a lot of breathing through the contractions and the HypnoBirthing was super, super helpful, I will say that. We hung out for a while and just did that. My husband tried his best to stay awake despite how tired he was. Eventually, I think I waited maybe a bit longer than I probably should have to call my midwife because I was so determined to stay at home as long as possible. I didn't want her to come and be like oh, you're a 3, right?Meagan: See? Your mind. Even in labor we trigger back. We process things as they're happening from how they happened before, and it's really hard to let go. But your mind was doing it too, right? You're like no, I can't do this because I can't be that.Johanna: Yes. So what we waited, I think it was, I don't know. I have no concept of time. But we waited a couple hours or a few hours and my doula was like, "I think we should call the midwife." I was like, "Okay, can you call her?" So we called her and shortly after we called her, I was having contractions so intense that I was having an out-of-body experience. Like very, very intense. I was getting the shakes and hot and cold lashes. In my mind I was like, I'm going through transition. For sure, for sure. I'm going through transition. My midwife was not there yet and she would not arrive for probably like another hour.Meagan: You progress quickly from history.Johanna: Yes. So, by the time she arrived, she ran upstairs to my room. She checked me and she's like, "Okay, you're at an 8, so if you want to do a hospital transfer, if you want to go, we've got to go now." And I was like, "No, that ship has sailed. We're doing this here. As long as Bailey's healthy and I'm healthy, I'd like to stay here." So she was like, "Okay, we're doing this here." And she called over the other midwife because she wasn't actually sure that it was going to be a home birth, so she didn't have the other midwife with her, so she had to call the secondary midwife to show up. It was all very hectic. This time around, I plan on calling them much more ahead of time so that it's not so hectic when they arrived because lights got turned on, equipment was shuffled around and set up and definitely took away from the vibe a little bit. But yeah. So shortly after she arrived, I was complete and I had that very stereotypical moment where you feel like you got a poo.Meagan: And sometimes you just hold back because you're like, oh crap, wait. Do I need go poo first or should I have? Wait, what should I do? I don't know. I want to have the baby, but I don't want to poop.Johanna: Exactly. So I was like, "Oh my gosh, I feel like I have to poo." My midwife's like, "It's okay. This is normal. You're good." She was just encouraging me to just do what I felt like I needed to do. I ended up pushing for probably an hour, give or take, in a sumo squat position with my midwife on one side and my doula on the other side and then my husband would switch out for the midwife supporting me on either side. And yeah, I only had to push for maybe an hour, give or take. Her head got a little bit squeezed at one point when she was coming out, so when she came out, she was in a bit of shock. Because of where I was in my room, and the equipment was on the other side, my midwife had to make the decision to clamp and cut her cord and take her over to their equipment to give her a little bit of help which was very scary. She didn't end up needing oxygen, but they thought that she might. So she ended up being okay, but it was definitely a scary couple of minutes where I didn't know what was going on. But yeah, she ended up being okay. The only thing I was a little bit disappointed in was the second time around, not being the one who gets to be the one to hold my baby and bring her to my chest and missing out on that experience again.Meagan: Yeah.Johanna: But obviously I was amazed that I had done it. I had gotten my home birth, I had gotten my VBAC. I was in shock.Meagan: I can so relate. Sometimes you're so focused on pushing that baby coming out, and then it happens and you're like, am I dreaming that this happen? And you're looking around and you're like blinking and you're like, no, I'm awake. I just did this. I just did this. And you're so excited.Johanna: I was still in La La Land because I had labored so hard for eight hours and yeah, you're out of it and just in disbelief.Meagan: Yeah. Yeah.Johanna: Like, did this really just happen?Meagan: But it did. It just happened.Johanna: Yeah. So that was a really good feeling. Recovery was like night and day. I could immediately just go and have a nice shower and walk back to my bed and crawl into my bed. It was comfortable and I wasn't in pain. I had mobility, and I could lift my baby up. It was a good feeling. Although I will say that without the epidural, the fundal massage was a really unpleasant experience.Meagan: Yes. So for everyone that doesn't maybe know, fundal massage is something that they do after labor and delivery, they essentially put their hand, sometimes fist. Now it's not like they punch you, but think about a fist. Look at the bottom of your fist. They put the bottom of their fist along your uterus, the top of your uterus. They push down and massage. They push down and they massage. And sometimes they do it three or so times. You take a deep breath, they do it. You take a deep breath, they do it. And why they're doing that is because they're checking to one, make sure your uterus is clamping back down to its normal size right after birth and the placenta is out. It starts doing its job and going boop boop, boop, right back down to its normal size. But sometimes it can get a little boggy or bleeding can occur. So yeah, you want to make sure that. Now, really quick tip. If for some reason your uterus is still staying boggy and not clamping down as much, something you can try to do if you are able is urinate. Go to the restroom. That's a really big thing to help the uterus clamp back down. And even if you have an epidural, sometimes you have to get a straight cath. And if you can't go to the bathroom, sometimes you can get a straight cath to release. But yeah, that is not as friendly when you're unmedicated. But take deep breaths. If you can, get that baby on your chest or hold someone's hand-- your doula, your partner, your midwife, anybody's hand and just take really deep breaths and know that it's okay. It's okay. It doesn't last too long. But yeah.Johanna: So going back to our chat about postpartum.Meagan: Yeah.Johanna: So the recovery of vaginal versus C-section night and day for sure. But I will say that my postpartum with Bailey was way harder than with my first. It had nothing to do with the birth. I think she was asynclitic in my uterus. And so when she came out, she had a pretty bad case of torticollis and a tongue tie which made breastfeeding very difficult. I got mastitis twice in the first four weeks, like a really bad case twice in the first four weeks. I ended up with a bad case of food poisoning at three weeks postpartum.Meagan: Oh no.Johanna: And I had some prolapse symptoms as well. I will say that there were a lot of things happening in the first month, month and a half of my postpartum that I didn't expect and were very intense and difficult. I mean, just for breastfeeding, I was in so much pain that there were many times that I wanted to just give up and be like, nope, never mind. Forget this.So having good lactation support was really crucial.Meagan: Oh yes. And get lactation support before you have your baby. It sounds weird. It sounds really strange to connect with someone about breastfeeding before your baby is born. But oh my gosh, you guys, it's so impactful. I mean, we've talked about it before with The Lactation Network and other IBCLC supports. It's so important. I had similar. So my baby was born be a Cesarean. So in a Cesarean, a baby can also develop torticollis too with the way they are and the way they come out. But my baby had torticollis and she had a tongue tie. So very, very difficult. Challenging for sure and frustrating.It can impact things like mastitis and yeah, I love that you pointed that out. My was recovery all around better, but that doesn't mean my experience was all sunshine and butterflies. I really want to just highlight that one more time, you guys. Vaginal birth doesn't mean your postpartum journey is going to be the easiest. Mine wasn't. My VBAC after two Cesarean birth was not the easiest. It just wasn't. So again, get those resources beforehand. Right?Johanna: Yeah. And I will say, I don't know what I would have done if I wasn't with midwifery care and having them on call for the six-week postpartum because I swear, I called them every second day about something that was going on.Meagan: Well, and that's more unique to home birth too because even with the hospital birth midwives, it's not the same. They usually say, "Oh, I'll see you in six weeks," and you can call. You can call any OB or midwife. You can call any provider, but there's a different level of care and follow-up in that postpartum stage and it's very impactful. It's very, very impactful.Johanna: Oh for sure. Yeah.Meagan: Yeah. Oh my gosh. I love everything and I love all these tips. There are so many tips and nuggets along the way. Is there anything else that you would like to drop here for the listeners in regards to home birth or preparing or postpartum or any words of encouragement that you may have?Johanna: I mean, I think that, like I mentioned at the start, just arming yourself with as much knowledge as you can is going to be your best bet to get the outcome that you want and just feel empowered throughout your pregnancy and your birth. So just arming yourself with as much knowledge as you can get your hands on and yeah, getting a good provider, trusting yourself, believing in your body, and setting yourself up for postpartum too because that's an important thing when you're so focused on getting your VBAC is letting the postpartum stuff fall to the wayside.Meagan: Yeah.Meagan: Taking care of yourself afterwards too is important.Meagan: Yes. Taking care of yourself. We don't. We don't take care of ourselves enough, you guys. Really pamper yourself. If that means you have your postpartum doula. If that means you hire a house cleaner to come in every other week. If that means you hire or have family come in to help, just whatever. Light house cleaning or holding baby or playing with toddler. Johanna, she's going to have two, you guys. She's almost on her third, and it's another baby girl.Johanna: Oh, yes. Yes. That's three for three.Meagan: So three baby girls. I mean, you've got your hands full in your postpartum experience.Right. So really do it. I don't want to stereotype women, but sometimes we get into this space of,  we can do it and we don't need to spend money on ourselves and things like that, but this stage of life is so important to invest in yourself. Really, truly invest in yourself because you deserve it. And your sleep and your experience and your mental health, it all matters so much. So yes, you might hire a cleaner and you might be spending that money, but guess what? That's okay. Do it. Johanna: And when you're taken care of, then you're a better mom to your kids.Meagan: Yes, yes. My husband always says, "When mom is happy, everyone else is happy." But really, really, you deserve it. Women of Strength, you deserve to be pampered and loved and supported. So Johanna, thank you so much again for such a powerful episode. I'm so grateful for you. And please keep us posted on this baby number three.By the time this episode comes out, you will have had this little baby girl.Johanna: Yes. I'm due January 4th, so I will definitely be sending you a message when she makes her entrance.Meagan: Please do. Please do. Okay well, thank you so much.Johanna: Thank you.ClosingWould you like to be a guest on the podcast? Tell us about your experience at thevbaclink.com/share. For more information on all things VBAC including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Meagan's bio, head over to thevbaclink.com. Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this special episode, Kristin, host of Ask the Doulas podcast and founder of Gold Coast Doulas,  gives tips on building your supportive birth team. Krisin and Meagan talk specifics on HOW to switch providers if you're feeling the push to do so.Once we have our dream team, we're good and don't have to do any more work, right? Nope! We keep educating and preparing ourselves. That's the way to truly get the most out of that dream team. Kristin's book ‘Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby' is a one-stop shop where you can get all of the education you need for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Her advice is so valuable for VBAC moms and birth workers, too!Supported: Your Guide to Birth and BabyAsk the Doulas PodcastNeeded WebsiteHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details Meagan: Hello. Hello. We have a special episode for you today. We have my friend, Kristin, who is actually the owner of Ask the Doulas Podcast on with us today. She is going to be talking about establishing our birth team and the importance of it. We're going to talk a little bit more about what to expect when we might not find a provider that's supportive and how to navigate it. She's going to talk more about her book and so many things. You guys, I'm really excited. Kristin is a woman who has always had a passion for supporting other women both personally and professionally. In college, Kristin served on the executive committee of her sorority and organized events on campus related to breast cancer and other women's issues. After the birth of her daughter in 2011, a new passion awoke within her. Kristin began reading and studying birth from all perspectives, philosophies, and medical approaches. She joined organizations like The Healthy Kent Breastfeeding Collation and used her event coordinating skills to build and promote the organization and create community awareness. You guys, she has done so many incredible things. Kristin's research has led her to learn more about doulas, and in 2012, she hired doulas herself for the support of her second birth. The level of compassionate care and comfort that she received from her doulas ignited a spark within her and led her down the path of becoming a doula herself. And man, can I connect to this because this is exactly what happened to me. When you guys have a doula who inspires you and touches you and motivates you the way it sounds like Kristin did and I did, even though my doula wasn't a hired doula, she was just a nurse that was a doula for the time being, it does something to you. She earned the certification and became teaching sacred pregnancy classes in 2013. But as you'll see, Kristin is a firm believer in achieving the highest level of education available when providing a service. Shortly after, she earned the following credentials-- you guys, are you ready for this? She's amazing. Oh my gosh. Certified Sacred Doula in 2014. She is a Certified Elite Labor through ProDoula. She is the Elite Postpartum and Infant Care Doula through ProDoula. She's trained in Spinning Babies, Newborn Specialist, Mother Ship, Certified Health Service Provider, certified in VBAC. She is certified in transformational birth and a birth coach for the Birth Coach Method. She is a certified pregnancy and infant loss advocate and certified gift registry expert through Be Her Village, who we will talk about. We both love them so much.She is also an author of a book which we will be sharing more about. It's called Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby. So without further ado, we are actually going to be skipping a review today and an educational topic because this is such a great episode to be educated and learn more about what Kristin is offering in her community. Okay, my love. Hello. Kristin: Hello.Meagan: We're officially getting going talking about this amazing topic. Tell me what you think about this. I think sometimes people want to assemble this dream team, but they let finances or even partners or other opinions get in the way.Kristin: Yes. Partner comfort level, especially with VBACs is key, or with clients of mine who want their dream is to have a home birth and their partner isn't supportive, so then they say, "Oh, it'll be with the next baby if everything goes well in the hospital." But then if they're a complication, they might risk out of the option of home. I think as consumers, we don't fully appreciate the ability to choose all of our birth and baby team. We can change providers. I switched providers with my first pregnancy early on because I didn't feel like that particular OB was on board with my plans to have an unmedicated hospital birth. I ended up switching to Certified Nurse Midwives and completely changed practices, completely changed hospitals in fact. It's a lot. Meagan: Yeah.Kristin: But it was worth it. And I had the time where it was easier to switch, but I've had clients switch very late in pregnancy. It was harder to find the right office to accept them, but with VBACs, it is crucial to have not just a VBAC-tolerant provider, but someone who is fully on board with your unique desires because we are all individuals.Meagan: Yes. I love that you said your unique desires. Everybody is different. I think it's really important to tell these providers what your desires are. We have a list of questions that we give people in our course and, of course, on the podcast. You can go down that list and check and be like, "Okay, this provider seems pretty supportive," but you guys have to tailor your questions and your provider. You have to tailor it to what your individual unique circumstances and desires are because everyone's is different. I would love to know. You said, I was realizing that this wasn't the right place. What kind of things were you hearing or being told or feeling when you were realizing that maybe your first provider wasn't going to be as supportive and in line with your unique decisions?Kristin: Just when I was talking about my wishes, I could tell that that particular provider liked structure and patience to get that epidural, and so once I started talking about movement, delivering in different positions and some of the things I had researched-- I hadn't yet taken a childbirth class because it was early in pregnancy, but I had done a fair bit of research before knowing what a doula was. I didn't hire doulas until my second. But I could just tell in that gut feeling which I rely on. Again, we're all unique. And yes, I do research, but I make decisions on am I comfortable spending my entire pregnancy with someone who can tolerate me and will say, "Okay"? But I could tell it didn't light her up. So once I found a practice where my nurse-midwife spent time with me, I had longer appointments, I could ask questions, and she was 100% on board with me, and then I was able to meet the other midwives and the OBs who oversaw them throughout the remainder of my pregnancy. I felt very cared for. And again, we are consumers. Whether your insurance pays for everything or you're paying for part of it, you don't get a do-over of your birth, and so it is so important, especially with that first birth to get the care team that aligns with you. That could be everything from a Webster-certified chiropractor, a physical therapist, a mental health therapist to deal with any anxieties that may come up with having a VBAC and getting a lot of fear-filled advice from friends and family members. I find that again, my clients are all unique individuals, and my students in Becoming a Mother Course, and now the readers in my book, have different goals, so I want them to choose the best plan for them. I love that you have worksheets and templates, but knowing that every situation is different whether it's a home birth, a trial of labor, or a hospital birth, that setting is different and the type of provider whether it's a nurse-midwife or an OB practice, how likely is the OB that is very VBAC-supportive going to be attending your birth? Are there 12 providers or are there only 4? And so there's just so many things to factor in when deciding what is important to you.Meagan: Yeah. That point that you just brought up, are there 12 providers? Are there only 4? Does your provider guarantee that they'll be there? These are things that I think a lot of people may not be aware of that because they found their provider. They're feeling good about their provider. They're jiving. They're having the feels, but then they may not be the ones to be there, so there are 11 other options. It feels overwhelming to be like, "Wait, wait. Do I interview all 11?" Yeah, guys. Yeah. You set up visits. It's okay. Go and see if you can meet with those. Make sure that that full team is aligned. It is a lot. That's a lot to take on, but it's okay to rotate and say, "Hey, I saw Dr. Jack last time. I'd like to see Dr. Joe this time," or whatever it may be. Really, really dive in, find out more about your provider's team if they have a team, and make sure that they align with your unique decisions and desires.Kristin: Absolutely. And that goes for doulas as well.Meagan: Oh, yeah.Kristin: So for VBAC clients, I, over the last couple of years, I do all of the matchmaking, I like to call it, between client and the birth doulas and postpartum doulas on my team, in fact. I like to find out what they're looking for. If they are attempting a VBAC, then many times, they're telling me they want a VBAC-certified doula. I have doulas that have gone through your program and are certified through you and other different VBAC trainings. They're not just wanting VBAC experience like in my early days of having Gold Coast Doulas. Now, they're wanting that certification because they know that information is being updated as things change. And there's more evidence for VBACs. They also want more than just, "Oh, I've attended four VBACs." They want the education behind it. So I think that is crucial. I'm not going to match, unless there's no one else available on my team, a client with someone who is not certified as a VBAC doula.Meagan: Yeah, I do the same thing with my group here where they're like, "This is really important to me. I want this specific type of doula." Some of my doulas have taken The VBAC Link course. And so I'm like, "Yep, this would be who I would suggest." But I also want to point out that even if you assemble your dream team doula, and they've got all the education and information on VBAC, and they're up to date, I want to just point out that it doesn't mean that you shouldn't inform yourself that you shouldn't get the information because sometimes I feel like it's easy to want to just hire your provider or your doula or your person and let them who know VBAC kind of help and guide you. But it is really important. You're doing yourself a disservice if you personally do not learn more about VBAC and your options as well and rely only on your provider or your doula.Kristin: 100%. The doula, I mean, unless you're paying her for it, will not be attending every one of your prenatal visits during pregnancy. The education that you have to make informed questions and decisions surrounding your birth plan or birth preference sheet, so those conversations are critical. The more information you have as a patient, the better. And as we all know, unless you're having a home birth, your visits are short even with a nurse-midwife. And so it's important to have those questions and to have time to really express concerns. Or if you're finding that that practice or that provider is not in line with your plans, then you can look at other options. And the hospital-- are VBACs even allowed at the hospital that you plan to deliver at? Are they going to induce? What are the Cesarean rates? And looking at all of the different options, and if you need to consider NICUs, that's always a factor in hospital selection as well.Meagan: Yeah, I'm going to kind of go back to where we were in the beginning where you realized based after your feelings and other things that this provider was not the right provider for you, you then changed to CNMs and had a much better experience. Can you discuss your process of that change? How did you change? Did you find the CNMs, have them request your information from the OB? Did you do a formal breakup with your OB? What suggestions would you give to someone who is wanting to do that? I know that sometimes, you were talking about it, in the end, it's a little harder to find, so that's why we stress so importantly to find your provider from the beginning. But we know that sometimes things change. So can you kind of talk about that process in then assembling that dream and getting the steps to get to that dream team?Kristin: Yes. So for me, I had asked friends about which providers they had worked with. So the original OB, a friend of mine, it was her doctor, and she had a great experience. I just wasn't feeling it. She had a student. We have teaching hospitals in my area, so there was a student in the room. I wasn't feeling like she was 100% on board. I could tell that she was very medically driven. I wanted essentially a home birth in a hospital. So I talked to more friends and did research online, and a friend of mine had used this particular practice. I ended up going with the midwife that delivered her three children, and it worked out beautifully because it was early in pregnancy. That practice had openings. It took me a while because I was changing hospitals and practices completely. My insurance, luckily, covered all of the options. But that's another thing to look into. Does your insurance cover the hospital where the provider you want to switch to delivers that if it is a hospital birth? Of course, you can VBAC at home in certain states. So just looking at all of the factors that would come into play. So for me, it was dealing with the paperwork of switching out of that practice, getting admitted, and going to that initial get-to-know-you visit with a nurse and doing my labs before I got to meet with the midwife that I had wanted to work with. And so it took a bit. I mean, no one likes to deal with the paperwork and the phone calls it takes, but your health is so important and especially again, for VBACs.Meagan: Yeah. So you essentially did all the paperwork and the transfer yourself.Kristin: Yes.Meagan: Okay.Kristin: I made all the phone calls, dealt with insurance and made sure that the initial visit was paid for along with the nurse visit, and then that insurance was comfortable with me.Meagan: Yeah. Awesome. Yeah, I did, when I switched, because I switched it 24 weeks, my midwife just faxed a request to my OB office. It took them a while to send it. We had to ask five times which I think probably would have been faster if I, like you, made the phone calls and did all the things, but I was like in this weird, vulnerable spot of like, I don't want to go back there.Kristin: Right. You don't want to deal with it.Meagan: Yeah, I don't want to deal with it.Kristin: Even just talking to the front desk.Meagan: Yeah, yeah. So we waited for it and they eventually got it. But I think that that's important to note. You guys can make the calls too. You can call and say, "Hey, I'd like to request my records to be printed out or to be sent to this place." Kristin: Yes, and that's what I did. Because otherwise it's six weeks oftentimes or you have to keep calling. They get lost. so I just handled it. But it can be challenging. And as doulas and certainly VBAC doulas, we know the providers who would be not only tolerant but supportive of VBAC. So we get those questions frequently from potential clients and clients of, am I at the right place? And of course, we support whoever our clients choose to have care from. But there's also, if asked, I will tell them about the practice and my own experience as a doula or the agency's experience. And again, in those large practices, there might be four who are so VBAC-supportive. They love it, but then there might be some physicians who are not as comfortable. They feel that a surgical birth might be the better route to go, ad so there's that. So what I like to do as a VBAC doula is to have my clients talk to their provider. Again, go over a birth plan or birth preference sheet and have them sign off on it. That way, if they don't attend the birth, then the other physicians know that this was approved. It's not just a birth plan that is thrown out there, but it has been discussed. It doesn't work all the time, but it has been helpful for my clients no matter if they're a VBAC client or this is their first baby, and again, they have certain goals that they want to achieve like potentially avoiding an induction unless medically necessary.Meagan: Oh my gosh. So I'm just going to re-touch on that, you guys, because that was really, really, really good advice and something I've actually never done or even thought about or suggested to my own doula practice clients. Get your birth preference sheet or birth plans everyone calls a difference. I call it a birth preference sheet, which is a list of all your preferences that you desire. Go over that with your provider, and have them physically sign it. Physically sign it and date it showing that your provider went over it. And like she said, every provider may not be willing to do that, but I will say, if a provider is willing to do that, that says something to me.Kristin: It does. Yes.Meagan: Yeah. Super powerful. Oh, my gosh. Okay, nugget. Grab it, put it in your pocket, everybody. Sign your birth preference sheet so you can have it and keep that in your bag, so if you do have that random on-call doctor who may not even know you or not be so supportive, be like, "This has already been discussed. We were aware of this. My doctor has signed off." Also, you could maybe ask if your provider could make a copy of that and put it in your chart.Kristin: Right. Because yes, it's not just the one that they have on file, but it's also for the ones that you have, that copy that you're bringing and showing the nurse so the nurse and everyone is on the same page. Meagan: Love that. Kristin: And again, with teaching hospitals, you might have residents in and out. There can be some difficult conversations with VBAC and residents who have never seen a VBAC. We're not fully trained yet to support VBAC, and so they might be making suggestions while the provider is not in that check-in. So every state, again, every area is different. I just happen to be in an area with multiple teaching hospitals.Meagan: Same here. We have seen it where I think, I don't want to say this badly. The VBAC world is a world that can have a lot of negativities in it, negative things and big words like uterine rupture. We've got residents who may be coming in and may be training under a provider who has seen a uterine rupture or has maybe molded an opinion on VBAC and is projecting their opinion to that student. Whether or not they're consciously doing it or not, they're saying their opinion, and those opinions might morph that resident's opinion into negative for VBAC. You never know. And so they might be doing things or be more hesitant in areas that they don't need to be, but they are.Kristin: Yeah, it's such a good point. And as you mentioned, I mean, we don't know the traumas that our nurses and medical team, even home birth midwives, have experienced, and they carry that with them. And how can they not? Even as doulas, we witness, but we don't have the liability and the medical training to make it, but we are witnesses of trauma and have our own healing to do to be able to better move on and support the next client. So certainly keeping that in mind that they may have seen something that alters the way they practice.Meagan: Yeah.Kristin: It's not just fear of lawsuits.Meagan: It's really not. It's not. There's a provider here in Utah who is literally so scared of vaginal birth herself. She scheduled all of her Cesareans, even the very first one from the get. She never had trial of labor or TOL. She just doesn't. So can you imagine what her Cesarean rate may be? And she kind of reminds me of the provider you're talking about. She really likes it just so controlled. Come in, start Pitocin, and get the epidural. She likes those things, which we know can sometimes lead to those Cesareans. And so really also discussing with your provider, how do you feel about birth? Have you had babies? And then we have another OB who's like, "I work in the hospital, and I love the hospital, and I trust the hospital system, but I actually gave birth at home with all three of my babies," and so really getting to know your provider, I think, is so good. Okay, let's keep going on this topic of assembling your dream team of experts when planning for birth and baby. What other things would you suggest to our Women of Strength?Kristin: Yes. So as we know, birth is as physical as it is mental, and just the opposite, as mental as it is physical. So preparing with a childbirth class, a comprehensive class, even if you took one before, use the lens of your goal of attempting a VBAC, a trial of labor. And so for us, we happen to teach HypnoBirth at Gold Coast Doulas and that mind/body connection that HypnoBirthing or a gentle birth offers where it's more of using the visualization the way an athlete would in preparing for a marathon or a triathlon, you are using things to reduce fear. You're understanding all of your options. It's very partner involved. I think taking a comprehensive childbirth class, whichever meets your individual goals, is great. That childbirth instructor is a great person to add to your birth and baby team. And then moving your body. So taking a fitness class that is appropriate for pregnancy. So prenatal yoga, there are Barre classes for pregnancy. There are prenatal belly dancing classes, whatever it is. Meagan: Aqua aerobics.Kristin: Yeah, water aerobics are amazing. And so thinking about baby's position and helping labor to go on its own or be quicker. There's acupuncture, acupressure, the Webster-certified chiro for positioning or body balancing experts, so many different options. But I am a big fan of educating yourself and preparing because as you mentioned earlier, Meagan, a doula is not your end all, be all. Just because we have the information and the training, we can't think for you. We don't want to think for you. The more informed you are, the more likely you're going to feel like birth didn't happen to you this time around and you were a direct participant, even if you end up having a surgical birth again.Meagan: Yeah, yeah. Yes. Oh my gosh. So talking about courses, you guys, we have our VBAC course. This VBAC course goes into VBAC, the stats about VBAC, the history of VBAC, the history of Cesarean, the stats of Cesarean, the questions, finding the provider, a little bit more of the mental prep, and physical prep. But when it comes to a childirth education course like with the course that she has, they're on different levels. I actually suggest them both.Kristin: Yes, me too. Absolutely.Meagan: But it's so important to know the information that is in your course. I know you go even past preparing for birth and then birth and then postpartum. You go into all of it. We're going to talk more about it. But you guys, we as doulas, love getting information and we love sharing information. But like she said, we don't want to be the only one that knows the information in a team. When our clients come in, at least here in my group, when our clients come in and they are fully educated and we're like, yes. And then we can come in with our education and our experience and knowledge, you guys, it is a powerhouse team. It is a powerhouse team. We have clients who, when they take child birth education classes like yours, they are able to advocate more for themselves. They feel stronger to stand up and say, "Hey, thank you so much, but no thanks" or "Maybe later," when our clients who haven't had that childbirth education or just any information other than maybe what we're providing, which is great, but not enough in the full length of pregnancy, it's a little harder. We have to try to encourage those clients a little bit more because it's harder for them because they don't know everything. We're there to help guide them and help advocate for them and educate them, but it is very different.Kristin: It is. It's so different. And I feel like, again, partners, especially male partners, want to fix things. They don't want their love to feel any pain, and so they may have the fear of a VBAC. So taking a VBAC class course, having a VBAC doula, giving information is just as helpful, if not more for the partner and their comfort level and to have them fully get on board because they may be resisting and just going along for the ride, but if you can get them to be an active participant in education, then they're going to be able to help you. And sometimes in labor, we get to a point in transition where we can't fully speak for ourselves. But if our partner understands, is educated and on board, and if there's time to talk through the risks and benefits and alternatives with your doula, then yes. But sometimes decisions have to be made quickly, and so for that partner to be informed and educated is crucial.Meagan: So crucial. It's so powerful. My husband-- he was not so on board. He was like, "Whatever. I don't care. You can go to the courses. You can do these things."Kristin: And that's very typical.Meagan: It's very typical. And I did. I did do those things. When I said, "Hey, I'm going to birth out-of-hospital," and he was like, "No," I was like, "Well, sorry. I've done the education. I know this is really where my heart is pulling." We touched on this in the beginning how partners really can influence decision making. And in no way, shape or form am I trying to say partners are terrible or don't listen to your partner or anything like that. That's not the goal of what we're saying is have an educated partner. Know that you can assemble a birth team, like a provider, a chiropractor, a massage therapist, a doula, a PT, or whatever it may be, but don't forget about your partner. Your partner is a huge part of your team, and if they're not educated and they're not able to help guide you through, or if they're not being supportive, find ways to help them be supportive by taking a course with them and helping them realize, oh, VBAC actually isn't that scary. Oh, that chance isn't really 50+%. Oh, okay. Hospital birth, out-of-hospital birth. Yeah. They're both reasonable, and really understanding that.Kristin: Absolutely. And sometimes I find that my students and clients may have not had success with breastfeeding the first time and potentially didn't take a class. So if their goal is to breastfeed or pump exclusively, then taking a breastfeeding class and having that IBCLC as a resource for their dream team in case it's needed because many times, you have the lactation consultant who's teaching the class, at least in my practice, and then they're also available for say, a home visit or a hospital visit, depending on where the class is taking place. And so I think that that's something. Even if it isn't your first baby and maybe you breastfed for a little bit or had supply issues or challenges after a surgical birth, that it is important to consider any education during pregnancy because it's much harder to get that education after you have your baby.Meagan: It really is. I love that you're touching on that, really getting into all the things and having your partner go with you. I remember I was like, I had a C-section, and I was swollen and tired, and I couldn't move very well. I was sore and all the things that sometimes come with C-sections. I'm trying to nurse, and I'm engorged.  I don't feel my letdown, and I'm just so engorged. I don't know. All I know is I have really big, swollen boobs. It's all I could tell. I couldn't latch. My husband was like, "That's it. We're going to the store. We're getting formula." Formula is fine. Not anything against formula.Kristin: He's trying to fix the problem and make you feel better.Meagan: Yep, yep, yep. Trying to fix that problem. But I was like, "No, I really want to breastfeed." At that point, I wasn't able to communicate. Like, I didn't get the birth I wanted. I already felt like a failure because I was actually told that your body failed. That's what I was told. So I was already dealing with this mindset that I failed. I had a C-section. I didn't want a C-section. And now the only thing I could try to do because I couldn't take that C-section back is breastfeed my baby. I wanted to breastfeed my baby. And again, we didn't take those childbirth education classes. He for sure didn't download any apps. I at least had an app trying to help me at that point, but he didn't understand. He didn't understand.And I'm like, no.I'm crying, and I'm like, "Please, just help me. I don't know what I need to help me." And he's like, "No, we're going to the store. Our baby's mad. You're crying." He was trying to fix that problem. But if we had already done that information education before and found that IBCLC before and him understanding how important that was to me, he could have been like, "I'm going to call her IBCLC. I'll get her over here right away."Kristin: Exactly. The last thing you want to do is go into the hospital to see a lactation consultant there if you can even get in.Meagan: Exactly. Yeah. So it just could have been so much smoother. Sometimes I feel like we were against each other at that point because he didn't have any education. With our first, I really didn't have much education. But with our third, it was like he really didn't have a lot of education. and I was over-the-top educated, so I was saying these things, and he was thinking I was demeaning him or saying he was stupid because it was just this weird thing. So if we can just come together with our partners and get all the education and get it all before really, find out a postpartum plan. Find out a breastfeeding plan. Right? Find out what you want. You guys, it just makes the pregnancy journey and the postpartum journey, so much better. It truly makes you feel like you're on that team because you are.Kristin: Yes. Absolutely. And certainly, I mean, you mentioned apps. Not everyone has the means or even lives in an area where they can take a comprehensive five, six, ten-week childbirth class. There are, obviously, online classes. There are some Zoom virtual ones where students are all over the place. But there are watching birth videos and YouTube and in my book, Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby, we talk about apps, so count the kicks. Especially for VBACs, doing the self-monitoring if there's fear of fetal movement and any sort of distress during the end of the pregnancy, then really understanding your own body and doing monitoring. It's not just when you're in your provider's office being monitored. You can make a difference yourself. So having some different apps and some education on your own, listening to podcasts like yours to get this information and reading books. So there's more than if you can't afford a childbirth class like HypnoBirthing, there are still ways that you can get educated and your partner can get educated. So yeah, take a look at all of your options and your budget.Meagan: Yeah, and we talk about this all the time because I love them, but Be Her Village is a really great resource where you can go fill out a registry and, hopefully, get some help for these things. Childbirth education classes, doulas, IBCLCS. But I want to dive a little bit more into your book, actually, while we're talking about different resources. We talked about the childbirth education, but can we talk about more about Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby and how this came into fruition and what all is included in this amazing book.Kristin: Okay, Meagan. So essentially the book came out of our online course. Becoming a Mother launched in the early pandemic when everything was shut down and our classes all had to go virtual. I was fortunate to be in a state where doulas who were certified were able to work thanks to our governor. So we were working, but there was still a lot of isolation even with our clients' prenatal visits. They wanted a connection, so we launched this course. We had talked about and did three live launches, got VBAC from our students, pulled people in from all the moms' groups before creating the first draft of the course. And then the course just led to the book. So the content in Becoming a Mother is what is in the book in a different format. So in Becoming a Mother, we have expert videos, so VBAC specialists and Webster-certified chiropractors talking about what that is. Pelvic floor physical therapists, car seat safety technicians, cord blood banking donation centers.Meagan: Awesome.Kristin: We have the experts speaking for themselves-- a pediatrician. And so in the book, anything that is medical and out of the scope of a doula, we had expert contributors, so I have a pediatrician friend of mine who contributed a newborn procedure section of the chapter and a prenatal yoga studio instructor, she's also a certified body balancer. She contributed to some of the fitness options in the book, and a mental health therapist who is PMA focused and certified contributed to the mental health chapter. We have an IBCLC that contributed to the feeding chapter, and so a lot of involvement, and then sharing client stories throughout the book and then our own wisdom. We have doula tips and wisdom at the end of every chapter. Meagan: Wow.Kristin: And so as clients were asking me for books over the years, I couldn't find anything that was positive. I felt like there were a lot of, this is your cry-it-out method for sleep because we have a whole chapter on sleep and it's very attachment-focused. It's like, one way for feeding, and we wanted our clients, with their unique choices for themselves, to have a book that supports people who want to plan surgical birth like that OB and that's their comfort level and a book for the same person who wants a home birth. You don't have to buy five different books. It's not always Ina May which is a great book but not for everyone. All of her different-- she's got Spiritual Midwifery and so many different books. It is great for grandparents to read and partners but is targeted to the mother or the mother-to-be and is great in preconception in that early planning. But also, we wanted to make it similar to the course and just as valuable for seasoned bombs as it is for new moms. And again, it's affirming. We tried not to have any fear-filled information in a simple, easy-to-read guide that you can pull out for reference and a lot of different, again, apps and podcasts and books to read and resources and evidence-based information about Black maternal health and where we're at in the country now and how the pandemic impacted birth especially, but also that postpartum time.Meagan: Wow. That book sounds amazing. So amazing. And you guys, you can get it in every form, even Audible. I'm a big listener. I like to listen to books. Kristin and Alyssa actually recorded it. She was telling me they had 10+-hour days recording this this book. You can get it, and we will make sure to have the links for that in the show notes. I found it at goldcoastdoulas.com/supportedyourguidetobirthandbaby.Kristin: It's there. You can find it off that website or it has its own page. It's supportedbook.com. Meagan: Supportedbook.com, okay. We'll make sure that's all in the show notes, so you guys can grab that. Okay, so you know a lot. Obviously, you wrote a whole book and a whole course and all this stuff. Is there anything else that you would like to share in regards to just our final assembling of that powerhouse birth team?Kristin: So don't forget, I know we're talking a lot about pregnancy and birth prep, but don't forget your recovery phase. And you had talked about your own personal struggles with breastfeeding engorgement, recovery after a surgical birth. If you have, well, you do have other children at home with VBACs, and so looking at childcare, postpartum doula support, or what kind of family support you're going to have after, it's more than just meal plans and prepping the nursery. We strongly believe that as part of your dream team, the postnatal team is crucial as well. So whether it's a lactation consultant, a pelvic floor physical therapist, if you want to get back to running marathons again or are leaking. I mean, we can all use pelvic floor physical therapy. It's not just the athletes who they support. Some people, again, with building a home or other life occurrences like a wedding or preparing for college, you look at your budget. You look at your main goals. For a wedding, it might be food. For postpartum, it might be sleep. So hiring a sleep consultant when baby's old enough or an overnight postpartum doula or a newborn care specialist. What are your priorities? And take the budget. What might be paid for by insurance or, a health savings flex spending plan that you need to run down? What might be gifted? Like you mentioned, Be Her Village. There are different ways you can budget. And in the book, we talk about all of that and looking at employer plans, how to navigate that, what questions to ask your HR department about other members, like a chiropractor, could that be covered? A therapist? Oftentimes, we don't know our own benefits and certainly, I don't know my husband's benefits fully, so to be able to investigate that early in pregnancy and figure out what might be fully or partially paid for.Meagan: Wow. That is incredible itself. I feel like that's a whole other conversation of, how to navigate how to do that. So definitely go get the book, you guys, because it sounds like there are just so many things in there that are honestly crucial to know. really, really important things to know. You are incredible. Kristin: So are you.Meagan: I just enjoy chatting with you so much. Anything else? Yeah, anything else you'd like to add?Kristin: And obviously, take taking trainings and courses. If I know you have doulas who listen. It's not just parents.Meagan: Yes.Kristin: As doulas go through The VBAC Link. Get certified as a VBAC doula. Keep up with information that is ever-changing. We all want to be the best doula for each of our clients, but I am a firm believer in continuing our own education and that more and more of our clients are choosing to attempt VBACs, and so the more information you can get as a professional, the better you're able to support. It's just not the number of VBACs you've attended anymore. It's clients wanting that knowledge so you can be busier and also a more effective doula by getting that training and then going through the certification process that you offer.Meagan: Yeah, have a directory actually with birth doulas where people can go and find it because when Julie and I created this company way back in the day, we knew that we were just two people here in Utah. We couldn't change the VBAC world. We could give as much information as we could. We could share the podcast. We could do those types of things. But when it comes to birth workers, we wanted to reach birth workers everywhere. It's so great that we have and we're still having more people come on because they're helping people so much. I mean, we know you have doulas that do it all the time. These doulas do help and there are actual stats on doulas that do it. But I agree. If you're a birth worker, stay up to date. Be in the know. Know what's going on because you will likely need to help guide your client through it. Kristin: Then you can charge more. So take that investment in a training like The VBAC Link, and then you're able to charge more because you're more experienced. You have more certifications. So don't look at like, oh, I don't have any money for continuing education. Look at how that's going to change your career.Meagan: Yeah, and I think sometimes too you can charge a little bit more, take less clients, and be more personal with those clients and dive into it. Especially because we do know that VBAC does take some extra stuff that goes on with VBAC. There's some extra work to be worked through. There are some extra things and so yeah, I love that.Kristin: Well, thank you so much for having me on Meagan, I loved our chat.Meagan: Thank you. You as well. As always, I loved our other chat as well. We have to keep going. I think I'm going to order your book today and get going on that. Even though I'm not a mom preparing, I think this would be such a great book to suggest to all of my clients. So thank you for sharing. Thank you.Kristin: Yeah. My secondary audience is certainly anyone who works with families in the birth and baby space, but it is targeted again, just similar to my podcast. It's like I have the listener of the pregnant individual and family, but also birth workers. The book is similar. Thank you for ordering.I appreciate it. Meagan: Yes. And can you also tell everybody where to find you not just in your book, but Instagram, podcast, and all of the social medias?Kristin: So my podcast is Ask the Doulas. You can find us on all the podcast players and you were a guest recently, so very fun. And certainly, we're at Gold Coast Doulas on everything from Pinterest to YouTube to Facebook to Instagram. I don't have separate social sites for my book because I honestly don't have time for that.Meagan: That's okay. Yeah, it's a package. It comes with everything, so you don't need to have another book page. Well, awesome. Well, thank you again so much.Kristin: Thank you. Have a great day.Meagan: You too.ClosingWould you like to be a guest on the podcast? Tell us about your experience at thevbaclink.com/share. For more information on all things VBAC including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Meagan's bio, head over to thevbaclink.com. Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Lisa Paladino CNM, IBCLC calls on her experience and current literature to discuss the procedure for frenotomy for breastfeeding infants, focusing on the tools used, the types of providers who perform the procedure, and the associated risks and precautions.She emphasizes the importance of understanding these aspects for professionals who work with infants and breastfeeding. Lisa also highlights the differences between scissor releases and laser releases, explaining the benefits of using a CO2 laser. She advises choosing an experienced provider and following proper aftercare instructions. Additionally, she stresses the importance of working with a lactation consultant before and after the release procedure. Reference: Garrocho-Rangel A, Herrera-Badillo D, Pérez-Alfaro I, Fierro-Serna V, Pozos-Guillén A. Treatment of ankyloglossia with dental laser in paediatric patients: Scoping review and a case report. Eur J Paediatr Dent. 2019 Jun;20(2):155-163. doi: 10.23804/ejpd.2019.20.02.15. PMID: 31246095.More on Frenotomy:https://www.tonguetieexperts.net/blog More From Tongue Tie Experts:To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/LinksUse code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.A gentle disclaimer. Please do not consider anything discussed on this podcast, by myself or any guest of the podcast, to be medical advice. The information is provided for educational purposes only and does not take the place of your own medical or lactation provider.

Starting solids can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! In this episode, Dr. Whitney is joined by registered dietitian Cinthia Scott, RD, IBCLC, co-author of Baby Leads the Way: An Evidence-Based Guide to Introducing Solid Foods, to break down everything parents need to know about introducing solid foods with confidence. They discuss common misconceptions, signs of readiness, gagging vs. choking, allergy introduction, and how to encourage adventurous eating from the start. If you're feeling anxious about starting solids or want evidence-based tips to make the transition easier, this episode is for you!See the full show notes here.

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is something that few people understand.  CST comes from Osteopathy and is a gentle, rhythmic movement to support bones and the cerebrospinal fluid moving within us.  CST is gentle and focuses heavily on the head.  Meaghan Beames is not just a practitioner of CST, but a leader and teacher, who wants to help many more providers learn this gentle bodywork to support babies.  Katie Oshita and Meaghan Beames discuss how this gentle therapy helps with feeding difficulties, tongue tie, mastitis and more.Podcast Guest: Meaghan Beames who is a Registered Massage Therapist, a Craniosacral Therapist and has been treating babies with CST since 2018. She owns a private clinic in downtown Toronto, with a team of 3 other Infant CST practitioners.Meaghan is the founder of Beames CST Training Centre, where she teaches health professionals in the perinatal space to use craniosacral therapy on babies. Her mission is to ensure that there are highly qualified Infant Craniosacral Therapists in every city in North America and beyond, so families can avoid the common struggles that are easily addressable, like colic, reflux and feeding issues. She's a mom, a competitive cheerleader, an indoor rock climber, and she can't decide which is better, tea or coffee. Podcast Host: Katie Oshita, RN, BSN, IBCLC has over 25 years of experience working in Maternal-Infant Medicine.  While Katie sees clients locally in western WA, Katie is also a telehealth lactation consultant believing that clients anywhere in the world deserve the best care possible for their needs.  Being an expert on TOTs, Katie helps families everywhere navigate breastfeeding struggles, especially when related to tongue tie or low supply.  Katie is also passionate about finding the root cause of symptoms, using Functional Medicine practices to help client not just survive, but truly thrive. Email katie@cuddlesandmilk.com or www.cuddlesandmilk.com  

Guest: Tiffany Elliott, MS CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLCEarn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Bridging-NICU-to-Home In this special birthday episode of First Byte, Michelle Dawson, a devoted therapist and mother, explores the intricate journey from NICU to home with expert Tiffany Elliott. They discuss practical strategies for caregivers in maintaining emotional wellbeing, the importance of neuroprotective care, and the Hospital to Home Systems Change project aimed at improving continuity of care for infants and their families. Elliott shares her insights from working in various NICUs, setting up essential support systems, and the critical role that emotional support plays in successful infant feeding. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in pediatric feeding, NICU professionals, and caregivers navigating early intervention services. Episode Timeline: 00:00 Welcome to First Bite00:29 A Day in the Life of a Pediatric Feeding Specialist01:31 University of Tennessee Lecture Experience04:11 Encouragement for Clinical Supervisors05:59 Introducing Tiffany Elliott06:41 Tiffany's Journey and NICU Experience19:09 Hospital to Home Systems Change23:39 Challenges in Early Intervention26:53 Barriers and Solutions in Washington State36:21 Personal and Professional Reflections40:12 Navigating Academia and Authenticity41:39 Balancing Productivity and Care in the NICU44:21 Challenges in Early Intervention Systems45:29 Continuity of Care and Billing Codes49:21 Training and Support for Caregivers51:59 Emotional Wellbeing and Feeding01:00:16 Practical Strategies for Caregiver Support01:11:38 Final Thoughts and Resources About the Guest(s): Tiffany Elliott, MS CCC-SLP, CNT, IBCLC, is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) who specializes in pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders with a strong focus on preterm and medically complex infants and strengthening the caregiver-infant dyad. She is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and holds certifications in neonatal therapy (CNT) as well as neonatal touch and massage (NTMTC). She is currently a LEND trainee at the University of Washington. Tiffany is passionate about improving systems of care. She is a hospital-to-home systems change specialist with Northwest Center, where she partners with professionals across Washington state to enhance the hospital-to-home transition for infants and build community therapists' capacity. She also works on the infant feeding team at Seattle Children's Hospital, providing direct care for infants and their families. Before these positions, she co-founded the UW Medical Center's NICU SLP program and worked at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n7hXTJG_FJMMentioned in this episode:School of Speech is Back!!Season 2 of School of Speech has arrived! Every host Carolyn Dolby every Monday morning as she sits down with practicing SLPs, academic researchers, and leading experts to talk about all aspects of school-based speech-language pathology. Carolyn and her guests explore everyday topics, tackle tough situations, and share valuable insights to support school therapists in their daily practice. Find School of Speech on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms.

Jennifer Campbell, a mother of eighteen (18!), might have the most unique background in birthwork. She discusses her work as a certified birth, bereavement, adoption, and surrogacy doula, childbirth educator, certified lactation educator, including how she's currently pursuing her IBCLC. Connect with the guest: @doulainreno, Facebook, doulainreno.com Want more pregnancy + parenting?  Informed Pregnancy Plus is a new streaming platform by pregnancy focused chiropractor Dr. Elliot Berlin. Dedicated to pregnancy, parenting, and everything in between, IP+ offers everything from prenatal workouts and yoga flows to original series and iconic birth films like The Business of Being Born. (Pssst, subscriptions are a great gift for parents-to-be!) Start your FREE TRIAL of Informed Pregnancy+ and get access to all our curated pregnancy and parenting content HERE!  Keep up with Dr. Berlin and the Informed Pregnancy Project online! informedpregnancy.com Informed Pregnancy on Youtube Informed Pregnancy Media on LinkedIn @doctorberlin Facebook X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices