Show notes
Ep 97 Description: “If that's something that I could encourage other pregnant people to do, is to try to have that clarity about their wants and their needs and their desires, and then to verbalize from a place of clarity to their provider. That inner state of clarity is very important in the conversation.” —Nicole Heidbreder “My job was to not try to fix things and be more of a listener.” —Amir Niroumand While vaginal birth is often seen as the ideal, for many birthing experts a medically-necessary cesarean section is the safest option. However, the sterility and clinical nature of surgery can make cesareans feel less personal than desired. But with intentional planning, cesareans can still honor a person's needs and vision for birth. In this episode, we are joined by DONA International approved Birth doula trainer, Nicole Heidbreder and her partner, Amir Niromand. As a labor and delivery nurse and birth doula of many years, Nicole had clear visions for her own birth plans. However, after struggling to conceive for over a year and experiencing multiple miscarriages, she was forced to reconsider everything. Nicole and Amir discuss their journey trying to conceive for over a year, which included multiple miscarriages. Nicole explains how her history as a labor and delivery nurse and doula led to shifting her birth plans after being diagnosed with fibroids. She details emotionally accepting surgery and a planned cesarean. Nicole created a supportive medical team and shares her vision for a "magnificent cesarean" honoring her, Amir, and their transition to parenthood, outlining her birth and postpartum plans. Tune in and learn the importance of grieving loss, the role of clear communication with medical providers, the impact of community support, and the power of crafting a birth centered on the birthing person's needs, voice, and choice. If you are a doula, nurse, midwife, or birth worker who would like to expand your practice with pleasure and Orgasmic Birth - Learn more at https://www.orgasmicbirth.com/orgasmic-birth-practitioner-training/ Debra also has a class on positively preparing for a cesarean or a VBAC vaginal birth after cesarean https://orgasmicbirth.thinkific.com/courses/cesarean-vbac Connect with Debra! Website: https://www.orgasmicbirth.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgasmicbirth Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgasmicBirth YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/OrgasmicBirth1 Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@orgasmicbirth Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-pascali-bonaro-1093471 Episode Highlights: 02:59 pregnancy and Loss 10:43 Shifting Birth Vision and Creating a Supportive team 16:42 Grief and Healing After Pregnancy Loss 20:48 Preparation for a Planned Cesarean Section 26:43 Postpartum Preferences 32:10 The Role of the Community in Providing Supportive Care 34:39 Honoring the Mother’s Voice and Choice