The Ordinary Doula Podcast

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We share how non‑doula support—partners, friends, and family—can steady the room, shorten labor, and raise confidence through simple, human tools. Presence beats perfection as we lay out physical comfort, emotional grounding, and clean advocacy in plain language.

• why continuous support changes labor outcomes
• roles any trusted person can play at birth
• physical tools such as counterpressure, knee ...

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Preeclampsia can appear without warning and reshape a birth plan overnight. We explain the signs, risks, and care decisions with real stories from the hospital and straightforward steps to lower risk and catch problems early.

• what preeclampsia is and why it matters
• common and less obvious warning signs
• who is at higher risk and why risk shifts
• how diagnosis works in real prenatal care
...

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We dive deep into the often-misunderstood role of obstetricians during labor and birth, revealing why they're typically not present throughout the entire process despite their crucial medical expertise. Understanding the true role of each birth team member helps set realistic expectations and creates space for better collaboration.

• OBs are medical doctors with extensive training who specialize in pregn...

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Twenty years ago, having a baby at home in Utah could land your midwife in jail with felony charges. Today, Utah boasts the most flexible midwifery laws in the nation. What happened in between is a remarkable story of determination, political savvy, and grassroots organizing that forever changed how families experience birth in the state.

Holly Richardson, now known for her political commentary and radio show...

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Shoulder dystocia is a rare but significant birth complication where the baby's head is delivered but a shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pubic bone, similar to moving furniture through a doorway. 

• Occurs in only 0.5-1% of births
• Risk factors include large babies, maternal diabetes, prior shoulder dystocia, and short maternal stature
• Providers look for the "turtle sign"...

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Angie Rosier shares insights on doula guidelines at hospitals, exploring the delicate balance between supporting clients and collaborating with medical staff.

• Hospitals will sometimes provide doula guidelines that outline appropriate roles and boundaries
• Doulas are welcome additions who provide emotional support, comfort measures, and improved communication
• Doulas should not perform clinical tas...

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Media portrayals of childbirth shape our cultural beliefs and personal expectations, often presenting inaccurate, dramatic versions that instill fear rather than confidence. Our perceptions about birth are influenced by family, education, and especially the entertainment industry which frequently misrepresents what labor and delivery truly entail.

• Common birth myths in media include the dramatic water-break...

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A well-fitted breast pump flange is crucial for comfort, breast tissue protection, and maximum milk supply. The flange—the part of the pump that covers the areola and nipple—should be sized to match your exact nipple diameter measurement, not 2-4mm larger as previously recommended.

• Pumps don't actually pump milk; they create suction that pulls milk from the nipple
• Most pumps come with standard 24...

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Making personal connections with new parents is vital, especially in the clinical healthcare environment where postpartum families often feel lost in the system.

• Phone calls to postpartum patients create essential connection points during a vulnerable time
• Initial skepticism from parents receiving hospital calls quickly transforms to appreciation
• These calls serve as a lifeline for those struggl...

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Birth work involves witnessing both beautiful and difficult moments, creating an emotional weight that doulas carry alongside their clients. After 23 years as a birth doula, I've learned that acknowledging the challenging aspects of birth is essential for processing and growth.

• Difficult births create emotional weight even when outcomes are positive
• Recent challenging experiences include a four-h...

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Breast pumps have evolved dramatically from ancient ceramic vessels to modern wearable technology, with significant changes in accessibility since the 2008 Affordable Care Act required insurance coverage for one pump per pregnancy. This episode explores the history, types, and considerations for choosing the right breast pump for your unique situation.

• Breast pumps date back to the Roman Empire when ceramic...

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Traveling with babies doesn't have to be overwhelming if you know what to bring and what to leave behind, with baby gear rental services offering a game-changing alternative to hauling equipment.

• Pare back to essentials rather than bringing everything your baby uses at home
• Consider what equipment can serve multiple purposes during your trip
• Baby gear rental services like Baby Quip deliver ...

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Nipple shields can be valuable, often temporary tools that help overcome breastfeeding challenges like flat or inverted nipples, painful feeding, or difficulties with preterm babies. When used appropriately with professional guidance, they can help maintain the breastfeeding relationship while addressing specific issues.

• Nipple shields are thin silicone devices that fit over the nipple with holes for milk f...

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Lactation Consultant Angie Rosier shares insights about baby weight gain and how to know if your baby is getting enough milk. Many parents prepare extensively for labor but overlook preparing for breastfeeding, which generally lasts much longer than the birth experience.

• Newborn stomachs are tiny—marble-sized on day one, growing to walnut-sized by day three
• Weight loss up to 10% is normal for newborns...

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The deep latch is the cornerstone of successful breastfeeding, affecting everything from milk transfer to nipple comfort and baby's weight gain. Angie Rosier shares expertise from her dual role as a doula and lactation consultant, offering practical techniques to improve breastfeeding outcomes.

• Visual signs of a deep latch include pulsating movement by the baby's temple, full jaw movement, and a w...

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Kimberlee Williams shares her emotional journey from planning a home birth after three easy deliveries to facing a life-threatening medical emergency and a 6-week NICU stay with her premature son Houston.

• Mother of four who moved to Utah shortly before unexpectedly becoming pregnant with her fourth child
• Planned a home birth with a midwife after three previous uncomplicated hospital births
• Exper...

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Healthcare disparities don't discriminate based on education or wealth—Black and brown women face mortality rates three to five times higher than their white counterparts during childbirth. This stark reality forms the foundation of our deep dive into obstetrical racism, a systemic issue embedded within our healthcare institutions that demands our urgent attention.

Cultural competency sits at the heart o...

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The humble washcloth is a powerful, versatile tool that can significantly enhance comfort during labor. With 20 years of doula experience, Angie shares how this simple item becomes an essential element in her birth support toolkit.

• The "wondrous washcloth" is available in all birth settings - hospitals, birth centers, and homes
• Cold washcloths provide cooling relief when laboring bodies heat...

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We explore the contrasting needs and expectations of first-time parents versus experienced parents during the birth process, highlighting how support needs evolve with each birth experience.

• First-time parents have unique needs including education, emotional support, agency, and validation
• First-time parents often feel overwhelmed and need clear, compassionate explanations about the birth process
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