REPLAY: EBB 262 – Advocacy During Birth and Navigating a Hospital Stay for Newborn Jaundice with Emily Chandler and Taylor Washburn, EBB Childbirth Class Graduates

In today’s episode, we’re revisiting an inspiring birth story featuring Emily Chandler and Taylor Washburn, graduates of the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class. They share their journey of navigating an informed and empowered hospital birth experience, along with the challenges they faced during an extended hospital stay for their newborn’s jaundice diagnosis.

 

Emily, a marine scientist, and Taylor, a teacher and rowing coach in the Boston area, enjoy an active lifestyle filled with hiking, biking, and rowing. While preparing for parenthood, Emily immersed herself in learning about pregnancy, birth, and the state of maternity care in the U.S. This journey led them to take the EBB Childbirth Class with instructor Chanté Perryman, where they gained valuable knowledge and advocacy skills.

 

Emily and Taylor share how the EBB Childbirth Class empowered them to make informed decisions about their birth plan—including Taylor’s memorable experience of “catching” their baby. They also highlight the importance of the advocacy skills they learned, which helped them effectively communicate with healthcare providers and navigate unexpected challenges, such as breastfeeding difficulties and securing the right support during their baby’s jaundice treatment.

 

Be sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode for an exciting update from our guests!

 

Content Note: This episode covers topics such as extended hospital stays, breastfeeding challenges, jaundice testing and treatment, and the racial disparities affecting Black and Brown infants with jaundice.

(00:03:15) Doula Guidance During Pregnancy

(00:09:24) Minimal Intervention Birth Plan Worries

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