In this episode, I speak with Mary Farrelly, a certified Level IV NICU nurse and trained doula, about the crucial topic of navigating the NICU.

We dive into:

• What is the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit)?
• How common is it for a baby to need NICU support?
• Essential tips on how families can prepare for a NICU stay in advance (even for an unexpected stay).
• The invaluable role doulas play in supporting families through their NICU journey.

Whether you're expecting or already facing a NICU stay, this episode provides the insights and guidance you need to feel empowered and supported during this challenging time.

Connect and learn with Mary:

Registration is OPEN for Navigating the NICU for Doulas! Click the links below to register for one of the sessions.

Navigating the NICU for Doulas [August 14+15]
Navigating the NICU for Doulas [September 13+14]

• Life After NICU Membership for families
• Free NICU Discharge Checklist
• https://www.thenicutranslator.com/
• @thenicutranslator

Support the Show.

Download the First 3 Steps to VBAC Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/firststeps
Download the Doula VBAC and Repeat Cesarean Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/newdoulatips

Curious about some of those weird skin changes during pregnancy? Listen to today's episode as I briefly highlight a few pregnancy skin issues you may not know about.

• Cherry Angiomas
• Melasma (Mask of Pregnancy)
• Skin Tags
• PUPPP Rash vs. Pemphigoid Gestationis (PG)
• Eczema

You probably aren't the only mom out there looking at your skin thinking, "What in the heck is this?!" If you're experiencing any abnormal skin changes always talk to your healthcare provider.

Support the Show.

Download the First 3 Steps to VBAC Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/firststeps
Download the Doula VBAC and Repeat Cesarean Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/newdoulatips

So today we're going to be talking about a topic that I talked quite a bit about last month on my Instagram, but I recently archived the majority of my posts. So the post isn't there anymore, but I talked about it in my stories a little bit, and it's about how, you know, if you're done having kids, I feel like this is a question that So many of us have, we may ask ourselves this question.

We may ask others this question. We may ask Google this question. Like, how do you know if you're done having kids? I really wanted this to live on the podcast because I feel like it's an important topic that so many of us probably resonate with and are feeling. So that's why I want us to talk about it here.

And You may be feeling this if you have one child or five children or however many kids you have, or if you're questioning if you want kids at all, this is something that I feel like we all feel at some point. And I've seen so many women ask this question. How do you know when you're done? How did you know when you were done?

And if you relate to anything that I have to say, or if you're feeling the same way, please let me know. I would love to talk about it more.

Support the Show.

Download the First 3 Steps to VBAC Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/firststeps
Download the Doula VBAC and Repeat Cesarean Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/newdoulatips

On today's episode, Morgan Martin tells us about her three different pregnancy and birth experiences and how each one transformed her life and helped her grow along the way.

In this episode, we dive into the following:

• Morgan's miscarriage with her first pregnancy and the book that was born from that experience.
• Her unplanned c-section story.
• Preparing for a VBAC and switching providers to find someone who was truly VBAC supportive.
• …and so much more!

Morgan's Instagram: @morganreneemcintyre

https://www.healingemptyhands.com/

Support the Show.

Download the First 3 Steps to VBAC Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/firststeps
Download the Doula VBAC and Repeat Cesarean Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/newdoulatips

Are you currently pregnant or recently postpartum? Are you questioning if you want to go back to work after maternity leave? Many of us have been there and it can be a hard decision to make for some women. If you are trying to figure out if being either a working mom, work from home mom, or stay at home mom is the best fit for your family, you'll want to listen to my chat with Mariela De Santiago.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The desire to stay at home with your children but also still have a unique identity outside of "mom"
• How to make the transition from working to being at home.
• Managing your time if you are working from home or working on a passion project.

@newmomtalk.podcast

@carlsbadmomwalks

If you enjoy this episode, make sure to rate and review to help more people find the show! You can also share your favorite episode over on Instagram and tag me @thehannahgill.

Support the Show.

Download the First 3 Steps to VBAC Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/firststeps
Download the Doula VBAC and Repeat Cesarean Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/newdoulatips

As a doula and childbirth educator, my plan has been to have VBAC preparation courses for moms and VBAC training programs for doulas.

BUT is a VBAC course really something women want or would other formats be more beneficial?

Other options could be:

• Membership site
• 1:1 or group virtual doula support and VBAC education
• Patreon or premium podcast episodes
• A book
• Direct access to me via a Voxer membership (or something similar)

I would love and appreciate your input and feedback as I want to make sure I am serving you all the best way possible.

Support the Show.

Download the First 3 Steps to VBAC Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/firststeps
Download the Doula VBAC and Repeat Cesarean Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/newdoulatips

Many women question whether or not they REALLY need a doula in order to have a VBAC.

There are several potential benefits to having a doula including:

• Decreased need for pain medication like epidurals.
• Decreased rate of induction of labor.
• Potential for shorter labor times.
• Decreased rate of c-section.
• Overall more positive birth experiences

Even with these general benefits of doulas, not all doulas are going to beneficial to your birth experience. If you opt to hire a doula, make sure they are the right doula for you and your goals for birth. Every person you invite into your birth space is an intervention and has the potential to sabotage your overall birth experience.

But is it really necessary to hire a doula for your VBAC? Is it possible to have a positive VBAC experience without one?

Listen to this episode to find out my take as a VBAC mom and doula who specializes in VBAC.

Check out the New Mom Talk podcast here.

Support the Show.

Download the First 3 Steps to VBAC Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/firststeps
Download the Doula VBAC and Repeat Cesarean Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/newdoulatips

Imagine walking into labor and delivery prepared with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for the birth experience you've envisioned. That's exactly what HeHe Stewart, from Tranquility by HeHe and The Birth Lounge, is here to talk about. We talk about ways to turn the often overwhelming task of birth planning into a strategic, thoughtful process, giving you the upper hand in navigating your unique situation.

Crafting a birth plan isn't just about putting preferences on paper—it's a vital exercise in critical thinking and assertive communication with your care providers. In our conversation, we discuss the misconceptions surrounding birth plans and highlight their role in achieving a satisfying birth experience. Starting these conversations early in prenatal care can significantly influence the labor process, helping to maintain autonomy and minimize unnecessary medical interventions. We also dive into effective communication and focus on fostering a collaborative environment with your healthcare team, which can lead to a less stressful birth experience.

HeHe and I also talk about preparation for a low-intervention birth within a system that often leans towards medicalized birthing practices. We apply many of the concepts in this episode to VBAC specific situations including comparing the difference between VBAC tolerant and truly VBAC supportive providers.

After listening to this episode you'll be ready with the tools needed to clearly communicate your wishes and navigate the birth process with your team, ensuring your voice is heard every step of the way.

Connect with HeHe:
https://www.tranquilitybyhehe.com/
https://www.thebirthlounge.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe
https://www.thebirthlounge.com/DadDaze-freebie

Support the Show.

Download the First 3 Steps to VBAC Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/firststeps
Download the Doula VBAC and Repeat Cesarean Guide: https://www.thehannahgill.com/newdoulatips