AIR DATE MAY 12, 2022

Title: Natural Childbirth Options

Emily speaks with a local doula and midwife to help highlight the many benefits of natural childbirth.

Guests and Locations

Doulas of Orlando, Founder, Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula – Luna Jauregui

Tree of Life, Founder, CNM, ARNP – Kaleen Richards

The Doulas and Midwives of Orlando: Providing Natural, Healthy Pregnancy

Calling all pregnant or soon-to-be pregnant women: are you considering a doula or midwife? Studies show that women who received continuous support from a birth doula had shorter labors by approximately 40 minutes. Plus, their babies were less likely to have low Apgar scores at birth.

Doulas and midwives help parents of all types give birth on their terms, which is one benefit of going the natural route. While the birthing process is incredibly monumental, proper prenatal care is essential to a healthy birth for you and your baby.

From those months of pregnancy to finally cradling your bundle of joy in your arms, there is so much to learn and so much to prepare.

Join me as I learn from Luna Jauregui, the founder of the Doulas of Orlando, and Kaleen Richards, the founder of Tree of Life Birth and Gynecology Center.

What’s the Difference Between a Doula and a Midwife?

“A midwife is more similar to an obstetrician or a doctor that practices, you know, caring for pregnant women. She does all the medical care and makes sure that you’re staying physically healthy,” Luna opens.

On the other hand, a doula is there to provide emotional, informational, and physical support during pregnancy, during birth, and postpartum. The significant difference is that midwives are medically trained while doulas are not.

Many expecting mothers may opt for a midwife and doula, as each plays their own special role in one’s pregnancy journey.

Advice for a Healthy Birth

Parents, no matter who they are, will have a long laundry list of things to do when preparing for a new addition to the family. Health and personal responsibility top that list. Consider your goals as a parent, as well as your goals for the pregnancy and birthing process.

Luna adds, “What I start off with is ‘Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth,’ which is a really good book that talks about the positive and the natural method to birth because we don’t hear that. You know, we don’t hear that in our society.”

Kaleen chimes in on the topic, “Do your research. Find out about the risk factors you may have based on your age or health history. Make sure that, when you’re talking to your OB or your midwife provider, you’re asking them what their belief is about childbirth. Ask about options for being out of bed, if they have to be monitored the whole time.”

She continues, “We also really recommend if they’re going to be in a hospital to have a support person, not just their husband, but like a doula or someone like that, that can support them emotionally and really is educated about the birth process. What’s normal, what’s not normal, and do what they can do to help facilitate the normal.”

In combination with all-of-the-above, proper nutrition is a must. Remember that everything you consume, your baby will consume as well. Try to eat clean and simply listen to your body.

Conclusion

Doulas and birth centers have been around for ages—literally. With the appropriate care, support, and information, a successful birth guided by doulas and midwives is possible.

For those who prefer traditional, natural births, reach out to the Doulas of Orlando at their website or via email at doulasoforlando@protonmail.com. Also, please take advantage of the resources provided at the Tree of Life Birth and Gynecology Center, as well, by visiting their website.