This episode is a guide for how friends or family members can take a deeply human and holistic approach to supporting birthgivers when professional doula services are either inaccessible or unaffordable.
Importantly, your support person (or persons if you are able to secure multiple helpers!) can provide crucial support before, during and after childbirth.
Whoever is attending your birth - and/or helping you after the birth - must give this one a listen - your mom, your partner, your sibling, your friend, or anyone else who will be there.
Listen to the full episode to hear step-by-step guidance on:
* The Role of a Support Person
* What to do Pre-Birth
* Strategies for Providing Support During Birth
* Practical Advice for Postpartum Support
* What to do Post-Birth
Make sure your support person listens to this episode and that together you talk through expectations and practical examples of what you'd like to happen.
There are lots of links in the show notes on our website that will be helpful resources for your support person.
Full show notes:
fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Feb 10
59 min
Gina Mundy is an attorney that specializes in childbirth cases and she is a bestselling author. For over two decades, she has analyzed the mistakes that are made during labor and delivery. Drawing on this knowledge, she has authored the book "A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth" to help parents prevent these mistakes and have a healthy baby.
Sarah and Gina discuss proactive steps parents can take in order to help ensure a safer birth experience. Overall, the focus is on transforming fear and uncertainty around childbirth into an empowered and educated journey toward a safe and joyous birth.
Links and resources mentioned:
FREE DOWNLOAD Birth Plan Template https://bit.ly/45Sv9KF
Irth App https://irthapp.com/
Full show notes:
fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Jan 27
32 min
Did you know that appropriate, nurturing touch can relieve stress (for baby and parent/caregiver), facilitate secure attachment, optimize brain development, and potentially set a baby up for life to be a stable and healthy human? In this episode we will talk about the immense benefits of massaging your baby.
Special guest Kari Marble, certified infant massage therapist, meditation leader and birth educator, shares wisdom drawn from her 20+ years in the healing arts. We cover:
*When it is appropriate to start infant massage
*What to expect from a baby massage
*How parents can build nurturing touch into daily routines
*Important cues to tell if your baby likes it
*Basics for how to prepare for and perform infant massage
Links and resources mentioned:
https://www.karimarble.com/on-demand-classes
20% OFF with code FOURTHTRIMESTER
https://www.naturalresources-sf.com/products/infant-massage-workshop
15% OFF with code FOURTHTRIMESTER
Full show notes and more resource links:
fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Jan 13
50 min
This episode is about finding the best labor and delivery hospitals using community-based tools and reviews. Listen to learn more about how community reviews tools are helping women find better facilities. Think “Yelp for hospitals”.
Kimberly Seals Allers is our featured guest. She is the creator of Irth, a non-profit app designed to collect and leverage reviews of birthing hospitals and pediatricians from Black and Brown communities to hold these institutions accountable and facilitate systems change for bias-free experiences.
The app facilitates transparency and community empowerment by allowing users to share their experiences, which are turned into actionable data for improving care. With ongoing community engagement, including a paid ambassador program for birth workers, Irth serves as an education tool, a platform for raising care expectations, and an advocate for more birthing options and empowerment in motherhood.
Full show notes and links:
fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Dec 30, 2023
49 min
In this episode we dive deep into the crucial aspects of physical preparation for childbirth as we unveil targeted exercises, expert insights, and practical tips to empower expectant parents. Leah Keller, Founder of Every Mother, leads us through a transformative discussion that equips you with the tools needed to approach the birthing process with strength, resilience, and unwavering confidence.
Use Code FOURTHTRIMESTER10 for 10% OFF Every Mother birth preparation exercise programs here:
https://fourthtrimesterpodcast.com/everymother
Resources and show notes:
fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Dec 16, 2023
30 min
The Mom Group Guide features special guest Rebecca Walsh, veteran Mom Group facilitator and Early Childhood Education leader with 20+ years of experience. Rebecca is The Queen Of Mom Groups.
We covered:
*why Mom Groups are so beneficial
*differences between First Time groups vs Second Time groups
*how facilitated groups lead to stronger connection within the group
*the biggest themes that come up during mom groups
*how to facilitate your own group if you don't have one in your area
*recommendations for leading in-person and online groups
Use Code FOURTH for 20% OFF mom groups and programs:
earlychildhoodmatters.org
Resources and show notes: (including links to all of the recommended mom groups mentioned)
fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Dec 2, 2023
49 min
In this informative episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, we're diving deep into a topic that affects many postpartum individuals but is often shrouded in mystery and concern – Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Join us as we welcome physiologist Jenn Lormand, a physiologist in women's health for nearly 30 years, to discuss practical strategies for both avoiding and addressing this common postpartum issue.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse can be a source of anxiety for many, but there is hope. Jenn will share her personal experience with stage two prolapse and how she sought alternative (non-surgical) methods for healing. In sharing her wealth of knowledge, Jenn helps you understand the ins and outs of this condition without the panic. Learn about the common causes, symptoms, and risk factors associated with Pelvic Organ Prolapse, as well as valuable insights into how you can protect your pelvic health during and after pregnancy.
Jenn Lormand provides invaluable tips and exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor, improve your overall well-being, and potentially prevent or alleviate Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Whether you're currently dealing with this condition or just looking to safeguard your pelvic health as part of birth preparation, this episode is filled with empowering information to help you on your journey to recovery and resilience. (It’s never too late to do the repair work!)
Join us for a compassionate and insightful conversation that puts you in control of your pelvic health. Tune in to the Fourth Trimester Podcast to gain a better understanding of Pelvic Organ Prolapse and the tools you need to take the panic out of prolapse.
Use Code FOURTH for $50 off any of Jenn’s programs: https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram
Resources and show notes: (including free exercises you can do right away)
fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Nov 18, 2023
30 min
Infertility and pregnancy loss are deeply emotional and often isolating experiences. Knowing how to approach and discuss these topics with sensitivity is essential. In this episode, we will explore strategies for addressing infertility and pregnancy loss, offering support, and witnessing grief.
Emily Barrett, PsyD is a licensed psychologist in California. She is the special guest on this episode and she brings both her professional background working with clients on their own grief, and also her personal experiences with infertility and pregnancy loss. She’s passionate about helping women and families heal, and here she is teaching us all how to embrace the emotional expression that’s necessary for holistic wellness.
Full show notes and resource links:
fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Nov 4, 2023
37 min
Birth Doula 101 is an essential primer on what birth doulas do, when to hire one, and what to expect from a practical standpoint. Learn from Esther Gallagher who has been a birth and postpartum doula for over 30 years.
In this podcast episode, Sarah Trott and Esther Gallagher discuss the role of a birth doula and the services they provide, including non-medical support, physical comfort, advocacy, and referrals. They also emphasize the importance of having a birth plan, advocating for the birthing person's preferences, and considering a community doula for targeted support.
Whether booking a birth doula early in pregnancy or closer to the due date, their presence can greatly enhance the birthing experience and provide much-needed support for both the birthing person and their partner. Choosing to work with a birth doula can be a valuable investment in a positive and empowering birth experience.
Full show notes:
fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Oct 21, 2023
29 min
In this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, Sarah Trott and First Forty Days author Marisa Belger discuss the importance of self-trust for parents and offer a guide on how to build self-trust.
The guide includes four practical questions to ask yourself, such as what you are noticing, how you can offer yourself tenderness and compassion, and what your feelings are trying to tell you. They also offer a calming meditation exercise.
Marisa Belger is a certified life coach and author who has dedicated her work to helping women access greater self-trust throughout their motherhood journey.
Marisa also shares details about her 12-week course, "Living the First 40 Days and Beyond," which focuses on self-trust and supporting women throughout their motherhood journey. She also offers 3 and 6 month 1:1 coaching packages. Listeners of the podcast can receive a 25% discount on the course or coaching services when the show is mentioned.
Full show notes:
fourthtrimesterpodcast.com
Oct 7, 2023
36 min
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