Send us a text We explore the contrasting needs and expectations of first-time parents versus experienced parents during the birth process, highlighting how support needs evolve with each birth experience. • First-time parents have unique needs including education, emotional support, agency, and validation • First-time parents often feel overwhelme…

Send us a text The emotional journey of those who have experienced fertility challenges requires special care and understanding during pregnancy and birth, with many carrying deep anxiety, fear, and complex emotions throughout their experience. • Growing number of people facing fertility challenges in our society • Emotional sensitivity acknowledgi…

Send us a text Birth is influenced by three major stakeholders with different objectives: the birthing people, the birth place, and the policies governing care. Understanding the "Three P's" helps expectant parents navigate their birth journey and identify where their interests align with the larger healthcare system. • Birthing people want safety,…

Send us a text Dr. Venice Haynes shares her groundbreaking work on the 100 Weeks Project, which aims to transform maternal healthcare from preconception through the postpartum year by addressing systemic barriers and creating culturally congruent solutions. She reveals how the project's comprehensive journey maps and state-by-state analysis expose …

Send us a text This extensive collection of coping techniques for labor is drawn from decades of doula experience, emphasizing how these tools can benefit everyone regardless of their birth plan—even those planning on epidurals. • Preparation and knowledge dramatically increase confidence and can shift birth preferences • Physical techniques includ…

Send us a text Partners can provide deep and meaningful support during pregnancy, labor, and birth by developing specific skills beyond vague advice to "just be supportive." • Learn together through childbirth classes, videos, books, or apps to build knowledge and realistic expectations • Discover what birth goals are important to your pregnant par…

Send us a text Angie welcomes doula and nursing student Dani Reed to explore the complementary roles and challenges of nurses and doulas in the birth room, sharing insights from her unique perspective of having worked in both worlds. • Dani's journey from birth doula of eight years to nursing student pursuing certification as a midwife and women's …

Send us a text This episode emphasizes the critical role occupational therapy plays in supporting new parents during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. By focusing on individualized wellness approaches, the conversation enhances understanding of the integrated care needed for holistic recovery post-birth. • Discussion on the holistic nature of occu…

Send us a text Breech births present unique challenges and require both education and empowerment for expectant parents. We dive into real-life stories, shedding light on the skills needed for breech deliveries and the importance of having informed practitioners. • Exploring the definition and implications of breech births • Case study of a hospita…

Send us a text The episode dives into the topic of breech babies and the complexities surrounding their deliveries, offering insights on positioning, potential solutions, and historical context. With a focus on empowering expectant parents, the discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding breech presentations and the options available for …

Send us a text This episode is a celebration of the unexpected humor found in childbirth, featuring a compilation of funny outtakes from Angie's experiences as a doula. Through laughter and story-sharing, we explore the unpredictable nature of labor and the connections formed during such profound moments. • The power of instinct and a surprising fa…

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how your cultural background and personal beliefs shape your pregnancy and birth experience? Join us on The Ordinary Doula Podcast as we take you on a journey through the diverse landscapes of the perinatal period, exploring the unique perspectives of expectant parents. Drawing from 20 years of experience as a …

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to affording invaluable doula support without breaking the bank. Join us on The Ordinary Doula Podcast as we explore creative strategies to make these transformative services accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Discover how significant the impact of doula support can be for individuals, partic…

Send us a text Uncover the secret to a more serene and empowered birth experience by mastering the art of using "Mother Nature's epidural"—hydrotherapy! Explore how the strategic use of water during labor can provide a natural, effective means of managing pain and enhancing relaxation. Whether you're considering a soothing bath, invigorating shower…

Send us a text This episode explores the intricacies of breastfeeding, focusing on the timing and duration of feeds. Listeners learn to embrace intuitive feeding methods while considering the importance of community support for their breastfeeding journeys. • Importance of understanding breastfeeding history and cultural practices • Encouraging ski…

Send us a text The episode explores the evolution of childbirth education and the paradox of having more access to information yet often feeling less intuitive as parents. It encourages listeners to reconnect with their inner wisdom, emphasizes the importance of human connection, and reminds them to trust themselves in their parenting journey. • Di…

Send us a text In this episode, we discuss the role of birth balls and peanut balls as valuable tools during labor and the postpartum period. Learn how these simple, yet effective tools can help with: Promoting optimal fetal positioning during labor Reducing labor pain and improving comfort Enhancing mobility, balance, and relaxation postpartum We …

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the importance of prenatal lactation preparation and how it empowers expectant parents to navigate breastfeeding with confidence. Learn about the benefits of early education, strategies for overcoming common challenges, and tips to optimize breastfeeding success from the very start. Whether you're a first-…

Send us a text How does early labor really unfold, and why does it often catch new parents by surprise? Join us with our special guest, Emily Steadman, a seasoned doula. Emily sheds light on the marathon-like nature of early labor, contrasting it with the unrealistic portrayals we see in the media. Together, we explore the importance of conserving …

Send us a text Ever wondered how a small piece of plastic could be the key to a comfortable and efficient pumping experience? Join us on The Ordinary Doula Podcast as we navigate the often overlooked, yet critical, world of flange fitting. With insights drawn from my 20 years in the doula field, I promise you'll leave this episode with the know-how…

Send us a text How can the right combination of people, place, and policy create a birth experience that feels empowering and supportive? Join us on The Ordinary Doula Podcast as we unravel this essential trio that shapes your birthing journey. Discover how assembling the perfect support team of partners, family, friends, and healthcare providers c…

Send us a text Discover the hidden world of instrument-assisted delivery and learn why it remains an essential, albeit less common, aspect of modern childbirth. Join, as we navigate through the fascinating history of forceps and vacuum use, tracing back to their peak in the mid-1900s, and understand why these tools are now reserved for specific, of…

Send us a text Discover the pivotal elements that can unexpectedly turn a birth experience from joyful to challenging. On this episode of The Ordinary Doula Podcast, we draw on a wealth of insights from my 20 years as a seasoned doula and the compelling data from a comprehensive 15-year retrospective survey. We unravel the mystery behind why 60% of…

Send us a text Ever wondered what truly makes a birth experience empowering and memorable? Join The Ordinary Doula Podcast as we uncover the key factors that contribute to positive childbirth experiences, backed by insights from over 200 clients. Discover why a staggering 93% of respondents highlight the indispensable role of a doula, and how partn…

Send us a text Unlock the transformative power of touch during labor and birth in our latest episode of The Ordinary Doula Podcast. Discover how a simple gesture can provide profound physical and emotional comfort to birthing individuals. With insights from a personal story, we unravel the contrasting dynamics of touch in delivery rooms, where clin…

Send us a text Unlock numbers with me, as we promise to reveal what two decades of doula work have taught about the birthing journey. Ever wondered how emotional and physical factors intertwine to shape labor experiences? Get ready to uncover the diverse tapestry of birth stories, supported by a wealth of data I've meticulously gathered over 15 yea…

Send us a text What if your breastfeeding journey took an unexpected turn, even after a successful experience with your first child? This episode of The Ordinary Doula Podcast uncovers such real-life stories of breastfeeding challenges that many parents face. First, we venture into the world of a mother navigating unforeseen difficulties with her s…

Send us a text Discover how craniosacral therapy can be a game-changer for your baby's health and well-being with our special guest, Meaghan Beames, a registered massage therapist and craniosacral therapist from Toronto, Canada. Join us as Meaghan shares her vast experience in treating newborns and addressing birth-related trauma early on. Learn ho…

Send us a text What if a gentle touch could transform your pregnancy and birth experience? Join us as we unlock the secrets of craniosacral therapy with Meaghan Beames, a seasoned registered massage therapist and craniosacral therapist from Toronto, Canada. Discover how this powerful yet delicate therapy can alleviate common pregnancy discomforts, …

Send us a text Can the power of your imagination transform your childbirth experience and help in emergencies? We unravel the secrets behind guided imagery and mindfulness on The Ordinary Doula Podcast. In this episode, I reflect on the invaluable lessons from my mentor Claire, a hypnotherapist and neuro-linguist, whose insights on the power of wor…

Send us a text What makes for a truly remarkable birth experience? We reflect on the awe-inspiring births I've attended recently, shedding light on the crucial elements that contribute to an exceptional birth. Autonomy, reasonable labor durations, and strong support systems are just a few of the key factors we dive into, as we celebrate the resilie…

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how deep connections can transform your childbirth experience? From the intimate bonds between the birthing person and their baby to the essential trust with medical staff and doulas, discover how each connection contributes to a positive and empowering birth journey. This episode promises insights and poignant…

Send us a text What if you could keep your newborn awake during feeds with just a few simple techniques? Join us on The Ordinary Doula Podcast as we tackle this common challenge faced by new parents. In this episode, we explore the natural sleepiness newborns experience in their first 24 hours due to the tiring birth process and drastic environment…

Send us a text Ever wondered how grandmothers and family members can truly make a difference during childbirth? This episode of The Ordinary Doula Podcast is packed with insights and personal stories that reveal the powerful roles they play. Listen as we unpack the nuanced ways family birth culture influences perceptions and practices around childb…

Send us a text Imagine being on call 24/7 for 20 years, constantly ready to support families during one of the most significant moments of their lives. On this episode of The Ordinary Doula Podcast, we pull back the curtain on the unpredictable, physically grueling, and emotionally demanding life of a doula. From the sleepless nights and disrupted …

Send us a text Can your diet and lifestyle choices really prevent complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia during pregnancy? Brittany Fox, a nutritional therapy practitioner and functional hormone specialist, joins us to challenge conventional wisdom and reveal how the rising incidence of these conditions is tied to broader health i…

Send us a text Ever wondered about the often overlooked yet vital third stage of labor? Tune in as we unravel the intricacies of delivering the placenta on The Ordinary Doula Podcast. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for the placenta's extraordinary role as a life-sustaining organ for the baby and the critical procedures involved in ensuring its s…

Send us a text Have you ever wondered how you can make a profound difference during one of the most critical times in a person's life? Join us on The Ordinary Doula Podcast as we unveil the details of our upcoming birth doula training program for fall 2024. With nearly a decade of experience, we are thrilled to share that this immersive training, w…

Send us a text Ever wondered why the second stage of labor, the pushing phase, can vary so much in duration? From understanding how the cervix fully dilates to the natural shifts in contraction patterns, we'll explore why pushing can take anywhere from minutes to hours, especially for first-time mothers. We’ll share heartwarming and eye-opening sto…

Send us a text What if understanding the stages of labor could transform your childbirth experience, making it more empowering and less daunting? On The Ordinary Doula Podcast we uncover the intricate journey of labor, breaking it down into digestible stages. This episode hones in on the often misunderstood first stage of labor, encompassing early …

Send us a text What if there were simple, evidence-based strategies to minimize your risk of perineal tearing during childbirth? Join us on this enlightening episode of The Ordinary Doula Podcast as we welcome Dr. Katie Taylor, a pelvic floor physical therapist from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. We dive deep into one of the most common fears for e…

Send us a text Join us on The Ordinary Doula Podcast as we uncover the often forgotten, yet vital period right after birth and how different birthing environments like hospitals, birth centers, and home births come with their own sets of challenges. Drawing from 20 years of experience, you'll hear personal stories that underline the crucial nature …

Send us a text Ever wondered why protein is so crucial during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Join us on The Ordinary Doula Podcast as we talk with Brittany Fox, a nutritional therapy practitioner and functional hormone specialist, who reveals the often-overlooked importance of protein intake for expecting and new mothers. Throughout her journey, moti…

Send us a text Listen as we discuss the art of co-regulation and its profound effect on the dynamic dance between mother, baby, and birth team. This isn't just about the physical act of giving birth; it's a deep dive into the emotional synchronicity that can turn a labor room from a place of chaos into a sanctuary of calm. Ever wondered what invisi…

Send us a text Is urinary incontinence after childbirth just something moms have to live with? Not according to Dr. Katie Taylor, a pelvic floor physical therapist from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. On this episode of The Ordinary Doula Podcast, Dr. Taylor debunks common myths around postpartum pelvic floor issues and shares her compelling journey…

Send us a text Ever wondered why there's not as much blood during labor as you might expect, given it's such a monumental physical event? Join us as we shed light on the fascinating topic of Estimated Blood Loss (EBL) throughout labor and delivery. We'll navigate the nuances of EBL, from why the birthing process is more about various bodily fluids …

Send us a text Have you ever wondered about the depth of connection that forms in the quiet, powerful moments of childbirth? Enjoy this narrative through the tender, profound relationships that blossom between doulas and the families we serve. It's filled with respect, admiration, and the awe-inspiring dedication that accompanies each unique birth …

Send us a text We are here to decode the APGAR score for you, shedding light on how this quick but thorough assessment paints a picture of your newborn's health. You'll gain insights into what exactly happens as your precious bundle takes their very first breaths, and why those initial moments are so critical. You don't have to be a medical profess…

Send us a text Mental and emotional preparation for childbirth is just as important as physical preparation. In this episode, we will share 10 ways which will help create a happy and safe environment for the birthing parent and support team. Visit our website, here: https://birthlearning.com/ Follow us on Facebook at Birth Learning Follow us on Ins…

Send us a text Ever feel like you're swimming in a sea of baby gear, unsure what's a must-have and what's just clever marketing fluff? Learn the difference between what's genuinely necessary and what's simply nice to have, stripping back the excess to focus on what matters most for you and your little one. And speaking of essentials, we can't wait …