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Discover the pivotal elements that can unexpectedly turn a birth experience from joyful to challenging. On this episode of The Ordinary Doula Podcast, we draw on a wealth of insights from my 20 years as a seasoned doula and the compelling data from a comprehensive 15-year retrospective survey. We unravel the mystery behind why 60% of surveyed clients found lengthy labor to be a major hurdle, often catching expectant parents off guard. With labor sometimes stretching on for days, even the most prepared individuals might find their birth plans shifting dramatically as time progresses and fatigue sets in.

But what about the unseen dynamics in the delivery room? Forty percent of respondents pointed to their interactions with nurses as another significant influencer of their birth experiences. As a doula, I've witnessed firsthand how nurses tread the complex line between hospital policies and patient advocacy, which can sometimes lead to tension. I share strategies for expectant parents to navigate these interactions, potentially transforming what could be a stressful situation into a more empowering and supportive one. Join me as we explore these crucial topics, offering fresh perspectives and practical advice to help you and your partner prepare for a more positive birth journey.

Visit our website, here: https://birthlearning.com/
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Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier
Music: Michael Hicks
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood
Producer: Gillian Rosier
Voiceover: Ryan Parker

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Ever wondered what truly makes a birth experience empowering and memorable? Join The Ordinary Doula Podcast as we uncover the key factors that contribute to positive childbirth experiences, backed by insights from over 200 clients. Discover why a staggering 93% of respondents highlight the indispensable role of a doula, and how partner participation and effective communication can transform the birthing journey.

Through Angie’s lens of 20 years in a bustling doula practice, this episode sheds light on the gaps within hospital systems and the vital role doulas play in bridging those gaps. Engage with the stories of empowerment, where the synergy between doulas, partners, and communication unlocks the potential for remarkable birth experiences. Whether you're an expectant parent, a birth professional, or a birth story enthusiast, Angie's exploration offers invaluable perspectives on shaping empowering birth journeys.

Visit our website, here: https://birthlearning.com/
Follow us on Facebook at Birth Learning
Follow us on Instagram at @birthlearning

Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier
Music: Michael Hicks
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood
Producer: Gillian Rosier
Voiceover: Ryan Parker

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Unlock the transformative power of touch during labor and birth in our latest episode of The Ordinary Doula Podcast. Discover how a simple gesture can provide profound physical and emotional comfort to birthing individuals. With insights from a personal story, we unravel the contrasting dynamics of touch in delivery rooms, where clinical professionals often focus on tasks over tenderness. Learn how partners and doulas provide vital support through techniques like counter pressure and massage, creating a supportive environment founded on trust and consent.

Explore effective laboring touch techniques that enhance the birthing experience. We journey through areas of the body where touch can offer significant relief, from firm contact on the sacrum and pelvis to the soothing strokes of effleurage on the upper back. Delve into the subtle art of using touch as an emotional connector, where gestures like a gentle forehead touch or a reassuring handhold can mean the world. This episode is a masterclass in reading body language and adapting to changing touch preferences, empowering partners and support persons to make touch a purposeful and compassionate tool during labor.

Visit our website, here: https://birthlearning.com/
Follow us on Facebook at Birth Learning
Follow us on Instagram at @birthlearning

Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier
Music: Michael Hicks
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood
Producer: Gillian Rosier
Voiceover: Ryan Parker

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Unlock numbers with me, as we promise to reveal what two decades of doula work have taught about the birthing journey. Ever wondered how emotional and physical factors intertwine to shape labor experiences? Get ready to uncover the diverse tapestry of birth stories, supported by a wealth of data I've meticulously gathered over 15 years. With clients ranging from 18 to 44 years old and labor support stretching from 30 minutes to 47 hours, this episode illuminates the unique paths each birthing individual takes. We'll celebrate the vibrant diversity of birthing experiences and discuss strategies to enhance the support doulas can provide.

We'll explore everything from the implications of fetal positioning on labor length to the nuances of hospital policies, particularly those involving vaginal exams. Discover how my doula team tackles the challenge of extended labors and why the estimated blood loss after birth is a crucial aspect of care. Whether you're a parent, a future parent, or simply curious about the world of birth support, this episode promises to enrich your understanding of the pivotal role doulas play in empowering birth experiences.

Visit our website, here: https://birthlearning.com/
Follow us on Facebook at Birth Learning
Follow us on Instagram at @birthlearning

Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier
Music: Michael Hicks
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood
Producer: Gillian Rosier
Voiceover: Ryan Parker

Send us a text

What if your breastfeeding journey took an unexpected turn, even after a successful experience with your first child? This episode of The Ordinary Doula Podcast uncovers such real-life stories of breastfeeding challenges that many parents face. First, we venture into the world of a mother navigating unforeseen difficulties with her second baby, despite having nursed her first one seamlessly. Her story emphasizes the unpredictability of breastfeeding and the importance of persistence, as she witnesses her newborn's weight loss and undergoes medical evaluations. We also explore the intricacies of breastfeeding a newborn with a tongue tie, shedding light on how collaborative care and maintaining energy levels can lead to successful outcomes.

We conclude our discussion with warm well wishes and an invitation to spread kindness in your communities. Can't wait to connect with you again soon on The Ordinary Doula Podcast.

Visit our website, here: https://birthlearning.com/
Follow us on Facebook at Birth Learning
Follow us on Instagram at @birthlearning

Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier
Music: Michael Hicks
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood
Producer: Gillian Rosier
Voiceover: Ryan Parker

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Discover how craniosacral therapy can be a game-changer for your baby's health and well-being with our special guest, Meaghan Beames, a registered massage therapist and craniosacral therapist from Toronto, Canada. Join us as Meaghan shares her vast experience in treating newborns and addressing birth-related trauma early on. Learn how simple, gentle techniques can alleviate common issues such as feeding challenges, colic, and flat head syndrome, and potentially prevent long-term problems like speech delays and migraines. Meaghan emphasizes the importance of early intervention, starting as soon as 36 weeks in the NICU, but also reassures parents that it’s never too late to see improvements.

In this enriching conversation, Angie Rosier, your host, explores the vital benefits of craniosacral therapy with Meaghan, highlighting its role from pregnancy through the postpartum period. Meaghan provides actionable advice on when to seek craniosacral therapy, whether for preemies or full-term babies, and demonstrates how early treatment can lead to significant improvements in a baby's overall well-being. Tune in to gain empowering knowledge and practical tips that could make a world of difference for both moms and their little ones.

Please excuse the neighbor's dogs, they love this topic.

Guest: Meaghan Beames, RMT, CST
Website: https://www.beamescst.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beamescst/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beamescst

Visit our website, here: https://birthlearning.com/
Follow us on Facebook at Birth Learning
Follow us on Instagram at @birthlearning

Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier
Music: Michael Hicks
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood
Producer: Gillian Rosier
Voiceover: Ryan Parker

Send us a text

What if a gentle touch could transform your pregnancy and birth experience? Join us as we unlock the secrets of craniosacral therapy with Meaghan Beames, a seasoned registered massage therapist and craniosacral therapist from Toronto, Canada. Discover how this powerful yet delicate therapy can alleviate common pregnancy discomforts, optimize baby positioning, and even boost fertility. Meaghan brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, explaining how past injuries and traumas can impact pelvic alignment and overall pregnancy health, and how craniosacral therapy can address these underlying issues for a smoother pregnancy journey.

Ever wondered how to enhance postpartum recovery and improve overall wellbeing after childbirth? In our insightful conversation, Meaghan breaks down the differences between emergency and scheduled C-sections, shedding light on the unique recovery challenges each presents. Learn how craniosacral therapy can be a game-changer in releasing muscle tension, aiding detoxification from medications, and even boosting milk production. Meaghan shares touching personal experiences and practical advice on how this holistic approach can help with common post-birth issues like migraines, backaches, and restless leg syndrome, making it a must-listen for new mothers.

Tune in to explore the profound connections between our physical and emotional histories, and the transformative power of holistic healing. Meaghan's expertise shines as we discuss the role of craniosacral therapy in not only enhancing pregnancy and birth outcomes but also achieving a healthier, more balanced life. From the fascinating ability of therapists to discern details about a person's birth position to the deep relaxation that follows a session, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Thank you for joining us on The Ordinary Doula Podcast with Angie Rosier, hosted by Birth Learning.

Please excuse the neighbor's dogs, they love this topic.

Guest: Meaghan Beames, RMT, CST
Website: https://www.beamescst.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beamescst/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beamescst

Visit our website, here: https://birthlearning.com/
Follow us on Facebook at Birth Learning
Follow us on Instagram at @birthlearning

Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier
Music: Michael Hicks
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood
Producer: Gillian Rosier
Voiceover: Ryan Parker

Send us a text

Can the power of your imagination transform your childbirth experience and help in emergencies? We unravel the secrets behind guided imagery and mindfulness on The Ordinary Doula Podcast. In this episode, I reflect on the invaluable lessons from my mentor Claire, a hypnotherapist and neuro-linguist, whose insights on the power of words and mindfulness shaped my journey both personally and professionally. Learn how guided imagery, meditation, and mindfulness can connect the mind and body, offering profound relaxation and a sense of control during labor and other challenging situations. With compelling anecdotes from years as a doula, discover how these techniques can be a lifeline during intense moments.

From managing pain at a car accident scene to stabilizing someone in a severe motorcycle crash, some personal stories highlight the extraordinary use of these practices in emergency situations. We'll explore how preparation and practice can make guided imagery a powerful tool in childbirth, backed by pre-COVID-19 research on doula practices. Plus, I'll guide you through creating personalized scripts that engage all five senses, showing how listening to these scripts during sleep can prepare your subconscious mind. Whether it's intense physical discomfort or mental hurdles, find out how colors, temperature, and texture can deepen the impact of these techniques and offer much-needed relief.

Visit our website, here: https://birthlearning.com/
Follow us on Facebook at Birth Learning
Follow us on Instagram at @birthlearning

Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier
Music: Michael Hicks
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood
Producer: Gillian Rosier
Voiceover: Ryan Parker