Noticing spotting or bleeding during pregnancy can feel terrifying and definitely unsettles pregnant mothers, but it isn’t always a sign that something is wrong. Most moms who spot during pregnancy go on to birth a healthy baby.

My guest this week is midwife Natasha Stadler. She has been working as a midwife for over 30 years and holds a special place in my heart as she was my care provider with my first. Looking back at that day, in hindsight I now know if it wasn’t for her extensive knowledge and amazing gift to bring calm, I definitely would have ended up having an unnecessary C-section. (Thank you Natasha!)

In this episode we cover:

· The difference between spotting & bleeding

· What causes it during:

o 1st trimester

o 2nd trimester

o 3rd trimester

· Is it ever under any circumstances “normal”?

· When should I see my doctor?

· What is the “bloody show” that sometimes come out, right at the end of pregnancy? Is it clear red blood, or more mucus like with streaks of blood?

· Is this an indication that labour is starting?

Please let us know if there are any specific topics you want me to do an episode about. I would love to hear from you.

For comprehensive online hypnobirthing antenatal classes, go to https://birthserenity.com/antenatal-program-1/signup/

You'll have access to me, a pre- and postnatal nutritionist & trainer AND an IBCLC to help you get breastfeeding off to a great start ;)

Yours In Birth,

“Failure to progress” or “slow to progress” – the most common given reason for C-sections. If you are hoping for a vaginal birth, chances are at some point doctors will tell you that things are not moving fast enough.

But is this alone enough reason to force mothers into having C-sections?

As always, I’ve looked at the research and have answers for you. This is so important to know, if you want to be informed and able to advocate for yourself in the birth room.

What I’ve covered in this episode:

· How often does failure to progress occur?

· Why should we be worried?

· Why do so many women have unplanned C-section for this reason?

· How long does it really take to dilate?

· Forcefully pushing during the 2nd stage of labour

· The Friedman curve

· What factors may lengthen labor?

· Is it harmful to have long first stage labors? What are the risks to mothers and babies?

· What can parents do, or rather how should you respond if a doctor tells you that labour is not progressing fast enough?

· What can we do to stop over-diagnoses of “Failure to Progress”

Remember to join our antenatal class if you are hoping for an informed and empowered birth experience.

Go to: https://birthserenity.com/antenatal-program-1/signup/

We cannot wait to see you inside!

Yours In Birth,

We seldom hear of mothers having VBAC births. (Even though statistically proven to be safe.)

We rarely hear about vaginal breech births.

And birthing in the car on your way to the hospital is definitely not common...

Imagine having all 3 happen, in ONE birth!

That's Marilee's story and she wouldn't want it any other way!

Enjoy her story as she shares why she first had an unnecessary C-section 5 years ago. How she worked through trauma and in contrast preparing herself better to have the un-medicated birth she dreamed of.

She also shares her testimony & a message of hope to mothers around the world.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Birth Serenity Online Antenatal Program - https://birthserenity.com/antenatal-program-1/signup/

A few weeks ago I messaged co-host, Ashley Pickett and asked her if she knows about a really good Prenatal Chiro that I can invite to record an episode with me. She sent me a few names, but said – ask Diane first!

So that’s what I did – and I’m so glad! Her knowledge and genuine care for her patients are so evident.

“The skull, the spine and the pelvis are subject to respond and react to various different stressors. And when that happens they can shift in a way that distorts functioning of your central nervous system. Roughly 10% of the time that’s a painful experience. 90% of the time it impacts the functioning of something. So you might not necessarily have pain, but there are functional aspects to your body that are struggling to function at optimal level. For example you may feel that you have low energy levels, constant bladder infections, constipation etc.” explains Dr Meyer.

In this episode we covered:

00:00 – Intro

01:34 - Welcome & about Dr Meyer

03:01 - What is Chiropractic care exactly and which pain relief can chiropractors help pregnant mothers with? Pain felt where can you help alleviate? So what are common issues that are warning signs that I should see a chiropractor?

07:12 - Can chiropractic care help with pregnancy nausea?

08:05 - What do I look for in a chiropractor to take great care of me during pregnancy?

09:50 - Why is it important to seek chiropractic care during pregnancy?

13:31 - How can chiropractic care help my baby to easily move down the birth path and increase my chances of having a natural birth, if that is what I hope for?

15:00 -When should you start seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy and how often should you get adjusted while pregnant?

17:05 - When should I NOT see a chiro during pregnancy?

18:30 - It is safe? Are there side effects? Is it painful?

21:30 - What can I expect in a care program?

22:43 - Do I need to continue after the birth?

24:13 - Can you maybe share any home care tips with our mothers listening? Your 3 top pregnancy tips.

I’ll be back next week with more amazing content.

Yours In Birth,

Links mentioned in this episode:

Birth Serenity Antenatal Program - https://birthserenity.com/antenatal-program-1/signup/

Free Q&A Support Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/birthserenitynaturalbirth

Diane Contact Information - https://drdianemeyer.com/contact-us/

In some antenatal classes the educators will actually tell you to not make any noise during labour, since that will distract you from focusing your energy in the right direction during birth. I’ve heard of many women being told by nurses in the hospital setting to keep quiet to not ‘frighten the other women’.

The idea that there is a ‘right’ way to behave or even worse, a ‘wrong’ way to behave is unhelpful, judgemental and in my opinion show a lack of basic knowledge about how birth works.

This is a short episode, but something every mother & birth educator should take to heart. Women’s behaviour has been judged and controlled throughout history. We are supposed to be ‘good girls’ – do as we are told and not create any problems for anyone.

However, the act of giving birth is primal and ‘wild’.

In this episode I cover:

Please get in touch if you have any questions and remember to look out for more episodes in the coming weeks.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow us on Instagram & Facebook or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Yours In Birth,

Get in touch with Carla - https://birthserenity.com/contact/

First of all, I do not want you to plan in great detail for a potential caesarean birth, if you are actually hoping for a vaginal birth. Where the mind goes, the body will follow. So put all your energy & enthusiasm into planning what you hope for… However, with the right preparation, you can be empowered, regardless of how your birth turns out. And that is what we always aim for here at Birth Serenity.

Fear of having a caesarean is a biggie…

I hear this one a lot from women, whether planning a vaginal birth or pre-labor elective caesarean. There are many reasons women fear this. And with the fear there could possibly be the element of trauma if you did not go over this beforehand. I do believe birth is a normal & natural event, sometimes caesareans are necessary & lifesaving.

As always, this episode is based on research and evidence AND packed with practical things you can do, to help you overcome this fear (and hopefully avoid a C-section)

Here’s what I covered:

· Reasons for an unplanned emergency caesarean birth. The term “emergency C-section” is commonly used, but actually it is not a very common occurrence.

· How you can prepare for an unplanned caesarean.

· C-section Process explained (Know what to expect)…

· What every mother should know if this is your story…

Please get in touch if you have any questions and remember to look out for more episodes in the coming weeks.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow us on Instagram & Facebook or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Yours In Birth,

PS - Be sure to join our hypnobirthing antenatal class! We want to see YOU have the birth of your dreams.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Birth Serenity Antenatal Program – https://birthserenity.com/antenatal-program-1/signup/

Resources:

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/

This week's episode is about something messy, smelly but OH SO AMAZING!! Yes, we talk about pooping during labour & the birth of your baby. This is another "common fear" that many mothers face as they prepare for their baby’s birth.

"What if I accidentally make a mess all over the bed & my baby?"

"What will the doctors think?"

"Who will clean it?"

"How embarrassing!"

If any of these thoughts crossed your mind, I’ve got some good news for you (as always!) Pooping during birth is in fact a very clever mechanism. Perfectly designed this way by nature for a VERY GOOD reason.

My guest on this week’s episode is Toni Harman. Last week she explained to us everything we need to know about the infant microbiome, and this week she’s back with more great research and content.

If you haven’t listened to last week’s episode yet, be sure to do so!

In this episode we cover:

· Intro & Welcome.

· Briefly explain what the infant microbiome is (we explained this in detail in the previous episode.)

· Few mothers have courage to ask about this… The fear of pooping during the birth of your baby. Please help all our mothers understand that this is in fact nothing to be embarrassed about, but rather something to welcome. It is not only normal to happen, but really important as well.

· Why no one else in your birth room will mind you pooping during birth.

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to the podcast or if you like the video format more, watch all episodes on YouTube, Facebook & IGTV. I’m constantly adding new episodes to the feed and, if you’re not subscribed, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!

Yours In Birth,

Links mentioned in this episode:

To download your FREE birth plan, affirmations and much more, go to – https://birthserenity.com

Birth Serenity Online Antenatal Class - https://birthserenity.com/antenatal-program-1/signup/

Microbirth movie & courses - https://microbirth.com/

The infant microbiome podcast episode - https://birthserenity.com/2021-08-006/

I’m sure in the midst of a pandemic, we are more aware of the unseen world of microorganisms than ever before. No… this episode is not about the Corona Virus, but rather about something magnificent & wonderful… and often overlooked. We talk about the trillions of bacteria that inhabit your gut and other bodily regions. They have a critical impact on your overall health. The same holds true for babies.

The microbiome is important for many aspects of health, from gut health to mental health to immune health, and research shows that the first couple of months of life is a really critical window for its development.

Recent studies suggest that babies whose microbiome development is disrupted via a C-section delivery, early antibiotic use, limited breastfeeding, or other factors are at greater risk for a host of health conditions. These include asthma and allergies, irritable bowel disease, respiratory infections, type 1 diabetes and obesity.

Fortunately, research also suggest that no matter how a baby is born, parents can take steps to get baby's bacterial ecosystem off to a good start.

My guest on this week’s episode is Toni Harman. Producer & Director of the multi award-winning MICROBIRTH movie. She explains how science strongly supports vaginal birth (when possible), immediate skin-to-skin and exclusive breastfeeding.

Here’s what we covered:

· Intro & Welcome

· Toni Harman

· Define microbiome and more specifically, the infant microbiome

· Where, when & how do babies acquire the microorganisms they need for optimal health

· Are there any studies that show the long-term effect it can have on the baby’s health, (also later in life as a toddler, child or as an adult), if the baby did not acquire that “perfect” and “complete” microbiome during and after birth

· What happens to the microbiome during a caesarean. Where everything, even the mother’s skin, is sterilized and free of microbes.

· What practical things can we do and include in our Caesarean birth plan, should a birth turn out that way, to ensure our baby still gets as much of the good microbes as possible

· The importance of exclusive breastfeeding & having the right support from the get-go

· Getting back to nature & why it’s important for our health

Please get in touch if you have any questions and remember to look out for more episodes in the coming weeks.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow us on Instagram & Facebook or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Yours In Birth,

PS - Be sure to join our hypnobirthing antenatal class! We want to see YOU have the birth of your dreams. You’ll have access to an IBCLC and we help you setup your perfect birth plan, plus we teach you how to discuss this with your care provider… and SO MUCH MORE! Remember, preparing for a natural birth is key to achieving it.

Links Mentioned in this episode:

Birth Serenity Antenatal Class Sign-Up 

Free Facebook Suport Group - Join Today!  

Microbiome Courses & The Microbirth Movie

As with everything else I share on this blog, it is SO VERY IMPORTANT that YOU as the mother have the right facts (based on research) when it comes to this. When a baby is suspected of being big, a woman has an increased chance of interventions during birth, and of experiencing complications caused by those interventions, even if the baby is not actually big. The complications associated with big babies may reflect care provider fear and practice. Notice I am using the term ‘associated’ not ’caused’.

Healthy well nourished women grow healthy well nourished babies. Genetic factors also influence the size of babies (big babies run in families). However, the MOTHER alters the size of her baby. You're not gonna grow a baby that is too big for you to birth vaginally.

In this episode we will cover:

Please get in touch if you have any questions and remember to look out for more episodes in the coming weeks, where we'll bust all the common "fears" surrounding birth.

Be sure to join our hypnobirthing antenatal class! We want to see YOU have the birth of your dreams...

Yours In Birth,

The presence of a nuchal cord is a very common occurrence during birth. Up to 30% of babies are born with their umbilical cord around their neck.

The nuchal cord has become the perfect scapegoat because it lays blame with the mother & the baby rather than the care provider & the system. This results in unnecessary fear & disproportionate concerns about nuchal cords within our culture.

In this episode we will cover:

Links mentioned in this episode:

Please get in touch if you have any questions and be sure to look out for more episodes in the coming weeks, where we'll bust all the common "fears" surrounding birth.

For antenatal support and classes go to Birth Serenity.

Yours In Birth,