This episode is very special as I interview my mentor, Julie Freitas. Julie was a childbirth educator and doula for over forty years. She taught in hospitals, clinics and in her home in Los Angeles. Her intimate style of teaching was coveted by the hundreds of families she taught from all different cultural backgrounds. In this episode, Julie describes the way in which women give birth has changed over time and she shares the story of her first son's birth. We also discuss postpartum depression, breastfeeding, sleep training, and the early days of parenthood.
*This is not medical advice. www.keelysemler.com
1:38 How Julie's work in childhood education influenced her first birth experience
4:30 Finding a doctor who supported her wish for a natural birth
6:53: Julie’s birth experience
11:58 The impact of the birth on Julie’s partner and their relationship
13:16 The impetus of Julie’s journey into birth work and the nature of birth teaching
16:02 Julie’s labor support journey
20:27 The evolution of the culture around childbirth
24:46 Julie’s style and history of teaching
27:56 Qualities of a good doula
32:22 Doing it together: being there for your child and knowing you can't control the life they came here to lead
34:56 Feeding with love, with or without breastfeeding
37:04 Finding a good caregiver for your child
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