Down to Birth

Join Cynthia Overgard and Trisha Ludwig once per week for evidence-based straight talk on pregnancy, birth and postpartum --- beyond the clichés and beyond the system. With 40 years' combined experience in midwifery, childbirth education and advocacy, publishing, research and postpartum care, we've guided thousands of families toward safer, more empowered choices. Down to Birth is all about safe childbirth, while recognizing a safe outcome isn't all that matters. We challenge the status quo, explore women's rights in childbirth, and feature women from all over the world, shining shine light on the policies, culture, and systemic forces that shape our most intimate and transformative of life experiences. You'll hear the birth stories of our clients, listeners and numerous celebrities. You'll benefit from our expert-interviews, and at any time you can submit your questions for our monthly Q&A episodes by calling us at 802-GET-DOWN. With millions of downloads and listeners in

Down to Birth is a kids podcast hosted by Cynthia Overgard & Trisha Ludwig, with 385 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Cynthia Overgard & Trisha Ludwig hosts Down to Birth, a kids show with 385 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #380

  #380 | Henci Goer on Taking Charge of Your Birth

  Aug 12, 202654 minS7

  More than twenty years ago, Henci Goer's renowned book, The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth , profoundly shaped Cynthia's understanding of pregnancy and birth, setting her on the path that eventually led to her own natural births and a career in birth education and client advocacy. In this special conversation, we sit down with the author herself, now one of the most influential voices in evidence-based maternity care. Today, we discuss Henci's newest book, Taking Charge of Your Birth , along with evidence-based maternity care, physiologic birth, induction, cesarean prevention, and informed decision-making. Henci explains why "physiologic care" is about using the least intervention necessary—not avoiding intervention altogether—and why preserving a woman's agency may be one of the most important factors in creating a positive birth experience. We also explore the evidence surrounding induction, Bishop scores, Pitocin protocols, cesarean rates, choosing a care provider, the role of doulas, and why preserving a woman's agency may be one of the most important factors in creating a positive birth experience. Whether you're planning a home birth, birth center birth, or hospital birth, this conversation offers practical, evidence-based guidance for taking charge of your birth. Choosing Induction: When it Might Be Needed Henci Goer's Website, Books, & Articles Henci Goer on Instagram ********** Send us Fan Mail Support the show Access our workshops: Have a Physiologic Birth in the Hospital and Ultrasound: The Research vs Rhetoric Needed DrinkLMNT Primally Pure Skincare: Use code DOWNTOBIRTH Postpartum Soothe : Use code DOWNTOBIRTH ENERGY Bits Superfood Join Patreon here IG @downtobirthshow Call 802-GET-DOWN. Watch us on YouTube ! Please note we don’t provide medical advice.

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  Episode #379

  #379 | When Birth Gets Complicated: The Midwifery Difference for a Mom of Four

  Aug 5, 202640 minS7

  When complications arise during pregnancy or birth, many women assume their birth plans are over. But does it have to be that way? In this episode, we're joined by Catey, a mother of four whose pregnancies and births included severe preeclampsia, inductions, postpartum hemorrhages, postpartum depression, thyroid disease, infertility, and a hospital transfer. Despite these serious complications, every one of her births was planned under the care of certified nurse-midwives. Catey shares how her midwives navigated medical emergencies while preserving shared decision-making, how they helped preserve the aspects of birth that mattered most to her, and how continuity of care made all the difference. We discuss the differences between physiologic labor and Pitocin inductions, when interventions like epidurals can become valuable tools, and the support that helped her recover from postpartum depression after both uncomplicated and traumatic births. #358 | Dr. Sarah J. Buckley on Oxytocin, Safety, and the Biology of Birth Stream our classes on this topic: Recognizing & Overcoming Postnatal Depletion Choosing Induction: When it May be Needed ********** Send us Fan Mail Support the show Access our workshops: Have a Physiologic Birth in the Hospital and Ultrasound: The Research vs Rhetoric Needed DrinkLMNT Primally Pure Skincare: Use code DOWNTOBIRTH Postpartum Soothe : Use code DOWNTOBIRTH ENERGY Bits Superfood Join Patreon here IG @downtobirthshow Call 802-GET-DOWN. Watch us on YouTube ! Please note we don’t provide medical advice.

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  Episode #378

  #378 | July Q&A: Parenting Styles, Mom Hobbies, What's "High Risk" Anyway, Third Labors, Manifesting Your Best Birth, Cytotec in Home Birth

  Jul 29, 202659 minS7

  Heads up, all! If you'd like to learn more about our parenting conversation, join our Patreon event: Parenting without Reward & Punishment ********** This week’s Q&A begins with a conversation that struck a chord with our community: why mothers need creativity, hobbies, and joy, and sharing inspiring stories from postpartum women who rediscovered parts of themselves through music, art, and new passions. We also dive into an impassioned discussion about parenting values, including the things we all swore we’d never do as parents (and now do regularly), co-sleeping, screen time, bribes, eating toddler food, rewards & punishments, and raising children with confidence, respect, and strong boundaries. Then we answer listener questions about: What truly qualifies a pregnancy as “high risk” and who gets to define what makes someone high risk Planning a home birth after a previous pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia Building confidence after a difficult first birth experience Manifesting the birth you want and the role of mindset in labor, despite how discouraging someone (ahem, your own midwife) responds Whether third babies are really “wild cards” and where that idea comes from Cytotec, balloon catheters, and induction recommendations in home birth care. Plus, our Quickies cover wearable breast pumps, mastitis, vitamin D, breech babies, postpartum supplements, homeschooling, friendship, feeding schedules, and more. Thank you to everyone who called us with questions and comments for the show! Livestream: Should we homeschool? Ask a Mom whose family thrived. If you'd like to learn more about our parenting conversation, join our Patreon event: Parenting without Reward & Punishment ********** Send us Fan Mail Support the show Access our workshops: Have a Physiologic Birth in the Hospital and Ultrasound: The Research vs Rhetoric Needed DrinkLMNT Primally Pure Skincare: Use code DOWNTOBIRTH Postpartum Soothe : Use code DOWNTOBIRTH ENERGY Bits Superfood Join Patreon here IG @downtobirthshow Call 802-GET-DOWN. Watch us on YouTube ! Please note we don’t provide medical advice.

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  Episode #377

  #377 | Protecting Your Baby From EMFs: Practical Ways to Reduce Exposure

  Jul 22, 20261 hourS7

  In today's episode, we invited back Thaddeus Owen and Heidi Syme of DreamWalkerz, this time focusing on electromagnetic fields (EMFs), wireless technology, and the growing questions many families have about how modern environments can affect health. We discuss the difference between naturally occurring and man-made electromagnetic fields, the research that has fueled concern about wireless technologies, and why this topic has become increasingly relevant as our homes fill with Wi-Fi networks, smartphones, Bluetooth devices, smart appliances, and baby monitors. Thaddeus and Heidi share their perspective on practical ways families can reduce exposure without becoming overwhelmed, including simple changes related to device use, distance, sleep environments, and home technology. We also discuss grounding, time outdoors, and the role of nature in supporting overall well-being, as the best ways to reduce these exposures. Topics discussed: • What electromagnetic fields are and how they occur in nature • The difference between native and non-native EMFs • Research on wireless technology and biological effects • Cell phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and baby monitors • EMFs and fertility concerns • Grounding and earthing practices • Why sleep environments matter • Common household sources of EMF exposure • Practical ways to reduce exposure without fear or perfectionism • The importance of spending time outdoors and connecting with nature As with so many topics we cover, the goal isn't fear. It's awareness, thoughtful decision-making, and finding an approach that works for your family. #330 | Sleep Like a Baby: The Impact of Melatonin, Blue Light, and Sunrise with DreamWalkerz Dreamwalkerz Dreamwalkerz.ai PromoCode: Downtobirth1 Primal Hackers Send us Fan Mail Support the show Access our workshops: Have a Physiologic Birth in the Hospital and Ultrasound: The Research vs Rhetoric Needed DrinkLMNT Primally Pure Skincare: Use code DOWNTOBIRTH Postpartum Soothe : Use code DOWNTOBIRTH ENERGY Bits Superfood Join Patreon here IG @downtobirthshow Call 802-GET-DOWN. Watch us on YouTube ! Please note we don’t provide medical advice.

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  Episode #376

  #376 | July Breastfeeding Q&A: Sore Nipples, Breastfeeding Instincts, DMER, Low Blood Sugar in Infants and Tandem Feeding

  Jul 15, 202647 minS7

  Welcome to our July Breastfeeding Q&A episode! We open with a conversation about what surprised women most about breastfeeding (for better or worse) after all the things they'd heard from others, from pain and emotional shifts to supply, pumping, and expectations that didn’t match reality. Additionally, we answer the following questions: I’m pregnant and still breastfeeding my toddler. What should I know about tandem nursing, and how do I prioritize a newborn without creating oversupply? My newborn had low blood sugar readings in the hospital and we were encouraged to use donor milk. Was that necessary, and would things have resolved differently outside that setting? I experience waves of anxiety, nausea, and sadness right before letdown. What is this and is it normal? As usual, we lead into a round of quickies including: can latch change during teething, how to manage nipple sensitivity during your cycle, does milk supply drop when baby starts sleeping longer stretches, should you always nurse from both sides, is one breast doing all the work okay, do breastfed babies need vitamin D, and when is it okay for baby to sleep through the night. We wrap with a personal question which is: What advice would you give to someone entering the industry? #364 | When Co-Sleeping Gets Complicated: Weaning, Toddlers, and Sleep Transitions with Tiffany Belanger Send us Fan Mail Support the show Access our workshops: Have a Physiologic Birth in the Hospital and Ultrasound: The Research vs Rhetoric Needed DrinkLMNT Primally Pure Skincare: Use code DOWNTOBIRTH Postpartum Soothe : Use code DOWNTOBIRTH ENERGY Bits Superfood Join Patreon here IG @downtobirthshow Call 802-GET-DOWN. Watch us on YouTube ! Please note we don’t provide medical advice.

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