The Doula Download

Episode 22: Childbirth Education Taking a childbirth education class is helpful, but for many, it's also essential for feeling prepared for labor and birth. A good class should cover the basics, like understanding the natural signs and stages of labor, and recognizing important red flags that could signal the need for medical attention. It's also vital to learn about the labor process itself. What...

If you've been wondering when to book your doula, the answer might be much sooner than you think. In this episode, we're discussing why hiring your doula early in pregnancy can make a big difference in your experience, not just during labor, but throughout your entire journey. Early doula support can help you build confidence, navigate decisions with less stress, and feel more prepared as you appr...

For many families, the expectations for how the postpartum period will unfold is vastly different than the reality. Social media often shows beautiful nurseries, blissful moments with a newborn, and a perfectly well-kept home and family. However, for most families, their reality is vastly different. It's difficult to remember that social media typically only shows the best moments of someone's lif...

In many communities, those who desire a VBAC or vaginal birth after a cesarean can face many obstacles and challenges. For some, the biggest challenge is finding a care provider who is supportive of vaginal birth after cesarean. For others finding a birth location can be a major obstacle. The most important factor in going into a VBAC with confidence is knowing that you have support. Support from...

There are many options for monitoring the health and well-being of the baby during labor. External monitors monitor the baby's heart rate from the outside. Internal fetal monitoring records the baby's heart rate from the inside.  When there are concerns about how the baby responds to labor, an internal monitor called a fetal scalp electrode is often used.  Internal monitoring is a method of monito...

The big day has come. Your baby is here! Now it's time to focus on getting to know your new bundle, but first, you have to navigate the immediate postpartum recovery.  Those first few hours and weeks post-birth have many physical and hormonal changes. From recovery from a vaginal or cesarean birth, postpartum bleeding, and fundal massage to navigating your need for sleep, immediate postpartum reco...

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. This month we direct awareness and recognition to those affected by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. When discussing maternal health happen, they tend to focus on postpartum depression. However, mood disorders can happen well before the post-birth period. For some, depression and anxiety may begin during pregnancy. Those with a history of depress...

Decision-making surrounding pregnancy, labor, and birth is often the first introduction to major life decisions many individuals will experience. For many, this will be the first time they are responsible for making major decisions for someone other than themself. As doulas, we understand your decisions do not happen in a vacuum. Your life experiences and personality strongly influence how and why...

As doulas one of the most common questions get is, "What should I pack for birth?"  A quick google will result in countless lists that recommend all the things that you should have on hand for your birth. However, if you ask the parents what they actually used once their baby is born, the list of what they take is drastically longer than what they used. Overpacking is common, we totally get it. Yo...

The fear of giving birth is a common experience for expecting families. However, it's a fear that isn't often vocalized. Far too often, those who are pregnant are hesitant to express their feelings surrounding birth. Oftentimes this is rooted in a fear that no one will understand. Or concern that their feelings may be invalidated. As doulas, talking about the common fears surrounding childbirth is...

As you prepare for the birth of your baby, a lot of your focus is on creating a plan for labor and birth. What is often overlooked is creating a plan for your recovery and transition into life with your new baby. Postpartum planning is the process of assessing your needs and resources during the days and weeks after birth. This process goes far beyond who will be responsible for doing the dishes o...

Induction of labor is a topic that many of our clients bring to their doulas, especially as the due date grows closer. The induction of labor can happen for two reasons. Some indications are necessary for medical reasons, and others happen due to the ability to schedule the day the labor will begin. When induction is medically necessary, there are some factors to consider. The Bishop's score will...

When it comes to placenta encapsulation, who you choose to process your placenta matters.  The placenta is an organ. An organ that carries all of the biohazardous risks that any other organ or meat carries. How it is processed, and the location in which it happens is foundational to a safe process. When considering placenta encapsulation, you may picture a stainless steel location, like a commerci...

Trigger Warning: Discussions of trauma surrounding childbirth and neonatal loss. Trauma surrounding childbirth can come in many forms. Physical and emotional trauma is the most common, but the perception of a threat to oneself or the baby can also result in trauma. Childbirth is one of the great unknowns. How the birth of your baby may unfold is unpredictable for most pregnant individuals. Especia...

Postpartum doulas are innovators of support and masters of adaptability. The particular challenges your family may face after birth are as varied as you are. But there are commonalities amongst the families we work with. As postpartum doulas, we have the experience and resources to help you and your family find the path of least resistance as you recover from birth and navigate life with your new...

Ask 10 people about doulas, and you'll likely hear at least one of the common doula myths among the responses. Doulas are like midwives. They are only for those who plan to have an unmedicated birth. Doulas hate hospitals and doctors. The possibilities are endless. While some of the myths may apply to some doulas because they had to start somewhere, right? There are far more doulas today that do n...

When it comes to pregnancy, there's no doubt that it brings a host of physical and emotional sensations. Many of which you've likely never experienced. With all the "weird" that is happening to your body, it's hard to know which pregnancy symptoms are normal and which to be concerned about. Many pregnant individuals don't want to bother their providers. They hesitate to call or go in to be checked...

One of the first decisions you make when you find out you are pregnant is who you will hire as your prenatal care provider. For some, an established relationship with a trusted gynecologist may make this an easy choice.  Others may find themselves searching for the perfect provider to provide their prenatal care and facilitate their birth. You may have a preference for an obstetrician or perhaps y...

Having a grandchild is often one of those peak moments in a grandparent's life. There is typically a lot of excitement surrounding welcoming a new baby into the family. Some grandparents are anxious to jump in and get their hands dirty, and others prefer to give their support from afar. When grandparents are present and participate in the lives of their grandbabies, there are often points at which...

Is this labor? This is one of the most common questions doulas receive from our clients. From Braxton-hicks to spotting to irregular contractions, how labor may begin is as varied as the person having a baby. Yet, understanding the overall labor process and the stages of labor can help growing families assess where they may be in the overall labor process.  While early labor is often the longest p...

As doulas and lactation professionals, we support client choice. The decision surrounding infant feeding is as individual and unique as you are. When choosing how to feed your baby, there are countless options. Breastfeeding, formula feeding, combination feeding, the list goes on and on. The decision that you will make will depend on many factors. Do you need to return to work? How much time off w...

One of the most frequent questions we are asked is, "Why should I hire a doula?" Usually, our response is, "Do you want the short answer or the long one?" As labor and postpartum doulas, our goal is support. Supporting our clients through pregnancy, birth, and into the world of parenting your new baby. Some clients come to us seeking emotional support. Others want to know all the information and a...

Whether you're up at night with pregnancy insomnia or trying to soothe a baby back to sleep, it's likely that you've hit up google to look for help. But what if you could download a doula to provide the expert information you are seeking. Co-hosts Angela Horn and Eva Owen are here to provide you with evidence-based and time-tested information and support from two doulas with over 30 years of exper...