The Tracy Donegan Podcast Tracy Donegan

In this episode, Tracy Donegan speaks with Caoimhe Whelan, an IBCLC, about her recently published research - Mothers' Emotional Experiences of Breastfeeding with Primary Low Milk Supply. The research highlights the emotional challenges faced by mothers and the importance of accurate information and compassionate support. The conversation covers topics such as the prevalence of primary low milk supply, the need for better education and support for breastfeeding difficulties, and the profound impact of breastfeeding experiences on mothers' identities and mental health.

In this episode, Tracy Donegan interviews Alex Heath about the impact of birth trauma on women's health and the recent UK government's birth trauma report. The report, prompted by an MP's experience, aimed to understand why 30% of parents in the UK describe their birth as traumatic.

However, the report failed to address key issues such as obstetric violence and the high rates of induction of labor. The conversation also highlights the medicalization of birth, the fear of litigation, and the lack of evidence-based care in maternity services. The conversation explores the need for more honest conversations about the realities of birth and the importance of supporting parents who have experienced trauma. It highlights the anxieties and vulnerabilities that parents face, especially those who have had fertility issues or previous miscarriages. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-compassion and mindfulness practices to navigate the challenges of parenting and to recover from birth trauma. Alex discusses her work in training professionals in trauma-informed listening techniques and her efforts to provide support for parents who have experienced perinatal trauma.

In this episode Kathy Donaghy shares her journey of finding her way back to herself and navigating motherhood and miscarriage. She discusses the importance of mindfulness and meditation in her life and how it helped her through difficult times. The conversation highlights the importance of saying no to things that don't align with one's values and priorities, and the power of finding what brings joy and practicing it regularly.

Jaimie Schrock shares her inspiring experiences of preparing for VBAC3 and the impact of using the GentleBirth program. She discusses her previous birth experiences, the use of the GentleBirth app during pregnancy, and the peaceful and blissful nature of her labor and birth. Tracy Donegan shares her personal birth experience and the impact it had on her work as a doula. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, relaxation, and trust in the birthing process. The conversation also covers the challenges and emotional resilience required for VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and the significance of mindfulness and emotional regulation in childbirth and parenting. Jaimie's book, 'Brave Beautiful Birth,' is discussed, along with the cost-effectiveness of mindfulness-based childbirth programs.

Kay Aubrey-Chimene, also known as the Light Lady, discusses the benefits of photobiomodulation and red light therapy. She shares her personal journey of using light therapy to heal her horse and herself, and highlights the diverse applications of light therapy in women's health, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Kay emphasizes the importance of targeted light therapy and the impact of different colors and wavelengths of light on cellular function and healing. She also addresses the use of light therapy in surgery, injury recovery, and women's health issues, advocating for its safe and effective application. Tracy Donegan discusses the benefits of light therapy and its applications in various medical and wellness contexts. She emphasizes the role of light therapy in pain reduction, circulation improvement, and cellular repair. Additionally, she explores its potential in addressing adhesions from caesarean sections and the need for insurance coverage and education on light therapy.

Lisa Campbell shares her experiences of preparing for a vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBAC2). She discusses the challenges faced by VBAC moms in Ireland and the importance of feeling empowered and informed about birth choices. Lisa highlights the need for individualized care, support from healthcare providers, and the availability of options like the walking epidural. In this conversation, Tracy and Lisa also discuss the need for change in the Irish maternity system to prioritize women's choices and provide respectful and supportive care.