The Best Birth Podcast Episode 23 - Traveling with a Bump --Without the Bumps--with Flight Attendant Carly Crowther
INTERVIEW OVERVIEW
Carly Crowther, a flight attendant and birth educator, discusses the concept of a babymoon and provides tips for traveling during pregnancy. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with your partner and preparing emotionally for the arrival of the baby. Carly also shares her own birth experiences and highlights the benefits of an unmedicated birth. She encourages women to research and consider this option, even in a hospital setting. Carly shares her experience of giving birth in a birth center and how her second birth was very different from her first. She went into labor naturally and had to quickly adjust her plans. Despite the unexpected circumstances, Carly was able to surrender to the process and have a positive birth experience. She also provides valuable tips for traveling with babies and toddlers, including flying with lap children, checking car seats and strollers, and managing expectations. Carly emphasizes the importance of preparing mentally and physically for labor and encourages listeners to approach birth with a positive mindset.
TAKEAWAYS
A babymoon is a special trip that expecting parents take before the arrival of their baby to bond and connect.
During a babymoon, couples can discuss their hopes and dreams for the baby, their parenting styles, and their birth plan.
When traveling during pregnancy, it is important to stay hydrated, move around regularly, and bring snacks.
The second trimester (between 14 to 28 weeks) is often considered the best time to travel during pregnancy.
For an unmedicated birth, it is crucial to prepare mentally and physically, communicate your birth plan to your healthcare provider, and have a supportive birth partner.
Positive birth experiences are possible in a hospital setting, with respectful and supportive healthcare providers. Surrendering to the process of birth can lead to a positive experience, even if it doesn't go according to plan.
Including your baby in your pre-baby lifestyle and travels is possible and enjoyable.
When flying with babies, lap children fly for free until they turn two, and car seats and strollers can be checked for free.
Breast milk, formula, and baby food can be brought through security in quantities over 3.4 ounces.
Managing expectations and being flexible are key when traveling with toddlers and babies.
Preparing mentally and physically for labor, having a supportive provider, and communicating with your birth partner are important for a positive birth experience.
WORDS OF WISDOM
"What about travel as a time to connect?"
"During labor, I do want you to verbally affirm me."
"Practice your birth affirmations and hypnobirthing."
"Carly, we got this like you are going to be okay. God is here with us. We are going to be okay."
"If I had to give one word to describe that second birth, it would be surrender."
"The best piece of advice I can give you for their ears to equalize is breastfeeding or bottle feeding or offering a pacifier for takeoff and landing."
CHAPTERS
00:00 The Concept of a Babymoon
06:24 Tips for Traveling During Pregnancy
13:16 Preparing for an Unmedicated Birth
23:35 Surrendering to the Unexpected: Carly's Birth Center Experience
30:38 Traveling with Babies: Tips for Flying and Beyond
46:52 Preparing Mentally and Physically for Labor
48:37 Managing Expectations: Traveling with Toddlers and Babies
TALKING POINTS
babymoon, travel, pregnancy, birth preparation, birth plan, unmedicated birth, hospital birth, birth center, natural birth, surrender, travel with babies, lap child, car seat, stroller, breastfeeding, pumping, passport, TSA, birth preparation
RESOURCES
Birth Affirmation Cards
Pregnancy journal
Car seat bag
Stroller travel bag
Toddler car seat roller attachment
Travel friendly breast pump
Pump bag/travel cooler
Breastmilk storage bags
Microwavable pump sanitizer bags
Baby carrier (front and back)
Travel stroller/carseat
Travel headphones
Toddler screen
Reusable stickers
Travel snack organizer
Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle with Natural Response Nipple - Clear - 4oz
MAM Baby Pacifier
Pacifer Clip
Passport Tips - Steps on how to apply for a minor
How to schedule an appointment
BOOKS
Fair Play - Eve Rodsky
“Mental load is the invisible work that goes into managing a household and a family. It’s the thinking, planning, and organizing that often goes unnoticed and unacknowledged.”
Carly Crowther
Carly has been living her dream job as a flight attendant for almost 9 years and she loves being able to show her family the world. When she is not flying, she is a birth coach who is passionate about helping women prepare mentally and physically for a positive labor experience. She loves hiking with her 2 huskies and going on adventures with her husband and 2 daughters.
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