Hello! We are back with the May Q&A. This month we kick things off with a short conversation on obstetrical rhetoric around the risks of cesarean birth and induction, followed by your excellent questions on:

Short cords and small placentas
Setting boundaries with well-meaning parenting advice-givers
The necessity or not of Non-stress tests (NST) in late pregnancy
True medical indications for artificial rupture of membranes (AROM)
VBAC labor contractions and an interesting tidbit on the impact of eating dairy in pregnancy
Supporting the fetal ejection reflex (FER)
Can coffee (yep, you read that right) prevent tearing in labor?

And in our extended version of this episode, we dive into:

Ultrasounds in late pregnancy
Pap smear recommendations
Fetal heart rate decelerations in labor
Postpartum doulas and how they can best support breastfeeding
Umbilical cords as bungee cords or not?
And of course, everyone's favorite, a round of quickies!

Pitocin Episode #134 here.

Join us over on Patreon or subscribe on Apple podcasts for the extended version of this episode.

Down to Birth is sponsored by:
Needed -- Optimal nutritional products to nourish yourself before, during, and after pregnancy
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT today and receive a free sample kit. Stay salty.
Love Majka Products -- Support your milk supply with nourishing protein powder, hydration boosters and lactation bites.
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort after vaginal birth.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Access our workshops: Have a Physiologic Birth in the Hospital and Ultrasound: The Research vs Rhetoric

Needed <-- for 20% off
DrinkLMNT <-- for FREE 8-day supply
Primally Pure Skincare: Use code DOWNTOBIRTH
Postpartum Soothe: Use code DOWNTOBIRTH
ENERGYBits Superfood<--for 20% off
Join Patreon here
IG @downtobirthshow

Call 802-GET-DOWN.
Watch us on YouTube! Please note we don’t provide medical advice.

#215 | May Q&A: NSTs, Short Cords, Boundaries, Fetal Ejection Reflex, Decels in Labor, Artificial Rupture of Membranes, VBAC, Postpartum Doulas

Down to Birth

#215 | May Q&A: NSTs, Short Cords, Boundaries, Fetal Ejection Reflex, Decels in Labor, Artificial Rupture of Membranes, VBAC, Postpartum Doulas