Tend and Befriend
Tend & Befriend – The Podcast for Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond
Hosted by Deborah the Doula, a birth professional with over 20 years of experience, Tend & Befriend is your go-to source for evidence-based insights, real birth stories, and expert advice. After two decades in the birth world, I’ve learned a thing or two—and I want to make sure you have access to that knowledge.
Join me as we dive into the topics that matter most during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Whether you're preparing for labor, navigating new motherhood, or reflecting on your own birth journey, you'll find support, wisdom, and connection in every episode.
Let’s learn, laugh, and grow—together. 💛 Listen now!
Episodes
34 episodes
From Push to Placenta: Your Post-Birth Reality Guide
We spend so much time preparing for labor, but what about the moments that come right after your baby is born?In this episode of Tend and Befriend, I’m walking you through what really happens after the final push. From skin-to-s...
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8:05
Pelvic floor health with corey ireland
Pelvic health physiotherapist Corey Ireland shares her expertise on the myths, misconceptions, and transformative potential of pelvic floor therapy for women, men, and children of all ages. Through her compassionate approach of meeting people w...
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50:20
Why every pregnant momma needs a "get shit done" nesting party instead of a baby shower
Forget the diaper raffles and puff-painted bibs. This isn’t your traditional baby shower. In this episode of Tend and Befriend, Deborah dives into the heart of nesting parties: intimate gatherings that blend community, preparati...
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10:42
Your Baby's First Coat: How Vernix Protects Newborns and Empowers Parents
You’ve seen it in birth photos, maybe even on your own baby...that creamy white coating on newborn skin. It’s called vernix caseosa, and in this episode of Tend and Befriend, we’re exploring what it is, why it matters, and what ...
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6:33
The #1 Mistake First-Time Moms Make in Early Labor - Trying to Make Labor Happen.
🎙️ Episode Title: The #1 Mistake First-Time Moms Make in Early Labor (And What to Do Instead) Podcast: Tend and Befriend Host: Deborah the DoulaEpisode Summary: If you're in the last weeks of pregn...
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5:50
The Truth About Midwives: With Corey Bryant
Episode Summary: Thinking about choosing a midwife but unsure what they actually do? Heard that midwives only attend home births or that you can’t get an epidural with one? It’s time to clear up the myths and get real about ...
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22:27
Sacred Home Birth - A doulas perspective!
A powerful home birth story highlighting the incredible strength of women and the sacred honor of supporting birthing families. Doula Debra shares her evolving approach to home birth support and the beautiful outcome of a recent birth where con...
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12:44
Reclaiming Power in the Birthing Room - Ainslee Winter's birth story.
There's a life-changing moment when a woman transforms into a mother – regardless of whether she always knew motherhood was her path. This raw, honest conversation with art therapist Ainsley Winter reveals her journey from uncertainty about mot...
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1:02:05
The Truth About Epidurals: What You’re Not Always Told About Birth Choices
We explore epidurals in childbirth, examining what they are, their risks, and why unmedicated birth options deserve equal consideration in your birth plan.• Epidurals are regional anesthesia using local anesthetics and opioid...
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13:31
Understanding Lochia: Your Body's Natural Healing Process After Childbirth
Postpartum bleeding, or lochia, is your body's natural healing process as your uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size. We explore the science behind this important recovery phase and what every new mother should know about supporting her body...
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6:20
More Milk, Less Stress: Natural Ways to Boost Supply
Episode Title: How to Boost Milk Supply NaturallyWelcome back to Tend and Befriend! I’m your host Deborah—mom, doula, health professional, and your biggest cheerleader on this journey through pregnancy, postpartum, and pa...
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8:44
Who Gave a Crap? The Funny Truth About Delivery Room Accidents
Let's talk about the one childbirth fear that keeps many expectant mothers up at night – pooping during labor. As a doula, massage therapist, and mother of two, I've witnessed firsthand how this perfectly natural bodily function creates unneces...
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6:45
Blood Flow and Baby-Making: The Aspirin Connection
We dive deep into the evidence behind aspirin use during pregnancy, examining why fertility clinics recommend it and how to weigh the risks and benefits of this common intervention. The podcast explores low-dose aspirin's role in improving bloo...
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6:08
Your Empty Stomach Is Making Morning Sickness Worse
Pregnancy should be a time of joy and anticipation, but for the 80% of expectant mothers who experience morning sickness, it can feel like an endless battle against nausea and discomfort. What if small, strategic changes to your daily routine c...
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5:35
Struggling with Breastfeeding? Let’s Clear Up some of the Confusion
We dive deep into common breastfeeding misconceptions that leave mothers feeling confused and inadequate, providing evidence-based facts to empower new parents on their feeding journey. The episode tackles seven persistent myths about breastfee...
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7:01
Pregnancy Brain: Science or Excuse?
Ever wondered if "pregnancy brain" is real science or just a convenient excuse for misplaced keys and forgotten appointments? The fascinating truth lies somewhere in between, and it's more remarkable than you might think.Pregnancy trigg...
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7:11
Pitocin isnt Oxytocin!
Today, we're tackling a big topic: Why do medical professionals often refer to Pitocin as oxytocin? What are the risks and benefits? And why is Pitocin being overused in so many hospital births? Let’s break it all down....
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9:57
Water Breaking Realities
Step into the world of childbirth realities with Tend and Befriend as we unpack the truthful nuances surrounding the event of water breaking. Many of us can recall memorable moments from beloved television shows where a woman's water dramatical...
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6:16
Jacobsons Relaxation
Join us in this special episode as I walk you through Jacobsons Relaxation. This technique can help anyone manage stress, and alleviate discomfort, especially mothers in the delivery room. 1:49 - Introduction & Disclaime...
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24:55
Q & A - Got Questions about Pregnancy? We have answers!
Today we are answering questions that you asked us through our social media accounts!!Join me today as we discuss a couple of these topics: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, Options for flipping a breech baby, When ...
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28:40
I peed on the stick, its positive. What are the steps to take?
I peed on the stick and Its positive, I am pregnant! What are my first steps to take? How does this all work?Do I call the OB?Do I call the Family Doctor?Do I scream it from the mountain tops?I...
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30:58
Money, should not be your first sacrifice as a New Mother!
Ever wonder how some women manage not to worry about finances during their maternity leave? I know how they did it.... they hired Alynn Godfroy from Godfroy financial. How did she enjoy her maternity leave without fina...
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36:56
STOP pretending that Motherhood is Easy!
Friends sometimes divulge things to each other what we wouldnt dare admit to anyone else! Jaclyn and I have been friends for alot of years, we laugh about each others faults and the stupid things that run through our minds as ...
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56:40