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Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy

My Essential Birth

Birth is amazing, beautiful, wonderful . . . and it can throw you for a loop! Despite our very best birth “plans,” we can find ourselves taking some twist and turns during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum that we don’t expect. Enter the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!

Hey mama! My name is Stephanie, and I’m a mom of three boys, and two girls, a professional doula, childbirth educator, and the creator of the Online Birth Course - My Essential Birth www.myessentialbirth.com.

I love to help mothers just like you feel empowered and confident during pregnancy, birth, and into motherhood by taking my years of knowledge and personal/professional experience in the birth world and breaking down complex birth topics to make preparing for labor & birth a breeze!

Every week, you’ll hear from myself & other women ready to share their knowledge with other pregnant moms about pregnancy and birth topics that will have you feeling knowledgeable and in the driver’s seat of your best birth experience.

Your best birth starts here >>>> www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted

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#367
Thursday · 43 min
Are You Pushing Wrong? What Your Pelvic Floor REALLY Needs for Birth with Dr. Sara Reardon
What if the way you’re told to push during birth isn’t actually the whole story? And what if leaking, pelvic pain, painful sex, or feeling like your body just never fully recovered after having a baby aren’t things you simply have to live with? In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Sara Reardon, aka The Vagina Whisperer — a board-certified pelvic floor therapist with 20 years of experience — to talk about the part of your body that plays a HUGE role in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery, but doesn’t get nearly enough attention. We’re talking about how your pelvic floor changes during pregnancy, how to breathe and push more effectively, what actually happens to your pelvic floor during birth, and why the standard “6 weeks and you’re cleared” checkup may not tell the whole story. Whether you're pregnant and preparing for birth, newly postpartum, or years past your last baby, this conversation will help you understand your body in a whole new way — and recognize when something isn’t just something you’re supposed to “put up with.” Here are some highlights from the episode: What actually counts as "not normal" — and why no amount of leaking is something you just have to live with Why your pelvic floor changes no matter how you give birth — vaginal OR C-section The signs that tell you it's time to get pelvic floor support What to focus on in each trimester — strengthening early, birth prep later The truth about exercising during pregnancy (and why the old advice was wrong) How to actually push your baby out — and why your breath matters so much Why "6 weeks and you're cleared" doesn't cut it, and what real recovery timelines look like The connection between breastfeeding, low estrogen, and pelvic floor healing that most moms are never told Why it's never too late to get help — 3 months, 3 years, or 3 decades postpartum Sara's biggest takeaway for every mama on putting herself back on the list 🎁 Sara made all of you a FREE childbirth prep guide with her top 8 pelvic floor tips for birth — how to push, how to breathe, positions, stretches, and recovery tips nobody talks about. Grab it at www.myessentialbirth.com/pft This episode is for information and education, not medical advice. Always work with a provider you trust for your pregnancy and birth. Connect with Sara: ✅ Free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide: www.myessentialbirth.com/pft 📱 Instagram: www.instagram.com/the.vagina.whisperer 🌐 Website: thevaginawhisperer.com 📖 Her book: Floored: A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#366
September 16 · 42 min
Birth Story: What If I Can’t Handle Labor? How Mental Preparation & Support Can Change Your Birth
I love a good birth story, but this one has a little something extra. Taryn's not just telling you what happened, she's showing you how much the mental side of birth really matters AND what she did to prepare - which is the most valuable part! She'd gone into her first two births thinking "I'm tough, I've got this," and learned the hard way that toughness isn't the same as being prepared. (join the club 😉) So the third time, she did it differently. I first aired this back in 2023 and to-date is our most popular My Essential Birth Story! Having an unmedicated birth is a huge decision and requires so much preparation physically AND mentally. Your body will do what your brain tells it to! For your body to enter "Labor Land", it's imperative that mom feels safe and supported. Taryn shares her birth story about how her support and mental preparation helped her achieve the birth she desired for her third baby girl. [2:25] Meet Taryn — a mama of three girls in a tiny South Dakota town, with a birth story that was six weeks fresh when we recorded. [3:09] The road to her three girls — including the part of her story I think a lot of you are going to love. [5:30] Why she finally switched providers — and the moment she realized she deserved someone who actually listened. (BIG cheer for her here!! 🎉 ) [9:32] The one thing she prepared for this time that she completely skipped the first two times. (It literally changed everything.) [11:09] Let's talk about "labor land" — what it actually feels like, and why Taryn says it was unlike anything she expected. [14:32] The weirdly simple trick she focused on during every contraction that kept her whole body relaxed. You're going to want to steal this one!!! [17:05] What she did in those final weeks that had her walking into her induction WAY further along than ever before. [20:17] The blizzard, the induction, and the birth — and the moment things went from "this is going to take all day" to "she's coming out RIGHT NOW." [24:43] The peanut ball. The music. And the fast, intense ending nobody in the room saw coming. [36:12] The spiritual moment that carried her through — and the prayer that filled the room when she needed it most. I always love these parts of birth stories. [38:28] Her best advice for moms and partners — plus the little labor snack she swears by (trust her on this one). I actually get questions about what to bring to eat during labor all the time, so I know you'll love this! Links Mentioned: Dr. Marina Kimball of Begin with Family Chiropractic Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#365
September 10 · 41 min
Preeclampsia, Protein & What Your Early Labs Are Really Telling You with Sarah Thompson
Sarah's whole world is focused on YOU — the mama. Because here's the truth we talked about: your baby can be healthy and you can still be sick. And nobody's really watching for that. Sarah Thompson is a functional medicine provider who specializes in maternity care. And here's the thing that makes her work so different: most prenatal care is focused on your baby. We got into the stuff I think every pregnant mama deserves to understand, especially the things that are often preventable but rarely talked about until they become a full-blown emergency. We dug into preeclampsia and why so many cases could be caught way earlier than they are. We talked about the early markers hiding in labs you might already be getting. And then we got into protein and even though we did not fully agree, I think the conversation will benefit every mom. 😅 I'm leaving that whole exchange in because I think it's so healthy to hear two people who care deeply about mamas talk it through with respect. You get to take both perspectives and decide what feels right for you. Here are some highlights from the episode: What functional medicine actually is — and why "care of the baby" and "care of the mother" are not the same thing Why so many preeclampsia cases are preventable — and how early it really starts The "preeclampsia mimickers" that look exactly like the real thing but aren't How your thyroid plays a role in so many pregnancy complications The protein conversation where Sarah and I respectfully disagreed and I greatly appreciate her perspective Why your first-trimester body is begging for carbs — and the science behind those cravings The truth about heme vs non-heme iron, and how to actually raise low iron The thing you literally cannot diet or supplement your way out of (and most of us are guilty of it) Why "warrior-style" workouts might not be serving your pregnant body — and what to do instead The early lab markers that can flag preeclampsia risk — and the caution to have about who's reading them Sarah's one message for every pregnant mama — the one that takes the pressure off One quick note before you listen — this episode is for information and education, not medical advice. Always work with a provider you trust for your pregnancy and birth. Connect with Sarah: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/functional.maternity/ 🌐 Website: www.functionalmaternity.com Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#364
September 3 · 44 min
Birth Story: Not Asking for Permission & Preparing for Her Unmedicated Birth with Jo Gibson
This first aired in March 2023 and became one of my most downloaded birth stories. Once you hear Jo's "ask forgiveness, not permission" approach, you'll understand exactly why. Jo Gibson is an army wife. Her closest family lives nine hours away. Her insurance meant she had to give birth in a hospital, with a rotating team of midwives she'd never met before — and no real option to switch providers. On paper, that's a tough setup for the unmedicated birth she wanted. But Jo did something I love. Instead of asking permission, she decided to ask forgiveness. 😏 She stopped asking her providers "can I do this?" and started telling them "this is what I'm doing." She flipped the whole dynamic...and it worked. She showed up to the hospital already eight centimeters, laboring in the ER while nurses tried to hand her a wheelchair, and had her baby boy completely unmedicated. Her husband did counter pressure for so many hours his arms were sore the next day (as they should be if you're doing it right...little tip for dads 😉). Her birth story is so encouraging, especially if you're a military mama, or any mama who feels stuck with a provider or a hospital and wonders if she can still have the birth she wants. And Jo doesn't just share the wins. She talked about the parts she'd do differently too, which makes this one even more valuable. Here are some highlights from the episode: What it's really like to prepare for birth as a military mom - far from family, with limited provider choices The "ask forgiveness, not permission" approach that changed everything for Jo How she handled a midwife who told her "most moms don't do that because birth is painful" (and what she did next) The genius way she flipped the script with her providers...you'll LOVE this part How her knowledge from the course actually earned her provider's buy-in and trust Why counter pressure was hands down the most helpful thing she and her husband did The birth affirmation cards she made herself — and the difference they made in real-time during her birth (they are seriously SO powerful mamas!!) Her fast, intense labor at home, and why she trusted her gut to head in before hitting 3-1-1 Walking into the ER already eight centimeters with a bulging bag The shift change that changed the course of her pushing stage...and what she'd do differently next time Her reflection on tearing, hemorrhage, and immediate postpartum Her best advice for moms and dads, including a postpartum tip every partner should hear Just a reminder — this episode is for information and education, not medical advice. Always work with a provider you trust for your pregnancy and birth. Links Mentioned: 🔗 My Essential Birth Course: myessentialbirth.com/getstarted 🔗 3 Free Exercises: myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises 📱 Instagram: @myessentialbirth Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#363
August 27 · 57 min
Vaccines: What Every Mother Needs to Know
🗝️ From The Vault: I first shared this one about a year ago. I still get comments on it and I think it may be one of my most favorite conversations about true consent - no matter the topic! I guess it helps that this one is a hot topic 😜 but it still stands!! You've probably had this moment: You're sitting in a provider's office, pregnant belly in front of you, when someone says, "This is what you'll get at your next appointment." No conversation. If your stomach has ever dropped in that moment, wondering "do I even get a say here?" — this episode is for you, mama. I sat down with Alexandra Galaska, the powerhouse behind Just the Inserts, to talk about how to cut through fear, confusion, and the "this is just what we do" culture in medicine. Alexandra's journey began as a new mom overwhelmed by conflicting voices — and what she uncovered (the actual government-issued manufacturer inserts for pharmaceuticals and vaccines) became the foundation of her mission: helping parents make truly informed decisions with confidence, not coercion. I want to be really clear about something before you listen — this conversation is not about being "for" or "against" anything. It's about equipping yourself with facts, frameworks, and questions so you can walk into your provider's office as the CEO of your health and your child's, not a passive spectator. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, dismissed, or scared you'll "get it wrong," you're not alone and I know you will love this episode. Alexandra's practical, non-alarmist approach is exactly what so many of us wish we had when we first became moms. Here are some highlights from the episode: [06:45] The moment Alexandra realized "just trust the system" wasn't enough — and why she started digging into inserts [12:10] How invisible nudges (like "this is what good moms do") shape our medical choices more than we realize [18:22] The difference between medical advice and medical coercion, and how to recognize the line [26:05] Why provider efficiency models often leave informed consent out of the room — and what to do about it [33:40] Exactly where to find official pharmaceutical inserts and how to read them without spiraling [41:55] The surprising section of inserts that parents should always check first [48:20] How to collaborate with your provider using both their expertise and your intuition — because mother's intuition is data [52:15] Alexandra's encouragement for moms who feel stuck between "trust the experts" and "go down the internet rabbit hole" Links & Resources: 📱 Follow Alexandra on Instagram: @JustTheInserts 🎓 Alexandra's FREE, no email required course — Make Informed Medical Decisions: justtheinserts.com/training-course 🔗 Join me inside the My Essential Birth Course: myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#362
August 19 · 44 min
Unmedicated Birth: How to Have an Induction Without an Epidural
🗝️ From The Vault! Every so often there is an episode I just cannot let sit in the archives, and this is one of them. It first aired in April 2022, and it is such a good one to bring back — because here is what I keep noticing: inductions are getting offered more and more, for more and more reasons. Which is exactly why I tell every mom to understand what it would be like if an induction could happen, even if the goal is to not have one. That way, if it comes up, you are ready instead of scrambling. So in this episode we get into what an induction actually is, the reasons one might land on the table (the truly necessary ones and the... not so much), all things Pitocin and why those contractions feel like their own beast, and the one thing that matters most when it comes to preparing. And if you end up wanting an epidural or leaning on another tool along the way, that is completely okay, but this episode will prep for how to do it unmedicated! None of this is about doing birth perfectly. It is about walking in informed and staying part of every decision. Here are some highlights from the episode: [6:15] What a medical induction actually is and what every mom should know about working through labor with pitocin, unmedicated (if that's the goal)! [7:25] The different induction methods explained simply: Pitocin, breaking your water, Cervidil, Cytotec, Foley bulb, and the Cook's catheter (and why I don't love Pitocin plus breaking your water alone) [10:48] The real reasons a mom might need an induction, and the ones that aren't so medically necessary [12:36] So many moms end up with an epidural during an induction — and why the number one reason why [16:00] All things Pitocin: how it's given, why those contractions feel SO different, and the mental game that comes with it [22:04] The single most important thing you can do to prepare for an induction [22:31] What a Bishop score is and how it predicts whether your induction will go smoothly [24:51] Supplements to prepare your body [26:56] The physical and mental prep that makes the biggest difference [40:55] The difference between doing hard things and suffering, and why that line matters so much Links Mentioned: 🔗 My Essential Birth Course: myessentialbirth.com/getstarted 🔗 3 Free Exercises: myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises 🔗 Dr. Christopher's Birth Prep Tinctures: https://amzn.to/3qzwqSC 🔗 Evening Primrose Oil: https://amzn.to/3qzwqSC 🔗 Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: https://www.amazon.com/Yogi-Womens-Raspberry-Leaf-Tea/dp/B00H3SXWIY/ Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#361
August 12 · 31 min
Prodromal Labor: How to Survive the Mental & Physical Exhaustion (From the Vault)
I first aired this one back in July 2023 and it became one of the most downloaded episodes I have ever put out. Prodromal labor is one of those topics almost nobody talks about, until you are the one lying awake at 2am wondering if THIS is finally it. So I pulled it out of the vault and dusted it off, because if you are anywhere near the end of your pregnancy, you are going to want this one in your back pocket. ❤️ Can we talk about the most emotionally confusing part of late pregnancy for a second? 😅 You start having contractions. Real ones... the kind that get longer and stronger and closer together. Your heart starts racing. THIS IS IT. You text everyone. You maybe even head in. And then it fizzles out. Nothing. False alarm. And a couple days later it happens all over again. That is prodromal labor. And it is not in your head, it is not you doing something wrong, and you are absolutely not being dramatic. It is real, it is exhausting, and in this episode I am walking you through exactly what it is, why it happens, and how to survive it — mentally AND physically — without losing your mind in the process. I polled you guys a few weeks back on the topics you wanted to hear about, and this one came up over and over. So here it is. 💛 Here are some highlights from the episode: What prodromal labor actually is — and how it is different from real labor contractions and Braxton Hicks The different ways it can show up, and why it tends to start around 36 to 37 weeks The surprising role your baby's position plays — and what you can do to help The positional tricks, exercises, and chiropractic care that can calm things down The mindset shift that helps you see prodromal labor completely differently Why you are not to blame — and the everyday things like dehydration and heat that can trigger contractions The head-to-toe check I want every mama to do when prodromal labor shows up The good news nobody mentions — why every single one of these contractions is actually working for you How I personally reframed prodromal labor into the best practice run I could have asked for The very real mental and emotional exhaustion of it — and permission to feel all of it How common it actually is, and whether having it once means you will have it again The difference between prodromal labor and active labor (a listener question) How to truly take care of yourself while you are in the thick of it Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#360
August 6 · 39 min
From the Vault Birth Story: Unmedicated Hospital Birth with Jamie Peterson
This episode first aired back in August 2023 and it went on to become one of the most downloaded birth stories I have ever put out. So I'm bringing it back! Whether this is your first time hearing Jamie's story or you are coming back around again, I think you are going to love it. ❤️ Jamie Peterson always knew she wanted to at least TRY for an unmedicated birth. She gathered all the information she could, took the My Essential Birth course with her husband, saw a Webster certified chiropractor, walked and squatted and drank her red raspberry leaf tea, and hired a doula to help bridge the communication gap with her husband when she was deep in labor. And then birth did what birth does... it went completely off script. 😅 Jamie went in for a routine appointment at 39 weeks and 5 days. Her provider offered a membrane sweep, mentioned it could break her water but she doubted it would, and the moment she went for it, Jamie's water was everywhere. From there things moved FAST. She got to the hospital around 5:30, kept telling the nurses she was fine and settling in, requested a bath at what she thought was early labor, and got checked to find out she was already at a nine. Her first baby was born at 7:10pm. Water broke at 4:10. Baby in her arms three hours later. As a FIRST time mom. 👀 This is one of those birth stories that will change what you think is possible, especially if you are a first time mama who has been told to brace for a 24 hour labor. Jamie is funny, humble, and so honest about the preparation she did and how much of it mattered. I know you are going to love her as much as I do. ❤️ Here are some highlights from the episode: [2:36] Meet Jamie — living in Minnesota with her husband Erik and her daughter Noa who just turned one in March. She is honest right out of the gate that she hated being pregnant, and we get into allll of it. 😂 [4:45] The glucose test scare — what happened when she failed the one-hour test "miserably," and the twist that came with the three-hour. 👀 [6:38] Choosing a hospital birth with a low intervention team — and the one tradeoff that came with it. [8:18] How she "tested" her providers on their induction protocol — and why their answer told her she was exactly where she needed to be. 💪 [8:18] The quote that stopped me in my tracks — it took her husband nine months to learn how to support her, and nine months for her to learn how to be supported by him. 😅 [10:54] Everything she did to prepare — the birth course on the ball every night, Webster chiropractic care from 12 weeks, acupuncture, walking, squats, red raspberry leaf tea, and the affirmations she loved. This is the part that made all the difference. 💪 [10:54] Why she hired a doula — and whether her birth went anything like she pictured. 😅 [18:13] Her birth — the membrane sweep that did NOT go as expected, the "just get settled in" moment that turned into something else entirely, and a labor that left every nurse in the room stunned. 👀 [18:13] Pushing as a first-time mom — the mindset shift that had her thinking "well, that wasn't so bad, I can do it again." 💪 [28:40] How she coped through contractions — the one position that was the only thing that helped. [30:19] Postpartum — immediate skin to skin, delayed cord clamping, and Erik's sweet "I thought we were supposed to wait" moment. ❤️ [31:24] Jamie's best advice for moms and dads — including a reminder you are going to want to hold onto long after birth. 💛 Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#359
July 30 · 32 min
The Vault: Getting Ready for Birth & What Most People Aren't Telling You
This one first aired back in November 2025 and you guys loved it. It ended up being one of the most downloaded episodes I have ever done. So I am bringing it back out of the vault because it's just too good to let it sit there! This is the stuff nobody really tells you about getting ready for birth. The things I wish I had known before my first baby. So whether you are hearing it for the first time or coming back around again, grab a notebook and settle in. I think you are going to love it. ❤️ You’ve been prepping for birth, but with so much conflicting advice, it’s easy to feel nervous or unprepared… and you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down what most people don’t tell you about getting ready for labor — from birth myths and epidurals to baby positioning, mindset, and practical ways to feel confident no matter how your birth unfolds. We’re covering what really matters during birth prep, including how to: • Spot the signs of active labor and plan for support • Understand epidurals, pain, and movement — what providers often don’t mention • Influence your baby’s position safely during pregnancy • Use mindset, flexibility, and planning to stay calm and confident • Prepare your birth partner to truly be your rock in the delivery room • Focus on three simple, actionable things you can start today to feel ready If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I ready for this?” or “What actually matters for a smooth birth?” — this episode is for you. It’s honest, empowering, and full of practical tips to help you feel informed AND ready for your best birth yet! Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#358
July 22 · 20 min
The Vault Essentials: 3 Birth Plan Mistakes That Lead to Regret (And What to Do Instead)
Back by popular demand, this is one of 2026's most-listened episodes. If you're building your birth plan right now, grab your notebook and tune in, mama! What if the birth plan you worked so hard on… actually set you up for disappointment? Most moms spend hours researching, Googling templates, and checking every box, and still walk away from birth feeling blindsided, unprepared, or like the whole experience just happened around them. And it's not their fault. It's because nobody ever showed them what a birth plan is actually supposed to do, or the mistakes that quietly sabotage even the most prepared moms in the delivery room. In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the most common birth plan mistakes I see all the time, and more importantly, exactly what to do instead. Whether you're just starting to think about your birth plan or you already have one and something feels off, this episode is going to change the way you think about it completely. Here are some highlights from the episode: Why the birth plan templates you find online might be working against you The real reason birth plans fall flat when labor actually begins Mistake #1: The mindset shift that changes how you approach your birth plan Mistake #2: The powerful (and totally underused) way to use your birth plan before you ever step foot in a delivery room Mistake #3: Why planning only for your ideal birth can leave you feeling lost when things shift How to use your birth plan to learn something really important about your provider ahead of time The free Birth Map download that makes the whole process feel so much easier: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/birthplan Birth doesn't have to go perfectly for you to walk away feeling incredible about your experience. What matters most is that you felt informed, understood your options, and had a voice every step of the way. I know you're going to love it, mama. Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#357
July 15 · 51 min
Rebroadcast - Unmedicated Birth: How To Prepare If This Is Your Goal
This is a rebroadcast of one of our most loved episodes — whether you are listening for the first time or coming back for another listen, I know you are going to get something out of it. Enjoy! ❤️ I have three babies I gave birth to and two girls who made me a mama in a different way — and all three times I gave birth I was planning to go unmedicated. It only happened once. And it was not because my body failed me. It was because I did not have the tools I needed and I did not know then what I know now. About nutrition. About mindset. About preparing my birth partner. About what actually helps once you are deep in labor and things get really hard. That is exactly why this episode exists. In this one I am walking you through everything — starting in pregnancy with nutrition, movement, posture, and mindset work, and moving all the way through labor with the tools, positions, support, and options that make the biggest difference when you are working toward an unmedicated birth. There is no judgment here about how you choose to give birth. But if unmedicated birth is your goal — I want you to have every single thing you need to get there. ❤️ Here are some highlights from the episode: Why staying healthy and low risk gives you the most options for your birth — and where nutrition fits into all of it The three exercises and daily movement that prepare your body for labor — and how to actually build the habit Why your posture matters more than you think for your baby's position Mindset work, positive affirmations, and why this might matter even more for mamas who have given birth before Labor practice — what it is, why it works, and how to do it starting today How to prepare your birth partner so they actually know how to support you when it counts Understanding how birth physiologically works — and why that knowledge changes everything about how it feels Knowing your options before you get to the induction conversation Why staying home longer is one of the most powerful tools for an unmedicated birth Water as nature's epidural, freedom of movement, emptying your bladder, and eating and drinking in labor Being adaptable — why you should never be suffering just to stay unmedicated, and how to make confident decisions if things shift Links Mentioned: 🔗 My Essential Birth Course: myessentialbirth.com/getstarted 🔗 3 Free Exercises: myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises 📱 Instagram: @myessentialbirth Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
July 9 · 46 min
Elimination Communication: Going Diaper Free From Birth with Andrea Olson
What if your baby has been trying to tell you they need to go to the bathroom this whole time, and you just did not know how to listen? Before disposable diapers existed, 92% of American babies were out of diapers by 18 months. Today our average is three years old. And according to my guest today — that shift had nothing to do with biology and everything to do with marketing. Andrea Olson is the author of Go Diaper Free, the world's leading educator on elimination communication, and a mama of six who has never had more than one baby in diapers at a time. She has helped over a million families start this practice across the world. And in this episode she breaks down everything you need to know from what elimination communication actually is, to the cues your baby is already giving you, to how to start from the very first day of your baby's life. I sat with this conversation for a long time after we finished recording. Babies are not any different biologically than they were before disposable diapers existed. They still have the same instincts. They are still trying to tell us what they need. We just stopped listening. And this episode is going to change the way you think about diapers, potty training, and tuning into your baby from day one. ❤️ Here are some highlights from the episode: What elimination communication actually is — and the instincts babies are born with that we have completely lost touch with in the Western world The Pampers story that will make your jaw drop — what Andrea learned from a conversation with an actual Pampers executive and how it changed the way pediatricians talk about potty training forever When to start and what it actually looks like — from brand new newborns to mobile babies to young toddlers The two simple things Andrea recommends starting with that take almost no extra time or effort The cues your baby is already giving you — from bearing down and staring off into space to popping off the breast and trying to escape the carrier The difference between elimination communication and potty training — and why understanding that difference changes everything What this looks like in real life for mamas going back to work, families with multiple kids, and babies in daycare The bonding piece — why every single person who has done elimination communication says it is one of the most connecting experiences of early parenthood The three biggest things that surprised Andrea across six babies and over a million families How much money you actually save — Andrea has saved $12,000 in diapers across six kids Two free resources Andrea put together specifically for our listeners today 🎁 Free resources for listeners: Head to www.myessentialbirth.com/EC to grab the Easy Start Guide and the Potty Training Primer. Connect with Andrea: 🌐 Website: godiaperfree.com 🛍️ Store: tinyundies.com 📱 Instagram: @godiaperfree ▶️ YouTube: Go Diaper Free Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#356
July 1 · 1 hr 10 min
Your Legal Rights in the Birth Room with Attorney Hermine Hayes-Klein
Signing the general consent form when you walk into the hospital does not mean you have agreed to everything that follows. Not the Pitocin. Not the vaginal exam. Not the electronic fetal monitor. Not the cesarean. Not the hospital policy. Every single one of those still requires your informed consent. I had the privlege of sitting down with Hermine Hayes-Klein, an attorney who has spent 25 years specializing in women's rights in pregnancy and childbirth. She moved to the Netherlands while pregnant with her first baby, watched a completely different birth system up close for five years, came home, and became a lawyer who takes the birth cases nobody else will touch. The ones where the baby is okay but the mama is not. She represents the women nobody is fighting for. And she wins. What Hermine shares about your actual rights in the birth room is the kind of information that changes how you walk into every single prenatal appointment and ultimately into your birth. Here are some highlights from the episode: What informed consent actually means — and why signing a general consent when you walk into the hospital does not cover everything that follows The real cases behind Hermine's work — and why she started taking them when nobody else would What hospital policies can and cannot do — and why they do not get to override your legal and constitutional rights The specific ACOG documents Hermine recommends having printed and highlighted in your hospital bag before labor starts The five sets of risks every pregnant mama deserves to weigh when making birth decisions — and why providers are only ever talking about one of them Induction, breech birth, electronic fetal monitoring, AMA — what you actually need to know about each of these The exact language you can use to hold your ground in the birth room without being rude Connect with Hermine: 🌐 Website: Hayes Klein Law: https://www.hayeskleinlaw.com/ 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herminehayesklein/ Documents to print and put in your hospital bag: 📄 ACOG Ethics Committee Opinion — Maternal Refusal of Medically Recommended Treatment (June 2016) 📄 ACOG Committee Opinion on VBAC — if you are a VBAC mama 📄 ACOG Committee Opinion on Breech — most recent version 📄 Your state's informed consent statute — Oregon's is ORS 677.097 Research mentioned: 🔬 Search Neel Shah and Ank de Jonge together with the word induction or gestational age to find the three country study mentioned in this episode Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#354
June 24 · 40 min
The Truth About Gestational Diabetes Testing, Nutrition & Birth with Midwives, Bonnie Baker & Karina Robinson
Gestational diabetes is one of those topics that every pregnant mama needs to understand way before she ever gets to that 28 week test, whether she thinks it applies to her or not. And I could not be more excited about who I brought in to talk about it today. Bonnie and Karina are midwives in Davis County Utah and two of my favorite people in the birth world. I met them early in my birth work journey and I have never stopped being grateful for it. Bonnie has a background in nutrition and has been in birth work since 2014. Karina has had type one diabetes for over 35 years and lives this every single day. Between the two of them, they know more about gestational diabetes than most providers you will ever sit across from. I have actually told Bonnie that if I ever get pregnant again, I am either flying her out to me or heading to Utah, because these are the women I want in my corner. 💛 This conversation is practical, surprising, and one of the most helpful episodes I have recorded on pregnancy nutrition and testing. I learned things I was not expecting to learn. And I think you will too. Here are some highlights from the episode: What gestational diabetes actually is, and the perfect way to describe what happens between the placenta and pancreas during pregnancy The difference between type one, type two, and gestational diabetes, and the PCOS connection, most providers are not making The testing methods Bonnie and Karina actually trust and why eating jelly beans, pancakes, or a banana before your test is giving you a wildly inaccurate picture What the nutrition protocol actually looks like when someone tests positive, and why every single mama who has been compliant with their plan has had a wonderful outcome The real truth about carbs and gestational diabetes that most people are getting completely wrong Something about the health of dads and the placenta that genuinely stopped me mid-conversation 👀 The signs and symptoms most mamas do not know to look for and why gestational diabetes unfortunately does not always announce itself The risk factors list that is longer than most people realize and why very few women can actually say none of these apply to me What managed versus unmanaged gestational diabetes means for your birth options The postpartum screening that is in all the literature and almost nobody is doing The simplest thing you can do after every meal that has a real measurable effect on your blood sugar Connect with Bonnie & Karina: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daviscountymidwives/ 📍 Birth Center: Bountiful, Utah https://daviscountymidwives.com/ Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#353
June 17 · 42 min
Tongue Ties, Breastfeeding & Baby Development: Everything You Need to Know with Michelle Emanuel
Is your baby fussy, clicking while nursing, struggling with tummy time, or just not quite seeming like themselves, and nobody can give you a straight answer about why? In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Emanuel, pediatric occupational therapist, board-certified lactation consultant, and one of the leading experts in tongue tie and oral function, and we take a deep dive into all things tongue-tie. Because tongue tie is not just about nursing pain or a string under the tongue. It is connected to how your baby breathes, how they move their body, why they are gassy and fussy, why they hate tummy time, and if it goes undetected, to speech challenges, crowded teeth, sleep issues, and emotional dysregulation years down the road....like, what?! But it's true! I have been in the birth world for 14 years and I walked away from this conversation looking at things completely differently. In fact I went and looked inside all of my teenagers' mouths when we finished recording and I am not even a little bit embarrassed about it. 😂 I know you are going to love Michelle as much as I do. ❤️ Here are some highlights from the episode: What a tongue tie actually is and why it is so much more than a string under the tongue Signs before your baby is even born that could indicate a tongue tie The breastfeeding signs most mamas miss that are actually connected to tongue tie Why a baby who is gaining well and nursing okay is not always in the clear Who should actually be checking for tongue tie and why going straight to a release provider is not always the right first step What a release actually is and what is really happening during the procedure The difference between a mildly, moderately, and significantly impacted tongue tie How the tongue functions as a breathing organ and what that means for your baby's airway development What those little squeaking snorting congested sounds might actually be telling you What happens when tongue tie does not get caught early and the signs that show up in older kids The one thing Michelle wants every parent to take away and start doing with their baby today Connect with Michelle: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonguetiebabies/ ▶️ YouTube: Michelle Emanuel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MichelleE110/videos 🌐 Website: tummytimemethod.com Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#352
June 10 · 51 min
Birth Story: A Birth Center Water Birth & Letting Her Body Lead w/Kyla & Gabe
After giving birth at 28 weeks with her first baby, Kyla knew that this pregnancy was going to look different. She was intentional about every decision: her providers, her preparation, her birth space, and her mindset going in. And when the time came, all of that work showed up in the most beautiful and amazing way. Kyla woke up one morning at 39 weeks with a belly that looked completely different. Contractions started mid-morning and she basically ignored them for most of the day. By 9pm she and Gabe were loading up the car for a two hour drive to their birth center in the middle of the night. She arrived six centimeters dilated and completely effaced. And just before 3am their baby girl was born in a birth tub with so much hair. 🥹 I absolutely loved this conversation. Kyla and Gabe are one of those couples who just make you feel good the moment they start talking — he kept her laughing through most of labor, she described every contraction as a blessing, and then there were the gorilla noises during pushing that she is still not fully at peace with. 😂 I just know you are going to love them as much as I do. Here are some highlights from the episode: What a cerclage is, why Kyla needed one, and what is was like to have it removed — which didn't go as planned The specific jobs she gave Gabe before labor started, including the one thing she made him promise never to do in the birth room 😆 The best description of the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractions you will ever hear What her contractions felt like during active labor and the affirmations that carried her through...and why they were so different from her first birth The two hour drive to the birth center in the middle of the night and the hot water bottle tip every mama with a far away birth center needs to hear Gabe's honest account of being the birth partner and the moment he realized his presence was doing more than he thought Kyla and Gabe's best advice for moms and dads, including the one thing Gabe says to every dad he knows who is about to become a father Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#351
June 3 · 18 min
Can You Say No to Your Doctor During Pregnancy?
You leave your prenatal appointment and get in your car. And something just feels off. You are confused. Unsettled. Maybe a little worried about your body or your baby. And you spend the whole drive home trying to figure out what just happened in there and what you are supposed to do about it. In this episode, I am walking you through exactly what to do when something does not feel right with your provider. Whether it is an induction conversation that caught you completely off guard, a big baby warning that sent you straight to Google, or a provider you are just not sure about anymore. And I am being really honest in this one, too, because I have nodded and smiled my way out of appointments that did not feel right, gotten in my car, and completely lost it. I was a doula. I knew better. And I still did it. 😅 Oh, and this one is only about 15 minutes. No excuse not to listen before your next appointment. 😊 Here are some highlights from the episode: Why most mamas leave their prenatal appointments confused rather than angry, and why that is actually the harder place to be The most common scenarios that catch pregnant mamas completely off guard — from induction conversations to big baby warnings to ultrasound readings that send you into full panic mode The questions that get you the information you actually need, without being confrontational or difficult The most common reaction mamas have in these moments and why nodding and smiling and leaving feeling terrible is something so many of us have done What to do when you ask all the questions and you still disagree, three options that can genuinely solve things What you are really looking for in a provider is a partnership, how to know if you have it and what to do if you do not Why one disagreement does not necessarily mean you need a new provider, and when it does How setting up the right birth team early means you can walk into labor focused and calm instead of dreading what is coming Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#350
May 27 · 17 min
Before You Say Yes In Labor, Ask These Three Questions
What would you do if you were deep in labor and someone walked in and said it was time to talk about Pitocin, breaking your water, or maybe even a cesarean? I am you through the exact moment that catches most mamas completely off guard in the birth room (myself included, and I share about it), and the three questions that can slow everything down, get you the information you actually need, and help you make decisions from a place of confidence instead of fear. With my first baby, I was told we needed an emergency cesarean. And even in that moment of urgency, I wish I had known what I am sharing in this episode. That there is almost always time to ask questions. That a recommendation is not a requirement. That I had more say than I realized. This is the episode I wish every pregnant mama could hear before she ever walks into the birth room. It is not about being difficult or argumentative, it is about knowing how to gather information and make the best decision for you and your baby no matter what comes up during labor. I promise this will be an episode you will want to save and jot notes down from. Share it with your birth partner and listen together if you can! Here are some highlights from the episode: Why the toughest moment in labor is often not the intensity of the contractions and how to be ready for it The one thing you can do when a recommendation comes up that immediately gives you more control The thoughts that run through every mama's mind when a big decision lands mid-labor and why you are not alone Question #1 to ask your provider the moment a recommendation comes up, and what the answer tells you Question #2 that opens up a conversation most providers are not going to have with you unless you ask Question #3 that turns a blanket recommendation into something specific to you and your situation Why making decisions from confidence instead of fear has a real physiological effect on your labor How to make sure your birth partner knows all three questions before you go into labor Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#349
May 20 · 51 min
Eating for Your Cycle, Gut Health & Fertility with Nora DeBora
What if understanding your menstrual cycle could completely change the way you prepare for pregnancy and transform how you feel in your body every single month? I sat down with Nora DeBora, functional fertility coach, holistic nutritionist, fertility awareness practitioner, and host of the Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast, to talk about everything from eating for your cycle and seed cycling to gut health, hormone testing, and the fertility information most conventional providers are simply not sharing with their patients. Whether you are trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or just want to understand your hormones better, this conversation is one I know you are going to come back to again and again. I honestly took mental notes the entire time we were recording this one...and wrote some down when I got to listen again! 😉 Nora has this incredible way of making really complex information feel totally doable and accessible, and she is so passionate about helping women become truly body literate so they can advocate for themselves, support their fertility, and feel their best no matter where they are in their journey. I just know you are going to love her as much as I do. Grab a notebook for this one, you are going to want it! Here are some highlights from the episode: What your menstrual cycle is actually telling you about your health and how to read the signs The four phases of the cycle, what your hormones are doing in each one, and what symptoms are normal versus red flags How to eat for the follicular and luteal phases to support your estrogen, progesterone, and egg health Seed cycling. What it is, how to do it, and why Nora says it is one of the simplest places to start The three tests Nora runs first with every fertility client, and what they find that conventional medicine misses The gut health and hormone connection that could be the missing piece for so many women What biofilm is and why antibiotics alone often cannot clear a chronic infection like recurring UTIs or BV Four practical things every woman can do right now if she is thinking about getting pregnant Safe doses of CoQ10 and NAC and why Nora takes them herself even when she is not trying to conceive Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
#348
May 13 · 47 min
Birth Story: Pitocin Induction, 24 Hours of Unmedicated Labor & a 9lb 12oz Baby — Mary Richardson's Story
Birth doesn't always go the way you planned, but preparation never goes to waste. In this encouraging birth story, My Essential Birth Mama Mary Richardson shares her journey from planning a home birth to an unexpected hospital transfer, a Pitocin induction she never saw coming, and over 24 hours of unmedicated labor that pushed her further than she ever thought she could go. From the daily prep she did throughout pregnancy, to the moment everything shifted at 41 weeks and three days, to delivering a 9lb 12oz baby boy, I just know you are going to love Mary and everything she shares in this episode. ❤️ What I love most about Mary's story is not just what happened, it's how she handled it. She is honest about the hard parts, gracious about the things she would do differently, and so genuinely encouraging to every mama who is doing all the things and wondering if it will matter when birth surprises her. It absolutely does. This episode is proof of that. I promise you do not want to miss this one, in fact, save it and come back to it as you get closer to your birth! Here are some highlights from the episode: How Mary navigated... nausea, sciatica, white coat syndrome, and a GBS positive result throughout her pregnancy The provider switch she made at 20 weeks and why finding the right support changed everything for her The daily habits and preparation that carried her through 24+ hours of unmedicated labor What happened at her 41 week ultrasound and how she and her husband navigated the decision to transfer What unmedicated labor through a Pitocin induction actually felt like — and the coping strategies that helped most The moment during transition in the bathtub that she says was one of her favorites Her third degree tear recovery and the holistic healing tips that actually made a difference Her honest breastfeeding journey from those first hours to four months in Her most powerful advice for both moms and dads going into birth Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!

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