Samantha is also a VBAC mom (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), a surrogate, a bereaved parent, and a former plus size mom. Her journey through motherhood’s diverse facets and extensive experience as a birth professional make her an invaluable guest on the Plus Mommy Podcast.

Samantha’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

She shares her experiences with raw honesty, from facing fatphobia during her first pregnancy to becoming a midwife dedicated to providing size-friendly care.

The Importance of Size-Inclusive Care

One of the most poignant aspects of Samantha’s journey is her transition from a hospital birth, marked by traumatic experiences, to embracing midwifery and home birth.

She highlights the significant differences in care and support she received from her midwives, who encouraged her to nourish her body and provided a nurturing environment throughout her pregnancies.

Samantha’s journey into midwifery began after her own challenging pregnancy experiences. She faced fatphobia head-on when a healthcare provider told her she was “too fat to eat.”

This painful moment led her to seek a different kind of care for her subsequent pregnancies, ultimately finding a supportive and inclusive midwife who encouraged her to eat and nourish her body.

As a midwife, Samantha focuses on seeing the person first, respecting their expertise about their own body, and providing care that meets their unique needs.

Inclusive Practices in Midwifery

As a midwife, Samantha emphasizes the importance of inclusive practices.

She ensures that her care is respectful and individualized, providing appropriate equipment such as larger cuffs and chairs without arms.

She always asks for consent before touching her clients and respects their preferences. Creating a safe and supportive environment for all is very important to Samantha.

Addressing Nutritional Needs

One of Samantha’s key insights is the importance of addressing nutritional needs without judgment.

She highlights the necessity of eating well and nourishing the body, especially during pregnancy, and warns against the dangers of food restriction due to societal conditioning.

Her approach is evidence-based and compassionate, focusing on the person’s well-being during pregnancy and the baby.

Home Birth Access for Plus Size Individuals

For those considering home birth, Samantha advises interviewing multiple midwives. This way you’ll find someone who truly understands and respects your unique needs.

She encourages expectant parents to trust their instincts and seek out size-friendly care providers who create inclusive and supportive environments.

Samantha’s Message to Plus Size Pregnant Individuals

Samantha’s message to plus size pregnant individuals is clear: you are the expert of your own body, and you deserve respectful, compassionate care.

Tune in to episode 222 of the Plus Mommy Podcast to hear Samantha Venn’s full story. We also honor the memory of her son, Bram, who tragically died due to a distracted driver.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 222

Resources Mentioned On The Show

• You can find Samantha Venn at Meadowsweet Midwifery, serving the greater Colorado metro area.
• Connect with Samantha on Instagram and Facebook for more insights and support on your pregnancy journey.

The post Size-Inclusive Home Birth Midwife Shares Her Journey and Insights appeared first on Plus Mommy.

A strong support team can significantly impact your overall experience and well-being, from physical and emotional support to guidance through the complexities of childbirth and early parenthood.

Let’s delve into the importance of creating a solid team for birth and postpartum with insights from Kristen Revere, an elite birth and postpartum doula. 

Kristen shares her expertise on assembling a dream team of professionals, the benefits of having a doula, and practical tips for finding and affording the support you need.

Join us as we explore the various types of birth support team members, the value of postpartum care, and the strategies to make these essential services accessible. 

Whether you’re an expectant parent or a birth professional, you’ll gain valuable information to help you navigate this transformative journey.

Benefits of Hiring a Doula

When it comes to birth support, the first thing that often comes to mind is a doula, so let’s begin there.

A doula provides continuous physical, emotional, and educational support, reducing the need for interventions and increasing overall satisfaction, even if the birth plan changes. 

Doulas are familiar with hospital policies and can help navigate decisions by providing information on the risks, benefits, and alternatives to non-emergent interventions. 

The evidence is clear: doula support leads to better outcomes and higher satisfaction rates.

Finding the Right Doula

When interviewing doulas, consider their experience, personality, and budget. 

Look for doulas with specific training or certification in areas that are important to you, such as a size-friendly doula who has completed size-inclusivity training. 

A good fit between you and your doula is crucial! 

Postpartum Doula Support

Postpartum doulas offer invaluable support to the entire family, not just the newborn. 

They assist with household tasks, accompany clients to appointments, provide sibling care, and offer emotional support for the family.  

This holistic approach helps ensure the family feels supported and cared for during the critical postpartum period.

Creating Your Support Team

Building a birth and postpartum support team goes well beyond hiring a doula.

Kristen emphasizes identifying your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum goals if you’re wondering where to start. 

Whether it’s trying to avoid induction or seeking Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC), having a clear understanding of your goals helps in assembling the right team. 

It’s essential to have open conversations with your care provider early on to ensure they are on board with your preferences.

Types of Birth Support Team Members

In addition to doulas, there are several key professionals and support team members you might consider for your birth and postpartum journey:

• Midwives: Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and home birth midwives can provide personalized care throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
• Lactation Consultants: International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) offer specialized lactation support.
• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists: These specialists help with recovery and strengthening post-birth, addressing issues such as incontinence and pelvic pain.
• Chiropractors: Chiropractors can help with prenatal adjustments to align your body for an optimal birth.
• Acupuncturists: Prenatal acupuncture can support overall wellness, reduce stress, and prepare your body for labor.
• Mental Health Therapists: Therapists specializing in perinatal mood disorders can provide crucial support for mental health during and after pregnancy.
• Sleep Consultants: Postpartum sleep consultants assist in establishing healthy sleep patterns for your baby, which can significantly impact the entire family’s well-being.
• Childbirth Educators: Classes on childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care can prepare you for the journey ahead, providing valuable knowledge and confidence.

Supporting the Cost of Your Birth and Postpartum Team

Here are several strategies for making these essential services more accessible:

• Insurance Coverage: Check if your insurance covers services like physical therapy, lactation consulting, and chiropractic care. Some states now include doulas in their Medicaid programs.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Use these pre-tax accounts to pay for eligible services, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
• Employer Benefits: Some companies offer maternity benefits that include coverage for doulas and other support services. 
• Community Resources: Look for nonprofit organizations and hospital programs that offer doula services and other support on a sliding scale or for free.
• Registries and Gift Funds: Instead of traditional baby gifts, set up a registry for support services through platforms where friends and family can contribute.
• Personal Budgeting: Prioritize your spending based on your birth and postpartum goals. Consider reallocating funds from non-essential items to invest in support services that will benefit your family’s well-being.

Whether through a doula, community resources, or personal support networks, having the right team in place can make a significant difference in your experience. 

Learn even more during episode 215 of the Plus Mommy Podcast. During this episode, we explore how to build your birth and postpartum support team with expert insights from Kristen Revere. Discover the benefits of having a doula, the importance of postpartum support, and practical tips for finding and affording essential support services. You’ll also learn about Kristen’s book, “Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby.”

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 215

Transcript happily provided upon request.

Resources Mentioned On The Show

• Connect with Kristin via her Gold Coast Doulas website and Instagram.
• Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby
• Ask the Doulas Podcast
• How Research is Revealing Fat Shaming in Maternity Care

Kristin Revere owns Gold Coast Doulas and co-hosts the Ask the Doulas podcast. She is an elite certified birth and postpartum doula. Kristin is also a newborn care specialist. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her two children and husband. She has a step daughter who is in college.

The post How to Build Your Birth and Postpartum Support Team appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Interview with Dawn Thompson

Becoming a doula in 2002 transformed the way Dawn viewed her birth experiences. 

She realized she didn’t need the induction that led to her cesarean delivery with her first child. And she wasn’t prepared for the VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) that she attempted with her second, and ultimately had another cesarean birth. 

Dawn shares, “I just didn’t know what I didn’t know. And that’s unfortunetly what pretty much every woman in America faces when they’re going down the road of having a baby.”

So, she hit the ground running with her doula business and became very involved in the San Diego, California, birth community. 

And sadly, what she saw in the hospitals appalled her. 

When looking at the maternity standards set by prestigious organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, she saw a gap between what she was learning about birth to what was actually happening in the hospital system. 

For many years, Dawn wondered why the media and people weren’t discussing the overuse of interventions and extremely high cesarean birth rates. 

“I really believe that pregnant folks would make a lot of different decisions if they had all of the information.”

Then in 2011, a San Diego nurse leaked a report showing an 80% cesarean birth rate on Thursdays and Fridays. The assumption being OB-GYNS on staff could avoid going to work on the weekends. 

Dawn asked herself again why someone wasn’t doing something. Then she realized she could be that someone! 

Dawn was ready with a background in PR and marketing and a few years of doula and community leadership experience under her belt.

She knew the local paper was working on an exposé about the hospital with an article titled “The Unkindest Cut.” So, Dawn planned a rally in front of the medical facility three days after the sold-out issue of the paper dropped.

There was a big media blitz, and the hospital took note. They even invited Dawn to come and speak!

Improving Birth

Nine months later, Improving Birth was born to create safer birth for all.

The first national rally to improve birth was on Labor day 2012, with participation from 110 cities in 46 states!

A big team of volunteers, including Rebecca Dekker, Ph.D., RN, of Evidence Based Birth, and Cristen Pascucci of Birth Mononlopy, kept Improving Birth going strong for over seven years.

Dawn’s passion for reducing unnecessary induction and cesarean birth rates didn’t end when Improving Birth did. She continued her advocacy work and is now the founder of Birthify with online pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support.

Tips For Reducing Cesarean Birth Rates:

• Take an out-of-hospital childbirth education class.
• Look for dependable, educational resources, and research the risks and benefits when your care provider makes a recommendation.
• Hire a doula or tap into resources like Birthify.
• Retraining and certification around informed consent for care providers.
• More midwives and expanded access to midwifery care.

Listen as Dawn shares her story and how she has seen birth change over the past 20 years during episode 194 of the Plus Mommy Podcast.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 194

Transcript happily provided upon request.

Resources Mentioned On The Show

• Connect with Dawn Thompson via her Birthify website, Tiktok, Instagram, and Facebook.
• Parsing the ARRIVE Trial: Should First-Time Parents Be Routinely Induced at 39 Weeks?
• Woman Forced Into Violent Episiotomy Settles With Doctor

Dawn Thompson is the founder of ImprovingBirth.org and Birthify.net, two organizations dedicated to improving maternal health and the birthing experience. With a background in marketing and doula work, she advocates for informed consent and evidence-based care in childbirth. Through her work with, Dawn empowers families to make informed decisions and promote safe, positive birth experiences. She is a respected leader in the field of maternal and child health, and a keynote speaker at conferences and events across the country.

The post Fighting To Improve Birth With Dawn Thompson appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Weight Bias In Maternity Care

Dr. Neel Shah, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School is committed to improving maternity care.

What is the biggest risk factor for having a c-section?

Cesarean birth rates have increased by 500% in one generation, and people are quick to blame people of size.

Dr. Shah explains, “The biggest risk factor for getting a c-section is not actually your medical risks or your personal preferences. It’s which door you walk through – it’s which hospital you go to.”

It’s critical people research their selected medical facility and learn about the c-section rates.

People of size also need to connect with a size-friendly care provider.

However, that’s much easier said than done.

Beyond the difficulty of finding someone who is size-inclusive, accessing medical facilities with qualified providers can be extremely difficult in rural areas.

As well as socio-economic barriers for people to even feel as if they have a choice when selecting a care provider, let alone a medical facility.  

Add to that, many birth centers and even medical facilities have BMI restrictions.

Does weight stigma in maternity care play a role in the high c-section rate for people of size?

“I believe it to be true. And we should be totally unequivocal about that. I think bias plays a large role.”

Dr. Shah is clear that we need to be aware of the increased risks during pregnancy for people of size and provide patients with screening and support to mitigate the risks.

In addition, “Having a high-risk pregnancy does not mean that you’ll have a high-risk labor. That is really, really important because labor is what predicts your need for a c-section. There is nothing about having a higher BMI that I’m aware of that says you can’t labor normally.

And so much of having a normal delivery depends on having agency having confidence in yourself and then having a care team that shares that confidence and believes in your agency.”

What are your thoughts on BMI restrictions for people who go into pregnancy without any pre-existing conditions, so they are overall healthy individuals who have a higher BMI?

Dr. Shah worries about this trend for multiple reasons.

Being turned away from a selected medical facility can be stigmatizing and even traumatic for people.

He also understands there are logistical considerations when supporting people of size. He compares the limitations to those placed on people who desire vaginal birth after cesarean.

“I don’t think it’s right to be designing a health care system in which you know, because of your BMI, you are told you can’t safely give birth at a facility. If that’s the case, that facility deserves resources and investment. That community deserves resources and investment – because childbirth is so fundamental.”

What has been your journey of realizing your size bias and wanting to support people of size with compassion and dignity?

“By screwing up plenty. I think whether it’s been biases around size, race, gender, nationality, other things that we hold as being core to our identity, for me, you know, I’m not the exception.

I’m part of the systems that have failed to adequately care for so many people that have felt marginalized and oppressed by the way the system is now.

And I think mostly, I’ve had the good fortune of having colleagues like you, who are really powerful advocates, have helped teach me and made me reflect my own biases. As well as patients, and I think when people you know, sort of call you out, it’s a gift sometimes, it’s an opportunity to reflect.”

What would you say to other clinicians and doctors who want to do this work but are struggling with their own internalized biases?

Dr. Shah encourages people to start by being a bit forgiving.

It’s essential to address biases, but we also need to hold a system accountable for ensuring that we attend to people’s lived experiences and support people in the right ways – from racial disparities to weight biases and beyond!

There’s a lot of work to be done to address weight stigma in maternity care.

He feels now’s an exciting time when people are starting to have difficult conversations that will lead to needed change from size bias to racial disparities in healthcare!

Should people of size to be labeled high risk based only upon their BMI?

It’s becoming more common for people to be labeled high-risk based only on their BMI without any underlying health conditions.

Being classified as high-risk during pregnancy can limit a person’s access to the midwifery model of care and even where they can give birth.

Subsequently, more appointments and testing can add a time and financial burden to pregnant people. And all of this oversight sometimes leads to medical interventions that aren’t always needed.

In addition, “If we’re using somebody’s BMI to predict what’s likely to happen to them, we have to be very clear about what that prediction is based on.

And if it’s based on doing a lot of unnecessary scenarios on people solely because of their BMI, then we’re going to predict that people with higher BMI need more c-sections if that makes sense. We do the same thing with race. So we’ve really messed this up!”

What can a pregnant person of size do to help reduce their risk of having a cesarean birth?

Dr. Shah emphasizes the critical importance of self-advocacy and making sure you’re being heard!

If you don’t feel like your care provider is listening to you, then take the opportunity to pause and say something like, I know that this is something that you see commonly. But you know, for me, this is how it feels. If you feel scared, tell your care provider.

“80% to 90% of all of the root causes of things that lead to harm in childbirth are fundamentally failures of communication and teamwork. And so in those moments, I can’t emphasize this enough where you don’t feel heard, doing everything you can to at least make sure you’re being heard! And to try to do so in a way that is on the empathy level with the clinician, where you recognize that this may be routine for them, but it’s not routine for you.”

Listen below as Dr. Shah goes into far more depth with each answer above about weight stigma in maternity care. He also shares the outstanding work he’s doing to improve maternity care for people of all sizes!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 133

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Fat-Shaming The Pregnant: How The Medical Community Fails Overweight Moms (article featuring Jen and Dr. Shah).
• Connect with Dr. Shah via Instagram and Twitter.
• Learn more about his work with March For Moms

Dr. Neel Shah, MD, MPP, FACOG, is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School. He is the founding Director of the Delivery Decisions Initiative at Harvard’s Ariadne Labs.

His work focuses on partnering with people giving birth to design solutions that enable them to thrive. As an obstetrician-gynecologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Dr. Shah cares for patients at critical life moments that range from childbirth to primary care to surgery.

As a scientist and social entrepreneur, he is a globally recognized expert in designing solutions that improve health care.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This episode is also brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide. The guide covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post Why We Need To Be Talking About Weight Stigma In Maternity Care appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Plus Size Cesarean Birth Stories

For many years, Morgan avoided going to the doctor for fear of being mistreated because of her size.

As Morgan started trying to conceive, she had some concerns. So, she reached out to a plus size friend who shared they had great pregnancies and encouraged her to “Go for it!”

Morgan connected with an OB-GYN a co-worker recommended.

During her first prenatal visit, her care provider reassured Morgan that she could have a healthy plus size pregnancy!

Her care provider’s office had size-inclusive seating options. Morgan’s weight was taken discretely, and the number was never said out loud. She felt completely supported!

One time she had her blood pressure taken with the wrong-size cuff. Her care provider noticed the inconsistent reading and the regular-sized cuff hanging on the wall. She acted immediately by not only training her staff but also encouraging Morgan to always advocate for herself!

During Morgan’s first pregnancy, she didn’t have any complications until 35 weeks when she developed HELLP Syndrome.

HELLP Syndrome is extremely serious, and she needed to be induced right away. Her care provider did all she could to help Morgan have a vaginal birth, but her body was not ready.

Following twelve hours of trying to get labor going, her son was born via cesarean birth.

Sadly, ten days following her cesarean birth, her incision opened.

Her care provider went above and beyond to make sure Morgan recovered from this complication.

Before getting pregnant with her second child, Morgan met with her OB-GYN. She wanted to ask about her risk of having complications with future pregnancies.

Related: Why We Need To Be Talking About Weight Stigma In Maternity Care

Her OB-GYN didn’t discourage her at all from growing her family. She even encouraged her to have a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Unfortunately, she was the only provider in her practice who supported VBAC.

Morgan’s second plus size pregnancy was completely healthy and healing.

Then, nearing the end of her pregnancy, Morgan’s choices became limited for her birth because her care provider had a vacation planned for July 4th.

By July 3rd, she hadn’t gone into labor on her own for a VBAC. So, Morgan chose to have a cesarean birth with her care provider she knew and trusted.

Throughout her birth, Morgan felt fully supported as her care provider took her time and provided excellent care. Her birth plan was honored, and this experience was completely different from her first.

Related: Powerful Conversation About Plus Size Pregnancy With An OB-GYN

This postpartum experience was also completely different from her first. In her words, it was “a piece of cake!”

Then, Morgan had a surprise third pregnancy!

While she wanted a big family, the timing of this pregnancy was a surprise. It took a while to get pregnant with her first two, but she got pregnant immediately with her thrid.

Everything went smoothly overall, aside from needing a three-hour glucose screen for gestational diabetes that she passed.

Morgan’s OB-GYN brought a midwife onto her team, and that midwife was by Morgan’s side the entire time.

Sadly, at 34 weeks, she was informed her beloved care provider had a stroke. Morgan was devastated!

During that same visit, Morgan asked for an ultrasound to see her baby in hopes it would cheer her up.

During that ultrasound, they found some complications, and Morgan’s pregnancy became high-risk.

The fact that it was the holidays further complicated things with needing to find a new care provider.

She realized a VBAC was probably out of the question, and she needed to find a new care provider for a cesarean birth.

Morgan had the peace of mind of knowing what to expect from her upcoming birth.

Sadly, this new care provider wasn’t very size-inclusive. His scale didn’t even go beyond 300 lbs, so she was unable to weigh-in at his office.

She delivered at 37 weeks via cesarean birth, and it wasn’t a magical experience. Thankfully, her midwife, who was present for her second birth, was by her side the entire time.

That continuity of care made a big difference!

A small wound vac supported Morgan’s recovery following her third cesarean birth, and it was a positive postpartum experience.

Listen to Morgan share her three plus size cesarean birth stories during episode 126 of the Plus Mommy Podcast.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 126

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Here you’ll find more information on HELLP Syndrome and ICAN. And the Traxi panniculus retractor mentioned during the episode (that I don’t do the best job explaining as I got it confused with another similar item.)
• We have helpful cesarean birth and apron belly resources for plus size people.
• You can connect with Morgan on Instagram at @morgandavis39

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This episode is also brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post Morgan’s Three Unique Plus Size Cesarean Birth Stories appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Plus Size Birth VBAC Story

When Tori was pregnant with her first son, Bodi, her OB-GYN told her she needed to have a c-section.

Her doctor told her Bodi weighed 11 pounds.

Tori consented to the cesarean, believing it was the best choice for her birth based on her care provider’s advice.

Her son was born weighing just over 8 pounds.

That same OB-GYN told Tori she would not support her having a VBAC if she became pregnant again.

Tori spiraled into a deep postpartum depression following Bodi’s birth.

“That wasn’t what I wanted for his birth.” Tori Shares, “And I ended up feeling shame around that because he ended up not having the issue of being 11 pounds.”

Related: 7 Things You Should Know About Being Plus Size And Pregnant

By the time Tori became pregnant with her second child, Ryder, she had relocated from Southern California to Northern California.

There she connected with a fat-friendly care provider.

This OB-GYN not only supported Tori’s desire for a VBAC but encouraged her to have one!

Throughout Tori’s second pregnancy, she was bound and determined to have a VBAC.

There wasn’t a moment her plans swayed, even following her father’s tragic loss and COVID-19.

“COVID hit in the US right after my dad died. And so it was just so intense. You know you want your partner there with you holding your hand. And  with COVID, it’s all taken away from you.”

It wasn’t surprising that Tori experienced some depression during pregnancy. Thankfully, she had her support team in place and kept a close eye on her mental health.

Related: Anna’s Postpartum Anxiety Stories

While Tori considered hiring a doula, that option was taken away from her since only one support person was allowed to attend her birth.

At 40 weeks and one day, Tori went into labor while watching Star Wars with her family.

She would spend 13 hours laboring at home before taking the long drive to her hospital located over an hour from her home.

When Tori arrived at the hospital, she was disappointed to learn she only dilated to two centimeters. Thankfully a kind nurse advocated for Tori and Shilo, so they didn’t have to return home.

After passing a COVID-19 test, Tori and her husband were able to remove their masks and settle into a labor and delivery room.  

Little did they know, they’d be there for the next few days!

Related: Is It Possible To Have A Plus Size VBAC?

Tori returned to laboring by tuning into herself, as she did at home for hours.

She wasn’t interested in all the coping tools her VBAC-friendly hospital provided. Tori held into the handle on her bed and breathed through her contractions for hours.

“I didn’t use not even a quarter of the things that I brought and wanted to use. I was very like, I just wanted to curl in a ball and like, grab on something, and then just facial expressions all the way. Yeah, like shower didn’t appeal to me. The birth ball I kind of used it but I’m kind of shocked that I barely used it. I literally just wanted to sit there and kind of like, zone out, almost just like meditate and like that’s it. The exercise I use is breathing through my contractions, and then just like grasping onto the side of the bed.”

As a plus size woman attempting a VBAC, Tori was continuously monitored.

After being set up with the standard monitoring straps, she switched to a more size-friendly monitoring system called the Monica Novii Wireless Patch System (pictured below).

Related: A Labor And Delivery Nurse Talks About Failing Plus Size Moms

Hours blurred together.

When Tori hit 48 hours of labor, she knew she needed to rest. It was time to get an epidural.

“It was something I had been sitting on for hours. You know, and I told myself before I even went into labor, I said, I’m not going to pressure myself. Whatever way Ryder comes into this world is okay.”

Unfortunately for Tori, the anesthesiologist who placed her epidural didn’t have a lot of experience or comfort with larger bodies.

“It took her a while and she said to me it was because of ‘the obesity.’ And, you know, my reaction was literally to giggle and I looked at Shiloh.”

It would be the following day before another anesthesiologist would properly place her epidural. Yet, even with the second placement, Tori never felt full relief.

Related: Kassey’s Empowering Plus Size VBAC Birth Story

When the time came to push, after over 60 hours of labor, she felt everything.

“And then it was time to push, and I could tell with all the checks and whatnot that my OB was doing. She was getting a little concerned, I think. And so I was like, I’m gonna push my brain out.”

Tori pushed hard for one hour and felt her father was with her the entire time.

After intense pain from the ring of fire, she birthed her son Ryder.

Tori got her VBAC story!

“I felt everyone’s energy with me, and that is what got me through. That is what helped me just push. It is the most primal, most intense, like empowering thing I’ve ever done. It was magical. So magical!”

Related: Plus Size Labor And Delivery – Everything You Need To Know

Listen below as Tori tells her plus size VBAC story during episode 109 of the Plus Mommy Podcast. She not only shares her story but advice for other plus size women considering a VBAC. 

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 109

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Tori’s Postpartum Depression Story
• What Is a Uterine Rupture and How Often Does It Occur?
• Connect with Tori via her website and Torii Block on Instagram and TikTok.
• The Ring Of Fire – My Vagina’s Journey Through Labor is Tori’s birth story of Ryder on her blog. Tori recommends the Frida Peri Bottle in this article that we talk about during the show. 

My name is Tori and I’m a lifestyle blogger with a focus on my plus size fashion and beauty, raw experiences in motherhood and life, and body acceptance after a lifetime of insecurities. 

I spent years relearning how to love myself after weight gain and shame, and now I’m on a personal mission to uplift and empower other women to do the same by guiding them with real, actionable tips to awaken and empower their inner confidence and navigate them through difficult topics.

I believe that when women feel worthy, the world becomes a better place. Whether it be through fashion, self care regimens, daily affirmations, or relating to stories from my own life, I know together we can change each other’s lives for the better.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

I’m excited to tell you about Ready. Set. Food! founded by a team of physicians, leading allergy experts and parents, it’s a groundbreaking solution to childhood food allergy prevention. It conveniently mixes in with breastmilk, formula, or food and is pre-dosed to give your baby the right amount of peanut, egg, and milk – even if they’re not yet ready to eat solid food.

The post Plus Size Mom Shares Her Unforgettable VBAC Story appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Plus Size VBAC Birth Story

Kassey’s first pregnancy sadly ended with a miscarriage. She quickly became pregnant again and wanted to do all she could to have a different outcome with her son.

Kassey described herself as a “typical first-time mom” during her pregnancy. She didn’t question anything her doctor told her.

She had a healthy plus size pregnancy but had some concerns about giving birth.

The hospital childbirth course Kassey took helped her to become a good patient but didn’t teach her as much as she had hoped about giving birth.

She felt the pressure to just “get this baby out”…

At her 41 week appointment, she found out she couldn’t have the doctor she wanted the following week. That care provider was the whole reason she went with that practice!

Then she was pretty much told she should be induced. There wasn’t a lot of information provided – just that the induction would be so easy since she was already 41 weeks along.

Looking back Kassey said, “I was just so clueless.”

Related: 7 Things You Should Know About Being Plus Size And Pregnant

Her induction slowly progressed, not quickly as she was led to believe it would.

By 36 hours it was time to push, and things just felt off to her as her son was in a wonky position.

She pushed for 3 hours alongside a great nurse and felt supported. Sadly, things were not progressing, and her son’s head was swelling.

Kassey said it was time for a c-section.

The moment Kassey heard her son cry she was so happy!

While her cesarean birth was without any complications, recovery was hard as Kassey had labored for over thirty hours and then needed major surgery.

As Kassey shares, her body felt like it was hit by a truck and then run over again.

Postpartum was a difficult time.

Related: Dr. Kat Talks About Mental Wellness During Pregnancy And Postpartum 

Nineteen months later, with a desire to have kids close in age, Kassey was pregnant again.

As she did with her first pregnancy, Kassey questioned her body’s abilities because of her weight. Yet, she knew she wanted a VBAC for this birth.

Even when her former care provider told her that her pelvis is probably too small and she should have c-sections moving forward, Kassey knew she could have a different outcome.

She learned about The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) and started attending local meetings. ICAN is a network that brings awareness to cesarean birth and provides resources and support. She started attending local meetings and immediately felt less alone.

The first practice Kassey selected for prenatal care didn’t allow VBACs – so she found a new provider!

She started asking around for a size-friendly provider, and at 20 weeks she connected with an excellent provider.

Kassey was able to talk through all of her fears with her care provider. He was someone people at her ICAN group recommended.

Kassey also hired a doula and found a chiropractor. There are studies to show that chiropractic care throughout pregnancy can help with getting your baby into the correct position for birth.

Related: How Doulas Support Plus Size Moms

She also felt it was important to be active during this pregnancy!

Kassey always attached body movement to weight loss. So during her first pregnancy, she didn’t see the point in exercise since she wasn’t trying to lose weight.

With this second pregnancy, she became more educated and understood how incredibly important being physically active is throughout pregnancy. Not only to reduce your increased risks and prepare your body for labor but also to help with optimal fetal positioning.

She did Zoomba until 30 weeks, along with a few other classes including yoga, and then continued to walk on the treadmill throughout the rest of her pregnancy.

Kassey learned that physical activity is a form of self-care and loved being active throughout her pregnancy.

Related: My 300 lb Birth Story 

As her due date approached, Kassey prepared herself that her baby could possibly go past 40 weeks.

Once she neared 41 weeks, the emotions of everything came pouring down.

Her care provider was so encouraging and offered to do a genital induction without medication.

Kassie couldn’t imagine going through an induction again.

She decided to schedule her cesarean but still had hopes she’d go into labor naturally. This was a Friday. She went home to enjoy her weekend with her family and then she’d most likely have her second son on Monday via cesarean.

Kassey felt like she made the choice that was right for her!

She also started noticing something was different with her body. Sure enough, Kassey woke up in the middle of the night and was having contractions!

Her husband woke up and started timing contractions. It was exciting, and Kassie called her doula.

She labored at home until the early morning hours and then headed to the hospital.

When she got to the hospital the doctor on staff did not do VBACs.

This setback was temporary as her doctor was contacted and came to the hospital to support her to have a VBAC.

Labor progressed quickly!

Related: MPlus Size Mom Shares Her Unforgettable VBAC Story

Her care team, including a doula, was there to support her. She felt so in tune with her body and her natural labor.

Kassey ended up requesting an epidural, but the anesthesiologist wasn’t able to come until she was 8 cm. She still proceeded with the epidural but once it was placed her doula ask Kassey if she was pushing.

Sure enough, without even realizing it, Kassey was pushing!

Everyone immediately laid the bed back and tried to get her to lay flat. The epidural didn’t work, but that was okay – she was ready to have her baby!!!

Pushing was a neat and crazy moment for Kassey.

Kassey’s son ended up having a vacuum assisted birth, but everything went great.

Kassie was so proud of herself, and all her body had done!!!!

Twenty-four hours before Kassie had made peace with having another c-section and now she was holding her baby that she birthed in her arms.

Postpartum was so much easier this time around. She was amazed by the differences including being able to breastfeed this time!

Kassey now feels empowered to share her story and encourage other people to know their options!

Hear Kassey tell both of her birth stories in her own words by listening to episode 42 of the Plus Mommy Podcast!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 42

Resources Mentioned On The Show

• Is It Possible To Have A Plus Size VBAC an interview with Jen Kamel of VBAC Facts.
• January from Birth Without Fear has been a big inspiration to Kassey.
• Family-Centered Cesarean
• You can read even more Plus Size VBAC Birth Stories on the Plus Size Birth website.    

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide

Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide. This guide covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy. Stop Googling and start feeling empowered today!

The post Kassey’s Empowering Plus Size VBAC Birth Story appeared first on Plus Mommy.

The thought of having your own mother in the room can be difficult, let alone a stranger!

Yet, a doula is no stranger. Doulas go through training to support you emotionally, physically and provide education throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

Experienced doula Kira Kimble joins the Plus Mommy Podcast to talk about how doulas support plus size moms. We explore not only what a doula does but all the benefits of hiring one.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 38

Be sure to subscribe to the show on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, or iHeart Radio. I’d be incredibly thankful if you took the time to leave a review. Follow Plus Mommy via your favorite social media outlet (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter). Thanks for being part of this community!

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Do I Need A Doula?
• Plus Size Doula Directory
• Learn more about Kira via her website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Above is a photo of Kira in action doing the counterpressure hip squeeze talked about during the episode. This is a mom having an empowering VBAC homebirth.

Hello, my name is Kira Kimble and I am a certified doula. I am an informative resource, a source of support, and labor coach for pregnant individuals and their partners. I help expectant parents navigate pregnancy and childbirth by giving them the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their care. During labor, I calmly and confidently guide couples through each stage of childbirth, ensuring that their wishes and desires are heard. After their child is born, I provide information about postpartum recovery, community resources for support and breastfeeding assistance, if desired.

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Dressed To Deliver

Join the thousands of women who ditched the blue hospital gown for a more comfortable labor in one of Dressed to Deliver’s birthing gowns.

Dressed to Deliver birthing gowns have got you covered, literally and they come in sizes up to 5XL. These gowns can also be worn as a maternity dress before and nursing dress afterwards. Use coupon code PLUSMOMMY20 and go to dressedtodeliver.com to get 20% off!

My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide

Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide. This guide covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy. Stop Googling and start feeling empowered today!

The post How Doulas Support Plus Size Moms appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Plus Size Twins Pregnancy

Plus size women can’t have babies – that’s the message KC often heard. Believing her journey to becoming a mother would be difficult, she told her husband they needed to start trying long before they were ready to become parents.

After a few months of trying, KC was pregnant and she would go on to have five baby girls!

For her first pregnancy, KC will never forget her OB-GYN saying, “Let’s talk about the fact that you’re obese.”

That set the tone for the prenatal care she received. When her baby flipped into a breech position, she was told she’d be having a c-section. And she did.

Things were entirely different for her second pregnancy when she worked under the care of midwives at a birth center.

KC was treated with dignity and respect. She felt like her pregnancy was celebrated!

When her second daughter flipped head up at 36 weeks, has her first had, her midwives provided KC with options to get her daughter into the optimal position for birth. And it worked!

While KC needed to transfer to the hospital, she was still able to have the vaginal birth after cesarean she desired and knew her body was capable of having.

When KC got pregnant with her third, she planned a homebirth.

That was until finding out she was experiencing a plus size pregnancy with twins!

During her twin pregnancy, KC feared how large her body would become. For the first time during pregnancy, her belly was shaped more like a “B” than a “D”.

The love of her life, her husband Chris, kept telling her how beautiful she looked. He encouraged her to embrace her body and this pregnancy.

KC had a realization that her body was designed for this twin pregnancy!

Chris encouraged her to have a maternity photo shoot to highlight her pregnancy and the results are breathtaking!

“I’m proud to say that despite the discouraging “statistics” I had the easiest, healthiest twin pregnancy. At 37 weeks we welcomed our beautiful 6 lb baby girls into the world with no need for oxygen, feeding tubes or NICU time. My plus size body did an amazing job, I baffled docs that just saw me as “clinically obese” and I documented every moment of it proudly! Don’t allow anyone to make you doubt your body, be proud and show them all that you can do!“ – KC

During this episode of the Plus Mommy Podcast KC shares her journey to motherhood, including her plus size twins birth story.

Photos by Jana Marie Photography 

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 35

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Breastfeeding pillow for twins – My Brest Friend For Twins
• Babycarrier for twins – Twingaroo
• Plus Size Maternity Dresses

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Dressed To Deliver

Join the thousands of women who ditched the blue hospital gown for a more comfortable labor in one of Dressed to Deliver’s birthing gowns.

Dressed to Deliver birthing gowns have got you covered, literally and they come in sizes up to 5XL. These gowns can also be worn as a maternity dress before and nursing dress afterwards. Use coupon code PLUSMOMMY20 and go to dressedtodeliver.com to get 20% off!

My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide

Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy. Stop Googling and start feeling empowered today!

The post KC’s Plus Size Pregnancy With Twins appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Jen Kamel, the founder of VBAC Facts, joins the podcast to talk about VBAC options. Jen shares not only the benefits but also the risks of considering a VBAC. We break down some common misconceptions and talk specifically about the unique struggles of having a plus size VBAC.

An underlying narrative throughout this episode and many others from this show is the critical importance of connecting with size-friendly healthcare providers. You owe it to yourself to connect with a provider who will not only support you but provide evidence-based care. 

Read inspiring plus size VBAC stories and be sure to tap into all of the resources mentioned in the show notes below.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 11

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• If you want a VBAC, here are questions you can ask your doctor or midwife.
• The 5 Simple Steps for Planning a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
• Uterine Rupture Myths Report 
• Beyond just wanting a plus size VBAC, here’s a guide on how to connect with a size-friendly care provider during pregnancy – My Size Friendly Care Providers Guide
• We’ve shared the BRAIN Acronym on previous episodes and will continue to promote this resource. These questions will help you to receive informed consent when making medical decisions.
  B – What are the benefits?
  R – What are the risks?
  A – What are the alternatives?
  I – Always listen to your intuition!
  N – What happens next or if we do nothing?

As a nationally recognized consumer advocate and Founder of VBAC Facts®, Jen Kamel helps birth professionals, and cesarean parents, achieve clarity on vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). She accomplishes this through her educational courses, training programs, and consulting services. Jen speaks at conferences across the country, presents Grand Rounds at hospitals. Further, advises advocates seeking legislative change in their state, and serves as an expert witness in legal proceedings. She envisions a time when every pregnant person seeking VBAC has access to unbiased information. In addition, respectful providers, and community support, so they can plan the birth of their choosing in the setting they desire.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This episode was brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code Plus Mommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide. This guide covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post Plus Size VBAC – Can You Have A VBAC When Plus Size? appeared first on Plus Mommy.