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Giving Birth During COVID19 with Virtual Doula Support

Posted on June 11, 2020 - 4:00 am by
NYC covid birth victory

To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!

Liz moved to a new city just outside of NYC right before the Coronavirus outbreak really set it. It turned out that her new city, New Rochelle, was a hotspot for COVID19 and quickly earned the label of “containment zone.” Liz struggled through the end of her pregnancy with concerns about her husband not being allowed at her baby’s birth and with her being separated from their baby for 14 days if she tested positive for COVID19. Thankfully, neither of those things happened and Liz gave birth with the help of her doula virtually through FaceTime. Read more about her experience being pregnant in a containment zone at the beginning of the outbreak here.

virtual doula covid19

Liz Teich Bio

Liz is a New York based fashion stylist, lifestyle blogger, on-air style expert, and mom of two. Liz has been a professional commercial stylist for over a decade, styling fashion and home goods for print and digital advertising campaigns for major brands and retailers including Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Alex and Ani, Timberland, and Talbots. Through the campaigns she’s worked on she’s styled celebrities including Mike Tyson, Ashley Graham, and the cast of Stranger Things.

She has appeared as an on-camera style expert in campaigns for Magaschoni, Rent The Runway and White House Black Market, as well as a regular style & lifestyle expert for Fox5 New York. Liz has also appeared in, shared her style and lifestyle advice / written for Glamour Magazine, WomensHealth.com, BigCityMoms.com, AM New York, Mother.ly and Parents.

Styling bloggers for the TJMaxx “Maxxinista” campaign led Liz to launch her own blog and brand called The New York Stylist where she helps others live stylishly, covering fashion, motherhood, family, fitness, travel, beauty, home decor, and of course all things New York. Through her site, she has partnered with major brands including Rent The Runway, M.M. LaFleur, Aveda, Cybex, and Pampers to share some of her favorite products, services and styles.

After becoming a mom, Liz received many inquiries from moms around the country asking for help with their wardrobe. This led her to expand her business by incorporating personal styling to help moms learn how to dress for their new bodies and lifestyle while working with much of what they already have, and providing a focused approach to filling in what they may be missing.

Through her popular service “The Closet Cleanse”—whether in someone’s home or virtually—Liz has helped women achieve a well edited closet and clients tell her they’re saving money in the long run thanks to her expertise. One client remarked, “She really helped transform and declutter my post baby wardrobe. She’s like the gift that keeps on giving.”

You can find Liz on Instagram at @thenewyorkstylist and on her blog thenewyorkstylist.com

Kindred Bravely

Today’s episode is brought to you by Kindred Bravely.  From adorable maternity wear to comfortable nursing bras, this mom-owned company has you covered.  See all of their comfy clothing at kindredbravely.com! I especially love their Simply Sublime nursing tank, their high waisted leggings (for pregnancy AND postpartum), the comfy Jane pajamas, and their high waisted underwear! Listen to this episode for a special coupon code!

Unmedicated Hospital Birth & Struggling Postpartum

Posted on June 9, 2020 - 4:00 am by
unmedicated birth baby blues

To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!

Naria and her husband, Luther, received unexpected news of their first pregnancy in January 2019. Though unexpected, years of being exposed to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences through family and education had prepared Naria to make informed decisions about the birth experience she wanted. Alongside her husband, nurse-midwife, doula, and mother, Naria was able to experience the unmedicated vaginal birth she wanted as she welcomed her baby girl Samaria Eve Menard. During her postpartum period, Naria struggled greatly with baby blues and with her adequacy as a mother. The words of wisdom from her doula sustained her during her time of transition into motherhood: ‘Surrender to the process’.

Naria Josefina Menard Bio

Naria was born and raised in NYC to immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic. Her ethnicity as an Afro-Latina played a huge role in her upbringing and how she views the world around her. These cultural ideals shaped her decisions on her pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum experiences. She currently resides with her husband of almost four years and her beautiful 7-month-old daughter in South Florida. There, Naria serves as a teacher to 9th grade students while also working on completing her doula certification in hopes to be a voice for women of color in the birthing world and to further educate women of color on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. You can connect with Naria on Instagram @mamanarnar30 and on Facebook at ‘Naria Josefina Menard’.

Naria Josefina Menard

Resources

Battling Over Birth- Black Women and the Maternal Health Crisis.

Find a black midwife or doula – Sista Midwife

Resources and Support for Black Maternal Health

Posted on June 6, 2020 - 8:57 pm by
black maternal health

NPR reports that, “Black women in the United States are 243 percent more likely than white women to die of pregnancy or childbirth related causes. There’s evidence that shows this gap is caused by the “weathering” effects of racism. Weathering is a term coined for stress-induced wear and tear on the body.” This statistic is true across all socioeconomic classes because “it’s a type of stress for which education and class provide no protection.”

There are amazing organizations working to improve outcomes for Black birthing people and we’ve compiled a list of places you can learn more as well as offer your support. Please leave any additional organizations or resources in the comments and we will continue to update this post.

Photo by Mustafa Omar on Unsplash

Organizations Supporting Black Maternal Health

  • National Birth Equity Collaborative (https://birthequity.org/): Creates solutions that optimize Black maternal and infant health through training, policy advocacy, research and community-centered collaboration. Donate here. Follow on instagram @birthequity and facebook
  • The Black Maternal Health Caucus (https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov/Momnibus): Aims to raise awareness within Congress to establish black maternal health as a national priority and explore and advocate for effective, evidence-based, culturally-competent policies and best practices for health outcomes for black mothers.
  • The Blavatnik Family Women’s Health Research Institute (https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/womens-health): Optimizing quality of care for women across the life span and narrowing gaps in treatment and outcomes in underserved populations
  • ROOT, Restoring our own Through Transformation (https://www.roottrj.org/): Black women-led reproductive justice organization dedicated to collectively restoring our well-being through self-determination, collaboration, and resources to meet the needs of women and families within communities. Donate here
  • Black Women for Wellness: Black Women for Wellness has been working for over 20 years for maternal and infant health for Black women. Programs include nutrition education, chronic disease prevention, breast cancer support, reproductive justice, environmental justice, sexual health education, civic engagement and policy work.
Photo by Taylor Wright on Unsplash

Education and Community Resources

  • Mamas of Color Rising (https://mamasofcolorrising.wordpress.com/): A collective of working class and poor mothers of color around Austin, TX interested in organizing women/mamas of color around issues with accessing needs and building ideal community together. Donate here
  • Black Midwives Alliance Train and organize midwives to serve as advocates to address disparities in maternal health care that impact black birthing people. Central goal is to have a representative voice at the national level that clearly outlines and supports the various needs and interests of Black midwives.
  • My Brown Baby (http://mybrownbaby.com/): Providing service for those who need information and helping sort through the “beautiful struggle that comes with being black parents in America”. Follow on instagram @mybrownbaby and facebook
  • How does Racism Affect Pregnant Women and Babies?: (npr.org) video

Mental Health

Doula Education and Services for the Black Community

  • Sista Midwife Productions (https://www.sistamidwife.com/): Doula training and education for Black community. Follow on instagram @sistamidwife and facebook
  • National Black Doula Association (https://www.blackdoulas.org/): Overall mission is to help fight the Black Maternal Mortality rate in the U.S. and beyond, through education empowerment. Provides a professional business directory and resource for Black Doulas & Trainers in the childbirth industry.
  • The Black Doula Project: Providing free doulas to Black parents in DC and Baltimore. Donate here. Follow on instagram @blackdoulaproject
  • Why maternal outcomes are worse for Black women and what doulas are doing about it: (nyc lens) video

Articles/Reports

Books

Podcasts

  • Natal: A Docuseries about having a baby while Black in the United States.
  • Homecoming Podcast: At Homecoming, we address two myths: 1) Hospitals are the safest place to give birth and 2) Black families don’t birth at home. We broadcast how Black families birth in love and choose to birth at home, unassisted or with midwives.
  • Birth Stories in Color: Birth Stories in Color is a podcast for people of color to share their birthing experiences- a space that specifically celebrates, mourns with and supports people of color and their transformation through birth.
  • Sisters in Loss podcast: Sisters in Loss is dedicated to replacing silence with storytelling around pregnancy and infant loss and infertility of Black women.

Anti-Racist Books for Babies & Toddlers

Posted on June 3, 2020 - 11:01 pm by

If you’re wondering if it’s “too early” to introduce your kids to anti-racism, studies show kids notice race as early as preschool. And studies have shown parents’ silence on racism actually reinforces it. 

Unfortunately, according to a study just last year, 60% of parents rarely or never discuss race/ethnicity or social class with their children. 

Because books are a great place to start, our friends at LittleFeminist.com (a monthly diverse book club subscription) helped us curate a book list of anti-racist books for babies & toddlers. 

Here are 7 often-hard-to-find book categories that are as important as ever to make sure are represented on your family’s book shelf.

We have included amazon links for your convenience but encourage you to shop at these Black-owned book stores if you’re able. @blackpearlbooks @esowonbooks @mahoganybooks @braveandkindbooks @harrietts_bookshop @thelitbar @hakimsbookstore @semicolonchi

Read books about racism with your kids

  • Anti-Racist Baby (board book) – written by Ibram X. Kendi, a best selling anti-racist author and founding director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University, we are SO thrilled he wrote this must-have board book. 
  • Not My Idea (picture book) – written for white families to challenge their white privilege, there is no other children’s book like this, and it’s a must-read. Right now digital copies are being offered for FREE. 

Read books about Black rights & activism 

  • The Undefeated (picture book) – stunning poetry and illustrations highlight Black history and Black futures in this award-winning book. Understanding Black history is essential to understanding American history, and this book serves as a great tool for acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of African Americans. 
  • Let the Children March (picture book) – there are a handful of books written about the thousands of African American children that protested (and got assaulted…and arrested) in 1963 inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This one is our favorite. 

Read books that celebrate racial diversity 

  • Littles and How They Grow (board book) – this story lists the sweet and abundant ways we give love to our children. Black illustrator AG Ford beautifully depicts families across race, gender, and age spectrums. 
  • We Are Little Feminists: Hair (board book) – Little Feminist wrote this book specifically for families to talk about celebrating race & ethnicity at home. Photos of real families is accompanied by playful rhyming text that will make this a book your kids keep reaching for. Sold as a set of 3 on Amazon. Can be purchased separately on LittleFeminist.com/giftshop.

Read biographies of people of color, beyond athletes and musicians

  • Think Big, Little One (board book) – Black author & illustrator Vashti Harrison (we love her so much) shines light on powerful women of color. Her simple introductions to visionaries from around the globe prove educational to adults and children alike. 
  • Mae Among the Stars (picture book) – inspired by Mae Jemison, the first Black American to travel to space, this book encourages everyone to reach for the stars. Make sure to talk about racism with your kids when Mae’s white teacher discourages her dreams.

Enjoy fun fiction board books by Black authors about Black characters

  • Calling Dr. Zaza (board book) – your family is going to fall in love with Zaza, and (SCORE!) it’s a series. Showcase a strong, spunky, Black girl on your bookshelf! We picked this book to highlight because Zaza plays doctor in this story, and it leads to lots of fun imaginary play at home. 
  • Baby Goes to Market (board book) – the routine task of grocery shopping becomes a colorful adventure filled with joy, and delicious treats! Enjoy counting along as Baby and Mama work their way through a bustling West African market together.
  • Baby Says (board book) – a board book remake of a classic, we love this tender sibling relationship filled with small annoyances and big love. 

Read books about being bullied for being different

  • Sulwe (picture book) – a gorgeous tale about loving ALL of ourselves by Academy Award winner Lupita Nyongo. 
  • The Proudest Blue (picture book) – Hijabi gold-medal Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad brings authenticity to her own story of wearing a hijab at school. A powerful reminder that something as simple as showing up in the world observing your faith and heritage requires incredible bravery. 

Feature board books celebrating (and by) Indigenous Peoples

  • My Heart Fills with Happiness (board book) – with beautiful scenes reflecting Indigenous cultures, this book celebrates the simple joys of life.
  • May We Have Enough to Share (board book) – gorgeous photos all taken by Indigenous female photographers capture the spirit of gratitude. 

Read books celebrating all family structures & genders

We Are Little Feminists: Families (board book) – with photos of real families and rhyming text, this board book showcases different families with one thing in common: love. Let your kiddos wonder about gender pronouns and expressions as they observe the people on each page.

Love Makes a Family (board book) – beautiful metaphors highlight the emotional love and labor caregivers pour into families. We love the diverse family constellations which even highlight singlet parents and elder caregivers. 

Introducing Teddy (picture book) – we love how this book features gender identity and expression – it’s accessible to the toddlers and so heartwarming! Teddy and his friends show us what it looks like to be loved and accepted exactly as we are, regardless of gender, appearance or our favorite hobbies. 

Books that celebrate all bodies and abilities

  • Lovely (picture book) – there are so many bodies and intersecting identities celebrated in this book, every time we read it we discover something new we love. Jess Hong uses sparse words like ‘black’ and ‘white’ and ‘fancy’ and ‘sporty’ to highlight how all of our bodies are lovely. We love how the illustrations challenge our expectations!
  • We Are Little Feminists: On-the-Go (board book) – where are all the books featuring characters with disabilities as more than someone to pity or save? We have NO idea! So we published this book to feature as many kids with disabilities as possible moving in all sorts of ways.

This guest post was written by Brittany Murlas from Little Feminist Book Club. Hungry for more? Or want our help curating the best picks for your family? Join Little Feminist book club. Use code THEBIRTHHOUR for 15% off any Little Feminist subscription.

Planning a Hospital Birth with Midwives & Epidural

Posted on May 28, 2020 - 4:00 am by
hospital birth with midwives

To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!

Angela and Preston found out they were pregnant days after returning home from a vacation that Angela couldn’t manage to stay awake during. Angela’s pregnancy was pretty easy aside from a bout of pink eye and a sprained ankle.

Angela planned for a birth with hospital midwives. Her birth plan included an epidural and support from her partner who was a hospital employee. On March 3, 2018, her daughter Meadow was born.

Angela Damonte Bio

Angela is a working mom to her daughter Meadow. Angela and her partner Preston enjoy taking meadow on adventures near and far.

Resources

True Botanicals

Today’s episode was sponsored by True Botanicals. Go to TrueBotanicals.com/birthhour for 15% off!

Quick Labor, Long Pushing & Navigating PPD

Posted on May 26, 2020 - 4:00 am by 2
hospital birth PPD

To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!

Britt delivered her first baby in a hospital with a relatively quick labor, but a tough pushing stage that lasted nearly four hours. She reflects on the birth as a whirlwind from calm to grueling moments. Despite frustrations with hospital protocol and conventional OB care, she felt powerful and strong. 

Britt had an incredible birth high the moment her daughter was placed on her chest, but was soon blindsided by feelings of dread and despair when she developed symptoms of postpartum anxiety and depression. 

Britt talks about how breastfeeding helped her find some glimmers of happiness in very dark times and how the support of her partner, doctor, and medication, helped her come out on the other side of PPD feeling empowered and changed as a new mama.

Britt Watkins Bio

Britt is a part time public health service provider and part time stay at home mom to her two year daughter, Maya. Britt and her husband, Matt, live in upstate NY where they take full advantage of living near the Adirondack Mountains with hiking, skiing, camping, and traveling. Britt and Matt are also very excited to be expecting their second daughter in just a few short weeks.

Resources

Britax

Today’s episode is brought to you by Britax Child Safety, Inc. For over 50 years, Britax has been focused on safety you can trust from the very first day. They welcome new moms and dads to parenthood with award-winning car seats and strollers for every lifestyle while providing extra confidence for the journey ahead. At the end of today’s episode, I talk with Britax safety advocate, Sarah Tilton, all about Preparing for the First Ride Home. Learn more about Britax products and safety tips at us.britax.com.

Hospital Birth During Coronavirus & Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP)

Posted on May 21, 2020 - 4:00 am by
hospital birth during covid-19

To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!

Madeline and Justin found out they were pregnant after TTC for 2 months. She describes her pregnancy as smooth sailing until 26 weeks when she started noticing itching in her feet and entire body. After blood tests, she was diagnosed with Intrahepatic Cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). She made a plan to be induced at 39 weeks unless her bile acid levels rose above 40. The itching got more intense but the numbers never rose to above 10 (considered normal). She got her blood tested every 2 weeks, NSTs and BPPs weekly.

Her blood pressure was also starting to rise and would be around 135/90 which is slightly elevated. She tested for pre-eclampsia a few times but it was negative. At 37 weeks, the hospital she planned to deliver at announces plans to close the Labor & Delivery floor to make room for COVID-19 patients. Luckily, they didn’t have to do so. Since her BP was on the higher end her doctor decided to induce her a week early at 38 and 2 days. The induction would start at 6 pm on Sunday April 12. At 2am that morning, her water broke on its own, so they headed into the hospital earlier than expected. She was given Pitocin to augment the labor and chose to have an epidural. Jack was born at 10:52 pm Easter Sunday! 

Madeline Wrubel Bio

Madeline is married to Justin and mom to Jack, 2 weeks old. They live in a suburb of Detroit and she is a Manager of social media and marketing at a professional development company. She also runs the blog Young, Whole, and Hungry as well as @confessionsofthemodernmom Collaborative Instagram account.

Babylist

The people at Babylist believe that you should be able to get exactly what you need for your unique and growing family. That’s why their baby registry lets you add any item from any store. Even add cool services and favors like prenatal yoga, doula support, home-cooked meals or dog walking. Start your registry today to be eligible for a free Hello Baby Box of goodies for baby worth up to $190 while boxes last.

Unplanned Cesarean Birth After Induced Labor

Posted on May 18, 2020 - 4:00 am by 1
cesarean baby

To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!

Shannon went into the labor naturally, the day she was scheduled to be induced.  It was snowy outside and her husband timed contractions starting at 3 minutes, two minutes, then 90 seconds apart as they enjoyed walks, brunch, lunch, and labored at their favorite restaurant over dinner.

They texted family and friends with updates and were  giddy and nervous thinking thier baby boy may come within a few hours…they didn’t plan on a few days.

Shannon took a peaceful nap in her room and packed last minute items in her hospital bags. She still remembers laying in her quiet bedroom and feeling close and cozy. She went to the hospital and ended up having to stay the night because it had been several hours since her water broke.

Shannon labored through the night and as the sun rose the next morning. She and her husband walked around the hospital, outside, and even home because they lived ten minutes from the hospital. Shannon’s Sister, close friend Gina, and Mom came in the afternoon. They took turns rubbing her back, walking with her, using essential oils, and breathing along with her. They said she was doing an amazing job, they added more Beyonce to her playlists,  laughed and cried with her.  Shannon labored on.

Shannon used Nitros gas, the robozo, a birthing ball. She dialated, but not enough. She used Citotec to get contractions started, then pitosin, then the jacuzzi tub and finally, after 36 hours, an epidural.

Marcos, was as close to an extension of Shannon as a partner could be. He held her hand as she squeezed  through painful contractions. He counted with her, he made her a hospital mix with “Cheery Music.” He got into the tub and held Shannon  as she moaned in pain.  He whispered over and over that he loved her and was so proud of her  from the first hour and as they approached the end of the second day of labor. His words kept Shannon breathing and hopeful.

At hour 43, Shannon’s midwife held her hand, while Marcos held the other. She explained that while Shannon’s contractions were strong the baby was showing signs of distress in the birth canal. Shannon was not dilating and the risk of infection and further complications was increasing. The thing Shannon wanted to avoid was a c-section and the next step, for a safe delivery, was a c-section.

The surgeon sat by Shannon’s bed and with a bright and peppy voice listed off the risks that could occur during surgery, including the removal of my uterus or death and if yes, Shannon was giving permission to go ahead…umm…Sure!?

dad in OR cesarean

Shannon remembers having to take off her gold earrings and give them to her Sister and also  that she was SO thirsty. As they wheeled Shannon into the operating room she was shaking from the medication and Marcos held her shoulders still. She kept licking her lips and just wanting for it to be over so I could drink a gatorade. They pinched Shannon and asked ” Do you feel this Shannon?” She did. They said “Really?” Then they pinched further down… “Does this feel the same as this?” The two pinches felt the same. She felt the blade of the knife and it hurt. Eventually it numbed but it was more than a little pressure. Shannon just kept staring up at Marcos.  Then, quiet.

The baby was having trouble breathing. They were about to take him to the NICU and then… he took a big breath of air and was breathing on his own. No NICU. Shannon heard laughter and saw relief in Marcos’s eyes as he brought Shannon their baby.

Fitz had so much hair and they laid his body haphazardly on my chest while they finished stitching Shannon up. Shannon was shaking and when they laid him on her chest he calmed.  His feet and lips looked exactly like Marcos. Shannon remembers the Dr. saying “Shannon, we are just putting your uterus back.” She didn’t love this real time update but was relieved it was over and the baby was actually here. Shannon had started to doubt he would ever come out.

The sweetest moment was when they were wheeling Shannon and the baby into recovery. Shannon explains that her baby was nestled beside her and he confidently grabbed her fingers, like “we got this.”In that moment Shannon felt like they did it together, and they were fine. Shannon felt proud for bringing him here, and strong, and a huge cloud of relief surrounded her new little family. 

In the recovery room Marcos held the baby while Shannon rested. They had both been up over 46 hours at that point. Shannon heard grunting and movement like Marcos was trying to wrestle a bull or something. The baby wanted to nurse and was trying to latch onto Marcos. Marcos brought the baby over and his little body melted onto Shannon. He was instantly quiet. Marcos kept saying “Wow, that is what you were looking for. ”  He was looking for his Mama… and he found her.

cesarean skin to skin

Shannon McQueen Bio

Shannon works at a Startup in San Francisco and lives in Berkeley California with her husband Marcos and three year old son. Connect with her on Instagram @babywokemama and www.babywokemama.com.

Motif Medical

Part II of this episode was sponsored by Motif Medical. Motif designs insurance-eligible products for busy moms. With a focus on innovation and empowerment, Motif’s line of breast pumps and maternity compression garments are sophisticated, yet discreet, and made to support mothers as they navigate new motherhood. Discover why moms are reporting more milk in less time with the Luna breast pump, and see how you can get it covered through insurance at motifmedical.com/birthhour. 

Supportive and Positive Hospital Birth Experience After Bedrest in Pregnancy

Posted on May 14, 2020 - 4:00 pm by
hospital birth positive

To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!

During a very healthy, normal pregnancy, Karissa was unexpectedly sent to the hospital at 29 weeks with preterm contractions. They determined that she was not in labor and sent her home after a night of observation and medication to bedrest for the next five weeks. Dealing with ongoing contractions for weeks before delivery made it difficult to know when labor was truly beginning. But at 39 weeks Karissa went into labor on her own and delivered a healthy baby girl after 20 hours of laboring. She had an incredibly supportive and positive birth experience and is very grateful for the care she received from the midwife and nurses at the hospital.

Karissa Goding Bio

is Registered Nurse, currently stay at home mom with her one year old little girl, happily married to Carl, an electrical engineer working for the family business. They live in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Karissa is passionate about birth and supporting moms and babies! 

Kindred Bravely

Today’s episode is brought to you by Kindred Bravely.  From adorable maternity wear to comfortable nursing bras, this mom-owned company has you covered.  See all of their comfy clothing at kindredbravely.com! I especially love their Simply Sublime nursing tank, their high waisted leggings (for pregnancy AND postpartum), the comfy Jane pajamas, and their high waisted underwear! Listen to this episode for a special coupon code!

Induced Labor at the Hospital with Midwives

Posted on May 7, 2020 - 4:00 am by 1
hospital birth induction with midwives

To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!

After the ups and downs of early suspected pre-eclampsia, Emily went past her due date and started labor on her own. But after a high blood pressure reading and high protein in Emily’s urine screen, the hospital midwives thought it best to have her labor jump-started with an induction. After 20 hours, Emily was 6 cm dilated and her water broke with a laugh.

The midwife observed meconium in the water, which meant a little extra monitoring. After 24 hours of induction techniques and with the help of supportive nurses, midwife, and husband, Emily got an epidural. The subsequent 6 hours were calm, peaceful and relaxing as Emily labored in bed with a peanut ball.

After 30 minutes of pushing, Everleigh’s head was born. The midwife instructed Emily to stop pushing as she swiftly and gently removed the cord from around the baby’s neck: with one more push Everleigh was born. Despite fears from meconium, Everleigh cried right away and proved to be the strong, healthy baby girl Emily and her husband spent months praying for. Immediately after she was born, one of the delivery nurses excitedly exclaimed, “Wow she has such long toes!”

Emily Slyter Bio

Emily and her husband, Chase, live in Colorado and enjoy all it has to offer! They are new parents to a chubby-cheeked 7-month-old, Everleigh Grace, and are long-time dog parents to Dolly & Reba.

Aeroflow Breastpumps

This episode was sponsored by Aeroflow Breastpumps. Aeroflow has helped thousands of new and expecting moms find the perfect pump for her lifestyle. They offer all major pump brands including Medela, Spectra, Motif, Lansinoh, Ameda and more. And the best part, they take care of everything – including getting all required paperwork, dealing with your insurance company, and explaining your options in order to get your free pump shipped straight to your door. 

Bonus — you may also qualify for free maternity compression garments like compression socks, maternity support band, and a postpartum recovery garment PLUS breast pump resupply products ranging from new bottles, tubing, and flanges to duck valves and pump membranes. 

All you have to do is go to the Aeroflow Breastpumps website and fill out their free and easy Qualify Through Insurance form. Be sure to go to aeroflowbreastpumps.com/birthhour so they will know I sent you!  

Twin Birth at 34 Weeks + NICU Stay

Posted on May 5, 2020 - 4:00 am by
twin birth forceps

Laura and her husband got pregnant the first month they tried, then were shocked to discover that it was twins! Her pregnancy was pretty easy aside from a subchorionic hematoma in the first trimester. Laura was able to continue with midwife-led care and was planning to give birth at a local hospital without a NICU as long as she reached 35 weeks gestation before giving birth. That went out the window when her water broke at 33 weeks. She was transferred to an academic medical center with a NICU, and spent a week in the hospital receiving antibiotics; at 34 weeks, she had her labor induced. The induction was long and difficult, and she ended up delivering both babies vaginally but with forceps. 

Lola and Phoebe spent 2 weeks in the NICU/Continuing Care Nursery until they could maintain their body temperature and take feedings from bottles. Laura had really wanted to breastfeed, although knew that with twins there were many possible challenges. She pumped exclusively for the first several weeks, then worked on getting the babies to latch. Lola transitioned to breastfeeding at 2.5 months, but Phoebe didn’t start breastfeeding until 5 months!  Laura is really glad that breastfeeding worked out, but also realizes that it was only possible because of the many supports she had, including a long parental leave.

Laura Attanasio Bio

Laura is a faculty member in public health whose research focuses on quality and equity in maternity care. She and her husband, Adam, have fraternal twin girls, a dog, and two cats. They live in Western Massachusetts.

Successful ECV for Breech Baby & Two Hospital Birth Stories

Posted on April 23, 2020 - 4:00 am by 1
ECV breech baby

To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!

Gabey’s relatively easy pregnancy with her first child hit some trouble when the baby stubbornly stayed in breech position. An external cephalic version at 37 weeks was very intense but luckily successful on the third try. Their daughter Inez came a week early, and labor was fast – about 8 hours start to finish. As a first timer, Gabey was in denial about her labor progression until the very end, which is why her baby was born right into the hospital toilet – unattended except for her husband! Gabey’s second child, a boy, was even faster. She managed to give birth on the hospital bed that time.

Gabrielle Cosel

Gabrielle lives in Washington DC with her husband Luke, daughter Inez (3) and son Eamonn (6 months). Gabey works at the FDA on drug quality issues, and Luke is at the State Department. Outside of work Gabey loves to garden, cook, and make art. Her biggest struggle is making time for all the things she wants to do juggling work and two small kids. She loves the birth hour podcast and binge listened before both of her births.

Britax

Today’s episode is brought to you by Britax Child Safety, Inc. For over 50 years, Britax has been focused on safety you can trust from the very first day. They welcome new moms and dads to parenthood with award-winning car seats and strollers for every lifestyle while providing extra confidence for the journey ahead. At the end of today’s episode, I spoke with Britax safety advocate, Sarah Tilton, all about Preparing for the First Ride Home. Learn more about Britax products and safety tips at us.britax.com.