We are delighted to partner with St. Luke's to bring you a sponsored post series that highlights the birthing process from different perspectives.
Labor. It’s messy. It’s complicated. It’s beautiful. It’s private and intimate (and yet… it can sometimes feels like a spectator sport!). No two birthing experiences are alike but there are enough similarities that moms often share a fair amount of good advice and information on how to prepare for labor and delivery with moms-to-be . But what about those other people in the room? Your doctor and your nurses? They’re also a wealth of knowledge when it come to the birthing process.
Duluth Moms Blog caught up with four women: two new mothers, an obstetrician, and a nurse and interviewed them about the ins and outs about life (literally!) in St. Luke’s Birthing Center. Keep tuning in each day this week as we share their words of wisdom.
Meet Dr. Jennifer Boyle
An obstetrician for 16 years, Jennifer grew up in Iowa and attended college and medical school at the University of Iowa. She did her residency in Milwaukee and then kept migrating north, first to Minneapolis and then onto Duluth. When she’s not working, she likes to stay active and cooking healthy, fresh meals. Her favorite activities include yoga and, in the winter, cross-country skiing. She tries to soak up as much outdoor time by running, swimming, and gardening. Dr. Boyle also enjoys singing and she likes to support the arts. She has two daughters, Mary and Clare.
The Interview
What influenced your decision to become an obstetrician?
During medical school, I was always most interested in topics pertaining to women’s health. After completing some clinical rotations and lots of long walks, I felt like OB/GYN was the best fit for me: it’s something different everyday. I get to do all the things I like to do–deliver babies, surgery, seeing patients for preventive medicine visits–and never get bored.
What kinds of things do you do to support the health and wellness of mothers during and after labor?
We try to make the environment as comforting as possible while still maintaining safety for both the mother and the baby.
About how many babies do you deliver each year?
About 100.
TV and movies make it seem like birthing partners pass out all the time. Have you ever witnessed a new dad or a person in the room faint during a mother’s labor?
Yes, but usually we can see the dad getting a little “green around the gills” and tell him to sit down in time.
Is pooping during childbirth *really* common? Or do doctors just say that to make moms feel better?
It is quite common and it’s a good thing! It means the woman is pushing in the right place.
How can a laboring mother’s partner best support her during birth?
Maintaining a positive, encouraging demeanor. They are really most helpful when they take on the role of a coach.
How many pounds was the largest baby you’ve delivered?
About 12 pounds.
Do you have any advice for mothers who would like to attempt a VBAC?
Like all women, try to be as healthy as possible before becoming pregnant. Then talk with your doctor about your personal risks and likelihood of success.
When new families go home, but find they still have questions, who can they call or reach out to for help?
At our hospital (St. Luke’s), we have trained lactation nurses who are always available to answer questions. Our office (St. Luke’s OB/GYN Associates) also always has a physician on call to answer questions. Often times, it’s most helpful to find a friend or relative who has recently had a baby and can answer theeveryday, practical questions.
Name three essential items a mom should pack in her hospital bag.
Toothbrush, hair tie (if you have long hair), and lip balm.
