In Episode 4 of The Her Story Series, Ayana discusses navigating the emotional journey of an unplanned pregnancy and postpartum struggles, offering comfort and solidarity to many.

The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us!

@thebirthsquad @birthbyus

In Episode 3 of The Her Story Series, Shayla compares her experiences with hospital birth vs. home birth.

The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us!

@thebirthsquad @birthbyus

Episode 2 The Her Story Series listens to Raedells discuss her battle with pre-eclampsia, lupus and the challenges of preterm birth. A story of resilience and care.

The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us!

@thebirthsquad @birthbyus

Episode 1 of The Her Story Series features the founders of Birth By Us and how they are changing the narrative for Black mothers.

The Her Story Series is brought to you by The Birth Squad Podcast in a special series collaboration with Birth By Us!

@thebirthsquad @birthbyus

ven Track & Field Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix had to find her voice during her pregnancy.

Link to Preeclampsia Calculator

https://fetalmedicine.org/research/assess/preeclampsia/first-trimester

Terms:

Preeclampsia (formerly called toxemia):  High blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy that leads to end organ damage. 

NICU:  the intensive care unit of babies who are sick or born early.  Hospitals have different NICU levels that they offer:

Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC):  Patients who have undergone a previous cesarean birth have the option of proceeding with a trial of labor if they have had two or fewer cesareans. 

Uterine rupture:  when the uterus opens and a part of the fetus, amniotic fluid, or the umbilical cord enters the abdomen. 

Hypnobirthing:  aims to help a woman deal with any fear or anxiety she may have around birth. It involves various relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to help relax the body before and during labor and birth.

In this episode, we sit down with Deja as she bravely shares her personal journey through a forceps delivery. From the initial decision-making process to the physical and emotional aftermath, Deja provides a raw and honest account of her experience.

Terms

Operative Vaginal Delivery:  a birth in which the operator uses forceps, a vacuum device, or another instrument to extract the fetus from the vagina, with or without concurrent maternal pushing.

Forceps Delivery:  a form of assisted delivery using an instrument that grasps the baby’s head, that can help mothers deliver their babies vaginally when labor is not progressing.

 Vacuum Delivery:  is a method to assist delivery of a baby using a vacuum device.

Occiput Posterior Position:  your baby's head is down, but it is facing the mother's front instead of her back. It is safe to deliver a baby facing this way. But it is harder for the baby to get through the pelvis.

Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC):  Patients who have undergone a previous cesarean birth have the option of proceeding with a trial of labor if they have had two or less cesareans. 

Vaginal birth After cesarean section (VBAC): is the term applied to women who undergo vaginal delivery following cesarean delivery in a prior pregnancy.

Types of Vaginal Lacerations:

In this episode, we chat about twin pregnancies with Birth Warrior and OBGYN, Dr. Griselda Reyes.

Terms:

Twins:  there are two fetuses in the uterus. This is a rare occurrence that can be due to family history, fertility treatments or other factors.

Maternal Fetal Medicine (Perinatologist):  OB/GYNs who get specialized training on high risk pregnancies. 

Doula:  A labor coach or birth assistant who can provide prenatal, labor, and postpartum support. This includes helping to create a birth plan, manage pain during delivery, and assist with breastfeeding/lactation needs. 

Bradycardia:  occurs when a fetus (developing baby) has a sustained heart rate slower than 110 beats per minute (BPM).

Preeclampsia (formerly called toxemia):  High blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy that leads to end organ damage. 

Ketamine:  an anesthetic used medically for induction and maintenance of anesthesia.

NICU:  the intensive care unit of babies who are sick or born early.  Hospitals have different NICU levels that they offer:

Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC):  Patients who have undergone a previous cesarean birth have the option of proceeding with a trial of labor if they have had two or less cesareans. 

Bilateral Tubal Ligation:  a surgical procedure that creates permanent contraception, or sterilization.

On this episode Rauvynne shares her unique path to motherhood with her wife. From navigating IVF to the emotional journey of egg retrieval, discover the raw and heartwarming moments that redefine the traditional narrative of starting a family.

Terms: