A Positive VBAC Experience - A Conversation with Rosemary Noonan

07/05/24 • 25 min

Rosemary Noonan shares her experiences with maternity services in Ireland and how storytelling through her art helped her navigate pregnancy loss and trauma. She discusses her journey to a VBAC and the challenges she faced, including difficulty accessing an ECV and a breach of confidentiality. Rosemary also talks about her passion for art and how it has been a healing resource for her and other women. She recently held an exhibition that focused on women's mental health and shared stories of infertility, pregnancy trauma, and work-life balance.

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Dismissed and Distressed: The Impact of Low Milk Supply - A Conversation with Caoimhe Whelan IBCLC

In this episode, Tracy Donegan speaks with Caoimhe Whelan, an IBCLC, about her recently published research - Mothers' Emotional Experiences of Breastfeeding with Primary Low Milk Supply. The research highlights the emotional challenges faced by mothers and the importance of accurate information and compassionate support. The conversation covers topics such as the prevalence of primary low milk supply, the need for better education and support for breastfeeding difficulties, and the profound impact of breastfeeding experiences on mothers' identities and mental health.

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Medical Insights: Oxytocin vs. Pitocin – Differences, Dangers, and Decisions

Dr. Sarah Buckley discusses oxytocin and its role in birth and breastfeeding. Synthetic oxytocin, used in medical interventions during birth, is chemically identical to natural oxytocin. However, it is unclear whether synthetic oxytocin crosses the blood-brain barrier and affects mental health. In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Buckley shares the effects of synthetic oxytocin and epidurals on labor and birth. They clarify that oxytocin does not cross the blood-brain barrier or the placenta in significant amounts, debunking the myth that synthetic oxytocin can harm babies directly. However, we acknowledge that synthetic oxytocin can cause indirect harm by increasing stress levels and overriding the body's natural pain relief systems. We also explore the concept of hormonal gaps and discuss the importance of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding in filling these gaps and promoting bonding between mother and baby.