The Best Birth Podcast

20 - A Comprehensive Demonstration to feeding your Baby and Protecting the Nipples with International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Holly Hill

In this episode, Holly Hill, a lactation expert, discusses the fundamental elements of a good latch and different breastfeeding positions. She emphasizes the importance of comfortable positioning and proper latch to prevent nipple pain and damage. Holly also talks about letdown and the different sensations or lack thereof that mothers may experience. She explains that there is no specific recommended time for breastfeeding and focuses more on the quality of the feeding. Holly also addresses common breastfeeding challenges such as sore nipples and mastitis, providing tips and techniques to protect and heal the nipples and reduce inflammation. In this conversation, Holly, a lactation consultant, shares valuable insights and tips for breastfeeding and pumping. She discusses how to prevent and manage mastitis, the importance of correct flange size for pumping, and the process of weaning. Holly emphasizes the need for individualized support and resources, such as lactation consultants, La Leche League, and breastfeeding support groups. She also highlights the significance of comfortable nursing bras and nursing-friendly clothing.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Overview11:34 Understanding Letdown and Milk Flow15:49 Breastfeeding Positions: Exploring Options25:50 Preventing and Managing Mastitis29:04 Individualized Approaches to Breastfeeding Challenges32:24 Choosing the Correct Flange Size for Pumping39:16 The Process of Weaning44:06 The Importance of Individualized Support and Resources48:25 Comfortable Nursing Bras and Nursing-Friendly Clothing
RESOURCESSilver Nipple CupsHaakaa Ladybug Milk CollectorHaakaaManual breast pump Quick Clean Sterilizing BagsBreast Milk Storage BagsNipple ShieldBoppy Nursing PillowMy Breast Friend Original Nursing Pillow Cozy Cradle Nursing Pillow

21 - Cultivating your ideal Birth Environment with Birth Center with Doula Stacey Green

Stacey Green, a doula and owner of The Utah Birthplace, discusses birth support, doula work, and the benefits of birth centers. She shares her journey to opening the birth center and the importance of having a centralized location for pregnancy and postpartum resources. Stacey emphasizes the flexibility and personalized care offered at the Utah Birthplace, where women can choose their own midwife and have access to amenities like birth pools. She also highlights the role of doulas and support persons in providing comfort and empowerment during labor. The conversation touches on pain management techniques, the use of a rebozo, and the power of positive affirmations.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background01:23 The Benefits of Birth Centers and Personalized Care21:06 The Use of a Rebozo and Other Pain Management Techniques25:16 The Power of Positive Affirmations and Empowering Language26:56 Access to Mental Health Support and Breastfeeding Resources
RESOURCESAffirmation Cards - help you and your partner stay in a positive head spaceRebozoThe Birth PartnerBook Quote - “Your belief in her strength and capabilities can help her believe in herself, even when she may feel overwhelmed.”“The way a woman is treated during birth has a lasting impact on her, both emotionally and psychologically. Your role is crucial in making this a positive experience.”The Utah Birth Place

22 - Optimal performance through compassionate Chiropractic care with Chiropractor Marc Nelson

Dr. Marc Nelson, a chiropractor, discusses how chiropractic care can benefit pregnant women. He shares his journey into chiropractic care and how he witnessed the body's ability to heal itself given time and opportunity. Dr. Nelson emphasizes the importance of providing options and support for pregnant women experiencing back pain and other discomforts. He explains how chiropractic care can relieve physical stress and improve mental well-being during pregnancy. Dr. Nelson also discusses the role of chiropractic care in optimizing pelvic alignment for easier labor and delivery. He highlights the importance of trust in the birthing process and the need for personalized care and education.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Marc Nelson03:10 Chiropractic Care as an Option for Pregnant Women10:22 The Benefits of Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy and Labor28:08 The Importance of Trust and Personalized Care in the Birthing Process
RESOURCESI Am Malala - "It is my belief that God sends the solution first and the problem later."Spinning BabiesCadence Chiropractic - American Fork, Utah

23 - Traveling with a Bump --Without the Bumps--with Flight Attendant Carly Crowther

Carly Crowther, a flight attendant and birth educator, discusses the concept of a babymoon and provides tips for traveling during pregnancy. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with your partner and preparing emotionally for the arrival of the baby. Carly also shares her own birth experiences and highlights the benefits of an unmedicated birth. She encourages women to research and consider this option, even in a hospital setting. Carly shares her experience of giving birth in a birth center and how her second birth was very different from her first. She went into labor naturally and had to quickly adjust her plans. Despite the unexpected circumstances, Carly was able to surrender to the process and have a positive birth experience. She also provides valuable tips for traveling with babies and toddlers, including flying with lap children, checking car seats and strollers, and managing expectations. Carly emphasizes the importance of preparing mentally and physically for labor and encourages listeners to approach birth with a positive mindset.
CHAPTERS00:00 The Concept of a Babymoon06:24 Tips for Traveling During Pregnancy13:16 Preparing for an Unmedicated Birth23:35 Surrendering to the Unexpected: Carly's Birth Center Experience30:38 Traveling with Babies: Tips for Flying and Beyond46:52 Preparing Mentally and Physically for Labor48:37 Managing Expectations: Traveling with Toddlers and Babies
RESOURCESBirth Affirmation Cards Pregnancy journalCar seat bagStroller travel bagToddler car seat roller attachmentTravel friendly breast pumpPump bag/travel coolerBreastmilk storage bagsMicrowavable pump sanitizer bagsBaby carrier (front and back)Travel stroller/carseatTravel headphonesToddler screenReusable stickersTravel snack organizerSteps on how to apply for a minorHow to schedule an appointment Fair Play - Eve RodskyFair Play Quote “Mental load is the invisible work that goes into managing a household and a family. It’s the thinking, planning, and organizing that often goes unnoticed and unacknowledged.”

24 - Baby Steps : Insights on Entering the World and Growth Milestones with Pediatrician Dr. Jon Schmidt

Dr. John Schmidt, a pediatrician, discusses various topics related to raising young children. He emphasizes the importance of partnering with parents and provides insights on common concerns and questions. The conversation covers the role of a pediatrician in the birth room, delayed cord clamping, cord blood banking, jaundice in newborns, vitamin K shot, eye ointment, circumcision, lactation support, tongue ties, and feeding concerns. In this conversation, Dr. Schmidt discusses various topics related to infant feeding and development. She emphasizes the importance of allowing babies to eat when they're hungry and paying attention to their growth curve and velocity. She also provides insights into managing reflux in infants and the potential impact of altering the mother's diet while breastfeeding. Dr. Schmidt addresses common questions about newborn procedures, the vaccine schedule, and the benefits of reading to children. She encourages parents to trust their instincts and build a relationship with their pediatrician for better guidance and support.
CHAPTERS00:00 Partnering with a Pediatrician: Raising Confident Children02:19 Navigating the Birth Room: The Role of a Pediatrician04:07 Understanding Delayed Cord Clamping and Cord Blood Banking06:17 Managing Jaundice in Newborns: Bilirubin Levels and Feeding09:45 The Importance of the Vitamin K Shot and Eye Ointment14:38 Circumcision: Cultural Factors and Medical Benefits21:21 Monitoring Weight Loss in Newborns: Ensuring Adequate Nutrition23:46 Feeding Concerns in Older Babies and Toddlers: Addressing Behavior26:40 Managing Reflux in Infants30:55 Considerations for Altering the Mother's Diet while Breastfeeding34:49 The Benefits of Following the Vaccine Schedule42:54 The Power of Reading to Children45:33 Trusting Your Instincts and Building a Relationship with Your Pediatrician
RESOURCESThe 5 Love Languages of Children

25 - Nurturing Connection: Sex and Intimacy Through the Trimesters with Relationship and Sexuality Coach Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, a relationship and sexuality coach, discusses intimacy during pregnancy and postpartum. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and awareness during the transitional period of pregnancy. Dr. Finlayson-Fife advises couples to have open communication and self-regulation when physical barriers arise. She also addresses the misconception that having a baby dilutes love and highlights the need for personal growth and responsibility in relationships. Dr. Finlayson-Fife encourages women to embrace their changing bodies during pregnancy and postpartum, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the female body. She provides insights on dealing with body image issues and offers resources for couples to strengthen their relationships.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background of Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife02:57 Navigating Physical Barriers to Intimacy07:30 Dispelling the Myth of Diluted Love25:12 Resources for Strengthening Relationships29:18 Conclusion and Closing Remarks
RESOURCESBody Love by Kelly LevequeBOOK QUOTE - "Your body is not an apology, it is a masterpiece."Body Love Every Day "In a world where you're constantly being told what you should look like, how you should eat, and who you should be, the most radical act is to love yourself unconditionally."

26 - NICU Navigator: Understanding Neonatal Care with NICU Nurse Carrie Fox

In this episode, Carrie Fox, a NICU nurse, shares insights and reassurance about the NICU experience. She discusses the different types of babies that are admitted to the NICU, the reasons for their admission, and the interventions and care they receive. Carrie also talks about feeding options, visiting hours, and the support resources available for parents. The episode provides valuable information for expectant parents and highlights the importance of prenatal care and being informed.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to the NICU and reassurance for parents02:55 Unforeseen NICU admissions and the need for respiratory support08:51 Feeding options in the NICU13:18 Flexible visiting hours in the NICU
RESOURCES
What to Expect When You're Expecting. -Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel "Book Quote - “Caring for a premature baby can be emotionally taxing, and it's important for parents to seek support.“Preemie development may follow a different timeline compared to full-term babies, and milestones may be reached later, but each step forward is a significant achievement.”

27 - Complications in Pregnancy, Gestational Diabetes and Preparing for Twists and Turns with Registered Nurse Janelle Mellor

In this episode, Janelle Mellor, a registered nurse working in the postpartum unit, shares her personal experiences and expertise in women's health and postpartum care. She discusses her journey to becoming a nurse and her own birth stories, including a C-section and a uterine rupture. Janelle also explains the importance of postpartum checks, including monitoring blood pressure and checking for complications like hemorrhage. She provides insights into managing gestational diabetes and offers advice for new moms, such as practicing skin-to-skin contact and enjoying the bonding time with their babies.
CHAPTERS00:00 Janelle Mellor: A Journey into Women's Health and Postpartum Care07:59 Navigating Birth Stories: C-Section and Uterine Rupture09:18 The Importance of Postpartum Checks and Complication Monitoring25:06 The Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact and Bonding Time28:50 Tips for Alleviating Morning Sickness and Seeking Support
RESOURCES
Morning Sickness Remedies

28 - Cultivating Wellness and Community During Pregnancy Through Prenatal Yoga with Deb Flashenberg

Deb Flashenberg, a prenatal yoga instructor and birth advocate, shares her journey into the birth field and the importance of education and preparation for childbirth. She discusses how yoga and meditation can help with pain management and coping skills during labor. Deb also highlights the Spinning Babies technique and the role of community support in the perinatal period. She emphasizes the importance of evidence-based research and the changes in Lamaze childbirth education. Deb provides advice on pain techniques during labor and the need for flexibility and openness in birth plans. She recommends prenatal yoga, Spinning Babies, chiropractic work, and pelvic floor physical therapy as valuable resources for pregnant individuals.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background of Deb Flashenberg09:44 The Benefits of Yoga and Meditation for Pregnancy and Birth11:55 Understanding Spinning Babies and its Role in Birth14:15 Creating Community Support in the Perinatal Period17:51 The Evolution of Lamaze Childbirth Education19:46 The Importance of Flexibility and Openness in Birth Plans20:08 Exploring Pain Techniques and Coping Skills for Labor24:07 The Excitement of Transition in Labor27:14 Recommended Resources for Pregnancy and Birth
RESOURCES
Transformed by Birth by Britta Bushnell, Ph.DNatural Childbirth the Bradley Way - Susan McCutcheon"Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers — strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength."

29 - Luxuriously supported, emotionally embraced Family Centered Photography with Bereavement Doulatog Kaitlyn McEntire

Kaitlyn McEntire is a birth and motherhood photographer, videographer, and doula based in Colorado Springs. She serves families that value authenticity, abundance, and community, giving them a photography experience unlike any other. She also donates her energy in the bereavement space, providing families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss with meaningful images and support. Kaitlyn discusses her journey into photography and doula work, the impact of COVID on birth support, the balance between offering doula support and capturing moments, the importance of support for individuals birthing alone, and the work she does as a bereavement doula. She also talks about body image and the changes that come with pregnancy and postpartum, as well as the resources and tools available to cultivate a positive mindset.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction of Kaitlyn McEntire01:12 Journey into Photography and Doula Work06:33 Supporting Single Parents in Birth08:28 Changing Perspectives on Birth16:05 Embracing Body Image Changes
RESOURCES
The Gifts of Imperfection Brené brown"I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship"Star Legacy Foundation