The Best Birth Podcast

10 - Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Insights: Navigating the Paths of Birth with Doula Meagan Heaton from the VBAC Link

Megan Heaton, founder of the VBAC Link, shares her personal journey of having two cesarean sections and her desire for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). She emphasizes the importance of education and finding a supportive provider when considering a VBAC. Megan also discusses the misconceptions and risks associated with VBAC, as well as the need for a backup plan when planning an out-of-hospital birth. Her story highlights the empowerment and healing that can come from advocating for one's birth preferences. In this conversation, Meagan shares her personal experience with VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) and provides valuable insights and tips for women considering a VBAC. She emphasizes the importance of acceptance, gratitude, and education when preparing for a VBAC. Meagan discusses the role of the pelvis in labor and the impact of baby positioning on the birthing process. She also highlights the significance of chiropractic care and proper positioning techniques to optimize the chances of a successful VBAC. Meagan encourages women to ask questions and advocate for themselves during labor, and she offers strategies for staying positive and mentally prepared throughout the process.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Megan's Background03:10 Megan's First Cesarean Section Experience05:23 Megan's Second Cesarean Section Experience09:36 Finding a Supportive Provider for VBAC13:26 Diving Deep into VBAC Education15:52 The Importance of Op Reports in VBAC Planning21:39 Megan's Successful VBAC Experience23:45 Overcoming Doubts and Embracing Empowerment26:23 The Role of the Pelvis in Labor and the Impact of Baby Positioning35:17 Advocating for Yourself: Asking Questions During Labor43:47 Staying Positive and Mentally Prepared for a VBAC
RESOURCESBOOK - The VBAC Companion by Diana KorteBook Quote - “The journey to a VBAC is not just physical; it is deeply emotional and spiritual. It’s about healing, reclaiming, and moving forward with strength and courage.”

11 - Mindful Mamas: Exploring Hypnobabies, Prenatal Yoga, and Microneurofeedback for a Healthier Pregnancy with Melinda Hudnall, Doula

In this episode, Melinda Hudnall discusses hypnobabies, prenatal yoga, and microcurrent neurofeedback. She explains that hypnobabies is a childbirth class that helps women prepare for birth by bringing their minds into a state of calm and relaxation. Melinda shares her personal experience with a failed epidural and how it led her to explore alternative pain management techniques. She also discusses the benefits of prenatal yoga, including breath control, pelvic floor exercises, and core strengthening. Finally, Melinda introduces microcurrent neurofeedback as a tool for promoting relaxation and healing in postpartum women.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background03:49 Prenatal Yoga Benefits09:32 Melinda's Journey into Yoga12:25 Using Yoga in Pregnancy15:49 Introduction to Microcurrent Neurofeedback22:13 Recommended Resources
RESOURCES Only Love Today Rachel Macy Stafford"Only love today is clarity when you’re conflicted. Only love today is unity when you’re divided. Only love today is faith when you’re uncertain. Only love today is a reset button directing you back to what matters most."

12 - Fertility Challenges: Overcoming the Odds with Infertility Specialist Mandy Nielsen

Mandy Nielsen, an expert in infertility, shares her experience and insights on infertility and IVF. She emphasizes the importance of seeking help from a specialist early on and highlights the role of reproductive endocrinologists in diagnosing and treating infertility. Mandy discusses the various factors that can contribute to infertility, including male factor infertility, egg health, and uterine issues. She also talks about the different procedures and treatments available, such as ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Mandy addresses the emotional impact of infertility and the need for mental health support. She provides advice on how to support friends going through infertility and emphasizes the importance of being open and compassionate. Mandy also discusses the financial aspect of infertility treatments and shares resources for financial assistance. She touches on the topic of pregnancy after infertility and the unique challenges and anxieties that come with it. Finally, Mandy shares her experience as an older mother and the joys and benefits of being an older mom.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Mandy Nielsen and Infertility03:17 Causes and Treatment of Infertility06:58 Understanding Secondary Fertility08:51 The Emotional Impact of Infertility13:07 Supporting Friends Through Infertility23:18 Financial Assistance for Infertility Treatments28:53 Pregnancy After Infertility31:17 The Joys and Challenges of Being an Older Mother
RESOURCESFemale Fertility - Toni WeschlerBook Quote - "The strongest women become the strongest mothers before their children are even conceived." PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track - Felise GershBook Quote - "Healthy babies start with healthy mothers. Instead of rushing into fertility treatments, Dr. Gersh shows how you can use diet and lifestyle to get truly, deeply, wonderfully healthy and how this naturally restores female fertility."

13 - Bump Talk - A Physician's Discussion of the Second Trimester with Dr. Jonathan Crowther

Dr. Jonathan Crowther discusses prenatal care and screening during trimesters two and three. The goals of prenatal care are risk assessment, health promotion and education, and therapeutic interventions. Prenatal care should ideally start in the first trimester. Providers who specialize in prenatal care include midwives, family medicine doctors, obstetrician-gynecologists, and maternal fetal medicine subspecialists. Screening tests include blood tests, ultrasounds, and invasive procedures like chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. Other screenings include blood type, hemoglobin, urine tests, and mental health. It's important to report any concerning symptoms to your healthcare provider, such as vaginal bleeding, decreased fetal activity, abdominal pain, and high blood pressure. Telehealth can be used to consult with your provider. Increasing protein intake and following the Brewer's diet may help with high blood pressure, but medication may be necessary. Utilizing physical therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncture can help with musculoskeletal pains during pregnancy.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Jonathan Crowther01:30 Trimester Two: Morning Sickness and Provider Options10:26 Screening Tests during Pregnancy29:34 Utilizing Telehealth and Additional Support for Prenatal Care
RESOURCESThe Mama Natural Week by Week Guide to Childbirth

14 - Birthing Brilliance: Using the Life Coaching Model for Restoration and Relaxation with Ellie Morris

In this episode, Ellie Morris, a life coach, shares her journey of becoming a health coach and how she discovered the power of coaching in all areas of life. She explains the concept of the model, which states that our thoughts create our results, and how it can be applied to loving the way we look and feel. Ellie also discusses her three-part system for postpartum self-care, which includes body awareness, thought work, and refining daily habits. She emphasizes the importance of setting intentions and practicing feelings to achieve sustainable goals. Finally, Ellie guides the listeners through a short relaxation meditation and shares the concept of a safety anchor.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Background of Ellie Morris03:12 Discovering the Power of Coaching07:49 Applying the Model to Self-Care11:05 A Three-Part System for Postpartum Self-Care22:29 Slowing Down and Grounding Yourself25:17 Guided Relaxation Meditation28:48 Creating a Safety Anchor33:05 Recommended Resources and Final Thoughts
RESOURCESNexxus Protein infused ShampooThe Big LeapEllie's WebsiteEllie's Instagram

15 - Through the Lens of Birth Photographer Julie Francom - The Art of Capturing Life’s First Moments

Julie Francom, a birth photographer, discusses the power of photography in preparing for and processing birth. She shares her journey into birth photography and the importance of capturing empowering moments during labor. Julie highlights the strength and resilience she has witnessed in birthing women and the impact of documenting those moments. She emphasizes the value of birth photography in helping women prepare mentally for birth and process their birth experiences. Julie also provides tips for capturing birth memories, even without a professional photographer, and encourages women to educate themselves about their birth options.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Julie Francom and Birth Photography04:42 The Pros of Having a Birth Photographer08:53 Capturing Empowering Moments in Birth29:58 Documenting Birth Memories35:19 Educating Yourself about Birth Options
RESOURCESChild Whisperer - Carol Tuttle Fun loving, Sensitive, Determined, More Serious“When you understand your child’s energy type, you can tailor your parenting to meet their needs and strengths, creating a harmonious and supportive environment.”Julie's PhotographyMaternity Clothing Baby Gear

16 - Expectation Essentials - Managing your Home and Family in Preparation for Birth with Birth Made Mindful's Christina Packard

In this episode, guest Christina Packard shares her insights on managing family expectations when bringing home a new baby. She emphasizes the importance of emotional and mental preparation, as well as having a support system in place. Christina also discusses how to prepare young children for the arrival of a new sibling and the significance of establishing family traditions. She offers advice on budgeting for a growing family and encourages mothers to be honest, patient, and kind to themselves. The episode concludes with a reminder to find joy in the journey of motherhood.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:54 Preparing for the Arrival of a New Baby07:21 Establishing Family Traditions10:32 Changes and Challenges of Growing a Family14:18 Managing Expectations and Budgeting22:03 Preparing Hearts and Minds for Birth25:22 Taking One Step at a Time28:25 Mom Squad Secret and Closing
RESOURCESHatching Jenni QuilterMoby Wrap Baby Carrier | Classic | Baby Wrap Carrier for Newborns & InfantsErgo 360 All-position Baby CarrierErgobaby Infant Insert (7-12 lbs) How to Hug a PorcupineWombGentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah J. BuckleyBook Quote - “Honoring the natural rhythms of birth and parenting allows us to connect more deeply with our instincts and with our children.”"Book Quote - “Gentle discipline is about guiding your child with kindness and respect, helping them to understand the impact of their actions without fear or punishment.”“Set boundaries with love and consistency, helping your child to learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment.”"Parenting with Love and Logic “It’s not our job to protect children from all of life’s challenges, but to help them learn how to navigate those challenges with confidence.”

17 - Pelvic Floor Secrets - Prehab and Rehab with Dr. of Physical Therapy Betty DeLass

Dr. Betty DeLass, a pelvic floor health specialist, discusses the importance of pelvic floor therapy during and after pregnancy. She emphasizes the need for prehab and rehab to prevent and address pelvic dysfunction. Dr. Betty explains that the pelvic floor is a sling of muscles that supports organs and helps with various bodily functions. She highlights the impact of pregnancy on the pelvic floor and the need for rehabilitation to restore its function. Dr. Betty also addresses the differences in care between cesarean and vaginal births and the importance of individualized treatment. She emphasizes the connection between the pelvic floor and other areas of the body, such as the core and glutes. Dr. Betty recommends early intervention and individualized care to optimize pelvic floor health.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Understanding the Pelvic Floor07:53 Different Care for Cesarean and Vaginal Births10:00 The Importance of Prehab and Rehab16:02 The Connection Between the Pelvic Floor and Other Areas of the Body25:47 The Six-Week Mark and Beyond
RESOURCESBelly BinderBook - The Body Keeps the ScoreCome As You Are Reborn HealthPelvic Rehab Website

18 - The Twin Tango - How JayCee Wall Embraced the Unexpected

In this episode, JayCee Wall shares her experience of giving birth to twins. She compares the pain and preparation for twins to her previous births. She discusses the options she had for delivery and ultimately chose to have a C-section. JayCee also talks about the emotional challenges she faced during her pregnancy and the support she received from her family. She shares some helpful gear and equipment that made caring for twins easier. JayCee offers advice for other moms of twins and emphasizes the importance of treasuring the small moments.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background00:32 Comparing the Birth of Twins to Single Births01:37 Delivery Options for Twins07:13 Helpful Gear for Caring for Twins22:08 Favorite Book and Mom Squad Secret22:33 Conclusion and Thank You
RESOURCES12 hours by 12 weeks 

19 - Bradley Birth Journey with Birth Educator Amanda Taulbee

Amanda Taulbee, a birth educator for the Bradley Method, shares insights on how to prepare for labor and delivery. The Bradley Method focuses on relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education to help women feel prepared and confident during childbirth. Amanda emphasizes the importance of relaxation in managing pain and teaches techniques like the 'Duh Face' to help relax the muscles. The method also encourages the involvement of the partner as a coach during labor. Amanda highlights the value of being educated and prepared for unexpected situations that may arise during childbirth. She shares her own birth experiences and emphasizes the importance of trusting one's intuition. Amanda had her baby just a few days after the interview. Stacey Singleton (guest in week 3) assisted in the birth.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background00:50 Overview of the Bradley Method06:14 The 'Duh Face' and Other Techniques09:32 Accessing the Bradley Method12:09 The Bradley Method for First-Time Moms and VBACs14:33 Being Prepared for Unexpected Situations18:37 Trusting Your Intuition and Final Thoughts
RESOURCESBradley Birth WebsiteNatural Childbirth the Bradley WayHusband Coached Childbirth