In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, Vanessa, a Certified Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator, addresses key questions about labor and birth. Vanessa explores essential topics including informed consent, the importance of cervical checks, and what constitutes a Bishop score. She explains your rights throughout the birthing process, stressing the significance of bodily autonomy and informed decision-making. Additionally, Vanessa provides insights into the three crucial measurements taken during a cervical check—dilation, effacement, and station—and how they can affect labor. The episode concludes with a detailed look at the Bishop score and how it can predict the likelihood of a successful induction. Vanessa also highlights the value of comprehensive childbirth education and introduces her online course, 'Metamorphosis'.

00:00 Welcome to the Breath and Birth Co. Podcast

00:47 Introduction to Today's Q&A Session

01:02 Understanding Your Rights in Labor and Birth

01:51 Informed Consent and the BRAINS Acronym

05:02 Navigating Hospital Policies and Your Rights

05:55 Cervical Checks: What They Mean and Your Rights

09:28 The Importance of Baby's Station During Labor

12:30 Understanding the Bishop Score

15:07 Childbirth Education and Resources

17:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more information, see the SHOW NOTES here.

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Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of The Breath & Birth Co. Podcast, we invite you to unwind with a gentle guided sleep meditation designed specifically for pregnancy. 🌙✨

As an expectant mother/birther, your body is constantly changing, and finding deep rest can sometimes feel out of reach. This meditation will help you:

💛 Release tension from head to toe

💛 Connect with your breath to calm your nervous system

💛 Create a peaceful space for both you and your baby

💛 Drift into deep, restful sleep

Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and allow yourself to surrender into relaxation. You are safe, supported, and deeply loved.

Check out more in the SHOW NOTES here.

Follow me on Instagram here!
Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.

In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa, an experienced birth doula and childbirth educator, talks with fellow doula Megan Neal of Birth Your Way about their experiences in the birth support field, including inspirations, challenges, and the importance of advocacy. Megan shares her journey into birth work, misconceptions about labor, and the roles of support partners. They discuss the importance of developing confidence, creating a calm birthing environment, and building a supportive village during pregnancy. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of doulas and other professionals, like pelvic health therapists, in supporting a positive birth experience. Vanessa and Megan offer practical advice for birthing individuals and their partners to feel empowered and informed throughout the pregnancy and birthing process.

See more in the SHOW NOTES here.

Follow me on Instagram here!
Find more information on course offerings here.
Recently pregnant? Download my FREEBIE to find your birth care provider with confidence.

If you found this episode at all helpful or encouraging, I'd be so appreciative if you could leave a review! It helps others like you find the show (ahhh the algorithm).

As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.