Between Contractions

In this episode, Amsy and Stephanie dig into a headline-making story: the University of Chicago Medical Center announced it will staff around-the-clock doulas for patients with qualifying insurance, at no cost. The response online has been deeply divided — and the hosts get into why, approaching the topic with the nuance it deserves.  Rather than a simple thumbs up or down, they walk through both...

In this episode, Amsy and Stephanie have a candid rundown of the most common "booby traps" — well-meaning but potentially harmful mistakes that can unknowingly undermine breastfeeding and milk supply. From flange sizing to clogged duct advice, they cover the things they wish more people knew before their feeding journey began.  Topics covered:  Flange fit — One of the most overlooked fac...

In this episode, Amsy walks us through the medical pain relief options available during labor, from the lowest-intervention techniques all the way to the epidural. Whether you're planning an unmedicated birth, keeping your options open, or already know you want an epidural, this episode helps you understand what's actually available — and what to expect from each option.  Options covered,...

 In this episode Between Contractions, Stephanie breaks down the concept of "magic number" — a key but often overlooked factor in understanding and maintaining your milk supply.  The conversation unpacks how breast storage capacity varies from person to person (and has nothing to do with breast size), and how knowing your magic number — the minimum number of times per day your breasts ne...

In this episode of Between Contractions, Amsy walks listeners through what they need to know about labor inductions — specifically how to avoid one that may not be medically necessary.  The conversation covers the limits of cervical exams as a predictive tool, why dilation numbers don't tell the whole story, and how a seemingly "unfavorable" cervix check can unnecessarily deflate a l...

In this episode of Between Contractions, Amsy and Stephanie respond to a viral article ( see link below ) suggesting that partners should give bottles in order to bond with their newborn and share in feeding responsibilities. While we appreciate the good intentions behind the idea, they push back on the notion that bottle feeding is the primary — or best — way for a non-breastfeeding partner to be...

In this episode of  Between Contractions , Amsy talks with Amy Beascoechea from the Healthy Start Coalition about a free, statewide program supporting families from pregnancy through early childhood. Healthy Start connects parents to resources, education, and support—regardless of income or insurance—with the goal of helping every baby have a healthy beginning.  They highlight key services like ho...

In this episode of  Between Contractions , we continue our conversation about de-influencing your baby registry, taking a closer look at which products are truly helpful for new parents and which ones may be more hype than necessity. Building on the previous episode, we share honest feedback based on real-life experiences working with families in the early postpartum season.  We will discuss sever...

In this episode of  Between Contractions , we have some fun “de-influencing your baby registry” by breaking down popular baby products and whether they’re actually helpful—or just clever marketing. Drawing from real client experiences and professional insight, we talk honestly about which items are worth considering and which ones might not live up to the hype.   Out conversation covers a range of...

In this episode of  Between Contractions , we focus on one of the most important early moments after birth: the first latch. Stephanie, a board certified IBCLC unpacks why those first hours matter, how early feeding can shape the breastfeeding journey, and what families can do to set themselves up for success.  The conversation covers what a good latch looks and feels like, common challenges in th...

 In this episode of  Between Contractions , we introduce the TEAM method—a practical framework designed to help families navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum decisions with clarity and confidence.  T standing for Touch, E for Environment, A for Accessories and M for Movement.  Find Amsy Dees Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠amsydeesdoula.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@amsydees.doula⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Stephanie Dawson Website: ⁠...

In this episode of  Between Contractions , we discuss how to make informed decisions during labor using the BRAIN acronym—a simple tool to help parents slow down, ask questions, and feel confident when choices arise in birth.  We will walk through each step of BRAIN: Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and Nothing (what happens if we wait?), explaining how this framework can reduce fear, imp...

This episode of  Between Contractions  focuses on creating a birth plan and why it matters. We explain that a birth plan isn’t about controlling every detail of labor, but about clarifying preferences, preparing mentally, and helping partners and care providers advocate effectively. We will discuss how birth plans build confidence, align the support team, and encourage communication with medical s...

In this episode of Between Contractions we sit down with chiropractor Dr. Katie Peeples to unpack the facts, myths, and gray areas surrounding tongue ties (also known as tethered oral tissues). Tongue ties are everywhere on the internet—but what do they actually mean, and when do they really matter? Together, they explain what a tongue tie really is, how it affects feeding, and why function matter...

In this episode of  Between Contractions , we wrap up our birth team series by focusing on the postpartum season—often the most overlooked phase of support. They discuss why planning for postpartum matters just as much as preparing for birth and how the right support can ease the transition into life with a new baby.  The conversation explores different types of postpartum support, including partn...

In this episode of  Between Contractions , the conversation breaks down the roles of the birth-day team, including medical providers like midwives or OBs, nurses, birth assistants, and doulas. They explain how medical providers focus on clinical safety, while doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support—filling a gap that often exists during labor.  This episode helps l...

In this episode of  Between Contractions , we begin a new series on building your birth team, starting with the pregnancy season. They discuss why support during pregnancy matters and how the right team can improve comfort, confidence, and overall birth outcomes.  The conversation covers key members of a prenatal support team—including partners or chosen support people, doulas, chiropractors, pelv...

In this episode of Between Contractions, we explore the pros, cons, and safety considerations of home birth, birth centers, and hospital births—breaking down who each option may be best for and why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Where you give birth can shape how safe, supported, and empowered you feel. We share practical questions to guide your decision, respond to common real-life scenario...

In this episode of  Between Contractions , we explore the difference between the nesting instinct and prenatal overwhelm. While nesting is a natural, biologically driven urge to prepare for baby—often marked by excitement, focus, and bursts of energy—overwhelm stems from emotional overload, fear, and pressure to “do everything right.” We break down the key signs of each, helping listeners identify...

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