Episode Overview: In this episode, hosts Kia and Dayna dive into Dayna’s personal journey of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum experience. They discuss the emotional and physical challenges of motherhood, the importance of connecting with other mothers, and the often-overlooked complexities of pregnancy and birth.

• The Complexity of Birth and Pregnancy:
  • Birth is often portrayed in simple terms (C-section vs vaginal birth), but there are many other factors, such as complications, that aren't always discussed openly.
  • Dayna and Kia discuss the difficulties and trauma of their own experiences and how these elements often go unaddressed in traditional conversations around pregnancy.
• The Role of Healthcare Providers:
  • Both hosts agree that many women blindly trust their doctors, especially during their first pregnancy. However, trusting the medical system without understanding all the available options can be problematic.
  • Dayna highlights the lack of continuity in care, especially when the OB/GYN who follows your pregnancy isn’t the same one who delivers the baby. This can create additional emotional stress.
• Dayna’s Birth Story:
  • Dayna reflects on her difficult first pregnancy and the complications that arose. Despite medical advice to have a C-section for her second birth, she chose to go with a midwife for a different approach.
  • She credits her midwife with helping her heal emotionally after her traumatic first birth. Dayna’s decision was met with skepticism from some, but she was grateful for the outcome.
• The Importance of Informed Choices:
  • Both hosts stress the need for mothers to be well-informed about their options when it comes to pregnancy and birth, rather than relying on what is commonly “expected.”
  • The decision to go with a midwife was a game-changer for Dayna, showing the importance of advocating for oneself and exploring alternative care methods.
• Challenges in Postpartum Care:
  • The conversation also touched on the struggles of feeding, with Dayna mentioning how she initially struggled with breastfeeding and ended up supplementing with formula to ensure her baby was fed properly.

Stay tuned for the next part of this series where Kia and Dayna continue their discussion on motherhood, trauma, and the realities of postpartum life.