How can we build a cohesive team that fosters collaborative care in childbirth? Explore this conversation between Debra Pascali Bonaro and Robin Lim, and learn about the transformative impact of doulas, midwives, and respectful birthing environments.

In this episode, they also discuss the importance of respectful and gentle prenatal care, the recognition of doulas as essential caregivers, and the collaboration between midwives and doulas, highlighting the significance of preserving the baby's blood supply through delayed cord clamping and emphasizing the need for cohesive teams and access to safe and culturally sensitive care. They also mention Robin Lim's books and the opportunity to support Bumi Sehat through donations. Overall, it serves as a call to action for creating positive childbirth experiences and celebrating the miracle of every birth.

Robin Lim is the founder of Bumi Sehat, an NGO which maintains clinics in Indonesia and the Philippines. Ibu Robin’s Passion is respectful, skilled, culturally informed, gentle prenatal/postnatal care, childbirth services, and healthcare as a human right. She is the author of many books, including After the Baby’s Birth, Wellness for Mothers, Ecology of Gentle Birth, Awakening Birth, and Eating for Two. Robin was CNN Hero of the Year in 2011.

In this episode:

Today’s guest Robin Lim, the founder of Bumi Sehat Clinics, is dedicated to providing respectful and gentle prenatal care, postnatal care, and childbirth services, advocating for healthcare as a human right The conversation emphasizes the vital role of doulas in facilitating access to appropriate care providers and birthing environments where mothers feel safe and supported Doula care, encompassing prenatal and postnatal support, childbirth services, and emotional assistance, is highlighted as a crucial aspect of maternal and infant well-being Doulas demonstrated resilience and dedication by making sacrifices to be present during births amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19, ultimately leading to their recognition as essential caregivers The personal experience of Robin, who initially questioned the role of doulas while being a midwife, is shared, highlighting the realization of the importance of doulas in providing emotional support and contributing to safe births The significance of preserving the baby's blood supply by delaying cord clamping is discussed, emphasizing the positive effects it has on hormonal release, bonding, and the overall well-being of mother and baby The importance of building collaborative care is crucial in ensuring safe and respectful childbirth experiences, necessitating a well-functioning team that includes midwives, doulas, doctors, and other healthcare professionals Information is provided on how to contact Robin Lim, access her books, and support the work of Bumi Sehat through donations

Key Takeaways:

Doula care, encompassing prenatal and postnatal support, childbirth services, and emotional assistance, is a crucial aspect of maternal and infant well-being Doulas serve as valuable guides for mothers, helping them navigate choices related to care providers and birthing environments, ultimately ensuring access to safe and supportive experiences Midwives and doulas complement each other in providing comprehensive care during childbirth, with midwives focusing on medical expertise and doulas offering emotional support and advocacy Cultural safety and access to quality care are essential for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances Every birth is a miracle, and the efforts of doulas, midwives, and individuals involved in childbirth deserve recognition and celebration for the positive impact they make on the world

Tweetable Quotes:

"It's our responsibility to have our skills in order to have our hearts and minds set on what our potential is for creating access for every mother to safely bring her baby." - Robin Lim

"Doulas are essential caregivers