Tune in to this episode to hear about how Libby navigated the sudden arrival of her first baby by cesarean, a NICU stay with a happy ending, and the process that went into her deciding on and planning for a second cesarean for her next baby. Many thanks to Libby for sharing her story with our listeners! To contact with Libby, you can add her on WeChat or email Ruth or Jacquelyn. WeChat ID: Libbyxo ***Enjoying the Having A Baby In China Podcast? Leave us a rating or write a review in your favorit...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 3Ep. 35
Happy Holidays from HABIC! Jacquelyn (IBCLC) & Ruth (CBD) wish you a Very Merry Season while discussing their own experiences of spending holidays with extended family while traveling and caring for a newborn. Lots of great nuggets in this bite-sized episode, so we invite you to give it a listen while you relax this season, wherever you are in the world! ***Enjoying the Having A Baby In China Podcast? Leave us a rating or write a review in your favorite podcast app, share us with your friend...
Dec 31, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 34
This week, Jacquelyn (IBCLC) & Ruth (CBD) discuss what you can expect in your birthing experience in China when you plan to deliver by C-section. They focus on details and facts, skipping over why an individual might choose to plan a C-section to focus on what's important to "know before you go", including some considerations when evaluating potential deliver sites. If you know a C-section is in your future (and maybe even if you don't), you need this information! ***Enjoying the Having A Ba...
Dec 21, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 33
In this episode, Jacquelyn (IBCLC) & Ruth (CBD) discuss what a typical induction looks like in China. They focus on details and facts, from factors surrounding the decision to induce to the literal days it may take for the process to be successful. If an induction may be a possibility for you or your partner, you'll definitely want to listen to this episode! Plus, Jacquelyn reads more encouraging review from our listeners! ***Enjoying the Having A Baby In China Podcast? Leave us a rating or ...
Dec 06, 2024•47 min•Season 3Ep. 32
Join Jacquelyn (IBCLC) & Ruth (CBD) for the start of their new series exploring what different birthing experiences might look like in China. In Part 1, the ladies discuss what "standard" labor looks like in China and what you can expect going in. There's a ton of great information here that you'll want to hear! ***Enjoying the Having A Baby In China Podcast? Leave us a rating or write a review in your favorite podcast app, share us with your friends, or contact us on Instagram !*** Visit th...
Oct 31, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 31
We're Back! Jacquelyn (IBCLC) & Ruth (CBD) are back for a the third season of all-new birth stories, fresh advice, and their signature cozy conversational style. So brew yourself a cuppa, wrap up in a warm something, and settle in. Great things are coming! ***Enjoying the Having A Baby In China Podcast? Leave us a rating or write a review in your favorite podcast app, share us with your friends, or contact us on Instagram !*** Visit the Having a Baby in China Website: https://www.havingababy...
Oct 23, 2024•7 min
In this Part 2 of their birth story, Nicky and Matt share about the end of their pregnancy, the birth and the postpartum period, along with what it was like to work with a (virtual) doula and an IBCLC. In the 36th week of pregnancy Nicky was diagnosed with gestational hypertension that quickly progressed into pre-eclampsia. From an induction, to jaundice, to the NICU, to breastfeeding struggles, Nicky and Matt share the good, the bad, and everything in-between. In addition, Nicky and Matt share ...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 30
In this Part 1 of their story, Nicky and Matt share their experience receiving a devastating diagnosis during the second trimester of their pregnancy. Their much-desired daughter, Lucy, has Trisomy-9, a chromosomal disorder that is often incompatible with life. Language barriers, Nicky’s rare blood type, and many other factors complicate their journey. We are so thankful to Nicky and Matt for sharing their story with our listeners. While their story has a positive ending, in the interview we dis...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 29
In this week's episode, Jacquelyn (IBCLC) & Ruth (CBD) discuss an important but often overlooked aspect of choosing the right birthing assistance for you: certification. Specifically, they discuss what it takes to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) like Jacquelyn, and what that certification means for the prospective breastfeeding parent. This is one highly informative episode you need to hear! Plus, Jacquelyn reads a warm and encouraging review from one of ...
Apr 03, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Comfort Measures During Birth | EP27 Jacquelyn & Ruth dive into the topic of comfort measures during the birthing process--what are they, how can they help, and what are some simple & easy items you can throw in your hospital bag for your next trip to Labor & Delivery. Download or print out the accompanying pdf here: HABIC Comfort Measures Packing List *** Visit the Having a Baby in China Website: https://www.havingababyinchina.com/ Follow @HavingABabyInChina on Instagram Check out H...
Mar 12, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 27
In this double birth story episode, Rebekah shares the similarities and differences between her two pregnancies, births, and breastfeeding experiences. In addition, she vulnerably addresses cultural issues that came up with her Chinese in-laws, the struggle she felt in bonding with her daughter, and what it was like to introduce her son to his big sister! This episode is packed full of laughs, unexpected turns, and insightful tips for navigating a cross cultural relationship. *** Visit the Havin...
Feb 22, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 26
Jacquelyn and Ruth share their experiences and the top 5 things which surprised them when they first visited and gave birth in Chinese hospitals. There's something for everyone here, whether you're going for a checkup, a major procedure, or giving birth! *** Visit the Having a Baby in China Website: https://www.havingababyinchina.com/ Follow @HavingABabyInChina on Instagram Check out Having a Baby in China: The Course - A Video Course to learn about it all! ***Enjoying the Having A Baby In China...
Feb 07, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 25
In the first episode of Season 2 of the Having a Baby in China Podcast, Jacquelyn and Ruth report back on the last 6 months, including which of their "Time Tested Tips for Traveling with Tiny Tots" were most effective. *** Visit the Having a Baby in China Website: https://www.havingababyinchina.com/ Follow @HavingABabyInChina on Instagram Check out Having a Baby in China: The Course - A Video Course to learn about it all! ***Enjoying the Having A Baby In China Podcast? Leave us a rating or write...
Jan 24, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 24
In this finale of the first season of the HABIC podcast, Jacquelyn and Ruth draw on their shared wisdom of experiences traveling internationally with children and offer some time-tested tips they've used to make the journey go smoother. Enjoy this final episode of the first season of the Having a Baby in China Podcast, and we'll be back in the Fall with more great content, including interviews and lots of need-to-know information! *** Visit the Having a Baby in China Website: https://www.havinga...
May 21, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this candid conversation, Louise, Jacquelyn and Ruth discuss why the AAP and NICE have differing recommendations regarding co-sleeping; the varied definitions of co-sleeping, bed sharing, and surface sharing; and how to minimize risks wherever and however you choose for your baby to sleep. Trigger Warning: As necessary for this discussion, we frequently talk about infant cot death and how to lower a baby’s risk of SUIDS. If at any point you find yourself triggered or bothered by the informati...
May 11, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Join Jacquelyn & Ruth as they answer YOUR listener submitted questions on topics ranging from what diagnostic tests are necessary during pregnancy to permitted practices surrounding alcohol and breastfeeding to how and when you should consider weaning. Get ready for some real talk from the Ladies of HABIC! *** Visit the Having a Baby in China Website: https://www.havingababyinchina.com/ Follow @HavingABabyInChina on Instagram Check out Having a Baby in China: The Course - A Video Course to l...
May 04, 2023•33 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of potentially triggering topics including mental health, depression, suicidal ideation, and infant mortality. Listener discretion is advised. Join Jacquelyn & Ruth in their frank discussion with psychologist Mirian Bonomi, LP, MS, about perinatal depression and other mood disorders. Learn the difference between post-partum depression vs "baby blues", how to spot red flags that could indicate professional help is needed, and where to get help...
Apr 26, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and settle in with the Ladies of HABIC in this double-length episode where Jacquelyn & Ruth interview two-time mom and China birth veteran Jordyn on the importance of advocating for oneself in the lead-up to giving birth in a Chinese hospital, especially if your goal is "as natural as possible". You don't want to miss this one! As mentioned in the show, Lisa, CD(DONA) is a long-time expat resident of Chengdu, providing doula services to the wider communit...
Apr 21, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Talking Everything YueSao | EP18 From common questions like "What is zuo yuezi?" and "Do I need a YueSao?" to the pros and cons of a YueSao Center, Jacquelyn and Ruth deep dive into this oft-requested cultural topic. Further Reading from the National Library of Medicine: Influence of Cultural Beliefs on Infant Feeding, Postpartum and Childcare Practices among Chinese-American Mothers in New York City Effect of postpartum practices of doing the month on Chinese women's physical and psychological ...
Apr 06, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 18
Follow along with Jacquelyn & Ruth as they answer YOUR listener submitted questions. Have a question? Submit it via Instagram or Facebook , and Jacquelyn & Ruth will answer it in the next HABIC Q&A Podcast! *** Visit the Having a Baby in China Website: https://www.havingababyinchina.com/ Follow @HavingABabyInChina on Instagram Find Having A Baby in China on Facebook Check out Having a Baby in China: The Course - A Video Course to learn about it all! ***Enjoying the Having A Baby In C...
Mar 29, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this episode of the Having A Baby In China Podcast, Jacquelyn and Ruth discuss realistic expectations for a Chinese birth experience, and Ruth has a hot take on the traditional birthing liturgy. *** Visit the Having a Baby in China Website: https://www.havingababyinchina.com/ Follow @HavingABabyInChina on Instagram Check out Having a Baby in China: The Course - A Video Course to learn about it all! ***Enjoying the Having A Baby In China Podcast? Leave us a rating or write a review in your fav...
Mar 22, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Join Jacquelyn and Ruth for a frank discussion with Mandy on the power of childbirth education for all women, the importance of the birthing space to a woman's experience, and the proper way to integrate the birthing partner into the birthing space. Find Mandy Online: We Are Making Mothers Follow @makingmothers on Instagram For Further Study Read: Rhea Dempsey https://www.birthingwisdom.com.au Listen: The Power Of Holding Space As A Birth Partner with Kurt Tropiano Visit the Having a Baby in Chi...
Mar 09, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 15
"Birth Under Lockdown" w/ Dools & Jarred - China Birth Stories 03 | EP14 This week, Jacquelyn and Ruth interview Dools and Jarred about their birth experience near Shanghai under COVID lockdown restrictions. From navigating roadblocks and e-bikes to confronting the Myth of the Perfect Epidural, laugh along as this international couple's breezy storytelling style transforms what could have been a challenging birth experience into something hilarious and relatable. Note: This week's episode su...
Mar 02, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this episode of the Having A Baby in China Podcast, Jacquelyn (CBC) and Ruth (CD) opine on the fallacy of due dates and discuss some considerations for when or whether to induce. Ruth shares a bit of the story of her own induction, and many side topics are explored. Come join us! More information on the Arrive Trial found here: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/arrive/ Contact Ruth: ruth@havingababyinchina.com Contact Jacquelyn: jacquelyn@havingababyinchina.com Visit the Having a Baby in China W...
Feb 22, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode of the Having A Baby In China Podcast, Andrea, Childbirth Doula & Water Birth Practitioner, shares the story of her very first birthing experience, which took place in China 11 years ago. Determined to have her baby at the international hospital in Shanghai, Andrea and her husband set out from Ningbo on what should have been a two hour car ride but which turned in to so much more. Listen along with Jacquelyn (CBC) and Ruth (CD) to Andrea's fascinating and harrowing tale. You'...
Feb 15, 2023•37 min
In this explosive and wide-ranging interview, we sit down with Dr. Leila to discuss the importance of the first 24 hours after birth, tips to prepare for breastfeeding, and what it's like being a pediatrician and an IBCLC in China. Dr. Leila gives it to us straight! "[Formula] has this hugely sedative effect on the brain, and then the baby sleeps. Most people interpret that as, 'Oh, look, now my baby's full.' Actually, now your baby's drugged!" - Dr. Leila M. Sabet, MD, MPH, IBCLC Learn more abo...
Feb 08, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this 10th(!) episode of the Having A Baby In China Podcast, Jacquelyn (CBC) and Ruth (CD) talk with Andrea, Childbirth Doula & Water Birth Practitioner, about cultural differences between China and the West within the medical system that a birthing person and their partner may encounter, and the value of self-advocacy throughout the birthing experience. If you would like to contact Andrea, you can reach out to her through email or via WeChat. Andrea, Childbirth Doula & Water Birth Pra...
Feb 01, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this short Chinese New Year episode, Jacquelyn and Ruth send their holiday greetings along with surprise guest Shelley. Together they discuss three common Chinese New Year traditions they have experienced over the years. Visit the Having a Baby in China Website: https://www.havingababyinchina.com/ Follow @havingababyinchina on Instagram Check out Having a Baby in China: The Course - A Video Course to learn about it all! ***Enjoying the Having A Baby In China Podcast? Leave us a rating or writ...
Jan 26, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Although sometimes medically necessary, it can be tough and scary to be separated from your infant. Trying to establish a good breastfeeding relationship while separated may feel impossible, but HABIC's Jacquelyn (Certified Breastfeeding Counselor) is here to help. In this candid conversation with Ruth, Jacquelyn discusses ways to establish a healthy milk supply even when Baby is unavailable to regularly breastfeed, and how to get Baby "back to breast" once separation has ended. *Gentle Warning*...
Jan 18, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Join Jacquelyn (CBC) and Ruth (CD) in their breezy discussion with special guest Betsy, an expat living in China, about her positive vaginal birth experience at an international hospital. This was Betsy's fourth child, but her first born in China. Listen along and laugh as Betsy shares her thoughts, emotions, and challenges during her first time giving birth outside the United States. Visit the Having a Baby in China Website: https://www.havingababyinchina.com/ Check out Having a Baby in China: ...
Jan 12, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 7
