Dou-la-la the Birthy Podcast Dou-La-La

It’s highly unlikely you’ll make it through pregnancy without being offered a sweep (AKA stretch and sweep, or membrane sweep). Don’t worry, no brooms involved. Many people have heard of them but in our experience most people have very little knowledge about what is involved, whether they are actually effective and what the risks may be. That’s where your favourite friendly, unfiltered doulas come in! In this episode we explore everything you want to know about sweeps so you feel more confident in having the conversation should it come up (it probably will) and when making the decision about whether to decline or consent to one. As always, it’s 100% your choice.So, what do you want to know?

Do sweeps work? Do they hurt? Should I have one? Will it mean I don’t need an induction? Are there any downsides to having a sweep? Are sweeps safe? We’ll answer all these questions and more, as well as share our own experiences...You won’t want to miss it!

#sweep #stretchandsweep #membranesweep #inductionoflabour #naturalinduction #induction #Doula #doulapodcast #doulala #doulalapodcast #birthpodcast

Are you planning to breastfeed? Do you want to know more about how to get things off to a good start? Are you looking for top tips for the early days? You do not want to miss this awesome episode of the Dou-La-La podcast with Meg and our guest, Bea from @beasbirthandboobs  



Bea explains things in such a simple way, putting you and your baby at the heart of everything. This episode will bring nuggets of wisdom and reassurance if you’re a few days or weeks in, and valuable knowledge if you’re looking ahead to when you start breastfeeding. We chat about the different kinds of feeding support, including some amazing people you can find on social media with so much free information.

This is just a few of many you might want to follow: @lucywebberfeedingsupport_ibclc@olivia_lactation_consultant@emmapickettibclc@themilkrebel@prof_amybrown@kathrynstaggibclc 



The information and experiences shared are appropriate for all who are, or plan to, breastfeed or chestfeed. Throughout the podcast episode we refer predominantly to ‘breastfeeding’ as Bea and myself identify as breastfeeding mothers. We acknowledge that this is not the preferred vocabulary for everyone. 



#doulala #doulalapodcast #birthypodcast #birthpodcast #breastfeeding #chestfeeding #breastfeed #chestfeed #feedingsupport

Induction. One of the most discussed areas of birth, something that generates much debate, and for many, something you are statistically quite likely to experience.But what even is it?!In this episode we talk about the basics that you need to know. From the what's and whys, to the can I decides?....... it is a great starting point for anyone, regardless of whether induction has been mentioned to you yet or not (and we really do mean yet not if!)

Expect our usual chilled out chat, getting into some evidence and stats, balancing the benefits and the risks, and more.

Oh, and you should know by now that we will always metaphorically tie your cape so we’ll be reminding you of your options with tips to staying in the driving seat!

#birthpodcast #birthypodcast #doulala #doulalapodcast #birth #induction #induced #inducedlabour #inducedbirth #highrisk



Head here for more evidence based information:

@drsarawickham

@aimsuk

@dr.rachel.reed

To celebrate the start of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 (29th April 2024) we’re bringing you a very special episode of the Dou-la-la podcast! We chat to Dr. Jenna Brough, a Perinatal Clinical Psychologist who specialises in providing support to people from fertility right through to early parenthood.

 

This episode is incredibly useful regardless of what stage you are at in your pregnancy/parenthood journey.

It is focused on prevention and self-help - offering an
understanding of perinatal mental health and how to protect that across the perinatal period (disclaimer: it does not constitute and should not replace medical or mental health advice).

We talk about planning ahead for protecting your mental health and emotional well-being before you even give birth right through to reflecting on your own coping mechanisms and support network in the postnatal period.

 

Have you heard of antenatal anxiety?

Are you worried you might struggle after having your baby?

Do you want to know how to prepare for life after birth with a focus on your mental health?

 

We focus SO much on everything that happens to our body but don’t forget your mind too...here is the perfect place to start!

 

Should you or someone you know be currently struggling with their mental health, they should talk to someone they are close to (family member or friend), and also make contact with their GP/midwife/health visitor. 



Here are some helpful organisations (UK based)



PANDAS https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/how-we-can-support-you/

SANDS https://www.sands.org.uk/support-you

Birth Trauma Association https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/get-help-now

@mmhalliance

@perinatalmhpartnership

 

Dr Jenna’s website is www.drjennapsychologist.com and
my social media is @dr.jenna.psychologist.

 

#doulapodcast #birthpodcast
#doulala #doulalapodcast #birthypodcast #mmhaw24 #maternalmhmatters #mmhaw
#maternalmentalhealth #maternalmentalhealthawarenessweek #perinatalmentalhealth

Listen today to hear all about Remi's choice to have a homebirth following the birth of her first son.

She shares her thoughts on the system, tells us all about her experiences and how her mindset has completely shifted to what birth can be like and how her journey this time has impacted her family life.

I (Leanne) was lucky enough to be alongside Remi (and Oli) on their pregnancy and birth journey as their doula, this birth was truly magical so don't hesitate and have a listen!



#homebirth #birthstory #homebirthstory #secondbaby #doulasupport #doulapodcast #doulalathepodcast

You want to put your fingers where?!?

Vaginal examinations (someone inserting their fingers into your vagina, usually to have a good feel of your cervix) have become a standard expectation when it comes to assessing the establishment and progress of labour.

An expectation of both the person in labour, and the healthcare provider supporting them. 

This episode of Dou-La-La gets down to what a vaginal examination (VE) is, what information it can actually provide and whether or not they are a useful assessment tool for anyone. In our usual no filtered, no frills way we chat about all things VE to help you understand them and feel more informed about your choices when it comes to your own labour. So, what are you waiting for?! 

#doulapodcast #birthypodcast #birthpodcast #doulalapodcast #vaginalexamination #vaginalexaminations #VE #labour