In this episode of Actual* Experts, Caitlin and Lundie sit down with Jessica Diggs, licensed midwife and birth educator based in Los Angeles, to unpack one of life’s most universal - and intimidating - experiences: BIRTH. From inductions and epidurals to vaginal flora and the “10 cm hole” myth, Jessica helps demystify what actually happens in our bodies during labor, and why the best birth plan is simply one where you feel safest.
Whether you’re a future mom, a partner, already a parent, or just curious about how the ‘miracle of life’ really works, we promise everyone will learn something from this one.
00:00 - Intro & Actual Stats
12:00 - WTF is a midwife, and how is it different from a doula?
35:30 - Why are elective C-sections common in some cultures?
42:30 - Vaginal vs. C-section birth: what differences does it make for both mom and baby?
45:00 - Epidurals: what they do and when to get one (or not!)
48:30 - WTF is actually happening in your body during labor?
01:00:00 - Partners 101: how to show up during labor
01:05:00 - WTF is a water birth?
01:12:00 - Debrief
You can find Jessica at www.jessicadiggs.com, at her birthing center in LA www.moxiecare.com/birth, or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jessicaadiggs.
