Episode 11: The Components of a Healthy Birth

In episode 11 of the Birth Like a Mammal podcast, host Lindsay Askins - a Mother of three and seasoned doula-turned birth coach, discusses the main components of a healthy and instinctive birth that is aligned with mammalian biology. She emphasizes the importance of hydration, nourishment, a supportive team, safety, autonomy, and oxytocin in ensuring a trauma-free birthing experience.

Today's episode is pulled from the Birth Like a Mammal birth prep workbook. This portion is included in chapter 3 of the workbook, which is the chapter covering birth. You can find the birth prep workbook on the Birth Like a Mammal website here. It's available in either digital or print form.

You can find the chart used for today's episode on our podcast page as well by clicking this link.

Key Takeaways:

1. Hydration and Nourishment: Adequate hydration and nourishment during labor are crucial for avoiding complications. It is your basic human right to eat and drink during labor.
2. Supportive Birthing Environment: The importance of a safe, comfortable, and supportive birthing environment AND team.
3. Autonomy and Safety: Maintaining autonomy and feeling safe are vital for a healthy birthing experience.
4. Role of Oxytocin: The significance of oxytocin for mammals during birth. Synthetic Pitocin is NOT the same thing. 

Quotes:

• "You can simply drink water during labor to stay hydrated."
• "One of the most important decisions you will make during your pregnancy is who you choose to be your care provider."
• "They can not restrict food from you during labor. That is a basic human right. We do not even restrict food from prisoners."
• "The number one thing that women who leave birth traumatized say the common thread that exists in traumatic birth stories is loss of autonomy."