After 3+ years and 138 episodes, the Birth Kweens Podcast is coming to an end! Listen to this final episode to hear Karly and Ali wrap things up. Thank you all for supporting us and listening to the show over the past few years. We love and appreciate all of you! 

After 3+ years and 138 episodes, the Birth Kweens Podcast is coming to an end! Listen to this final episode to hear Karly and Ali wrap things up. Thank you all for supporting us and listening to the show over the past few years. We love and appreciate all of you!

Ep 139: Farewell, Birth Kweens! 

**TRIGGER WARNING: Infant Loss** Today we’re talking with Jeanette Fant about the births of her four babies. Jeanette has had a wide variety of birth experiences including medicated hospital births, a home birth, and the birth of her stillborn daughter, Natalie. Jeanette shares about how her approach to preparing for birth has changed over the years, what prompted her to choose a home birth for her youngest baby Nayeli, and how the devastating loss of her second baby Natalie has impacted her and her family’s lives. We’re so thankful Jeanette was willing to come on the show and share her birthing experiences with us. Enjoy! --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Get a subscription for Hiya Health’s bestselling children’s multivitamins to ensure your kiddos are getting the nutrients they need without all the unhealthy additives usually found in kids vitamins! Go to HiyaHealth.com/KWEENS and use the code KWEENS at checkout to get 50% off your first order.  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

**TRIGGER WARNING: Infant Loss** Today we’re talking with Jeanette Fant about the births of her four babies. Jeanette has had a wide variety of birth experiences including medicated hospital births, a home birth, and the birth of her stillborn daughter, Natalie. Jeanette shares about how her approach to preparing for birth has changed over the years, what prompted her to choose a home birth for her youngest baby Nayeli, and how the devastating loss of her second baby Natalie has impacted her and her family’s lives. We’re so thankful Jeanette was willing to come on the show and share her birthing experiences with us. Enjoy! --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Get a subscription for <a href="http://www.hiyahealth.com/KWEENS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hiya Health’s</a> bestselling children’s multivitamins to ensure your kiddos are getting the nutrients they need without all the unhealthy additives usually found in kids vitamins! Go to <a href="http://www.hiyahealth.com/KWEENS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HiyaHealth.com/KWEENS</a> and use the code KWEENS at checkout to get 50% off your first order.  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 138: Four Birth Stories with Jeanette Fant

Angie Ponce is with us today to share the story of the birth of her first baby! Earlier this year, Angie had an unmedicated hospital birth with the support of her husband and doula. We hope you enjoy Angie’s wonderful birth story! --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Sign up for a subscription with Ritual Vitamins today! Get your daily multivitamin or prenatal delivered right to your door by visiting Ritual.com/kweens. Use the promo code KWEENS at checkout for 10% off during your first 3 months! Get a monthly subscription box from KiwiCo and do some fun, hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) projects with your kids! Get 50% off plus free shipping on any crate line with the code KWEENS at KiwiCo.com/KWEENS. Get a subscription for Hiya Health’s bestselling children’s multivitamins to ensure your kiddos are getting the nutrients they need without all the unhealthy additives usually found in kids vitamins! Go to HiyaHealth.com/KWEENS and use the code KWEENS at checkout to get 50% off your first order.  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Angie Ponce is with us today to share the story of the birth of her first baby! Earlier this year, Angie had an unmedicated hospital birth with the support of her husband and doula. We hope you enjoy Angie’s wonderful birth story! --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Sign up for a subscription with <a href="http://www.ritual.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ritual Vitamins</a> today! Get your daily multivitamin or prenatal delivered right to your door by visiting <a href="http://ritual.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ritual.com/kweens</a>. Use the promo code KWEENS at checkout for 10% off during your first 3 months! Get a monthly subscription box from <a href="https://www.kiwico.com/kweens?utm_source=BirthKweens&amp;utm_medium=PODCAST" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">KiwiCo</a> and do some fun, hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) projects with your kids! Get 50% off plus free shipping on any crate line with the code KWEENS at <a href="https://www.kiwico.com/kweens?utm_source=BirthKweens&amp;utm_medium=PODCAST" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">KiwiCo.com/KWEENS</a>. Get a subscription for <a href="http://www.hiyahealth.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hiya Health’s</a> bestselling children’s multivitamins to ensure your kiddos are getting the nutrients they need without all the unhealthy additives usually found in kids vitamins! Go to <a href="http://www.hiyahealth.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">HiyaHealth.com/KWEENS</a> and use the code KWEENS at checkout to get 50% off your first order.  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 137: An Unmedicated Hospital Birth Story with Angie Ponce

Ryann Kipping

In this episode we’re talking with Ryann Kipling about nutrition during preconception and pregnancy. Ryann is a clinically trained Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Lactation Educator, and Author of The Feel-Good Pregnancy Cookbook. She is the founder of The Prenatal Nutritionist, a virtual nutrition private practice, which focuses on preparing women for pregnancy and conquering nutrition during and after pregnancy. She helps women feel confident in their ability to properly nourish a growing baby through a real food approach. Aside from one on one nutrition counseling, Ryann is a nutrition writer and content creator on her popular Instagram account @prenatalnutritionist. Click here to check out the Prenatal Nutrition Library and pregnancy grocery shopping guide. This is the article Ryann mentioned about protein intake in the preconception and pregnancy periods. --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Get a subscription for Hiya Health’s bestselling children’s multivitamins to ensure your kiddos are getting the nutrients they need without all the unhealthy additives usually found in kids vitamins! Go to HiyaHealth.com/KWEENS and use the code KWEENS at checkout to get 50% off your first order.  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

In this episode we’re talking with <a href="https://www.theprenatalnutritionist.com/about/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ryann Kipling</a> about nutrition during preconception and pregnancy. Ryann is a clinically trained Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Lactation Educator, and Author of <a href="https://amzn.to/35hHHOn" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Feel-Good Pregnancy Cookbook</a>. She is the founder of The Prenatal Nutritionist, a virtual nutrition private practice, which focuses on preparing women for pregnancy and conquering nutrition during and after pregnancy. She helps women feel confident in their ability to properly nourish a growing baby through a real food approach. Aside from one on one nutrition counseling, Ryann is a nutrition writer and content creator on her popular Instagram account <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prenatalnutritionist/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">@prenatalnutritionist</a>. Click here to check out the <a href="https://www.theprenatalnutritionlibrary.com/?r_done=1" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Prenatal Nutrition Library</a> and <a href="https://ryannkipping.kartra.com/page/groceryguide" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">pregnancy grocery shopping guide</a>. This is the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16612702/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">article</a> Ryann mentioned about protein intake in the preconception and pregnancy periods. --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Get a subscription for <a href="http://www.hiyahealth.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hiya Health’s</a> bestselling children’s multivitamins to ensure your kiddos are getting the nutrients they need without all the unhealthy additives usually found in kids vitamins! Go to <a href="http://www.hiyahealth.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">HiyaHealth.com/KWEENS</a> and use the code KWEENS at checkout to get 50% off your first order.  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 136: Preconception & Prenatal Nutrition with Ryann Kipping, RDN, CLEC

Anissa Ballesteros is here today to share her two birth stories with us. For her first baby, Anissa had planned and prepared for an unmedicated hospital birth but her baby was breech so she ended up having a cesarean. When she got pregnant with her second baby, she knew she wanted a different experience so she hired Karly and planned a home birth. Anissa shares about how difficult her cesarean birth was for her and how healing and positive her HBAC (home birth after cesarean) experience was. --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Get a high quality, fully breathable, washable, and recyclable baby mattress from Newton Baby! Go to NewtonBaby.com and enter code KWEENS to get $50 off and free shipping. Sign up for a subscription with Ritual Vitamins today! Get your daily multivitamin or prenatal delivered right to your door by visiting Ritual.com/kweens. Use the promo code KWEENS at checkout for 10% off during your first 3 months! Get a monthly subscription box from KiwiCo and do some fun, hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) projects with your kids! Get 50% off plus free shipping on any crate line with the code KWEENS at KiwiCo.com/KWEENS. --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Anissa Ballesteros is here today to share her two birth stories with us. For her first baby, Anissa had planned and prepared for an unmedicated hospital birth but her baby was breech so she ended up having a cesarean. When she got pregnant with her second baby, she knew she wanted a different experience so she hired Karly and planned a home birth. Anissa shares about how difficult her cesarean birth was for her and how healing and positive her HBAC (home birth after cesarean) experience was. --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Get a high quality, fully breathable, washable, and recyclable baby mattress from <a href="https://www.newtonbaby.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Newton Baby</a>! Go to <a href="https://www.newtonbaby.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">NewtonBaby.com</a> and enter code KWEENS to get $50 off and free shipping. Sign up for a subscription with <a href="http://www.ritual.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ritual Vitamins</a> today! Get your daily multivitamin or prenatal delivered right to your door by visiting <a href="http://ritual.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ritual.com/kweens</a>. Use the promo code KWEENS at checkout for 10% off during your first 3 months! Get a monthly subscription box from <a href="https://www.kiwico.com/kweens?utm_source=BirthKweens&amp;utm_medium=PODCAST" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">KiwiCo</a> and do some fun, hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) projects with your kids! Get 50% off plus free shipping on any crate line with the code KWEENS at <a href="https://www.kiwico.com/kweens?utm_source=BirthKweens&amp;utm_medium=PODCAST" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">KiwiCo.com/KWEENS</a>. --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 135: VBAC Success Story with Anissa Ballesteros

Melinda Elliott

Today we’re talking with Dr. Melinda Elliott about preterm birth and navigating an unexpected NICU stay. Dr. Elliott is chief medical officer of Prolacta Bioscience where she serves as the voice of the patient, working to ensure that the needs of critically ill and premature infants are being articulated and that the relevant treatment and product opportunities are identified. As an experienced neonatologist and researcher in neonatal intensive care, Dr. Elliott has committed her career to the care of vulnerable, premature infants and has researched the benefits of an Exclusive Human Milk Diet (EHMD) for extremely low birth weight premature infants in the NICU. In this episode we discuss how common it is to have a premature baby, the various classifications of prematurity, and some of the most common challenges that premature babies face. Dr. Elliott shares some amazing tips about how to navigate a NICU stay, what questions to ask, and what you should know about a premature baby’s diet. --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Get a high quality, fully breathable, washable, and recyclable baby mattress from Newton Baby! Go to NewtonBaby.com and enter code KWEENS to get $50 off and free shipping. If you’re in need of perinatal mental health therapy or life coaching services from a highly experienced provider who specializes in supporting families throughout the childbearing years, contact Sade Cutler of My Empowering Impact. Therapy is limited to residents of Maryland and Virginia. Coaching services available nationwide. Get a subscription for Hiya Health’s bestselling children’s multivitamins to ensure your kiddos are getting the nutrients they need without all the unhealthy additives usually found in kids vitamins! Go to HiyaHealth.com/KWEENS and use the code KWEENS at checkout to get 50% off your first order.  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Today we’re talking with Dr. Melinda Elliott about preterm birth and navigating an unexpected NICU stay. Dr. Elliott is chief medical officer of <a href="https://www.prolacta.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Prolacta Bioscience</a> where she serves as the voice of the patient, working to ensure that the needs of critically ill and premature infants are being articulated and that the relevant treatment and product opportunities are identified. As an experienced neonatologist and researcher in neonatal intensive care, Dr. Elliott has committed her career to the care of vulnerable, premature infants and has researched the benefits of an Exclusive Human Milk Diet (EHMD) for extremely low birth weight premature infants in the NICU. In this episode we discuss how common it is to have a premature baby, the various classifications of prematurity, and some of the most common challenges that premature babies face. Dr. Elliott shares some amazing tips about how to navigate a NICU stay, what questions to ask, and what you should know about a premature baby’s diet. --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Get a high quality, fully breathable, washable, and recyclable baby mattress from <a href="https://www.newtonbaby.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Newton Baby</a>! Go to <a href="https://www.newtonbaby.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">NewtonBaby.com</a> and enter code KWEENS to get $50 off and free shipping. If you’re in need of perinatal mental health therapy or life coaching services from a highly experienced provider who specializes in supporting families throughout the childbearing years, contact <a href="https://www.myempoweringimpact.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sade Cutler of My Empowering Impact</a>. Therapy is limited to residents of Maryland and Virginia. Coaching services available nationwide. Get a subscription for <a href="http://www.hiyahealth.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hiya Health’s</a> bestselling children’s multivitamins to ensure your kiddos are getting the nutrients they need without all the unhealthy additives usually found in kids vitamins! Go to <a href="http://www.hiyahealth.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">HiyaHealth.com/KWEENS</a> and use the code KWEENS at checkout to get 50% off your first order.  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 134: Preterm Birth and NICU Stays with Dr. Melinda Elliott

Chloë Lubell

Chloë Lubell of Cosmos Midwifery is here to share her birth story with us! Chloë had been a midwife for many years before becoming pregnant with her first child. She shares in depth about her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences, including what it was like to have an ultra-fast labor and lots of other surprises along the way. Enjoy! --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Get a high quality, fully breathable, washable, and recyclable baby mattress from Newton Baby! Go to NewtonBaby.com and enter code KWEENS to get $50 off and free shipping.   Get comprehensive online childbirth education classes and 1:1 new parent support from Arrow Birth! Go to ArrowBirth.com and enter code BIRTHKWEENS for 20% off your birth course.   Public Goods is your one-stop-shop for affordable, sustainable, healthy household products. Go to PublicGoods.com/KWEENS and use code KWEENS at checkout to get $15 off your first order! --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/themidwifeisin/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Chloë Lubell</a> of <a href="https://www.cosmosmidwifery.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cosmos Midwifery</a> is here to share her birth story with us! Chloë had been a midwife for many years before becoming pregnant with her first child. She shares in depth about her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences, including what it was like to have an ultra-fast labor and lots of other surprises along the way. Enjoy! --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Get a high quality, fully breathable, washable, and recyclable baby mattress from <a href="https://www.newtonbaby.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Newton Baby</a>! Go to <a href="https://www.newtonbaby.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">NewtonBaby.com</a> and enter code KWEENS to get $50 off and free shipping. Get comprehensive online childbirth education classes and 1:1 new parent support from <a href="https://www.arrowbirth.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Arrow Birth</a>! Go to <a href="https://www.arrowbirth.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">ArrowBirth.com</a> and enter code BIRTHKWEENS for 20% off your birth course. <a href="https://www.publicgoods.com/?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=kweens&amp;utm_medium=partner" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Public Goods</a> is your one-stop-shop for affordable, sustainable, healthy household products. Go to <a href="https://www.publicgoods.com/?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=kweens&amp;utm_medium=partner" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">PublicGoods.com/KWEENS</a> and use code KWEENS at checkout to get $15 off your first order! --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 133: A Midwife’s Birth Story with Chloë Lubell

Cheyenne Varner

In this episode we’re talking with Cheyenne Varner of The Educated Birth about representation and inclusivity in the birth world. Cheyenne is a birth and postpartum doula and graphic designer in Richmond, VA. She started The Educated Birth, a collection of childbirth education materials including Everyday Birth Magazine, in 2016, when she couldn't find materials with representation of families of color. She has been learning, creating, and partnering with other professionals to provide more inclusive and accessible health education materials ever since. Cheyenne shares about how inclusivity and representation are lacking in the birth world and why she’s on a mission to change that. We also discuss equity vs. equality and what she considers to be some best practices for equity work in the birth world. Click here to check out the blog post about community support and redistribution of wealth in the birth world that Cheyenne mentions in the interview and be sure to follow The Educated Birth and Everyday Birth Magazine on Instagram. --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Public Goods is your one-stop-shop for affordable, sustainable, healthy household products. Go to PublicGoods.com/KWEENS and use code KWEENS at checkout to get $15 off your first order!   Sign up for a subscription with Ritual Vitamins today! Get your daily multivitamin or prenatal delivered right to your door by visiting Ritual.com/kweens. Use the promo code KWEENS at checkout for 10% off during your first 3 months!   Get a monthly subscription box from KiwiCo and do some fun, hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) projects with your kids! Pick the box that’s right for you by going to KiwiCo.com/KWEENS. Your first month is free on select crates!  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

In this episode we’re talking with <a href="http://cheyennevarner.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cheyenne Varner</a> of <a href="https://www.theeducatedbirth.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Educated Birth</a> about representation and inclusivity in the birth world. Cheyenne is a birth and postpartum doula and graphic designer in Richmond, VA. She started The Educated Birth, a collection of childbirth education materials including <a href="https://www.everydaybirth.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Everyday Birth Magazine</a>, in 2016, when she couldn't find materials with representation of families of color. She has been learning, creating, and partnering with other professionals to provide more inclusive and accessible health education materials ever since. Cheyenne shares about how inclusivity and representation are lacking in the birth world and why she’s on a mission to change that. We also discuss equity vs. equality and what she considers to be some best practices for equity work in the birth world. Click <a href="http://cheyennevarner.com/blog-full/2018/8/27/reparations-redistribution-and-other-hopes-i-have-for-my-local-birth-community" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> to check out the blog post about community support and redistribution of wealth in the birth world that Cheyenne mentions in the interview and be sure to follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theeducatedbirth/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Educated Birth</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/everydaybirth/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Everyday Birth Magazine</a> on Instagram. --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! <a href="https://www.publicgoods.com/?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=kweens&amp;utm_medium=partner" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Public Goods</a> is your one-stop-shop for affordable, sustainable, healthy household products. Go to <a href="https://www.publicgoods.com/?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=kweens&amp;utm_medium=partner" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">PublicGoods.com/KWEENS</a> and use code KWEENS at checkout to get $15 off your first order! Sign up for a subscription with <a href="http://www.ritual.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ritual Vitamins</a> today! Get your daily multivitamin or prenatal delivered right to your door by visiting <a href="http://ritual.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ritual.com/kweens</a>. Use the promo code KWEENS at checkout for 10% off during your first 3 months! Get a monthly subscription box from <a href="https://www.kiwico.com/kweens?utm_source=BirthKweens&amp;utm_medium=PODCAST" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">KiwiCo</a> and do some fun, hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) projects with your kids! Pick the box that’s right for you by going to <a href="https://www.kiwico.com/kweens?utm_source=BirthKweens&amp;utm_medium=PODCAST" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">KiwiCo.com/KWEENS</a>. Your first month is free on select crates!  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com" rel="noopener">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 132: Representation and Inclusivity in Birth Work with Cheyenne Varner

Johanna Penn shares her two birth stories with us in this episode. Her first son was born in the hospital after a long, difficult labor. This birth experience really impacted Johanna and it inspired her to go into birth work. It also caused her to make an entirely different birth plan for her second son who was born quickly at home. Johanna shares what her two very different labors were like for her, what she learned from them, and what kind of birth work she’s doing now (including her new podcast, Mama is Well). Enjoy! --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Get a subscription for Hiya Health’s bestselling children’s multivitamins to ensure your kiddos are getting the nutrients they need without all the unhealthy additives usually found in kids vitamins! Go to HiyaHealth.com/KWEENS and use the code KWEENS at checkout to get 50% off your first order.  Get a jar of 8 Sheep Organics Sleepy Lotion to help you sleep better and prevent cramps and restless legs all night! Go to 8Sheep.com and use code KWEENS to get free shipping on your order! Public Goods is your one-stop-shop for affordable, sustainable, healthy household products. Go to PublicGoods.com/KWEENS and use code KWEENS at checkout to get $15 off your first order! --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mamaiswell/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Johanna Penn</a> shares her two birth stories with us in this episode. Her first son was born in the hospital after a long, difficult labor. This birth experience really impacted Johanna and it inspired her to go into birth work. It also caused her to make an entirely different birth plan for her second son who was born quickly at home. Johanna shares what her two very different labors were like for her, what she learned from them, and what kind of birth work she’s doing now (including her new podcast, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mama-is-well/id1513270169" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mama is Well</a>). Enjoy! --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Get a subscription for <a href="http://www.hiyahealth.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hiya Health’s</a> bestselling children’s multivitamins to ensure your kiddos are getting the nutrients they need without all the unhealthy additives usually found in kids vitamins! Go to <a href="http://www.hiyahealth.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">HiyaHealth.com/KWEENS</a> and use the code KWEENS at checkout to get 50% off your first order.  Get a jar of <a href="https://8sheep.com/collections/organic-pregnancy-products/products/sleepylotion" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">8 Sheep Organics Sleepy Lotion</a> to help you sleep better and prevent cramps and restless legs all night! Go to <a href="https://8sheep.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">8Sheep.com</a> and use code KWEENS to get free shipping on your order! <a href="https://www.publicgoods.com/?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=kweens&amp;utm_medium=partner" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Public Goods</a> is your one-stop-shop for affordable, sustainable, healthy household products. Go to <a href="https://www.publicgoods.com/?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=kweens&amp;utm_medium=partner" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">PublicGoods.com/KWEENS</a> and use code KWEENS at checkout to get $15 off your first order! --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com" rel="noopener">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 131: Hospital and Home Birth Stories with Johanna Penn

Jessie Harrold

In this episode we’re talking with Jessie Harrold of MotherSHIFT about how pregnancy and birth are rites of passage and what an enormous identity shift it is to become a parent. Jessie is a coach, women’s mentor and doula who supports women to traverse radical life transformation and other rites of passage. She is the founder of MotherSHIFT, a program to support women through the identity shift of motherhood, and author of a forthcoming book of the same name. Registration for her 2020 MotherSHIFT program begins on September 1, 2020. Click here to access her free Momifesto Workbook. --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Get a high quality, fully breathable, washable, and recyclable baby mattress from Newton Baby! Go to NewtonBaby.com and enter code KWEENS to get $50 off and free shipping. Public Goods is your one-stop-shop for affordable, sustainable, healthy household products. Go to PublicGoods.com/KWEENS and use code KWEENS at checkout to get $15 off your first order! Get a subscription for Hiya Health’s bestselling children’s multivitamins to ensure your kiddos are getting the nutrients they need without all the unhealthy additives usually found in kids vitamins! Go to HiyaHealth.com/KWEENS and use the code KWEENS at checkout to get 50% off your first order.  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

In this episode we’re talking with <a href="https://www.jessieharrold.com/about-2/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jessie Harrold</a> of <a href="https://www.jessieharrold.com/mothershift/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">MotherSHIFT</a> about how pregnancy and birth are rites of passage and what an enormous identity shift it is to become a parent. Jessie is a coach, women’s mentor and doula who supports women to traverse radical life transformation and other rites of passage. She is the founder of MotherSHIFT, a program to support women through the identity shift of motherhood, and author of a forthcoming book of the same name. Registration for her <a href="https://www.jessieharrold.com/mothershift/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">2020 MotherSHIFT program</a> begins on September 1, 2020. Click here to access her free <a href="https://www.jessieharrold.com/the-momifesto-workbook/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Momifesto Workbook</a>. --- SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Get a high quality, fully breathable, washable, and recyclable baby mattress from <a href="https://www.newtonbaby.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Newton Baby</a>! Go to <a href="https://www.newtonbaby.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">NewtonBaby.com</a> and enter code KWEENS to get $50 off and free shipping. <a href="https://www.publicgoods.com/?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=kweens&amp;utm_medium=partner" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Public Goods</a> is your one-stop-shop for affordable, sustainable, healthy household products. Go to <a href="https://www.publicgoods.com/?utm_source=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=kweens&amp;utm_medium=partner" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">PublicGoods.com/KWEENS</a> and use code KWEENS at checkout to get $15 off your first order! Get a subscription for <a href="http://www.hiyahealth.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Hiya Health’s</a> bestselling children’s multivitamins to ensure your kiddos are getting the nutrients they need without all the unhealthy additives usually found in kids vitamins! Go to <a href="http://www.hiyahealth.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">HiyaHealth.com/KWEENS</a> and use the code KWEENS at checkout to get 50% off your first order.  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 130: The Identity Shift of Motherhood with Jessie Harrold of MotherSHIFT

Birth Kweens is a wildly honest and fun dive into all things natural-pregnancy, birth, postpartum and women's health related. It's hosted by two Birth Kweens and friends: Karly Nuttall, a licensed midwife of 15 years, and Ali Feroah, a birth and postpartum doula of 7 years. Listen along on Thursdays as we share fun birth stories and dish out top notch info about our favorite subjects to help you realistically prepare for birth,  postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, baby care and women's health in natural ways!

I just love listening to this podcast! I learn so much and I have some really good laughs!

Awesome and informational in a fun way

I love this podcast, sooo funny and informative. Thank you beautiful kweens so much.

Amazing!

Birth Kweens

This is the first episode of our three part “What I Wish I Would Have Known” series. In part one, we’re focusing on all the things you wish someone would’ve told you about PREGNANCY! Here’s a brief overview of what’s covered:  Hormone and mood changes What usually happens to breasts during pregnancy Spotting – when it might happen and what it might mean Varicose veins Swelling… everywhere! How to support a growing belly Constipation and hemorrhoids Ligament pain Leg cramps - THE WORST! (Take this magnesium supplement to get rid of those awful things!) Heartburn Carpel tunnel Discharge - FUN! Changes in shoe size Belly button stuff - NEAT! Skin changes Some basics about nutrition and exercise (check out the Spinning Babies website for more info about daily and weekly exercises to do during pregnancy) The mental health side of pregnancy plus a few good resources for perinatal mood disorders:  Postpartum Health International Postpartum Health Alliance  Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale  Podcast seriesabout delayed postpartum depression and anxiety   What it means to have a ‘due date’ and why it’s so important to prepare for going past that date  The Last Days of Pregnancy: A Place of In-Between  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click here so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

This is the first episode of our three part “What I Wish I Would Have Known” series. In part one, we’re focusing on all the things you wish someone would’ve told you about PREGNANCY! Here’s a brief overview of what’s covered: <ul> <li>Hormone and mood changes</li> <li>What usually happens to breasts during pregnancy</li> <li>Spotting – when it might happen and what it might mean</li> <li>Varicose veins</li> <li>Swelling… everywhere!</li> <li>How to support a growing belly</li> <li>Constipation and hemorrhoids</li> <li>Ligament pain</li> <li>Leg cramps - THE WORST! (Take this <a href="https://amzn.to/2v7ikxM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">magnesium supplement</a> to get rid of those awful things!)</li> <li>Heartburn</li> <li>Carpel tunnel</li> <li>Discharge - FUN!</li> <li>Changes in shoe size</li> <li>Belly button stuff - NEAT!</li> <li>Skin changes</li> <li>Some basics about nutrition and exercise (check out the <a href="https://spinningbabies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spinning Babies website</a> for more info about daily and weekly exercises to do during pregnancy)</li> <li>The mental health side of pregnancy plus a few good resources for perinatal mood disorders: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.postpartum.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Postpartum Health International</a></li> <li><a href="https://postpartumhealthalliance.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Postpartum Health Alliance</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.fresno.ucsf.edu/pediatrics/downloads/edinburghscale.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale</a></li> <li><a href="https://postpartumhealthalliance.org/delayed-postpartum-depression-anxiety-podcast-series/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Podcast series</a>about delayed postpartum depression and anxiety</li> </ul> </li> <li>What it means to have a ‘due date’ and why it’s so important to prepare for going past that date</li> <li><a href="https://www.mothering.com/articles/the-last-days-of-pregnancy-a-place-of-in-between/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Last Days of Pregnancy: A Place of In-Between</a></li> </ul> --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click <a href="https://amzn.to/2Jm6W6j" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

Ep 46: What I Wish I Would Have Known: PREGNANCY

Karly and Ali get down to the nitty gritty details of coping with the pain of labor and birth. They explain why it’s essential for every birthing person to learn about non-medical coping techniques (even if they plan to use pain medication during their birth) and they review the best tools and techniques for pain management. Here’s an overview of everything that’s covered in this episode:  The reasons why it is SO important to know a variety of non-medical pain management coping techniques, including times when birth goes too quickly to use medication or when meds don’t work effectively What the 5 elements of birth are and why they’re an essential part of pain management in labor Why you should consider hiring a doula for your birth (including this great article on the evidence for doulas) The reasons it’s SO important to do some sort of childbirth education during pregnancy Helpful tools in labor:  Bucky 40 Blinks – the best eye mask in all the land! Birth ball (great for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum!)  65cm 75cm    Cooling towels  Massage tool Lacrosse Ball  Hand held fan Essential oils (don’t forget cotton pads to put the oils on!)   10 Oil Variety Pack  Peppermint Lavender  Eucalyptus Grapefruit Citrus Variety Pack   Heating pad TENS unit   Coping techniques in labor:  The 3 R’s – relaxation, rhythm, ritual (as mentioned in The Birth Partner by Penny Simpkin) Vocalizations/low moans Movement and changing positions  Check out The Birth Partner for some great diagrams of all the different labor/birth positions   Breath work Hydrotherapy Light touch/massage, sacral counter pressure, hip squeeze Visualizations (i.e. breathing to your baby, walking/running up and over a hill, progressive relaxation throughout your entire body) Music (Deep Theta by Steven Halpern is one of Ali’s favorites) The mindset of birth  You are stronger than you even realize. Believe in yourself! Stay in the moment. You can do anything for a minute! You are going to give birth one breathe at a time. Remember, this is pain with a purpose.   Be SURE to stay hydrated and well fed. Being undernourished and dehydrated can increase pain and difficulty of labor while reducing your energy/ability to cope   Why it’s so important to choose your birth team carefully and only invite people who support your birth goals Why you might consider choosing a code word to use in labor, that way your team will know when to encourage you and when to order up that epidural! How to communicate your preferences to the staff at your birthing location, including some guidelines for putting together your birth preferences sheet Books/resources to help you and your birth partner(s)  The Birth Partner by Penny Simpkin Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Simpkin, Whalley, Keppler, Durham, &amp; Bolding Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon Birthing From Within by Pam England Mindful Birthing by Nancy Bardacke The Big Book of Birth by Erica Lyon Hypnobabies – Childbirth Hypnosis    --- Did you like this episode? Please subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Birth Kweens get down to the nitty gritty of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and women’s health. For more from us, visit birthkweens.com. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Karly and Ali get down to the nitty gritty details of coping with the pain of labor and birth. They explain why it’s essential for every birthing person to learn about non-medical coping techniques (even if they plan to use pain medication during their birth) and they review the best tools and techniques for pain management. Here’s an overview of everything that’s covered in this episode: <ul> <li>The reasons why it is SO important to know a variety of non-medical pain management coping techniques, including times when birth goes too quickly to use medication or when meds don’t work effectively</li> <li>What the 5 elements of birth are and why they’re an essential part of pain management in labor</li> <li>Why you should consider hiring a doula for your birth (including <a href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this great article</a> on the evidence for doulas)</li> <li>The reasons it’s SO important to do some sort of childbirth education during pregnancy</li> <li>Helpful tools in labor: <ul> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2DhsUoD" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bucky 40 Blinks</a> – the best eye mask in all the land!</li> <li>Birth ball (great for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum!) <ul> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2EtjaHm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">65cm</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2CXyPS7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">75cm</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Enduracool-Microfiber-Cooling-Towel/dp/B071KCVQH1/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=hpc&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1515638839&amp;sr=1-2&amp;keywords=cooling+towels&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=knuttall-20&amp;linkId=6b41019aaf2820c4ecbacbe423081d41" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Cooling towels</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/HealthAndYoga-Palm-Urchin-Massage-tool/dp/B00IR8BOU2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=hpc&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1515639660&amp;sr=1-32&amp;keywords=handheld+massage+tool&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=knuttall-20&amp;linkId=fb574c72758a047122fdef03328b860f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Massage tool</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2H22Iiy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lacrosse Ball</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XXCVNPN/ref=as_li_ss_tl?psc=1&amp;pd_rd_i=B06XXCVNPN&amp;pd_rd_wg=HMYZY&amp;pd_rd_r=Q7DPD13T32Y9TWSNVSJN&amp;pd_rd_w=XSjj4&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=knuttall-20&amp;linkId=cce341f18c6a413975387b1a70fea4ae" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Hand held fan</a></li> <li>Essential oils (don’t forget <a href="http://amzn.to/2F940Me" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cotton pads</a> to put the oils on!) <ul> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Essential-Variety-Sampler/dp/B00THDTG7E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=hpc&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1515638911&amp;sr=1-9&amp;keywords=now+essential+oils&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=knuttall-20&amp;linkId=16850517bd4e3a463b9304cb4b0d63e3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> 10 Oil Variety Pack</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-7585-Peppermint-1-Ounce/dp/B00028MKRQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?s=hpc&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1515638911&amp;sr=1-23&amp;keywords=now%2Bessential%2Boils&amp;th=1&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=knuttall-20&amp;linkId=6960a9f2f0bead1811585abc1e068d6c" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Peppermint</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2EtdYDh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lavender</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-Essential-Oils-Eucalyptus/dp/B00B868PA2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_i=B00B868PA2&amp;pd_rd_r=BHCXKN94QNBNWHT9T046&amp;pd_rd_w=oZs6s&amp;pd_rd_wg=4EbAt&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=BHCXKN94QNBNWHT9T046&amp;linkCode=sl1&amp;tag=knuttall-20&amp;linkId=5222eef86b9c561dc66087871ada0606" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Eucalyptus</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2FPL2XQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grapefruit</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2FPjZvJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Citrus Variety Pack</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2CXwdPZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heating pad</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2FbR5sC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TENS unit</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Coping techniques in labor: <ul> <li>The 3 R’s – relaxation, rhythm, ritual (as mentioned in <a href="http://amzn.to/2FnBgi8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Birth Partner</a> by Penny Simpkin)</li> <li>Vocalizations/low moans</li> <li>Movement and changing positions <ul> <li>Check out <a href="http://amzn.to/2FnBgi8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Birth Partner</a> for some great diagrams of all the different labor/birth positions</li> </ul> </li> <li>Breath work</li> <li>Hydrotherapy</li> <li>Light touch/massage, sacral counter pressure, hip squeeze</li> <li>Visualizations (i.e. breathing to your baby, walking/running up and over a hill, progressive relaxation throughout your entire body)</li> <li>Music (<a href="http://amzn.to/2tbbp7Y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deep Theta by Steven Halpern</a> is one of Ali’s favorites)</li> <li>The mindset of birth <ul> <li>You are stronger than you even realize. Believe in yourself!</li> <li>Stay in the moment. You can do anything for a minute! You are going to give birth one breathe at a time.</li> <li>Remember, this is pain with a purpose.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Be SURE to stay hydrated and well fed. Being undernourished and dehydrated can increase pain and difficulty of labor while reducing your energy/ability to cope</li> </ul> </li> <li>Why it’s so important to choose your birth team carefully and only invite people who support your birth goals</li> <li>Why you might consider choosing a code word to use in labor, that way your team will know when to encourage you and when to order up that epidural!</li> <li>How to communicate your preferences to the staff at your birthing location, including some guidelines for putting together your birth preferences sheet</li> <li>Books/resources to help you and your birth partner(s) <ul> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2oDcGAc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Birth Partner</a> by Penny Simpkin</li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2oFuw5w" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn</a> by Simpkin, Whalley, Keppler, Durham, &amp; Bolding</li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2CXbRX9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hypnobirthing</a> by Marie Mongan</li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2FnEP80" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way</a> by Susan McCutcheon</li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2taMBgA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birthing From Within</a> by Pam England</li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2oFZUko" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mindful Birthing</a> by Nancy Bardacke</li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2FSpBFS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Big Book of Birth</a> by Erica Lyon</li> <li><a href="https://www.hypnobabies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hypnobabies</a> – Childbirth Hypnosis</li> </ul> </li> </ul> --- Did you like this episode? Please subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Birth Kweens get down to the nitty gritty of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and women’s health. For more from us, visit <a href="http://birthkweens.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">birthkweens.com</a>. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 26: Comfort Measures for Labor & Birth

Today is the fourth episode in our series on preparing for birth, and we’re talking about the importance of having realistic expectations for labor and birth. The goal of this episode is to reduce the trauma and shame that often results from unmet birth expectations and to show you that there’s no wrong way to have a baby! Here’s what we talked about:  The downsides of the natural birth movement, and why you should never feel shame or disappointment about your body or your birth The difference between having a birth plan and having birth preferences - and which one you should focus on How to stop the judgement and misperceptions around different types of births The 5 P’s that influence labor – the Powers, the Passenger, [Fetal] Position, [Maternal] Position, the Psyche. Some first and second-time baby birth myths and what to really expect instead The only two things the Birth Kweens guarantee for anyone - regardless of your birth plan or expectations    Things Mentioned in this Episode:  Ina May Gaskin’s Books:  Birth Matters: A Midwife’s Manifesta Spiritual Midwifery  Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth   Little girl doing her positive affirmations in the mirror https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg    Did you like this episode? Please subscribe, rate, review, and share!  --- The Birth Kweens get down to the nitty gritty of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and women’s health. For more from us, visit birthkweens.com. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Today is the fourth episode in our series on preparing for birth, and we’re talking about the importance of having realistic expectations for labor and birth. The goal of this episode is to reduce the trauma and shame that often results from unmet birth expectations and to show you that there’s no wrong way to have a baby! Here’s what we talked about: <ul> <li>The downsides of the natural birth movement, and why you should never feel shame or disappointment about your body or your birth</li> <li>The difference between having a birth plan and having birth preferences - and which one you should focus on</li> <li>How to stop the judgement and misperceptions around different types of births</li> <li>The 5 P’s that influence labor – the Powers, the Passenger, [Fetal] Position, [Maternal] Position, the Psyche.</li> <li>Some first and second-time baby birth myths and what to really expect instead</li> <li>The only two things the Birth Kweens guarantee for anyone - regardless of your birth plan or expectations</li> </ul> Things Mentioned in this Episode: <ul> <li>Ina May Gaskin’s Books: <ul> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2yaiovP" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Matters: A Midwife’s Manifesta</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2Ap4ac3" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spiritual Midwifery</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2AoqouR" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Little girl doing her positive affirmations in the mirror <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg</a></li> </ul> Did you like this episode? Please subscribe, rate, review, and share!  --- The Birth Kweens get down to the nitty gritty of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and women’s health. For more from us, visit <a href="http://birthkweens.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">birthkweens.com</a>. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 5: Cutting the Sh*t: How and Why to Set Realistic Expectations for Labor and Birth

In part two of our three part “What I Wish I Would Have Known” series, we’re talking about all of the things you wish someone would’ve told you about BIRTH! Here’s what you can expect to hear in this episode:  Why it’s so important to prepare to feel unprepared when it comes to giving birth The only two promises that the Birth Kweens can make about giving birth The importance of getting educated and being invested in your birth while also remaining flexible and open about how your baby needs to be born Why you should consider keeping your exact due date to yourself instead of shouting it from the rooftops Basic info about water breaking (including some common misconceptions) How labor doesn’t always proceed in a linear fashion, and why this matters Normal signs of labor progress, including shaking, nausea, and vomiting Nuchal cords (aka – cord wrapped around baby’s neck) The different kinds of heart rate decelerations that can occur in labor, a basic explanation of what they mean, and what you can do when this happens What babies usually look like right after they’re born Some important things to know about the pushing phase of labor Tips for preventing tearing during a vaginal delivery The sensations that people frequently report feeling during labor Things you can expect with a cesarean birth What it’s like to give birth to the placenta Uterine massage (aka – fundal massage) – what it is and how to cope with it Some tips on making decisions regarding interventions during labor (including a reminder to always use your B.R.A.I.N.) A few quotes from parents about their birth experience and how it shaped them  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click here so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

In part two of our three part “What I Wish I Would Have Known” series, we’re talking about all of the things you wish someone would’ve told you about BIRTH! Here’s what you can expect to hear in this episode: <ul> <li>Why it’s so important to prepare to feel unprepared when it comes to giving birth</li> <li>The only two promises that the Birth Kweens can make about giving birth</li> <li>The importance of getting educated and being invested in your birth while also remaining flexible and open about how your baby needs to be born</li> <li>Why you should consider keeping your exact due date to yourself instead of shouting it from the rooftops</li> <li>Basic info about water breaking (including some common misconceptions)</li> <li>How labor doesn’t always proceed in a linear fashion, and why this matters</li> <li>Normal signs of labor progress, including shaking, nausea, and vomiting</li> <li>Nuchal cords (aka – cord wrapped around baby’s neck)</li> <li>The different kinds of heart rate decelerations that can occur in labor, a basic explanation of what they mean, and what you can do when this happens</li> <li>What babies usually look like right after they’re born</li> <li>Some important things to know about the pushing phase of labor</li> <li>Tips for preventing tearing during a vaginal delivery</li> <li>The sensations that people frequently report feeling during labor</li> <li>Things you can expect with a cesarean birth</li> <li>What it’s like to give birth to the placenta</li> <li>Uterine massage (aka – fundal massage) – what it is and how to cope with it</li> <li>Some tips on making decisions regarding interventions during labor (including a reminder to always use your B.R.A.I.N.)</li> <li>A few quotes from parents about their birth experience and how it shaped them</li> </ul> --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click <a href="https://amzn.to/2Jm6W6j" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

Ep 47: What I Wish I Would Have Known: BIRTH

Nicole Rankins

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Sign up for a Fab Fit Fun box today! Enter code KWEENS for $10 off your first box! --- Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins is a wife, mother of two girls, OB/GYN physician, podcast host, women’s health advocate and certified integrative health coach. She works as a Labor &amp; Delivery hospitalist in Virginia and came on the show to talk with us about how to have an empowered hospital birth. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this epiode:  Rankin’s background and how she ended up as an OB hospitalist and passionate women’s health advocate What a hospitalist is, how they differ from the typical physician’s model of care, and the pros/cons to the hospitalist model How a family can set themselves up to have an empowered hospital birth experience (the importance of good prenatal education, how to communicate with hospital staff, etc.) How to make a positive connection between care provider and family when the first time they’re meeting is in labor Some tips on how to stand up for yourself when faced with an unsupportive or abusive care provider Click here to check out Nicole’s online childbirth education course Click here to contact Nicole  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click here so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Sign up for a <a href="https://fabfitfun.com/get-the-box/?step=getbox#plan=fffvip" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Fab Fit Fun</a> box today! Enter code KWEENS for $10 off your first box! --- <a href="https://www.ncrcoaching.com/about/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins</a> is a wife, mother of two girls, OB/GYN physician, <a href="https://www.ncrcoaching.com/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">podcast host</a>, women’s health advocate and certified integrative health coach. She works as a Labor &amp; Delivery hospitalist in Virginia and came on the show to talk with us about how to have an empowered hospital birth. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this epiode: <ul> <li>Rankin’s background and how she ended up as an OB hospitalist and passionate women’s health advocate</li> <li>What a hospitalist is, how they differ from the typical physician’s model of care, and the pros/cons to the hospitalist model</li> <li>How a family can set themselves up to have an empowered hospital birth experience (the importance of good prenatal education, how to communicate with hospital staff, etc.)</li> <li>How to make a positive connection between care provider and family when the first time they’re meeting is in labor</li> <li>Some tips on how to stand up for yourself when faced with an unsupportive or abusive care provider</li> <li>Click <a href="https://www.ncrcoaching.com/birth-course/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> to check out Nicole’s online childbirth education course</li> <li>Click <a href="https://www.ncrcoaching.com/contact/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> to contact Nicole</li> </ul> --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click here so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

Ep 84: Empowered Hospital Birth with Dr. Nicole Rankins, MD, MPH

Robin Kaplan

Robin Kaplan, M.Ed., IBCLC is a lactation consultant in San Diego, CA. She launched the San Diego Breastfeeding Center in 2009 and has recently published her first book, Latch: A Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage. Robin was kind enough to sit down with the Birth Kweens to discuss breastfeeding. Here’s an overview of what’s covered in this episode:  A bit about Robin’s background and how she became a lactation consultant Info about Robin’s non-profit, the San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation The  Boob Group Podcast An overview of the benefits of breastfeeding Some of the most common challenges that arise with breastfeeding The importance of getting support early on in a breastfeeding journey, especially if you’re having any challenges The role that partners/other family members can play in supporting the breastfeeding journey What the average breastfeeding journey looks like for the first couple of weeks The number of wet and dirty diapers you want to see and the number of feedings a baby should be doing in a 24 hour period The importance of honoring the forth trimester and how doing so supports breastfeeding If/when pacifiers and bottles should be introduced to a baby What the ‘witching hour’ is and why it happens How having flat or inverted nipples might impact breastfeeding and some tools that can be used to assist with breastfeeding in these situations  Supple Cups Breast shells Lansinoh Latch Assist   Some info about drinking alcohol while breastfeeding. Click hereto read the article from KellyMom.com that Robin references. Robin’s suggestions for helpful breastfeeding gear:  Coconut oil (to use as nipple cream) Nursing pillow  My Breast Friend Boppy Ergo Nursing Pillow Nesting Pilllow from Blessed Nest   Something to baby wear in (some popular options are wraps,ring slings, or structured carriers such as the Ergo 360) An electric breast pump (a popular option is the Spectra) A hand pump   Click here to buy Robin’s new book!  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click here so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

<a href="https://www.sdbfc.com/our-team/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robin Kaplan, M.Ed., IBCLC</a> is a lactation consultant in San Diego, CA. She launched the <a href="https://www.sdbfc.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">San Diego Breastfeeding Center</a> in 2009 and has recently published her first book, <a href="https://amzn.to/2LhDzCk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Latch: A Handbook for Breastfeeding with Confidence at Every Stage</a>. Robin was kind enough to sit down with the Birth Kweens to discuss breastfeeding. Here’s an overview of what’s covered in this episode: <ul> <li>A bit about Robin’s background and how she became a lactation consultant</li> <li>Info about Robin’s non-profit, the <a href="https://www.sdbfc.com/our-foundation/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">San Diego Breastfeeding Center Foundation</a></li> <li>The <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-boob-group-where-moms-know-breast/id539410267?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Boob Group</a> Podcast</li> <li>An overview of the benefits of breastfeeding</li> <li>Some of the most common challenges that arise with breastfeeding</li> <li>The importance of getting support early on in a breastfeeding journey, especially if you’re having any challenges</li> <li>The role that partners/other family members can play in supporting the breastfeeding journey</li> <li>What the average breastfeeding journey looks like for the first couple of weeks</li> <li>The number of wet and dirty diapers you want to see and the number of feedings a baby should be doing in a 24 hour period</li> <li>The importance of honoring the forth trimester and how doing so supports breastfeeding</li> <li>If/when pacifiers and bottles should be introduced to a baby</li> <li>What the ‘witching hour’ is and why it happens</li> <li>How having flat or inverted nipples might impact breastfeeding and some tools that can be used to assist with breastfeeding in these situations <ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/2LnP6Ae" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Supple Cups</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/2LkngEW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Breast shells</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/2JtiZ4H" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lansinoh Latch Assist</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Some info about drinking alcohol while breastfeeding. Click <a href="https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/lifestyle/alcohol/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>to read the article from <a href="http://KellyMom.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KellyMom.com</a> that Robin references.</li> <li>Robin’s suggestions for helpful breastfeeding gear: <ul> <li>Coconut oil (to use as nipple cream)</li> <li>Nursing pillow <ul> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/2JhFOoO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Breast Friend</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/2JgwvoW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boppy</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/2Jx4tt2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ergo Nursing Pillow</a></li> <li><a href="https://amzn.to/2xKOUsU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nesting Pilllow from Blessed Nest</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Something to baby wear in (some popular options are <a href="https://amzn.to/2xOMAkq" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wraps</a>,<a href="https://amzn.to/2sz16b2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ring slings</a>, or structured carriers such as the <a href="https://amzn.to/2sz6o6v" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ergo 360</a>)</li> <li>An electric breast pump (a popular option is the <a href="https://amzn.to/2JccO5V" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spectra</a>)</li> <li>A <a href="https://amzn.to/2JqJO9H" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">hand pump</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Click <a href="https://amzn.to/2LpmvL4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> to buy Robin’s new book!</li> </ul> --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click <a href="https://amzn.to/2Jm6W6j" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

Ep 39: Breastfeeding Basics: How to Set Yourself Up For Success with Robin Kaplan, M.Ed., IBCLC

Gail Tully

We’re talking with Gail Tully, CPM in this episode of the pod! Gail is a midwife and the founder of Spinning Babies, a series of techniques that promote balance in the pregnant body and optimal positioning for babies in utero. She’s a major influencer in the birth world today and we are so honored that she made time to talk with us! Here’s an overview of what we discussed with Gail:  How she got into birth work and became a midwife What events in her career helped her understand the importance of fetal position The origins of Spinning Babies What factors influence a baby’s position in utero and why it matters Click  here to access the Spinning Babies Parent Class Click  here to access the Daily Essentials Video The  Three Principles of Spinning Babies The  Three Sisters The daily and weekly activities to do during pregnancy that promote optimal fetal positioning and, thus, a smoother easier birth A bit about how/when Spinning Babies techniques can be used in labor Info on using  belly mapping to figure out what position your baby is in  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click here so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

We’re talking with Gail Tully, CPM in this episode of the pod! Gail is a midwife and the founder of <a href="https://spinningbabies.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spinning Babies</a>, a series of techniques that promote balance in the pregnant body and optimal positioning for babies in utero. She’s a major influencer in the birth world today and we are so honored that she made time to talk with us! Here’s an overview of what we discussed with Gail: <ul> <li>How she got into birth work and became a midwife</li> <li>What events in her career helped her understand the importance of fetal position</li> <li>The origins of Spinning Babies</li> <li>What factors influence a baby’s position in utero and why it matters</li> <li>Click <a href="https://spinningbabies.com/product/parent-class-digital-download/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a> to access the Spinning Babies Parent Class</li> <li>Click <a href="https://spinningbabies.com/product/daily-essentials-digital-download/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> here</a> to access the Daily Essentials Video</li> <li>The <a href="https://spinningbabies.com/start/in-pregnancy/the-3-principles-in-pregnancy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Three Principles</a> of Spinning Babies</li> <li>The <a href="https://spinningbabies.com/learn-more/techniques/the-three-sisters/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Three Sisters</a></li> <li>The <a href="https://spinningbabies.com/start/in-pregnancy/daily-activities/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">daily</a> and <a href="https://spinningbabies.com/start/in-pregnancy/weekly-activities/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">weekly</a> activities to do during pregnancy that promote optimal fetal positioning and, thus, a smoother easier birth</li> <li>A bit about how/when Spinning Babies techniques can be <a href="https://spinningbabies.com/start/in-labor/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">used in labor</a></li> <li>Info on using <a href="https://spinningbabies.com/learn-more/baby-positions/belly-mapping/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> belly mapping</a> to figure out what position your baby is in</li> </ul> --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click <a href="https://amzn.to/2Jm6W6j" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

Ep 67: Spinning Babies with Gail Tully, CPM

In the final installment of our three part “What I Wish I Would Have Known” series, we’re talking about the postpartum period. Here’s a glimpse at what the kweens cover in episode 48:  How postpartum care is grossly lacking in the United Stated The importance of getting/accepting help in the postpartum period How everyone still looks pregnant right after they give birth Afterpains – what they are and how to deal What’s going on with the undercarriage after birth and how to take care of it and help things heal properly V steaming in the postpartum period Taking care of those pesky hemorrhoids! Why profuse sweating is a postpartum thing Hair loss What to expect with postpartum bleeding Preventing and treating constipation Prolapse and pelvic floor issues Postpartum mood disorders, hormone shifts, and “baby blues” – how to tell the difference and what to do Breastfeeding – how to set yourself up for success and where to look if you need help Baby “stuff” – what you need, what you don’t, and when to buy it The identity shifts that often accompany becoming a parent A few things about baby sleep How older siblings might react to a new baby and a few suggestions for how to support them through the transition A few lovely and encouraging quotes from parents who have been there  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click here so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

In the final installment of our three part “What I Wish I Would Have Known” series, we’re talking about the postpartum period. Here’s a glimpse at what the kweens cover in episode 48: <ul> <li>How postpartum care is grossly lacking in the United Stated</li> <li>The importance of getting/accepting help in the postpartum period</li> <li>How everyone still looks pregnant right after they give birth</li> <li>Afterpains – what they are and how to deal</li> <li>What’s going on with the undercarriage after birth and how to take care of it and help things heal properly</li> <li>V steaming in the postpartum period</li> <li>Taking care of those pesky hemorrhoids!</li> <li>Why profuse sweating is a postpartum thing</li> <li>Hair loss</li> <li>What to expect with postpartum bleeding</li> <li>Preventing and treating constipation</li> <li>Prolapse and pelvic floor issues</li> <li>Postpartum mood disorders, hormone shifts, and “baby blues” – how to tell the difference and what to do</li> <li>Breastfeeding – how to set yourself up for success and where to look if you need help</li> <li>Baby “stuff” – what you need, what you don’t, and when to buy it</li> <li>The identity shifts that often accompany becoming a parent</li> <li>A few things about baby sleep</li> <li>How older siblings might react to a new baby and a few suggestions for how to support them through the transition</li> <li>A few lovely and encouraging quotes from parents who have been there</li> </ul> --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click <a href="https://amzn.to/2Jm6W6j" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

Ep 48: What I Wish I Would Have Known: POSTPARTUM

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Get the important men in your life a meaningful and functional gift from Swanky Badger! Use promo code KWEENS at checkout for 10% off your order. --- Mariane Konstantaras joins us to share about the births of her two sons, Luca and Leo. With Luca, she started off in the care of a doctor with a plan to deliver in the hospital. Midway through pregnancy she transferred her care to midwives at a freestanding birth center. After a long early labor that presented some unexpected challenges, Mariane ended up transferring to the hospital and having an unmedicated birth with her midwives there. For her second pregnancy, she and her husband knew that they wanted to have a home birth. After a few days of prodromal labor, she gave birth to Leo in a tub in her living room. With two very different birth experiences to draw from, Mariane’s stories have something for everyone. Enjoy! --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Get the important men in your life a meaningful and functional gift from <a href="https://swankybadger.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Swanky Badger</a>! Use promo code KWEENS at checkout for 10% off your order. --- <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the.indigomama/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mariane Konstantaras</a> joins us to share about the births of her two sons, Luca and Leo. With Luca, she started off in the care of a doctor with a plan to deliver in the hospital. Midway through pregnancy she transferred her care to midwives at a freestanding birth center. After a long early labor that presented some unexpected challenges, Mariane ended up transferring to the hospital and having an unmedicated birth with her midwives there. For her second pregnancy, she and her husband knew that they wanted to have a home birth. After a few days of prodromal labor, she gave birth to Leo in a tub in her living room. With two very different birth experiences to draw from, Mariane’s stories have something for everyone. Enjoy! --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 111: Persevering Through Long Labors: Mariane's Birth Stories

In this episode, we continue our series on preparing for your birth and cover all things related to prenatal nutrition. Here’s what we talked about:  Why nutrition during pregnancy is so important Exactly what supplements every pregnant woman should be taking (plus clarification on taking Folate vs. Folic Acid during pregnancy) The two probiotic strains you should be looking for to help prevent GBS infection and decrease risks to your baby Why water is so important during pregnancy and how much you should be drinking every day Are you really eating for two? How many extra calories your baby really needs Why food quality matters and how to get more nutrition from the food you eat The many benefits of fiber and how to make sure you’re getting enough All about protein, carbs, and fats: How much to eat and where you should get it The Date Study - can dates really help with labor?     Resources/Products Mentioned in this Episode:  https://www.23andme.com - a service you can use to get tested for the MTHFR gene Prenatal Vitamin Recommendations:  Garden of Life Synergy Actif    Calcium-Magnesium &amp; vitamin D supplements  Floradix Liquid Cal-Mag Supplement  Natural Vitality Magnesium Calcium Drink with Vit D3  Bone Up Supplement with calcium, mag, &amp; vit D3    Probiotic Recommendation: Jarrow’s Femdophilius (includes Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri) Karly’s homemade Gatorade recipe: Water, juice from one lemon, a few pinches of salt, 1 tablespoon of honey Natural Electrolyte Drink Recipe from Wellness Mama  The EWG’s 2017 Shoppers Guide - The Dirty Dozen Vitamin C supplement   Camu Camu Powder  Crazy Benefits of Camu Camu Powder from Wellness Mama   Fish Oil Supplement Recommendation: Carlson Labs Fish Oil  The Date Study     Did you like this episode? Please subscribe, rate, review, and share!  --- The Birth Kweens get down to the nitty gritty of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and women’s health. For more from us, visit birthkweens.com. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

In this episode, we continue our series on preparing for your birth and cover all things related to prenatal nutrition. Here’s what we talked about: <ul> <li>Why nutrition during pregnancy is so important</li> <li>Exactly what supplements every pregnant woman should be taking (plus clarification on taking Folate vs. Folic Acid during pregnancy)</li> <li>The two probiotic strains you should be looking for to help prevent GBS infection and decrease risks to your baby</li> <li>Why water is so important during pregnancy and how much you should be drinking every day</li> <li>Are you really eating for two? How many extra calories your baby really needs</li> <li>Why food quality matters and how to get more nutrition from the food you eat</li> <li>The many benefits of fiber and how to make sure you’re getting enough</li> <li>All about protein, carbs, and fats: How much to eat and where you should get it</li> <li>The Date Study - can dates really help with labor? </li> </ul> Resources/Products Mentioned in this Episode: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.23andme.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.23andme.com</a> - a service you can use to get tested for the MTHFR gene</li> <li>Prenatal Vitamin Recommendations: <ul> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2yBdBIe" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Garden of Life</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2zlIQnI" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Synergy</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2hN1Ync" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Actif</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Calcium-Magnesium &amp; vitamin D supplements <ul> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2yae8g3" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Floradix Liquid Cal-Mag Supplement</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2ycTEDd" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Natural Vitality Magnesium Calcium Drink with Vit D3</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2zo78zN" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Bone Up Supplement with calcium, mag, &amp; vit D3</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li>Probiotic Recommendation: <a href="http://amzn.to/2yB0QgT" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Jarrow’s Femdophilius</a> (includes Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri)</li> <li>Karly’s homemade Gatorade recipe: Water, juice from one lemon, a few pinches of salt, 1 tablespoon of honey</li> <li><a href="https://wellnessmama.com/2575/natural-sports-drink/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Natural Electrolyte Drink Recipe</a> from Wellness Mama </li> <li><a href="https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty_dozen_list.php#.WgD6tLaZPo8" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The EWG’s 2017 Shoppers Guide - The Dirty Dozen</a></li> <li>Vitamin C supplement  <ul> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2y9XL3c" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Camu Camu Powder</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.mamanatural.com/camu-camu/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Crazy Benefits of Camu Camu Powder</a> from Wellness Mama</li> </ul> </li> <li>Fish Oil Supplement Recommendation: <a href="http://amzn.to/2zBrs1g" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Carlson Labs Fish Oil</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21280989" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Date Study</a> </li> </ul> Did you like this episode? Please subscribe, rate, review, and share!  --- The Birth Kweens get down to the nitty gritty of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and women’s health. For more from us, visit <a href="http://birthkweens.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">birthkweens.com</a>. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 3: Prenatal Nutrition (Pt I): What Pregnant Kweens SHOULD Be Eating! 

In this episode of the podcast, the kweens are talking about epidurals! Here’s a list of the specific points they discuss and the resources they mention in the podcast:  The difference between anesthesia and analgesia, and how each of these are used in the context of birth The differences between an epidural, a spinal, and a combined spinal-epidural (CSE) and when each one is used How and where epidurals/spinals/CSEs are placed Risks, benefits, and side effects of these procedures The type of medications used FAQs about epidurals Resources:   https://evidencebasedbirth.com/epidural-during-labor-pain-management/  http://www.asahq.org/lifeline/anesthesia%20topics/types%20of%20pain%20relief%20in%20labor%20and%20delivery https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22161362  https://evidencebasedbirth.com/effects-of-epidurals-on-the-second-stage-of-labor/ Sarah Buckley’s articles about the hormonal impact of epidurals   https://sarahbuckley.com/httpsarahbuckley-comblogepiduralrisks-faqpt1/ https://sarahbuckley.com/epidurals-in-labour-part-2/  https://sarahbuckley.com/epidurals-risks-and-concerns-for-mother-and-baby/   Dr. Sarah Buckley's book Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering Video illustrating the steps of epidural administration:https://youtu.be/rM1aQC-HAX0  https://www.rcm.org.uk/news-views-and-analysis/analysis/upfront-the-birth-of-the-epidural https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595017/  https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Fulltext/2014/03000/Second_Stage_of_Labor_and_Epidural_Use__A_Larger.8.aspx  https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Citation/2017/11000/Epidural_Analgesia_During_the_Second_Stage_of.23.aspx  https://www.self.com/story/does-an-epidural-actually-slow-down-labor https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15477051/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2505163/  https://evidencebasedbirth.com/effect-of-epidurals-on-breastfeeding/    --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click here so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

In this episode of the podcast, the kweens are talking about epidurals! Here’s a list of the specific points they discuss and the resources they mention in the podcast: <ul> <li>The difference between anesthesia and analgesia, and how each of these are used in the context of birth</li> <li>The differences between an epidural, a spinal, and a combined spinal-epidural (CSE) and when each one is used</li> <li>How and where epidurals/spinals/CSEs are placed</li> <li>Risks, benefits, and side effects of these procedures</li> <li>The type of medications used</li> <li>FAQs about epidurals</li> <li>Resources: <ul> <li><a href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com/epidural-during-labor-pain-management/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://evidencebasedbirth.com/epidural-during-labor-pain-management/</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.asahq.org/lifeline/anesthesia%20topics/types%20of%20pain%20relief%20in%20labor%20and%20delivery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://www.asahq.org/lifeline/anesthesia%20topics/types%20of%20pain%20relief%20in%20labor%20and%20delivery</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22161362" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22161362</a></li> <li><a href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com/effects-of-epidurals-on-the-second-stage-of-labor/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://evidencebasedbirth.com/effects-of-epidurals-on-the-second-stage-of-labor/</a></li> <li>Sarah Buckley’s articles about the hormonal impact of epidurals <ul> <li><a href="https://sarahbuckley.com/httpsarahbuckley-comblogepiduralrisks-faqpt1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://sarahbuckley.com/httpsarahbuckley-comblogepiduralrisks-faqpt1/</a></li> <li><a href="https://sarahbuckley.com/epidurals-in-labour-part-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://sarahbuckley.com/epidurals-in-labour-part-2/</a></li> <li><a href="https://sarahbuckley.com/epidurals-risks-and-concerns-for-mother-and-baby/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://sarahbuckley.com/epidurals-risks-and-concerns-for-mother-and-baby/</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Dr. Sarah Buckley's book <a href="https://amzn.to/2IpKGss" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering</a></li> <li>Video illustrating the steps of epidural administration:<a href="https://youtu.be/rM1aQC-HAX0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/rM1aQC-HAX0</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.rcm.org.uk/news-views-and-analysis/analysis/upfront-the-birth-of-the-epidural" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.rcm.org.uk/news-views-and-analysis/analysis/upfront-the-birth-of-the-epidural</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595017/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595017/</a></li> <li><a href="https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Fulltext/2014/03000/Second_Stage_of_Labor_and_Epidural_Use__A_Larger.8.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Fulltext/2014/03000/Second_Stage_of_Labor_and_Epidural_Use__A_Larger.8.aspx</a></li> <li><a href="https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Citation/2017/11000/Epidural_Analgesia_During_the_Second_Stage_of.23.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Citation/2017/11000/Epidural_Analgesia_During_the_Second_Stage_of.23.aspx</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.self.com/story/does-an-epidural-actually-slow-down-labor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.self.com/story/does-an-epidural-actually-slow-down-labor</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15477051/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15477051/</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2505163/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2505163/</a></li> <li><a href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com/effect-of-epidurals-on-breastfeeding/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://evidencebasedbirth.com/effect-of-epidurals-on-breastfeeding/</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click <a href="https://amzn.to/2Jm6W6j" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

Ep 54: The Epidural-sode

In part two of Monica’s birth story, she talks about the birth of her son, Murphy. The pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences were completely different with Murphy than they were with Betsy and she explains why. Here are a few high points from this episode:  The breastfeeding challenges and postpartum anxiety she dealt with after her first birth and how those experiences informed her postpartum expectations for baby #2 What bonding with her new babies looked like and how “baby bliss” was NOT a thing she experienced in the early days with either of her babies. What it’s like to be a working mom and how much Monica actually looked forward to going back to work after maternity leave How Monica and her husband made the decision to have another baby and how preparing for that birth was different than her first Monica’s expectations and fears for birth #2 given the rather traumatic experience she had with her first birth The Wellness Mama article on preventing GBS that Monica mentions  What it was like to go into labor spontaneously (and before 41 weeks!) with baby #2 How Murphy’s birth unfolded – unmedicated and in a birth center just like she wanted! The magical Bucky 40 Blinks eye mask that helped Monica through her labor and birth  The healing that Monica experienced through her second birth  --- Did you like this episode? Please subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Birth Kweens get down to the nitty gritty of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and women’s health. For more from us, visit birthkweens.com. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

In part two of Monica’s birth story, she talks about the birth of her son, Murphy. The pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences were completely different with Murphy than they were with Betsy and she explains why. Here are a few high points from this episode: <ul> <li>The breastfeeding challenges and postpartum anxiety she dealt with after her first birth and how those experiences informed her postpartum expectations for baby #2</li> <li>What bonding with her new babies looked like and how “baby bliss” was NOT a thing she experienced in the early days with either of her babies.</li> <li>What it’s like to be a working mom and how much Monica actually looked forward to going back to work after maternity leave</li> <li>How Monica and her husband made the decision to have another baby and how preparing for that birth was different than her first</li> <li>Monica’s expectations and fears for birth #2 given the rather traumatic experience she had with her first birth</li> <li>The Wellness Mama <a href="https://wellnessmama.com/8680/avoid-gbs/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">article on preventing GBS</a> that Monica mentions </li> <li>What it was like to go into labor spontaneously (and before 41 weeks!) with baby #2</li> <li>How Murphy’s birth unfolded – unmedicated and in a birth center just like she wanted!</li> <li>The magical <a href="http://amzn.to/2BMjTCB" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Bucky 40 Blinks eye mask</a> that helped Monica through her labor and birth </li> <li>The healing that Monica experienced through her second birth</li> </ul> --- Did you like this episode? Please subscribe, rate, review, and share! The Birth Kweens get down to the nitty gritty of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and women’s health. For more from us, visit <a href="http://birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">birthkweens.com</a>. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 15: Birth Story with Monica (pt. II)

Ledger

Heidi Ledger is a wife, mother of two, and small business owner from San Diego, CA. She’s sharing her two birth stories with us in this episode, include her experiences with postpartum depression and anxiety. Click here to check out Heidi’s amazing small business, Threadspun. It offers beautiful and sustainably sourced goods and 10% of all proceeds go to one of our favorite nonprofits, Circle of Health International.     SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Sign up for a subscription with Ritual Vitamins today! Get your daily multivitamin or prenatal delivered right to your door by visiting Ritual.com/kweens. Use the code KWEENS for 10% off during your first 3 months!   --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click here so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/threadspun/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heidi Ledger</a> is a wife, mother of two, and <a href="https://www.threadspun.co/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">small business</a> owner from San Diego, CA. She’s sharing her two birth stories with us in this episode, include her experiences with postpartum depression and anxiety. Click <a href="https://www.threadspun.co/pages/branded-goods" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> to check out Heidi’s amazing small business, Threadspun. It offers beautiful and sustainably sourced goods and 10% of all proceeds go to one of our favorite nonprofits, <a href="http://cohintl.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Circle of Health International</a>.   SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Sign up for a subscription with <a href="http://www.ritual.com/KWEENS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ritual Vitamins</a> today! Get your daily multivitamin or prenatal delivered right to your door by visiting <a href="http://ritual.com/KWEENS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ritual.com/kweens</a>. Use the code KWEENS for 10% off during your first 3 months! --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click <a href="https://amzn.to/2Jm6W6j" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

Ep 81: Hospital Births and Unexpected Postpartum Mood Disorders: Heidi Ledger's Birth Stories

In the final episode in our series on preparing for your birth, we go over how to prepare for the postpartum period and what to expect once your baby is outside of your body!   Here’s what we covered:    What’s normal and what’s not when it comes to postpartum bleeding Perineal care, especially if you required stitches The best natural and conventional methods to use for pain management What a peri bottle is and why you need one Postpartum belly issues and remedies including belly binding, abdominal massage, and getting your digestion back to normal The different causes of pelvic pain and discomfort, and how to know if what you’re feeling is normal All about mood disorders - both during and after pregnancy - and what to do about them The ins and outs of breastfeeding and our favorite resources What to expect from your newborn baby including breathing, bathing, umbilical cords, funky skin things, and more.   Resources/Products Mentioned in this Episode:  Sitz Bath  Earth Mama Angel Baby Postpartum Sitz Bath Herbs  Earth Momma Angel Baby Bottom Spray  Dermoplast Pain Relieving Spray Scar Away C-Section Scar Treatment Strips  Ibuprofen and turmeric supplements for postpartum pain Heating pad Peri Bottle  Bezwecken HemStad  Postpartum belly wrap  Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding by Ina May Gaskin The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding  Breastfeeding Made Simple  kellymom.com - amazing resource for all things breastfeeding! Latch Assist  Nipple Shield  Boppy Nursing Pillow  My Breast Friend Breastfeeding Pillow Nursing pads  Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream  Earth Momma Angel Baby Nipple Butter  Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads for Sore Nipples  Medela Soft Shells for Sore Nipples  Information on mastitis from KellyMom     Did you like this episode? Please subscribe, rate, review and share! ---  The Birth Kweens get down to the nitty gritty of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and women’s health. For more from us, visit birthkweens.com. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

In the final episode in our series on preparing for your birth, we go over how to prepare for the postpartum period and what to expect once your baby is outside of your body!   Here’s what we covered:   <ul> <li>What’s normal and what’s not when it comes to postpartum bleeding</li> <li>Perineal care, especially if you required stitches</li> <li>The best natural and conventional methods to use for pain management</li> <li>What a peri bottle is and why you need one</li> <li>Postpartum belly issues and remedies including belly binding, abdominal massage, and getting your digestion back to normal</li> <li>The different causes of pelvic pain and discomfort, and how to know if what you’re feeling is normal</li> <li>All about mood disorders - both during and after pregnancy - and what to do about them</li> <li>The ins and outs of breastfeeding and our favorite resources</li> <li>What to expect from your newborn baby including breathing, bathing, umbilical cords, funky skin things, and more.</li> </ul> Resources/Products Mentioned in this Episode: <ul> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2zlNMZZ" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sitz Bath</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2zof0kO" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Earth Mama Angel Baby Postpartum Sitz Bath Herbs</a> </li> <li>E<a href="http://amzn.to/2Ao2QGl" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">arth Momma Angel Baby Bottom Spray</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2zmDGrA" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dermoplast Pain Relieving Spray</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2AoY2Rf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Scar Away C-Section Scar Treatment Strips</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2hOl4cB" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ibuprofen</a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/2znYC1n" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">turmeric supplements</a> for postpartum pain</li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2hhGba9" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Heating pad</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2znNCBj" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Peri Bottle</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2hjpTgW" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Bezwecken HemStad </a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2ArLDff" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Postpartum belly wrap</a> </li> <li><a href="fresno.ucsf.edu/pediatrics/downloads/edinburghscale.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2ybrrNc" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ina May’s Guide to Breastfeeding</a> by Ina May Gaskin</li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2ybsrRs" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2hObMx4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Breastfeeding Made Simple</a> </li> <li><a href="http://kellymom.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">kellymom.com</a> - amazing resource for all things breastfeeding!</li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2yCfHHQ" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Latch Assist </a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2zDeHU8" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Nipple Shield</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2zBXo5T" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Boppy Nursing Pillow</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2yaXA7F" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">My Breast Friend Breastfeeding Pillow</a></li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2zobF2W" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Nursing pads</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2zDd1Ka" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2zm1yLV" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Earth Momma Angel Baby Nipple Butter</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2yb4XvE" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Lansinoh Soothies Gel Pads for Sore Nipples</a> </li> <li><a href="http://amzn.to/2znBxvW" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Medela Soft Shells for Sore Nipples </a></li> <li><a href="https://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/recurrent-mastitis/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Information on mastitis</a> from KellyMom </li> </ul> Did you like this episode? Please subscribe, rate, review and share! ---  The Birth Kweens get down to the nitty gritty of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and women’s health. For more from us, visit <a href="http://birthkweens.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">birthkweens.com</a>. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 6: The Postpartum Period: When Everyone is Wearing a Diaper! 

Nicole Morales

Nicole Morales, LM, CPM is a home birth midwife, Approved Spinning Babies Trainer, and Certified Birthing From Within Mentor from San Diego, CA. You may remember her from her episode 72 on breech birth. We invited her back to the show to talk with us about the childbirth prep method Birthing From Within. We hope you enjoy! Also, if you're located in San Diego and you're looking for a local BFW mentor, check out http://birthingfromwithinsandiego.com.   --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

<a href="http://www.artofopening.com/about.php" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Nicole Morales, LM, CPM</a> is a home birth midwife, <a href="http://www.artofopening.com/spinning-babies.php" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Approved Spinning Babies Trainer</a>, and <a href="http://www.artofopening.com/classes.php" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Certified Birthing From Within Mentor</a> from San Diego, CA. You may remember her from her <a href="https://www.birthkweens.com/ep-72-breech-birth-with-nicole-morales-lm-cpm/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">episode 72</a> on breech birth. We invited her back to the show to talk with us about the childbirth prep method <a href="https://birthingfromwithin.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Birthing From Within</a>. We hope you enjoy! Also, if you're located in San Diego and you're looking for a local BFW mentor, check out <a href="http://birthingfromwithinsandiego.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://birthingfromwithinsandiego.com</a>.   --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a rel="noopener">birthkweens@gmail.com </a>with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 99: Birthing From Within with Nicole Morales, LM, CPM

Jessica Yahfoufi shares her two birth stories with us on this episode of Birth Kweens. Jessica lives in San Diego with her husband and their kids. She gave birth to their daughter Francesca in a hospital-based birth center in January 2015. Their son Leo was born in September 2017 in the backseat of the car after a fast and furious 2 hour labor. Jessica shares candidly about the intensity and beauty of natural birth, the challenges of transitioning into the role of a stay-at-home mom, and how her two birth experiences have shaped her. You can find the Super Sibling Activity Book that Jessica mentions on Amazon. Support our sponsor!Order your own FemmyCycle menstrual cup today by going to www.FemmyCycle.com/BirthKweens and entering the code “kweens” at checkout. You get 10% off your order plus free shipping! YAS KWEEN! --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click here so that you can support the show while doing you’re regular Amazon shopping!

Jessica Yahfoufi shares her two birth stories with us on this episode of Birth Kweens. Jessica lives in San Diego with her husband and their kids. She gave birth to their daughter Francesca in a hospital-based birth center in January 2015. Their son Leo was born in September 2017 in the backseat of the car after a fast and furious 2 hour labor. Jessica shares candidly about the intensity and beauty of natural birth, the challenges of transitioning into the role of a stay-at-home mom, and how her two birth experiences have shaped her. You can find the <a href="https://amzn.to/2GIGdi9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Super Sibling Activity Book</a> that Jessica mentions on Amazon. Support our sponsor!Order your own FemmyCycle menstrual cup today by going to <a href="http://www.femmycycle.com/BirthKweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.FemmyCycle.com/BirthKweens</a> and entering the code “kweens” at checkout. You get 10% off your order plus free shipping! YAS KWEEN! --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click <a href="https://amzn.to/2Jm6W6j" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> so that you can support the show while doing you’re regular Amazon shopping!

Ep 38: Big Babies & Backseat Deliveries: Jessica's Birth Stories

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Sign up for a subscription with Ritual Vitamins today! Get your daily multivitamin or prenatal delivered right to your door by visiting Ritual.com/kweens. Use the promo code KWEENS at checkout for 10% off during your first 3 months! --- In this episode we’re talking about the amazing PLACENTA! Here’s an overview of what we cover, including the various resources we refer to:  The general structure and function of the placenta Great article with in-depth explanation of the structure of placenta, including how/when it develops, blood flow patterns, etc. When in pregnancy that the placenta develops Typical size and various shapes of placentas Info about the umbilical cord – size, length, insertion into the placenta, abnormalities, etc. Info about circumvallate placentas Info about circummarginate placentas A good visual aid to see the difference between normal, circumvallate, and circummarginate placentas Where the placenta can implant in to the uterus Article from Spinning Babies about how an anterior placenta may impact fetal position Delivery of the placenta – when, how, what it usually feels like, and what to do if there are issues with this part of the birth Article about the different approaches to managing the third stage of labor (aka the delivery of the placenta) Issues with the placenta, including placenta previa, placental abruption, retained placenta, and abnormalities of implantation (i.e. accreta, increta, percreta) Signs of placental aging and what you can do to keep yours healthy Article on placenta encapsulation from Evidence Based Birth  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click here so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Sign up for a subscription with <a href="http://www.ritual.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ritual Vitamins</a> today! Get your daily multivitamin or prenatal delivered right to your door by visiting <a href="http://ritual.com/KWEENS" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Ritual.com/kweens</a>. Use the promo code KWEENS at checkout for 10% off during your first 3 months! --- In this episode we’re talking about the amazing PLACENTA! Here’s an overview of what we cover, including the various resources we refer to: <ul> <li>The general structure and function of the placenta</li> <li>Great <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53254/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">article</a> with in-depth explanation of the structure of placenta, including how/when it develops, blood flow patterns, etc.</li> <li>When in pregnancy that the placenta develops</li> <li>Typical size and various shapes of placentas</li> <li>Info about the umbilical cord – size, length, insertion into the placenta, abnormalities, etc.</li> <li>Info about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumvallate_placenta" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">circumvallate placentas</a></li> <li>Info about <a href="https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/circummarginate-placenta/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">circummarginate placentas</a></li> <li>A <a href="https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-the-Placenta.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">good visual aid</a> to see the difference between normal, circumvallate, and circummarginate placentas</li> <li>Where the placenta can implant in to the uterus</li> <li>Article from <a href="https://spinningbabies.com/learn-more/baby-positions/anterior-placenta/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spinning Babies</a> about how an anterior placenta may impact fetal position</li> <li>Delivery of the placenta – when, how, what it usually feels like, and what to do if there are issues with this part of the birth</li> <li><a href="https://www.cochrane.org/CD007412/PREG_delivering-placenta-third-stage-labour" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Article</a> about the different approaches to managing the third stage of labor (aka the delivery of the placenta)</li> <li>Issues with the placenta, including <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/placenta-previa/symptoms-causes/syc-20352768" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">placenta previa</a>, <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/placental-abruption/symptoms-causes/syc-20376458" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">placental abruption</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2704447/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">retained placenta</a>, and <a href="https://step2.medbullets.com/obstetrics/121639/placenta-accreta" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">abnormalities of implantation</a> (i.e. accreta, increta, percreta)</li> <li>Signs of placental aging and what you can do to keep yours healthy</li> <li>Article on <a href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-on-placenta-encapsulation/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">placenta encapsulation</a> from Evidence Based Birth</li> </ul> --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click <a href="https://amzn.to/2Jm6W6j" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

Ep 95: All About Placentas

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Sign up for a Fab Fit Fun box today! Enter code KWEENS for $10 off your first box! --- In this episode we’re talking with Emily E. Little, Ph.D. all about babywearing/carrying. Emily completed her Ph.D. at University of California, San Diego in developmental psychology with a specialization in anthropogeny, which is the study of human origins. Her research program examines maternal-infant health behavior from a cultural and psychological perspective, focusing on the intersection of physical contact, breastfeeding, and communication. She has used her skills as a Certified Lactation Educator Counselor (CLEC) and a Volunteer Babywearing Educator (VBE) to conduct health outreach programs internationally, including lactation education programs for community health centers in Bolivia and Kangaroo Mother Care training programs for maternal health centers in Guatemala.    Emily is the founder and director of the nonprofit organization Nurturely. She was inspired to start Nurturely to promote increased collaboration between researchers, physicians, community health workers, and caregivers in conducting impactful, interdisciplinary research and implementing evidence-based outreach programs to support the health and development of infants and their caregivers.    Here's an overview of what’s covered in this episode:  Emily’s background and how she became interested in babywearing and infant attachment When/why research began on the topic How babywearing can positively impact preterm babies How babywearing is different in the US versus other cultural contexts The relationship between babywearing and infant feeding Emily’s current research projects Babywearing and infant development Babywearing and hip dysplasia How early you can start wearing your baby and how long you can continue A little info about different types of carriers Notes on babywearing safety Info about the work that Emily’s non-profit, Nurturely, is doing and how it ties into babywearing Some links to the resources that were mentioned in this episode:  Just one example of the cultural uniqueness of the US with regard to our relatively little amount of physical contact with infants: mothers in the US are in physical contact with 3- to 4-month-old infants for 18% of a 24-hour period in comparison with communities in Africa where mothers are in physical contact with infants 79%-99% of the time  Benefits of direct skin-to-skin contact for preterm/term infants in the hours immediately after birth (just a few of my favorites, definitely not an exhaustive list!): lower infant cortisol reactivity, decreased postpartum depression symptoms, increased infant alertness, improved infant motor and cognitive development, increased breastfeeding duration, decreased time to deliver the placenta, analgesic effects, improved sleep cycles, increased neural development, improved social engagement/reciprocity in childhood Benefits of babywearing/carrying (without direct skin-to-skin) in the months postpartum: increased likelihood of secure attachment to caregivers, decreased crying, associated with increased responsiveness to infant hunger cues, breastfeeding duration, connection to decreased incidence of hip dysplasia Connection between responsive feeding and childhood obesity and development of infant hunger cues (potentially also related to the responsiveness that is facilitated by direct breastfeeding versus bottle feeding, another cool study on this here)  Nurturely and link to donate if anyone wants to support more babywearing/breastfeeding research!   

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR! Sign up for a <a href="https://fabfitfun.com/get-the-box/?step=getbox#plan=fffvip" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fab Fit Fun</a> box today! Enter code KWEENS for $10 off your first box! --- In this episode we’re talking with <a href="https://nurturely.org/emily" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emily E. Little, Ph.D.</a> all about babywearing/carrying. Emily completed her Ph.D. at University of California, San Diego in developmental psychology with a specialization in anthropogeny, which is the study of human origins. Her research program examines maternal-infant health behavior from a cultural and psychological perspective, focusing on the intersection of physical contact, breastfeeding, and communication. She has used her skills as a Certified Lactation Educator Counselor (CLEC) and a Volunteer Babywearing Educator (VBE) to conduct health outreach programs internationally, including lactation education programs for community health centers in Bolivia and Kangaroo Mother Care training programs for maternal health centers in Guatemala.  Emily is the founder and director of the nonprofit organization <a href="https://nurturely.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nurturely</a>. She was inspired to start Nurturely to promote increased collaboration between researchers, physicians, community health workers, and caregivers in conducting impactful, interdisciplinary research and implementing evidence-based outreach programs to support the health and development of infants and their caregivers.  Here's an overview of what’s covered in this episode: <ul> <li>Emily’s background and how she became interested in babywearing and infant attachment</li> <li>When/why research began on the topic</li> <li>How babywearing can positively impact preterm babies</li> <li>How babywearing is different in the US versus other cultural contexts</li> <li>The relationship between babywearing and infant feeding</li> <li>Emily’s current research projects</li> <li>Babywearing and infant development</li> <li>Babywearing and hip dysplasia</li> <li>How early you can start wearing your baby and how long you can continue</li> <li>A little info about different types of carriers</li> <li>Notes on babywearing safety</li> <li>Info about the work that Emily’s non-profit, Nurturely, is doing and how it ties into babywearing</li> <li>Some links to the resources that were mentioned in this episode: <ul> <li>Just one example of the cultural uniqueness of the US with regard to our relatively little amount of physical contact with infants: <a href="http://anthro.vancouver.wsu.edu/media/Course_files/anth-000-barry-hewlett/cultevol.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">mothers in the US are in physical contact with 3- to 4-month-old infants for 18% of a 24-hour period in comparison with communities in Africa where mothers are in physical contact with infants 79%-99% of the time </a></li> <li>Benefits of direct skin-to-skin contact for preterm/term infants in the hours immediately after birth (just a few of my favorites, definitely not an exhaustive list!): <a href="http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:784698/FULLTEXT02" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">lower infant cortisol reactivity</a>, <a href="https://www.jognn.org/article/S0884-2175(15)31144-8/fulltext" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">decreased postpartum depression symptoms, </a><a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/110/1/16.full.pdf?casa_token=mF88_eixLggAAAAA:kLeIaWUN-Y560KhW1t-7wfTO63x2oQAFe5zDL73GHhrlWXvtMEMrlQ_bdvIKIgkCW7pNp79rxmA" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">increased infant alertness, improved infant motor and cognitive development,</a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3979156/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">increased breastfeeding duration</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19912138" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">decreased time to deliver the placenta</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29428919" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">analgesic effects</a>, <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/113/4/858" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">improved sleep cycles</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27965377" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">increased neural development</a>,<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/sode.12307" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> improved social engagement/reciprocity in childhood</a></li> <li>Benefits of babywearing/carrying (without direct skin-to-skin) in the months postpartum: <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/1130769.pdf?casa_token=RYSwLOZc6f4AAAAA:YhP57ZEh8YvSlxnvH0gFNoEnk1O3kgjHFzGcPmqZlZ4Esnhdd7v2AMdVdE5CzoJpDA1tbVTmJp4VDWUo89GhmEH8xsjCW8Bi8cdpMpdTspO6r-KTPfE" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">increased likelihood of secure attachment to caregivers</a>, <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/77/5/641.full.pdf?casa_token=n_bs7BW10bMAAAAA:cVIPhwPCPOU3UTl1OgSOHvGglMvsKdA6UXrx99t2TpeqwORLhNM-UqwkM4MOrtpul_m2isos6Lk" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">decreased crying</a>, associated with <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/9/1251" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">increased responsiveness to infant hunger cues</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22734604" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">breastfeeding duration</a>, connection to <a href="https://journals.lww.com/pedorthopaedics/Abstract/2015/01000/Back_carrying_Infants_to_Prevent_Developmental_Hip.11.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">decreased incidence of hip dysplasia</a></li> <li>Connection between r<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3040906/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">esponsive feeding and childhood obesity</a> and <a href="http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/104917/3/BlundellLookingforcues.pdf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">development of infant hunger cues</a> (potentially also related to the responsiveness that is facilitated by direct breastfeeding versus bottle feeding, another cool study on this <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25445988" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>)</li> <li><a href="https://nurturely.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Nurturely</a> and <a href="https://www.nurturely.org/donate/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">link to donate</a> if anyone wants to support more babywearing/breastfeeding research!</li> </ul> </li> </ul>

Ep 78: All About Babywearing with Emily E. Little, Ph.D.

Ali and Karly tackle the topic of birth plans in this episode of the podcast! Here’s an overview of what’s covered:  The definition of a birth plan, and why it’s probably better to think of it as a list of birth PREFERENCES instead of a plan Where to begin when putting together your birth preferences, including the importance of getting good prenatal education, choosing a supportive care provider, and having excellent support during labor (i.e. get a doula!) How to organize your birth plan, including things you might want to include about labor, birth, and the postpartum period Some tips for making a birth plan for a cesarean Why it’s so important to keep it short and sweet! Some things you probably DON’T need to include How to present your preferences to the staff at your birth place in a way that fosters communication and teamwork  --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to  iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click here so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

Ali and Karly tackle the topic of birth plans in this episode of the podcast! Here’s an overview of what’s covered: <ul> <li>The definition of a birth plan, and why it’s probably better to think of it as a list of birth PREFERENCES instead of a plan</li> <li>Where to begin when putting together your birth preferences, including the importance of getting good prenatal education, choosing a supportive care provider, and having excellent support during labor (i.e. get a doula!)</li> <li>How to organize your birth plan, including things you might want to include about labor, birth, and the postpartum period</li> <li>Some tips for making a birth plan for a cesarean</li> <li>Why it’s so important to keep it short and sweet!</li> <li>Some things you probably DON’T need to include</li> <li>How to present your preferences to the staff at your birth place in a way that fosters communication and teamwork</li> </ul> --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback. Also, be sure to click <a href="https://amzn.to/2Jm6W6j" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> so that you can support the show while doing your regular Amazon shopping!

Ep 52: All About Birth Plans

Ashley Wadleigh

Front

Ashley Wadleigh came on the show to share about the births of her two kids, Charlie and Elise. Both were planned hospital births, but after her experience with Charlie (unsupportive hospital, pressured into unnecessary interventions, etc.) Ashley took a whole different approach when preparing for Elise’s birth. She shares in depth about both experiences, including what it was like to go from a long, medicated hospital birth to a quick, unmedicated birth in the front seat of her car. We hope you enjoy this fun episode! --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay, and Spotify to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit www.BirthKweens.com to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the Birth Kweens Podcast Community, and email us at birthkweens@gmail.com with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ashley Wadleigh came on the show to share about the births of her two kids, Charlie and Elise. Both were planned hospital births, but after her experience with Charlie (unsupportive hospital, pressured into unnecessary interventions, etc.) Ashley took a whole different approach when preparing for Elise’s birth. She shares in depth about both experiences, including what it was like to go from a long, medicated hospital birth to a quick, unmedicated birth in the front seat of her car. We hope you enjoy this fun episode! --- If you liked this episode of the Birth Kweens Podcast, tell your friends! And go to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/birth-kweens/id1292475588?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/karly-nuttall/birth-kweens" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://player.fm/series/birth-kweens" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">GooglePlay</a>, and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/19lzOCOLnAL1aniCepGqVA" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> to rate/review/subscribe to the show. For more from us, visit <a href="http://www.birthkweens.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.BirthKweens.com</a> to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram @BirthKweens, join our Facebook group the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/171936860091846/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Birth Kweens Podcast Community</a>, and email us at <a href="mailto:birthkweens@gmail.com" rel="noopener">birthkweens@gmail.com</a> with your questions, suggestions and feedback.

Ep 107: A Medicated Birth and a Front Seat Baby: Ashley Wadleigh's Birth Stories

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