Today’s birth story is shared by Aatreyi, a podcast listener who worked with a wonderful doula from East River Doula Collective. She shares her experience navigating pregnancy and birth in New York City (as is usually the case on this podcast). Aatreyi also talks about the pivotal role acupuncture played in starting her labor right before her due date, helping her avoid a medical induction. We discuss how the constant focus on percentiles and dilation numbers during her pregnancy and labor often added more stress than clarity, and how she learned to look beyond the numbers to trust her own experience. From switching care providers to finding support through her doula and community, this episode offers a candid look at the unexpected twists and turns pregnancy and labor can take as well as the importance of listening to your own instincts.
Resources:
East Harlem Neighborhood Health Action Center - prenatal (maternal) yoga
Chi Li Acupuncture (aka Qi Li Acupuncture) (Manhattan/Upper West Side)
Birth Matters podcast ep 96 with Nidhi Sharma - pelvic PT (also of Indian descent) mentioned in this episode who was told her baby was measuring small
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 to Aatreyi and her background
Journey to pregnancy and early support from friends and resources
Preparation for birth through education, prenatal yoga, and classes
Decision to switch from private OB practice to public hospital with midwives
Comparing care models: private OB vs. public midwifery practice
Navigating emotional and logistical challenges of changing providers
Managing concerns about baby's growth percentiles and understanding medical data
Importance of self-advocacy and education during pregnancy
Onset of labor and decision-making about when to go to the hospital
Early labor at home with doula and partner support
Pain management techniques: nitrous oxide and epidural experiences
Emotional impact of slow cervical dilation and rapid progression to full dilation
Challenges during pushing, including vacuum assistance and episiotomy
Emotional moment of birth and immediate postpartum care
Complications: misplaced epidural and need for stitches to be redone
Support from care team, doula, and partner throughout labor and delivery
Initial postpartum experience in the hospital
Breastfeeding challenges and conflicting advice from professionals
Emotional toll of feeding difficulties and concerns about baby's weight
Transition to supplementing with formula and establishing a feeding routine
Mental health impact of new parenthood and finding support
Importance of flexibility and adapting to unexpected changes
Value of a supportive care team and the role of the doula
Reflections on the unpredictability of birth and postpartum experiences
Reassurance and validation found in community and shared stories
Interview Transcript
Transcript and pics coming soon!