🌊 In this episode of Empowering Postpartum I had the privilege of interviewing Midwife Jen Grieco Desmarais, CPM, RM about waterbirth.🌊
We discussed the safety and benefits of waterbirth, physiological aspects of babies born in water, and the importance of informed decision-making in birth options. This episode offers valuable information for expectant parents considering waterbirth or seeking a more empowering birth experience. 🤰🌊 🤱
About Our Guest:
With over 15 years of midwifery experience, Jennifer Grieco has dedicated her life to supporting families throughout many of life’s significant events, but especially through the sacred journey of childbirth. Her midwifery approach is rooted in the belief that birth is not simply a physical event but soul work, a co-creation of a deeply personal and empowering experience. Jen stands by the principle that every individual's body, baby, and choices deserve utmost respect, advocating for a prenatal, birth and postpartum experience that is safe and protected. Her passion is waterbirth and she loves educating families on the safety and positive benefits/outcomes from a waterbirth experience. When Jen is not attending births, she is busy educating midwifery students to ensure that the next generation of birth stewards continue with the knowledge, safety and respect that she so deeply instills in anyone she works with.
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Show Notes:
Introduction (01:45)
Guest Jennifer Griego, midwife with 15+ years of experience (01:28)
Jennifer's journey into midwifery
Started as a nurse, then became a certified professional midwife
Personal experience with different birth scenarios, including waterbirth
Safety of waterbirth (04:31)
Controversial topic, but studies support its safety
Requires knowledge and trust in the process
Benefits of laboring in water (07:14)
Physiological aspects of waterbirth (15:28)
How babies transition from placental perfusion to breathing
Trigeminal nerve and initiation of first breath
Exploring birth options and informed decision-making (22:54)
Importance of researching different birth environments
Considering personal comfort and safety
Importance of partner involvement in birth planning (25:40)
Communication and shared decision-making
Partner's role in advocacy and support
Selecting the right birth team and provider (28:13)
Interviewing potential providers
Importance of feeling respected and heard
Healing potential of waterbirth for trauma survivors (34:31)
Creating a safe and empowering birth environment
Prenatal care and provider relationship (42:50)
Jennifer's approach: hour-long prenatal visits, 12-15 appointments
Addressing fears and emotional preparation for birth
Postpartum care (44:01)
Importance of multiple postpartum check-ins
Connection between prenatal care, birth experience, and postpartum outcomes
Connect with Jennifer Griego (45:14)
