In this episode of Between Contractions, we focus on one of the most important early moments after birth: the first latch. Stephanie, a board certified IBCLC unpacks why those first hours matter, how early feeding can shape the breastfeeding journey, and what families can do to set themselves up for success. 

The conversation covers what a good latch looks and feels like, common challenges in the immediate postpartum window, and how skin-to-skin contact, positioning, and patience all play a role. We also discuss how birth experiences, medications, and hospital routines can impact that first feeding—and how to advocate for uninterrupted time when possible. 

With practical tips and encouragement, this episode reminds listeners that while the first latch is important, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Support, education, and early guidance can make a significant difference in building confidence and establishing a strong feeding foundation. 

 In this episode of Between Contractions, we introduce the TEAM method—a practical framework designed to help families navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum decisions with clarity and confidence.  T standing for Touch, E for Environment, A for Accessories and M for Movement. 

In this episode of Between Contractions, we discuss how to make informed decisions during labor using the BRAIN acronym—a simple tool to help parents slow down, ask questions, and feel confident when choices arise in birth. 

We will walk through each step of BRAIN: Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and Nothing (what happens if we wait?), explaining how this framework can reduce fear, improve communication with providers, and support families in making decisions that align with their values and birth goals. 

Rather than focusing on controlling birth, this episode encourages listeners to prepare for the unexpected by building decision-making confidence. It’s a practical and empowering conversation about advocacy, flexibility, and staying grounded during labor. 

This episode of Between Contractions focuses on creating a birth plan and why it matters. We explain that a birth plan isn’t about controlling every detail of labor, but about clarifying preferences, preparing mentally, and helping partners and care providers advocate effectively. We will discuss how birth plans build confidence, align the support team, and encourage communication with medical staff. 

The conversation covers what to include in a birth plan, such as top priorities, pain-management preferences, labor and delivery choices, newborn care, feeding plans, and possible scenarios like induction or C-section. We emphasize keeping birth plans short, clear, and flexible, while also thinking through unexpected situations so families feel informed rather than overwhelmed. 

We will also highlight the value of working with a doula or knowledgeable provider to walk through options, understand hospital policies, and prepare for different outcomes. Ultimately, this episode encourages families to see a birth plan as a tool for communication, collaboration, and empowerment—not a rigid script for birth. 

Amsy Dees - @amsydees.doula // amsydeesdoula.com

Stephanie Dawson - @grow.lakeland // growlakeland.com

DISCLAMER: The views shared on this podcast are our own and do not represent any specific organization. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your care. 

In this episode of Between Contractions we sit down with chiropractor Dr. Katie Peeples to unpack the facts, myths, and gray areas surrounding tongue ties (also known as tethered oral tissues). Tongue ties are everywhere on the internet—but what do they actually mean, and when do they really matter?

Together, they explain what a tongue tie really is, how it affects feeding, and why function matters more than appearance. The conversation explores common signs parents might notice—like painful latching, poor milk transfer, reflux, gas, body tension, and feeding fatigue—and how tongue ties can impact the whole body through the fascial system. They also discuss potential long-term effects, including speech challenges, airway development, sleep issues, and oral development.

You’ll hear why tongue ties are often misunderstood or inconsistently diagnosed, why collaborative care is so important, and what it looks like when lactation support and bodywork work together. Stephanie and Dr. Katie walk through treatment options, including conservative support, bodywork, and tongue tie release—emphasizing that every family’s decision is valid and should be fully informed.

Whether you’re a new parent, expecting, or supporting families professionally, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical insight into a topic that can feel overwhelming—and reminds listeners that informed, empowered choices are always the goal.

Amsy Dees - @amsydees.doula // amsydeesdoula.com

Stephanie Dawson - @grow.lakeland // growlakeland.com

Dr. Katie Peeples - @achievechiro // achievechirocare.janeapp.com

DISCLAMER: The views shared on this podcast are our own and do not represent any specific organization. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your care.

In this episode of Between Contractions, we wrap up our birth team series by focusing on the postpartum season—often the most overlooked phase of support. They discuss why planning for postpartum matters just as much as preparing for birth and how the right support can ease the transition into life with a new baby. 

The conversation explores different types of postpartum support, including partners and family, postpartum doulas, mental health professionals, lactation support, and community resources. They highlight common challenges families face after birth—physical recovery, emotional shifts, feeding questions, and identity changes—and how proactive support can reduce overwhelm and isolation. 

This episode encourages listeners to think beyond “getting through birth” and instead build a postpartum plan that prioritizes rest, healing, and care. It’s a reassuring reminder that you were never meant to do postpartum alone—and that support is a strength, not a failure. 

Amsy Dees - @amsydees.doula // amsydeesdoula.com

Stephanie Dawson - @grow.lakeland // growlakeland.com

DISCLAMER: The views shared on this podcast are our own and do not represent any specific organization. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your care. 

In this episode of Between Contractions, the conversation breaks down the roles of the birth-day team, including medical providers like midwives or OBs, nurses, birth assistants, and doulas. They explain how medical providers focus on clinical safety, while doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support—filling a gap that often exists during labor. 

This episode helps listeners understand who does what during birth, how these roles work together, and how to choose support that aligns with your needs, values, and birth setting. It’s an empowering look at building a birth-day team that helps you feel supported, informed, and not alone. 

In this episode of Between Contractions, we begin a new series on building your birth team, starting with the pregnancy season. They discuss why support during pregnancy matters and how the right team can improve comfort, confidence, and overall birth outcomes. 

The conversation covers key members of a prenatal support team—including partners or chosen support people, doulas, chiropractors, pelvic floor physical therapists, mental health therapists, lactation consultants, and medical providers like midwives and OBs. Along the way, they share personal stories and practical insights to help families feel informed and empowered. 

This episode encourages listeners to view support as essential, not optional, and to build a prenatal team that aligns with their needs and values. This is part one of a three-part series, with the birth team coming next. 

Amsy Dees - @amsydeesdoula // amsydeesdoula.com

Stephanie Dawson - @grow.lakeland // growlakeland.com

DISCLAMER: The views shared on this podcast are our own and do not represent any specific organization. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your care. 

In this episode of Between Contractions, we explore the pros, cons, and safety considerations of home birth, birth centers, and hospital births—breaking down who each option may be best for and why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Where you give birth can shape how safe, supported, and empowered you feel.

We share practical questions to guide your decision, respond to common real-life scenarios, and remind you that the right birth location is the one that aligns with your body, your baby, and your values—even if that choice changes along the way.

Amsy Dees - @amsydees.doula // amsydeesdoula.com

Stephanie Dawson - @grow.lakeland // growlakeland.com

Disclaimer: The views shared on this podcast are our own and do not represent any specific organization. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your care.

In this episode of Between Contractions, we explore the difference between the nesting instinct and prenatal overwhelm. While nesting is a natural, biologically driven urge to prepare for baby—often marked by excitement, focus, and bursts of energy—overwhelm stems from emotional overload, fear, and pressure to “do everything right.”

We break down the key signs of each, helping listeners identify whether their motivation is coming from confidence or anxiety. The conversation offers practical tools for managing overwhelm, including asking for help, setting boundaries, using checklists, and prioritizing rest. We also discuss when it’s time to seek additional support and why caring for your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as preparing your home.

This episode encourages expecting parents to trust their instincts, tune into their energy and emotions, and remember that nesting should feel supportive—not exhausting.

Amsy Dees - @amsydees.doula // amsydeesdoula.com

Stephanie Dawson - @grow.lakeland // growlakeland.com

Disclaimer: The views shared on this podcast are our own and do not represent any specific organization. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your care.