#318 | May Q&A: Precipitous Births, Tearing Tips, Best Foods After Birth, Epidural Removal for Pushing, Induction & VBAC, Cord Clamping, Jaundice
Send us a textWelcome to the May Q&A with Cynthia & Trisha. If you have been wondering what you should plan to eat after giving birth, we've got the answers in today's episode, and we think they'll surprise you! For today's regular episode, we answer the following:Can you remove an epidural for pushing?Can the cervix swell shut if you push before it is fully dilated?Can you prevent a tear in a precipitous birth when the baby comes flying out?Can I still have a VBAC if I had a big baby and didn't dilate in my first birth? Is it possible that my body doesn't go into labor?Does delayed cord clamping cause jaundice?Is there anything that can be done to prevent tearing in a precipitous birthIn the extended version, available on Apple subscriptions and Patreon, we further discuss:Anxiety around the anticipation of your second birth;current evidence on stillbirth rates after age 35 (all the data!); andbreastfeeding through pregnancy and into tandem nursing.Finally, in quickies, we touch on sushi in pregnancy, bleeding too much and cord clamping, when a baby can first have water, how to lower fasting blood sugars, and so much more plus...how Cynthia and Trisha met.Oh, and one more thing: Are you a folder or a squisher with your TP habits?**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packENERGYbits--the superfood every mother needs for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeedingPrimally Pure: From soil to skin, primally pure products are made with down-to-earth ingredients that feel and smell like heaven for the skinUse promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.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 YouTube! Work with Cynthia: 203-952-7299 HypnoBirthingCT.com Work with Trisha: 734-649-6294 Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.
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#317 | The Risk of Uterine Rupture: Breaking Down ACOG's VBAC Bulletin
Send us a textWhat's the one question every woman wants to answer when considering a VBAC? Is it safe for me and my baby? In today's episode, Cynthia & Trisha break down the available data on VBAC, why we should discard the term TOLAC, the actual risks of uterine rupture, whether induced with Pitocon versus a prostaglandin or having spontaneous labor versus expectant management. We present the few cases in which a woman should not choose to VBAC and help mothers understand their decisions should not be driven by statistics alone. If you are considering a VBAC, get a pen and paper and arm yourself with all the stats from this data-rich dialogue. Also: Let's get HavBAC to take! (Inside Joke -- you'll get it when you listen!)**********Watch the full videos of all our episodes on YouTube!**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packENERGYbits--the superfood every mother needs for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeedingPrimally Pure: From soil to skin, primally pure products are made with down-to-earth ingredients that feel and smell like heaven for the skinUse promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.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 YouTube! Work with Cynthia: 203-952-7299 HypnoBirthingCT.com Work with Trisha: 734-649-6294 Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.
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#316 | The Body Ready Method for Optimizing Labor With Co-Founder Lindsay McCoy
Send us a textDid you know that how you breathe on a daily basis can influence how your birth goes? Yes, your rib cage impacts your pelvic tension! On today's episode, we have Lindsay McCoy, a birth doula, exercise physiologist, and co-founder of the Body Ready Method. She explains how breath, mobility, and pelvic balance all come together to support a smoother, more efficient labor—and how a few simple daily practices in pregnancy can reduce the need for interventions in birth. She reminds us that our job is not to get stuck in our heads trying to “do it all right," and that "There's only room for one head in the pelvis, and that is your baby's!" You’ll learn how to identify common imbalances, what to do when labor stalls, and how to avoid unnecessary interventions by proactively supporting your body in pregnancy. This conversation is for the woman who wants to feel confident, aligned, and body-aware—not obsessive. It’s also essential listening for birth professionals who want to support laboring women with more precision and less guesswork. The "Flow, Balance, Space" framework is all about optimizing your labor for your best birth. Body Ready MethodBody Ready Method on InstagramWatch the full videos of all our episodes on YouTube!**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packENERGYbits--the superfood every mother needs for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeedingUse promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.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 YouTube! Work with Cynthia: 203-952-7299 HypnoBirthingCT.com Work with Trisha: 734-649-6294 Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.
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#315 | The Preeclampsia Puzzle: Misdiagnoses, Misconceptions and Prevention with Author Sarah Thompson
Send us a textPreeclampsia is an increasingly common diagnosis, but are we getting it right? This episode tackles the alarming reality of misdiagnosis and the rush to intervene prematurely with induction. Join us and functional medicine expert Sarah Thompson, researcher and author of Functional Maternity, as we dive into the deeper nature of preeclampsia, beyond simple blood pressure readings. Learn about the crucial roles of sleep, stress, and your body's detox pathways in the prevention of preeclampsia. Did you know 80% of cases are said to be preventable? You’ll learn:What preeclampsia is and why it happens;Why so many women are misdiagnosed—or treated too early “just in case”;The role of sleep, stress, inflammation, and nutrient overload - even from high-quality, water-soluble supplements;How your thyroid, detox pathways, and even microbiome play a role;Which labs to ask for to get a clearer understanding of your own body; andWhether or not a baby aspirin in pregnancy prevents preeclampsia.Sarah ThompsonSarah on InstagramWatch the full videos of all our episodes on YouTube!**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packENERGYbits--the superfood every mother needs for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeedingUse promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.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 YouTube! Work with Cynthia: 203-952-7299 HypnoBirthingCT.com Work with Trisha: 734-649-6294 Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.
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#314 | April Q&A: Epidurals, Pushing Too Soon, Castor Oil Risks, Parental Coping, Gestational Diabetes & Big Babies; How Tall Is Arnold Schwarzenegger
Send us a textWelcome to the April Q&A episode! Today's episode begins with your answers to our question: How do you cope when you are at your breaking point in parenting? If you are looking for some creative ideas, you will find them here! And someone, please tell us where one Mississippi, two Mississippi came from?Next, we get down to birth and answer the following questions: Why do some women choose unmedicated, physiological births despite societal pressures and perceived difficulties? Why not just get the epidural?Is it ok to push if you are not fully dilated? How dangerous is this and what is the risk with early pushing?My friend had to have an emergency cesarean when her baby was already in the vaginal canal. They pushed the baby back up and caused severe damage to her vaginal tissue. Was this necessary or were her providers just impatient?In the extended version of today's episode, which you can hear by subscribing on Apple Podcasts or joining any of our Patreon tiers, we answer these additional questions:What are the risks of using castor oil to induce labor?If I had a big baby in my first pregnancy, does it mean I will have gestational diabetes in my next pregnancy? Does it even mean I had gestational diabetes in my first? My doctors put this in my records with no evidence beyond a big, healthy baby.How do I gently night wean?In quickies, we discuss tongue ties and white tongues, hemorrhage and C-section, breath work resources for labor, retained placentas, protein for breastfeeding, decreasing milk supply, risk of infection with broken water, windmilling the placenta, and lastly, if you would only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?Plus, don't miss today's long and hilarious outtake. Watch the full videos of all our episodes on YouTube!**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packENERGYbits--the superfood every mother needs for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeedingUse promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.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 YouTube! Work with Cynthia: 203-952-7299 HypnoBirthingCT.com Work with Trisha: 734-649-6294 Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.
Join Cynthia Overgard and Trisha Ludwig once per week for evidence-based straight talk on having a safe and informed birth, which starts with determining if you've hired the right provider. If we had to boil it down to a single premise, it's this: A healthy mom and baby isn't all that matters. We have more than 30 years' experience between us in midwifery, informed rights advocacy, publishing, childbirth education, postpartum support and breastfeeding, and we've personally served thousands of women and couples. Listen to the birth stories of our clients, listeners and celebrities, catch our expert-interviews, and submit your questions for our monthly Q&A episodes by calling us at 802-GET-DOWN. We're on Instagram at @downtobirthshow and also at Patreon.com/downtobirthshow, where we offer live ongoing events multiple times per month, so be sure to join our worldwide community. We are a Top .5% podcast globally with listeners in more than 80 countries every week. Become informed, empowered, and have a great time in the process. Join us and reach out any time - we love to hear from you. And as always, hear everyone, listen to yourself.
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