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About Melissa: Melissa has been a Registered Dietitian for over 10 years and could not see herself doing anything else. She became an RD because she always found the relationship between diet and health fascinating. Melissa has an undergraduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Connecticut and completed her Dietetic Internship at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Melissa earned an MS in Nutrition and Wellness from the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford. Melissa has a true passion for helping moms and moms-to-be find practical ways to nourish themselves and build a healthy baby. As a mom of 2 boys, Melissa understands the unique struggles of being a mama and finding time to even go to the bathroom, let alone focus on your nutrition. It may not come naturally, but it absolutely is POSSIBLE with simple changes in habits and support!   In This Episode: Melissa discusses the best foods to eat postpartum, and she shares postpartum meal prep tips.   Reminders: Giving birth soon? Check out The Birth and Postpartum Survival Guide FREE download! Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”

About Flor: Flor Cruz is the woman behind BadAssMotherBirther. She is a wife and mother to 4 beautiful children. She resides in the city of Long Beach, California. Flor became interested in becoming a birth doula after coming to a bit of standstill in life. She realized that she wasn’t doing what her heart desired, and what she wanted to do was help families through childbirth. She signed up for doula training and once she completed that, she worked as an intern at a free-standing birth center. From there, she started her own doula business and began to find real problems with the maternity care in the U.S. Her passion for birth only grew stronger, and she dove into learning about normal, physiological birth and evidence-based care. She uncovered so much information and felt that she needed to share it with the world. In 2017, Flor had a VBAC that changed her forever. Shortly after, BadAssMotherBirther was born. Flor has so much pride in feeling like she's making a difference by just sharing her knowledge and amazing uncensored content across social media platforms.    In This Episode: Flor discusses her personal life, her birth stories, her birth work, and her social media!   Reminders: Giving birth soon? Check out The Birth and Postpartum Survival Guide FREE download! Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”

About Liesel: Liesel Teen, commonly known as @mommy.labornurse on Instagram, has been a labor and delivery nurse for about five years. In early 2018, she began her journey with blogging and sharing pregnancy info online. Today, she has over 100k followers on Instagram! In addition to building her online platform and working as a nurse, Liesel is a wife and a mom to a little boy.   In This Episode: Liesel answers the personal questions that you all submitted! We talk about nursing, Instagram, her birth, and her family!   Reminders: Giving birth soon? Check out The Birth and Postpartum Survival Guide FREE download! Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”

About Mary: Mary is a trained birth Doula, providing continuous physical & emotional support for families during the birth process.  She supports mothers of all ages through home birth, unmedicated/medicated birth, hospital birth, cesareans, postpartum care, breastfeeding and more. She serves as the only Lamaze® Certified Childbirth Educator in South Central Kentucky. She has also recently been elected to the Lamaze International Board of Directors! In addition to providing doula support and childbirth education, Mary does a ton of birth advocacy work for the state of Kentucky. She lives on a family farm with her husband and two children.   In This Episode: Mary Duke and I discuss what Lamaze Childbirth Education is, when you should take a childbirth education class, The 6 Healthy Birth Practices, and much more!   Want to be featured in the next podcast episode? Leave a review on iTunes to be featured on the podcast as ‘reviewer of the week.’ It’s one of the fastest and easiest ways to support the show!

About: It is no secret that cesarean births in our country are much higher than the Healthy People 2020 and World Health Organization goals. In 2014, the U.S. national average for cesarean birth was 32.2%. There are many possible factors that contribute to these high numbers, such as higher maternal ages, an increase in obesity, and an increase in medical intervention on birth. But what can WE as patients or birth workers do to safely prevent cesareans? In this episode, we will dive into the things that you or your birth team can do while in labor to increase the chance of a vaginal delivery! Some of these things are well known, and some may surprise you!   Check out this week's show notes page for a full list of references and resources!   Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”

ABOUT RACHEL: Rachel Cox is a labor and delivery nurse, serving in the United States Air Force. She has been a labor nurse for over five years. She also has a Master’s of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in nursing leadership and administration and nurse educator. In addition to being a nurse, Rachel also competes in bikini competitions and runs a fitness Instagram account. Rachel is passionate about helping women give birth, and helping people navigate health and fitness.   IN THIS EPISODE: Rachel and I discuss the article 20 Facts About Labor and Delivery Nurses and When They Don’t Need to Listen. Rachel and I discuss evidence-based information about our job and dispel myths about labor nurses.   WANT TO BE FEATURED IN AN UPCOMING EPISODE? Leave a review on iTunes to be featured on the podcast as ‘reviewer of the week.’ It’s one of the fastest and easiest ways to support the show!

Make like a baby and head out! Have you ever wondered what you could try to encourage your baby to move to a head down position? In this episode, I am going to share six things that you can try! Some of them have been extensively researched, and some are recommendations from other people who have used them. Remember to talk to your OB provider before trying these interventions!     Reminders: LAST WEEK to buy a Bloom T-Shirt- 100% of the profit is being donated to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America! Learn more. Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week."     CLICK ON 'EPISODE WEBPAGE' TO VIEW REFERENCES AND RESOURCES!

ABOUT SARAH: Sarah is a wife and SAHM to four beautiful children. Prior to having children, Sarah attended Brigham Young University to study graphic design. After having children, she married the lives of motherhood and graphic design and created The Birth Plan Co. In her business, Sarah creates beautiful visual birth plans for expectant mothers.   IN THIS EPISODE: Sarah discusses her business, how having a visual birth plan improved her birth, and she shares her successful VBAC birth story!   Interested in Sarah’s Birth Plans? Check out her Instagram for a 10% off discount code!   REMINDERS: Bloom T-Shirts are on sale- 100% of the profit is being donated to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America! Learn more. Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”  

ABOUT TUNISIA: Tunisia has been in love with pregnancy, birth, and babies since she was a little girl. Motherhood and birth work have always been her two greatest passions. She is a boy mom of two. Her eldest son was born in a hospital with an epidural. For her next birth, she really wanted to have an informed and low-intervention birth. Her youngest son was born at home, in the water. In addition to being a mother, Tunisia has also recently trained as a birth and postpartum doula.   IN THIS EPISODE: Tunisia shares how she found out she was pregnant, what inspired her to have a home birth, and her birth story.   REMINDERS: Bloom T-Shirts are on sale- 100% of the profit is being donated to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America! Learn more. Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”

ABOUT SARAH Sarah is a mother of five and a midwife that serves families in the Twin Cities. She began my journey as a birth worker shortly after the birth of her first daughter in 2000. She wasn’t happy with the birth that she had at a local hospital and found out about doula’s the day after her daughter was born. She never went back to work, and instead chose to train with DONA and become a birth doula. She has been attending births as a doula for 18 years! Sarah found out that she was pregnant again when my daughter was five months old, and quickly realized that the birth that she wanted wasn’t going to be found in a hospital. She switched to a home birth and never looked back! Her daughter was born peacefully at home with a midwife, a doula, and her family. Sarah maintained an amazing friendship with her midwife- that eventually led to an apprenticeship after the birth of her third daughter. She took some time off to give birth to my twins (also born at home) and went back after they were well-established nursers! Sarah finished her six-year apprenticeship by sitting for the NARM test and getting her CPM. Sarah calls herself a traditional midwife because she believes that midwifery isn’t medical, and that birth is not a medical event. She is there to serve women and help them to find the right sources of information that fits their needs. Every family is individual and should be seen as such.   IN THIS EPISODE: Learn the history of U.S. midwifery Learn the legality of homebirth midwives in the U.S. Hear from Sarah Kelly, CPM Learn why U.S. birthing people deserve options in childbirth   ALSO FEATURED: Ashely Sipes is a mother of two and a birth activist. After experiencing a traumatic hospital birth, Ashley decided to give birth at home. Currently, home birth with CPMs is illegal in Ashley’s home state of North Carolina. Ashley advocates for the legalization of home birth for all.   NOTE: Music for this episode: Circle of Life (2017) by Whitesand (Martynas Lau)   Please see the show notes page for all references that were used in making this podcast episode.

ABOUT MCKENZIE: McKenzie has loved both food and science from a young age. In high school, her curiosity about the world meshed with her interest in food and led her to study Nutritional Sciences at Cornell, followed by a Master's degree in Public Health and Registered Dietitian Training at UNC-Chapel Hill. In graduate school, she discovered Health at Every Size - an approach to health that is weight inclusive and radically opposes diet culture. It recognizes that weight loss diets simply don't work and that all people in all bodies deserve respect and quality medical care. She also discovered Intuitive Eating - a tool developed by registered dietitians to help clients balance their eating and truly enjoy all the foods they eat by tuning into their inner signals. With these two paradigms, she began to heal her relationship with food and shift my views on how she wanted to practice as a Registered Dietitian. After looking at our thin-obsessed world through a feminist lens, and seeing the startling statistics of overall poor maternal health outcomes in the U.S. as well as health inequities for women of color, McKenzie knew where she was called to work. She now specializes in female reproductive health, working with nutrition for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.   IN THIS EPISODE: McKenzie and I discuss eating for common discomforts of pregnancy, choosing a prenatal vitamin, intuitive eating, and weight gain in pregnancy.   REMINDERS: Bloom T-Shirts are on sale- 100% of the profit is being donated to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America! Learn more. Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”    

ABOUT DEBRA: Debra is a pioneer in reminding humanity that birth can be full of pleasure and delight. Debra has trained thousands of doulas and birth professionals around the world in the practices of gentle birth support. Debra is the creator and director of Orgasmic Birth, a documentary that examines the intimate nature of birth, an everyday miracle. She sees the powerful role birth plays in women’s lives when they are permitted to experience it fully. Debra is a sought after inspirational speaker, chair of the International MotherBaby Childbirth Organization, co-chair of the International Childbirth Initiative, member of the White Ribbon Alliance, Lamaze International childbirth educator, birth and postpartum doula trainer with DONA International, and co-author of the book Orgasmic Birth, Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth Experience.   IN THIS EPISODE: Debra discusses how she became a pioneer in the birth community, what an orgasmic birth is, steps that you can take to have an orgasmic birth, and ten big ideas that she has about birth!   REMINDERS: Bloom T-Shirts are on sale- 100% of the profit is being donated to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America! Learn more. Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”

ABOUT JACQUELINE: After giving birth to her daughter with the support of a midwife and doula, Jacqueline recognized the importance of a supportive birth partner. Her involvement in prison work began in 2016, where she volunteered as a prisoner advocate to learn more about laws and policies specific to Michigan’s Correctional facilities. During this time, she also became a certified birth doula. Since then, Jacquline has met with a plethora of other individuals working to improve the lives of people incarcerated. She is the Executive Director of the Michigan Prison Doula Initiative, and her focus is on building sustainable and comprehensive resources for incarcerated birthing people in Michigan.   IN THIS EPISODE: Jacqueline and I discuss the traumas that often lead to incarceration, the state of healthcare for incarcerated birthing people, and how the Michigan Prison Doula Initiative is working to help.   REMINDER: Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.” The Michigan Prison Doula Initiative is non-profit and works off of donations and grants. Please consider donating or purchasing their merch! See their website for more info!

ABOUT AMARA: Amara is a DONA certified birth and postpartum doula, providing support to women and their families in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Her goal is to inform her clients of their options for childbirth and to provide physical, emotional and informational support during the last trimester of pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. Amara’s Qualifications: Provided doula support to over 600 families DONA birth doula certification since 2003 DONA postpartum doula certification since 2008 Certified Childbirth Educator through BirthWorks International since 2012   IN THIS EPISODE: Amara and I discuss what doulas are, how they can help you prepare for labor and birth, how to find a doula in your area, and much more!     REMINDERS: Bloom T-Shirts are on sale- 100% of the profit is being donated to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America! Learn more. Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”

ABOUT: While most births are fairly low-risk, not all birthing people will have the birth and postpartum experiences that they dream of. The United States has a maternal mortality rate that has been continually climbing since 1987, and black women are disproportionately affected. I want you to LIVE and THRIVE following your birth. Do you know what postpartum signs of possible complications to look out for?   REMINDERS: Bloom T-Shirts are on sale- 100% of the profit is being donated to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America! Learn more. Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”

ABOUT CASSIE: Cassie Harvey is a wife and a mother to a sweet little boy! She has a Youtube channel where she shares content about motherhood and being a stay at home mom.   ABOUT THIS EPISODE: I discuss evidence-based info regarding Nitrous Oxide during labor, and Cassie shares her birth story and personal experience with Nitrous Oxide!   ABOUT OUR SPONSOR: Steal a moment of self-care with hand-poured soy candles made with essential oils from ElonWick! These candles are the perfect treat for a healthy environment in your home with scents of lavender, eucalyptus, ginger, saffron, and citrus blends. Change your atmosphere at ElonWick.com!   REMINDERS: Bloom T-Shirts are on sale- 100% of the profit is being donated to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America! Learn more. Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”

ABOUT AMBER: Amber is a mother of three and a Registered Nurse. Amber formerly worked as a postpartum nurse caring for mothers and babies. Currently, Amber is a Blue Diamond leader with dōTERRA. She has found her passion in sharing all about essential oils with others and empowering moms.   IN THIS EPISODE: Amber shares how you can use essential oils that support you in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum!   ABOUT OUR SPONSOR: The Birth Deck is a powerful childbirth education tool that offers 50 easy ways to support women in labor through massage, hypnosis, affirmations, visualizations, labor positions, and other simple tips. The Birth Deck is useful for any woman in labor, birth partners, doulas, and friends and family! Check out their website here!   REMINDERS: Bloom T-Shirts are on sale- 100% of the profit is being donated to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America! Learn more. Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”

ABOUT: Devon is a mom, hairdresser, and YouTuber. After giving birth to her son, Devon experienced an early miscarriage, a molar pregnancy, and a chemical pregnancy before finally conceiving her rainbow baby. She shared her story on her YouTube channel, and the video became a safe haven for many others to ask questions and share their experiences. In addition to mommy content, Devon also shares DIY and beauty content on her channel!   IN THIS EPISODE: Devon shares her experience with loss, getting pregnant with her rainbow baby, how she was able to experience joy after loss, why we should come together to share our losses, and much more!   ABOUT OUR SPONSOR: HUGE SHOUT OUT to this week’s sponsor, Momzelle! Momzelle is a family business based in Montreal that designs practical, stylish, and comfortable nursing clothes and bras! Head on over to Bumps and Boobs’ Instagram account to enter the Momzelle give away! Winner will be announced Friday, December 21st!   REMINDERS: Bloom T-Shirts are on sale- 100% of the profit is being donated to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America! Learn more. Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”

ABOUT: Brittany Shepherd and Ashley Sipes both experienced trauma in their pregnancies and births following inappropriate care from medical professionals. During their healing process, both of them felt that helping other birthing people avoid trauma was of the utmost importance. Thus, they created The Traumatic Incarnation Validation Movement, a series that shares the birth traumas of many. Brittney Shepherd is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, and a mother of one. She is the founder of a Facebook community called The Positive Pregnancy Journey Organization. She is also the founder of The Traumatic Incarnation Validation Movement. Ashley Sipes is the project head for the movement. She is a mother of two, and she is currently certifying as a Lamaze Childbirth Educator as well.   IN THIS EPISODE: We discuss what the Traumatic Incarnation Validation Movement is, some potential causes of birth trauma across the U.S., some potential ways to reduce experiencing birth trauma, and our hopes for the future of birth in the U.S. According to an article published in Nursing for Women’s Health, 1 in 3 women in the U.S. classifies their birth as traumatic!   REMINDERS: Bloom T-Shirts are on sale- 100% of the profit is being donated to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America! Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”

ABOUT NICOLLE: When Nicolle first became pregnant, she was very concerned about how difficult and painful birth would be and had no sense of how I’d get through it. The hospital-based childbirth classes instilled so much more fear in her that she became determined to educate herself further on normal birth. Through her education, she found Marie Mongan’s HypnoBirthing book, practiced diligently, hired a doula, and had an incredibly calm and empowering unmedicated hospital birth! During the months that followed this blessed event, she was consumed with her birth story and wanted to share her experience with as many other women as possible. She became a HypnoBirthing instructor, as well as a certified labor support doula. Nicolle continues to support women in birth in the Orange County, California area.   IN THIS EPISODE: Nicolle discusses how HypnoBirthing helped her have an unmedicated birth that surpassed her greatest dreams, how to find a HypnoBirthing instructor, how to find a medical provider that supports your birthing choices, and much more!   REMINDERS: Bloom T-Shirts are on sale- 100% of the profit is being donated to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America! Want a shout out in the next episode? Leave an iTunes review for the chance to be the “reviewer of the week.”