Aligned Birth

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Rebroadcast of episode 126
Birth has a way of transforming us.  Bringing forth new life requires us to dig deep, to find a part of ourselves that is bigger than ourselves, that you may not even know you have, that asks you to surrender and turn inward and trust.  

This episode is loosely based on a Pathways to Family Wellness Article - titled The Treasure Box.  Where a midwife discusses with a client how transformative birth can be.

Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael share their own birth stories and how they tapped into their mental reserves during birth, and they share advice from clients and patients.  Some call it the treasure box, this beautiful gift we’re given that shows us how strong and capable we truly are.  Others call it the pain cave, this mental place we go to when things are hard, when we want to stop, when we want to give up.  Whatever you call it, you do have it, and during pregnancy it can be helpful to reflect on your thoughts, fears, emotions, and feelings surrounding birth. 

Resources mentioned:

Transformed by Birth

Episode 103: Processing the emotions of pregnancy and birth

Episode 89: Ultramarathons and birth 

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Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

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During labor, a beautiful dance occurs between oxytocin, endorphins, adrenaline, and cortisol. The body's innate wisdom craves calmness, peace, safety, and security, which helps labor progress more smoothly and allows hormones to work efficiently. However, the sights, sounds, and smells of hospitals can sometimes disrupt this flow, making it harder to enter the optimal "labor land" mindset where you feel safe, comfortable, and private. Whether planning a home or hospital birth, there are many ways to create a peaceful and secure birthing environment that encourages the natural flow of labor. In this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael share several strategies to support the hormones of labor. Grab a pen and take notes!

Resources mentioned:

Episode 35: Essential oils for pregnancy, labor, and birth 

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

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Rebroadcast of Episode 146: Birth not only impacts mom, but baby as well.  In this episode, Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon chat about specific questions she asks during her pediatric chiropractic exams and why those questions are important.  These questions are related to baby position in the womb as well as the entire birth process because the physical aspects of birth (mode of delivery, fast labor, slow labor, baby position) can relate to how baby is processing living outside of the womb (torticollis, constipation, colic, nursing issues)  Birth doesn’t have to be a traumatic event for mom and baby to deal with certain stressors and then for the nervous system to be impacted from those stressors.  But pediatric chiropractic care is a gentle way to help restore optimal nervous system function post-birth for mom and baby.

Your baby doesn’t have to have any “issues” either to benefit from having their nervous system assessed by a pediatric chiropractor!

Resources mentioned:

Episode 95: how birth process impacts infant feeding 

Episode 69: benefits of pediatric chiropractic care

Episode 57: pediatric chiropractic care and cranial adjustments with Dr. Martin Rosen

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

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In this episode of the Aligned Birth Podcast, Doula Rachael discusses effective communication with your birth team and managing expectations. The main topics covered include building your birth team, effective communication strategies, managing expectations, and handling challenges and conflict. Doula Rachael emphasizes the importance of effective communication in staying in control of your birth experience and reducing fear.

The episode also provides insights into the roles and responsibilities of different members of the birth team, such as partners, doulas, midwives, OBs, and nurses. The use of a birth plan as a communication tool is also highlighted. In this conversation, she also discusses effective communication strategies for expectant parents to use with their birth team. She emphasizes the importance of open lines of communication, establishing healthy expectations, and advocating for oneself.

Doula Rachael provides practical tips and tools, such as the BRAIN acronym, to help navigate challenging situations and conflicts. She also shares client stories that highlight the power of communication and informed decision-making in achieving positive and satisfying birth experiences.

Resources:
Ep 135: Building Birth Support Team
Ep 11: Creating a Birth Plan

Chapters:

00:00 Building Your Birth Team

10:05 Effective Communication Strategies

29:02 Handling Challenges and Conflict

35:41 Establishing Healthy Expectations

39:23 Navigating Challenges and Conflicts

45:37 The Power of Advocacy

49:13 Client Stories: Communication and Empowerment in Birth

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

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In this episode of the Aligned Birth Podcast, Dr. Shannon interviews Hannah Meurer, a certified nurse midwife and founder of Haven Miscarriage Clinic. They discuss the need for a specialized clinic for early pregnancy loss and the lack of support and resources available to women who experience miscarriages. Hannah shares her personal experience of having complicated pregnancies and a miscarriage and the emotional toll it took on her. She emphasizes the importance of providing support and guidance to women going through miscarriages and aims to humanize the experience through Haven Miscarriage Clinic. 

Haven Miscarriage Clinic offers comprehensive services for early pregnancy loss, providing clinical management, counseling options, and mental health support. The clinic focuses on the management of miscarriages up to 13 weeks, offering services such as ultrasound and medication management. They also provide follow-up blood work, genetic testing for the baby, and mental health consultations. Haven Miscarriage Clinic aims to reduce the stigma surrounding miscarriage and provide a safe and supportive space for women who have experienced pregnancy loss. They are a nonprofit organization and accept donations to support their mission.

Resources:
Haven Miscarriage Clinic
Instagram
Facebook
Ways to donate:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/f771bf54-b9c0-42af-834f-f8a7b4c9781b

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WMMFYG8F89ZAS

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

Send us Fan Mail

Dr. Lotem Schulke, a prenatal and pediatric chiropractor in the metro-Atlanta area joins us on the show today to share her surrogacy journey.  We talk about:

• Her decision to become a surrogate
• The entire process from finding an agency, the criteria for selecting intended parents, and the medical screening and legal clearance phases 
• All of the medical phases involved from taking birth control pills and hormone medication to prepare her uterus for implantation to the process of embryo transfer and the challenges faced during pregnancy.
• She shares her pregnancy journey, which involved hyperemesis gravidarum during the first trimester, hospitalizations due to severe dehydration,irritable uterus diagnosis, and prodromal labor starting at 28 weeks.
•  Despite all the challenges, she shares her birth story, who was on her birth support team, the emotions in the birthing facility with the intended parents and she reflects on her postpartum journey.

Connect with Dr. Lotem

00:00

Embarking on the Surrogacy Journey: Dr. Lotem Schulke's Story

04:16

Finding the Right Agency and Intended Parents

10:50

The Lengthy Process of Medical Screening and Legal Clearance

23:11

Embryo Transfer Process

28:03

Dealing with a Miscarriage

32:51

The Emotional Journey of Being a Surrogate

37:52

Challenges and Complications During Pregnancy

42:48

Navigating Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Dehydration

43:26

Managing an Irritable Uterus and Prodromal Labor

45:19

Monitoring High Amniotic Fluid Levels

48:37

A Successful Induction and Birth

56:10

Recovering from a Cesarean Birth

59:07

The Emotional Journey of Being a Surrogate

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss and myth-bust some common misconceptions about prenatal and pediatric chiropractic care. They address concerns about the safety and forcefulness of chiropractic adjustments for babies and pregnant women.  They emphasize the importance of finding trained professionals who are knowledgeable about working with pediatric patients and pregnant spines. They also highlight the different techniques and tools that can be used for adjustments, tailoring the approach to the individual's needs. 
The episode concludes with a discussion of the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy, including pain relief, enhanced overall well-being, and improved adaptation to physiological changes.

Takeaways

• Chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for babies and pregnant women when performed by trained professionals.
• There is no actuarial data showing an increase in adverse events from chiropractic adjustments for babies and pregnant women.
• Chiropractic adjustments for babies are very gentle and use minimal force, with the intention of restoring proper alignment and promoting optimal nervous system function.
• Chiropractic adjustments for pregnant women can be tailored to their specific needs and comfort, using techniques like the Webster technique and different tools.
• Chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide pain relief, enhance overall well-being, and improve adaptation to physiological changes.

References:

1. Chirofutures.org magazine article - Understanding the Gentle Touch: the delicate force behind chiropractic adjustments 
2. Best Practices for Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
3. Best Practices for Chiropractic Care of Children
4. Comparison of forces exerted by a chiropractor on children and adults during high-speed low-amplitude spinal manipulations: a feasibility study

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss the connection between the jaw and the pelvic floor. They provide an anatomy lesson, explaining the embryological and anatomical connections between the jaw and the pelvis. They also discuss the internal and external anatomical connections, as well as the nerve connections. They highlight the importance of releasing tension in the jaw and pelvic floor during pregnancy and birth, and provide practices to promote relaxation and surrender during labor. This conversation explores various techniques and practices to release tension in the body, specifically focusing on the jaw and pelvic floor. They also cover topics such as body scanning, partner involvement in tension release, yoga, breath work, chiropractic care, cranial work, fascia release techniques, pelvic floor physical therapy, facial cupping and massage. The key takeaway is that everything in the body is connected, and by taking one step at a time, individuals can find relief and improve their overall well-being.

Resources mentioned:

Ep 96: Give back to your body - pre and post natal yoga

Chapters

00:00

Anatomy lesson: Jaw and pelvic floor connection

03:42

Embryological and anatomical connections

06:08

Internal anatomical connections

07:56

External anatomical connections

09:45

Nerve connections

11:36

Cerebral spinal fluid and craniosacral pump

14:01

Implications for pregnancy and birth

26:22

Releasing tension and surrendering in labor

33:42

Practices to release tension and promote relaxation

34:31

Body Scan and Tension Release

35:07

Partner Involvement in Body Scan

36:37

Yoga for Tension Release

39:06

Breath Work for Stress Reduction

41:51

Chiropractic Care for Jaw and Pelvic Floor Tension

45:15

Cranial Work for Pelvic Alignment

49:02

Craniosacral Therapy and Nervous System

52:19

Fascia Release Techniques

55:27

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

58:53

Facial Cupping and Massage

01:00:38

Taking One Step at a Time

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Aligned Birth Podcast, Dr. Shannon and guest Dr. Amanda Shipley discuss the muscles of the pelvic floor and their role in pushing during labor and birth. They emphasize the importance of pelvic floor physical therapy and debunk misconceptions about tight and loose muscles. They also highlight the interconnectedness of the pelvic floor with other parts of the body, such as the diaphragm and deep hip rotators. The conversation covers:

• when to seek pelvic floor physical therapy
• the emotional aspect of pelvic floor health
• the differences between hyper and hypotonicity in the muscles. 

In this conversation, Dr. Amanda Shipley, PT and Dr. Shannon discuss the importance of pelvic floor health during pregnancy and postpartum. They address the misconception that prolapse is a normal part of aging and emphasize the need to pay attention to signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. They also discuss the pushing stage of labor and the importance of being in tune with your body and following the urge to push. Dr. Shipley provides tips on how to push effectively and efficiently, including the use of gravity and different positions. She also emphasizes the importance of preparing both the mind and body for childbirth.

Resources mentioned:
Ep 145: Push It Real Good

Connect with Dr. Amanda
Website
Instagram
Progressive Pelvic Education
Kumbay'all - the Whole Woman's Resource!

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.  

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss the feminine cycle and how to embrace and honor it. They cover topics such as menstruation, the follicular phase, and ovulation. They emphasize the importance of understanding and tracking your cycle, as well as listening to your body's needs during each phase. T

They also touch on the nutritional aspects of supporting your cycle and the importance of self-care and rest. Understanding and embracing your menstrual cycle and its hormonal fluctuations can help you optimize your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. 

Tracking your cycle and aligning your activities with each phase can be beneficial. During menstruation, rest and reflect. In the follicular phase, plan and initiate. Ovulation is a time to connect and be visible. In the luteal phase, focus and complete tasks. Balancing your diet with healthy fats, complex carbs, and protein can support hormone balance. Hydration and electrolyte balance are also important.

Honoring your cycle and the phases of the moon can provide additional guidance.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Overview

08:05 Nutrition and Self-Care for a Healthy Cycle

41:24 Balancing Your Diet for Hormone Health

54:30 Honoring Your Cycle and the Phases of the Moon

Resources mentioned:

Kate Northrup - Egg Wisdom and Do Less

Body Love (book) by Kelly LeVeque

Support the show

Want to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)

Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth Community

Instagram: Aligned Birth

Email: [email protected]

Find us online:
Sunrise Chiropractic and Wellness
North Atlanta Birth Services

Editing: Godfrey Sound
Music: "Freedom” by Roa

Disclaimer: The information shared, obtained, and discussed in this podcast is not intended as medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual medical needs. By listening to this podcast you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others.  Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.  This disclaimer includes  all guests or contributors to the podcast.