Down to Birth
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Join Cynthia Overgard and Trisha Ludwig once per week for evidence-based straight talk on pregnancy, birth and postpartum --- beyond the clichés and beyond the system. With 40 years' combined experience in midwifery, childbirth education and advocacy, publishing, research and postpartum care, we've guided thousands of families toward safer, more empowered choices. Down to Birth is all about safe childbirth, while recognizing a safe outcome isn't all that matters. We challenge the status quo, explore women's rights in childbirth, and feature women from all over the world, shining shine light on the policies, culture, and systemic forces that shape our m...
Episodes
- #366 | Full-Term Stillbirth at 39 Weeks: Penelope's Story
In this episode, Stephanie discusses the stillbirth of her daughter, Penelope, at 39 weeks. She shares her experience with grief, faith, and the process of healing and expanding her family after such a loss.
- #365 | April Q&A: Best Age to Have Children, Precipitous Labor, Pushing and Tearing, Pregnancy Weight Gain, Water Birth Myths
This episode of Down to Birth features a Q&A with Cynthia and Trisha, covering topics such as the best age to have children, managing precipitous labor, understanding pushing and tearing during birth, and addressing pregnancy weight gain.…
- #364 | When Co-Sleeping Gets Complicated: Weaning, Toddlers, and Sleep Transitions with Tiffany Belanger
This episode of Down to Birth features Tiffany Belanger discussing the complexities of co-sleeping. She covers challenges like reducing night feeds, preparing for another baby, and transitioning children to their own beds, highlighting how…
- #363 | Breastfeeding Q&A: Chemical Pregnancy, Night Weaning, Oversupply, Mild Tongue Ties
This episode of Down to Birth features a Q&A session focused on breastfeeding. Topics include navigating chemical pregnancy, strategies for night weaning, managing oversupply, and considerations for mild tongue ties.
- #362 | Birth Trauma to Redemptive Birth: Holly's Birth and Breastfeeding Stories
In this episode, Holly recounts her two distinct birth and breastfeeding experiences. She discusses a difficult first labor ending in a vacuum delivery and subsequent breastfeeding challenges, contrasted with a redemptive second birth four…
- #361 | Is Water Birth Dangerous? Barbara Harper Debunks Fallacies
In this episode, midwife Barbara Harper, founder of Waterbirth International, discusses the safety of water birth. She addresses common concerns, including aspiration, the diving reflex, and the impact of water immersion on a mother's resp…
- #360 | March Q&A: Wild Pregnancy Comments, Tipsy Family Member at Home Birth, Repeat Shoulder Dystocia, Pregnancy Irritability and More
This March Q&A episode discusses various pregnancy and birth-related topics, including dealing with intrusive comments while pregnant, issues during a home birth with an intoxicated family member, and managing pregnancy irritability. It al…
- #359 | When VBAC Comes with Medical Assault: Abby's Birth Story
In this episode, Abby shares her VBAC birth story, including a traumatic experience during labor that led to a fourth-degree tear and subsequent surgeries. She discusses how this experience influenced her decision for a repeat cesarean for…
- #358 | Dr. Sarah J. Buckley on Oxytocin, Safety, and the Biology of Birth
Dr. Sarah J. Buckley joins Down to Birth to discuss the science of oxytocin and its role in labor. She explores how safety and privacy influence hormone flow and the impact of modern maternity care on physiological birth. The episode delve…
- #357 | Back to Basics: Birth Planning 2.0
This episode of Down to Birth revisits birth planning, analyzing modern birth management and its evidence-based practices. It helps listeners evaluate care and recognize interventions that support or interfere with physiologic birth.
- #356 | February Q&A: Tearing vs. Episiotomy, Decels, Posterior Babies, Pitocin, Premature Rupture of Membranes, High Palates, Oversupply
This episode of Down to Birth features a Q&A session covering topics such as tearing vs. episiotomy, fetal heart rate decels, posterior babies, Pitocin use, premature rupture of membranes, and high palates. The hosts also discuss the impac…
- #355 | First Birth as a Teen, Next as a Woman: Samantha's Blissful Experience Even with Induction
Samantha Collignon discusses her two very different birth experiences, one as a teenager and another as an adult, thirteen years apart. She shares how her knowledge and confidence led to a positive induction experience the second time.
- #354 | From Trauma to Trust: Moran's (@2lifedoula) Journey to Birth Work and Motherhood
In this episode of Down to Birth, Moran, a doula, recounts her difficult first birth and subsequent positive home birth, which inspired her 14-year career. She discusses her book, Before You Give Birth, and the transformative nature of bir…
- #353 | No Stitches Required: Preventing & Healing Perineal Tears in Birth
This episode explores the causes, prevention, and healing of perineal tears during birth. It covers topics like perineal massage, birthing positions, and recovery, incorporating real-life stories and evidence-based commentary on various as…
- #352 | January Q&A: Water Birth Myths, Breaking Waters, Cord Clamping in C-Sections, Fetal Monitoring, Wake Windows, Frozen Breastmilk
This episode of Down to Birth discusses water birth myths, C-sections, cord clamping, fetal monitoring, and breaking waters. It also covers nursing while pregnant, early breastfeeding challenges, frozen breastmilk, and other postpartum con…
- #351 | Inside A Difficult Breastfeeding Journey: Flat Nipples, Tongue Tie and Slow Weight Gain
In this episode, Jessica discusses her unexpected and difficult breastfeeding journey, detailing challenges such as flat nipples, tongue tie, and slow weight gain. She also describes the emotional strain and efforts to overcome these issue…
- #350 | Breastfeeding Q&A: Nursing Boundaries with Toddlers; Breast Milkshake; Strong Let-Downs; Fast Flow; Oversupply; Vasospasm
This episode of Down to Birth features a Q&A addressing various breastfeeding topics. Discussions include nursing boundaries with toddlers, managing strong let-downs and oversupply, and infant discomfort at the breast.
- #349 | The Supermom Complex: Trying to Do it All with Dr. Morgan MacDermott, NMD
Dr. Morgan MacDermott, NMD, joins Down to Birth to discuss the physiological and emotional transformation of postpartum, challenging the myth of the "supermom" and emphasizing the importance of rest and intuition. The conversation explores…
- #348 | A New Year's Q&A Where We Talk About E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g
The Down to Birth podcast presents a New Year's Q&A episode featuring reflections on six years of podcasting and listener voicemails. Topics include an online reaction, postpartum life, a client story about placenta previa, and reflections…
- #347 | When Doulas Face the Unthinkable: A Return Conversation with Dynamic Doulas
In this episode, Sarah and Lara of Dynamic Doulas discuss supporting women through the loss of a baby at birth, sharing their experiences with stillbirth and shoulder dystocia. They also explore the impact of these events on doulas and how…
- #346 | Your Breastfeeding Fears, Alleviated
This episode of Down to Birth addresses common breastfeeding fears experienced by pregnant women. It discusses concerns such as pain, low milk supply, clogged ducts, and feeding frequency, highlighting the importance of preparation, suppor…
- #345 | "There's Nothing More We Can Do": Two Birth Stories Midwife Sophia Henderson Never Expected
Midwife and mother Sophia Henderson discusses her two unique birth experiences. She recounts her son's diagnosis with VACTERL association and her daughter's premature birth, where a chiropractor's intervention led to a dramatic recovery af…
- #344 | November Q&A: Birth Partners, Postpartum Rage, VBAC, Infant Gas, Baby Names, Placenta Accreta, Endometrial Biopsy, Choosing Homebirth, Physical Boundaries with Your Toddler
This November Q&A episode of Down to Birth discusses various topics including birth partners, postpartum rage, and VBACs, featuring midwife Nancy Wainer. It also covers infant gas, baby names, placental issues, endometrial biopsies, and co…
- #343 | Rest Assured: Your Instincts are Right About Your Baby's Sleep with Louise Herbert
In this episode, Louise Herbert joins Down to Birth to discuss infant sleep, focusing on the biology of circadian rhythms, sleep pressure, and night wakings. She explains why frequent waking is normal and how responsiveness and proximity a…
- #342 | Inducing Labor Naturally: Proven Methods for Getting Down to Birth
This episode of the Down to Birth podcast discusses natural methods for inducing labor as the due date approaches. It covers various approaches—physical and emotional—to help prepare the body for labor, many of which are evidence-based and…
- #341 | Genitourinary Syndrome of Lactation: How Breastfeeding Can Mimic Menopause
This episode of Down to Birth discusses genitourinary syndrome of lactation, which can cause symptoms mimicking menopause during breastfeeding. Medical student Sara Perelmuter explains the hormonal shifts, prevalence of symptoms, and avail…
- #340 | October Q&A: Pushing "Wrong", Laboring Down, Birthing the Placenta, Fistulas, Lip Ties, PP Rage, Pelvic Floors, Explaining Conception to Kids
This October Q&A episode of Down to Birth focuses on listener questions about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Topics include pushing during labor, laboring down, birthing the placenta, and explaining conception to children.
- #339 | Pitocin Without An Epidural Plus An Unintentional Free Birth
This episode features Emily's two distinct birth experiences: an unmedicated hospital induction with Pitocin and an unexpected free birth at home. The discussion also covers choosing hospitals, induction protocols, gestational hypertension…
- #338 | Breastfeeding Q&A: How to Night Wean, Delayed Milk Production, Breastmilk & Cavities, Biting the nipple, Strong Let-Downs, Oversupply
In this Breastfeeding Q&A episode of the Down to Birth show, the hosts address listener questions regarding night weaning, nursing strikes, milk supply, biting, and breastfeeding myths. Topics also include managing let-downs, oversupply, a…
- #337 | Toddlers & New Siblings: Expert Tips from Devon Kuntzman of Transforming Toddlerhood
Devon Kuntzman discusses how toddlers adjust to new siblings, offering advice on handling tantrums, setting boundaries, and managing sibling jealousy. She also addresses parental preference and big emotions during this transition.
- #336 | How Tongue Tie Impacts Vaginal Birth, Breastfeeding & Infant Development
This episode discusses the impact of tongue-tie on babies, from its origins in embryonic development to its effects on vaginal birth, breastfeeding, and infant development. Occupational therapist and IBCLC Michelle Emanuel explains how ora…
- #335 | September Q&A: Boundaries with Family, Oversupply, Pushing Techniques, Preventing GBS Infection, HBAC, Failure to Descend, Waterbirth
This episode addresses listener questions on various birth and postpartum topics, including managing family dynamics around birth choices, breastfeeding challenges, birth interventions, and considerations for home birth after cesarean. Add…
- #334 | Why Moms Get Triggered: The Emotional Stressors of Postpartum Living
This episode explores emotional triggers for mothers during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The hosts discuss common stressors like parenting challenges and relationship tensions, offering strategies to recognize triggers and improve…
- #333 | Emily Vondy's Encounter with God During Labor
Emily Vondy discusses her fifth birth experience, detailing the spiritual encounters she had during labor. She also shares insights into her life as a mother of six, her marriage, and managing a large family.
- #332 | The Hidden Power of the Infant Microbiome: Optimizing Exposure in Birth & Breastfeeding
Filmmaker and microbiome advocate Toni Harman discusses the science of the infant microbiome, exploring how birth methods, antibiotics, and feeding choices influence lifelong health. The episode covers the impact of C-sections, breastfeedi…
- #331 | August Q&A: Sugar Cravings, Exclusive Breastfeeding vs Bottle, Moxibustion, Obstetric Coercion, Late Onset GD, Dystocia, Fundal Height
In the August Q&A episode of the Down to Birth show, the hosts answer listener questions regarding late-onset gestational diabetes, pregnancy sugar cravings, and navigating medical differences with family members. Additional topics covered…
- #330 | Sleep Like a Baby: The Impact of Melatonin, Blue Light, and Sunrise with DreamWalkerz
Heidi and Thaddeus of DreamWalkerz join the show to discuss the impact of light, circadian rhythms, and sleep biology on mothers and newborns. They explain the importance of morning light exposure, the effects of blue light, and how to sup…
- #329 | Doula Confessions: Bearing Witness to Birth and Broken Systems
This episode of the Down to Birth show discusses the challenges and importance of doula work. Listeners hear from doulas about their experiences navigating hospital systems and the positive impact they have on birth outcomes.
- #328 | Jessie's Vaginal Breech Birth: The Way it Was Meant To Be
Jessie shares her experience of a vaginal breech birth, detailing her journey from discovering her baby's position at 28 weeks to the eventual delivery at Yale New Haven Hospital. This episode explores themes of intuition, flexibility, and…
- #327 | July Q&A: Folic Acid & Tongue Tie, Nuchal Cords, VBAC & Pregnancy Intervals, IUGR & Induction, Fundal Massage, Fetal Heart Rate Variations
In this July Q&A episode of the Down to Birth show, the hosts answer listener questions regarding folic acid and tongue ties, nuchal cords, pregnancy intervals for VBAC, IUGR, fetal heart rate, and fundal massage. Additional topics include…
- #326 | Trisha's Three Home Births
Trisha shares the experiences of her three home births and her journey toward a career in midwifery. This episode explores the physiological and intellectual aspects of birth through her personal stories.
- #325 | Breast Cancer While Pregnant: Leslie’s Story of Faith, Birth & Healing
Leslie discusses her experience navigating a pregnancy complicated by a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer. She shares her journey of proceeding with a planned home birth before undergoing chemotherapy and her ongoing process of he…
- #324 | The Impact of Beliefs on Birth: Changing Our Thoughts to Serve Us
Cynthia and Trisha discuss the neuroscience of beliefs surrounding childbirth. They explore how to identify and replace negative internal narratives with empowering ones to foster healing and confidence.
- #323 | Two Planned Home Births at the Hospital: Emily's Birth Stories
Emily Woodward shares her experiences planning two home births that ultimately resulted in hospital deliveries. She discusses navigating the challenges of her long first labor and a complication during her second pregnancy, emphasizing fin…
- #322 | June Q&A: VBAC Induction, Birth Plan Boundaries, Nuchal Hand Presentation, 36-Week Cervical Exams, Episiotomy, Newborn Transition
Cynthia and Trisha discuss various topics in a June Q&A session, including HBAC experiences, birth plan boundaries with family, cervical exams, and newborn stimulation. Additional topics include vaginal birth scenarios, induction, and vari…
- #321 | Spoil Your Baby: The Neuroscience of Thriving Baby Brains with Dr. Greer Kirschenbaum, PhD
Neuroscientist Dr. Greer Kirschenbaum joins the Down to Birth show to discuss how nurturing early care impacts brain development and long-term resilience. The conversation also explores the neurobiology of fatherhood and how daily interact…
- #320 | Breastfeeding Q&A: Nipple Shields, Restricting Skin-to-Skin, Formula Marketing, Gentle Weaning, Nursing Strikes, Night Feeding
Hosts Trisha and Cynthia answer listener questions about breastfeeding, including concerns regarding nipple shields, night feeding, weaning, and nursing strikes. The episode also covers topics such as skin-to-skin contact and formula marke…
- #319 | Devon's Footling Breech Birth Story: Accepting the Necessary Cesarean
Devon Stockton shares her experience of undergoing a medically necessary cesarean birth after discovering her baby was in a footling breech position. She discusses her emotional transition, the positive hospital experience, and her reflect…
- #318 | May Q&A: Precipitous Births, Tearing Tips, Best Foods After Birth, Epidural Removal for Pushing, Induction & VBAC, Cord Clamping, Jaundice
In this Q&A episode, Cynthia and Trisha address listener questions regarding postpartum nutrition, birth recovery, and various labor concerns such as epidural removal, VBAC, and cord clamping. The hosts also discuss topics like jaundice, p…
- #317 | The Risk of Uterine Rupture: Breaking Down ACOG's VBAC Bulletin
Cynthia and Trisha discuss the risks and data surrounding Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC), including the risks of uterine rupture and the impact of induction methods. The episode also covers situations where a VBAC may not be recommend…