Early in the podcast’s first season, in episode 5, Julie shared her baby’s birth story. She returns today to share her fertility journey whereby it took several years of perseverance to successfully conceive and give birth to her healthy baby boy. The path to conceiving her son via IVF included unsuccessful IUIs (or intrauterine inseminations), a chemical pregnancy, early loss of twins, and switching care providers and hospitals along the way. She explains how her Christian faith created a bit of conflict within her at first about this pursuit, and she also describes some different opinions her family had about trying to conceive in alternative ways. Julie also goes into other emotional and relational aspects of the journey and for her, how valuable it was when she was able to shift toward feeling at peace with whatever the outcome. She wanted to share her journey in hopes that it can encourage others on a similar path.
Read moreBirth Matters Podcast, Ep 56 - Fertility Doula & 2 IVF Birth Stories (Pt 2)
Today we continue our fertility journey series and share the second part of fertility doula Alison Wehr’s 2 IVF and birth stories. Alison’s second path to conception was a smoother one; today she shares how quickly IVF worked this time around, how she wasn’t nearly as anxious this time, and will detail her second born’s birth story that started with her water breaking a few days before her estimated due date. After she shares her son’s birth story, she discusses how she got into fertility doula as well as birth and postpartum work.
Read moreBirth Matters Podcast, Ep 55 - Fertility Doula & 2 IVF Birth Stories (Pt 1)
In this and next week's episode, birth & fertility doula Alison Wehr shares stories of her two babies’ IVF conception and birth stories. *Trigger alert: this first part includes some stories of loss in the process of trying to conceive.* She spends early labor at a Broadway play with her husband and then shares about a post-Hurricane Sandy blackout just after they came home with baby.
Read moreBirth Matters Podcast, Ep 54 - Life and Loss: Shared by a Black Full Spectrum Doula
Marise Angibeau-Gray, a Black mother and full spectrum doula, shares the story of 3 pregnancy losses -- one in each trimester -- that led up to her 4th baby’s birth story. (TRIGGER ALERT: Please note that this episode may be upsetting for anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss or trauma.) Marise shares aspects of the emotional journey as well as how she selected each of her care providers and eventually found an optimal fit who would give her customized care. She also shares insights on a couple of things that are NOT helpful to say to someone who has experienced pregnancy loss.
Read moreBirth Matters Podcast, Ep 53 - 2nd IVF with Frozen Embryo & Homebirth Transfer (Pt 2)
Today is part 2 of Adriane’s 2nd IVF and birth story. this is a story of a transfer from a homebirth in the pushing stage due to the fact that her baby was in an awkward position. We left off last week just before Adriane’s midwife advises them to transfer to the hospital. Today she shares how she was still able to have a vaginal birth, but also shares some of the challenges she faced in the hospital environment, particularly after the birth.
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