The Doula's Guide to... Preparing For Your Birth - podcast cover

The Doula's Guide to... Preparing For Your Birth

The Dungaree Doulawww.thedungareedoula.co.uk

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... preparing for your birth! With me Meg, AKA The Dungaree Doula. I'm a doula, hypnobirthing teacher, and Hull gal - trust me, you'll get used to the accent. I'm a self confessed birth and parenting nerd, here to support you throughout pregnancy, birth and way beyond.

In this podcast we'll delve deep into the nitty gritty topics you're desperate to know more about, I'll answer your burning questions and give you the unbiased facts on all things pregnancy, birth and parenting.

Along the way we'll have guest speakers, interviews and a few positive birth stories to really boost your oxytocin too (more on that in the hormones episode!).

New episodes drop every Friday at 7am, enjoy!

Sign up for my online birth prep & hypnobirthing course, 20% off with code 'PODCAST': thedungareedoula.co.uk/onlinecourse

Love the podcast? Leave me a tip here - https://ko-fi.com/thedungareedoula

Wanna connect? Come say hi... thedungareedoula.co.uk & @thedungareedoula

Music by DayFox from Pixabay

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Episodes

S3 EP12: BIRTH MYTHS - Are inductions risk free? PESSARY

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 3 episode 12. Today I wanted to chat to you about something that I'm hearing people being told often - that inductions are risk free, or "not very risky". I wanted to break this down into different methods so this episode focuses on the pessary and the risks associated with this form of induction. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice (also please note there is a lot of swearing in this episode! It is a very frustrating topic and I see...

Apr 18, 202550 minSeason 3Ep. 12

S3 EP11: BIRTH MYTHS - Will you be judged for doing hypnobirthing?

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 3 episode 11. Today I wanted to chat to you about some common myths I hear all the time around using hypnobirthing tools and techniques. So often people have a fear of being judged for wanting to change their birth environment, or they worry about being called naive for planning an unmedicated birth for example. I address these common anxieties in this episode and share some tips for getting people on board with your birth plans too. ❤ *Please n...

Mar 07, 202533 minSeason 3Ep. 11

S3 EP10: BIRTH MYTHS - "All that matters is a healthy baby"

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 3 episode 10. Today I wanted to chat to you all about the phrase "all that matters is a healthy baby" and why I fundamentally disagree. We talk about sensitive topics such as birth trauma, postpartum mental wellbeing, unhealthy and sick babies, unnecessary interventions etc. If this may be too tough a listen right now then you can always skip and come back another day ❤ *Please note this podcast is not medical advice (also please note there is a...

Feb 28, 202543 minSeason 3Ep. 10

S3 EP9: BIRTH MYTHS - Will your midwife appointments prepare you for birth?

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 3 episode 9. This is the ninth episode in a series all about common birth myths, today I wanted to chat to you all about the myth that your midwife appointments (in the UK) will prepare you for birth. This is something I hear so commonly from clients and followers - that they thought they would receive birth preparation in their midwife apts, so I thought I would talk today about what you can expect and where to go for good, thorough birth prep....

Feb 21, 202532 minSeason 3Ep. 9

S3 EP8: BIRTH MYTHS: Do you need vaginal exams to track labour progress?

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 3 episode 8. This is the sixth episode in a series all about common birth myths, today I wanted to chat to you all about the myth that you need vaginal exams throughout your labour to track your progress. I discuss how your labour will progress, the things which help it to progress and how to understand whether or not a VE is the right decision for you. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice Links mentioned in this episode: Season 2 Epi...

Feb 14, 202527 minSeason 3Ep. 8

S3 EP7: BIRTH MYTHS - Do you need coaching to push your baby out?

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 3 episode 7. This is the fifth episode in a series all about common birth myths, today I wanted to chat to you all about the myth that you need coaching to push your baby out. We discuss spontaneous vs coached pushing, what research and guidelines say, and how to enjoy a smooth second stage of labour. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice Links mentioned in this episode: A randomized trial of coached versus uncoached maternal pushing d...

Feb 07, 202535 minSeason 3Ep. 7

S3 EP6: BIRTH MYTHS: Do your waters break at the start of labour?

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 3 episode 6. This is the fourth episode in a series all about common birth myths, today I wanted to chat to you all about the myth that your waters will break at the start of labour, we also cover the myth that if they do, you'll have to be induced to start your contractions. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice Links mentioned in this episode: In Defence of the Amniotic Sac: click here Pre-labour Rupture of Membranes: impatience and ...

Jan 30, 202531 minSeason 3Ep. 6

S3 EP5: ANNOUCEMENT: I've released a mini album of relaxation tracks for pregnancy and birth

Hello! Just a quick exciting announcement today - I've released a mini album of guided pregnancy relaxation tracks for you to use throughout your pregnancy and birth. These tracks will help you relax, regulate, bond with your baby and prepare for birth. Simply search for "The Dungaree Doula" wherever you listen to music, the album is called "Guided Relaxations for Pregnancy & Birth" Links mentioned in this episode: Listen to relaxation tracks on Spotify: click here Click here to find out mor...

Jan 26, 20254 minSeason 3Ep. 5

S3 EP4: BIRTH MYTHS: Do you have to give birth on your back?

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 3 episode 4. This is the third episode in a series all about common birth myths, today I wanted to chat to you all about the myth that you have to give birth on your back. I discuss how we came to believe this is the best position to birth in, what your alternative options are and the benefits and risks of both. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice Links mentioned in this episode: Healthy Birth Practice #5: Avoid Giving Birth on Your ...

Jan 24, 202532 min

S3 EP3: BIRTH MYTHS: Can you do hypnobirthing if you want an epidural/induction/cesarean?

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 3 episode 3. This is the second episode in a series all about common birth myths, today I wanted to chat to you all about the myth that you can't do hypnobirthing if you want an epidural, induction or cesarean, I bust this myth and talk about why I think it's super valuable for EVERYONE regardless of the birth you are planning. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice Links mentioned in this episode: Find out more about my hypnobirthing o...

Jan 17, 202535 min

S3 EP2: BIRTH MYTHS: Do you have to give birth by 42 weeks pregnant?

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 3 episode 2. This is the first episode in a series all about common birth myths. TW this episode revolves around the 'risks of prolonged pregnancy' as outlined by the NICE guidelines which is predominantly the risk of stillbirth. We discuss the risk of stillbirth by gestation and your options for going to, or beyond, 42 weeks gestation. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own, please make your own decisions based...

Jan 10, 202538 min

S3 EP1: Happy new year & welcome to season 3!

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 3 episode 1! This episode is just a little chat about a few things, first of all I reveal the theme for season 3 of the podcast, then I introduce you to my new E-book you can download for free below, and finally I talk about the best way to prepare for birth if you're due this year. It feels good to be back! *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own Links mentioned in this episode: Download my FREE E-Book '10 thing...

Jan 03, 202523 min

S2 EP31: What would I do if I was pregnant right now? Last ep of season 2!

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 31. This is the final episode of season 2 of the podcast and I thought I'd round it out with a lovely big chat all about what I'd personally do if I was pregnant right now and how I'd embrace, prepare and surrender to the pregnancy. I hope you enjoy listening, this episode is just for fun and completely hypothetical but it may just give you some nice things to consider or to get clued up on. *Please note this podcast is not medical adv...

Nov 08, 202447 min

S2 EP30: Positive Affirmations for Pregnancy (Relaxation track)

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 30, the penultimate episode of season 2. Today we're doing something a little different and I've recorded a relaxation track for you to enjoy, this one isn't your typical guided relaxation but instead an affirmation track filled with lovely positive affirmations for pregnancy and birth, I hope this makes you feel empowered, encouraged and well rested. Enjoy! *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own Click...

Nov 01, 202415 min

S2 EP29: Pregnancy connections with Lou @Thebirthmotherhoodcollective

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 29. Today I'm talking to the incredible Lou of The Birth Motherhood Collective all about making connections in pregnancy, this is a lengthy episode but it's so worth a listen as we cover SO much. Listen to us chat about the importance of connecting to your mind and body, how to make connections with your partner and a wider support network and the loveliness of connecting with your baby in the womb. It's a joyful episode that I really ...

Oct 25, 20241 hr 27 min

S2 EP28: How and why to learn to RELAX during pregnancy

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 28. Today I'm talking about why we all need to learn to relax during pregnancy, but like seriously relax - deep nourishing rest, for the benefit or ourselves, our babies and for the sake of our births. We deep dive in to the autonomic nervous system, improving our vagal tone, what on earth kindfulness is, and so much more. Come and listen and find out how to learning to properly relax can improve your full body health and help you expe...

Oct 18, 202449 min

S2 EP27: The importance of the environment you give birth in

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 27. Today I'm talking about the profound impact the environment you give birth in can have on the course of your labour. We chat all about the hormones which need to thrive in your body and how your birth space can impact these, how to mitigate disturbances to the birth environment and yourself and how to create a birth environment which meets your specific needs. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own...

Oct 11, 202433 min

S2 EP26: HBAC - all about giving birth at home after a cesarean

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 26, everything you need to know about giving birth at home after a cesarean. Well not quite everything, this is a bigggg topic but we cover the reasons why you might want a HBAC/FBAC, if it is safe, what the risks and benefits are and how to prepare. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own Links mentioned in this episode: Perinatal outcomes of planned home birth after cesarean and planned hospital vagin...

Oct 01, 202441 min

S2 EP25: 3 ways to feel well nourished in the initial postpartum period

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 25. A lovely little chat this week with some ideas for your initial postpartum period to help ease into parenthood feeling supported, held and nourished. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own Links mentioned in this episode: Meal train ideas: click here The lost art of postnatal wrapping by Sophie Messager: click here Closing the Bones practicioner: click here Sitz Bath recommendation: click here NEW!...

Aug 12, 202425 min

S2 EP24: Do you need your waters artificially broken during labour?

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 24. In this episode I'm talking about amniotomy, AKA having your waters broken artificially. Now hear me out on this one, you might think it's not relevant to you because you're not planning on being induced, but this is happening more and more frequently in spontaneous labours as well as induced labours and it could serve you really well to understand why! *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own Links ...

Aug 05, 202434 min

S2 EP23: Babywearing - why I LOVE it and how to get started!

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 23. In this episode I'm talking about babywearing, one of my fave topics everrrrrr. I talk about why babywearing is such a magical parenting tool, how to get started, choosing a sling, safe babywearing and so much more. I hope you love listening. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own Links mentioned in this episode: Find your local sling library - https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/sling-pages/ Study m...

Jul 29, 202432 min

S2 EP22: Navigating other peoples birth stories

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 22. In this episode I'm talking about navigating other peoples birth stories - the good and the bad, where to find the good, how to deal with people giving you sh*t for wanting something better, what we can learn from the bad and more. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own Links mentioned in this episode: Tellmeagoodbirthstory - click here Monet Nicole Moutrie - click here Click here to find out more ...

May 31, 202428 min

S2 EP21: Things I loved during my pregnancy that you might enjoy too

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 21. In this episode I'm talking about some of the different things I used and enjoyed during my pregnancies to relax and to prepare for birth and parenthood. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own Links mentioned in this episode: Well With Hels yoga - click here Harmonics - click here My fave books - click here Affirmation cards - click here Click here to find out more about my brand new prerecorded on...

May 24, 202436 min

S2 EP20: Train to be a hypnobirthing teacher with me!

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 20. In this episode I'm telling you all about a brand new offering I've just launched, a chance to train to be a hypnobirthing teacher with me! I'm so excited to be running such an incredible programme, a chance to completely change up or revamp your career culminating in a nourishing holistic retreat style training weekend. Learn, share, move and step away feeling ready to change lives. Being a birthworker is truly the most gorgeous w...

May 18, 202418 min

S2 EP19: Stretch and Sweep - Do you need one? Will it bring on labour? Is it a form of induction?

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 19. In this episode I'm talking about stretch and sweeps, otherwise known as a membrane sweep, a procedure done at the end of pregnancy to bring on labour. We'll discuss if they work, the benefits and risks, what the research suggests and more. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own Click here to find out more about my brand new prerecorded online courses : thedungareedoula.co.uk/onlinecourse Use code ...

May 17, 202441 min

S2 EP18: Doulas - what do we actually do and why might you want to hire one?

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 18. In this episode I'm finally chatting about what the hell a doula actually does, why you might want to hire one, how to find one. and why you might NOT want one! *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own Resources mentioned in the episode: The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review: click here Evidence in support of doulas: click here Click here to find out more about my bran...

Apr 28, 202453 min

S2 EP17: The importance of prioritising skin to skin contact on your birth plan

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 17. In this episode I'm talking a topic I absolutely LOVE - skin to skin contact and the importance of prioritising this in that magical golden hour after birth and throughout the newborn period and beyond. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own Resources mentioned in the episode: Click here to find out more about my brand new prerecorded online courses : thedungareedoula.co.uk/onlinecourse Use code 'P...

Apr 18, 202435 min

S2 EP16: Questions to ask if you're offered an induction of labour

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 16. In this episode I'm talking about induction, such a monumental topic, I wanted to hone in on the questions to be asking if you're offered and induction and some things to consider. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own Resources mentioned in the episode: Click here to find out more about my brand new prerecorded online courses : thedungareedoula.co.uk/onlinecourse Use code 'PODCAST' for 20% off! L...

Feb 16, 202433 min

S2 EP15: A big chat about newborn baby sleep

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 15. In this episode I'm talking about newborn baby sleep and how to meet your babies needs through the night, attachment parenting, and how to best support yourself as a new, sleep deprived mum. Also a lot about why I don't personally agree with sleep training and cry it out. *Please note this podcast is not medical advice, all opinions are my own Resources mentioned in the episode: The science of healthy baby sleep - https://www.bbc.c...

Feb 10, 202440 min

S2 EP14: Discussing my postpartum mental health

Welcome to The Doula's Guide To... Podcast, season 2 episode 14, ok strap yourself in cause this is a very personal episode talking about how I journeyed through the f*ckery of some very bad postpartum mental health. This isn't medical advice or information about things to look out, it's very much just a chat about what I went through and how I navigated it and how it feels to be out of the other side, some of it might resonate or you might just find it interesting but it definitely won't be for...

Feb 02, 202449 min
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