Wonderful Waterbirth with Strong Fetal Ejection Reflex, with Michelle Onaka

In this Birthful Story I talk with Michelle Onaka about the many twist and turns of her path towards becoming a mom, starting with a her fertility journey, completely gutting their house during her pregnancy, and a fabulous waterbirth. Having overcome all those obstacles, she’d figured life with a newborn would be par for the course. However, that was not quite so. Check it out!

To listen here, click the play button on the player above, or click the button below to listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Play.

Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on Google Play MusicListen on Spotify

 

What we talked about:

  • The importance of fertility tracking
  • How a self-proclaimed “over preparer” and “over planner” gets ready for birth
  • Dealing with sciatic nerve pain
  • Tearing out the walls – literally!
  • Returning curtains and other early labor errands
  • Something must be up if you suddenly are able to take a nap
  • Dealing with back pressure
  • Confusion and denial
  • A super strong Fetal Ejection Reflex!
  • The feeling of crowning
  • You don’t need internal cervical checks to have a baby
  • “That’s a baby!”
  • Difficulties in latching (or when others latch your baby for you)
  • Getting over the initial breastfeeding roadblocks with helpful support
  • How to encourage more feedings and better breastfeeding

 

Michelle's week-to-week pregnancy and remodeling transformation (25-32 weeks)

Michelle’s week-to-week pregnancy and remodeling transformation (25-32 weeks)

 

Michelle’s week-to-week pregnancy and remodeling transformation (23-40 weeks)

 

Related resources for birth and postpartum preparation shared by Michelle*:

Websites:

Podcasts:

Postpartum Preparation Course:

 

Gorgeous birthcenter labor room - Birthful Podcast - Michelle Onaka

Gorgeous birthcenter labor room!

 

Related Birthful episodes:

 

All photos used with permission, courtesy of Michelle Onaka

Counter-pressure support in the birth tub

Washcloths and reassurance

Washcloths and reassurance

Meeting baby after waterbirth

Meeting baby after waterbirth

Family portrait postpartum - Birthful Podcast - Michelle Onaka

Family portrait postpartum

Skin-to-skin with dad

Great newborn latch

Great newborn latch

Self-soothing swaddled baby

Self-soothing swaddled baby

Michelle and baby headshot!

Michelle and baby headshot!


 


 

Title music:Vibe Aceby Kevin MacLeod, from the Free Music Archive / CC BY (edited for length).

Sponsorship music:Air Hockey Saloon” by Chris Zabriskie, from the Free Music Archive / CC BY (edited for length).

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