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The Illusion of No Control

 

Peace is a choice. We can choose to do those things that invite peace into our lives, even when so much around us seems out of control. And that's the topic that we want to introduce to you guys this week- what you can control in your pregnancy and birth. We fear that there's this illusion out there amongst birthing women, that there is no control.

In fact, what triggered this topic for us was coming across a birth story post on Instagram. This woman shared her rather traumatic birth story and concluded it by telling her followers that there's no point in having a birth plan or preparing for the experience because it's all out of your control. 

Maybe having that perspective was a coping strategy for her, a way to process a disappointing experience. Because when you don't believe you can control anything, perhaps you're able to maybe more easily release the experience you've had, especially if it wasn't a great one. BUT! women who head into pregnancy and birth...

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Is a Birth Class Really Necessary?

 
We often get asked...
  • At what point in my pregnancy should I take a birth class?
  • What kind of birth course is best for me? 
  • What should a birth course cover?
  • Do I really need one if I plan on getting an epidural?

But before we answer those great questions, will you indulge us for a minute? We've gotta get this off our chest first...

The truth of the matter is that when it comes to birth, you don't know what you don't know. And if you're reading this post or listening to the podcast, you're likely the kind of person who wants to be in-the-know! That's awesome because our entire goal is to empower you & give you the skills, confidence, and knowledge necessary before your birth.

Speaking from very personal experience, failing to prepare can often lead to a poor experience, regrets, and then (hopefully!) a fierce determination to make things better the next time! We want to find you and help you before that next time!

Birth is a natural event, but when we moved birth...

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Birth Bag Must NOT Haves

 

If you're like us, you like to be prepared! However, we've both been guilty of hauling unnecessary items in our birth bag. So! Allow us to share what we think you'll really need when it comes to packing for your birthplace so that you can avoid overpacking.

THINGS TO LEAVE AT HOME

 1. Diapers & Wipes

Diapering your newborn baby seems like a legitimate concern, right? Especially when you learn that they pee and poo like 12 times a day!, But, there is no need to bring a pack of diapers or wipes because if you're birthing at a hospital- they have you covered! In fact, they usually have really nice diapers for you (Pampers Swaddlers or the equivalent in Huggies). They even send you home with some so you're covered on the ride home too!

2. Games

If you're getting to your birthplace at the right time, you won't have time for card games or video games because when you arrive you should (ideally) be in active labor! That means contractions are...

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How To: Provider Scenarios

 
Being knowledgeable about something inside of our heads doesn't always translate to a coherent and comfortable response to a provider. Don't stress though! We're going to walk you through some common pregnancy and birth scenarios with providers and help you find and form the response that's right for you!
 
[3:38] Labor rehearsals are your time to put what you are learning into practice and this is what good rehearsal looks like.
[8:21] The specific questions that make a difference for avoiding induction during COVID
[10:00] Pregnancy Scenario 1: Let's schedule that induction
[13:00] Pregnancy Scenario 2: Moving a due date in the third trimester
[16:20] Birth Scenario 1: In active labor and your well-meaning nurse says to your birth partner "we need to get her into the bed"
[17:57] Birth Scenario 2: Adding meds to the IV without formal consent, but more of a side note
[21:40] Birth Scenario 3: Your nurse picks up a low fetal heart rate.
[25:06] Want more scenarios? Join...
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Outdated Policies Hurting Your Birth

 
If you're unaware, there are policies from over 100 years ago still affecting your birth experience right now. The truth is that changes in policy, even when supported by evidence, take a long time to implement and can actually be hurting your birth. We cover the most common ones relevant to you today in this episode!
 
[3:54] Hospital birth is best for everyone - because it's cleaner and more sterile...right?!
[8:52] Can we please talk about being "overdue?"
[13:50] Don't eat and drink during birth!
[18:05] Time to dilate!
[21:18] Giving birth on your back just makes sense!
[23:43] VBAC is High-Risk - didn't you know?!
[26:11] Cut your perineum! It makes more space and you get some cool stitches too!
[31:52] Stop that flow of blood to baby immediately!
[35:15] Weigh and swaddle right away instead of skin-to-skin. It just makes sense.
[37:34] Ointment up those eyes and vaccinate that baby ASAP!
 
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OB's vs Midwives Showdown

 
Don't let this title fool you- it's not that dramatic! We love both, and dislike both, depending on the provider. But the right provider for you will largely depend on what kind of birth experience you desire. Above all, find someone who respects and supports those birthing goals!
 
[2:45] The difference in Education/Schooling
[6:12] What kind of care each offers
[8:00] Who takes insurance and what that looks like
[8:57] Hot topic: Obstetricians are trained surgeons
[10:04] Midwives are trained in normal
[11:09] The different medications that can be prescribed during labor for each provider
[13:12] Cesarean birth rates
[14:11] What if a mom is high-risk??
[15:08] Reliance on medical tools
[15:50] The Med-wife
[22:16] OB vs Midwife during birth
[25:27] What we've observed as patients and doulas
[32:11] Questions to find the right provider for YOU
[33:29] Tell us who you chose and why!
 
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COVID-19 & Your Birthing Options

 
This podcast episode is hot off the press and in true Cort & Steph fashion, we break down the Pros AND Cons to birthing in/out of hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yup! We totally see it both ways and above all hope to speak peace to your heart. You are seen. You are heard. Your feelings- which may swing from gratitude one minute to sorrow the next- are valid. You are stronger than you know, and the story you pass down of birthing during a time of great global uncertainty will be revered for generations to come.
 
[2:00] ACOG, CDC, and WHO: What they're saying and what they recommend
[7:05] Telehealth
[7:37] Recommendations for COVID-19 & Breastfeeding Practices
[10:10] Other things to consider
[12:12] What to do with all of this information!
[19:00] Pros & Cons to Birthing In & Out of the Hospital During COVID-19
[27:04] Get prepared. You won't ever regret preparing "too much"...because there's no such thing!
 
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