Birth And Parenty Things artwork

Birth And Parenty Things

51 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago -

So many opinions, so much advice, where is a parent to turn. Kim is a veteran doula and childbirth educator, having supported birthing parents in their birth, postpartum and chest feeding journey since 2006. With evidence based information, stories and a little humour, you will learn about birth and parenting from an expert who mixes a scientific and holistic approach to it all.

Parenting Kids & Family
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Episodes

Ep 51 - Newborn Must Haves - Nice To Haves, But Not Necessarily Necessary.

February 09, 2023 12:00 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

This week I go over items that would be beneficial to have to at some point, but may not be necessarily necessary to have now or at all.  

Ep 50 - Newborn Must Haves - Clothes & Dressing

February 02, 2023 12:00 - 20 minutes - 19.3 MB

Why do you do so much baby laundry? What do you actually need for baby in the first few weeks and months?  What do you even wash baby's clothes in? Those questions and more are addressed in this week episode of Birth & Parenty Things.  

Ep 49 - Newborn Must Haves - Bathing & Hygiene

January 26, 2023 12:00 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MB

This week we go over the must haves and tips for bathing your newborn.  Bathing baby for the first time can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be.  

Ep 48 - Newborn Must Haves - Diapering

January 12, 2023 12:00 - 24 minutes - 23.1 MB

Starting a new series on Newborn Must Haves, we look at what you will need for diapering your new little one.  If you want to know more about caring for your new baby, check out my virtual, self paced infant care class on my teaching portal:  https://torontodoulagroup.thinkific.com/courses/infant-care-workshop

Ep. 47 - Redefining Labour Pain

January 05, 2023 12:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MB

We all see labour and birth as painful.  We've had this notion jammed down our throats ever since movies and TV starting showing birth.  But what if the pain in labour were thought of differently? As a physiological function of your body, is this pain something bad or is it a response to the extreme effort your body is going through to birth your baby? Let's discuss. 

Ep. 46 - Natural Induction Techniques

December 15, 2022 12:00 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MB

In this episode that I live streamed on Instagram, I discuss natural induction techniques you can try to use to encourage your body to go into labour, especially if you have a medical induction already scheduled.  

Ep 45 - Natural Induction Techniques To Get Labour Going

December 08, 2022 12:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MB

This week I discuss some popular ways to get your labour going.  We've discussed medical induction the last two weeks, now lets turn our attention to encouraging your body to go into labour on its own.  

Ep 44 - How Do They Trick The Body Into Labour?

December 01, 2022 12:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

This week, still in bathroom remodel mode, I discuss the procedures and medications used by the medical care providers to "trick" your body into going into labour.  

Ep 43 - To Induce Or Not To Induce

November 25, 2022 18:23 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MB

This week I'm a little late.  With bathroom renovations happening I was hard pressed to find some quiet time to record.  But I got lucky.  In this episode I will be examining the reasons why medical inductions are done as part of a series of episodes around inductions of labour.   If you have a story to share about your induction please send it to [email protected]  Evidence On: Pregnancy At Age 35 and Older

Ep 42 - A Quick Break Down Of How I Got Here

November 17, 2022 12:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MB

Due to some overwhelming life hurdles and a bout of depression, I'm giving you a quick break down of who I am and how I got here as a doula.  As well as an announcement of where I will be focusing my energy in the future.  

Ep 41 - 3 Areas To Focus On Prenatally To Make Your Infant Feeding Journey Go More Smoothly.

November 10, 2022 12:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MB

After a few months of working with several new parents I've notice a pattern in infant feeding.  It's not going well.  So here are three areas you can focus on prenatally to maybe make it easier for you when exclusive breast/body feeding doesn't go as planned.  

Ep 40 - What If You Don't Like Your Birth?

November 03, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB

This week I delve into the negative feeling you may have about your own birth, even if it was the birth of your dreams.  

Ep. 39 - Episiotomies and Another Ghosty Story

October 27, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 18.4 MB

This week I dig briefly into episiotomies. What they are about, when they are necessary and how to avoid them.  Plus I have another wee ghosty story for the spooky season. 

Ep 38 - Second Night Syndrome, What Is It? How To Survive It

October 20, 2022 11:00 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

This week I discuss Second Night, or the period of time when you get home with your new baby and how to manage it.  Resources From This Week:  St Joes in Hamilton Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC/RLC Fed Is Best Sunnybrook Hospital Mount Sinai Hospital - page 24

Ep 37 - Postpartum Mood And Anxiety Disorders In Male Parents

October 13, 2022 11:00 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

This week I chat about postpartum mood and anxiety disorders in the male parent.  Often not talked about but more common than you'd think, we need to address that the male parent has had a new baby too.  And sometimes they can struggle with the adjustment.  

Ep 36 - Pitocin! The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

October 06, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MB

A quick episode on my thoughts on Pitocin. If you are being induced check out my pre-recorded virtual class and use the coupon code: Induction10 for 10$ off.  https://torontodoulagroup.thinkific.com/courses/labour-induction-101

Ep 35 - Water, A Very Helpful Tool In Labour & Delivery

September 29, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MB

This week I tell my furnace maintenance story and then I give some tips for using water in your labour and delivery. Have comments or questions please do not hesitate to email me at [email protected]

Ep 34 - Vaginal Exams, The Good, The Bad And The Unnecessary

September 22, 2022 11:00 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

This week I chat about vaginal exams, consent and the benefits and risks associated with them. 

Ep 33 - The Emotional Journey After Birth

September 15, 2022 11:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MB

Have you planned for life after baby? You've taken the classes, read the books and learned how to diaper baby.  But have you considered how you are going to feel after baby comes into your life? The emotions you may feel, all the ups and downs of life after baby.  This week I talk about how you may be feeling in the first weeks after baby is born and how to manage those emotions.   For more postpartum support check out my website at TorontoDoulaGroup.com And Follow Me On TikTok or Instagra...

Ep 32 - I'm Back!!! Creating Kind And Empathetic Kids

September 08, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MB

I'm back!! Did you even think it was going to happen? I actually didn't.  But after almost a year off, and doing a lot of reflecting, I'm back. This week I'm talking about how I ruined my child, how I was called out on it by my other child and how I fixed it.  Bare with me, I'm still finding my feet here. Mentioned in the episode:  Follow me on TikTok Check out my classes here: Toronto Doula Group Classes

Ep 31 - Areas To Focus On In The Early Postpartum Period

October 22, 2021 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MB

Did you miss me last week? I've got a good excuse.  Family always comes first.  But I'm back and decided to look at where you should focus your energies in the first week or so after getting home with baby.  I hope you find it helpful. Toronto Doula Group Info and Classes

Ep 30 - How Will I Know I'm In Labour?

October 08, 2021 09:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MB

This week I discuss what to expect in the weeks to days leading up to your labour.  What symptoms to look for, how to tell if its true labour or practice labour, and how to time a contraction.   For more information on classes check out www.TorontoDoulaGroup.com/About-3 For our Freebies Library check out www.TorontoDoulaGroup.com/Freebies

Ep 29 - 5 Myths About Epidurals

October 01, 2021 09:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MB

This week I dig into some common myths about epidurals that really seem to be holding on and persisting.   What are some myths you've heard about epidurals? Let me know, email me at [email protected]

Ep 28 - 2 Ways Stress Can Affect Your Labour

September 24, 2021 09:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MB

This week I delve into how stress can prevent your labour from starting and also slow or stop your labour if it happens during the labour.  As well as ways to help prevent that from happening.   Were you stressed during your labour or in the days and weeks prior to labour starting? Tell me about it and how it affected your birth.  Feel free to email me at [email protected]

Ep 27 - TW - We Were In The NICU Three Time

September 17, 2021 09:00 - 48 minutes - 45.3 MB

This episode comes with a warning.  I finally discuss the birth of my first son and it is traumatic. As well, I cover the NICU stays of all three of my children. If you are pregnant, I actually encourage you not to listen.  If you have had pregnancy loss, this story may hit too close to home.  

Ep 26 - I'm Not Crying, You're Crying

September 10, 2021 09:00 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MB

I'm back!!! After a needed break to deal with some family and business issues, I'm back and hopefully better than before!  This week I take on crying.  Baby's crying and yours.  Because lets be honest, we are birthing and raising families in a pandemic and that is some hard stuff to deal with.  Links Mentioned In The Podcast:  www.TorontoDoulaGroup.com/Freebies https://www.torontodoulagroup.com/about-3 Newborn Care Class

Ep 25 - Balance Is Impossible!!

August 13, 2021 09:00 - 24 minutes - 23 MB

Work/Life balance is impossible to achieve! So stop trying! What if we focused on harmony, what if we concentrated on specific things that needed our attention and not worried about the other things.  When we give equal attention to all the things, we will like crash and burn.  So stop trying.  This week I talk about how I'm managing my work/life situation, and its not easy.  And for new parents its not easy either.  

Ep 24 - Mental Health And Pressure In Young People

July 30, 2021 09:00 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MB

This week, with my daughter as my special guest, we discuss the pressures and mental health issues facing young people today.  

Ep 23 - Another Birth Story & Nose Coupons

July 23, 2021 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

This week I chat about my first birth as a Doula that happened 15 yrs ago this week and the strange and weird things that my son used to stuff up his nose.  

Ep 22 - The Story Of My Third Birth

July 16, 2021 15:18 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MB

Telling my birth stories isn't something I usually do as a doula but everyone loves to listen to birth stories so I thought I would start by telling you the birth of my third child.  This is the one that led me to become a doula.  Enjoy.  Want to share your birth story? Email me at [email protected]

Ep 21 - Making Birth Less Clinical & What Your Kid Swallows

July 09, 2021 14:11 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MB

This week I give my ideas and tips for birthing in a hospital and making it less clinical and the time my toddlers swallowed things they shouldn't and not swallowing things they should.  How to get creative with toddlers.  [email protected] to share your stories. 

Ep 20 - The First Few Days And Weeks Postpartum

July 02, 2021 23:33 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MB

This week I briefly go over the first few weeks of your postpartum period.  It isn't easy but having support can make it easier.

Ep 19 - More Sandwiches And Newborn Struggles

June 23, 2021 09:00 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MB

This week we hear more about the continuing saga of Uncle Harry and the recent struggles of having a newborn.  

Ep 18 - More Sandwich Gen And Skin To Skin

June 10, 2021 17:17 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MB

This week I stress again about the baloney in a generational sandwich, being torn between two other generations who need my help and support and I also chat about the massive benefits of skin to skin, right after birth and beyond.  Skin to skin incredible and something I wish I had done more of with my own kids.   Send your comments and questions to [email protected]

Ep 17 - Trigger Warning And Big Babies

June 02, 2021 09:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MB

This week I discuss the aotrocities that we have seen in the news this week and if big babies should be an automatic cesarean birth.   Do you have comments? or questions you would like answered on the podcast, shoot me an email at [email protected]  

Ep 16 - Virtual Doulas And Adult Bullys

May 26, 2021 10:00 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MB

This week I discuss what it is I do as a virtual doula and how kids and adults are being bullied in school.  Teachers bullying students and other teachers is as big a problem as students bullying students.   Have questions, comments? Send me an email at [email protected]

Ep 15 - Packing Lists And The Sandwich Generation

May 19, 2021 17:26 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MB

This short but sweet episode goes through the stresses of trying to be a mum to three kids, take of my elderlies, run a business and take some courses.  Its not easy.  I also discuss what to pack for the hospital for your birth, and offer some tips for these particular items that I suggest.  Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe, and tell a friend.  And feel free to email me at [email protected]

Ep 14 - Hypnobirthing, Your Baby Registry And Language

May 13, 2021 16:12 - 56 minutes - 52.7 MB

A very busy week for me, sorry for the delay.  This week I discuss Hypnobirthing and what its all about, I offer some non-gadget things to add to your baby registry and I have a rant at the end to discuss inclusive language and why it isn't erasing mothers but can make all people feel included in a space where they would otherwise feel excluded or unsafe.   Have comments email me at: [email protected]

Ep 13 - Happy Mother's Day, I See You!

May 04, 2021 17:12 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MB

This week I discuss how crappy being a parent in covid is, as well as how Hollywood gets birth wrong and three shows that have recently done birth episodes, The Good Doctor, New Amsterdam and Station 19.  And a shout out to all the birth parents for "Mothers Day" this week.   Have a story or comment to share, email me at [email protected]

Ep 12 - Pregnancy's Last Weeks/Baby's First Year Advice

April 28, 2021 13:35 - 32 minutes - 30.4 MB

This week I offer some advice on the incredibly long final weeks of pregnancy and how to manage them.  And how to manage the year of firsts with your new human.  It can be rough sometimes but remember your baby isn't a lump of clay but a human with an ever changing developing brain.   Do you have comments or concerns? Please email me at [email protected]

Ep 11 - Naturally Inducing The Word No

April 21, 2021 11:51 - 47 minutes - 43.7 MB

This week I talk about a couple of things that have come up this week, and "natural" induction methods.  And the art of saying no to your child.  Here's a spoiler, you just say no. 

Ep 10 - Ramblings Of A Mum In A Pandemic

April 14, 2021 18:49 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MB

This weeks topics...there aren't any.  The pandemic is finally, after a year, gotten to me, and I have no topic.  But I do have several opinions on quite a bit that is going on in my world.   Send comments to [email protected]

Ep 9 - My Favourite Birth Books And Grandparent Advice

April 07, 2021 16:55 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MB

This week I delve into some of the birth and postpartum books that I love and respect.  I also have a discussion on how to deal with well meaning grandparents, a topic brought to me by a listener.  And we finish off the episode with a couple of cute historical birthing rituals from my own Scottish and Irish culture.  If you have any thing you want to share, please don't hesitate to email me at [email protected]

Ep 8 - What To Drink In Labour - A Minisode

March 31, 2021 13:59 - 19 minutes - 18.5 MB

After a very heavy podcast last week and a very crazy week I thought I'd keep it short and sweet this week with a brief episode on what to drink and eat during labour.   Did you have something special during your labour that you want to share? Then email me at [email protected]

Ep 7 - My Postpartum Depression Journey

March 24, 2021 11:01 - 48 minutes - 45.2 MB

This week, as promised, I discuss my mental health journey.  Through three kids, a family history of depression and a broken marriage, its no wonder my depression is a journey.  So follow along and I hope it will help, or prepare you for what may lie ahead.

Ep 6 Vaginal Exams And Being Touched Out

March 17, 2021 11:35 - 33 minutes - 31.3 MB

This week I talk about pre labour vaginal exams and the practice of stretch and sweeps in the Birth section and in the Parenty section I get personal in a chat about being touched out after baby comes.   If you have comments please feel free to email me at [email protected]

Ep 5 Back Labour And Safe Sleep

March 10, 2021 14:53 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MB

This week I discuss the ins and outs of the dreaded back labour you can get from a baby is an unoptimal position and how to avoid it or correct it if it happens.  In our parenting section I outline the Safe Sleep guidelines and get passionate about a particular popular product.  Have questions please feel free to email me at [email protected]

Ep 4 Episiotomies And Night Terrors

March 03, 2021 13:15 - 36 minutes - 34.2 MB

This week I delve into the leg crossing topic of episiotomies and night terrors that can occur in your toddlers and children.  Having had experience with both you will hear some stories and how to manage both of them. 

Ep 3 - The Cravings Of A Mother Bear

February 24, 2021 12:15 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MB

This week I discuss pregnancy cravings and mother bear syndrome.  Have you ever had weird pregnancy cravings? What about standing up and behind your kid when they need you? Listen to this episode to hear about my cravings, and how my mum stood up for me back in the day.  Send your comments and stories to me at [email protected]

Ep 2 Epidurals And Virtual School

February 17, 2021 13:17 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MB

How are you managing the pandemic? This week we chat about epidurals and how we are managing virtual school at my house.  Spoiler alert, not well.  So join me as I answer a question asked of me in my prenatal class and how I'm helping my kids manage school in a pandemic.