The Ordinary Doula Podcast

Send us Fan Mail 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 partner participation and effective communication can...

Send us Fan Mail 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 clinical professionals often focus on tasks over ten...

Send us Fan Mail 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 years. With clients ranging from 18 to 44 year...

Send us Fan Mail 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 second baby, despite having nursed her first one...

Send us Fan Mail 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 how simple, gentle techniques can alleviate c...

Send us Fan Mail 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, optimize baby positioning, and even boost fertil...

Send us Fan Mail 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 words and mindfulness shaped my journey both person...

Send us Fan Mail 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 resilience and strength of birthing individuals. T...

Send us Fan Mail 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 anecdotes, including a memorable interaction th...

Send us Fan Mail 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 environmental changes. We break down how this initial phase...

Send us Fan Mail 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 childbirth. We’ll talk about the crucial importance of...

Send us Fan Mail 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 personal routines to the marathon-like stamina r...

Send us Fan Mail 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 issues. Fox dives into metabolic syndromes, blood...

Send us Fan Mail 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 safe delivery. We share a gripping stor...

Send us Fan Mail 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, which runs from mid-September to mid-October...

Send us Fan Mail 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 stories from my 20 years of experience as a do...

Send us Fan Mail 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 labor, active labor, and the crucial transition...

Send us Fan Mail 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 expectant mothers, providing you with a comprehen...

Send us Fan Mail 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 of support in these initial moments. We del...

Send us Fan Mail 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, motivated by her own postpartum struggles and her cl...

Send us Fan Mail 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 invisible threads connect a birthing mother...

Send us Fan Mail 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 of starting a practice amid the COVID-19 pandem...

Send us Fan Mail 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 than blood to the significance of...

Send us Fan Mail 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 story. These bonds often stretch far beyond...

Send us Fan Mail 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 professional to understand the five key...