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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:
📷 Instagram: @deborahthedoula
📘 Facebook: @deborahthedoula

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🔗 Find all links here: Our website

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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.

📲 Stay Connected:
📷 Instagram: @deborahthedoula
📘 Facebook: @deborahthedoula

💡 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it!

🔗 Find all links here: Our website

I hope to talk to you soon!!

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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:
💻 Visit Website for my birth course, resources, and to book a session with me.

📲 Stay Connected:
📷 Instagram: @deborahthedoula
📘 Facebook: @deborahthedoula

💡 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it!

🔗 Find all links here: Our website

I hope to talk to you soon!!

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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.

📲 Stay Connected:
📷 Instagram: @deborahthedoula
📘 Facebook: @deborahthedoula

💡 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it!

🔗 Find all links here: Our website

I hope to talk to you soon!!

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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.

📲 Stay Connected:
📷 Instagram: @deborahthedoula
📘 Facebook: @deborahthedoula

💡 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it!

🔗 Find all links here: Our website

I hope to talk to you soon!!

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Join us in this special episode as I walk you through Jacobsons Relaxation.  This technique can help anyone manage stress, and alleviate discomfort, especially mothers in the delivery room. 

1:49 - Introduction & Disclaimer
4:07 - Jacobsons Relaxation 
23:52 - Closing

Blog
Labor & Birth Course

🎙 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:
📷 Instagram: @deborahthedoula
📘 Facebook: @deborahthedoula

💡 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it!

🔗 Find all links here: Our website

I hope to talk to you soon!!

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Today we are answering questions that you asked us through our social media accounts!!

Join me today as we discuss a couple of these topics: 
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, 
Options for flipping a breech baby,
 When to start tracking fetal Kick,
 Massage do's & donts. 
 What is a mucus plug and what should I watch for?
Two very painful symptoms in pregnancy that has to do with connective tissue and how to care for it.

I love answering all of your questions and its nice to do them all at one time., keep them coming!

🎙 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:
📷 Instagram: @deborahthedoula
📘 Facebook: @deborahthedoula

💡 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it!

🔗 Find all links here: Our website

I hope to talk to you soon!!

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I peed on the stick and Its positive,  I am pregnant! 

 What are my first steps to take?  How does this all work?

Do I call the OB?
Do I call the Family Doctor?
Do I scream it from the mountain tops?
I am not sure I am ready for this..
I dont know what my options are..

There are so many feelings and emotions attached to finding out you are pregnant and just because the test is positive does not mean you have to feel positive. 

This episode covers the above topics as well as all of the information you need in the first weeks of pregnancy!  

🎙 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:
📷 Instagram: @deborahthedoula
📘 Facebook: @deborahthedoula

💡 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it!

🔗 Find all links here: Our website

I hope to talk to you soon!!

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Ever wonder how some women manage not to worry about finances during their maternity leave?  I know how they did it.... they hired Alynn Godfroy from Godfroy financial.   

How did she enjoy her maternity leave without financial burden, the same way she is now enjoying her life, raising her baby boy Austin and making time for herself, her husband and her family life while owning her own business!  She did it with smart financial strategy!  I have admired Alynn's financial mindset since the day I was first introduced to her, and you will too.  She is  a smart, kind, loving individual & a mom of baby boy Austin and she enjoys helping others achieve their financial goals.  Alynn offers classes about finances, and hosts a podcast with a sweet name "achieve fire" with Fire being the acronym for  Financial independence retire early.  Cool ?  Yes it is!! 

Join us to hear a little about Alynns journey to getting pregnant, & a pretty simple  way to figure out your budget for maternity leave! .

Alynn Godfroy is a graduate of the University of Windsor where she
completed her Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree. She owns
Godfroy Financial Management Ltd., and has been a Financial Planner
for 18 years, holding designations as a Certified Executive Advisor,
Certified Life Underwriter, Elder Planning Counsellor and Master
Financial Planner.
She is happily married with a 3-year-old toddler, 4 stepchildren and the
author of “Why You Need a Financial Advisor.”
Alynn was a Rotarian for 11 years and served as the President of the
Rotary Club of Belle River and is currently the Charter President of the
area's newest club, the Rotary Club of Windsor-Walkerville. She has
participated in volunteer missions to Venezuela where doctors and
nurses performed cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries. Alynn has also
been to Ghana three times helping to renovate two schools and a
health clinic.
Alynn just completed 7 years as a board member of Community Living
Windsor where she was the Treasurer of their board.

You can find out more about Alynn on her website www.godfroyfinancialgroup.com 

🎙 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:
📷 Instagram: @deborahthedoula
📘 Facebook: @deborahthedoula

💡 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it!

🔗 Find all links here: Our website

I hope to talk to you soon!!

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Friends sometimes divulge things to each other what we wouldnt dare admit to anyone else! 

Jaclyn and I have been friends for alot of years, we laugh about each others faults and the stupid things that run through our minds as women, wives & especially as Mothers!

NOTE - We are friends and this conversation is not how we feel as professionals, we have to laugh at each other with friends, in order to survive motherhood.

Jaclyn is one of the owners of Odyssey Wellness in Tecumseh.  She has an undergraduate in Psychology & a Masters in Social Work, with a certification in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.   After having children of her own, Jaclyn developed a passion for providing support for birth parents and partners .   She is a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child,  although so many of us struggle with trying to do it alone.  

Listen to us chat about how we have grown as mothers! 

You can find out more about Jaclyn @ www.odysseywellness.ca

🎙 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:
📷 Instagram: @deborahthedoula
📘 Facebook: @deborahthedoula

💡 Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it!

🔗 Find all links here: Our website

I hope to talk to you soon!!