In this episode, Katie takes Rachel behind the scenes for an in-depth exploration of donor milk—an intriguing topic that might just challenge everything you thought you knew about this practice.

I have to caveat that some of the information in this episode is possibly going to get your knickers in a twist though – do we have any episode that don’t?!

We’ll be discussing:

• The history of milk banking
• Are we seeing different health outcomes when using donor milk compared to a mother’s own milk?
• Are there differences between donor and mothers milk that we should know about
• What about informal, unpasteurised, milk sharing? Is this also happening in the hospital settings as well?
• And have you ever heard the term “milk sibling” before?

I'll also dive into whether we need to rethink our approach to milk when caring for vulnerable infants. Plus, Rachel asks me about the future of milk banking—where is this practice headed?

LINKS:

Evidence-Based Methods That Promote Human Milk Feeding of Preterm Infants

Early postpartum pumping behaviors

Supplementation of Mother's Own Milk with Preterm Donor Milk

Maternal production of milk

Proactive Lactation Care

Economic benefits and costs of human milk feedings

The institutional cost of acquiring 100 mL of human milk

Impact of early human milk on sepsis and health-care costs

Quality indicators for human milk use

Get 10% off The Feeding Couch pregnancy course with code POD10.

Support the show

• Please support the show via Patreon or BuyMeACoffee
• MERCH here!
• Music Joseph McDade

Like this podcast? Leave us a review here
Want more from Katie and Rachel?
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Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. The Midwives' Cauldron podcast reserves the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time.

The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness.

The podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

In this episode Rachel and Katie dive into the fascinating topic of waterbirth (excuse the pun, but it was too good to leave out!).

I ask Rachel my burning questions and she stirs up the cauldron exploring everything from the history of waterbirth to the practicalities and the science behind it.

Listen in as we find out about:

· When did women start birthing in water?

· What does the research say about waterbirth improving outcomes?

· Why are some women told they can’t get into the pool until they are 5 centimeters dilated?

· Do water-born babies take longer to start breathing?

· Guidelines recommend women get out of the pool to birth the placenta, but do they really need to?

· And lastly, does waterbirth alter the baby’s microbiome?

So, place your order with the barista, pop your coat on, or press play as you get those headphones over your lugol’s, and let’s dive into the deep end of waterbirth.

LINKS:

https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/7/e056517

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871519216302190?via%3Dihub

Get 10% off The Feeding Couch pregnancy course with code POD10.

Support the show

• Please support the show via Patreon or BuyMeACoffee
• MERCH here!
• Music Joseph McDade

Like this podcast? Leave us a review here
Want more from Katie and Rachel?
Katie's website
Rachel's website

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. The Midwives' Cauldron podcast reserves the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time.

The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness.

The podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

Dr Nils Bergman calls himself a Public Health Physician, and currently promotes and researches skin-to- skin contact on a full time basis. He is a Research Associate at the Karolinska Institute, Sweden. Dr. Bergman was born in Sweden and raised in Zimbabwe, where he also later worked as a mission doctor. He received his medical degree (MB ChB) at the University of Cape Town, a Diploma in Child Health at Uppsala University, and later a Masters in Public Health at the University of the Western Cape. During his years in Zimbabwe he completed a doctoral dissertation (MD, equivalent to PhD) on deadly scorpion stings. He has worked in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Sweden, and his last posting was Senior Medical Superintendent of Mowbray Maternity Hospital in Cape Town, overseeing 18000 births per year. He is married to Jill, and father to Rebecka, Simon and Emma, and has five grandchildren.

In this episode, Dr. Bergman delves into the critical importance of maintaining skin-to-skin contact throughout the first day of a newborn's life. He explains how this practice not only connects and wires the baby's brain but also has profound effects on the mother.

Dr. Bergman sheds light on the pivotal role of Oxytocin, often dubbed the 'love hormone,' which he eloquently describes as the hormone of resilience, vital for both mother and baby.

We further explore the crucial significance of focusing not only on the first 1000 days of a child's life but also on the first 1000 minutes. Dr. Bergman passionately explains how these early moments are foundational for long-term health and emotional resilience.

Additionally, we dive into the detailed work behind the latest version of the WHO Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) document. Dr. Bergman shares insights into the creation of this and introduces us to the concept of 'nurture-science.' He discusses how this emerging field emphasizes understanding the biological and emotional nurturing essential for optimal human development.

Get 10% off The Feeding Couch pregnancy course with code POD10.

Support the show

• Please support the show via Patreon or BuyMeACoffee
• MERCH here!
• Music Joseph McDade

Like this podcast? Leave us a review here
Want more from Katie and Rachel?
Katie's website
Rachel's website

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. The Midwives' Cauldron podcast reserves the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time.

The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness.

The podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.