I interviewed Rebecca Dekker from Evidence Based Birth on April 13, 2020, for an expert interview bonus episode exclusive to our patreon listener supporters. We scheduled that interview months in advance before Coronavirus was on anyone’s radar in the U.S.
She was so generous to stick around for an extra conversation about the existing evidence/research around COVID-19 and I wanted to make sure that portion of the interview was available to our entire audience. Unfortunately, there’s not a ton of research on this novel coronavirus because it’s still so new but Rebecca is working overtime to keep her Coronavirus page up-to-date on Evidence Based Birth and I was so grateful for the insight she provided. I honestly felt more at ease after talking with her and I hope many of you will as well. Be sure to also check out Rebecca’s book, Babies Are Not Pizzas: They’re Born, Not Delivered!
Resources
Many of these links are referenced in the full bonus episode if you want to listen to the rest of our conversation as well as monthly interviews with other experts, you can become a listener supporter by going to Patreon.com/birthhour. If you can’t listen to the full episode, these are wonderful resources to check out.
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.
To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!
Katie has had three very different birth journeys delivering her babies. She delivered her first baby with midwives in a hospital and used an epidural to help her meet her baby girl, Elliette. For her second birth, Katie chose to have care through a birth center. After pushing for four hours, Katie transferred to a hospital to meet her second baby via c-section. Her second birth sparked her interest in becoming a birth doula, which she has been doing for the past two years.
Just recently, Katie met her third baby by delivering him unassisted in her car. Her birth with her son was fast and furious but turned out to be very peaceful even during this time of change and unease with COVID-19. Katie and her husband Eric were blown away and touched by the care they received from their midwife after they drove to the hospital. Their stay was safe and calm and more than they could’ve asked for.
Katie White Bio
Katie works as a birth doula and postpartum doula in Denver, Colorado with her company Denver Born. She graduated with a degree in nutrition from UNCO, Greeley and loves focusing her birth-work around nutrition, community and empowering women to love their births and stories no matter what journey they take.
Katie lives with her husband of 11 years, Eric and their three kiddos, Elliette (5), Kinsley (3) and Bennett (born March 28th). Their tribe loves to snowboard, camp and hike and be in the mountains.
You can connect with Katie via Instagram @kate_white or her doula page @denverborn. You can also find her doula website at www.denverborndoulas.com
Resources
The Birth Hour!!!
The VBAC Link Podcast
Birth Without Fear Book
Spinning Babies (especially the Three Sisters Exercises)
To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!
After a very early miscarriage, Melanie was surprised to find out she was expecting twins shortly after. She spent her pregnancy focusing on preparing for postpartum, both nutritionally and emotionally, and she struggled with SPD pain (Pelvic pain) and trying to decide on the best way to birth her girls. Towards the very end of her pregnancy, COVID-19 began to spread, adding a new layer of anxiety and uncertainty to Melanie’s birth and postpartum experience. She elected for a C section, which went incredibly well, and is now one-week postpartum.
Melanie Hadida
Melanie is a Canadian who’s been living in the North of the UK for 8 years. She’s a nutritional consultant and focuses primarily on Ayurvedic cooking, women’s hormonal health, and more recently, pre and postpartum nutrition. She also owns her own small, specialty food business. Connect with her on her Website: www.melaniehadidanutrition.com or on Instagram: @melaniehadida and @spiecandgreen
Podcasts: The Motherhood Sessions, Birth Hour, Informed Pregnancy Podcast, Twin Talks The BB Hug Me Pillow
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!
To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!
When Danielle and Sam conceived in early July, 2019, they didn’t realize the journey that was planned for their first child’s birth. The COVID-19 pandemic began to hit the US in force in early March, 2020, causing concern over the birth plan for Danielle’s March 28th due date. The original concerns were what many expecting parents currently worry about, “Will my partner or support-person be allowed in the room?” “Will my doula be allowed there?” However, on March 22nd, all those concerns changed.
Sam took a nap due to having a headache. His Apple Watch woke him up stating his heart rate was high (120-140bpm). Sam has a history of his heart beating too fast in a different rhythm so this was obviously concerning. Not wanting to, but knowing it had to happen, Danielle drove Sam to the ER and sat in the car in the parking lot, since visitors weren’t allowed while he was treated for dehydration to lower his heart rate. It was then when they discovered Sam had a fever; he was told they didn’t think he had COVID-19 but they did send out a viral panel for flus and other viruses. He was later released that night from the ER to go home.
Monday and Tuesday Sam didn’t feel great but didn’t feel too horrible (headache, low grade fever, fatigue). Tuesday, Danielle had a midwifery appointment and was the only one allowed in the office. She had a check and a membrane sweep (was 4cm, 70-80% effaced) and left to go home. On the way home, the hospital called and said all of Sam’s viral panel results came back negative and it was being sent out for a COVID-19 test. Danielle’s heart sunk.
Wednesday, March 25th in the evening, the dreaded call came; Sam tested positive for COVID-19. Hours of phone calls later to the midwife on call and Danielle’s doula, there were a few plans in place. Plan A: Keep the baby in until 41 weeks when Sam would be off quarantine. Plan B: Sam would be unable to be at the birth and Danielle’s doula would stay with her the whole time for their hospital stay. Well, the baby didn’t cooperate with Plan A because on March 26th around 4:30am, Danielle went into labor. She labored at home from 4:30am until 3:45pm on the 26th managing contractions and having Sam support with pressure on her lower back and changing positions regularly.
After a call with their doula, it was suggested to head to the hospital as contractions were one on top of the other and very painful. Sam drove Danielle to the hospital where he dropped her off at the front door. Danielle was met by her doula and nurse with a mask to wear because Danielle was presumed positive for COVID-19 since Sam was also positive. Danielle’s labor continued in a negative pressure, isolation room in the labor and delivery unit with everyone caring for her and baby in full personal protective equipment. It was during this time that the pediatric provider on call had to provide information on why it was recommended mom and baby be separated at birth. Danielle and Sam declined this and a waiver was signed.
Sam was present for the labor and delivery via FaceTime. Danielle continued to labor in the tub and then moved to the bed. She labored unmedicated through it being time to push (around 12:00am on March 27th). Danielle pushed from 12:30am until 2:32am when baby was born. Danielle and Sam didn’t know the sex before so it was then announced that their baby was a girl, named Eleanor. Danielle and Eleanor stayed in the hospital for a little over 28 hours until being released home. Sam picked Danielle and Eleanor up and met his daughter in person for the first time. They’re now recovering at home, riding out the isolation period for COVID-19.
Danielle Stone Bio
Danielle is a 28 year old living in the Springfield, Massachusetts area. She works full time as a Program Director for a community mental health agency in the mental health crisis division. Danielle is married to Sam, 29, from Retford, England. Sam works as a director at a local child care agency. Danielle and Sam met at summer camp in 2014, dating long distance for about one year, and Sam moving to America in September, 2015 to study his masters degree. The couple got engaged in August, 2016 and married in October, 2018. They now live together with their new baby, Eleanor (10 days old on April 6, 2020), Dog – Harley, and Cat – Ash. Connect with her on Facebook: Danielle Stone, via Instagram: @Danielle.EK.Stone or by Email: DanielleEKStone@gmail.com
Part I of 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!
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.
To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!
Kristen Seward’s First Hand Account Giving Birth During COVID-19
Kristen went into birth thinking it would look a lot like her previous birth— in a hospital, with midwives and a doula, and pain-medication free. However, after her 38 week appointment, the U.S. coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions went into place and she had to adjust her expectations and plans for birth. Connect with Kristen in our listener-supporters’ Facebook group by joining here.
Today’s episode is sponsored by Ergobaby. Founded in 2003, Ergobaby is dedicated to building a global community of confident parents with smart, ergonomic solutions that enable and encourage bonding between parents and babies. Ergobaby offers a broad range of award-winning baby carriers, strollers, swaddlers, nursing pillows, and related products that fit into families’ daily lives seamlessly, comfortably, and safely. At the end of today’s episode I spoke to Kelly all about the new Embrace carrier from Ergobaby.
To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!
Ndeya and her wife, Kourtney, knew even before they were expecting that they wanted to have a home birth. After a simple IUI in January 2018, they were pregnant! Armed with knowledge and the support of her wife and fabulous midwives, Ndeya went into labor and birth feeling confident and excited. After 20 hours of early labor, 10 hours of active labor and 25 minutes of pushing (in a squat) their daughter, Aminah, was born, in the middle of their living room.
Ndeya Snow Bio
Ndeya is a queer woman of color who works in the San Francisco Bay Area creating learning and development programming at a local non-profit. When she’s not at work she enjoys singing all the high notes in her community choir, crocheting granny squares, and singing silly songs with her wife and daughter. Connect with her via her Blog: ndeyasnow.com or on Instagram: @ndeyaloves.
Crate and Kids
This episode of The Birth Hour is sponsored by Crate and Kids. Crate and Kids believes in rooms that welcome little ones and their grown-ups. Ready for each stage of childhood, their inspiring, versatile designs celebrate your family’s unique way of living, and help make yours a creative home to grow in.
Use code TheBirthHour10 at checkout to receive 10% off your full-price purchase of Kids furniture and more at crateandkids.com. It’s valid online only, and some exclusions apply, so see their website for details.
Kimberly Mace and Matthew Mace began dating when they were 38 and 40 years old. About a year later they committed to each other and planned to have a family. After nine months of trying to conceive, and with a diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve, they proceeded with their first unsuccessful fertility treatment: intrauterine insemination (IUI). When Kim was 40 years old, they underwent three rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF) consisting of three egg retrievals followed by four embryo transfers, with a total of 10 embryos. Three embryo transfers resulted in negative pregnancy tests, and one in a chemical pregnancy, which terminated around 6 weeks gestation. Despite the heartbreak, Kim and Matt were inspired by a friend’s experience with egg donation. About two months after their last unsuccessful embryo transfer, Kim was pregnant with Matt’s baby, using a frozen donor egg. Every parameter of this pregnancy was strong and healthy!
Jacob was born at 40 weeks 2 days gestation, when Kim was 42 years old. They hoped to have an unmedicated birth in a hospital, assisted by their doula, Melissa. Labor started around 11 pm on Friday night, and Kim was 8 cm dilated by 8 am Saturday morning. However, her progress plateaued and at 5:30 pm Saturday evening, she was still only 9 cm dilated, and Jacob was in a posterior position. Kim’s contractions were coming fast, she was tired, and requested an epidural. Once the epidural was placed around 6 pm, they all rested, and Melissa positioned Kim on a peanut ball to help turn the baby and labor down. At 11 pm Kim started pushing and Jacob was born at 11:52 pm Saturday night.
Now Jacob is a happy, healthy and talkative seven-month old! Kim and Matt will forever be grateful to their egg donor, doctors, doulas, and support from family and friends to make their journey to parenthood possible. Kim, Matt and Jacob live in Atlanta, GA. Connect with Kim on Instagram @kemw28.
Resources
Support group: Parents Via Egg Donation (pved.org)
Book: Let’s Talk About Egg Donation, Marna Gatlin and Carole LieberWilkins
Doulas: TheAtlantaDoula.com
Podcasts: Beat Infertility, Heather Huhman; Birth Kweens, Karly Nuttall and Ali Feroah; Living Childfree with Erik and Melissa
IVFMEDS.com
Caraway
This episode is sponsored by Caraway Home. Caraway Home has a Cookware and bakeware set that all come in the most beautiful colors and all Caraway Home sets come equipped with easy-access storage solutions so that no stacking is required. It’s a modern & chemical-free version of the traditional 16-piece set, pared down to just four essentials: A Fry Pan, Sauté Pan, SaucePan, and a Dutch Oven with lids for everything plus a pretty and functional storage setup comes included with the set! Visit Carawayhome.com/BIRTHHOUR to take advantage of a limited-time offer for 10% off your next purchase.
Betterhelp
Today’s episode is also sponsored by Betterhelp. BetterHelp is online therapy that offers video, phone, and even live chat-only therapy sessions. I love that Betterhelp is so much more affordable AND convenient than in-person therapy. For many people the barrier to getting therapy is finding a therapist but with Betterhelp, you can be matched with a therapist in under 48 hour! Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/birthhour.
To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!
When Monique got pregnant she didn’t have a lot of information on birth. She only knew that it was her desire to have a vaginal birth. At 34 weeks she decided to switch from having a hospital birth to a homebirth. Labor started at 38w6d, but contractions were only lasting 35 seconds on average. Waiting for them to reach the 1 minute mark, she almost waited too long to call the midwife, who arrived only 15 minutes before her baby was born.
Monique Lamhut Bio
Monique is a stay-at-home mom to her 2 year-old-daughter. She is from Brazil, but currently lives in The Netherlands where she just finished her doula training. Connect with her via email at lamhutm@gmail.com
Today’s episode was sponsored by Grove Collaborative. Join over 2 million families who have shopped Grove Collaborative to buy products that are good for their homes, their family, and the environment. Make your home more sustainable this year. Now for a limited time when my listeners go to Grove.co/birthhour, you’ll get a FREE FIVE PIECE set from Grove so you can swap out plastic in an easy way. Plus, you’ll get free shipping AND a free 60-day VIP trial!
To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!
Danielle Edwards was arrested for a parole violation related to drug charges and sentenced to prison while pregnant with her daughter. In this episode she shares her experience with being pregnant while incarcerated, giving birth without any family support, and the physical and emotional toll of recovering from childbirth while in prison and separated from her baby. I was connected with Danielle for this interview by the Executive Director of Motherhood Beyond Bars, a non-profit organization that offers services to pregnant and postpartum women in prison in the Atlanta area.
Motif Medical
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.
Patreon Member
Become a listener supporter and gain access to archived episodes, a private Facebook community, and bonus content each month! This month we featured Amy Ard of Motherhood Beyond Bars, an organization that supports pregnant and postpartum women in prison.
To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!
Bekah and her boyfriend discovered they were pregnant after 3 short months of dating, and struggled to navigate their new roles as partners and future parents throughout an otherwise uneventful pregnancy. She prepared as much as possible for the birth; researching, reading, taking birth and breastfeeding classes, hiring a doula, listening to and watching birth stories constantly, and seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist. Bekah planned for an unmedicated experience at a local birth center with midwives.
At 40 weeks + 2 days she went into early labor on the night of Thursday, January 31st. Early labor continued throughout Friday until nightfall, when active contractions began to kick into gear. Bekah continued to labor at home with her mother by her side late into the night with little contact or support from her doula. Very early in the morning on Saturday, February 2nd, they headed to the birth center with Bekah dilated to 9cm. After a few hours of difficult pushing, Ruth Ray De La Luz Leonard was born into the water and world at 10:14am.
Despite feeling somewhat prepared, Bekah experienced a rough first few weeks of postpartum healing and baby blues, which she found harder than the birth itself. She hopes that others can educate themselves on the postpartum period and create a plan for support so that they can ease their transition into motherhood.
Bekah Martinez Bio
Bekah is a former reality TV star, podcast host of Chatty Broads, professional “instagrammer” (@Bekah), and 25-year-old mother. She loves sharing her journey through the ups and downs of navigating life, relationships and parenting. Bekah lives with her boyfriend and one-year-old daughter in Long Beach. They’re expecting baby #2 in June and planning for a home birth. Check out Bekah’s podcast, Chatty Broads.
Aeroflow Breastpumps 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!
To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!
Jackie and Albert tried for a year to get pregnant before they had a successful IVF transfer. Jackie had a pretty good pregnancy until the end when she had kidney stones and then the wild ride of the twins’ birth! 48 hours from beginning to end, baby A came vaginally on September 10th, and 15 hours later, baby B was born on September 11th from an emergency C section. The babies were in the NICU for about a week before they got to take them home and they are now happy and healthy!!
Jackie Laino Bio
Jackie lives in New Jersey and works at a medical device company as a Marketing Manager for the US Region. She is happily married to her husband, Albert, who is a solutions consultant and they’ve been married for three years. They have identical twin girls named Amelia and Shea, and a 90lb fur baby named Gus. You can follow their life with twins on Instagram @jakk__ & her husband @all_day_alay, or you can join her twins community @tipsfortwinning.
March of Dimes
Today’s episode was sponsored by March of Dimes. March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. They support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. March of Dimes is partnering with the CDC to generate awareness among women of childbearing age, families, and health care providers about things they can do to help prevent birth defects. At the end of this episode we’ll be discussing 5 main tips from March of Dimes and the CDC to help your baby have a strong start. You can also find out more at marchofdimes.org/TheBirthHour.
To listen to this episode, and hundreds more birth stories in The Birth Hour archives, join our listener supporter Patreon here!
Yoga teacher Brett Larkin wanted a natural homebirth (despite objections from her husband and family). As a compromise she and her husband decided on a plan for collaborative care, wanting to be prepared for both a hospital and a homebirth. Brett got more than she bargained for when her son arrived so quickly that she gave birth at home in her bathroom! Her midwife talked Brett and her husband through the birth on FaceTime while she drove to their house. The midwife arrived 15 minutes after the baby was born and cared for Brett and baby in the comfort of their bedroom.
Brett Larkin Bio
Brett’s an accredited RPYT prenatal yoga teacher at the highest level with Yoga Alliance. She also certifies other yoga teachers in prenatal yoga. Brett’s been practicing yoga for 16+ years, teaching for 10+ and has graduated over 600 yoga teachers in her Uplifted Yoga™ Teacher Trainings. Brett’s award-winning yoga Youtube channel has 5 million minutes watched a month and close to 300K subscribers. Prenatal yoga is a cornerstone of her offering. She’s also a mom to her beloved son, to whom she gave birth in October 2017. Connect with her on her website or via Instagram.
Today’s episode was sponsored by Grove Collaborative. Join over 2 million families who have shopped Grove Collaborative to buy products that are good for their homes, their family, and the environment. Make your home more sustainable this year. Now for a limited time when my listeners go to Grove.co/birthhour, you’ll get a FREE FIVE PIECE set from Grove so you can swap out plastic in an easy way. Plus, you’ll get free shipping AND a free 60-day VIP trial!
