Birth Doula 101 - What to Expect From A Birth Doula with Esther Gallagher

Birth Doula 101 - What to Expect From A Birth Doula with Esther Gallagher

Author: Sarah Roselinda Trott October 22, 2023 Duration: 30:25
Birth Doula 101 is an essential primer on what birth doulas do, when to hire one, and what to expect from a practical standpoint. Learn from Esther Gallagher who has been a birth and postpartum doula for over 30 years. In this podcast episode, Sarah Trott and Esther Gallagher discuss the role of a birth doula and the services they provide, including non-medical support, physical comfort, advocacy, and referrals. They also emphasize the importance of having a birth plan, advocating for the birthing person's preferences, and considering a community doula for targeted support. Whether booking a birth doula early in pregnancy or closer to the due date, their presence can greatly enhance the birthing experience and provide much-needed support for both the birthing person and their partner. Choosing to work with a birth doula can be a valuable investment in a positive and empowering birth experience. Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Sarah Trott, a new mother herself, navigates the profound and often overlooked transition into parenthood alongside her postpartum doula and co-host, Esther Gallagher. Their conversations form the heart of Fourth Trimester: The First Months and Beyond. This isn't just a parenting podcast; it's a dedicated space exploring the physical, emotional, and logistical realities of the postpartum period, that critical window after birth where both baby and parents are learning and healing. Esther brings decades of experience as a perinatal educator and care provider, offering grounded wisdom, while Sarah asks the questions from her fresh, personal perspective as a mom to a vibrant baby girl. Together, they delve into topics from newborn care and maternal recovery to mental health and redefining identity, all with a focus on practical support and non-judgmental guidance. Listening feels like being welcomed into an honest, supportive conversation between a trusted mentor and a friend who's in the thick of it. You'll hear their genuine rapport and the tangible benefit of this partnership, as they aim to fill the common gap in care and preparation for life with a new baby. This podcast serves as an audio companion for mothers, fathers, and all caregivers seeking to nurture themselves as they nurture their newborn, moving through the fourth trimester and beyond with more confidence and compassion.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Fourth Trimester: The First Months and Beyond | Parenting | Newborn Baby | Postpartum | Doula
Podcast Episodes
Baby Nervous System Development for Calmer Babies and Better Sleep [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:11
Your baby’s nervous system is the foundation for sleep, emotional regulation, and lifelong health, yet most parents are never shown what actually supports its development. In this episode, you’ll learn how everyday momen…
Reduce Birth Anxiety and Feel Calmer About Birth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:06
Learn how to reduce birth anxiety and feel calmer, more grounded, and in control during birth using simple, practical tools. Erin Acharya, a certified clinical hypnotherapist and hypnobirthing instructor, shares how to w…
Prepare for Life After Baby with the Right Postpartum Support [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:59
Preparing for birth is only part of the journey. What happens after baby arrives matters just as much.This is about how to have a well-resourced fourth trimester so that you know what actions you can take in the first we…
Postpartum Recovery Support Through the Sacred Window [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:59
We are covering fourth trimester fundamentals with this conversation and talking about what is needed in the first few weeks and months after birth. We're looking at postpartum recovery support through the lens of Ayurve…
Birth Center vs Hospital Birth - Which Is Right for You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:54
In this episode, we explore birth center vs hospital birth, and what parents should know before deciding where to welcome their baby.Our guests are Certified Nurse Midwife Nancy Myrick, co-founder of the San Francisco Bi…
Transition to Grandparenthood with Confidence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:36
In this episode, perinatal psychologist Dr. Shosh shares how becoming a grandparent may reactivate old experiences, including anxiety from early parenthood. We explore healthy boundaries, communication, and how families…
Does My Baby Have Tongue Tie? How to Know and What to Do Next [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:40
In this episode, IBCLC and Certified Nurse Midwife Lisa Paladino explains how to recognize tongue tie symptoms, when breastfeeding pain needs evaluation, and what to expect from treatment.Learn how to make an informed de…
Support Your Body with Yoga for Your Yoni with Britt Fohrman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:08
It's time to find out what the word "yoni" means. And, how to tune into your pelvic floor.This episode is about leaning into your innate power and wisdom. Learn how to pause and honor the profound transitions that happen…
Heal Diastasis Recti Safely with Leah Keller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:42
If you had a best friend who knew everything there was to know about how to heal Diastasis Recti safely, your friend would be Leah Keller.She's our guest on this episode and our topic is a very deep dive into how to iden…