Podcasts about improving birth

When Spela completed her PhD in Biomedicine, she did not expect doula work to be her destiny. After years in this field and studying multiple specialized pathways, she knows in her heart that doulas make a difference not only for our clients, but also within communities. Through our conversation you will not only hear Spela's passion for birth work, but also some amazing stories about working as a doula in the country of Slovenia! Spela's leadership in her country, within the European Doula Network, and in the broader doula community worldwide is remarkable, and she's incredibly fun to chat with too. This conversation will leave you inspired! 

On this episode of New York Public Health Now, Dr. Shaunna Escobar joins hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Johanne Morne to discuss New York's new contraception standing order which allows people to get birth control from pharmacies without a prescription. Hear why this was implemented and who it aims to help.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

During pregnancy and labor, physicians help keep mom and baby physically healthy but often don't provide the emotional support women need pre and post-birth. That's where doulas come in. Doulas can be that extra support moms need, filling the gap to provide both parents with emotional, physical, and postpartum support.Join us on this episode of the Checkable Health Podcast as we welcome Amanda Pieters, the Avocado Doula, who speaks about her career as a Fargo-based doula and birthing partner. Amanda explains the differences between doulas and midwives, the role of a doula, and how they advise parents before, during, and after birth.Amanda talks about home and water births and addresses any safety concerns of having a non-traditional birthing experience to understand the processes better and see if it may be right for you. Amanda also spills all of her tips and recommendations for a positive birthing experience.Tune in to learn more about how doulas offer emotional and physical support for moms throughout the entire pregnancy and birthing experience, so you can take care of your baby and take care of yourself!Topics discussed in this episode:Amanda's passion for her careerThe role of a doulaSupport Amanda provides as a doulaInsurance coverage for maternal healthHome births, water births, and birthing centersThe benefits of having a doulaHow to prepare moms for breastfeedingHaving a good postpartum experienceRecommendations for breastfeeding momsGet more information on Avocado Doula, and sign up for a consultation with Amanda Pieters here: https://www.avocadodoula.com/Connect with Amanda:https://www.facebook.com/AvocadoDoula/https://www.instagram.com/Avocado_Doula/https://www.linkedin.com/company/avocado-doula/ Check out our other podcasts selection for valuable info on health, wellness, and more: https://checkablehealth.com/blogs/podcasts/tagged/checkable-health-podcastContinue the conversation in the Hero Moms Social Group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/heromomssocialgroup/Connect with Checkable Health:https://www.facebook.com/CheckableHealth/https://www.instagram.com/checkablehealth/https://www.linkedin.com/company/checkable-medical-incorporated/Connect with Patty Post:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patty-post/Checkable Health is revolutionizing healthcare with fast and accurate at-home test kits, telehealth services, and a line of wellness supplements designed to keep you feeling your best while saving valuable time and money. At the forefront of home healthcare, Checkable is developing the first FDA-approved at-home strep test. Paired with a proprietary digital telemedicine platform to instantly connect consumers with healthcare professionals, you can skip the doctor's office and start treatment fast, right from the comforts of your home. http://www.testforstrep.comAlong with the at-home strep test, Checkable offers an array of wellness supplements and a multitude of resources, including podcasts and blogs, to help keep consumers in the know about different aspects of their health from top to bottom. And with more home tests coming soon, Checkable puts treatment options at your fingertips, so you can focus on getting better. Visit https://www.checkablehealth.com/ for more info.This episode was post produced by Podcast Boutique http://www.podcastboutique.com

A former communications strategist at a top public affairs firm in Baltimore, Maryland, Cristen Pascucci is the founder of Birth Monopoly and Birth Monopoly's Doula Power group, co-creator of the Exposing the Silence Project, and, from 2012 to 2016, vice president of national advocacy organization Improving Birth. She has run an emergency hotline for women facing threats to their legal rights in childbirth, created a viral consumer campaign to “Break the Silence” on trauma and abuse in childbirth, and helped put obstetric violence and the maternity care crisis in national media. Today, she is a leading voice for women giving birth, speaking around the country and consulting privately for consumers and professionals on issues related to birth rights and options. Cristen​ ​is also the host of Birth Allowed Radio as well as executive producer of a documentary film planned for release in 2020 to start a national conversation on obstetric violence, birth trauma, and women's rights in birth. facebook.com/birthmonopoly instagram.com/birthomonopoly

Cristen  Pascucci and Michelle continue their conversation regarding human rights in childbirth in part two of this replay episode. They delve into the fact that everyone brings their own background, biases, and trauma with them to the birth room. Cristen sagely points out that it is irrelevant whether or not birth is safe. If anything, the riskier it is, the more imperative that is that a person's autonomy is retained. Cristen shares why the environment in which someone decides to give birth is a huge determining factor in how the birth actually unfolds. "Your rights are only as good as you make them. … You own your body and you are the legal authority. ... You don't have to point to any law. ... Don't assume someone has rights over you. Just don't make that assumption ever.  Make the assumption that you own your body and act as if you do. And, it will really change the orientation of how you approach everything including your communication with the people that are there to support you, and how you select those people, and the decisions that you make." —Cristen Pascucci About Cristen Pascucci:A former communications strategist at a top public affairs firm in Baltimore, Maryland, Cristen Pascucci is the founder of Birth Monopoly and Birth Monopoly's Doula Power group, co-creator of the Exposing the Silence Project, and, from 2012 to 2016, vice president of national advocacy organization Improving Birth. She has run an emergency hotline for women facing threats to their legal rights in childbirth, created a viral consumer campaign to “Break the Silence” on trauma and abuse in childbirth, and helped put obstetric violence and the maternity care crisis in national media.  Today, she is a leading voice for women giving birth, speaking around the country, and consulting privately for consumers and professionals on issues related to birth rights and options.  Cristen is also the host of Birth Allowed Radio as well as executive producer of a documentary film planned for release in 2020 to start a national conversation on obstetric violence, birth trauma, and women's rights in birth. Connect with Cristen Pascucci:Website: https://birthmonopoly.com/Facebook:  facebook.com/birthmonopolyInstagram:instagram.com/birthmonopoly Please, if the nature of this conversation is triggering for you, stop the podcast. You can return to it later if you feel led to. Take some deep breaths, move and walk around, wash your hands and your face, take a shower, and call a trusted friend or caregiver. The meditation in episode 108 can be very helpful if your baby and you had a difficult or traumatic birth.For additional support you can connect with Cristin, Susan, or myself: Susan Dascenzi:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sdascenziTwitter:  https://twitter.com/susandascenziInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdascenzi1/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susandascenzi/ Connect with Michelle Smith:Virtual classes with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, birtheasehypnobirth.com/hypnobirthing-classes-orlando-michelleFacebook:   Birth Ease,   The Birth Ease Podcast,  Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:    @birtheasemichellesmith,  @birtheaselossssupportYouTube:    Birth EaseLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle Smith

Have you ever wondered what your rights are during pregnancy and birth? Listen in to part one of this replay episode as Cristen Pascucci, founder of Birth Monopoly shares with Michelle how the experience of her son's birth provided the impetus that led her to become a leading voice for human rights in childbirth.  “There is that perception that in some situations, your consent doesn't matter. As a woman, when it comes to sex and reproduction there are some situations where you no longer own your body. Someone else has the authority over your body. That is really powerful. And that is what continually surprises me that people don't get more upset about it in the realm of childbirth. That really that people aren't taking to the streets to say, “My basic civil rights are not only violated as an individual but widely disrespected in policy and practice all across the country in hundreds of facilities.” —Cristen Pascucci About Cristen Pascucci:A former communications strategist at a top public affairs firm in Baltimore, Maryland, Cristen Pascucci is the founder of Birth Monopoly and Birth Monopoly's Doula Power group, co-creator of the Exposing the Silence Project, and, from 2012 to 2016, vice president of national advocacy organization Improving Birth. She has run an emergency hotline for women facing threats to their legal rights in childbirth, created a viral consumer campaign to “Break the Silence” on trauma and abuse in childbirth, and helped put obstetric violence and the maternity care crisis in national media.  Today, she is a leading voice for women giving birth, speaking around the country, and consulting privately for consumers and professionals on issues related to birth rights and options.  Cristen is also the host of Birth Allowed Radio as well as executive producer of a documentary film planned for release in 2020 to start a national conversation on obstetric violence, birth trauma, and women's rights in birth. Connect with Cristen Pascucci:Website: https://birthmonopoly.com/Facebook:  facebook.com/birthmonopolyInstagram:instagram.com/birthmonopoly Please, if the nature of this conversation is triggering for you, stop the podcast. You can return to it later if you feel led to. Take some deep breaths, move and walk around, wash your hands and your face, take a shower, and call a trusted friend or caregiver. The meditation in episode 108 can be very helpful if your baby and you had a difficult or traumatic birth.For Additional Support you can connect with Cristin, Susan, or myself: Susan Dascenzi:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/sdascenziTwitter:  https://twitter.com/susandascenziInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdascenzi1/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susandascenzi/ Connect with Michelle Smith:Virtual classes with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, birtheasehypnobirth.com/hypnobirthing-classes-orlando-michelleFacebook:   Birth Ease,   The Birth Ease Podcast,  Birth Ease Baby Loss SupportInstagram:    @birtheasemichellesmith,  @birtheaselossssupportYouTube:    Birth EaseLinkedIn:  Birth Ease Michelle Smith

Today we discussed evidenced based birth with none other than Dr. Rebecca Decker. Rebecca L. Dekker, PhD, RN, LCCE, is the founder and CEO of Evidence Based Birth®, and author of the bestselling book, “Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered.” Dr. Dekker received her Master of Science in Nursing and her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of Kentucky.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.Dr. Dekker has built a strong reputation in maternal and infant health circles for her pioneering work as the founder of Evidence Based Birth.® The mission of EBB is to raise the quality of childbirth care globally, by putting accurate, evidence based research into the hands of families and communities, so they can make informed, empowered choices.Dr. Dekker serves as a peer reviewer for maternal health research journals, volunteers on the advisory boards for Improving Birth and DONA International, and has presented to a number of leading organizations in the childbirth field, including the American College of Nurse Midwives, the March of Dimes, the American Association of Birth Centers, Lamaze, and DONA International. Dr. Dekker is also a board-certified adult clinical nurse specialist (ACNS-BC), an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), and a Lamaze-Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE).You can learn more by visiting: https://evidencebasedbirth.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fuelingher/support

Listen in as Cristen  Pascucci and Michelle continue their conversation regarding human rights in childbirth. They delve into the fact that everyone brings their own background, biases, and trauma with them to the birth room. Cristen sagely points out that it is irrelevant whether or not birth is safe. If anything, the riskier it is, the more imperative that is that a person's autonomy is retained. Cristen shares why the environment in which someone decides to give birth is a huge determining factor in how the birth actually unfolds."Your rights are only as good as you make them. … You own your body and you are the legal authority. ... You don't have to point to any law. ... Don't assume someone has rights over you. Just don't make that assumption ever.  Make the assumption that you own your body and act as if you do. And, it will really change the orientation of how you approach everything." —Cristen Pascucci About Cristen  Pascucci :A former communications strategist at a top public affairs firm in Baltimore, Maryland, Cristen Pascucci is the founder of Birth Monopoly and Birth Monopoly's Doula Power group, co-creator of the Exposing the Silence Project, and, from 2012 to 2016, vice president of national advocacy organization Improving Birth. She has run an emergency hotline for women facing threats to their legal rights in childbirth, created a viral consumer campaign to “Break the Silence” on trauma and abuse in childbirth, and helped put obstetric violence and the maternity care crisis in national media.  Today, she is a leading voice for women giving birth, speaking around the country and consulting privately for consumers and professionals on issues related to birth rights and options. Cristen is also the host of Birth Allowed Radio as well as executive producer of a documentary film planned for release in 2020 to start a national conversation on obstetric violence, birth trauma, and women's rights in birth. Connect with Cristen Pascucci:Website: birthmonopoly.comFacebook: Birth MonopolyInstagram: @birthmonopolyMovie Trailer: Mother May I? COVID-19 and Pregnancy Resources:BIRTH MONOPOLY: COVID-19 AND DOULA SUPPORT: HOW TO RESPOND TO CHANGING HOSPITAL POLICIESBlack Mamas Matter AllianceCoronavirus COVID-19 | Evidence Based Birth® Resource PageVBAC Facts: Offering Labor After Cesarean During COVID-19 Connect with Michelle Smith:Website: BirthEaseServices.comFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease PodcastInstagram: @ birtheasemichellesmithYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithShow: Birth Ease 

Have you ever wondered what your rights are during childbirth? Listen in to part one of this much needed conversation as Cristen Pascucci, founder of Birth Monopoly shares with Michelle how the experience of her son's birth provided the impetus that led her to become a leading voice for women giving birth. “There is that perception that in some situations, your consent doesn't matter. As a woman, when it comes to sex and reproduction there are some situations where you no longer own your body. Someone else has the authority over your body. That is really powerful. And that is what continually surprises me that people don't get more upset about it in the realm of childbirth. That really that people aren't taking to the streets to say, 'My basic civil rights are not only violated as an individual, but widely disrespected in policy and practice all across the country in hundreds of facilities.'"—Cristen Pascucci About Cristen Pascucci: A former communications strategist at a top public affairs firm in Baltimore, Maryland, Cristen Pascucci is the founder of Birth Monopoly and Birth Monopoly's Doula Power group, co-creator of the Exposing the Silence Project, and, from 2012 to 2016, vice president of national advocacy organization Improving Birth. She has run an emergency hotline for women facing threats to their legal rights in childbirth, created a viral consumer campaign to “Break the Silence” on trauma and abuse in childbirth, and helped put obstetric violence and the maternity care crisis in national media.  Today, she is a leading voice for women giving birth, speaking around the country and consulting privately for consumers and professionals on issues related to birth rights and options. Cristen is also the host of Birth Allowed Radio as well as executive producer of a documentary film planned for release in 2020 to start a national conversation on obstetric violence, birth trauma, and women's rights in birth.   Connect with Cristen Pascucci: Website: birthmonopoly.com Facebook: Birth Monopoly Instagram: @birthmonopoly   COVID-19 and Pregnancy Resources: BIRTH MONOPOLY: COVID-19 AND DOULA SUPPORT: HOW TO RESPOND TO CHANGING HOSPITAL POLICIES Coronavirus COVID-19 | Evidence Based Birth® Resource Page Black Mamas Matter Alliance VBAC Facts: Offering Labor After Cesarean During COVID-19   Connect with Michelle Smith: Website: BirthEaseServices.com Facebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease Podcast Instagram: @ birtheasemichellesmith YouTube: Birth Ease LinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle Smith Show: Birth Ease  

William Moore is a Health Educator with Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health and one of the first men in Minnesota to be certified as a birth attendant and breastfeeding educator who is working to reduce infant mortality rates in the African American community.

In this episode, I interview Cristen Pascucci, founder of Birth Monopoly, about respectful disagreement when talking about childbirth topics. After the birth of her son in 2011, Cristen left a career in public affairs to study American maternity care and women’s rights. From 2012 to 2016, she served as vice president of Improving Birth, spearheading a multi-year grassroots media strategy to get America’s maternity care crisis into the national news. She also created a legal advocacy hotline for pregnant women, and she began raising awareness around obstetric violence through consumer campaigns. Cristen has helped organize, strategize, and publicize major lawsuits related to obstetric violence, and is co-creator of the Exposing the Silence Project and host of the Birth Allowed Radio podcast. At Birth Monopoly, Cristen advocates for a free maternity care market, working closely with leading national advocates, organizations and birth lawyers, as well as educating the public and health care providers about the human and legal rights of people in childbirth. She is also working on a documentary film on obstetric violence.  Cristen and I discuss respectful disagreement as Evidence Based Birth will soon be launching a Signature Article on the controversial topic of circumcision. When we alluded to this upcoming article on social media, we received many negative comments and people who were upset that we would even address the issue. EBB is no stranger to controversial topics, and we don’t shy away from hard subjects. Cristen and I talk about ways to express all views respectfully and effectively, so there can be productive conversations around these important issues. We also discuss trauma, triggers, and oppression in the birth world.  For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) and our Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class. RESOURCES: Connect with Birth Monopoly via Facebook, Instagram or the organization’s website. Join Birth Monopoly’s mailing list on the site’s home page to download a free free guide and course on informed consent and refusal during hospital births. View the trailer of the upcoming documentary “Mother May I?” here.

We're excited to introduce our listeners to Michelle Hartney, Chicago-based artist and activist who will be leading this month's discussion on Art & Morality. In this episode, Andrew speaks with Michelle about her ongoing project, Correct Art History, which calls attention to the art world's tendency to sweep the reprehensible behavior of art icons and heroes under the rug. Together they address the issue of morality when it comes to viewing art, whether or not institutions have a responsibility to inform audiences on the good, the bad & the ugly of the artists on their walls, the role of the #MeToo Movement and its influence in the art world, and why censorship is not the answer to the controversy of art and morality. Michelle also touches upon additional topics she will be addressing during her month-long takeover and introduces a few of the guests she has lined up to join the discussion of Art & Morality. -About Michelle Hartney-Michelle Hartney is a Chicago based artist whose work addresses a broad range of topics, from women’s health issues, to the concept of heroes, love, and the cosmos. She works in a variety of materials, including fiber, wood, found objects, installation, community based interactive performance, and the internet. Her interest in using art to address social issues began during her graduate studies in art therapy at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she was an Albert Schweitzer Fellow.In 2015 she became the Chicago rally coordinator for the non-profit organization Improving Birth's nationwide Labor Day rallies, and created a performance and installation at Daley Plaza called Mother’s Right, a piece about the United States’ high rates of maternal mortality, postpartum PTSD, and obstetric abuse. Hartney founded the Women's Health Collective in 2016, an organization dedicated to utilizing creative approaches to raise awareness about women's health issues by linking artists, designers, writers, musicians, technologists, healthcare providers, and activists to work collaboratively on socially engaged, community based projects. Their first project, Kimberly Said No, collaboration with five Chicago actors, included a public performance that addressed an obstetric assault that was captured on film.Since the 2016 election, Hartney has temporarily shifted the focus of her work away from maternal healthcare issues. She has been focusing on creating work to support the resistance, with a focus on peace and love, in addition to highlighting the misogyny, racism, and hatred embedded in Trump’s rhetoric.Hartney has two children and resides in Chicago.Learn more about Michelle Hartney at https://www.michellehartney.com/Follow her @MichelleHartneyArt

The C.D.C. reports that black mother in the U.S. are 3 to 4 times more at risk of maternal mortality regardless of socioeconomic status and education than white women. These statistics are just the beginning of shining a light on the racial disparity seen in the birthing world. In this episode I speak with Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Founder of Spirited By Truth, Alexandra Samuel-Sturgess. Alex has been working in the perinatal mental health field and creating a safe space for women of color for almost two decades. In our conversation, Alex explains the maternal health racial disparities and openly talks about unconscious biases in the medical world. One reason I was drawn to speaking with Alex is that her approach to this work is solution based on both a systemic level and personal level. Please enjoy this lively and important conversation. For the full show notes including how to connect with Alex visit prenatalyogacenter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every single time Dara writes even so much as a Facebook status, I rush to read it. She is that friend you have who says exactly what you were trying to find the words to say. Dara is a mom of three, a writer, an editor, and she will have a book out soon if I have anything to say about it. She hid in her basement to record this episode with me because mom life is real. Her essays often interrogate the intersection of race and gender, politics of respectability for women, concepts of femininity, and motherhood. Her writing has appeared online in xoJane, Clutch Magazine, The Root, For Harriet, Improving Birth, and The Feminist Wire, and in print. She earned a BA in Creative Writing/ French Literature from the University of South Florida (2005), and an MA in African-American Literature from Florida State University (2007). She is a former college-level composition teacher.  Since 2007, she has written and edited professionally in The Apartment Guide, the mortgage servicing industry, and for Southern Fried Poetry Slam, Inc. Dara’s Website: http://www.trulytafakari.com/

Steph and Dr. Elana recap last week’s episode on Improving Birth Outcomes for Black Moms and Babies with Alexandra Samuel-Sturgess. This podcast reviews key takeaways from the episode and highlights important tips that every mom can use to be your own best health advocate during pregnancy and postpartum.    Enjoy the listen! You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. We’d love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook. Topics Discussed: How to get involved with advocacy if you are passionate about changing the standard of care Practical tips for how to effectively advocate for yourself when communicating with healthcare practitioners How to choose a birth team that will support and honor your desires Practices you can use to stay informed on your pregnancy and postpartum care The role that self doubt and self worth can play when trying to speak up for yourself The importance of community in an empowered pregnancy and postpartum journey Show Notes Spirited by Truth, Alex’s private practice Follow Alexandra Samuel-Sturgess on Instagram Resources for Black mothers shared by Alex: California Department of Public Health The Leap Frog Group - provides mortality rating for hospitals Blackdoulas.org #inlandempiredoula on IG The Association for Wholistic Maternal and Newborn Health (AWMNH) Black Women Birthing Justice Sister Song Black Mamas Matter Alliance California Department of Health–Black Infant Health Therapy for Black Girls Postpartum Support International–Get Help Aviva Romm’s Article on standing up for yourself Whole Mamas Weekly Pregnancy Email Series Whole Mamas Pregnancy Program Nourish Kids Medicine Kit and Ebook Dr. Elana’s Medical Center: Nourish Medical Center Follow Steph and Elana on Instagram Whole Mamas Podcast Archive The Whole Mamas podcast is led by Stephanie Greunke, a registered dietitian, and Dr. Elana Roumell, a naturopathic doctor, both trained in functional medicine and passionate about pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatrics. They invite experts on the show, answer burning questions, highlight key points, and make sure you feel empowered to take action. Find Whole Mamas and the Whole Mamas hosts on Instagram @wholemamasclub, @stephgreunke, @drelanaroumell, and at www.wholemamasclub.com. Please remember that the views on this podcast and website are not meant to be substituted for medical advice, shouldn’t be used to diagnose, treat or cure any conditions, and are intended for general information purposes only.

On today’s episode, Steph interviews Alexandra Samuel-Sturgess about improving birth outcomes for Black moms and babies. In the United States today, Black women are four times more likely to die from childbirth than white mothers, and Black mothers experience twice the rate of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. As clinically trained social worker, Alex works to improve the Black maternal health crisis by empowering Black women through education and advocacy on pregnancy and postpartum health. She provides holistic pregnancy and postpartum support for Black mothers, ensuring that Black mothers understand their birthing options and feel empowered to make healthy lifestyle choices. Enjoy the listen! You can find us on iTunes, Stitcher or Spotify. We’d love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook. Topics Discussed: Alexandra’s personal and professional connection to the topic Black maternal health crisis: What is it? What studies show are the reasons for Black birth disparities How to choose and work with providers What to do if you experience discrimination The need for more Black-centered care Resources to help empower Black mothers Show Notes Spirited by Truth, Alex’s private practice Follow Alexandra Samuel-Sturgess on Instagram Resources for Black mothers shared by Alex: California Department of Public Health The Leap Frog Group - provides mortality rating for hospitals Blackdoulas.org #inlandempiredoula on IG The Association for Wholistic Maternal and Newborn Health (AWMNH) Black Women Birthing Justice Sister Song Black Mamas Matter Alliance California Department of Health–Black Infant Health Therapy for Black Girls Postpartum Support International–Get Help The HMHB Weekly Email Series Healthy Mama, Happy Baby Virtual Pregnancy Program Nourish Kids Medicine Kit and Ebook Dr. Elana’s Medical Center: Nourish Medical Center Follow Steph and Elana on Instagram Whole Mamas Podcast Archive Alexandra Samuel-Sturgess is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 16 years of mental health experience. Alexandra is passionate about creating solutions to empower black women when it comes to better health care and  birth outcomes. Alexandra is the founder of Spirited by Truth, a private practice located in Ontario, CA, and she specializes in perinatal mental health. Alexandra creates a safe space in her practice for black women to focus on their healing. Spirited by Truth came to fruition due to the overwhelming need to provide holistic pregnancy and postpartum mental health services catered to the needs of black women. Alexandra is passionate about prenatal and postpartum education and providing culturally responsive treatment for black women seeking mental health services. Alexandra is the Postpartum Support International Coordinator for San Bernardino County and is a Black Maternal Mental Health Advocate. At Spirited by Truth, she provides education, a sense of community, and support for expecting black mothers to assist in the fight toward healthier birth outcomes for black women and infants. Please remember that the views on this podcast and website are not meant to be substituted for medical advice, shouldn’t be used to diagnose, treat or cure any conditions, and are intended for general information purposes only.

On this episode of “Yoga| Birth|Babies,” I speak with founder of Birth Monopoly and co-creator of the Exposing the Silence Project, Cristen Pascucci.  Cristen and I have a lively conversation about informed consent and implied consent in maternity care.  This episode reveals what your rights are as a pregnant and birthing woman.  Did you know you can refuse routine interventions and ask for more clarification on the risks and benefits of these interventions? Feeling more involved in the decision making of one’s birth experience has shown to leave the mother feeling more positive about her birth.  Please take the time to listen to this talk to better support yourself and your family. In this episode:  What brought Cristen to moving away from working in a PR firm to starting Birth Monopoly? What does implied consent mean in maternity care? The difference between informed consent and implied consent? What are women’s rights in labor and birth once they have been admitted to the hospital and signed a general consent form? Reviewing the ACOG’s statement: “That informed consent is ‘the willing acceptance of a medical intervention by a patient after adequate disclosure by the physician of the nature of the intervention with its risks and benefits and of the alternatives with their risks and benefits.’”   How and when to encourage this conversation to take place since the middle of labor or facing a time crunch for a suggested procedure may be difficult to comprehend these things. The importance of aligning with care provider supporting your rights of refusal and supporting your birth vision. Is there anything a woman cannot refuse during labor and birth? Language to use to help a woman or her birth posse advocate for themselves without becoming adversarial or being labeled “the problem patient” and still creating a friendly, human connection. Is  there ever a bottom line that if the mother is refusing treatment but the medical staff believes the mother and/or the baby are in danger they have a right to override her right to refuse treatment? Why are women’s rights to make decisions and autonomy in birth being violated? Visible improvements in maternity care with the rise of more mainstream birth activism. What else Cristen is up to and where to find her! About Cristen: Cristen Pascucci is A former communications strategist at a top public affairs firm in Baltimore, Maryland, Cristen Pascucci is the founder of Birth Monopoly and Birth Monopoly’s Doula Power group, co-creator of the Exposing the Silence Project, and, from 2012 to 2016, vice president of national advocacy organization Improving Birth. She has run an emergency hotline for women facing threats to their legal rights in childbirth, created a viral consumer campaign to “Break the Silence” on trauma and abuse in childbirth, and helped put obstetric violence and the maternity care crisis in national media.  Today, she is a leading voice for women giving birth, speaking around the country and consulting privately for consumers and professionals on issues related to birth rights and options.  Cristen is also the host of Birth Allowed Radio as well as executive producer of a documentary film planned for release in 2019 to start a national conversation on obstetric violence, birth trauma, and women’s rights in birth. Cristen’s Projects: birthmonopoly.com http://www.exposingthesilenceproject.com Birth Allowed Radio   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are on-location in this episode at the 2017 Rally to Improve Birth in Chardon, Ohio – hosted by Mother Rising. We talk with several birth workers and individuals who share with us how they hope birth improves in the future.   Delivering Strength Podcast | Real talk about pregnancy, birth and postpartum health. | www.deliveringstrength.com   DS006: On-Location at the 2017 Rally to Improve Birth – Chardon, Ohio   Show Notes 1:10 – We are proud to share with our listeners a great resource – Expectful: A guided meditation app for your fertility, pregnancy and motherhood journey. Sign up for a free two week trial at www.expectful.com/delivering.   2:35 Intro to Improving Birth Rally   6:44 Shauna Rich – Mother Rising – About the Event 8:08 Monies Raised by the Rally – Future Improving Birth – Chardon 8:30 – Improving Birth – Focus on Access to VBAC 10:30 – Door Prizes at the Rally 11:25 – Messages/Signs at the Rally   12:57 – Danielle Breach – Co-Founder of Mother Rising 13:35 – Danielle’s Speech about How Doulas Improve Birth 14:30 – What Makes Danielle Want to Get Involved with Improving Birth? 15:40 – Danielle’s Sign for the Rally   16:16 – Alayna Spratley – The Nurturing Root 16:34 – The Nurturing Root & Babies Need Boxes 17:17 – Why Alayna is at the Rally 17:35 – Alayna’s Sign for the Rally   18:26 – Alayna’s Intro to Alicia Moellenkamp   19:05 – Sarah Koenigseker – Summa Healthcare 19:18 – Evidenced Based Care 19:47 – Evidenced Based Birth – Rebecca Decker 20:25 – Being Involved in the Rally 21:01 – How Sarah Got Involved This Year 22:46 – Midwives’ Relationships with Residents at Hospital 24:04 – Birth Climate in Akron 25:24 – Sarah’s Sign for the Rally   26:08 – Intro to Alicia Moellenkamp – Roots and Wings 27:15 – What Does Improving Birth Mean to You? 27:41 – Alicia’s Sign for the Rally 27:52 – Alicia’s Role in the Rally 28:30 – Improving Birth – Organization’s History   29:19 – Intro to Tierney Dewan-Saperstein & Parenting Classes at Hershey Montessori 30:03 – Candace’s Experience with Finding Parenting Classes 31:57 – Cultural Push to Improve Birth – But There is a Need for Parenting Knowledge and Classes 33:15 – Parenting Course Topics 34:13 – How Long Have You Been Doing This? 35:23 – Need for Growth in these Parenting Classes 35:54 – What Does Improving Birth Mean to Tierney? 36:55 – Talking About Birth with Daughter   38:21 – Intro to Karen with Carrying with Karen (Babywearing) 39:11 – Different Options for Babywearing Carriers 40:15 – How Karen Got Into Babywearing 41:18 – Master Wrappers: Wrapping Rachel & Babywearing Faith 41:33 – History of Babywearing Locally 42:28 – What Do You Hope Improves About Birth?   44:59 – Candace Gesicki – Cleveland Chiropractic & Integrative Health Center and Birthfit Cleveland 45:28 – Chiropractic Services 46:03 – Birthfit Cleveland 46:55 – How Does Candace Hope to Improve Birth?   48:47 – Jolynn Radin – The Womb Wellness Center 49:07 – Jolynn’s Speech at the Rally – Spinning Babies 49:28 – Spinning Babies Philosophy 50:00 – When Can Someone Start? 50:25 – Alignment of Pelvis 50:44 – What Do You Hope Improves About Birth?   54:00 – Jenna Hull – Prenatal Yoga at Awaken Yoga Studio 54:48 – Yoga’s Role in Getting Baby in Position 55:29 – Tools for Birth 56:00 – Rebozo 57:50 – Community 58:16 – Awaken’s Location 59:04 – What Does Jenna Hope Improves About Birth?   1:00:25 – Delivering Strength   Find Us Online: Website – deliveringstrength.com Facebook – facebook.com/deliveringstrength Instagram – instagram.com/deliveringstrength Facebook Community - facebook.com/groups/DeliveringStrength/  

Join us as we talk about how to have a natural birth in the hospital! In this episode, Stephanie interviews Cori Gentry, a certified childbirth educator, to discuss how to have a more “natural birth” in the hospital. Women have a wide range of options when it comes to where they want to give birth and who they want on their birth team. Ultimately, the best choice is whatever mom and her family feel comfortable with. We’ve talked about home births on past episodes, so today we want to open up the conversation and discuss hospital births. If a woman wants to have a natural birth, but feels more comfortable in the hospital, there are a few important things she needs to keep in mind. This episode will help you feel more educated and empowered in the hospital whether or not a natural birth is your end goal.     Cori Gentry’s bio: Cori Gentry is the owner of Birth Chemistry Birth Classes and is a certified Birth Boot Camp natural childbirth educator and an Evidence Based Birth instructor. She offers 10 week natural childbirth classes, 6 week home birth preparation classes, and Evidence Based Birth workshops. Through the stories of her mother and family members Cori grew up believing that natural birth was normal. After studying Early Childhood Education at California State Monterey Bay, she became a childcare provider in 2005 and was surprised by how common cesareans and epidurals were among her clients. No one seemed to believe natural birth was achievable, and her hopes for a natural birth were often met with “You’ll be begging for drugs!” Cori married the pop punk rocker of her dreams in 2007, and on Valentine’s Day 2009 Eric and Cori were thrilled to find that we were pregnant. They immediately sought a comprehensive natural childbirth class and when they discovered there were none in the area, she knew she would someday offer one. Cori and Eric now have four sons, Milo is 6, Ashley is 4, Indiana is 2, and Everett turns one today (Dec 22). Her births have been very different. She has birthed at 38 weeks and after 42 weeks, at three different local hospitals and at home, with doctors and midwives, medicated and natural. Advocating for options and safety in childbirth is something Cori lives daily. She is the President of the Birth Network of Monterey County, Co-Leader of the International Cesarean Awareness Networks (ICAN) of Monterey County, and on the Board of Directors for Improving Birth. Cori’s website is birthchemistry.com.   TIMESTAMPS: [0:00] Intro [1:14] Steph’s Updates [3:08] Cori Gentry’s biography [5:12] Why childbirth education is so important and what to look for in a class [15:00] Important considerations when creating a birth plan [22:23] Informed consent and women's rights during childbirth [25:35] Strategies to be more comfortable in the hospital   Click here to listen or find the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher! SHOWNOTES: www.birthchemistry.com http://www.corigentry.com/birth-classes.html www.birthnetworkofmonterey.com www.improvingbirth.org http://birthmonopoly.com/allowed/    

In this episode, Stephanie interviews Cori Gentry, a certified childbirth educator, to discuss how to have a more “natural birth” in the hospital. Women have a wide range of options when it comes to where they want to give birth and who they want on their birth team. Ultimately, the best choice is whatever mom and her family feel comfortable with. We’ve talked about home births on past episodes, so today we want to open up the conversation and discuss hospital births. If a woman wants to have a natural birth, but feels more comfortable in the hospital, there are a few important things she needs to keep in mind. This episode will help you feel more educated and empowered in the hospital whether or not a natural birth is your end goal.   Cori Gentry's bio: Cori Gentry is the owner of Birth Chemistry Birth Classes and is a certified Birth Boot Camp natural childbirth educator and an Evidence Based Birth instructor. She offers 10 week natural childbirth classes, 6 week home birth preparation classes, and Evidence Based Birth workshops.Through the stories of her mother and family members Cori grew up believing that natural birth was normal. After studying Early Childhood Education at California State Monterey Bay, she became a childcare provider in 2005 and was surprised by how common cesareans and epidurals were among her clients. No one seemed to believe natural birth was achievable, and her hopes for a natural birth were often met with "You'll be begging for drugs!"Cori married the pop punk rocker of her dreams in 2007, and on Valentine's Day 2009 Eric and Cori were thrilled to find that we were pregnant. They immediately sought a comprehensive natural childbirth class and when they discovered there were none in the area, she knew she would someday offer one.Cori and Eric now have four sons, Milo is 6, Ashley is 4, Indiana is 2, and Everett turns one today (Dec 22). Her births have been very different. She has birthed at 38 weeks and after 42 weeks, at three different local hospitals and at home, with doctors and midwives, medicated and natural.  Advocating for options and safety in childbirth is something Cori lives daily. She is the President of the Birth Network of Monterey County, Co-Leader of the International Cesarean Awareness Networks (ICAN) of Monterey County, and on the Board of Directors for Improving Birth. Cori’s website is birthchemistry.com.   TIMESTAMPS: [0:00] Intro [1:25] Steph's Updates [3:12] Cori Gentry's biography [5:42] The history of obstetrics and why things are they way they are today [13:45] Differences between an OB and a midwife (training, philosophy on birth, etc.) [19:20] Differences between the medical model of care and the midwifery model of care [24:25] Tips for having a natural hospital birth  [31:05] What a doula is and why you should consider getting one   Click here to listen or find the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher! SHOWNOTES: https://rebelhealthtribe.com/ www.birthchemistry.com http://www.corigentry.com/birth-classes.html www.birthnetworkofmonterey.com www.improvingbirth.org

Tonight my guests will be Anna Van Wagoner and Kirsti Kreutzer of the Birth Activist retreat. Join us live!  from their site: It is time for a full scale birth revolution!  The time for talking is long past.  Our maternal and infant mortality rates are not going down.  Our surgical birth rate is not going down.  Birth trauma and birth rape are far too common. We need action now!   The Birth Activist Retreat is not your typical conference where folks sit around passively consuming information.  We will be working as a group planning actions that will make a difference:  Nationally coordinated events, such as the Improving Birth Rallies; local events that can transform communities; and individual actions that will raise awareness about the challenges we face.   There will be workshops where Birth Activists can build the skills they need to make a difference.   There will be many opportunities to network with other activists, share inspiring ideas and receive feedback on the unique issues facing your community.  

A Full Scale Birth Revolution on Labor Day A massive uprising happened today. Thousands of men, women and children gathered (today, September 3rd, 2012) as part of a national movement. Improving Birth’s “National Rally for Change on Labor Day” was hosted in close to 100 major cities, in all 50 states across the country. Thanks to the intricate works of social media, ImprovingBirth.org was able to organize a massive movement to bring awareness to the lack of evidence-based maternity care in the US. One writer coined it as “The largest women’s movement in decades.” Join us live tonight as I speak with Dawn Thompson the woman behind it all.