Are you a birth nerd interested in the first 15 minutes after birth and everything that happens within those first 15 minutes? Such as decisions you need to make and include in your birth plan. Then tune into this first 15 series for in depth knowledge on what’s going on within the first 15 minutes, the history, current practices, and YOUR options. Being informed is the best way to prepare for your birth experience. Join us for in depth, educational discussions on the most important topics and decisions you’ll be making in the 1st 15 minutes after birth!Welcome to this segment of The Birth Link podcast, the First 15 Series, where today I’m diving deep on the fascinating topic of placenta encapsulation.&nbsp;From the consumption of the placenta after childbirth, to the various ways to preserve the placenta, your rights with placenta encapsulation, risks and benefits of placenta consumption, evidence based practices, and cultural rituals, we’re covering it all in this educational episode.&nbsp;We’ll also examine the modern trend of placenta encapsulation and consumption, highlighting the purported benefits, risks, and current scientific evidence.&nbsp;I’m here to provide you with the facts and history, acknowledging the lack of conclusive research while discussing the potential benefits and cultural significance.&nbsp;It’s important to make informed decisions regarding how your placenta is used or preserved afterbirth, BEFORE you’re in labor.&nbsp;If you’re wanting to learn all about placenta encapsulation and your options, then listen in.00:00 Welcome to the Birthlink Podcast00:39 Diving into Placenta Research01:54 Introduction to the Placenta03:51 The Role and Function of the Placenta07:24 Placentophagy in the Animal Kingdom15:05 Human Practices and Trends17:35 Celebrity Influence on Placenta Consumption19:30 Evaluating the Benefits and Risks33:41 Personal Views on Placenta Consumption34:11 Global Perspectives on Placenta Practices37:03 Historical and Cultural Rituals45:01 Traditional Chinese Medicine and Placenta50:05 Modern Medical Concerns and Legalities57:42 Options for Handling the Placenta01:09:03 Final Thoughts and Future DiscussionsMore from this episode:For more information about your state’s regulations around placenta disposal check out americordMore from My Friend's a Nurse:Join us for the Next Childbirth Crash Course This September 18th-20th!Join us for the next Birth Plan Workshop!Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!Visit MyFriendsaNurse.comGrab this FREE Hospital Bag ChecklistEmail Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected] you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email <a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Today I’m welcoming Dr. Rachael Cappuccino to The Birth Link podcast!&nbsp;Rachael started Cappuccino Physical Therapy after the birth of her two children because she believes that an active lifestyle does not end with motherhood.&nbsp; Having experienced both a vaginal delivery and cesarean, Rachael understands the physical challenges that come from birth.&nbsp; Too many women accept these challenges as their new reality when she firmly believes that most can be treated with pelvic floor physical therapy.We dive into the limited awareness of pelvic floor therapy for women in any stage of their lives, but especially pregnancy, delivery and postpartum.&nbsp;She shares how you can find a pelvic floor physical therapist and have it covered with insurance, possibly without a referral from a provider. She hits on the top complaints from women that can be prevented before they ever happen, to strengthen your core, know when and how to relax those muscles, and even practice how to correctly and efficiently push to minimize how long you are pushing and tears. Thank you so much Rachael for joining us!00:03 Introducing Dr. Rachael Cappuccino00:20 The Importance of Community04:08 Meet Rachael Cappuccino05:51 Starting a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Business07:05 Challenges in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Awareness11:47 Accessing Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy14:36 Common Pregnancy and Postpartum Issues16:05 Proactive Birth Preparation24:13 Advocating for Yourself25:45 Wrapping Up and Future TopicsMore from Dr. Rachel Cappuccino:To reach Rachael visit www.cappuccinopt.com or follow her on Instagram @cappuccinopelvicpt or on Facebook at Rachael CappuccinoMore from My Friend's a Nurse:Join us for the Next Childbirth Crash Course This September 18th-20th!Join us for the next Birth Plan Workshop!Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!Visit MyFriendsaNurse.comGrab this FREE Hospital Bag ChecklistEmail Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected] you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email [email protected] Connected:InstagramTikTokFaceBook

The First 15 continues, closing out the triad of active management of the third stage of labor.&nbsp; To accompany cord clamping (now delayed 60 sec), cord traction and uterine massage. Doing our part to lower maternal death, the leading cause being hemorrhaging by including not only as a treatment, but as prevention. In the hospital, most providers choose active management as their practice but fail to discuss the experience, the benefits, the risks or any other alternate options. It seems to be so routine that they do not feel it is a decision that the mother or parents need to even make. Though active management and pitocin can be a great choice for many women looking to lower her chance of hemorrhage and has had multiple interventions already, the power comes with knowledge.&nbsp; I'm researching, discussing and sharing that knowledge with clients and you, so let's get into the history, date and current recommendations for pitocin and uterotonics in postpartum.&nbsp;Resources:Pitocin During the third Stage of Labor by Rebecca Dekker, RN and Anna Bertone MPH, Evidence Based BirthManagement of the Third Stage of Labor, Updated:&nbsp;Jun 03, 2024, Author: John R Smith, MD, FACOG, FRCSC; Chief Editor: Christine Isaacs, MD, MedscapePostpartum Hemorrhage: Prevention and Treatment, 2017, AAFP, Ann Evensen, MD, Janice M Anderson, MD, and Patricia Fontaine, MD, MS00:40 Breaking Water and Pitocin Orders02:18 Concerns About Early Pitocin Use04:41 Importance of Informed Consent09:45 Postpartum Pitocin and Hemorrhaging14:30 Historical Approaches to Hemorrhaging18:14 Development of Oxytocin Drugs24:35 Discovery of Oxytocin26:44 Pitocin: Synthetic Oxytocin27:23 Active Management in Labor29:50 Historical Trials and Errors32:25 Prostaglandins and Alternatives36:01 Modern Practices and Recommendations41:13 Preventing and Managing Hemorrhage45:20 Final Thoughts and Advice50:35 Upcoming Episode PreviewMore from My Friend's a Nurse:Join us for the Next Childbirth Crash Course This September 18th-20th!Join us for the next Birth Plan Workshop!Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!Visit MyFriendsaNurse.comGrab this FREE Hospital Bag ChecklistEmail Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected] you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email [email protected] Connected:InstagramTikTokFaceBook

Today we have the opportunity to sit down for an in depth look at postpartum care and how to prepare for this delicate time.&nbsp; Specifically how new parents can navigate and set expectations for your family’s and newborn’s sleep and feeding routine.&nbsp; How sleep affects your milk supply and your newborn’s sleep at night. Listen in on this expert interview, where I learned a few things myself and reviewed tricks to produce sufficient milk supply and newborn healthy feeding habits. You may want to take notes!Melanie is a certified lactation educator at UCLA and owner of Melanie Wachsman Doula in Los Angeles, CA.&nbsp; She is a Gentle Sleep Educator and consultant and Sleep Savvy certified.&nbsp; You can find more information on her as a maternity expert at doulamellie.com IG @doula_mellie&nbsp;&nbsp;00:00 Welcome to Episode Nine!00:45 Introducing Melanie Wachsman Bingham01:16 The Importance of Newborn Sleep03:31 Melanie's Journey to Becoming a Doula04:57 Balancing Sleep and Feeding for Newborns10:33 Practical Tips for Newborn Sleep Routines19:31 Managing Parental Sleep Deprivation24:55 Navigating Cluster Feeding26:12 The Benefits of Bedside Co-Sleepers26:38 Understanding Baby's Primal Instincts28:14 Finding the Right Sleep Setup29:43 The Role of Partners and Support Systems30:41 Personal Experiences with Sleep Training36:25 Different Types of Nighttime Caregivers45:55 Preparing for Baby's Arrival50:08 Final Thoughts and ResourcesMore from Melanie:Visit her website DoulaMellie.comConnect with her on Instagram: @doula_mellieMore from My Friend's a Nurse:Join us for the Next Childbirth Crash Course This September 18th-20th!Join us for the next Birth Plan Workshop!Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!Visit MyFriendsaNurse.comGrab this FREE Hospital Bag ChecklistEmail Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected] you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email [email protected] Connected:InstagramTikTokFaceBook

For the last 60-80 years an incision in the vaginal opening to help the baby come up has been used routinely, with some experts stating, there is no reason not to, so don’t even worry about it!&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah.. that was Dr Diethelm specifically, in 1938.&nbsp; Speeding up the pushing stage, helping mom out after pushing for a long time, worrying about the baby being held inside by the tight perineum, trying to avoid major tears by giving a smaller incision, all in the hopes to help out.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Medical and surgical interventions became popular in the 1920s as deliveries moved to the hospital, of course! Most with the best intentions in mind.&nbsp; They thought of a great idea, to use this procedure on everyone and with the help of forceps, totally eliminating the mom from having to push at all! Thanks!&nbsp;&nbsp;But has the actual evidence held up this theory? Well get into it today!&nbsp; Take what you’ve learned and start the conversation with your provider, remember knowledge is power! Stay informed and stay healthy!&nbsp;In this episode of the Birth Link Podcast, Colette discusses the topic of episiotomies in detail to help you navigate episiotomies for an empowered birth experience.00:00 Introduction and Personal Update00:13 Exciting New Ventures in Maternal and Newborn Care01:42 The Importance of Birth Plans and Privacy02:02 Hospital Experiences and Challenges04:30 Protecting Your Space During Labor05:37 Introduction to Episiotomies07:07 History and Evolution of Episiotomies14:20 Medical Perspectives and Practices21:29 Conflicting Evidence and Modern Views23:02 Episiotomy Risks and Recovery23:16 Hospital Guidelines and Doctor Preferences23:56 Infection and Pain During Sex24:30 Severe Perineal Trauma and Fourth Degree Tears26:15 Shortening the Second Stage of Labor29:45 Shoulder Dystocia and Episiotomy31:10 Restrictive Episiotomy Policies38:18 Factors Increasing Episiotomy Risk40:02 Factors Lowering Episiotomy Risk41:22 Importance of Discussing Episiotomy with Your Provider44:46 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewResources:[Fetal expulsion: Which interventions for perineal prevention? CNGOF Perineal Prevention and Protection in Obstetrics Guidelines].Riethmuller D, Ramanah R, Mottet N.Gynecol Obstet Fertil Senol. 2018 Dec;46(12):937-947. doi: 10.1016/j.gofs.2018.10.029. Epub 2018 Oct 28.PMID: 30377094 French.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mayo Clinic, Labor and delivery, postpartum care; Episiotomy: when it’s needed,&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; when it’s notSelective versus routine uses of episiotomy for vaginal birth&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hong Jiang 1, Xu Qian 1, Guillermo Carroli 2,...

#1 Best selling author joins us today to speak about her new book The Fastest Way to Fat Loss After 40, a guide to mind, body and spiritual transformation. We touch on how we can use this valuable insight during hormonal changes in adolescence, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum to stay alive in our body’s healthiest potential.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a registered dietitian and fitness specialist, Cynthia is 20 years into recovery from her own food and body relationship struggles. She has since taught women how to heal their relationship with food and bondage to sugar and discover their capacity to burn excess fat and rise above conventional norms of age-related weight gain and decline in health.&nbsp;Cynthia graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a bachelor's degree in nutritional science. Following the completion of her bachelors degree she continued to receive her masters in Public Health, Health Education at California State University, Northridge where she also completed her dietetic internship within the college of Family and Consumer Sciences. She is also certified through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a Health Fitness Specialist and Nutrition and Fitness Specialist. Cynthia is also an AFAA certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer.Together, we explore Cynthia's new book, 'The Faster Way to Fat Loss After 40,' which provides insights into effective weight loss, hormone balance, and healthy living.&nbsp;Diving into the importance of mental, physical, and spiritual health, fasting, detoxification, and how to optimize these aspects for better overall well-being, this episode provides practical tips for listeners on achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.02:43 Masterclass and Connecting with Cynthia Ray04:06 Introducing Cynthia Ray and Her New Book07:00 Cynthia's Background and Struggles25:03 The Importance of Visualization and Mindfulness35:35 Difference between Cleansing, Detoxing, and Fasting37:11 Understanding Fasting and Its Benefits37:36 Cleansing and Detoxing During Pregnancy40:46 The Role of Oxytocin and Cortisol43:50 Hormonal Hierarchy and Body Fat Loss47:34 The Importance of Insulin and Blood Sugar50:26 Fasting and Metabolic Flexibility52:50 Hunger and Fasting Guidelines54:54 Building Healthy Habits During Pregnancy57:54 Fasting According to Your Menstrual Cycle01:01:00 Final Thoughts and Advice01:04:45 Conclusion and Upcoming TopicsMore from Cynthia Ray:Grab her book: The Faster Way to Fat Loss After 40Visit her Website CynthiaRay.comFollow her on Instagram @cynthia_ray01More from My Friend's a Nurse:Join us for the Next Childbirth Crash Course This September 18th-20th!Join us for the next Birth Plan Workshop!Join the newsletter for behind the scenes and episode insights you don't want to miss!Visit MyFriendsaNurse.comGrab this FREE Hospital Bag...

We learned in Episode 4 the history of cord blood clamping and cutting after a baby is born, so now what are the ACOG recommendations and what do we think NOW regarding risks and benefits?&nbsp;&nbsp;If the risks are so great, then is there a way for our non vigorous babies to receive the blood quickly, before needing to separate?&nbsp;&nbsp;We will get into cord blood milking and what are the limitations around it. If you need that precious blood for a sibling though, with a blood disease or cancer, for example, what about collecting the blood?&nbsp; We can collect the blood to donate, save in a bank as insurance, or hope it's a match for a sick family member.&nbsp;&nbsp;What happens after your baby is born has so many decisions that must be made, often way ahead of time. As with so many things in medicine, there are ethical dilemmas around these choices.&nbsp;Join me in this episode to understand how to navigate your birthing options as well as the benefits and practices of cord blood banking, cord milking, and delayed cord clamping.For more information on anything you heard today, check the resources below.&nbsp;01:29 Improving Interview Skills and Seeking Feedback02:15 The Importance of Feeling Heard in Healthcare03:37 Bridging the Gap Between Natural and Medical Birth Practices05:04 Exploring Cord Blood Benefits and Practices06:47 Delayed Cord Clamping: Benefits and Practices10:23 Risks and Considerations of Delayed Cord Clamping15:50 Cord Milking: An Alternative in Emergencies20:50 Ethical Dilemmas in Cord Blood Banking26:33 Statistics and Research on Stem Cell Transplants27:32 Family Medical History and Cord Blood Banking29:09 Public vs. Private Cord Blood Banking31:12 Preparing for Cord Blood Collection33:26 Medical Recommendations and Ethical Considerations36:20 Discussing Cord Blood Collection with Your Provider41:28 Final Thoughts and Recommendations43:28 Closing Remarks and Upcoming TopicsMore from My Friend's a Nurse:Join the Birth Link waitlist!Join the weekly Birth Plan Workshop every Sunday!Join us for the Childbirth Crash Course!Visit MyFriendsaNurse.comGrab this FREE Hospital Bag ChecklistEmail Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected] you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email [email protected] Connected:InstagramTikTokFaceBook

Colette welcomes Dr. Joselyn Rodriguez to discuss the significance of pelvic floor health, common postpartum issues, and practical tips for labor.&nbsp;She enjoys working with moms at every phase of their lives, and her passion is to improve their movement and confidence in their bodies, teaching moms how to prep, how to push, and how to recover, effectively and appropriately.As a board-certified orthopedic specialist, Dr. Joselyn provides a full body approach to helping women achieve their goals and specializes in prenatal care and labor preparation, postpartum care, and overall wellness.&nbsp;With a unique focus on pelvic floor care, Dr. Joselyn helps women assess what matters most to them and supports them in working toward their goals.Whether preparing for a more seamless labor and delivery, walking without pain, or being at their fittest level postpartum, Dr. Joselyn is dedicated to helping moms succeed. She believes an active mom is a healthy one who can participate physically and be present mentally.Colette and Dr. Joselyn both emphasize the importance of preparation, education, and self-advocacy in minimizing trauma and ensuring a more positive birthing experience.&nbsp;01:17 Finding Inspiration and New Mentors03:14 Meeting Dr. Joselyn Rodriguez09:04 The Importance of Self-Care and Advocacy09:58 Dr. Joselyn's Background and Passion for Pelvic Floor Health15:04 Common Issues and Tips for Pelvic Floor Health20:11 The Role of Physical Fitness in Pregnancy and Postpartum27:53 Challenging the Norms of Postpartum Care29:11 The Importance of Proper Pushing Techniques32:28 Pelvic Floor Therapy: A Game Changer35:38 Empowering Women Through Education and Advocacy40:57 The Impact of Birth Trauma and the Need for Change45:07 Final Thoughts and ResourcesMore from Dr. Joselyn:Visit her website www.jaept.comFollow her on Instagram and TikTok: @thepelvictrainerMore from My Friend's a Nurse:Join the Birth Link waitlist!Join the weekly Birth Plan Workshop every Sunday!Join us for the Childbirth Crash Course!Visit MyFriendsaNurse.comGrab this FREE Hospital Bag ChecklistEmail Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected] you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email [email protected] Connected:InstagramTikTokFaceBook

Time to start thinking about what’s in your birth plan… and some of the MOST important things to put on that plan are the options you have and may not know if RIGHT AFTER delivery.&nbsp;&nbsp;Like, a minute after to be specific.&nbsp; You’re overwhelmed with emotion, exhaustion and awe of the new baby laying on your chest.&nbsp; The new face that you finally get to kiss, the new eyes you get to look into and the cute little hand you get to hold… while quite a few things are going on around you that you may have no clue about!&nbsp; Maybe I will name this series, The First 15!&nbsp; The first 15 minutes, what is happening and what conversation do you want to have with your provider beforehand.&nbsp;&nbsp;Today we dive into cord clamping… and discover the history of immediate and delayed cord clamping. What has evidence shown over the last hundred years and where are we today?&nbsp;To make the right choices, we need to understand the reason WHY.&nbsp; So let’s dive in!This episode will help you understand delayed cord clamping, and its history, evidence, and current practices.Discussing the historical context and evolution of cord clamping practices, the benefits and potential risks involved, and how these practices can be part of your birth plan, this episode also touches on the varying current practices and recommendations from medical organizations like ACOG and the WHO.00:00 Introduction to the Birth Link Podcast00:09 The First 15 Minutes After Birth01:11 Delayed Cord Clamping: An Overview02:10 History of Cord Clamping Practices05:04 Modern Practices and Recommendations29:56 Upcoming Topics and Workshops31:45 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewResources from this episode:Mayo Clinic Health System: Speaking of Health 6.30.22 Delayed umbilical cord clamping benefits baby, affects cord blood donationNIH: National Library of Medicine; JR Soc Med. 2012 Aug; 105(8): 325-329. Doi: 10.1258/jrsm.2012.110316 PMCID: PMC3423128 | PMID: 22907549 Historical perspectives on umbilical cord clamping and neonatal transition; Candice L Downey and Susan BewleyMore from My Friend's a Nurse:Join the Birth Link waitlist!Join the weekly Birth Plan Workshop every Sunday!Join us for the Childbirth Crash Course!Visit MyFriendsaNurse.comGrab this FREE Hospital Bag ChecklistEmail Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected] you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email [email protected] Connected:InstagramTikTokFaceBook

Today we welcome Sara to the podcast, a longtime friend and colleague, who shares an incredible and unexpected birth story with us.&nbsp;Sara Kendryna has been a labor and delivery nurse for over 10 years working at a community hospital in Glendale, CA. In 2018, she went back to school at Cal State Fullerton to complete a 3 year Masters program where she became a certified nurse midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner.&nbsp;&nbsp;She is now working with patients that have high risk pregnancies doing ultrasounds and fetal heart rate monitoring (NST testing).&nbsp; She also has two boys that are 3 and 1 years old.&nbsp; She always wanted a fast delivery, the first not being quite the opposite, but the second, making up for it in a big way!&nbsp; I couldn’t help but bring her one to share her exciting birth story with us!This conversation highlights the unpredictable nature of childbirth, even for experienced medical professionals, and underscores the importance of trusting one's instincts and being prepared for anything.&nbsp;Sara discusses her preparation for a smooth hospital delivery, the sudden onset of a precipitous labor, and practical tips for handling emergency births.&nbsp;02:36 Introducing Sara: A Special Guest05:11 Sara's Journey to Midwifery06:04 Masterclass and Birth Stories11:44 Sara's First Birth Story: Cole14:26 Sara's Second Birth Story25:34 Unexpected Car Birth26:05 Doctor's Reaction and Precipitous Labor26:42 Preparation for Quick Deliveries28:50 Personal Birth Stories and Experiences30:41 Handling Emergency Births38:32 The Importance of Staying Calm43:37 Final Thoughts and AdviceMore from My Friend's a Nurse:Join the Birth Link waitlist!Join the weekly Birth Plan Workshop every Sunday!Join us for the Childbirth Crash Course!Visit MyFriendsaNurse.comGrab this FREE Hospital Bag ChecklistEmail Colette directly for coaching availability and membership [email protected] you are interested in partnering or being a guest on The Birth Link Podcast please email [email protected] Connected:InstagramTikTokFaceBook