In this episode, Liz and Kevin open up about their journey through pregnancy, sharing their firsthand experience with white coat hypertension and the challenges it brought. They discuss the pressures they faced around induction, their decision to delay an induction in hopes of an unmedicated birth, and the lessons they learned along the way. They also talk a bit about breastfeeding and how identifying and correcting a tongue tie their son had helped resolve issues they had early on. Liz and Kevin offer encouragement and practical advice for others navigating similar choices, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making and self-advocacy in the birthing and early parenthood journey.
Resources:
Why *Accurate* Blood Pressure Monitoring in Pregnancy & Postpartum Is More Important Than Ever (Birth Matters blog post)
Mama Glow doula training
Nurture; A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood―and Trusting Yourself and Your Body by Erica Chidi*
Anna Raczka (Sage Birthing Services) - birth and postpartum doula
Dr. Scott Siegel - tongue tie revisions
Sponsor links:
Free “Pack for Your Best Birth” Packing List (with free mini-course option)
East River Doula Collective (find a doula, attend our free “Meet the Doulas” event)
Birth Matters NYC Childbirth Education Classes (Astoria, Queens and virtual)
*Disclosure: Links on this page to products are affiliate links; I will receive a small commission on any products you purchase at no additional cost to you.
Episode Topics:
Introduction of guests Liz and Kevin, their background, and life as new parents in Brooklyn
Transition into parenthood and changes in the first three months postpartum
Importance of sleep and its impact on well-being
Discussion of accurate blood pressure monitoring during pregnancy and its significance
Liz’s personal experience with blood pressure, anxiety, and white coat hypertension
Preparation for birth: research, doula training, prenatal yoga, acupuncture, chiropractic care
Mental health during pregnancy and the decision to go off and back on antidepressants
Hiring and working with a doula, qualities sought, and support received
Decision-making around gestational hypertension diagnosis and induction recommendations
Navigating conflicting medical advice and the emotional impact on both partners
Frequent hospital visits for non-stress tests and strategies for self-advocacy
Detailed birth story: labor at home, coping techniques, water breaking, hospital delivery
Immediate postpartum experiences, feelings of relief, and bonding with baby
Breastfeeding challenges, tongue tie diagnosis and release, and feeding solutions
Early parenthood challenges: sleep deprivation, triple feeding, and unexpected home issues
Reflections and advice for expectant and new parents: trusting instincts, mental health, choosing birth setting, and normalizing infant sleep and contact napping
Babywearing experiences and finding supportive carriers for a growing baby
Encouragement for self-advocacy and openness about white coat hypertension and medical protocols
Interview Transcript
Pictures and Transcript coming soon!