#36: All About Cesareans: Prevention, Planning, and Healing

10/01/23 • 74 min

In this episode, we tease out the many reasons for cesarean birth versus vaginal birth - some warranted and some the cause of an impatient modern medical system. We walk you through how to prepare for a cesarean if you know you are having one, and some tips for the quick moments before a potentially unplanned cesarean as well. Dr. Leah shares her unique perspective on her homebirth turned cesarean, and how a frameshift helped her find moments of peace in the OR. We discuss our top tips for thorough healing and recovery, with many practical tips and resources sprinkled throughout. We hope you find value in this episode, whether it's for your preparation or your emotional and physical healing afterwards. Let's dive in.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Birth Documentary: The Business of Being Born
Breech information via Dr. Stuart Fischbein http://www.birthinginstincts.com/breech-birth-information
Breech Documentary: Heads Up
Evidence Based Birth article on “big babies” https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-for-induction-or-c-section-for-big-baby/
Dr. Leah’s Birth Story episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/20-home-birth-turned-c-section-dr-leahs-birth-story/id1663942916?i=1000613406262
Magnesium types mentioned: Triple Mag by Vital Nutrients, Calm Powder by Natural Vitality
Homeopathics for symptom management mentioned: Arnica montana 30C, Aconitum nappellus 30C, Ignatia amara 30C, Bellis perennis 30C, Carbo veg 30C
Evivo probiotics great for cesarean born babies https://www.evivo.com/
Klaire Labs ABX Support for post-antibiotic usage for mom
Reverse pressure softening for engorgement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJYZrAG6cRA
VBAC resources:

Mental emotional processing / birth trauma resources

Stay Connected With Us:
Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.com
Instagram: @healthyasamotherpodcast
Dr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.com
Instagram: @drleahgordon
Dr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.com
Instagram: @morganmacdermott

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Birth Documentary: The Business of Being Born
Breech information via Dr. Stuart Fischbein http://www.birthinginstincts.com/breech-birth-information
Breech Documentary: Heads Up
Evidence Based Birth article on “big babies” https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-for-induction-or-c-section-for-big-baby/
Dr. Leah’s Birth Story episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/20-home-birth-turned-c-section-dr-leahs-birth-story/id1663942916?i=1000613406262
Magnesium types mentioned: Triple Mag by Vital Nutrients, Calm Powder by Natural Vitality
Homeopathics for symptom management mentioned: Arnica montana 30C, Aconitum nappellus 30C, Ignatia amara 30C, Bellis perennis 30C, Carbo veg 30C
Evivo probiotics great for cesarean born babies https://www.evivo.com/
Klaire Labs ABX Support for post-antibiotic usage for mom
Reverse pressure softening for engorgement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJYZrAG6cRA
VBAC resources:

Mental emotional processing / birth trauma resources

Previous Episode

#35: Male-Factor Infertility: From a Man's Perspective

Today on the podcast, Dr. Leah interviews her husband, Mike, about his experience as a man navigating male factor infertility. This is a rare peek into the mind of a man going through this vulnerable time and up-front insight on an often avoided topic. Although this journey was lonely for him, with 1 in 10 men struggling to conceive today, he realized after his experience that it's important to share if he can help even just one other couple have the family they dream of. We discuss what it was like for him to find out about his sperm, what the 6-year journey to conception was like, what support he received and wished he had had, and what he would recommend other men navigating this major obstacle do. He has such wisdom to share and practical tips for men and their partners as they navigate male-factor infertility. Let's dive in!

Resources:

Dr. Leah's Fertility Formula Waitlist, Launches beginning of October 2023: https://www.womanhoodwellness.com/fertility-formula-waitlist

Doctor's Websites:

Dr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drleahgordon/

Dr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/morganmacdermott/

Next Episode

#37: First 6 Steps to Take Along Your Fertility Journey

If you were to say, "Dr. Leah, I want to have a baby. What are the first 6 things I should do?" I would respond exactly as I do in today's podcast episode. I highlight the first 6 things I would tell a woman to do as soon as the idea of a baby has entered her mind, but even if you have been trying to conceive for a while, these still apply. There are so many important things to do along the preconception and fertility journey, however, I shared some big-hitting ones and I think you will really enjoy how practical they are. I also share the exciting news that my Fertility Formula course is finally open for enrollment, so you can finally get the in-depth support so many of you have been asking me for on your journey toward motherhood! Without further ado, let's get started!

I am launching my Fertility Formula course, cart opens on October 5th and closes on the 13th. Learn more at www.womanhoodwellness.com/fertilityformula

Check out the Needed Prenatal and other supplement offerings here! Use code HealthyMother to save 20% off your first order!

Doctor's Websites:

Dr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drleahgordon/

Dr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/morganmacdermott/