Birth Matters alums Jess & Rich share the story of their firstborn son’s birth. While she had very much hoped for a completely unmedicated birth, she and Rich were able to swing with the curve balls they were dealt toward a satisfying, great birth experience. They go into details about being induced at 41 weeks 6 days after refusing to be scheduled for several days leading up to that, and proceeding with an induction using cytotec, a foley balloon, and artificially rupturing the membranes. This story is an example of an induction in which pitocin wasn’t needed (not the most common road for an induction to take, but can happen), for which Jess was very thankful. They’ll also share about how they chose a doula, how Rich and doula Tia worked together optimally, and about early breastfeeding challenges and receiving the support of both Tia and then an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). Finally, they’ll share a couple of tips for the journey into parenthood.

Today, Alicia shares details about her hospital induction, which she was able to manage without pain medications. Before she gets into that, she talks about the various ways she equipped herself with as much knowledge as she needed to feel confident going into the process of giving birth. Because her blood pressure read high and amniotic fluid looked borderline low at 39½ weeks, the decision was made to induce labor. She describes the many hours that proceed from there, how their doula provided comfort measures, and how praying helped center her through to the pushing stage. Alicia also shares some details of early breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and her tips for expectant parents on building support and a knowledge base.

In today's story, Nicole shares about an unexpectedly brief, 6-hour, unmedicated first labor in a Long Island hospital with midwives and with the support of her husband and a doula. Before she goes into her birth story, she describes her background as a child life specialist in a hospital setting as well as her love for teaching prenatal yoga and pursuit of education in aromatherapy. She also details the ways she learned to really listen to and honor her body in slowing down, reflecting and journaling to connect with her baby. Listen to hear how, after her water breaks at home, Nicole decides to calmly make chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast for not only her and her husband, but for a house guest from Japan whom JP brings home from the airport the very morning she goes into labor. They join up with their doula for the hour-long drive out on Long Island to their hospital, arriving simultaneously with their midwife pretty much just in time to push and give birth. She goes over newborn protocols and special requests she made and provides details about early challenges she and her baby faced in breastfeeding. Learn about a model of care that Nicole found to be super supportive, whereby a lactation consultant was in-house at her pediatrician’s office. Finally, Nicole shares about the benefits of prenatal yoga from the perspective of both a yoga teacher as well as from having continued the practice as a pregnant person.

Today, Desire shares her son’s birth story just a few weeks after the birth, which was a 3-day long hospital induction at Forest Hills Hospital in Queens.

Today Ellen shares the birth stories of her two daughters, who were both born prematurely. We discuss the benefits of midwifery care and why Ellen chose midwives for both of her births, as well as some of the insurance challenges that we face when attempting to choose midwives. She details how both of her daughters were not only preemies but also how her bag of waters broke as the first sign of labor both times. Ellen describes specific ways she coped with the challenges of labor and how her training as a prenatal yoga teacher and meditation habits as a couple informed her strategies. She also shares about early breastfeeding challenges and both of her daughters’ diagnoses with and treatment for tongue-tie.

In today’s episode, Ann shares details of her experience giving birth for the first time. Her labor progresses more quickly than most first labors, and she explains how they called an ambulance when she thought she felt the baby’s head. She’ll describe that she was, indeed, very close to pushing upon arrival at the hospital, though not quite as far along as she had thought. After she shares her birth story, she’ll also explain how her birth inspired her to move into birth and postpartum doula work as she relocated to be closer to family in southwest Florida. She also talks a bit about her Christian faith and her favorite song for labor, which is linked in the show notes for this episode at birthmattersshow.com.

Today, Stephanie, who’s an attorney for an organization called Protect Democracy, shares the story of her daughter Kimathi’s birth, which was an induction that Stephanie was able to move through without any pain meds and with the support of a doula. She shares how she chose a doula who was Latina as she wanted someone who could understand her background and experience as a Puerto Rican woman and help her most effectively advocate for herself as needed. She also describes some of the creative ways she found much-needed support through social media, especially after birth, and will also touch on the challenges and changes in the nature of her relationship with Kimathi’s dad toward co-parenting early on in their daughter’s life and how much more support she needed as a result.

Today Kate & AJ, the dear friends whom Dee & Sam mentioned meeting in birth class in the past couple of episodes, share their 2nd daughter’s birth story. Following a challenging first birth, Kate shares the specific ways that her 2nd pregnancy and birth was very healing. As Kate has a bit of a long, confusing early labor, they share details of a visit to both Trader Joe’s and to a chapel near their hospital, as well as multiple modes of transport including an Uber Pool, a ferry, another Uber, and a couple of subway rides. They also share the ways they received more optimal support this time around, including from not only the hospital staff, but also their doula, toward the uncomplicated, unmedicated vaginal birth Kate had hoped for. Hold on to the end to hear a few great tips they have for expectant parents regarding building in support, staying flexible, and equipping yourself with information during pregnancy.

Today we have part 2 of Dee’s & Sam’s 2 birth stories. They’ll share about an even more premature birth of their second daughter, Luna. Due to the identification of an intra-uterine hemorrhage in late pregnancy, the decision is made to induce several weeks before the due date. Hear Dee share how surprised she was that she was able to cope with her induced labor without requesting the epidural, which was something she never thought she’d be able to do. She’ll also share how the use of a squatting bar helped her in the pushing stage and will detail the amazing sense of euphoria she had when her daughter was born. Then Dee & Sam will reflect on Luna’s 2-week stay in the NICU as well as provide some tips on staying flexible in labor and birth. Finally, they’ll discuss the special friendship they made in birth class and how having the support of friends has been essential, particularly during the NICU stay when they had another little one at home.

For today's and next week’s episodes, we have another 2-parter for you as Dee & Sam share their two daughters’ preemie birth stories. You’ll hear these two soulful parents share some pretty incredible details about their two hospital births. In this episode, labor begins prematurely, several weeks before the due time, and soon after one of the biggest snowstorms New York has seen in many years. I might add it happens all while Dee’s husband, Sam, is having fun down in Austin for South by Southwest with his brother, and he makes it back in the nick of time. Hear how Dee’s best friend comes up to visit while Sam’s away thinking they’ll get some girl time, but little did they know her girlfriend would be a labor support partner until Sam could get on the next flight to return! Due to the amount of bleeding she had, they ended up admitting her earlier than they normally would. Dee’s water breaks right around the time that Sam arrives from the airport, and her contractions immediately get much stronger, which leads her to opt for the epidural, which she always thought she would opt for. Hear how she details the ways in which having a doula made a huge difference in how her labor went, especially in light of having so much back labor due to the baby not quite being in an optimal position. She also describes how quickly the pushing stage went for her, and Sam will give a few of his reflections on being present for the birth. 

Meredith & Thomas share their story of an uncomplicated, unmedicated vaginal birth in Atlanta, Georgia. Hear these 5-week old parents give tips for moving during pregnancy as they describe their last-minute, third trimester move from Brooklyn to Atlanta, moving in with Meredith’s parents. You’ll hear the ways in which they believe they received care that was more aligned with their preferences than they might have received in New York. They’ll also share about early breastfeeding, including how the laid-back breastfeeding position (detailed in the Natural Breastfeeding online course she’ll refer to) was so much less painful and easier than other positions, how getting a bit overzealous with pumping in the early days backfired, and how receiving expert support from a lactation consultant made a difference for the better. Finally, they’ll describe how they tag-teamed the baby responsibilities in the first few weeks and briefly discuss soothing techniques that have worked for their daughter.

NYC fashion model & wellness coach Lauren Deckert shares her son’s birth story, in which she chose to leave New York to give birth in her hometown in Maryland in the hospital where she was born. She’ll share details about this and other strategies that helped her to have the unmedicated vaginal birth that she had hoped for.

Emily & Paul share the story of how they did everything they could to help their son to turn from breech to head down (vertex) so Emily could give birth vaginally, to no avail. So, they had to have a scheduled cesarean, but at least were able to go into labor spontaneously before the surgical birth. They share how Emily was diagnosed with a serious complication called HELLP Syndrome and how baby had to go to the NICU for low blood sugar, and some of the challenges that these complications presented.

Liz & Matt share the details of what they call their  “grumpy old Scotsman” son’s uncomplicated birth at Manhattan’s New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell. Liz shares how she had lots of back labor and how the epidural only worked partially and temporarily. Later, she shares about her early breastfeeding challenges of oversupply and a food sensitivity they discovered their son has. Matt & Liz also share some tips for partners and for the postpartum period. Then they reflect on the transition into life with their son, after Matt had a daughter many years ago with another partner.

Want to hear a birth story in which an almost 10-pound baby boy is born safe and sound at home after 22 hours of labor? Ready or not, that’s what you're gonna hear today! Hear all about Alishia’s 2nd birth following her first birth in a hospital 15 years prior. Alishia also shares about her journey into birth & lactation work as a woman of color and her hopes of serving underserved populations in central Queens.

Melissa shares 2 birth stories on today’s episode. First, she shares her first 1st birth story, which was an unusually quick, 6-hour induction with no pain meds and with doula support. Then she shares her rationale for switching care providers from an OB over to working with a hospital midwife for her 2nd baby’s birth, which was an even faster, 4-hour, unmedicated labor.

Today’s birth story begins with a spontaneous rupture of the membranes, laboring at home for a number of hours, eventually transferring to the hospital where the labor continues with induction and epidural. As Amy and her husband are both actors, she describes the ways in which their acting training, specifically breath work & bodywork, helped her find her groove in her 3-hour pushing stage with a fairly large baby. She also details some compelling things to consider in partner communication and establishing healthy boundaries entering parenthood, particularly in light of the hormonal roller coaster we experience after birth.

Today’s birth story is part two of a 2-part story, and will be especially helpful for expectant parents whose baby gets a clubfoot diagnosis. In part 1, Joe & Beckie shared about their journey of their son, Elliot, getting this diagnosis early in pregnancy and part of their birth story. In this episode, they’ll continue detailing their birth story of a long, 30-hour induction several weeks before their due date due to low amniotic fluid. Beckie shares lots of details about the ways that her OB helped her feel involved and informed in the decision-making process every step of the way. Because she was not even quite 37 weeks when the induction took place, there are particular challenges to the induction that Beckie shares. They’ll also share a bit about early clubfoot treatments for their son.

Today’s birth story, which will be broken up into two consecutive episodes, will be especially helpful for expectant parents whose baby gets a clubfoot diagnosis. Joe & Beckie share their journey of their son, Elliot, getting this diagnosis early in pregnancy. They also detail their birth story of a long, 30-hour induction several weeks before their due date due to low amniotic fluid. Beckie shares lots of details about the ways that her OB helped her feel involved and informed in the decision-making process every step of the way. Because she was not even quite 37 weeks when the induction took place, there are particular challenges to the induction that Beckie shares.

Today Jennifer will share her story of an IVF-conceived pregnancy in which more than one doctor suggested scheduling a cesarean due to the size of her baby. She’ll share about her journey toward the decision to at least have what we call a “trial of labor” toward the vaginal birth that she desired. You'll hear how she impressed everyone by giving birth vaginally to an almost 9-pound baby. Listen to hear the smart ways she advocates for herself and makes the choices that were preferred and ideal for her & her baby along the way of her induced labor with an epidural at Long Island’s LIJ Katz Hospital. Jenn will also share a bit about how easy initial breastfeeding was, but then how things got a little trickier after that.

In this episode’s birth story, Dara describes her experience of giving birth as both “magical” and “frustrating”. This is the story of a first-time labor and vaginal birth working with a midwifery practice at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Hospital. She shares about using nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) for pain relief, very briefly, and then getting an epidural. Listen to hear the magical way mama Dara instinctively helps her baby come closer to being born. Here’s a hint: If you like music, you’ll enjoy this one! We had a musician dad featured a couple of episodes ago, and now we have a professional singer mom and massage therapist sharing her perspectives. You’ll also hear how a fever Dara developed led to baby having to go to the NICU (or neonatal intensive care unit), and how having a baby in the NICU can be challenging for new parents and baby.

Today you’ll hear Mariko’s & Rick’s story of hiring a doula very well-suited to them for Mariko’s labor and who served them in very practical and holistic ways throughout pregnancy, labor, and into postpartum. Right around 40 weeks, Mariko’s OB decides there’s a bit of concern about baby’s well-being due to lack of movement, so they check into their Long Island hospital, Winthrop, for an induction. She shares the ways in which she was able to find coping strategies that rendered an epidural or other pain meds unnecessary. They also talk a bit about how they believe their meditation practice translated into labor. They’re also going to share a few parenting strategies that could be useful for parenting your newborn.

Today you’ll hear a birth story told by Leah & Trevor, first time parents. Leah is a hospitalist physician, and she’ll share how her professional background informed the way she approached assembling her birth & pediatrician team. Her partner, Trevor, will share his insights about the experience of supporting her through labor. Leah & Trevor will talk about their uncomplicated birth with an epidural and a bit of pitocin when things weren’t progressing as readily as it seemed they should. She’ll also discuss how she couldn’t bear to be on her back for pushing and was encouraged to push in whatever way felt instinctive to her. You’ll also hear about some of her frustrations with the lack of anticipatory guidance in the breastfeeding support at her hospital.

In this episode, Kat & Tom share their positive, empowering story of their 2nd son’s rather efficient birth at home with midwife, Cara Muhlhahn, their doula and a friend who just happens to also be a doula. This birth followed their much more challenging first birth in a hospital environment, which largely informed their decision to give birth at home the second time around.

On today’s episode, Ariel shares her birth story about laboring at home for a good, long time until active labor, then moving on to epidural once at the hospital, and an efficient pushing stage. She shares the importance of doula support & taking birth classes. Listen to hear about her baby's struggle with tongue tie & how getting it corrected helped breastfeeding dramatically improve.

On today’s episode, Julie shares the story of struggles to conceive for 6 years and ultimately conceiving via IVF, and then goes on to tell her son Cian’s birth story. Her water breaks as the first sign of labor and she proceeds to have a 22-hour induced, but otherwise unmedicated, labor. This is a great birth story to learn some of the benefits of hiring a doula -- also known as professional labor support -- toward strategically avoiding unnecessary interventions. You’ll also hear the smart ways in which Julie advocates for herself to help get the kind of communication she needs to feel confident and peaceful along the way. 

Today’s birth story is one of my favorites because it was the very first time I had a student’s water break (release) in class, right in the middle of a meditation/relaxation exercise! It’s the story of a 5-hour, unmedicated vaginal birth, with some complications and a necessary surgical procedure after the birth due to how quickly the labor progressed. Listen as Brooke shares details about the overall compassionate care she received through the complications and how, when the staff clearly communicated with her what was going on, she felt taken care of and, overall, really positive about the way things went. After she shares her birth story, Brooke also discusses how her partner is enjoying being a stay-at-home for the first time after having 2 children in a previous relationship and not having the opportunity to stay home. She’ll also share insights about the surprising things you sometimes learn about yourself as you become a parent as well as tips for maintaining a healthy identity. 

Announcing the BIRTH MATTERS podcast! This show is here to lessen expectant parents’ overwhelm on the journey into parenthood by equipping and encouraging with current, evidence-based info & soulful interviews with parents & birth pros. It’s also here for birth professionals to continue growing their knowledge base, and even for anyone who is simply interested in birth.