The LC & Doula Diaries

Doula Support in the Age of Covid

This week we are discussing something near and dear to co-host Melissa’s heart: what doula support through the age of covid looks like. The past year has brought about many shifts for birthing mothers and doulas alike. Many hospitals shut out doulas for a time, more people considered home or birth center births, partners couldn’t attend appointments, doulas found ways to support clients virtually, and the list goes on. The good news is that you CAN have doula support throughout these crazy times and, not only that, you NEED doula support now more than ever! Stress levels are at an all-time high, hospital policies are changing frequently, mothers feel more isolated than ever...and that’s on top of the typical stressors people may experience as they approach birth. Join us as Melissa discusses: * How you can benefit from a doula * What virtual doula support can look like * How to keep your voice in the process and advocate * Options to consider in this unique time Questions about anything discussed on today’s show? You can email us at melissaandsallypodcast@gmail.com or find us on social media! As always, reviews are appreciated! As always, you can find us on social media in the following places! Instagram: @lcdouladiaries @strongbirthjourneys @breastfeedingguru Facebook: www.facebook.com/lcdouladiaries [http://www.facebook.com/lcdouladiaries] www.facebook.com/strongbirthjourneys [http://www.facebook.com/strongbirthjourneys] www.facebook.com/breastfeedingguru [http://www.facebook.com/breastfeedingguru]

Been There, Done That .... Or Have You?

Breastfeeding is the same with every baby, right? ...Until it’s not! Join us as IBCLC Sally Wood unpacks why breastfeeding experiences can vary greatly between babies and shares tips for navigating those differences. It’s often very encouraging for mothers who had a difficult BF journey with the first baby to discover that it’s much easier with the second baby! However,  road blocks can pop up with a subsequent baby that you just didn’t experience with the first, etc. One fact Sally wants all parents to know: ALL BABIES ARE DIFFERENT :) Drop any shame/guilt from feeling like you “should” know better, “should” have done something differently, etc. Just do what you can with what you know in the moment and never be afraid to ask for help! “Should” is the enemy of motherhood! -Melissa Enjoying the show? Be sure to leave us a review! Questions about anything discussed on today’s show? You can email us at melissaandsallypodcast@gmail.com or book a consultation with Sally at www.thebreastfeedingguru.com [http://www.thebreastfeedingguru.com/] As always, you can find us on social media in the following places! Instagram: @lcdouladiaries @strongbirthjourneys @breastfeedingguru Facebook: www.facebook.com/lcdouladiaries [http://www.facebook.com/lcdouladiaries] www.facebook.com/strongbirthjourneys [http://www.facebook.com/strongbirthjourneys] www.facebook.com/breastfeedingguru [http://www.facebook.com/breastfeedingguru]

Part 2 - Exclusive Pumping: One Mother's Love Story

In Part 2, Lauren Perkins piles on the wisdom and pumping hacks that she learned along the way as she exclusively pumped for her son for nineteen months. To Lauren, exclusive pumping IS breastfeeding and she refers to her journey as a love story. Her wealth of knowledge and experience is a treasure trove for any pumping mom. In Part 2 of Lauren's story, she talks about: * her favorite pumping hack * using different pumps to meet different needs and situations * pumping on the go * cleaning pump parts * replacing pump parts * having a stocked pumping bag ready to go  * what to do with spilt milk - don't throw it away! * dealing with postpartum anxiety and stress * apps for ONLY exclusive pumping - the one she used was Pump Log Lauren's two favorite resources: Website:  https://exclusivepumping.com [https://exclusivepumping.com/] Instagram account: @exclusive_pumping Enjoying the show? Be sure to leave us a review! Questions about anything discussed on today’s show? You can email us at melissaandsallypodcast@gmail.com  To book a consultation with Sally (in-person or virtual): www.thebreastfeedingguru.com [http://www.thebreastfeedingguru.com/] As always, you can find us on social media in the following places! Instagram: @lcdouladiaries @strongbirthjourneys @breastfeedingguru Facebook: www.facebook.com/lcdouladiaries [http://www.facebook.com/lcdouladiaries] www.facebook.com/strongbirthjourneys [http://www.facebook.com/strongbirthjourneys] www.facebook.com/breastfeedingguru [http://www.facebook.com/breastfeedingguru]

Part 1 - Exclusive Pumping: One Mother's Love Story

Lauren Perkins exclusively pumped for her son for nineteen months. This was not her original goal, but her determination to provide breastmilk for her baby was a driving force and is, undoubtedly, what made her so successful. To Lauren, exclusive pumping IS breastfeeding and refers to her journey as a love story. She shares her struggles with infertility, IVF, an unexpected, and terrifying, delivery and a 2-month NICU stay for her newborn son. Her wealth of knowledge, experience and simple pumping hacks is a treasure trove for any pumping mom. In Part 1 of Lauren's story, she talks about: * bridging the gap between breastfeeding and pumping * establishing her milk supply * balancing spending time in the NICU and frequent pumping * how her body accommodated her son's needs, even though he was not physically at her breast * her pumping routines and how they changed over time * nursing/pumping bras and which one was her favorite * dealing with clogged milk ducts * power pumping Lauren's two favorite resources: Website:  https://exclusivepumping.com [https://exclusivepumping.com/] Instagram account: @exclusive_pumping Enjoying the show? Be sure to leave us a review! Questions about anything discussed on today’s show? You can email us at melissaandsallypodcast@gmail.com or book a consultation with Sally at www.thebreastfeedingguru.com [http://www.thebreastfeedingguru.com/] As always, you can find us on social media in the following places! Instagram: @lcdouladiaries @strongbirthjourneys @breastfeedingguru Facebook: www.facebook.com/lcdouladiaries [http://www.facebook.com/lcdouladiaries] www.facebook.com/strongbirthjourneys [http://www.facebook.com/strongbirthjourneys] www.facebook.com/breastfeedingguru [http://www.facebook.com/breastfeedingguru]

Improving Birthing and Postpartum Recovery through Chiropractic Care

We are opening this season with Dr. Robyn Hawkins, a chiropractor in Augusta, GA. We discuss the benefits of chiropractic care for pregnant and postpartum mamas, as well as babies. Whether you need assistance with pregnancy aches and pains, flipping a breech baby, realigning your body after birth or more...there’s just so much that good chiropractic care can do for you. Wondering how to find a good chiropractor trained specifically to work with pregnant women and babies? Dr. Hawkins recommends checking out https://icpa4kids.com/ [https://icpa4kids.com/] to see who’s available in your region. About our guest: Dr. Robyn Hawkins is a chiropractor in Augusta, GA who offers specific and gentle chiropractic care for the entire family - from newborns to senior citizens. Her true passion is caring for moms and their families. She offers perinatal chiropractic care and is certified in the Webster technique, which is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment created with pregnant women in mind. Her ultimate goal is to provide care for families as well as educating them on natural, proactive methods of health and healing. Enjoying the show? Be sure to leave us a review! Questions about anything discussed on today’s show? You can email us at melissaandsallypodcast@gmail.com or book a consultation with Sally at www.thebreastfeedingguru.com [http://www.thebreastfeedingguru.com/] As always, you can find us on social media in the following places! Instagram: @lcdouladiaries @strongbirthjourneys @breastfeedingguru Facebook: www.facebook.com/lcdouladiaries [http://www.facebook.com/lcdouladiaries] www.facebook.com/strongbirthjourneys [http://www.facebook.com/strongbirthjourneys] www.facebook.com/breastfeedingguru [http://www.facebook.com/breastfeedingguru]