**This episode is sponsored by The Lactation Network, the largest network of accredited breastfeeding experts in the country. Visit tln.care/AAPB to learn more and schedule your own insurance-covered consultation today!Monique thought she was going to have a vaginal birth with an epidural. She was scheduled to be induced just after 40 weeks but as it goes with labor, things took a bit of a turn and you’re going to hear about all those twists and turns in today’s birth story episode.Being a recent transplant from Suriname in South America, she was still adjusting to a strange country when she got pregnant. Going into motherhood away from home meant she had to be extra prepared. She did a ton of research, hired doulas, and asked friends for help. Because of all the work she did to make sure she was supported, she had the beautiful birth she deserved.In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:-Why Monique was concerned about pregnancy loss from the start -What made birth customs in the U.S. different from those in Suriname-Which resources she used to get very, VERY prepared for her birth-What preferences she discussed with her doctor ahead of time-How she made a plan to deal with her low pain tolerance-How she used doulas intentionally and strategically to ease stress--Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode211Check out The Birth Preparation CourseRegister for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right WayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

**This episode is sponsored by The Lactation Network, the largest network of accredited breastfeeding experts in the country. Visit tln.care/AAPB to learn more and schedule your own insurance-covered consultation today!Dr. Rebecca Dekker is back! You may remember Dr. Rebecca from way, way back in episode 18. Since then, my work and hers have both grown tremendously. If you enjoy what I’m doing here I think you would also enjoy the resources she provides through her organization, Evidence Based Birth.Today’s conversation is all about the topic she has dedicated so much of her work to: birthing positions. A majority of US births are supine, or on the back. This is what we always see in tv and movies but it’s actually not the ideal, or more importantly, ONLY way to give birth. There isn’t a perfect or best labor position. Instead, what really matters is that you have the freedom and support to move your body and find what works best for you.In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:What the classifications are for birthing positionsWhat does research show about which positions people opt for if given the choiceWhy most people in the US give birth on their backsWhat makes lithotomy/stirrup birth dangerousWhat evidence says about birth positions with and without an epiduralHow birth seats are usedHow medical culture affects birth outcomesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The umbilical cord is truly your baby’s lifeline. It provides a pathway for the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste. After birth the cord is cut and the fetal circulation ends, leaving behind a small stump. And when that stump falls away it makes the belly button, a permanent reminder of the physical connection between you and your baby.In this episode you’re going to learn about what potential problems can happen with the umbilical cord including those diagnosed during pregnancy (marginal cord insertion, velamentous cord insertion, vasa previa, 2 vessel cord), and those that can occur during birth (cord compression, cord prolapse, nuchal cord, cord knots). Now, even though I go over a lot of cord-related issues in this episode, the chances of a true emergency are unlikely. I want you to be informed and aware of the potential risks but mostly I want you to come away from this episode feeling amazed and appreciative of what your body can do.In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:What the umbilical cord delivers to your baby and how it worksWhich cord-related issues can be diagnosed during routine ultrasound examsWhat cord complications can happen during the course of laborWhat delayed cord clamping is and what the benefits areWhat umbilical cord blood banking meansWhat the types of cord blood banking are and which might be right for youHow different cultures around the world commemorate the umbilical cord--Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode209Check out The Birth Preparation CourseRegister for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right WayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When Candace learned how dangerous it is to be Black and give birth in the US, she started looking for solutions. Using her skills as a professional data scientist, she determined that she would be safest opting for an unmedicated birth at a birthing center.There, the staff was patient, respectful and communicative. But at 39 weeks, after days of prodromal labor, a hospital transfer was necessary. That’s when her whole experience took a dark turn. About 20% of all birth center births will result in a hospital transfer. The most common reason for transfer is pain management. If we do a little back of the napkin math, that means that Candace’s story is incredibly common. That’s just unacceptable. We can and should do better and this episode shows how the simplest efforts can make big impacts.In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:Which four factors Candace determined improve outcomes for Black parentsWhat respectful medical care looks likeHow Candace discussed racial healthcare disparities with her care teamWhy she decided to switch doctors mid-deliveryWhat convinced Candace it was time for a c-sectionHow she managed the emotional pain and trauma she felt in the wake of her birth--Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode208Check out The Birth Preparation CourseRegister for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right WayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Society has always been so judgmental of what mothers “should” wear during pregnancy. But celebrities like Rihanna and Beyoncé are showing off their baby bellies and still looking sexy, proving maternity doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style.Personal stylist Anetra Byrd is here for a fun episode about what to wear while your body goes through changes. If you saw the pictures from my women’s empowerment talk with Tracee Ellis Ross, you know how talented Anetra is. She styled me for that event and made me feel confident and true to myself. You deserve to look good during pregnancy, whatever that might look like to you, and Anetra has a lot of great advice on how to be chic and stay comfortable.In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:What a personal stylist doesHow Anetra helps clients express themselves authenticallyWhy you need support from both your bra and your loved ones What some key pieces are that look cute and aren’t restrictiveWhy you might consider a stylist for a maternity shootWhy you may need several sets of clothes throughout your pregnancy and after baby’s arrivalWhat a capsule wardrobe is and how it could help simplify your life postpartum--Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode207Check out The Birth Preparation CourseRegister for the class How to Create a Birth Plan the Right WayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy