Afleveringen
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Episode Overview
In this episode, Dr. Carly King, a licensed naturopathic doctor, shares her journey into naturopathy, her personal experience with pregnancy and birth, and the challenges she faced with medical care. The discussion highlights the role of naturopathic medicine in women's health, the gaps in conventional maternal care, and the importance of informed decision-making.
Key Topics Covered
Naturopathic Medicine and Women's Health
Dr. Carly King introduces naturopathy as a holistic approach to healthcare.Her journey into naturopathy was influenced by her struggles with debilitating migraines, which conventional medicine failed to resolve.She found relief through naturopathic treatment, including dietary changes, nutrient support, and acupuncture, leading her to pursue it as a career.She explains how naturopathy can benefit and support women in prenatal, antenatal, and postpartum periods. She explores root causes of chronic fatigue, low mood, and overall health in both pregnancy and postpartum periods.Birth and Delivery
At 40 weeks, a medical decision was made to induce labor due to declining kidney function.Her baby was born in distress with a dangerously low heart rate and was taken to the NICU with complications, including collapsed lungs and an undiagnosed stroke.Postpartum Complications
The experience left Dr. Carly feeling abandoned and unsupported by the medical system.She did not receive follow-up care despite her child’s serious health concerns.She now works closely with women to provide continuous care through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond, ensuring they have the knowledge and support they need.Key Takeaways
Expect the Unexpected: Even those in medical fields can face unexpected complications and challenges during pregnancy.Medical Advocacy Matters: Patients need to advocate for themselves and seek care providers who will listen and provide comprehensive support.The Importance of Postpartum Support: Many women experience inadequate follow-up care after birth, highlighting the need for continued maternal health support.Final Thoughts Dr. Carly King’s story underscores the importance of informed decision-making, patient advocacy, and holistic care in pregnancy and postpartum experiences. If you’ve faced similar challenges, know that you are not alone. Join us in the next episode as we continue exploring personal journeys through motherhood.
📌 Follow us on Instagram @BirthBabiesBusyMoms for updates and community support!
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Episode Overview
In this episode, Alisa shares her unexpected journey through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum challenges. She became pregnant while on a copper IUD in the thick of COVID, living in a small community where she faced unique struggles, including a flood. Restrictions due to the pandemic meant no partners in the ultrasound room, isolation, and her parents unable to visit her baby for months.
Later, when her child was 18 months old, she decided she wanted one more. She bought a new car to fit a family of four and was excited about the future. However, an ultrasound at 9 weeks revealed she was having twins. Shock, surprise, and worry set in—how would she manage feeding, sleeping, and raising twins with a toddler?
Her challenges continued postpartum. Following her C-section, she suffered severe complications from the epidural, leading to almost two years of migraines, pain, and poor quality of life. Eventually, she found a specialist who diagnosed a rare condition caused by a spinal leak.
Key Topics Covered
Pregnancy Challenges
Alisa became pregnant while on a copper IUD during COVID.Living in a small community, she faced additional struggles, including a flood.Restrictions meant no partners in ultrasound rooms, isolation, and parents unable to visit for months.At 18 months postpartum, she decided she wanted another child and prepared for a family of four.An ultrasound at 9 weeks revealed she was expecting twins, leading to shock, worry, and logistical concerns about managing twins with a toddler.Birth and Delivery
C-section birth for the twins.Anxiety about how to care for three young children, including newborn twins.Postpartum Complications
Suffered severe complications from the C-section epidural.Experienced almost two years of migraines, pain, and poor quality of life.Finally found a specialist who diagnosed her condition as a spinal leak.Required two blood patches to resolve the issue as well as physiotherapy and nerve cauterization to gain her quality of life back.Key Takeaways
Expect the Unexpected: Pregnancy can come with surprises, from IUD pregnancies to unexpected twins.Coping with Isolation: The pandemic created new postpartum struggles for many, showing the need for strong support systems.Medical Advocacy Matters: Alisa had to seek out a specialist to diagnose her rare postpartum complication.Adjusting to Change: The transition from one child to three required mental, emotional, and logistical shifts.Final Thoughts
Alisa’s story sheds light on the unique challenges faced during pregnancy and postpartum in a pandemic, as well as dealing with unexpected medical issues. If you or someone you know has faced similar struggles, know that you are not alone. Join us for the next episode as we continue exploring personal journeys through motherhood.
📌 Follow us on Instagram @BirthBabiesBusyMoms for updates and community support!
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Episode Overview
In this episode, Kia shares her deeply personal journey through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum complications. She discusses her medical challenges, including antibiotic-resistant infections, kidney stones, hemorrhaging, and the emotional toll of being dismissed by medical professionals and loved ones. This is part one of her story, covering her first pregnancy and the severe complications she endured.
Key Topics Covered
Pregnancy Challenges
Kia initially thought she had a smooth pregnancy but later realized the complications she endured.Experienced severe cystic acne starting at 6-8 weeks.Developed an antibiotic-resistant UTI (Enterococcus) that went undiagnosed for weeks.Endured multiple rounds of antibiotics and IV treatments, totaling over 70 days.Diagnosed with hydro ureters, hydronephrosis, and kidney stones.Went through over 20 urine cultures, but results were inconclusive.Was placed on narcotics due to the extreme pain, leading to anxiety over potential effects on her baby.Experienced severe medical trauma due to mismanagement and lack of proper medical attention.Birth and Delivery
Induced at 37 weeks due to ongoing complications and pain.Diagnosed with Group B Strep (GBS), requiring additional antibiotics during labor.Anxiety surrounding the birth experience due to previous medical trauma.Postpartum Complications
Retained placenta leading to postpartum hemorrhaging.Repeatedly told that her symptoms were related to postpartum depression rather than physical complications.Forced to advocate for herself, seeking care at multiple hospitals with no support.Eventually underwent a blind D&C surgery, which later resulted in further hemorrhaging.Passed massive blood clots and continued to lose significant amounts of blood.Medical professionals finally acknowledged the severity of her condition, requiring additional interventions.Key Takeaways
Advocate for Yourself: Kia’s story highlights the importance of self-advocacy in medical settings.Know the Signs: Understanding conditions like retained placenta and antibiotic-resistant infections can help new mothers recognize symptoms early.Medical Dismissal is Real: Many women face dismissal of their postpartum concerns; persistence is crucial.Support is Critical: A strong support system is essential during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.Final Thoughts
Kia’s story is a raw and honest look into the challenges many women face but are rarely discussed. If you or someone you know has experienced similar challenges, know that you are not alone. Join us for part two, where Kia continues sharing her journey through recovery and navigating motherhood after medical trauma.
📌 Follow us on Instagram @BirthBabiesBusyMoms for updates and community support!
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Episode Overview
In this episode, Dayna opens up about her personal journey through the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. She shares the medical difficulties she and her baby faced, including complications from the use of forceps during delivery, and discusses the emotional process of healing. This episode marks the first part of her story.
Key Topics Covered
Pregnancy Challenges
Dayna experienced a kidney infection early in her first pregnancy, which required hospitalization.She dealt with low iron levels during her second pregnancy, necessitating iron infusions.During her first pregnancy, she developed Bell’s Palsy, resulting in temporary facial paralysis. Doctors warned that this could be a lifelong issue.To address the facial paralysis, Dayna underwent a two-week course of steroids.Birth and Delivery
Dayna went into labor the day after being weaned off steroids.Her baby was born at 37 weeks and 2 days.Throughout labor, Dayna experienced severe vomiting due to “back labor” until an epidural was administered.The epidural wore off after two hours of pushing.Despite exhaustion, doctors refused to perform a C-section and proceeded with the use of forceps without explaining the potential risks.An episiotomy was performed during delivery.During the delivery, the doctors panicked and dropped the forceps.Dayna suffered a third-degree tear and was urgently taken to the operating room for corrective surgery.Postpartum Complications
Due to the forceps, her baby’s head was deformed from two large hematomas (bleeding between the brain and skull).Scar tissue caused a blockage at the vaginal opening, and surgery was recommended.Medical professionals identified nerve damage in the sphincter and advised biofeedback therapy.The birth left Dayna with psychological trauma, resulting in a trauma bond with her baby.Her baby experienced colic, crying for over five hours each night.Breastfeeding was difficult as her milk supply was delayed due to the trauma.Dayna's blood cell count was very low due to blood loss during deliveryKey Takeaways
Inquire and Conduct Research: Educate yourself on various birth methods and ask questions when crucial information is not provided by your healthcare provider.
Develop a Birth Plan: Approach your birth preparation with flexibility by creating a well-thought-out plan that accommodates potential changes.
Advocate for Your Needs: While doctors offer medical guidance, you have the right to advocate for your own preferences, including exploring alternative birthing methods.
Establish a Support System: A reliable and supportive network is crucial throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Final Thoughts
Dayna’s story offers an authentic and unfiltered perspective on the challenges many women face but seldom discuss. If you or someone you know has encountered similar struggles, remember that you are not alone. Join us for part two, where Dayna continues to share her journey through recovery and navigating motherhood after experiencing medical trauma.
📌 Follow us on Instagram @BirthBabiesBusyMoms for updates and community support!
