It is a rare OB or midwife who will support a twin home birth. When Krystle learned she was pregnant with not one but two for her fourth and fifth babies, and after having her third baby at home, she knew she was not going back to hospital birth. Instead, she found Dr. Stu Fischbein of @birthinginstincts to assist her in birthing her twins in the comfort of her home. Today we share her inspiring twin home birth story, where Krystle shares how she educated herself on the knowledge, risks, and safety of twin birth and why she was adamant about doing it at home.* * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s and Trisha&apos;s "Fourth Trimester Workshop" or Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes and weekly postpartum support groups at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.  All of Cynthia&apos;s classes and Trisha&apos;s breastfeeding support sessions are held live online, serving women from coast to coast.Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

Down to Birth

#130 | Krystle's Twin Home Birth with Dr. Stu of Birthing Instincts

The third in our series of provider red flags episodes is here. Today,  Cynthia and Trisha talk about the words, behaviors, and "recommendations" that concern us most around third trimester pregnancy topics such as: elective inductions, big babies, due dates, failure to progress, and vaginal exams.  How your provider thinks about, discusses and manages these topics tells you a lot about whether or not your birth goals will be supported.  We are here to give you our best knowledge and advice on when and how to know if your provider is right for you! Don&apos;t miss our other two episodes in this series:#124 | Provider Red Flags: Your Second Trimester#118 | Your First Trimester: Provider Red Flags* * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s and Trisha&apos;s "Fourth Trimester Workshop" or Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes and weekly postpartum support groups at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut.  To visit out sponsors&apos; websites go to: Postpartum Soothe and Beautiful Births and Beyond.Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#129 | Provider Red Flags in Your Third Trimester

Dr. Stu Fischbein is an OBGYN in California and one of the very few providers who will attend home breech and twin birth.  Breech babies make up about 6% of pregnancies at term but few women will experience a vaginal breech birth.  98% of providers will not support a vaginal breech birth, not because it is dangerous (because it is not); but rather, because OBGYNs and most midwives no longer have the skills to safely support it.  Dr. Stu has a 100% vaginal breech birth success rate for moms who have already had one baby and an 80% success rate for first-time moms.  He believes we are doing a huge disservice to women by not offering them the option to give birth vaginally with a breech baby because we are not thinking about the down-stream effects, including that the mother will likely have a repeat cesarean if she plans to have more children. Today, Dr. Stu walks us through the myths and misconceptions around breech birth and helps us understand why vaginal breech birth is safe and deserves the same care and support as a head-down vaginal birth.  BirthingInstincts.comBirthingInstincts on IG* * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s and Trisha&apos;s "Fourth Trimester Workshop" or Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes and weekly postpartum support groups at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#128 | Vaginal Breech Birth with Dr. Stu of Birthing Instincts: Why It's Safer Than you Think

Our September Q&A is here!  Today, we open the episode with a discussion around choosing the best pediatrician for you and your baby; next we address shoulder dystocia and postpartum hemorrhage followed by questions such as: How do you handle family dynamics where you and your Mother-in-law have differing ideas about where and how to give birth? Is fundal massage after birth necessary? Do you have any tips on how to prevent a big baby? Is using a Haaka harmful or helpful in breastfeeding? Are hiccups in utero related to cord compression? If I have a history of shoulder dystocia, do I need to have a cesarean next time? How often does someone who is planning a natural birth change their mind and go for the epidural?See chapter markers to skip to a specific question.Thank you to all who have submitted these great questions. We look forward to answering more in our next Q&A the last Wednesday of October.* * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com.  We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s and Trisha&apos;s "Fourth Trimester Workshop" or Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes and weekly postpartum support groups at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#127 | September Q&A: Pediatricians, Shoulder Dystocia, Family Dynamics & Birth Choices, Fundal Massage, Preventing Big Babies, Using the Haaka, Fetal Hiccups, Fourth Degree Tears, Changing Your Mind in Birth

Giana is one of our Down To Birth Show listeners whose OB had told her to get an induction at 38 1/2 weeks due to a large baby. When she declined, her OB offered a scheduled Cesarean section as an alternative. Giana noticed the OB emphasized the importance of getting the baby out, but ignored the risk factors associated with induction or scheduled Cesarean.  She took matters into her own hands by hiring midwives and planning a home birth. But then doing her home birth, after the baby&apos;s head was out, they were facing a clear case of shoulder dystocia. When all was said and done, her baby weighed 10 lbs, 12 oz. Listen to Giana&apos;s story about having to move around with just her baby&apos;s head out, and why she wouldn&apos;t do anything differently if she could plan her birth again from the start. Giana is happy to speak to any listener who would like to connect regarding home birthing.* * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s and Trisha&apos;s "Fourth Trimester Workshop" or Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes and weekly postpartum support groups at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#126 | Giana's Shoulder Dystocia Birth at Home

Mabel Bashorun  of withinherbirthservices is a certified Lamazae childbirth educator and certified lactation consultant. Her journey into birth work stems from her unique story of trying to conceive, at age 26, and desiring a vaginal birth while having uterine fibroids. Today, she shares her struggle with achieving her birth goals as a result of her diagnosis and helps other women living with fibroids learn how to advocate for themselves in their pregnancy and birth journey.  She is deeply passionate about women with special scars and/or fibroids receiving the respect and support they deserve in pursuing their birth choices. If you are facing limited options in birth based on special scars or uterine fibroids, this episode is for you. * * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s and Trisha&apos;s "Fourth Trimester Workshop" or Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes and weekly postpartum support groups at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#125 | Uterine Fibroids in Pregnancy: Their Impact on Birth, Uterine Scars, and How Black Women are Affected the Most

We are back today with our 2nd episode in our three-part series on provider red flags. In this segment, we discuss the key issues that may come up in your second trimester and will get you thinking if you are in the right place with the right provider...think glucose screening test, discussions around baby&apos;s size, doulas, attention to your emotional well being,  provider punctuality and conduct, etc.  If you haven&apos;t heard our first episode on provider red flags, you can catch it here: #118 | Your First Trimester: Provider Red Flags* * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#124 | Provider Red Flags: Your Second Trimester

What does it really mean to have an orgasmic birth?  Sure, you might have a “birthgasim,” but more likely you’ll feel the ecstasy of the physiological birth process. In today’s minisode, Trisha walks us through the complex interplay of hormones that brings us to ecstasy in birth and what it takes to get there. * * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#123 | Trisha Mini: Orgasmic Birth: What is it and How Does it Work?

Barbara Harper is an internationally-published author and the founder of Water Birth International.  Her best selling book “Gentle Birth Choices” has been translated into nine languages. Her latest collaborative project was published in May 2021, entitled, “Bringing Birth Home.”  Barbara joined us on Down to Birth to discuss all the benefits of water birth in episode #100.  Today, she is back to share her insight and experience in training obstetric professionals around the world. She helps to identify the qualities that indicate a provider is respectful, supportive, and holistic in his or her view of pregnancy and birth, and details the “green lights” to look for when choosing a provider to support our highest and best birth desires.  * * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#122 | Provider Green Lights: Interview with Barbara Harper on Holistic, Respectful & Supportive Birth Providers

Kayleigh Summers of @thebirthtrauma_mama  joined us on the show in episode #116: Surviving an Amniotic Fluid Embolism, to share her deeply traumatic birth story in which she literally died during childbirth. She and her baby both survived. In that episode we discussed her lengthy and non-linear healing process. It just so happens Kayleigh is also a therapist, who has a unique perspective on her own trauma as well as that of her clients. Today she returns to talk about the impact of birth trauma not on the birthing mother but on the spouse/partner, who can get overlooked or marginalized in the process. Kayleigh talks about how that stress played out with her and her husband in the household, and how  they began their journey toward reconnecting and healing. * * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#121 | Marriage After Birth Trauma with Kayleigh Summers

Hello Again! It is time for our August Q&A. Because we love our IG conversations so much, we open the episode with the very important topic of establishing family boundaries postpartum and share your biggest concerns while offering our best advice.  Next we have a short convo on "good babies" followed by answering your questions including: Is measuring too big a reason for C-section? How to handle questions around the safety of VBAC in a birth center? Is high blood pressure in pregnancy a reason to be induced? In tandem nursing, will the new baby still get colostrum? How do you relax in labor if you have a history of birth trauma? Is there a happy medium between a lotus birth and delayed cord clamping? Do I need to do testing for AMA if my due date is just after my 35th birthday?As always, thank you for your questions and your contributions to this awesome community!* * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#120 | August Q&A: Family Boundaries; Good Babies; Measuring Big; VBAC Safety; Tandem Nursing; PTSD in Labor; Lotus Birth; AMA

Jessica found that community made all the difference, starting in pregnancy. After having a beautiful birth, she ran into significant breastfeeding and even formula challenges. She was moved and humbled when a community formed around her once again to ensure her baby was cared for and fed. Jessica&apos;s story inspires us to seek community and become that lifeline for someone else.* * * * * * * * * *Connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#119 | Jessica's Breastfeeding Struggles After Her Dream Birth

In today&apos;s episode, Cynthia and Trisha present the first of three conversations on determining whether you&apos;ve hired the right provider.  In our experience there are tell-tale warning signs indicating your provider may not be as supportive of your birth goals as you think. When you hear or see this language or behavior, it may be time to look elsewhere.  Stay tuned next month for the second episode in this series.* * * * * * * * * *Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#118 | Your First Trimester: Provider Red Flags

Dr. Jess MD is a NYC based doctor of Psychiatry who sought routine OB care early in her first pregnancy.  When her provider didn&apos;t know which trimester of pregnancy she was in, she realized she was just a number in a system that was not going to support the kind of birth experience she envisioned for herself, her husband, and her baby.  She sought out a home birth midwife and never looked back.  After experiencing birth as the supernatural, spiritual experience it can be, she wants all women, and especially Black women, to know that not only are they safer birthing at home than in the hospital; but also that they too can experience the bliss of a safe, positive birth experience.   Tune in as she shares her journey from OB to midwife to birth at home. * * * * * * * * * *Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#117 | Home Birth of a Black MD from NYC: Why Home Seemed the Safest, Smartest Option

Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive content around birth and birth trauma and may not be for everyone. Kayleigh describes the birth of her son as the worst day of her life; and it literally was because she actually died during birth.  Her son was born via emergency cesarean as she was being resuscitated on the operating table after experiencing an Amniotic Fluid Embolism.  She and her baby survived and are healthy and well but the lasting trauma and post-traumatic stress is something she is still working through two years later.  As a survivor and therapist, she is a voice for of support and encouragement for those who have experienced any kind of birth trauma. Today, she shares her story and her emotional process of recovery to help other mothers who may be struggling with recognizing and processing their birth trauma.  * * * * * * * * * *Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia&apos;s HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/cynthiaovergard)

#116 | Surviving an Amniotic Fluid Embolism, Birth Trauma, and Its Impact on Postpartum

Amid all the information - and misinformation - around pregnancy and childbirth, how can you know you’re making the safest, smartest decisions for yourself and your family? You may even feel you don’t have a voice with your OB or midwife, or you’re not sure what to ask. Tune in each Wednesday with HypnoBirthing expert Cynthia Overgard, who has educated thousands of expecting couples in the NY Metro area since 2007, and Yale-educated Certified Nurse Midwife, Trisha Ludwig. No matter how you plan to birth, Cynthia and Trisha will equip you with evidence-based research and the tools to set into motion a healthier and more satisfying birth and postpartum. They’ll also take your questions and stories (call them at 802-438-3696), bring in subject matter experts, and best of all, connect you to personal stories of real parents.

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