Down to Birth

Welcome to the June Q&A with Cynthia & Trisha. This month we kick things off with a conversation about a midwife who dropped her client in early labor because her HBAC labor was taking too long to get going--as you can imagine, we have a lot to say about this! Next we take your questions:One mom writes about her 3rd attempt at a homebirth after two hospital transfers and wonders if it is ok to keep her birth plans from her family with whom she is very close with. We also answer:My midwife told me I should do a cervical check at 36 weeks to help understand the baby's position and offer recommendations based on the findings. Is this really necessary? And, if a baby isn't breathing after a minute of being born and is still attached to the placenta, do babies need to be stimulated or is intervention required?In the extended episode, available on Patreon, we discuss vaginal birth with a nuchal hand, scheduling C-sections for planned VBAC at 40 week, and vaginal birth after a shoulder dystocia.Finally in quickies, we touch on spray tans while breastfeeding, induction vs cesarean, elastic nipples & pumping, third labors, length of umbilical cords, and our favorite seasons and candy (except Cynthia doesn't eat candy).**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packENERGYbits--the superfood every mother needs for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeedingPrimally Pure: From soil to skin, primally pure products are made with down-to-earth ingredients that feel and smell like heaven for the skinSend us Fan Mail Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <--  this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure:  ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% offJoin Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshowDown to Birth ShowCall 802-GET-DOWNWatch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

Neuroscientist and author of The Nurture Revolution, Dr. Greer Kirschenbaum, PhD, joins us today to discuss the profound impact of nurturing care in the first three years of life. Drawing from decades of brain research, Greer explains how responsive, connected parenting in early life lays the neurological foundation for emotional regulation, mental health, and lifelong resilience—and why this critical window is so often misunderstood, underestimated, or dismissed.We also explore the neurobiology of fatherhood: how the dad's brain transforms during the postpartum period, how these changes depend on direct contact with the baby, and why emotional and hormonal shifts in men—though delayed in comparison to those in mothers—are no less critical. Greer shares research on baby-wearing, skin-to-skin, and how even daily rituals like bathing or making a habit of smelling the baby cause a rapid and necessary rewiring of the paternal brain toward deeper connection and long-term involvement. We also discussed trends in parenting, from the "be home by dinnertime" style of the 80s to the scheduled, anxious, overbearing parents who followed that generation. We considered the impact of parents who place excessive emphasis on a school-age child's emotions day in and day out, at the risk of foregoing important opportunities for teaching resilience.This conversation challenges outdated notions of independence, debunks harmful myths around bonding and separation, and makes a strong, evidence-based case for what Greer calls the "nurture revolution”. Click here to watch this episode in full video format on YouTube.Dr. Greer on InstagramNurture Neuroscience**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%Send us Fan Mail Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <--  this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure:  ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% offJoin Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshowDown to Birth ShowCall 802-GET-DOWNWatch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

Welcome to the June Breastfeeding Q&A episode with Trisha & Cynthia. Today, we open with a follow-up discussion to our recent Patreon discussion on the predatory marketing of formula companies followed by a listener's comment about a hospital who forbade a mother and baby from doing skin-to-skin. Next, Trisha answers the following questions:Does a baby need to feed in the first 24 hours?What are your tips for gently weaning a 20-month old?Did I sabotage my milk supply by using a nipple shield for 5 months?How often do I need to wake my baby at night to breastfeed?What is a nursing strike, and what can I do about it?Quickies: Piercings, gas in babies, pumping to establish supply, breastmilk butter, normal sucking sounds, colic, and each of our most difficult breastfeeding experiences.For more information on getting started with breastfeeding, you might enjoy our mini-episodes: #33| Breastfeeding Mini: Out with the Rules, In with Your Instincts#44| Breastfeeding Mini: The First Week of Breastfeeding & Why it Matters Most#56 | Breastfeeding Mini: The Importance of Establishing Your Milk Supply in the First MonthWatch the full videos of all our episodes on YouTube!**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packSend us Fan Mail Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <--  this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure:  ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% offJoin Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshowDown to Birth ShowCall 802-GET-DOWNWatch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

Devon Stockton was deeply rooted in health and wellness and armed with years of medical experience. She had only ever envisioned a natural, low-intervention birth and took all of the necessary steps to prepare herself. But her birth took an unexpected turn upon arrival at the hospital when she discovered her baby was footling breech and a cesarean would be necessary. Devon recounts the emotional shift, the support of her husband, and the unexpected calm of her labor before surgery. She shares the relief of a healthy baby girl, the kindness of her medical team, and the surprising positivity of her C-section experience, including immediate skin-to-skin and clear drapes. Devon also reflects on the lingering "what ifs" and her hopes and plans for a VBAC in the future. This story demonstrates how a mother can feel at peace with her birth knowing it was a necessary cesarean, and yet also can feel the sadness and longing for the vaginal birth she dreamed of. Devon's Instagram: @nourishandbloom.wellness**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packENERGYbits--the superfood every mother needs for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeedingUse promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.comInstagram @downtobirthshowCall us at 802-GET-DOWNWatch the full videos of all our episodes on YoSend us Fan MailNeeded <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <--  this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure:  ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% offJoin Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshowDown to Birth ShowCall 802-GET-DOWNWatch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

Welcome to the May Q&A with Cynthia & Trisha. If you have been wondering what you should plan to eat after giving birth, we've got the answers in today's episode, and we think they'll surprise you! For today's regular episode, we answer the following:Can you remove an epidural for pushing?Can the cervix swell shut if you push before it is fully dilated?Can you prevent a tear in a precipitous birth when the baby comes flying out?Can I still have a VBAC if I had a big baby and didn't dilate in my first birth? Is it possible that my body doesn't go into labor?Does delayed cord clamping cause jaundice?Is there anything that can be done to prevent tearing in a precipitous birthIn the extended version, available on Apple subscriptions and Patreon, we further discuss:Anxiety around the anticipation of your second birth;current evidence on stillbirth rates after age 35 (all the data!); andbreastfeeding through pregnancy and into tandem nursing.Finally, in quickies, we touch on sushi in pregnancy, bleeding too much and cord clamping, when a baby can first have water, how to lower fasting blood sugars, and so much more plus...how Cynthia and Trisha met.Oh, and one more thing: Are you a folder or a squisher with your TP habits?**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packENERGYbits--the superfood every mother needs for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeedingPrimally Pure: From soil to skin, primally pure produSend us Fan Mail Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <--  this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure:  ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% offJoin Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshowDown to Birth ShowCall 802-GET-DOWNWatch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

What's the one question every woman wants to answer when considering a VBAC? Is it safe for me and my baby? In today's episode, Cynthia & Trisha break down the available data on VBAC, why we should discard the term TOLAC, the actual risks of uterine rupture, whether induced with Pitocon versus a prostaglandin or having spontaneous labor versus expectant management. We present the few cases in which a woman should not choose to VBAC and help mothers understand their decisions should not be driven by statistics alone. If you are considering a VBAC, get a pen and paper and arm yourself with all the stats from this data-rich dialogue. Also: Let's get HavBAC to take! (Inside Joke -- you'll get it when you listen!)**********Watch the full videos of all our episodes on YouTube!**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packENERGYbits--the superfood every mother needs for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeedingPrimally Pure: From soil to skin, primally pure products are made with down-to-earth ingredients that feel and smell like heaven for the skinUse promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.Send us Fan Mail Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <--  this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure:  ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% offJoin Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshowDown to Birth ShowCall 802-GET-DOWNWatch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

Did you know that how you breathe on a daily basis can influence how your birth goes? Yes, your rib cage impacts your pelvic tension! On today's episode, we have Lindsay McCoy, a birth doula, exercise physiologist, and co-founder of the Body Ready Method. She explains how breath, mobility, and pelvic balance all come together to support a smoother, more efficient labor—and how a few simple daily practices in pregnancy can reduce the need for interventions in birth. She reminds us that our job is not to get stuck in our heads trying to “do it all right," and that "There's only room for one head in the pelvis, and that is your baby's!" You’ll learn how to identify common imbalances, what to do when labor stalls, and how to avoid unnecessary interventions by proactively supporting your body in pregnancy. This conversation is for the woman who wants to feel confident, aligned, and body-aware—not obsessive. It’s also essential listening for birth professionals who want to support laboring women with more precision and less guesswork. The "Flow, Balance, Space" framework is all about optimizing your labor for your best birth. Body Ready MethodBody Ready Method on InstagramClick here to watch this episode in full video format on YouTube.**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packENERGYbits--the superfoSend us Fan Mail Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <--  this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure:  ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% offJoin Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshowDown to Birth ShowCall 802-GET-DOWNWatch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

Preeclampsia is an increasingly common diagnosis, but are we getting it right? This episode tackles the alarming reality of misdiagnosis and the rush to intervene prematurely with induction. Join us and functional medicine expert Sarah Thompson, researcher and author of Functional Maternity, as we dive into the deeper nature of preeclampsia, beyond simple blood pressure readings. Learn about the crucial roles of sleep, stress, and your body's detox pathways in the prevention of preeclampsia. Did you know 80% of cases are said to be preventable? You’ll learn:What preeclampsia is and why it happens;Why so many women are misdiagnosed—or treated too early “just in case”;The role of sleep, stress, inflammation, and nutrient overload - even from high-quality, water-soluble supplements;How your thyroid, detox pathways, and even microbiome play a role;Which labs to ask for to get a clearer understanding of your own body; andWhether or not a baby aspirin in pregnancy prevents preeclampsia.Sarah ThompsonSarah on InstagramClick here to watch this episode in full video format on YouTube.**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample packENERGYbits--the superfood every mother needs for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeedingUse promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.Send us Fan Mail Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <--  this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure:  ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% offJoin Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshowDown to Birth ShowCall 802-GET-DOWNWatch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

Welcome to the April Q&A episode! Today's episode begins with your answers to our question: How do you cope when you are at your breaking point in parenting? If you are looking for some creative ideas, you will find them here! And someone, please tell us where one Mississippi, two Mississippi came from?Next, we get down to birth and answer the following questions: Why do some women choose unmedicated, physiological births despite societal pressures and perceived difficulties? Why not just get the epidural?Is it ok to push if you are not fully dilated? How dangerous is this and what is the risk with early pushing?My friend had to have an emergency cesarean when her baby was already in the vaginal canal. They pushed the baby back up and caused severe damage to her vaginal tissue. Was this necessary or were her providers just impatient?In the extended version of today's episode, which you can hear by subscribing on Apple Podcasts or joining any of our Patreon tiers, we answer these additional questions:What are the risks of using castor oil to induce labor?If I had a big baby in my first pregnancy, does it mean I will have gestational diabetes in my next pregnancy? Does it even mean I had gestational diabetes in my first? My doctors put this in my records with no evidence beyond a big, healthy baby.How do I gently night wean?In quickies, we discuss tongue ties and white tongues, hemorrhage and C-section, breath work resources for labor, retained placentas, protein for breastfeeding, decreasing milk supply, risk of infection with broken water, windmilling the placenta, and lastly, if you would only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?Plus, don't miss today's long and hilarious outtake. Watch the full videos of all our episodes on YouTube!**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%Send us Fan Mail Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <--  this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure:  ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% offJoin Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshowDown to Birth ShowCall 802-GET-DOWNWatch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.

What happens when we invite our children into the sacred space of birth? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Morgan MacDermott, a naturopathic doctor, perinatal health specialist, and mother of four, to talk about the transformative experience of having siblings present at birth. We tackle the key questions: Should all children be present at birth, and if not, which considerations should be considered? Will they be scared? Will the mother be able to stay focused? What happens if they get uncomfortable, and how much do you really need to prepare them for witnessing birth?Children at birth isn't what every woman wants, which is the most important factor to consider. We discuss why some women dream of this option, and how our own children responded to being present at their younger siblings' births. This conversation is for any parent who wants to challenge the fear-based cultural narrative around birth and raise children who understand that birth is not something to fear—but something to trust and witness with reverence and awe. Morgan MacDermott on InstagramRemember to watch our full episodes on YouTube!**********Our sponsors:Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample pack  Not a Sponsor but HIGHLY recommended: ENERGYbits Save 20%Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.Send us Fan Mail Needed <-- this link for 20% off your whole subscription orderDrinkLMNT <--  this link for FREE 8-day supplyPrimally Pure:  ingredients good for you and the earth. Promo code: DOWNTOBIRTHPostpartum Soothe: Organic herbal padsicles for healing. Promo code DOWNTOBIRTHENERGYBits: <--this link for 20% offJoin Patreon for our exclusive contentIG @downtobirthshowDown to Birth ShowCall 802-GET-DOWNWatch full videos of all episodes on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed provider for all healthcare matters.