Today we’re talking about the invaluable role of doulas in enhancing birth outcomes with veteran doula Sarah Osborne, also known as the Expert Doula, who has supported over 900 births in her 17-year career. She is also a birth photographer, childbirth educator, and doula mentor. We discuss the critical support doulas provide, from labor coaching to navigating medical systems, and how they help foster informed decision-making. Whether you're expecting a baby, considering a doula, or interested in the birth world, this conversation sheds light on the profound impact of doula support.

What’s inside this episode:

• The significant role doulas play in improving birth outcomes.
• Insights into Sarah’s work as a doula.
• The importance of finding the right doula for you, and how to navigate hiring one.
• Tackling misconceptions about doulas in the birth community.

• 01:23 The Impact of Doulas on Birth Outcomes
• 01:57 Interview with Sarah Osborne: A Veteran Doula
• 04:17 Understanding the Role of a Doula
• 11:26 Prenatal and Birth Support from Doulas
• 14:26 Choosing the Right Doula for Your Birth
• 17:12 Navigating Birth Philosophies and Doula Support
• 22:41 Addressing Doula Training and Systemic Challenges
• 24:46 Navigating Relationships with Medical Staff
• 28:14 The Role of Social Media in Doula and Medical Staff Dynamics
• 34:45 The Importance of Honest Communication
• 43:39 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Follow her on Instagram @the.expert.doula @thebirthcollectivepnw

Visit TheExpertDoula.com TheBirthCollectivePnW.com

More from this episode:

Visit www.thelabormama.com/birth and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!

About your host:

Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.

For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!

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Disclaimer

Opinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.

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Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services