The CUB Birth Stool
Empowering Birth with the CUB: A Conversation with Cass McNamara
In my latest podcast episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Cass McNamara, an inspiring midwife and entrepreneur, about her journey in creating the CUB (Comfortable Upright Birth) – an inflatable birth stool designed to support instinctive, upright labor positions. Cass's passion for improving birth experiences shines through as we explore her path from midwifery to product development, the benefits of upright labor, and the need for innovative solutions in maternity care.
From Midwife to Innovator: The Birth of the CUB
The idea for the CUB was born out of necessity. Cass saw firsthand how most equipment in birth rooms was not designed to support upright labor and birth, despite the clear benefits. Traditional tools like standard hospital beds limit movement and prevent women from instinctively choosing the positions that feel best for them. Cass took matters into her own hands, using her experience and insight as a midwife to develop an innovative product that addresses these limitations.
Designing for Comfort: The Evolution of the CUB
Creating the CUB was no small feat. Cass shared her experience in product development, highlighting the significance of feedback and iteration in designing a tool that truly meets the needs of birthing women. She wanted to create something that was comfortable, supportive, and adaptable to different positions. With each iteration of the CUB, Cass relied on feedback from mothers, midwives, and doulas to fine-tune the design, making it a versatile and effective tool for supporting upright labor.
The Science Behind Movement in Labor
Cass and I delved into the benefits of movement during labor. Research shows that upright positions can significantly reduce complications, increase comfort, and facilitate the natural progression of labor. Movement encourages the baby to descend more effectively, aligns the pelvis, and optimizes the baby's position for birth. Yet, many women are not given the freedom to move as they wish during labor, often due to the restrictive nature of current maternity practices. The CUB was created to address this problem, giving women the support they need to embrace instinctive movement and find their own rhythm in labor.
Feedback and Iteration: Improving the CUB
Cass's journey in refining the CUB demonstrates the power of listening to feedback. By continuously improving the design based on real-life experiences, she created a product that is now making birth better for women around the world. Cass’s story is a reminder to all innovators – feedback and iteration are crucial steps in product development, particularly when the end goal is to support women in such a critical moment of their lives.
The Benefits of Upright Positions in Labor
One of the most compelling parts of our conversation was about the undeniable benefits of upright positions during labor. The CUB allows for flexibility and comfort, supporting various positions that encourage labor progression and reduce the likelihood of complications. Cass stressed that giving women the freedom to move and find their own optimal positions is key to improving birth outcomes.
Creating a Supportive Birth Environment
For labor to progress naturally, the environment must be supportive, calm, and empowering. Cass spoke about the crucial role that midwives and doulas play in creating such spaces. The CUB becomes a part of this supportive environment, offering a practical and comfortable option for women to explore different positions throughout their labor.
Empowering Women Through Knowledge
Empowerment in childbirth begins with knowledge and preparation. Cass and I discussed the importance of educating women about their bodies, their options, and the natural process of labor. When women are well-informed, they can make decisions that align with their instincts and preferences, leading to a more positive and empowering birth experience.
The Role of Doulas and Midwives
Doulas and midwives are at the heart of creating a supportive birth environment. Their presence, guidance, and advocacy can make a significant difference in how a woman experiences labor and birth. Cass highlighted the importance of their role in encouraging movement and facilitating the use of tools like the CUB, which help women find comfort and ease during labor.
Innovating in Maternity Care
Cass’s story is a testament to the power of innovation in maternity care. Women are natural innovators, especially when it comes to creating solutions for challenges they experience firsthand. By trusting her instincts and using her expertise, Cass brought the CUB to life, offering a simple yet revolutionary tool that continues to impact birthing experiences around the world.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Birth Tools
As we wrapped up our conversation, Cass offered some advice for aspiring innovators: listen to feedback, trust the process, and always keep the needs of women at the forefront of any development. The future of maternity products lies in creating solutions that support women’s natural instincts and empower them to move through labor with confidence and ease.
To learn more about Cass McNamara and the incredible work she’s doing with the CUB, visit cubmama.com. Listen to our full conversation for an inspiring look at how one woman’s vision is changing the birth experience for women everywhere.
Watch the full episode below
