Shows
Tend and BefriendMyths, Mastitis, And Milk: We’re Unclogging More Than DuctsSend us a textEver wish someone would tell you the truth about breastfeeding without the guilt or the gadgets? We bring on Samantha, a seasoned NICU nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, to cut through the noise and give you a clear path forward—whether you’re nursing, pumping, combo feeding, or bottle feeding from day one.We start with the realities most classes skip: colostrum is enough for many newborns, full milk often takes five to seven days, and supply typically regulates around six to eight weeks. Samantha shares what successful latch actu...
2025-11-211h 06Tend and BefriendRooted in Birth: Kelly’s Journey from Paramedic to DoulaSend us a textWhat if the first, fiercest lesson in personal power began in the birth room? We sit with Kelly—licensed paramedic, yoga teacher, Reiki master, and now a doula in our agency—to trace how frontline medicine led her to a calling rooted in consent, breath, and presence. From the shift that happens when someone teaches you to ask for what you want, to the quiet courage of doing less and holding more, this conversation maps a humane way through complex systems.Kelly shares the pivotal moments that shaped her practice: staying seve...
2025-10-0335 minTend and BefriendYour Baby, Your Body, Your Birth: Doula Work with Natalie EvansSend us a textContact Natalie Evans through Instagram @pure.essence.doulacare Check out the linktree!! Support the show🎙 Thanks for Tuning into Tend & Befriend! 🌿 Learn More & Work With Me:💻 Visit Website for my birth course, resources, and to book a session with me. 📲 Stay Connected:📷 Instagram: @deborahthedoula📘 Facebook: @deborahthedoula 💡 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone w...
2025-09-1941 minTend and BefriendFrom Push to Placenta: Your Post-Birth Reality GuideSend us a textWe spend so much time preparing for labor, but what about the moments that come right after your baby is born?In this episode of Tend and Befriend, I’m walking you through what really happens after the final push. From skin-to-skin and delayed cord clamping, to delivering the placenta, the fundal massage (you've probably heard of it), and the quiet start to postpartum recovery.Whether this is your first baby or you're preparing for another, understanding what to expect in those first few hours can help you feel ca...
2025-08-2908 minTend and BefriendPelvic floor health with corey irelandSend us a textPelvic health physiotherapist Corey Ireland shares her expertise on the myths, misconceptions, and transformative potential of pelvic floor therapy for women, men, and children of all ages. Through her compassionate approach of meeting people where they are and "nudging" rather than pushing, Corey explains how pelvic health impacts everything from pregnancy comfort to postpartum recovery and even cardiovascular wellness.• Pelvic floor physiotherapy doesn't always require internal examination—treatment plans are individual and based on comfort levels• Pregnancy should not be painful—discomfort signals imbalance that can often be addressed with proper s...
2025-08-2250 minTend and BefriendYour Baby's First Coat: How Vernix Protects Newborns and Empowers ParentsSend us a textYou’ve seen it in birth photos, maybe even on your own baby...that creamy white coating on newborn skin. It’s called vernix caseosa, and in this episode of Tend and Befriend, we’re exploring what it is, why it matters, and what it represents in today’s birth spaces.Deborah breaks down:The science of vernix: what it’s made of and why it formsIts powerful role in immune support, temperature regulation, and bondingWhy more families are choosing to delay their baby’s first bathWhat the World Health...
2025-08-0806 minTend and BefriendWhy every pregnant momma needs a "get shit done" nesting party instead of a baby showerSend us a textForget the diaper raffles and puff-painted bibs. This isn’t your traditional baby shower. In this episode of Tend and Befriend, Deborah dives into the heart of nesting parties: intimate gatherings that blend community, preparation, and emotional support for expecting parents.You’ll learn:What a nesting party is and why it mattersHow to create a calm, supportive environment (and who to invite)Practical tips for meal prep, baby gear setup, and hospital bag packingWhy this kind of care can make the postpartum transition smoother and more supportedWh...
2025-08-0810 minTend and BefriendThe #1 Mistake First-Time Moms Make in Early Labor - Trying to Make Labor Happen.Send us a text🎙️ Episode Title: The #1 Mistake First-Time Moms Make in Early Labor (And What to Do Instead) Podcast: Tend and Befriend Host: Deborah the DoulaEpisode Summary: If you're in the last weeks of pregnancy and wondering “How will I know if it’s really labor?” — this episode is for you. Today on Tend and Befriend, I’m talking about the most common mistake I see first-time moms make in early labor — and how doing the opposite can shift your entire birth experience. (Hint...
2025-08-0105 minTend and BefriendThe Truth About Midwives: With Corey BryantSend us a textEpisode Summary: Thinking about choosing a midwife but unsure what they actually do? Heard that midwives only attend home births or that you can’t get an epidural with one? It’s time to clear up the myths and get real about what midwifery care looks like in Ontario — especially in Windsor-Essex.In this episode, I’m joined by Corey, a registered midwife with Midwives of Windsor, and we’re unpacking the most common misconceptions around midwifery care — from payment and pain relief to postpartum support and hospital births. Whet...
2025-07-2522 minTend and BefriendSacred Home Birth - A doulas perspective!Send us a textA powerful home birth story highlighting the incredible strength of women and the sacred honor of supporting birthing families. Doula Debra shares her evolving approach to home birth support and the beautiful outcome of a recent birth where connection, trust and protecting oxytocin flow created magic.• Creating deeper connections with birthing families before labor begins• Understanding the importance of protecting oxytocin flow during labor• Preparing spiritually and emotionally as a birth worker• Recognizing transition signs even when contraction patterns aren't textbook• Witnessing the power of women birthing on their o...
2025-05-2312 minTend and BefriendReclaiming Power in the Birthing Room - Ainslee Winter's birth story.Send us a textThere's a life-changing moment when a woman transforms into a mother – regardless of whether she always knew motherhood was her path. This raw, honest conversation with art therapist Ainsley Winter reveals her journey from uncertainty about motherhood to an empowered hospital birth experience.Ainsley's story dismantles the false dichotomy between medicated and unmedicated births. Using the powerful "mountain versus gondola" analogy, she explains how she navigated her options and ultimately chose what felt right for her body – a hospital birth with epidural support. Yet her preparation was anything but passive. From chil...
2025-05-171h 02Tend and BefriendThe Truth About Epidurals: What You’re Not Always Told About Birth ChoicesSend us a textWe explore epidurals in childbirth, examining what they are, their risks, and why unmedicated birth options deserve equal consideration in your birth plan.• Epidurals are regional anesthesia using local anesthetics and opioids to block pain signals from the waist down• Research shows epidurals can slow labor progression, especially during the pushing phase by up to 90 minutes• Associated with higher likelihood of requiring vacuum extraction or forceps during delivery• Can contribute to a cascade of interventions including Pitocin, continuous monitoring, and potentially C-section• Side effects include ma...
2025-05-0913 minTend and BefriendUnderstanding Lochia: Your Body's Natural Healing Process After ChildbirthSend us a textPostpartum bleeding, or lochia, is your body's natural healing process as your uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size. We explore the science behind this important recovery phase and what every new mother should know about supporting her body during this time.• Uterus shrinks from watermelon to pear size in about six weeks after delivery• Lochia progresses through three distinct phases: rubra (days 1-4), serosa (days 5-10), and alba (final phase)• Bleeding occurs as the wound where the placenta attached heals• Breastfeeding releases oxytocin that stimulates uterine contractions and speeds h...
2025-05-0206 minTend and BefriendMore Milk, Less Stress: Natural Ways to Boost SupplySend us a textEpisode Title: How to Boost Milk Supply NaturallyWelcome back to Tend and Befriend! I’m your host Deborah—mom, doula, health professional, and your biggest cheerleader on this journey through pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood.In today’s episode, we’re talking about a topic I hear all the time from breastfeeding moms: how to naturally boost your milk supply. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating a supply dip, I’ll walk you through research-backed strategies, supportive tools, and tips that really work. We'll talk about supply...
2025-04-2508 minTend and BefriendWho Gave a Crap? The Funny Truth About Delivery Room AccidentsSend us a textLet's talk about the one childbirth fear that keeps many expectant mothers up at night – pooping during labor. As a doula, massage therapist, and mother of two, I've witnessed firsthand how this perfectly natural bodily function creates unnecessary anxiety for birthing people everywhere.The science is straightforward: when you're pushing your baby out, you're using the exact same muscle groups involved in bowel movements. Your baby's head applies pressure to your rectum as it descends, potentially causing any remaining stool to be expelled. Far from being embarrassing, this is actually evidence th...
2025-04-1806 minTend and BefriendBlood Flow and Baby-Making: The Aspirin ConnectionSend us a textWe dive deep into the evidence behind aspirin use during pregnancy, examining why fertility clinics recommend it and how to weigh the risks and benefits of this common intervention. The podcast explores low-dose aspirin's role in improving blood flow to the placenta, potentially preventing complications for mothers with specific risk factors.• Low-dose aspirin (81mg) works by preventing tiny blood clots and reducing inflammation• Studies show aspirin may reduce preeclampsia risk by 24% in high-risk pregnancies when started before 16 weeks• Particularly beneficial for women with recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia risk, or underg...
2025-04-1106 minTend and BefriendYour Empty Stomach Is Making Morning Sickness WorseSend us a textPregnancy should be a time of joy and anticipation, but for the 80% of expectant mothers who experience morning sickness, it can feel like an endless battle against nausea and discomfort. What if small, strategic changes to your daily routine could make those symptoms more manageable?Drawing on evidence from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, I break down exactly why your body rebels against you during those early weeks (spoiler alert: blame those skyrocketing HCG and estrogen levels). While most women see relief by their second trimester, some—myself in...
2025-04-0405 minTend and BefriendStruggling with Breastfeeding? Let’s Clear Up some of the ConfusionSend us a textWe dive deep into common breastfeeding misconceptions that leave mothers feeling confused and inadequate, providing evidence-based facts to empower new parents on their feeding journey. The episode tackles seven persistent myths about breastfeeding and offers practical guidance for navigating challenges with confidence.• Breastfeeding is a learned skill, not an instinct – 92% of moms face challenges in the first week• Breast size has absolutely no impact on milk production capacity• Frequent feeding and cluster feeding are normal behaviors, not signs of insufficient milk supply• C-section births present unique challenges but don't prev...
2025-03-2807 minTend and BefriendPregnancy Brain: Science or Excuse?Send us a textEver wondered if "pregnancy brain" is real science or just a convenient excuse for misplaced keys and forgotten appointments? The fascinating truth lies somewhere in between, and it's more remarkable than you might think.Pregnancy triggers measurable changes in your brain's structure, particularly in areas related to social cognition and emotional regulation. Far from being a deficit, these changes represent your brain's brilliant adaptation to prepare you for motherhood. Think of it as nature's way of helping you prioritize what really matters—your growing baby—while temporarily filing away less critical info...
2025-03-2107 minTend and BefriendPitocin isnt Oxytocin!Send us a textToday, we're tackling a big topic: Why do medical professionals often refer to Pitocin as oxytocin? What are the risks and benefits? And why is Pitocin being overused in so many hospital births? Let’s break it all down.🌿 In this episode, we cover:✔️ The role of natural oxytocin in labor, bonding, and breastfeeding✔️ How Pitocin is different & why it doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier✔️ The risks of Pitocin: stronger contractions, fetal distress, C-section...
2025-03-1409 minTend and BefriendWater Breaking RealitiesSend us a textStep into the world of childbirth realities with Tend and Befriend as we unpack the truthful nuances surrounding the event of water breaking. Many of us can recall memorable moments from beloved television shows where a woman's water dramatically breaks in a public setting, igniting chaos and urgency. However, this depiction is often far from the truth. In our latest episode, we strip away the theatrics to reveal what actually happens when one's water breaks, arming expecting parents with the knowledge they need to feel prepared and informed.Join us as...
2025-03-0706 minTend and BefriendJacobsons RelaxationSend us a textJoin us in this special episode as I walk you through Jacobsons Relaxation. This technique can help anyone manage stress, and alleviate discomfort, especially mothers in the delivery room. 1:49 - Introduction & Disclaimer 4:07 - Jacobsons Relaxation 23:52 - ClosingBlog Labor & Birth CourseSupport the show🎙 Thanks for Tuning into Tend & Befriend! 🌿 Learn More & Work With Me:💻 Visit Website for my birth course, resources, and to book a session with me....
2024-04-2324 minTend and BefriendQ & A - Got Questions about Pregnancy? We have answers!Send us a textToday we are answering questions that you asked us through our social media accounts!!Join me today as we discuss a couple of these topics: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, Options for flipping a breech baby, When to start tracking fetal Kick, Massage do's & donts. What is a mucus plug and what should I watch for?Two very painful symptoms in pregnancy that has to do with connective tissue and how to care for it.I love answering all of your questions and its ni...
2022-05-3028 minTend and BefriendI peed on the stick, its positive. What are the steps to take?Send us a textI peed on the stick and Its positive, I am pregnant! What are my first steps to take? How does this all work?Do I call the OB?Do I call the Family Doctor?Do I scream it from the mountain tops?I am not sure I am ready for this..I dont know what my options are..There are so many feelings and emotions attached to finding out you are pregnant and just because the test is positive does not mean you have...
2022-05-2330 minTend and BefriendMoney, should not be your first sacrifice as a New Mother!Send us a textEver wonder how some women manage not to worry about finances during their maternity leave? I know how they did it.... they hired Alynn Godfroy from Godfroy financial. How did she enjoy her maternity leave without financial burden, the same way she is now enjoying her life, raising her baby boy Austin and making time for herself, her husband and her family life while owning her own business! She did it with smart financial strategy! I have admired Alynn's financial mindset since the day I was first introduced to her, and you w...
2022-05-1736 min
Comfort Via DiscomfortEP 007 - How divorce taught me to become a strong advocate for myself, for my kids, and for others w/ Deborah Herritt KoumoutsidisWelcome to Episode 007 with Deborah Herritt Koumoutsidis.Deborah is a Registered Massage Therapist in the province of Ontario in Canada and is also the CEO and founder of Pelvic Love Massage Therapy. She hosts a podcast called Tend and Befriend, which features women sharing their beautiful and traumatic experiences of pregnancy, birth, and other health related issues. Deborah has open, honest, and vulnerable conversations with people to help women and their loved ones learn more about th...
2022-05-121h 22Tend and BefriendSTOP pretending that Motherhood is Easy!Send us a textFriends sometimes divulge things to each other what we wouldnt dare admit to anyone else! Jaclyn and I have been friends for alot of years, we laugh about each others faults and the stupid things that run through our minds as women, wives & especially as Mothers! NOTE - We are friends and this conversation is not how we feel as professionals, we have to laugh at each other with friends, in order to survive motherhood. Jaclyn is one of the owners of Odyssey Wellness in Tecumseh. Sh...
2022-05-0956 minTend and BefriendDropping ALL of the balls when dealing with a concussion, mental illness & loss!Send us a textEver get all the balls in your life rolling smoothly, only to have them all go crashing to the ground? Yeah me too!Here's what the %#@* happened to all of the balls I was juggling last year!! Please join us today as I have a very vulnerable conversation with one of my closest friends about life, injury, mental illness & loss. While this story is about failure, at no point was I not okay with failing… in order to gro...
2022-05-0348 minTend and BefriendPregnancy Story with Casey PillonSend us a textEver wondered what the process is like to discharge your OBGYN? Listen to Casey tell her story of having difficulty with the rules at her OBGYN's office during the pandemic and what steps she took to get the birth she wanted. Casey is a fireball about her views on the pandemic and the guidelines involved at our local hospital during birth.. she feels like everyone should be treated as the individual humans that we are. Casey talks us through her struggles with fertility, a miscarrige, getting pregnant again and finding out...
2021-07-0853 minTend and BefriendRenee Meloche - Jelly Fish PilatesSend us a textCan you imagine travelling all over the world teaching and mastering your craft? Thats exactly what Renee Meloche from Jelly Fish Pilates in Tecumseh Ontario did before deciding to settle down here in Windsor, Essex County and open her own studio. Renee started her journey with Pilates in 1997 and has a full certification with STOTT Pilates, and has travelled all over the world teaching certifications. Renee is a business owner, the mom of three kids, an author and a brillant pilates instructor. I am very excited to talk with her to...
2021-06-1852 minTend and BefriendTiffany Koniecki - Single Motherhood by choice.Send us a textBecoming a single mother by choice is an increasingly popular path to motherhood. As more women are making the decision to have a child on their own, whether through artificial insemination, in-vitro fertilization, adoption or other means, we are asking more and more questions. What happens when you make the decision to do this alone? How do you choose a donor in Canada? What is the process? What does the fertility clinics charge? Will I need hormones? How much does the donor cost? and much much more... Listen to me talk with...
2021-06-101h 07Tend and BefriendDoctors Visit suggestions for better care.Send us a textWe can all use help with finding the right way to speak to our medical professionals of choice. Todays episode I make 5 suggestions that have helped me and others be a better case manager of their health. Hope you find them helpful and can put them into play for you and your health! Good Luck!! Support the show🎙 Thanks for Tuning into Tend & Befriend! 🌿 Learn More & Work With Me:💻 Visit Website for my birth course, resource...
2021-06-0311 minTend and BefriendMom Life with Leigha MoravacSend us a textFor some people, motherhood comes naturally, it’s almost like they were born to be moms. This is the case with today's guest Leigha Moravac. Leigha has always known she wanted to be a mom and it's easy to watch her with her children and see that being a mom is a natural instinct for her. Despite all of this - Parenting isn't always a clear and easy path, especially when health issues, car accidents, and a newborn who doesn't sleep well are playing a role. Throw into all of...
2021-05-271h 06Tend and BefriendIonizing radiation (x-ray) - Is it ALL safe?Send us a textThis episode I speak with one of our local hospitals Radiographic Imaging Experts Milena Lewis . Milena has been in this field for over 20 years and is highly skilled when advising patients on the risks and benefits and how to ask for advice when X-rays have been requested by your Health professional. Milena helps shine some light on what you can do to be more informed when you need an X-Ray Image both during pregnancy and everyday. Ionizing radiation (x-ray) is composed of high-energy photons that are capable of dam...
2021-05-2126 minTend and BefriendCanadian Olympic Athlete Melissa BishopSend us a textMelissa Bishop Nriagu is a Canadian Professional Athlete from Eaganville Ontario, she is a 2 time Olympic Athlete for the 800 metre distance. She is only the 3rd woman to achieve a time under 2:00 minutes and is currently the record holder for this distance at an amazing time of 1:57.01. Melissa is here to talk about Training and Exercise during pregnancy, as well as Postpartum. We discuss the fact that no matter what other women have experienced or professionals say is typical, this may not be the journey for you. Pregnant women often hear mixed inform...
2021-05-1350 minTend and BefriendNour Hachem-Fawaz - VBAC story of baby girl AlaynaSend us a textGiving birth carries a lot of emotions for families, and moms sometimes have difficulty processing all of these feelings and emotions if they feel they didn't have a birth with choices. Today we are talking to Nour Hachem Fawaz as she dives into her first birth that ended with a cesarean delivery and the feelings she had postnatal that she felt were connected to her feelings about her body and birthing team. We discuss how different that looked with her second birth, where she felt supported and empowered to birth with choices an...
2021-05-031h 41