The Worldwide Doula

Blissfulbirths.co

Ready for a no-nonsense, expert-backed guide to the rollercoaster of pregnancy, birth, and parenting? Tune in for juicy fortnightly episodes where we dive deep into the world of baby bumps and nappy changes. Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, this is your go-to podcast for quick tips, evidence-based advice, and insider scoops on the most intriguing and controversial topics. With a new expert guest each episode, plus real stories from mums who've been through it all—including twin home births—you won't want to miss a minute. For more info visit https://www.blissfulbirths.co/

  1. Preventing Tearing & Prolapse with Dr Jess (That Pelivc Lady) S2 | Ep 9

    10/01/2024

    Preventing Tearing & Prolapse with Dr Jess (That Pelivc Lady) S2 | Ep 9

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jess, a pelvic floor physio from Wisconsin, to dive into everything you need to know about protecting your pelvic floor during labour. We break down exactly what tearing and prolapse are, the common causes, and, most importantly, how to prevent them. From game-changing labour positions to expert advice on prepping your body, we’re giving you the tools to feel empowered and informed. Tune in for all the juicy details you won’t want to miss. Time Stamps: (02:55) Understanding the Pelvic Floor (04:37) Why is Prolapse and Tearing so common? (07:04) Tearing: Causes and Prevention (09:42) Labour Positions to Prevent Tearing (11:51) Perineal Massage (14:03) Understanding the Perineum (18:02) The Benefits of Water During Birth (19:44) The Birth Sling (23:12) Epidurals and Mobility During Labour (25:23) The Impact of Baby's Size on Tearing (28:46) Prolapse (31:08) Preventing Prolapse After Birth (38:00) Recognising Early Signs of Prolapse (39:24) The Role of the Birth Partner In All This (46:21) Resources for Pelvic Floor Health For more info, you can visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest Speaker: Dr. Jess Instagram: ⁠@that_pelvic_lady Read more: ⁠What's a Birth Doula?⁠ ⁠⁠What's in my doula bag?⁠ ⁠⁠Vaginal Birth 101⁠ ⁠Yoga for labour

    54 min
  2. Chloe's second birth story—posterior labour and midwife mishaps S2 | Ep 7

    09/14/2024

    Chloe's second birth story—posterior labour and midwife mishaps S2 | Ep 7

    In this episode, Chloe returns to share the story of her second pregnancy and the birth of her son, Cooper. Recorded on the move, Chloe opens up about how this pregnancy differed from her first, including unexpected challenges like sciatic pain and posterior labour. Chloe also reflects on her experience navigating the hospital system, including moments where she felt torn between trusting her intuition and following hospital protocols. Join us as she walks us through her emotional labour journey, the fast and intense delivery, and the highs and lows of life with two kids. It's an honest and heartfelt look into her experiences, filled with surprises, support, and reflections on motherhood. Episode Breakdown: (00:27) Catching Up with Chloe (01:14) Pregnancy Challenges and Differences (03:23) A Surprise Pregnancy and Engagement (04:44) Preparing for Baby #2 (08:44) Early Labor and Heading to the Hospital (19:46) Considering Induction (21:32) Active Labor (25:02) Requesting an Epidural (26:26) The Final Push (30:21) Post-Birth Reflections (31:44) Recovery and Breastfeeding (33:21) Adjusting to Life with Two Boys (35:59) Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead For more info, you can visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest Speaker: Chloe Read more: How to Introduce Siblings to a New Baby What's a Birth Doula? Vaginal Birth 101

    39 min
  3. Breast, Bottle, or Both? Let's Talk Combi Feeding with Jemima Middleton S2 | Ep 6

    09/07/2024

    Breast, Bottle, or Both? Let's Talk Combi Feeding with Jemima Middleton S2 | Ep 6

    In this episode of The Worldwide Doula Podcast, I chat with Jemima Middleton (aka midnight_milkbar), a lactation consultant and postpartum doula, about the ins and outs of breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and combi-feeding. Jemima shares practical tips on smoothly switching between breast and bottle, the perks of combi-feeding, and debunks myths like how bottle feeding affects breastfeeding. Plus, she offers expert advice on managing milk supply and giving new moms the breaks they deserve. Join us to explore all your feeding options and discover how to make your feeding journey fulfilling for both you and your baby. Time Stamps: (00:56) Meet Jemima (02:04) The Midnight Milk Bar and Becoming a Lactation Consultant (11:12) Feeding Methods for New Mums - breastfeeding - hand expressing - colostrum from a syringe - cup feeding - bottle feeding - Supplementary Nursing System (SNS) (17:00) Common Misconceptions and Myths (17:20) Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding (19:54) Pumping for Oversupply and engorgement (22:40) Pumping to Create a Milk Stash (24:49) Combi Feeding Explained (28:49) Empowering Mothers Through Lactation Counseling (30:13) Tips for Combining Breastfeeding with Other Methods (30:33) How to Find the Right Support For Breastfeeding (35:25) Balancing Breastfeeding, Formula Feeding and Maintaining Milk Supply (37:13) Triple Feeding (Pumping, Formula Top-ups and Breastfeeding) (39:11) Success Stories and Client Experiences (43:55) Resources and Support for New Mothers (46:08) Navigating Information and Trusting Your Instincts (49:44) Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information For more info, you can visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest Speaker: Jemima Middleton Instagram: @midnight_milkbar Read more: Wearable Breast Pumps Postpartum Depression What's a Postpartum Doula?

    53 min
  4. Hypothyroidism, Caster oil, Acupuncture and Induction — Kiah's 3 Birth Stories S2 | Ep 5

    09/01/2024

    Hypothyroidism, Caster oil, Acupuncture and Induction — Kiah's 3 Birth Stories S2 | Ep 5

    In this episode, I welcome my good friend Kiah. Together, we reminisced about our nursing school days and shared excitement about becoming mothers. Kiah delves into her conception journey while managing PCOS and hypothyroidism, and how acupuncture played a crucial role in regulating her body. She shares detailed, candid accounts of her pregnancies and labour with her three children. From natural labour using caster oil to induced births, Kiah gives insights into pain management, the unexpected challenges, and the moments of joy that marked each birth. Her stories are both eye-opening and reassuring, especially when she touches on the importance of being kind to yourself and not being afraid to express how tough pregnancy can be. This episode highlights the real and raw realities of childbirth and what to expect. Time stamps: (00:25) Meet Kiah: A Journey from Nursing to Motherhood (01:17) Conception Challenges and Acupuncture (07:05) Managing Thyroid Conditions Holistically (14:10) Pregnancy Experiences and Birth Stories (23:43) Prioritizing Baby's Health Over Birth Plans (24:34) Experiences with Midwives (26:44) Induction Stories: Oakley and Willow (31:03) The Pain of Induction vs. Natural Labor (42:20) Postpartum Reflections and Advice For more info, you can visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest Speaker: Kiah Read more: Preparing for birth What's transition in labour? How your partner can support you during birth

    48 min
  5. Eating for Every Phase: Master Your Menstrual Cycle Through Food with Shelley Mckenzie S2 | Ep 4

    08/25/2024

    Eating for Every Phase: Master Your Menstrual Cycle Through Food with Shelley Mckenzie S2 | Ep 4

    In this episode, I'm joined again by Shelly Mackenzie, a naturopath and nutritionist specializing in women's health. We explore the importance of understanding your menstrual cycle and tailoring nutrition to its phases. Shelly breaks down the stages of the menstrual cycle—follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase—highlighting the hormonal changes and their effects on women's bodies. The discussion covers the benefits of seed cycling, essential nutrients like iron, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and magnesium, and the importance of hydration and stress management. We also address common misconceptions about PMS and how specific dietary choices can alleviate symptoms and enhance fertility. We talk about how to tune into your body by using tracking methods like cervical mucus observation, and blood tests for better hormonal health insights. Shelly also shares practical tips and lifestyle adjustments to support overall well-being throughout the menstrual cycle. Time Stamps: (03:05) Understanding the Menstrual Cycle (04:16) The Follicular Phase Explained (05:32) Nutrition During the Follicular Phase (07:05) Diving into the Ovulation Phase (20:24) Foods to Support Ovulation (26:07) The Luteal Phase and PMS (28:28) Managing PMS Symptoms (38:45) The Menstrual Phase and Self-Care Tips For more info, you can visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest speaker: Shelley McKenzie Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Shelleymckenzie_natropath⁠⁠⁠ Read more: The truth about the pill What are the phases of the menstrual cycle? How to prepare for pregnancy

    44 min
  6. PCOS Treatment, Natural Labor Induction & MORE! with Acupunturist Hanna Evans S2 | Ep 3

    08/18/2024

    PCOS Treatment, Natural Labor Induction & MORE! with Acupunturist Hanna Evans S2 | Ep 3

    In this episode, I chatted with Hanna Evans, a skilled naturopath and acupuncturist from the UK who focuses on women's health and fertility. Hanna gives us an insider look at the amazing benefits of acupuncture for various women's health issues. Here's what we covered: Acupuncture 101: What is it, and how does it work? Health Conditions: How acupuncture helps with endometriosis, PCOS, thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, and getting your period back after the pill. PMS Relief: Can acupuncture really help with those dreaded PMS symptoms? Pregnancy: Is it safe to have acupuncture during pregnancy, and how can it help with morning sickness and more? Labor Induction: Can acupuncture help induce labour naturally? Hanna breaks it down for us. Postpartum Support: Discover how acupuncture aids in postpartum recovery, both physically and mentally, including help with postpartum depression. Real Success Stories: Hanna shares inspiring stories and experiences from her practice. Join us for an in-depth discussion about how acupuncture can make a real difference in women's health. Whether you're new to the idea or looking for natural health solutions, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips. Timestamps: (02:26) Understanding acupuncture  Hanna explains the principles of acupuncture and its impact on the body's systems. (04:37) Misconceptions about acupuncture  Bere and Hanna discuss common misconceptions about acupuncture, including fear of needles and the sensation during treatment. (06:14) Treating PMS and period pain  Hanna explains how acupuncture can help balance hormones and relieve common symptoms like PMS and period pain. (09:02) Treating endometriosis, fibroids, and PCOS  Hanna discusses the individualized approach to treating endometriosis, fibroids, and PCOS, addressing hormone imbalances and lifestyle factors. (13:41) Challenges with contraceptive pill use  Bere and Hanna share personal experiences and concerns about the long-term effects of contraceptive pill use, highlighting the lack of information and potential impacts on hormones. (18:34) Success stories with acupuncture  Hanna shares success stories of patients conceiving naturally, reducing fibroids, and overcoming fertility challenges through acupuncture. (20:22) Unexplained Infertility  Discussion on the various factors contributing to unexplained infertility and the importance of hormone testing and dietary adjustments. (24:12) Preparation for Pregnancy  The importance of preparing for pregnancy, including balancing hormones, diet, and lifestyle adjustments to positively impact genetics and epigenetics. (26:45) Acupuncture and Pregnancy Safety The safety of acupuncture during pregnancy, including the forbidden points and the effectiveness of acupuncture for pelvic pain and relaxation. (28:45) Induction of Labour The use of acupuncture for inducing labour, the points used, and its role in promoting natural labour. (36:44) Postpartum Recovery  The benefits of acupuncture for postpartum recovery, including addressing depression, anxiety, breastfeeding issues, and physical recovery. (38:43) How to find Hanna  Information on how to find and book an appointment with Hanna, including her website and contact details. For more info, you can visit my ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest Speaker: Hanna Evans Instagram: @hanna_evans_acupuncture Website: https://hannaevans.co.uk/ Read more: Learn about your menstrual cycle How to boost your fertility The effects of hormonal birth control on your body

    41 min
  7. Myths, Truths, and Real Talk: Ditching Old School for Homeschool, Montessori, and Forest School with Sandy S2 | Ep 2

    08/11/2024

    Myths, Truths, and Real Talk: Ditching Old School for Homeschool, Montessori, and Forest School with Sandy S2 | Ep 2

    In this episode, we talk with Sandy, a mum exploring different ways to educate her kids outside of regular schools. We start with her childhood on a farm in Zambia, dive into what forest school is and why it matters, and discuss how today's education might be missing the mark. We tackle myths about homeschooling, discuss why skills are becoming more important than degrees, and share personal choices and insights on education. From the benefits of learning in nature to challenging the stigma around stay-at-home parents, this chat is packed with real stories and fresh perspectives on raising and educating kids today. Time stamps (02:05) Growing up on a farm in Zambia(06:10) What is forest school? - The power of Nature-based learning(09:50) We are losing connection with our primal selves and trust in our instincts.(11:45) Busting myths about homeschooling(12:13) *correction. In 2021 90% of companies in the UK adopted a "skills-first approach to hiring" rather than looking for candidates with a university degree.(12:49) Unpopular opinion: with the right resources, your child will teach themself.(15:10) Why I don't homeschool my kids....(17:32) You are good enough(20:13) Our children are learning the wrong things at school.(23:10) It's so easy to send your kids to school. Breaking the stigma about stay-at-home mums or dads.(27:25) My experience going to Steiner school.(28:45) Food for thought(29:30) conventional vs. homeschool methods(30:38) What every stay-at-home mum (SAHM) needs to hear(33:10) The science behind intergenerational interactions. For more info, you can visit my ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ Guest speaker: Sandy Read more: Baby massage How to bond with your baby Introducing siblings to your newborn

    38 min

About

Ready for a no-nonsense, expert-backed guide to the rollercoaster of pregnancy, birth, and parenting? Tune in for juicy fortnightly episodes where we dive deep into the world of baby bumps and nappy changes. Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, this is your go-to podcast for quick tips, evidence-based advice, and insider scoops on the most intriguing and controversial topics. With a new expert guest each episode, plus real stories from mums who've been through it all—including twin home births—you won't want to miss a minute. For more info visit https://www.blissfulbirths.co/

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