The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama

This episode is sponsored by Snugghug Have you ever been told your iron levels are "fine" and still felt exhausted, anxious, and completely off during pregnancy? I'm sitting down with Samantha Chandler of Wellness & Womb, a women's wellness coach who has completely changed the way I think about iron, minerals, and what our blood work is actually - and isn't - telling us. Samantha's own journey started with a simple question during her second pregnancy: why were so many women around her low in iron? What she uncovered led her down a path most OBs never talk about - the difference between low iron in the blood and iron that's dysregulated in the body. And as someone who has stood at the bedside for a lot of hemorrhages, this conversation hit close to home for me. We're getting into: Why "your iron is fine" doesn't tell the whole story - and what copper has to do with it The symptoms doctors write off as "just pregnancy" that may actually point to a mineral imbalance What the placenta can reveal about what was really happening in mom's body Why prenatal vitamins might not be doing what you think they're doing Practical, whole-food ways to support iron regulation - without supplements or infusions The "five minute rule" that helped Samantha decline an unnecessary induction Samantha has worked with hundreds of women (and even coaches health providers) on this exact topic, and the results she's seen - including drastically reduced blood loss at birth - are the reason I wanted her on the show. This one might change how you look at your next lab work. More from Samantha Chandler: Visit wellnessandwomb.com Connect on Instagram , TikTok , and YouTube @wellnessandwomb Thanks to our Sponsor Snugghug: Grab the Snugghug Nursing Cover and Nursing Shirt and use code 'LNMAMA10' for 10% off! Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Low Iron in Pregnancy 02:19 Samantha’s Health Journey 04:44 Iron Dysregulation Explained 06:34 Pregnancy Labs Misread 10:13 Testing Beyond Basics 17:45 Prenatals and Whole Foods 20:38 Labor and Birth Support Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Just found out you're pregnant and wondering "now what?" Trish is breaking down the first trimester essentials - the stuff nobody tells you until you're six weeks in and suddenly flattened by exhaustion. From what's really happening in your baby's development to the food rules, spotting fears, and when (or if) to tell people your news, this episode is the guide Trish wishes every mama had the moment she saw two pink lines. In this episode: Why folate (not folic acid) matters for your prenatal vitamin - and how the MTHFR gene variant plays a role The truth about first trimester fatigue and how to actually cope with it What to do if you experience spotting (and why it's more common than you think) How prenatal care is shifting toward telehealth in 2026 Morning sickness vs. hyperemesis gravidarum - when to ask for help What genetic screening (NIPT) can tell you, and when it's offered Navigating the noise around pregnancy vaccines Food safety musts: what to skip and what's actually fine When to share your pregnancy news - and why it's nobody's call but yours Trish's own experience with nine pregnancies, six live births, and three losses Mentioned in this episode: Grab our Free Third Trimester Prep Pack Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 First Trimester Tips 02:10 Prenatal Folate Basics 02:53 Fatigue 03:48 Spotting and When to Call 04:23 Appointments and Telehealth 05:45 Morning Sickness Help 06:25 Genetic Screening NIPT 06:59 Vaccines and Food Safety 08:07 Sharing Pregnancy News Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

This Episode is Sponsored by Snugghug Did you know 80% of your immune system lives in your gut - and your baby gets theirs from you? Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, breastfed or formula fed, this episode is going to change the way you think about your baby's health from day one. Trish sits down with Cheryl Hoy, CEO and founder of Tiny Health, the first at-home microbiome testing company for moms and babies. Cheryl's journey started with her own breech C-section birth and a mission to understand what that meant for her daughter's long-term health. What she found led her to build a company backed by scientists from Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and UCSF - and to become one of the loudest voices reminding moms that their birth mode isn't the end of the story. Trish and Cheryl dig into the science of the vaginal, gut, and skin microbiomes, why laboring (even before a C-section) still matters, and how the first 1,000 days of life set the stage for your child's immune system for years to come. This one is equal parts science lesson and permission slip - you are not powerless, no matter how your baby arrived earthside. What You'll Learn Inside This Episode: Why babies born vaginally have a different gut microbiome than babies born via C-section - and how that connects to the "atopic march" (eczema → food allergies → asthma → hay fever) Why laboring - even if it ends in a C-section - still seeds your baby's microbiome with beneficial bacteria How vaginal exams during labor can introduce antibiotic-resistant hospital bacteria to your baby Why dads contribute up to 20% of a baby's microbiome in the first year (and even more with a C-section birth ) What actually happens when you order a Tiny Health test, and how simple the process really is Why "failure to progress" might have less to do with your body and more to do with how supported you felt in the room How feeding mode (breast vs. formula) is the #1 most impactful lever for course-correcting gut health after a C-section Why the first 1,000 days - conception through age 2-3 - is the critical window for immune training, and what you can actually do about it More from Tiny Health: Go to TinyHealth.com and use code LNM! Follow on Instagram: @tiny.health hello@tinyhealth.com Thanks to our Sponsor Snugghug: Grab the Snugghug Nursing Cover and Nursing Shirt and use code 'LNMAMA10' for 10% off! Mentioned in this episode: The VBAC Lab - Trish's course for vaginal birth after C-section Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Cheryl from Tiny Health 07:04 What Is The Microbiome 12:46 Course Correcting In Early Life 19:07 Results, Support, And Dad’s Role 20:26 Microbiome Roles at Birth 23:07 Fighting for Breech Birth 33:30 Tiny Health Mission and Testing 36:09 Research Results and Future Care 37:26 Where to Find Tiny Health Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

You're 10 centimeters, and your nurse says "okay, let's push" - and without any discussion, you're guided into whatever position is easiest for everyone else in the room. Except it doesn't have to go that way. Trish is breaking down pushing positions, what the research actually says about each one, and exactly how to get the birth room to work with you - even if you have an epidural. Trish pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked parts of birth prep: how you push. She traces the surprising (and slightly wild) history of why flat-on-your-back became the hospital default, walks through what the Cochrane Review actually found about upright versus lying-down pushing, and breaks down six different pushing positions - who each one is best for, what the research shows, and how to advocate for the one that's right for you. Whether you're planning unmedicated or you know an epidural is part of your plan, this episode makes sure you walk into your birth room already knowing your options. What You'll Learn: The real history behind the "default" position - and why it has nothing to do with what's best for you What the Cochrane Review found when comparing upright vs. lying-down pushing - fewer interventions, fewer abnormal fetal heart patterns, and a shorter pushing stage The tearing nuance nobody explains - upright positions may carry a higher chance of minor tearing, but a lower chance of episiotomy Six pushing positions , including who each one is best for: Lithotomy (on your back), Semi-recumbent, Side lying (Sims position), Hands and knees, Squatting and supported squatting, & Leaning forward on a raised bed Which positions work with an epidural - yes, you still have options Exactly what to say to your nurse or provider if they default to what's easiest for them, not what's best for you How to put your pushing preferences in your birth map before you ever walk into the hospital Resources Mentioned Labor Like a Pro Guide - Trish's illustrated labor positions guide, showing every pushing position and exactly when to use it. The Calm Birth Bundle - the full kit and caboodle, including the labor positions guide: labornursemama.com/calm Thanks to our Sponsor Haakaa: Grab the Haakaa Gen.2 Plus Manual Breast Pump and use code ‘LNMAMA20’ for 20% off! Offer available through 11/13/26 Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Pushing Positions 03:11 What Research Shows 05:23 Lithotomy and Semi Recumbent 06:39 Side Lying for Control 07:46 Hands and Knees Benefits 09:25 Squatting for More Space 11:01 Leaning Forward Upright 11:58 Epidural Friendly Choices 13:21 How to Advocate Early Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

What would it feel like to go into labor fully prepared for your VBAC - and then have your baby flip breech in the middle of it? That's exactly what happened to Kathryn May, a VBAC Lab student and stay-at-home mom of two from Charlotte, NC. After a traumatic first birth that ended in an unplanned C-section, Kathryn was determined to do things differently the second time around. She switched to a VBAC-supportive practice, brought her husband fully into the process, and walked into labor informed and ready. Things were progressing beautifully - until a routine check revealed something no one expected: baby James had flipped breech. Kathryn's story isn't about getting the birth she planned. It's about what happens when you're prepared enough to handle it when the plan changes anyway - and still walk away feeling like you were part of every decision, confident, and empowered. In this episode: Why Kathryn's first C-section left her feeling like things were "happening to her" instead of with her How to spot red flags with a provider who isn't truly VBAC-supportive (and why body language matters as much as their words) Getting her husband trained as an active advocate, not just a bystander The moment her midwife said, "I don't feel a head" - and what came next How Kathryn made her unplanned C-section feel informed and participatory instead of traumatic Why "you can refuse anything, but should you?" became her guiding question in the moment that mattered most If Kathryn's story hit home for you - especially if your own birth didn't go the way you planned - be gentle with yourself. Whatever happened, you showed up, and that matters. Share this episode with a mama preparing for her VBAC or preparing for birth. Hit subscribe, leave a review, and help us reach every mama who needs to hear this. Connect with Kathryn: Follow her on Instagram @drkathrynmay More from this episode: Join The VBAC Lab or explore The Calm Labor Birth Bundle Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 VBAC Lab Student Birth Story 01:56 First Birth C-Section 05:26 Switching to Supportive Team 10:45 Labor Begins at Home 15:32 Baby is Breech 18:09 Redemptive C-Section Plan 20:16 Baby James Arrives 26:36 Advice for VBAC Moms 28:26 Why Education Matters Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Birth vibes are everywhere right now - and Jen Hamilton's book earned every bit of its #1 spot. But vibes alone won't get you through a decision in the delivery room. This week, Trish breaks down what Jen gets so right, and why you need both the vibes and the map. Jen Hamilton's Birth Vibes has taken over birth prep conversations everywhere, and moms keep asking Trish the same question: is it vibes over plans now? Trish's answer - Jen's right, but it's not the whole picture. In this episode, Trish unpacks what "birth vibes" actually means (mindset, values, and grounded adaptability - not just "good energy and hope for the best"), and why that emotional preparation matters so much. As a 16-year L&D nurse, Trish has watched moms walk in with beautiful energy and zero information, and freeze the moment a real decision hits. Her take: vibes get you into the right headspace, but you still need to know your options - because if you don't know your options, you don't have any. That's why Trish calls it a birth map , not a birth plan - a living, "why-behind-it" version of your preferences that holds both your values and your knowledge. What You'll Learn Inside This Episode: What Jen Hamilton's "birth vibes" concept really means - and why it's not just "hope for the best" Why mindset and grounded confidence genuinely change birth outcomes The difference between a birth plan (a checklist) and a birth map (values + knowledge + flexibility) Why "if you don't know your options, you don't have any" How to bring vibes and information together so you can advocate for yourself in the moment What Trish's Birth Mastery Workshop adds to your birth prep after reading Birth Vibes More from this episode: Birth Plan Mastery Workshop Read Birth Vibes by Jen Hamilton Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Birth Vibes 01:26 What Jen Really Means 03:04 Why Vibes Need Knowledge 04:26 Birth Map, Not a Checklist 06:47 Birth Mastery Workshop 08:26 Personal Note to Jen Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

I'm joined by Dr. Brooke Kalisiak, a pelvic physical therapist and owner of Legacy Physical Therapy in St. Louis. We’re diving into one of the most overlooked - but incredibly important - parts of your birth and postpartum journey: your pelvic floor. Dr. Brooke Kalisiak helps women prepare for birth, recover postpartum, and overcome pelvic health issues like pain and bladder leakage so they can feel strong and confident without relying on medications or surgery. She’s passionate about educating women on what’s normal, what’s not, and how to take control of their pelvic health. In this episode, we talk about: The biggest misconceptions about pushing during labor Why your pelvic floor needs to relax - not tighten - for birth Common postpartum symptoms women are told to “just live with” What actually happens during a pelvic floor therapy appointment How pelvic floor health impacts pregnancy, birth, postpartum recovery, and even menopause Why bladder leakage is common, but not normal Simple breathing techniques that support your core and pelvic floor When to see a pelvic floor therapist (hint: it’s never too early or too late) If you've ever worried about tearing, leaking, painful recovery, or wondered whether pelvic floor therapy is right for you, this conversation is packed with practical information and reassurance. Remember, mama: just because something is common doesn't mean it's normal . You deserve answers, support, and a body that feels strong and supported through every stage of motherhood. More from Dr. Brooke Kalisiak: legacytherapystl.com Find her @legacyphysicaltherapystl on Instagram , FaceBook , & YouTube Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Pelvic Health 06:28 Practice Pushing Positions 09:57 Bladder Leakage And Stigma 12:21 When To See Pelvic PT 16:02 Pregnancy Core Breathing 20:59 Postpartum Visits Explained 29:21 Why a Baseline Matters 32:11 Hidden Pelvic Symptoms 34:40 Where to Find Dr Brooke Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

You got your GBS results back and they're positive - and suddenly it feels like your entire birth plan just got ripped out of your hands. Does this mean induction? Antibiotics no matter what? Is an unmedicated birth even still on the table? Before you spiral into a Google hole at midnight, Trish is here to set the record straight. As a 16-year high-risk L&D nurse who's been in the room with hundreds of GBS positive mamas, she's breaking down exactly what this diagnosis does - and doesn't - mean for your birth. In this episode, Trish covers: What GBS actually is (and why it's not about hygiene or "doing something wrong") Myth #1: GBS positive means automatic induction - it doesn't Myth #2: No membrane sweeps allowed - what the Strip G Study really found Myth #3: You have to rush to the hospital the second contractions start - Trish's real timing rules for first-time and experienced moms Myth #4: You can't have an unmedicated birth - how the antibiotics actually work with your birth plan The real numbers behind antibiotic prophylaxis, and what happens if you decline What other countries do differently - and why that matters for how you think about your options The bottom line: GBS positive is a piece of information, not a life sentence for your birth plan. You deserve a provider who explains the "why," shows you the evidence, and lets you be part of the decision. This is still your birth. Loved this episode? Share it with a pregnant friend who just got her GBS results, or post it in your birth group - these are the conversations that should be happening at every 36-week appointment. And if you want more of Trish's no-fear-mongering, straight-from-research approach, hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. More resources for GBS+ Pregnancy: Read the blog: Here's What You Need to Know About GBS (Group B Strep) and Pregnancy Listen to episode 196: Pregnancy Unpacked Week 36: Preparing For the Final Stretch Listen to episode 189: Membrane Sweeps - What You Need to Know and How to Handle Them Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 GBS Positive Pregnancy 02:24 What GBS Really Is 04:25 Myth One 05:19 Myth Two 07:14 Myth Three 09:42 Myth Four 11:37 Antibiotics Risks And Rights 15:03 Other Countries Approach Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

If your sex life basically disappeared after baby, this one's for you, mama. You're touched out, running on fumes, and the LAST thing on your mind is sex - but your partner keeps bringing it up, and now you're stuck in this exhausting cycle of guilt, resentment, and disconnection. Sound familiar? This week I'm sitting down with Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy, a certified sex and couples therapist (and mama of two) who's spent 15 years helping couples navigate exactly this. We're getting real about why your desire disappears after baby, why "just fix the emotional connection and the sex will follow" is actually bad advice, and what's really going on when one partner pursues and the other withdraws. We also dig into resentment, the mental load, reclaiming your body, and why accepting imperfect help from your partner might be the missing piece (pajama drama included 😂). In this episode, we cover: Why low libido after baby is so common - and it's not "just about sex" The pursuer/withdrawer cycle and how to break it How resentment and mental load quietly kill intimacy Reclaiming your body after birth (even after trauma) 3 practical ways to reconnect with your partner, starting today This is such an honest, validating conversation - whether you're the one who's touched out or the one who feels rejected, you'll walk away with real tools (and a lot less shame). More from Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy, PhD, LMHC: Grab her book: Parents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids rebeccaeudy.com Follow her on Instagram: @RebeccaHowardEudy Loved this episode? Leave a review and tell me - are you the pursuer or the withdrawer? I read every single one. 💛 Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Why Sex Drive Disappears Postpartum 02:43 Desire vs Connection After Baby 06:05 Pursuer Withdrawer Cycle 10:35 Birth Trauma and Triggers 15:15 When Sex Becomes a Chore 16:44 Resentment and Mental Load 23:49 Accepting Imperfect Help 28:09 Micro Moments Connection 30:26 What Holds Desire Back 33:14 Book And Where To Find Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

You've probably already made a decision about your epidural. The problem? You made it before anyone walked you through what actually happens. In this episode, I'm breaking down the entire epidural process from the moment you say "I think I want it" to the moment we pull the catheter out after delivery - the timing, the placement, what it actually feels like, the side effects nobody mentions, and the questions I get asked most as a 16+ year L&D nurse. Whether you're planning to get one, planning to go unmedicated, or you're a "let's see how I feel" mama, this episode is for you. Because pain management is part of every birth map, and knowing what's coming means you make the decision from education - not fear. No horror stories. No agenda. Just what really happens in the labor room. In this episode: When you can actually ask for an epidural (and why timing isn't as simple as "too early" or "too late") What has to happen behind the scenes before the anesthesiologist walks in The step-by-step placement process - and the one moment that actually hurts Common epidural side effects and how your nurse manages them What "recovery" looks like and why it's not the time for visitors How to know you're progressing once your epidural is in More from this episode: Grab our free Third Trimester Birth Prep Bundle at labornursemama.com/third or comment "THIRD" on any Instagram post @labor.nurse.mama . Listen to episode 245: Epidural or Unmedicated? How to Decide Without Regret Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Epidural Decision Reality 03:27 Why Preparation Matters 05:43 When To Request It 07:11 Hospital Prep Steps 08:58 Positioning And Placement 11:12 Recovery And Monitoring 12:44 Blood Pressure + Side Effects 14:58 What It Feels Like 16:53 Rest And Pushing Tips 18:08 Turning It Off And Removal Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Your discharge is not a problem to Google in a panic - it's one of the most powerful fertility signals your body produces. And yet, most of us were never taught that. In this episode, Trish sits down with Sabrina Nowicki, CEO of Cyclisity - the official charting app of the landmark book Taking Charge of Your Fertility - for a conversation about body literacy, fertility awareness, and why understanding your cycle might be the most empowering thing you do for your reproductive health. Sabrina brings an engineering and product design background to her role as CEO of Cyclisity, the official charting app of Taking Charge of Your Fertility (TCOYF) . Cyclisity was co-founded alongside Toni Weschler, MPH, the author of Taking Charge of Your Fertility and Sabrina's aunt. Built from the ground up to align with the TCOYF knowledge base, Cyclisity is designed to make the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) as accessible as possible for women everywhere - without sacrificing the science or the agency that makes FAM so powerful. What You'll Learn in This Episode What the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) actually is The three biomarkers FAM uses to identify your fertile window: cervical fluid, basal body temperature (BBT), and optional cervical positioning What your cervical fluid is actually telling you - from dry to sticky to creamy to egg white - and why that progression matters How BBT confirms ovulation and why that temperature shift is your body's built-in confirmation system Why stress, illness, and lifestyle can delay ovulation The problem with predictive cycle apps and why apps that just calculate averages from past cycles are not the same as tracking your actual body More from Sabrina Nowicki, CEO of Cyclisity: Cyclisity App - Available now on the Apple App Store (US & Canada); Android version coming soon Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, MPH Follow Cyclisity on Instagram: @Cyclisity & on TikTok: @Cyclisityapp Follow Sabrina personally: @wanderingsabrina on all platforms Visit Cyclisity.com Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Discharge as Fertility Signal 02:21 Why Fertility Awareness 05:56 FAM Basics Explained 13:04 Stress Delays Ovulation 16:48 Cycle Syncing Myths 22:07 Why Build Cyclisity App 27:39 Why Predictive Apps Fail 39:01 Regulating After Birth Control 45:35 Where To Find Cyclisity Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

In this insightful podcast episode we focus on preparing for an unmedicated birth. Emphasizing on how you can address your fears and the importance of understanding your “WHY” for choosing an unmedicated birth. Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle! 6 Ways to Prepare for An Unmedicated Birth: Mindset Matters: Addressing your fears and your mindset happens long before the labor room. Replace your fears with TRUTH, and having a clear “WHY” for choosing an unmedicated birth is essential for a positive mindset. Being Educated: Education gives you a sense of calm & peace to make the best decisions for your during your birth. Winging your birth is not an option. Preparing Your Body: Understanding the power of the pelvis and movement during birth is monumental to your birth experience. Creating a Supportive Birth Environment: If you create a birth environment that is supportive, you are going to feel safe while allowing the natural pain killers that we have flowing through our body to flow. Unmedicated Pain Management Tools & Techniques: Understanding the importance of various unmedicated pain management techniques, including breath work, hot/cold therapy, & the comb technique. Understanding Your Interventions & Your Birth Rights: Like I’ve said before, we don’t just refuse willy nilly. You need to know what this intervention is for, why it is used, and when it is appropriate. Should I say yes? Should I say no? You need to know your rights to navigate this. Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Knowing your why 03:00 How fear can physically stall or stop labor progression 05:00 Why birth education is non-negotiable 08:30 Preparing your body for birth - why the pelvis is your most powerful tool 13:30 Creating a supportive birth environment and team 19:30 Understanding interventions, the cascade effect, and your rights Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Most birth prep focuses on you - your breathing, your birth plan, your body. But what about the person standing next to you? Because here's the truth: if your partner isn't prepared, they will default to the doctor. Every single time. And you'll be left feeling completely alone in one of the most intense, vulnerable moments of your life. That's exactly why I brought Lena Athena onto the show. Lena is changing how the world understands boundaries. She created the Kind Boundaries framework to show that boundaries aren't a source of conflict, they're the foundation of every healthy relationship. She's a TEDx speaker, founder of the boundaries practice app HEARD, and author of a forthcoming book on belonging and boundaries. She specializes in supporting women in the most boundary-violated season of life: the transition into motherhood. In this episode, we cover: Why partners shut down in the labor room The conversation you need to have before you ever go into labor How to have the hard conversations without blowing up your relationship The role relationship dynamics play in the birth room Three steps to get back on the same team if you've already drifted apart You should not have to choose between advocating for yourself and keeping the peace. With the right preparation - and the right conversations ahead of time - you can have both. More from Lena Athena: Try the HEARD boundaries practice app free: https://heard.lenaathena.com/ Work with Lena privately: https://lenaathena.com/coaching Follow Lena on Instagram & Threads @lenasathena Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Lena Athena 01:52 Boundaries in Motherhood 05:20 Why Advocacy Fails 08:14 Talk Before Labor 11:13 Align as Decision Makers 14:45 Practice Hard Talks 16:55 Team Based Conversations 24:45 Three Steps to Reconnect 28:19 Where to Find Lena Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

You spent months preparing for an unmedicated birth - the classes, the breathing, the mindset. And then your provider says induction , and your stomach drops. You know it's medically the right call, but it feels like everything you planned just went out the window. Here's what I need you to hear: induction and unmedicated birth are not mutually exclusive. I've done it three times myself, and I've helped countless students do it too. In this episode, we're breaking down exactly what induction actually means, what your real options are, and how to stay in the driver's seat - even when the plan shifts. Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle! 💡 What We Cover: Why induction doesn't have to mean the end of your unmedicated birth map What cervical ripening and Bishop score actually mean - and why your cervix being "favorable" matters so much before anything else starts Why Trish recommends against breaking your water unless you're in active labor (6+ cm and contracting regularly) How Pitocin can be run low and slow - and even stopped once your body takes over The story of Ashley: a first-time mom with gestational diabetes and hypertension who got the induction and the unmedicated birth she wanted The questions to ask your provider before you ever say yes or no to an induction More from this episode: Listen to episode 227: Kelly’s Redemptive VBAC – From Induction & C-Section to Pulling Her Baby onto Her Chest Read the blog: Everything You Need to Know About Being Induced Everything You Need to Know About Being Induced Check out this Induction Workshop Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Inductions & Unmedicated Birth 02:22 Why Inductions Are Rising 03:56 A Student Induction Birth Story 04:57 Induction Methods Explained 06:53 Commitment And Pitocin Strategy 08:40 Mindset And Labor Pain 10:17 Questions To Ask Your Provider 11:07 Stack The Deck In Labor 12:43 You Can Still Have a Birth You Love Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Ever stood in the baby food aisle feeling completely lost? This episode is for you. This week, Trish sits down with Jordyn Koveleski Gorman - licensed speech-language pathologist, feeding specialist, and founder of Eat Play Say - to talk about the stuff your pediatrician simply doesn't have time to cover at a 15-minute well visit. With nearly a decade of clinical experience and a community of over 800,000 parents, Jordyn breaks it all down in a way that will actually make mealtimes feel less like a battle and more like a win. Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle! In this episode, you'll learn: 🥄 The #1 mistake parents make when introducing the highchair — and the simple shift that changes everything 🥦 Baby-led weaning vs. purees: which method is better? (Hint: Jordyn's answer might surprise you) 😤 Why your toddler suddenly hates the food they loved yesterday — and exactly what to say when it happens 🍕 The food prep trick that gets picky eaters to actually try new foods (no pressure, no power struggle) 💡 How to give your toddler just enough control to make mealtimes easier for everyone The golden nuggets you don't want to miss: Jordyn shares that babies may need 20 to 100 presentations of a food before accepting it - so that refusal at dinner? Completely normal. She also walks through why the experience around food matters far more than the method you choose, and how to build a positive relationship with mealtimes from the very first bite. More from Jordyn from Eat, Play, Say: Follow her on Instagram & TikTok : @eatplaysay Visit EatPlaySay.com & Check out her handbooks available for parents ! Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 What No One Tells You About Feeding Your Baby 04:02 Jordyn’s Story 10:42 Solids Refusal 14:59 High Chair Positive Start 15:41 Purees vs Baby Led 20:41 Choices Over Power Struggles 24:06 Control And Boundaries 29:57 Grace After Blowups 34:36 Kitchen Prep No Pressure 40:21 Validate Yucky Feelings 41:55 Where To Find Jordyn Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

She was 12 hours into labor when a nurse walked in carrying a tablet - and a judge appeared on the screen to decide what would happen to her body. This isn't a social media horror story. This happened in Florida, in 2026, to a woman who was not only informed - she was a doula . She had a prior C-section complicated by a dangerous hemorrhage. Refusing another surgery wasn't a whim. It was a medical decision she had every right to make. And a judge overruled her anyway. In this episode, we're getting into all of it: what your rights actually are, where they get murky, and the three things I want you to do before you ever go into labor - because when you're in labor, your job is to labor. In this episode: What actually happened in Florida - and why the details matter The difference between informed refusal and an unsafe one (these are not the same thing) Why "rights on paper" and what happens at 3 AM in a hospital room aren't always the same Why I call it a birth map , not a birth plan - and why this story is why I prefer a map over a plan The three things to do before labor Why the advocacy piece is non-negotiable, especially for Black women, who are far more likely to have their pain, rights, and refusals dismissed The one question that is one of the most powerful things you can say in a hospital room This episode is not about walking in braced for a fight. It's about walking in prepared, calm, confident, and educated. Resources mentioned: Calm and Confident Birth Course & Birth Bundle - understand your rights, your body, and your options before you walk in Florida needs to change those laws. And until it does, the best thing you can do is prepare. Let's get you there. Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Judge In The Delivery Room 02:10 What Happened In Florida 03:55 Informed Consent And Refusal 05:30 Why Rights Get Murky 06:04 Birth Map vs Birth Plan 07:03 Getting Prepared Before Labor 09:38 Bring Your Support Team 10:35 Birth Advocacy Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Stephanie brings a unique perspective to breastfeeding and postpartum support by combining occupational therapy expertise with lactation consulting. After 9+ years in the NICU and her own breastfeeding journey with her premature son in 2023, she's committed to helping families navigate lactation and infant development with confidence and compassion. In this episode, we talk about what a session with Stephanie looks like, prenatal prep, postpartum red flags, and why asking for help isn't optional—it's essential. Key Takeaways Before Baby Arrives: 3 Powerful Prenatal Choices Take a prenatal lactation class — Most insurance covers it. Being prepped gives you options and confidence. Get your breast pump early (33-34 weeks) — Insurance usually covers it. Don't wait until you need it. Leverage your insurance — Most plans cover prenatal classes AND pumps. That's free education and equipment. After Baby Arrives: 3 Powerful Reasons to Ask for Help Ask for help. You need rest. You need support. There's no medal for doing it alone. If you're experiencing pain, reach out immediately. Pain is NOT normal. A qualified IBCLC can help. If something feels off with baby, get assessed. Clicking, gulping, arching, popping on and off—reach out to a professional. "You don't have to push through the pain. You don't have to do it alone. Ask for help, and let people come alongside you." - Stephanie Wong, Certified NICU OT & Lactation Consultant What to Look for in a Lactation Consultant Seek an IBCLC over a CLC. IBCLCs have more rigorous training standards. Consider booking postpartum support privately. Hospital LCs have time constraints; private sessions offer more thorough care. In-person or virtual? Both work. Choose what fits your life. More from Stephanie Wong, IBCLC: Stephanie's Practice: Lovely Littles Therapy Instagram & Website: @lovelylittlestherapy | lovelylittlestherapy.com Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Whole Family Lactation 01:30 NICU Roots & Personal Journey 04:15 What a Session Looks Like 06:45 Prenatal Breastfeeding Prep 13:31 Postpartum Tips + Myth Busting 16:30 Red Flags When Breastfeeding 19:19 Weight Checks Pediatrician Support 21:35 Partners Bonding Beyond Bottles 23:57 Where to Find Stephanie Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Everyone calls the second trimester the "honeymoon phase" - but if you're in it right now and not feeling blissful and glowing, you are not doing it wrong. In this episode, Trish is pulling back the curtain on what's actually happening in your body during weeks 13 through 27, because comfortable does not mean uneventful. Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle! In this episode, Trish covers: Why the second trimester gets its reputation - and where that falls short What your baby is actually doing in there (fingerprints, thumb sucking, and yes… peeing) What to expect at your anatomy scan and why it's one of the most important appointments of your entire pregnancy The physical changes in your body that catch people off guard - nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heart palpitations, and round ligament pain What early fetal movement feels like and when to mention changes to your provider Gestational diabetes screening, cervical length, and signs of preterm labor you should know The emotional side of the anatomy scan that nobody talks about enough The second trimester is beautiful — but it's not a time to coast. The more you understand what's actually happening, the more present and prepared you can be for everything ahead. Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Second Trimester Prep Pack Listen to more Second Trimester episodes: Navigating Your 20-Week Anatomy Scan with Confidence | 150 Second Trimester Pregnancy: What To Expect | 31 11 Things to Do During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy | 82 Second Trimester Pregnancy Testing | 165 Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Second Trimester 02:17 Baby Development 04:46 Round Ligament Pain 05:30 Feeling Baby Move 06:25 Key Screenings 07:34 Preterm Labor Signs 08:18 Anatomy Scan 09:41 Second Trimester Resources Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

I am SO excited for you to hear this birth story with my Calm Labor Confident Birth Course student, Linda Kelly. Linda has been part of the Labor Nurse Mama community since 2021. She joined the Calm Labor Confident Birth course after her first birth that left her feeling like it just happened to her - no knowledge, no voice, no power. Fast forward to baby number two, and Linda walked into that hospital armed with her birth plan, her snacks, her AirPods in, Modern Family queued up, and absolutely zero tolerance for being told what to do. She went from a traumatic, unplanned induction the first time around to bouncing on the ball, eating her favorite foods, requesting an experienced provider to break her waters, and pushing her baby out in 20 minutes. And now? She's 30 weeks pregnant with baby number three! 💗 In this episode, we chat about: How a traumatic first birth (including an epidural that didn't work and not feeling like she had any say) pushed her to do things completely differently Why knowledge is everything - and why "just do what the doctor says" is not a birth plan How Linda went from people-pleaser to advocate (and why being Irish made that extra hard 😂) Eating during labor - yes, you absolutely can, here's why, and here's exactly what to say if someone tries to stop you What it felt like to push her baby out on her own terms and walk to the bathroom afterward feeling like a total badass Why birth is 90% mental - and how staying in her zone made her labor fly by One word Linda used to describe taking Calm Labor Confident Birth: “ Empowered .” If you're sitting there thinking you don't need a birth class, Linda has something to say to you: "Knowledge is power, and that's that." This episode is everything I want for you, mama. Tune in, take notes, and know that you can do this. Resources from this episode: Calm Labor Confident Birth Course Pregnancy Hangouts — join the community! If this episode landed for you, please hit subscribe and leave a review - it means the world and helps other mamas find us. See you next Friday! 🎙️ Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome our Birth Student: Linda 04:25 First Birth Trauma 07:15 Second Birth Game Plan 10:42 Eating in Labor 14:37 Induction Decision 15:34 Staying Relaxed in Labor 19:38 No Time for Epidural 20:44 Fast Birth Afterglow 22:50 Empowered by Knowledge Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Let's talk about birth plans - and yes, I know that's going to land differently for everyone reading this. But after 16 years as a high-risk labor and delivery nurse and thousands of births, I need to say what I've seen: the traditional birth plan might not be helping you the way you think it is. In fact, it could be setting you up for unnecessary disappointment and a feeling of failure you absolutely do not deserve. In this episode, I'm introducing you to a concept I teach all of my students - the birth map - and explaining exactly why that distinction changes everything. So what's a birth map? Think of planning a road trip. You have a destination, a preferred route, and the flexibility to reroute when a road is closed. A detour doesn't mean the trip is ruined - it just means you found another way to get there. That's exactly what a birth map does. Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle! Your birth map includes: Your destination - the big picture experience you're working toward Your top 3–5 priorities - the non-negotiables that matter most, clearly communicated Alternate routes - thinking through "what if" scenarios before labor so nothing catches you off guard Real education - because a map is only useful if you understand the territory I am a fierce advocate for informed consent, asking questions, and knowing your rights. What a birth map does is give you real navigational power instead of the false security of a document that labor might not follow. When you're holding a map instead of a plan, a detour feels like a detour - not a disaster. Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Birth Plan Mistakes 03:23 Introducing Birth Maps 04:48 What Goes On A Birth Map 07:00 Informed Consent Matters 07:53 Build Your Map Now Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services