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We explore epidurals in childbirth, examining what they are, their risks, and why unmedicated birth options deserve equal consideration in your birth plan.

• Epidurals are regional anesthesia using local anesthetics and opioids to block pain signals from the waist down
• Research shows epidurals can slow labor progression, especially during the pushing phase by up to 90 minutes
• Associated with higher likelihood of requiring vacuum extraction or forceps during delivery
• Can contribute to a cascade of interventions including Pitocin, continuous monitoring, and potentially C-section
• Side effects include maternal hypotension in 14-33% of cases, which can reduce blood flow to the placenta
• Rare complications include post-dural puncture headaches and nerve damage
• Can cause maternal fever (15% higher risk), potentially leading to unnecessary antibiotic treatment for baby
• May affect baby's alertness and rooting reflexes, creating challenges with early breastfeeding
• Despite risks, epidurals have benefits including pain relief, stress reduction, and making complicated labors manageable
• Create a "moment of crisis plan" to determine your first step when you need help during labor

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or subscribe for more evidence-based discussions on pregnancy and birth. Thank you for your support.

Links to research: 

Epidurals effect on second stage of labor -https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24499753/

Epidurals effects on vacuum or forceps use in birth -https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6494646/

Reducted risk of cesarean delivery with discontinuation of pitocin in active labor   - https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(25)00161-9/fulltext

Epidurals and maternal fever -  https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(22)00480-X/fulltext

Epidurals and early breastfeeding difficulty -  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501222/

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🌿 Learn More & Work With Me:
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Postpartum bleeding, or lochia, is your body's natural healing process as your uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size. We explore the science behind this important recovery phase and what every new mother should know about supporting her body during this time.

• Uterus shrinks from watermelon to pear size in about six weeks after delivery
• Lochia progresses through three distinct phases: rubra (days 1-4), serosa (days 5-10), and alba (final phase)
• Bleeding occurs as the wound where the placenta attached heals
• Breastfeeding releases oxytocin that stimulates uterine contractions and speeds healing
• Cesarean deliveries may experience lighter bleeding as some uterine lining is removed during surgery
• Warning signs include bright red bleeding that returns after lightening, large clots, foul smell, or soaking pads hourly
• Postpartum hemorrhage affects 1-5% of births in Canada and requires immediate medical attention
• Rest, hydration, nutrition, and self-compassion are essential for supporting recovery

Take time to heal and remember that every body is different. If you have concerns about your postpartum bleeding, always reach out to your healthcare provider.

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🌿 Learn More & Work With Me:
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Episode Title: How to Boost Milk Supply Naturally

Welcome back to Tend and Befriend! I’m your host Deborah—mom, doula, health professional, and your biggest cheerleader on this journey through pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about a topic I hear all the time from breastfeeding moms: how to naturally boost your milk supply. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating a supply dip, I’ll walk you through research-backed strategies, supportive tools, and tips that really work. We'll talk about supply and demand, power pumping, hydration, helpful herbs, and simple ways to make your nursing life a little easier.

You’ll also hear my thoughts on how local breastfeeding support systems can impact feeding outcomes—and why preparation during pregnancy is so important.

✨ Plus, I’m sharing a few of my favorite mama-approved products (available in Canada) and some heartfelt encouragement, because you deserve it.

💬 Let’s normalize asking for help, rest, and support during this deeply personal time.

🔗 Check out the show notes for research links and product recommendations.

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🌿 Learn More & Work With Me:
💻 Visit Website for my birth course, resources, and to book a session with me.

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Let's talk about the one childbirth fear that keeps many expectant mothers up at night – pooping during labor. As a doula, massage therapist, and mother of two, I've witnessed firsthand how this perfectly natural bodily function creates unnecessary anxiety for birthing people everywhere.

The science is straightforward: when you're pushing your baby out, you're using the exact same muscle groups involved in bowel movements. Your baby's head applies pressure to your rectum as it descends, potentially causing any remaining stool to be expelled. Far from being embarrassing, this is actually evidence that you're pushing effectively! The statistics? It happens to roughly one in three women, but here's the surprising part – most never even know it occurred because birth teams handle it with such practiced discretion.

What strikes me most from supporting countless births is how quickly these worries evaporate in the delivery room. The moment active labor begins, concerns about bodily functions fade against the backdrop of the extraordinary work your body is performing. And once that baby is placed in your arms? Trust me, you won't remember or care about anything else that happened in that room.

Birth is inherently messy, unpredictable, and beautiful. Your healthcare providers have truly seen it all – amniotic fluid, blood, vernix, and yes, sometimes poop. None of it phases them. They're focused on safely bringing your baby earthside, not judging natural bodily functions. So take a deep breath and release this particular worry. Your body knows exactly what it's doing, even when it's doing things society has taught us to find embarrassing.

Share this episode with an expectant friend who might need to hear this message. Remember, the path to motherhood asks us to surrender certain social constructs around control and modesty – and in that surrender, we discover our remarkable strength.

🎙 Thanks for Tuning into Tend & Befriend!

🌿 Learn More & Work With Me:
💻 Visit Website for my birth course, resources, and to book a session with me.

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We dive deep into the evidence behind aspirin use during pregnancy, examining why fertility clinics recommend it and how to weigh the risks and benefits of this common intervention. The podcast explores low-dose aspirin's role in improving blood flow to the placenta, potentially preventing complications for mothers with specific risk factors.

• Low-dose aspirin (81mg) works by preventing tiny blood clots and reducing inflammation
• Studies show aspirin may reduce preeclampsia risk by 24% in high-risk pregnancies when started before 16 weeks
• Particularly beneficial for women with recurrent pregnancy loss, preeclampsia risk, or undergoing fertility treatments
• Potential risks include increased bleeding during delivery, rare placenta abruption, and stomach irritation
• Decision to use aspirin must be individualized and made with healthcare provider guidance
• Important to question routine interventions and understand the specific reasoning behind recommendations

Remember, the best decisions are made with knowledge, care, and your unique circumstances in mind. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or subscribe for more evidence-based conversations about pregnancy and motherhood.

Shownotes:

Links to Studies:

The Lancet - 

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhae/article/PIIS2352-3026(24)00341-7/abstract?utm

Fertility & Sterility - 

https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282%2805%2900221-9/fulltext?utm

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🌿 Learn More & Work With Me:
💻 Visit Website for my birth course, resources, and to book a session with me.

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Pregnancy should be a time of joy and anticipation, but for the 80% of expectant mothers who experience morning sickness, it can feel like an endless battle against nausea and discomfort. What if small, strategic changes to your daily routine could make those symptoms more manageable?

Drawing on evidence from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, I break down exactly why your body rebels against you during those early weeks (spoiler alert: blame those skyrocketing HCG and estrogen levels). While most women see relief by their second trimester, some—myself included—fight nausea until delivery day. The good news? You're not powerless against it.

Discover why an empty stomach might be your worst enemy and how keeping crackers on your nightstand could transform your mornings. Learn about the scientifically-backed power of ginger, the surprising effectiveness of the P6 pressure point, and why Canadian guidelines specifically recommend vitamin B6 supplementation. We explore practical strategies from hydration techniques to smell management that have helped countless moms in my birth coaching practice.

For those experiencing severe symptoms, I also address when it's time to seek medical help for hyperemesis gravidarum and what treatments might be available. Remember that your body is doing incredible work growing a new life—and with these evidence-based approaches, you can support that journey with less discomfort. Ready to reclaim some comfort during your pregnancy? Let's tackle morning sickness together.

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

Nausea Support

Preggie Pops
https://amzn.to/3YDb9LI

GinGins
https://amzn.to/3C0xmui

Peppermint Tea
https://amzn.to/3Ynsqr2

Motion Sickness Wrist Bands
https://amzn.to/4eY3nSv

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer:
Some of the links shared in this episode may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love and trust. Thank you for supporting the podcast and the work I do for families like yours!

🎙 Thanks for Tuning into Tend & Befriend!

🌿 Learn More & Work With Me:
💻 Visit Website for my birth course, resources, and to book a session with me.

📲 Stay Connected:
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📘 Facebook: @deborahthedoula

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We dive deep into common breastfeeding misconceptions that leave mothers feeling confused and inadequate, providing evidence-based facts to empower new parents on their feeding journey. The episode tackles seven persistent myths about breastfeeding and offers practical guidance for navigating challenges with confidence.

• Breastfeeding is a learned skill, not an instinct – 92% of moms face challenges in the first week
• Breast size has absolutely no impact on milk production capacity
• Frequent feeding and cluster feeding are normal behaviors, not signs of insufficient milk supply
• C-section births present unique challenges but don't prevent successful breastfeeding
• While breast milk contains unique components, formula is a safe, healthy option for babies who need it
• Working mothers can continue breastfeeding through pumping, partial nursing, or adjusted feeding schedules
• Initial discomfort is common when breastfeeding begins, but persistent pain requires professional evaluation

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend or leave a review, and keep nurturing your beautiful journey of motherhood.

🎙 Thanks for Tuning into Tend & Befriend!

🌿 Learn More & Work With Me:
💻 Visit Website for my birth course, resources, and to book a session with me.

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Ever wondered if "pregnancy brain" is real science or just a convenient excuse for misplaced keys and forgotten appointments? The fascinating truth lies somewhere in between, and it's more remarkable than you might think.

Pregnancy triggers measurable changes in your brain's structure, particularly in areas related to social cognition and emotional regulation. Far from being a deficit, these changes represent your brain's brilliant adaptation to prepare you for motherhood. Think of it as nature's way of helping you prioritize what really matters—your growing baby—while temporarily filing away less critical information.

That feeling of mental fogginess has solid biological foundations. The hormonal tsunami of pregnancy, particularly those skyrocketing levels of progesterone and estrogen, directly influences memory and executive functioning. Combined with pregnancy-related sleep disruptions (midnight bathroom trips, anyone?), your brain faces genuine challenges. Yet these temporary cognitive shifts serve a greater purpose—they're rewiring your neural pathways to strengthen the connection with your baby.

For those struggling with pregnancy brain, simple strategies can help manage the foggy moments. Writing things down (creating "outie lists" instead of keeping everything in your head), prioritizing rest, staying hydrated, and consuming brain-nourishing foods like omega-3s can all support cognitive function during this transformative time. Most importantly, embrace self-compassion and perhaps a sense of humor about those moments when you find yourself searching for sunglasses that are already on your head.

The next time pregnancy brain makes you feel scattered, remember it's not a flaw—it's a feature of your amazingly adaptive brain preparing for life's most important job. Subscribe for more insights on maternal health, and share your own pregnancy brain stories with us—we'd love to hear them!

🎙 Thanks for Tuning into Tend & Befriend!

🌿 Learn More & Work With Me:
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Today, we're tackling a big topic: Why do medical professionals often refer to Pitocin as oxytocin? What are the risks and benefits? And why is Pitocin being overused in so many hospital births? Let’s break it all down.

🌿 In this episode, we cover:

✔️ The role of natural oxytocin in labor, bonding, and breastfeeding
✔️ How Pitocin is different & why it doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier
✔️ The risks of Pitocin: stronger contractions, fetal distress, C-sections & uterine rupture
✔️ How Pitocin is often used unnecessarily for non-medical inductions
✔️ The cascade of interventions that can follow Pitocin use
✔️ Key questions to ask your provider before consenting to Pitocin

Is Pitocin necessary for your birth? Learn how to ask the right questions, understand your options, and advocate for informed consent. Because you have the right to say NO.

🎙 Thanks for Tuning into Tend & Befriend!

🌿 Learn More & Work With Me:
💻 Visit Website for my birth course, resources, and to book a session with me.

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Step into the world of childbirth realities with Tend and Befriend as we unpack the truthful nuances surrounding the event of water breaking. Many of us can recall memorable moments from beloved television shows where a woman's water dramatically breaks in a public setting, igniting chaos and urgency. However, this depiction is often far from the truth. In our latest episode, we strip away the theatrics to reveal what actually happens when one's water breaks, arming expecting parents with the knowledge they need to feel prepared and informed.

Join us as we discuss how only a minority of pregnant individuals experience water breaking as the first sign of labor, the signs to recognize when it genuinely occurs, and the steps to take following membrane rupture. We provide clarity on how fluid flow may differ from the cinematic version and why identifying amniotic fluid accurately is crucial. This episode also explores significant health considerations that warrant immediate medical attention, including meconium presence and umbilical cord prolapse situations.

Our aim is to demystify childbirth's complexities while providing practical advice to transition from the dramatization to every mother's reality. With expert insights and straightforward guidance, we help listeners navigate this essential part of the birthing process. Don't miss out on this vital information—tune in, prepare, and join the conversation today!

🎙 Thanks for Tuning into Tend & Befriend!

🌿 Learn More & Work With Me:
💻 Visit Website for my birth course, resources, and to book a session with me.

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