The YMyHealth Podcast | Wellness and Healthcare Insights for Millennials

What's a birth doula and how do you know if one is right for you? In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman sits down with birth doula and mom of four, Zakela Mickens, to explore the vital role of birth doulas in supporting women through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. They discuss how having a doula at your side during your pregnancy journey helps women feel informed, empowered, and cared for throughout.

The episode also highlights the positive impact of birth doulas on birth outcomes and addressing racial disparities in maternal health. While birth doulas are beneficial for pregnant women of all races and ethnicities, they are particularly helpful in the Black community,  where women are still facing alarming disparities in maternal healthcare outcomes. That's why more women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are turning to birth doulas for the support, advocacy, and reassurance they deserve during pregnancy and birth.

🎧Tune in now to learn about the research-backed health benefits a birth doula provides and Zakela's questions to ask prospective doulas to find the right person for you. Share this episode today with a friend who is in the family planning process or already on their pregnancy journey!

Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
(01:00) What is a Birth Doula?
(02:06) Differences Between Doulas, Nurses, and Midwives
(04:01) Personal Journey to Becoming a Doula
(13:59) Benefits of Having a Doula During Birth
(16:28) Supporting Birth Plans and Medical Team Collaboration
(20:46) Different Birth Scenarios and Doula Support
(21:23) Postpartum Support and Early Parenting
(23:49) The Fourth Trimester and Postpartum Care
(30:58) Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternal Health
(35:39) The Role of Doulas in Promoting Health Equity
(41:42) Key Takeaways About Birth Doulas

Links:
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/

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Learn more about this episode's guest, Zakela Mickens, by subscribing to her YouTube Channel, @TheCinchonLynch and follow her on Instagram @poweredbychocolatemilkco
 
*Donate to help Zakela financially support families in need of genetic screening for cancer by donating here: https://www.paypal.me/ZMickens

*Birth Doula Resources Zakela Recommends Checking Out*
Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.

Learn about YMyHealth's Podcast Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman

Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com

What is The YMyHealth Podcast | Wellness and Healthcare Insights for Millennials?

A podcast by millennials, for millennials, covering health challenges unique to Gen Y. Get expert insights, practical patient advice, and inspiring survivor stories to help you make informed healthcare choices. Empower your journey with YMyHealth!