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Down to Birth#306 | Breastfeeding Q&A: Engorgement & Oversupply; Sleepy Feeders; Hands-Free Pumps; Foremilk/Hindmilk Imbalances; Cracked NipplesSend us a textDo you know the "hi" joke? If not, you haven't been listening long enough or need to go back to our earliest episodes, lol! If you haven't been there you should. We have some amazing episodes from season one.Anyway, today is all about breastfeeding. Trisha answers our listeners' questions on the following:Are there any techniques to relieve engorgement and over-production of milk in the early days to be more comfortable? And Cynthia asks Trisha: Why is oversupply such a problem, anyway?What do you recommend...2025-03-0542 minDown to Birth#293 | Extended Q&A [Season 3 Reprise]: Miscarriage; Evening Primrose Oil; Safe Bed-Sharing; Failure to Descend; Pushing; High Blood PressureSend us a textFor this November Q&A, please enjoy the full, extended version of one of our top Q&As from season 3, where we discuss: Weight loss after having a baby--can you lose too much too fast? What tests should be done if you've had multiple miscarriages? Can you give us the scoop on Evening Primrose oil for getting labor started--is it helpful or hurtful, and what does the research show? How do I handle my mother-in-law who keeps giving me keepsakes for the baby that I don't want? Is there a way t...2024-11-271h 03Down to Birth#284 | September Q&A: The Midwife-Client Relationship; Ghosting Your Induction; 2-Step Delivery; Postpartum Resentment; Platypelloid Pelvis; No FERSend us a textWelcome to the September Q&A episode with Cynthia & Trisha. Today, we begin with discussing the problem of increased reliance on Google searches and googling our way to answers that require deep introspection and self-trust rather than an automated and potentially biased and generalized result.In our first question, Cynthia & Trisha debate one woman's question on whether or not she should stay with a midwife she does not feel emotionally connected to or fire her late in the game and choose free birth instead. Additionally, we answer the following:2024-09-2552 minDown to Birth#264 | Breastfeeding Q&A: Pacifiers, Pumping, Bottles, Domperidone & IGT, Flat Nipples, Weaning and Breast ImplantsSend us a textWelcome to our first breastfeeding-only Q&A with Trisha & Cynthia. Trisha is a Certified Nurse-Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with thousands of hours of clinical experience. Today's episode follows the format of our regular monthly Q&A episodes, where women call in with questions and we wrap up with Quickies at the end, but this time it's your breastfeeding questions only. Today Trisha answers questions such as: Can I introduce a pacifier to my exclusively breastfed baby at two and a half weeks?Is it a nursing strike or weaning: H...2024-05-0833 minDown to Birth#262 | April Q&A: Prenatal Vitamins, Premature Rupture of Membranes, Painless Breech Birth, Precipitous Labor, HypnoBirthing, Prenatal HypertensionSend us a textWelcome to the April Q&A episode with Cynthia & Trisha. Today, we invite you to guess the two things that Cynthia and Trisha will never talk about on the podcast. Hint: They are not scandalous or controversial. Shoot us a DM with your guesses! Next, hear the most annoying habits from our podcast community regarding their partners. As for our questions this month, here we go:I had a pain-free breech vaginal birth. Why do some women experience pain at birth and others don't?My second baby was born precipitously at home...2024-04-2447 minDown to Birth#254 | February Q&A: Vomiting in Labor, Cord Traction, Pacifiers, Probiotics and Plugged Ducts, Breast Milkshake, PPH, Bicornuate UterusSend us a textWelcome to the February Q&A with Cynthia & Trisha. To kick things off, we share some of your New Year's Resolutions--don't miss this as Trisha makes Cynthia momentarily speechless! Next, we dive into your questions beginning with: Is cord traction really necessary to birth the placenta? Another woman explains that she always throws up in labor right when her water breaks and asks if this is normal. Also, a new mother is curious if giving her baby a pacifier will be harmful or helpful...and more. In our extended version of today's episode, w...2024-02-2842 minDown to Birth#228 | August Q&A: Routine PP Pitocin, Insufficient Glandular Tissue, Boundaries with In-laws, Fundal Massage, Fore-milk, Manual Dilation, Weight Gain in Pregnancy, A Husband with AddictionSend us a textIt's time for the August Q&A episode with Cynthia & Trisha! We kick off today's episode with the crazy and unsupportive comments most often heard by our listeners. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, and get ready for some laughs. Next, we get into our questions, including:Is routine Pitocin postpartum necessary?What can you tell me about insufficient glandular tissue and breastfeeding?What to do about family members who use sweets as a way to get children's attention?Is aggressive fundal massage really necessary?Is...2023-08-3041 minDown to Birth#223 | July Q&A: Prolapsed Cord, Tearing & Sutures, PROM, Nursing & Tooth Decay, Irish Twins, Breastmilk Calorie Concerns, Breech Birth, Pet PeevesSend us a textWelcome to the July Q&A episode with Cynthia & Trisha. Today, we kick off the conversation with a story of an OB commenting on the "tightness" of a woman's perineum. Next, we jump into our questions on when sutures are or are not needed after a tear; placenta previa and a prolapsed cord; the risk of infection after rupture of membranes when GBS negative; how to get oxytocin flowing when your spouse is not present at birth; are there risks in pregnancy and postpartum if you have Irish twins; could I have birthed m...2023-07-2642 minDown to Birth#201 | February Q&A: Tongue-Tie & Bodywork, Cervical Exams, Ovulation, Postpartum Baths, Placenta Accreta, Forceps, Synthetic Fragrances, TearingSend us a textIt's time for our monthly Q&A episode with your Down to Birth Show hosts Cynthia & Trisha. After a quick chat about the brutally cold weather (how unoriginal), we jump right into our listener-submitted questions beginning with: How important or helpful is body-work for tongue-tied babies?Is there ever a legit reason for a cervical check in late pregnancy?When exclusively breastfeeding, when should you introduce a bottle and start saving milk for going back to work?What supplements should you take in pregnancy, particularly related to iodine?Can you take a b...2023-02-2244 minDown to Birth#176 | August Q&A: Multiple Miscarriages; Evening Primrose Oil; Safe Bed-Sharing; Breastmilk Stashes; Failure to Descend; Pushing; High Blood PressureSend us a textHello! It is the last Wednesday of the month, and you know what that means. We are here with our August Q&A episode. Today, Cynthia & Trisha are discussing weight loss after having a baby--can you lose too much too fast? What tests should be done if you've had multiple miscarriages? Can you give us the scoop on Evening Primrose oil for getting labor started--is it helpful or hurtful? How do I handle my mother-in-law who keeps giving me keepsakes for the baby that I don't want? Is there a way to safely be...2022-08-3143 minDown to BirthBonus Episode | Midwives Under Assault by Hospital AdministratorsSend us a text"There is something going on against midwives, against birth centers, and against choice for women." Cathy Parisi is the director of the Connecticut Childbirth & Women's Center in Danbury, Ct since 1999. The center is the only free standing birth center in Connecticut and promotes physiologic birth under the midwifery model of care, offering women choice, freedom, and empowered decision making in their care in the birth center itself or across the street at Danbury hospital. Recently, the hospital administration cited more than one midwife for practicing "out of their scope of care" and revoked o...2022-06-2036 minDown to Birth#131 | Cynthia Mini: Nonviolent Communication for Building ConnectionSend us a textThis week's mini-side provides a scope into dozen of emotions we can feel, especially when home with baby postpartum. Cynthia provides an explanation of Nonviolent Communication - the communication method developed by clinical psychologist Marshall Rosenberg - for better connection in our interpersonal relationships. It's about feelings, but it's ultimately about needs. * * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow, where we post new information daily related to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com. We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate qu...2021-10-2510 minDown to Birth#123 | Trisha Mini: Orgasmic Birth: What is it and How Does it Work?Send us a textWhat does it really mean to have an orgasmic birth? Sure, you might have a “birthgasm,” but more likely you’ll feel the ecstasy of the physiological birth process. In today’s minisode, Trisha walks us through the complex interplay of hormones that brings us to ecstasy in birth and what it takes to get there. This show is sponsored by:Postpartum Soothe*Beautiful Births and Beyond Doula Services**Use promo code DOWNTOBIRTH**********Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.Email Con...2021-09-1309 minDown to Birth#116 | Surviving an Amniotic Fluid Embolism, Birth Trauma, and Its Impact on PostpartumSend us a textTrigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive content around birth and birth trauma and may not be for everyone. Kayleigh describes the birth of her son as the worst day of her life; and it literally was because she actually died during birth. Her son was born via emergency cesarean as she was being resuscitated on the operating table after experiencing an Amniotic Fluid Embolism. She and her baby survived and are healthy and well but the lasting trauma and post-traumatic stress is something she is still working through two years later. As...2021-08-0442 minDown to Birth#107 | Trisha Mini: Where You Should Give BirthSend us a textHello friends! When you first become pregnant, the next question is where and with whom will I give birth? In today's mini sode, Trisha helps you to determine the best place for you to give birth. You may be surprised to learn that you have the answer more than we do, but we can tell you the most important question to ask yourself and how to create your best birth space. Take a listen to today's mini-sode and reach us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow with any feedback or on our website at www.DownToBirthShow.c...2021-06-2111 minDown to Birth#98 | Breastfeeding Mini: Prevention, Causes, and Treatment of Plugged DuctsSend us a textIn today's mini-episode, Trisha explains how and why we get clogged or plugged ducts and provides guidance on how to recognize them, how to prevent them, and simple steps to resolve them quickly to keep you breastfeeding comfortably. If your plugged duct does not resolve within 24-48 hours seek the help of a professional lactation consultant. * * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.comInstagram @downtobirthshowCall us at 802-GET-DOWN Watch the full videos of all our episodes on...2021-05-1013 minDown to Birth#96 | April Q&A: A little About Us; Risks of IVF; Uterine Massage; Postpartum Essentials; Pre-term Birth; Birth Prep Tips; Low Lying PlacentasSend us a textThis month's Q&A kicks off with a couple personal questions of Cynthia and Trisha about their dream travel and what they admire in themselves and in each other. After our little heart-to-heart, we get down to business discussing: Pregnancy & birth risk associated with IVF; why you don't need painful uterine massage after birth; what our "must-have" items are for new moms and baby; tips for preventing pre-term birth; tips for preparing for birth related to teas, supplements, & foods; how to handle a low-lying placenta; and the likelihood of your baby coming early...2021-04-2836 minDown to Birth#87 | Postpartum Rage: The Outburst-Guilt-Shame CycleSend us a textPostpartum rage is among the lesser known perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that can impact postpartum women and even their partners. Unfortunately, what women don’t understand is that sometimes anger comes more easily than tears, and it doesn’t mean that anything is fundamentally wrong with them or with their character; but rather, they are suffering from one particular manifestation of postpartum depression or anxiety. Postpartum rage can look like: snapping at your children or partner, yelling more than usual, swearing, or even throwing things across the room. Any type of unexpected, intens...2021-03-1733 minDown to Birth#86 | Breastfeeding Mini: The Three Most Common Challenges for Breastfeeding MomsSend us a textIn today's minisode, Trisha reviews the three most common challenges that breastfeeding moms experience: Engorgement, Nipple Pain, and Supply issues. She briefly explains why they occur and offers simple steps to recognize and resolve each issue so that you may comfortably and easily continue your breastfeeding journey. See other episodes on breastfeeding:#33 | Breastfeeding Mini: Out With The Rules, In With Your Instincts#44 | Breastfeeding Mini: The First Week of Breastfeeding and Why it Matters Most#56 | Breastfeeding Mini: T...2021-03-1517 minDown to Birth#84 | Lynne's Last Minute Home Birth After Two C-SectionsSend us a textFor Lynne, giving birth via Cesarean just didn't feel like giving birth. Learning she was pregnant with her third and having had two prior C-sections, she wanted a different experience. After meeting a friend for lunch who was planning a home birth, she got curious and started exploring options and digging into the research on VBAC. While giving birth at home felt outside her comfort zone, she planned to hire a home birth midwife to support her through the early labor hours at home, before eventually heading to the hospital for a...2021-03-0335 minDown to Birth#83 | February Q&A: Plus-Size Pregnancy; What to Wear During Birth; Waking a Sleeping Baby; Implications of a Subchorionic Hematoma; Waterbirth & Baby's First Breath; Best Times to PumpSend us a textOur February Q&A episode is here! Today, we discuss a wide variety of topics from the influence of medical rhetoric on our decisions in pregnancy and birth to the implications of being plus-size in pregnancy to the best time to pump your breastmilk. We have a lengthy discussion on what to wear in pregnancy and seriously question why hospitals still promote the classic hospital gown for birthing?! We talk about the physiologic mechanisms that protect babies from breathing under water during a water birth and why water birth is a wonderful option fo...2021-02-2434 minDown to Birth#82 | Birth Story Mini: Stefanie's Home Birth After C-Section (HBAC)Send us a text“I would give birth like that ten more times!” In today’s mini-sode Stefanie tells her story of choosing a homebirth VBAC (HBAC) for her second birth after knowing she would absolutely not return to the hospital to have her next baby. Despite going into to labor just before 37 weeks, Stefanie was fully committed to her HBAC birth and beautifully supported by her midwives, doulas, and partner through the entire experience. * * * * * * * * * *If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and post...2021-02-2216 minDown to Birth#81 | Andrea Left the Hospital AMA (Against Medial Advice) to Avoid InductionSend us a textAndrea was thirty-three years-old and experiencing a low-risk healthy pregnancy when she went in for her prenatal visit at five days past her guess date and - it just so happened - the week of Christmas and New Year's. Her OB informed her that she would need to be induced. In response to her question, "What happens if we wait for labor to begin on its own," he replied, "Your baby is going to die." A few days later, when she went in for a routine check-up, her amniotic fluid level was...2021-02-1725 minDown to Birth#80 | Roundtable: Mothers Who've MiscarriedSend us a textApproximately 1 in 5 known pregnancies result in miscarriage before 12 weeks, and 1 in 4 women have experienced a miscarriage in their lifetime. Despite it being a relatively common experience, it is often left unspoken of, leaving mothers heartbroken and shrouded in feelings of guilt and failure. Today, Amanda, Nicole and Meghan share their heartfelt stories, expressing the deep emotions surrounding their losses. Amanda suffered three miscarriages between the birth of her two boys, and deeply regretted going to the hospital when her first miscarriage occurred. Nicole, who works in the medical field, opted for a...2021-02-1046 minDown to Birth#79 | Cynthia Mini: What is Medical Rhetoric?Send us a textMedical Rhetoric involves language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect on its audience, but often lacks sincerity or meaningful content. How can you tell when your obstetrician or medical provider is using rhetoric to persuade, discourage or manipulate you into going along with a particular course of action without first offering you any information or data that would be useful in your decision-making? Share your stories of rhetoric with us @downtobirthshow on Instagram or at www.DownToBirthShow.com. * * * * * * * * * *If you enjoyed this episode of th...2021-02-0807 minDown to Birth#78 | Christina's Run From Induction to a Home Birth with Group B StrepSend us a textWhen Christina showed up at the hospital with ruptured membranes and GBS+ status, the hospital informed her that she was not allowed to leave—not even to return home to get her hospital bag. According to Christina, every cell in her body told her to run. She made a few phone calls, started crying while she searched for a way out, and soon found herself driving across state lines to see a home birth midwife for another opinion.This is Christina's remarkable story of following her intuition even when face...2021-02-0327 minDown to Birth#77 | January Q&A: Co-sleeping; Prodromal Labor; Switching Providers; Third Babies; Conceiving While Breastfeeding; Vaginal Dryness; Baby-Led Weaning; Hep-Locks and IVsSend us a textThis month's Q&A is packed with valuable information! Check it out below:Did you Co-Sleep with your babies?I am thinking about leaving my provider. What do you recommend I say or do?Do you have any tips for prodromal labor?Is it common to have vaginal dryness while breastfeeding?Is it true that the 3rd baby can be a "wild card?" And if so, is there anything I can do?Do I need to make any changes to my b...2021-01-2737 minDown to Birth#76 | Birth Story Mini: Tara's Empowered Birth During CovidSend us a textAfter losing her first baby in utero at five months, Tara and her husband became pregnant again and quickly realized they were with a large group of rotating obstetricians who didn't feel quite right for them. After switching to a midwifery practice and preparing with HypnoBirthing, Tara had a beautiful birth amid COVID protocols, but not without some obstacles along the way, including dehydration, meconium and a hospital transfer. With the support of her husband and midwives, and getting creative with various positions during a 3-hour pushing stage, Tara birthed her baby in...2021-01-2514 minDown to Birth#75 | Fetal Monitoring and Fetal Distress with Midwife-Author Amy RomanoSend us a textTo monitor or not monitor: that is the question. More specifically, how to best monitor your baby in labor without causing undue worry and intervention is the question of today's episode. Author, midwife, and researcher Amy Romano MBA, MSN, CNM tells us that a large body of evidence on fetal heart rate monitoring indicates that we are likely looking for and finding problems that don't actually exist when it comes your baby's heartbeat in labor. And there is a significant cost to both mom and baby including higher rates of cesarean section, mor...2021-01-2047 minDown to Birth#74 | Table For Five: Author Ted Yang Gives Voice To Fathers Who've Lost A BabySend us a textWhen Ted Yang learned his wife was pregnant, life felt amazing! He was married to the love of his life, had a fulfilling and lucrative career, and was expecting not one but three babies. But his world was turned upside down when he found himself facing the reality of premature birth, one infant loss, and two premature babies fighting for their lives. His experience as a loss father left him feeling alone in a society which fails to adequately support mothers of loss and premature infants, let alone fathers. Ted tells h...2021-01-1342 min