Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy
This podcast, hosted by Stephanie, a professional doula and childbirth educator, aims to empower expectant mothers through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Each week, Stephanie and guests break down complex birth topics, offering practical advice and personal stories to help listeners feel confident and prepared. The show covers a range of subjects from labor preparation to unexpected twists in birth plans, all with the goal of making the journey into motherhood smoother.
Episodes
Why "At Least You Have a Healthy Baby" Isn't Enough with Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
Your birth doesn't have to look dramatic from the outside for it to have affected you deeply.You can have a "textbook" birth and healthy baby and still walk away replaying it at 2am, feeling like something wasn't right, like nobody was really listening to you.And if that's you, you are not being dramatic, and you are not ungrateful. You're human.I sat down with Dr. Ka
Birth Story: Unmedicated, Hospital Birth with Sally Steffy
Some stories are too tender and too good to leave sitting in the archives, and Sally's is one of them. Sally shares her unmedicated hospital birth, and she does it gracefully, while her sweet grandpa had passed away just days before she went into labor. Her story is a powerful picture of the goodness of God woven through both grief and joy, all in the same week.We talk about how giving birth
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
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&apos
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
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 op
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, &qu
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 happe
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 you
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 infor
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
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 t
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
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 aut
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 sp
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 journ
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
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
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 p
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
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 h
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 pre
Tylenol, Vaccines & Autism: What Every Pregnant Mom Needs to Know with Dr. Ari Calhoun
Is Tylenol really safe during pregnancy? Does it cause Autism? What about vaccines? And are you getting the nutrients your baby's brain actually needs?What if the most important health decisions you make during pregnancy are the ones nobody told you to think about?In this incredible & informational episode, I sit down with Dr. Ari Calhoun, naturopathic doctor, mama of two, and founder of
Birth Story: When Birth Brings Both Loss and Healing | Sarah’s Story
What would you do if the pregnancy you carefully prepared for suddenly took an unexpected turn?In this powerful and deeply meaningful birth story, My Essential Birth Mama, Sarah, joins me to share the journey of her second pregnancy — one that began with a clear vision for a very different birth experience after a difficult first birth.Determined to do things differently, Sarah switched providers,
Birth Story: Early Labor, Life Flight Refusal & a 32-Week Baby Who Stunned His Nurses with Christa & Morgan
In this incredible birth story, My Essential Birth parents Christa and Morgan take us through one of the most incredible journeys I have ever had the honor of sharing on this podcast. From a heartbreaking miscarriage to living on the road during pregnancy, to refusing a life flight and driving eight hours home, to an unmedicated delivery nobody saw coming (and a 32-week baby who left every nurse i
3 Birth Plan Mistakes That Lead to Regret (And What to Do Instead)
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 to them.And it's not their fault. It's because nobody ever showed them what a birth plan is actually supposed to do, or
Before You Say Yes to an Induction, Ask These 3 Questions
What would you do if your doctor mentioned induction at what felt like a totally routine appointment, and suddenly you were nodding along to something you weren't even sure you agreed to?In this week's episode, I'm walking you through what's really happening when induction comes up, why it feels so hard to push back in the moment, and the three questions that can completely cha
Placenta Encapsulation: Should You Eat Your Placenta? Benefits, Risks & Postpartum Recovery w/Dr. Sophia Johnson
Some moms swear placenta pills changed their postpartum recovery…others say they did nothing. So what’s actually true?Today I'm sitting down with Dr. Sophia Johnson. She's a physician, researcher, and author who spent a decade studying the placenta inside a university lab in Germany.(Fun fact: in Germany, the placenta is literally called Mutterkuchen: "mother's cake." 🎂 Af
Birth Story: Her Husband Caught the Baby Before His Coffee Was Ready - Veronica's Home Birth
What would you do if your baby came so fast… your husband hadn't even had his morning coffee yet?Veronica planned a home birth... she just didn't plan for it to look like this: her husband catching their daughter in their bedroom, the midwife and doula still an hour away, and a baby who had absolutely no interest in waiting for anyone.And she definitely didn't plan for her placenta
Reclaim Your Birth: Sovereignty, Intuition & the Dad's Surprising Role with Midwife, Catalina Clark
What if the most powerful voice in your birth room isn't the doctor's — it's your husband's?In this episode, I sit down with Catalina Clark, a licensed home birth midwife in Sonoma, California, who has spent 11 years at the crossroads of spiritual midwifery, birth sovereignty, and the sacred side of birth that nobody in the hospital is talking about. From the father's role
Hospital Birth: The System is Broken, Not You
Over the years, birth has slowly shifted from a natural, woman-centered experience to something much more medicalized — and most pregnant moms have no idea why.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how modern maternity care evolved, why so many women are left feeling like their bodies are broken (or are told something along those lines), and what you can do right now to walk into birth
Birth Story: "Any Woman Who Wants an Unmedicated Birth Absolutely Can" w/Haley Sampson
What does it look like when a pelvic floor physical therapist uses everything she knows — plus the My Essential Birth course — to prepare for her own unmedicated birth? It looks like THIS episode.Haley Sampson is a labor of love kind of mama. She stayed active, did her prep work, went to 41 weeks and 3 days, had her water break, and pushed her baby out using tools, visualization, and a birth partn
What No One Told You About Fertility & Gestational Diabetes w/ Dr. Kiltz
Is everything we’ve been told about fat… wrong?In this episode, I sit down with Reproductive Endocrinologist & Fertility Specialist, Dr. Robert Kiltz, founder of CNY Fertility, to talk about infertility, gestational diabetes, insulin resistance, and the controversial idea that eating more fat — not less — may be the key to healing.Dr. Kiltz shares his personal health journey, how he began ques
VBAC Success Story w/ Sarah Agus-Bina
If you're aiming for a VBAC this pregnancy, this one is for you mama!I had a wonderful conversation with My Essential Birth Mama, Sarah. She shares how she navigated pregnancy, labor, and birth with confidence — even when things didn’t go exactly as planned. We discuss everything from preparing her mindset during pregnancy to advocating during labor and embracing the beauty of her baby’s arr
Early Brain Development in Pregnancy with Neuroscientist, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum
"It's our birthright to be deeply connected to our babies and to grow from it." - Dr. KirshenbaumWhat if the most important thing you could do for your baby’s brain… isn’t something you buy, schedule, or optimize — but in the way you nurture & feel?This week, I sit down with Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum — neuroscientist, author of The Nurture Revolution, and former doula — to talk abou
Top 16 Birth Myths from 1940's to Today
“Don’t lift your arms over your head.”“First babies always come late.”“Hospital birth is the only safe option.”If you’re pregnant, you may have already heard at least one of these — maybe from a well-meaning family member… or maybe from your doctor.In this episode, we’re having a little fun (and a lot of truth-telling) as we walk through 16 of the most common pregnancy and birth myths, from the 19
From Fight Camp to Birth: How a Pro Fighter Prepared for Labor w/Madie Meacham
I never thought I would hear birth compared to fighting… but honestly, it might be one of my favorite analogies ever.In this episode, I’m joined by Madie — a professional fighter, dog trainer, and mom — who shares how she approached pregnancy and birth with the same mindset she brings to fight camp: strategy, mental strength, and trust in her mind and body.We talk about what it’s like to navigate
Pregnancy Nausea? Do THIS Before Medication
If you’re pregnant right now, chances are your mornings—or really, your entire day—feel like a constant battle with nausea. 🤢 And that means this episode is 100% for you!In this episode, we uncover the real reasons pregnancy nausea hits so hard — especially early on — and why crackers, ginger, and “just push through it” just don't work. From hormones and blood sugar to minerals, hydration, an
Choosing ONE Word or Intention for Your Birth Experience
Choosing one word may seem simple, but it can completely transform the way you experience pregnancy and birth.In this episode, I share how selecting a single intention or birth word can help you focus your energy, calm your nervous system, and step into labor feeling empowered and grounded. From reflecting on your pregnancy to setting meaningful goals and aligning your mindset, this episode is ful
REBROADCAST: Birth Story: Unmedicated Birth Story of Embracing the Beauty of Natural Childbirth with Morgan Adams
What would you do if your labor moved so fast… you barely made it to the hospital?This birth story is our most downloaded episode of the entire year! In this powerful birth story, My Essential Birth Course student Morgan Adams shares her journey through pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and two very different birth experiences — including an incredibly fast, unmedicated hospital birth where she met
From Hospital to Birth Center: An Empowering Second Birth Story w/Rebekah Foderaro
What happens when the birth you thought you’d have turns into something even more powerful?In this incredible unmedicated birth story, My Essential Birth Mama Rebekah Foderaro shares her journey from planning a hospital birth to unexpectedly falling in love with birth center care. Along the way, she opens up about pregnancy challenges, navigating provider options, trusting her intuition, and how p
10 Contractions & a Toilet Baby: Positive Home Birth Story w/Ashley & Bryan Worley
Can you imagine having only about 10 contractions and your baby being born?! This is seriously the BEST birth story!In this unforgettable (and honestly unbelievable) birth story, My Essential Birth students Ashley & Bryan Worley share their second birth experience — from preparing for pregnancy while parenting a toddler, to doing deep mental work for birth, to a labor that went from “hmm, mayb
Home Birth Story: Prayer, Prenatal Depression, & the Best Birth Story w/Kaitlyn & Kale Hallman
This birth story is such a beautiful reminder that preparation, prayer, and unwavering partner support can truly transform the labor experience. In this episode, Kaitlyn and her husband Kale share their faith-filled home birth journey — from unexpected pregnancy challenges and prenatal depression to the incredible moment Kale caught their baby in the birth tub.You’ll hear the raw realities of thir
From Induction Plans to Roadside Baby: Birth Story w/MEB Mama, Karlen Barr
What would you do if your baby came so fast… there was no time to make it to the hospital?In this unforgettable, heart-melting birth story, My Essential Birth Mama Karlen shares her journey with us through a challenging pregnancy, an unexpected early labor after planning for induction, and a completely unplanned roadside birth with only her husband by her side. From the moment she realized, “I’m d
I Love My Baby… AND I’m Struggling | Why This Is NORMAL in Motherhood with Dr. Margo Lowy
“I love my baby… AND I’m struggling.” If you’ve ever thought that and immediately felt guilt, shame, or fear that something was wrong—you are not alone.In this deeply moving and much-needed episode, I sit down with Dr. Margo Lowy, author of the powerful new book Maternal Ambivalence, to talk about the full emotional reality of motherhood—starting in pregnancy. This conversation is profoundly heali
9lb 12oz Baby Home Birth — No Cervical Checks, No Stitches, Taylor's AMAZING Birth Story
If you’ve ever wondered what a peaceful, physiological, deeply empowering home birth can look like — especially with a big baby — this episode will become your new obsession.Today, Taylor Ward walks us through her beautiful birth story of her 9 lb 12 oz baby boy born at home… after going 8 days past her due date… with zero cervical checks, no stitches, and the most intuitive, grounded labor mindse
Stop Worrying About Sleep Training - Do THIS Instead!
Pregnant and already worried about how your baby will sleep? Forget cry-it-out and rigid sleep methods — there’s a gentler, biology-based way to support your baby’s rest. In this episode, Pediatric Sleep Expert Louise Herbert shares what every pregnant mom needs to know before your little one even arrives.Learn how to set up your baby’s environment, support their natural rhythms, and protect your
Getting Ready for Birth: What Most People Aren't Telling You
Join the My Essential Birth Course by Nov 7 and get TWO exclusive bonuses: The Belly Mapping Guide + Partner Belly Binding Video! Help your baby get into the best position for birth and support your healing postpartum.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 peopl
Is My Baby on Track? What Every Mom Should Know About Milestones, Feeding & Early Development
Join the My Essential Birth Course by Nov 7 and get TWO exclusive bonuses: The Belly Mapping Guide + Partner Belly Binding Video! Help your baby get into the best position for birth and support your healing postpartum.You know your baby better than anyone — but when it comes to milestones, feeding, or development, it’s easy to second-guess yourself...and you're not alone! In this episode, I’m
Birth Story: Her Water Broke Early...and Everything Changed w/Lisette & Doug Boal
Join the My Essential Birth Course by November 4th and get TWO exclusive BONUSES: The Belly Mapping Guide & Partner Belly Binding Video Tutorial. It's everything you need to help your baby be in the perfect position for birth AND to support your belly postpartum!-------One day she sneezed... and everything shifted. 😳 When Lisette’s water broke before 36 weeks, her home birth plans changed
The Gut-Baby Connection: What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know
Your gut isn’t just about digestion — it’s shaping your baby’s health from the very first bite!In this episode, we uncover the surprising ways your gut impacts baby’s immune system, brain development, and even lifelong wellness.From what to eat each trimester, to testing negative for Group B Strep, to preparing your body for birth and postpartum recovery — we’re covering the gut secrets every preg
Birth Story at a Military Hospital: Fast, Faith-Filled, and Unmedicated
This week I'm chatting with Daizjah, who shares her incredible first birth story at a military hospital.From finding out she was pregnant just weeks before her wedding, to preparing with CrossFit up until 34 weeks, mental rehearsals, the role that faith played, and a labor playlist... to the big day—Daizjah takes us through every detail.You're going to love this inspiring, and faith-fill
Pregnancy & Postpartum Nutrition: Myths, Milk Supply & Weight Loss
Join the My Essential Birth Course by October 7th and get exclusive Affirmations BONUSES:featuring a calming Birth Affirmations Audio Track and 25 beautifully crafted, printable Birth Affirmation Cards to keep you grounded, confident, and inspired for birth.Grab it Here: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedEverywhere you turn, someone has an opinion about what you should eat during pregnanc
"BIG" Baby?! The Exact Steps to Take Right Now!
Join the My Essential Birth Course by October 7th and get the exclusive Rise & Birth Pack (My Essential Birth Course PLUS downloadable Birth Affirmations Audio + Affirmation Cards) Grab it here: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedIf you've ever been told you have a suspected "BIG" baby, you know that the stress of hearing that statement can be overwhelming. Talks of extr
Birth Story: Unmedicated Birth Story & Baking Sourdough During Labor with Rachel Weaver
Join the My Essential Birth Course by October 7th and get the exclusive Rise & Birth Pack featuring a calming Birth Affirmations Audio Track and 25 beautifully crafted, printable Birth Affirmation Cards to keep you grounded, confident, and inspired for birth. Learn more: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedOkay, Mama, this one is tender, faith-filled, and downright empowering. Rachel (m
Vaccines: What Every Mother Needs to Know
Get Started with the My Essential Birth Course for only $87! (https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted)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. No options. Just a directive.If your stomach has ever dropped in that moment, wondering: “Do I even ge
Am I Pregnant?! Answers for the First 6 Weeks
Get Started with the My Essential Birth Course for only $87! (https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted) The first six weeks of pregnancy can feel like the longest waiting game of your life. Heck, those two weeks after you have sex may as well be a year!! Even once you’ve got the positive test, and your body is already shifting, that first prenatal appointment still doesn’t happen for weeks. Cue
“After 4 Years of ‘Unexplained Infertility,’ Two Pink Lines: The Nutrition Shift That Changed Everything
Four years of infertility.Two failed IUIs.A spot on the IVF waitlist.And then… six months after shifting her food and lifestyle with PrimalBod (use code MEB100 for $100 off if you want to try it!), Dominique’s story took a turn she’ll never forget: two pink lines in an Airbnb, before a wedding, shoving the test in her husband’s face while he was still scrolling his phone. (ICONIC.)This conversatio
Birth Story: Unmedicated First-Time Birth During a Georgia Snowstorm
What happens when your due date collides with a snowstorm in Georgia?When I first connected with Abby, I knew her birth story was going to be special, but GAH!! It’s so good and I just know it’s going to inspire every mama listening. As a first-time mom, she navigated early bloody show, a surprise snowstorm, and nearly three days of labor with an amazing, calm, grounded intuition that’s absolutely
Postpartum Healing Without the Pressure to “Bounce Back” with Dr. Jessica London
No one told me that postpartum recovery isn’t just about “getting back to normal.” It’s about rebuilding from the inside out, pelvic floor, core, energy, mindset, and that what you do (and don’t do) in those early days matters more than you think.That’s why I brought Dr. Jessica London, pelvic floor therapist and mama’s best friend in recovery, on the podcast to walk you through exactly what’s hap
Breastfeeding Confidence: Preparing for a Positive Experience with Little Bear Lactation
"You probably shouldn’t learn how to swim when you're drowning." That one hit me hard—and it’s exactly why this episode exists.Whether you’re a first-time mama, or you’ve had a difficult breastfeeding journey before, this conversation is going to leave you feeling empowered, educated, and supported. I sat down with Jamie Zaki, an IBCLC, doula, nurse, and mom of five (yes, five!), to
Birth After Trauma: How Samantha & Matt Found Healing and Strength
From trauma to triumph — Samantha and Matt’s birth story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible. After a terrifying first birth that left them both shaken, they came into baby #2’s birth with education, preparation, and a whole lot of heart. With gestational diabetes, high-risk care, and past trauma stacked against her, Samantha shares how she found her strength, leaned on her partner, an
Vitamin D for Breastfed Babies: What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever been told that your exclusively breastfed baby has to take vitamin D drops, you’re not alone. But maybe, like me, you paused and thought, “Wait… why?” In this episode, I’m walking you through the real reason behind the recommendation, what the research says, how sunlight plays a big role, and what your options are when it comes to supporting your baby’s health. Plus, I share a perso
3 Birth Stories, 3 Experiences: Maren Rider’s Journey to Home Birth Bliss
What do you get when you mix Irish twins, a surprise pregnancy, and a determined mama ready for her first home birth? A fast, powerful, and totally redemptive third birth story! 🙌 In this episode, Maren takes us through the highs, the stalls, and the five-minute pushing stage that made her say: “I’m never going back to the hospital.”She shares the mental prep that kept her grounded, how her husban
Top 5 Pregnancy Myths - Debunked!
Ever heard someone say you're “eating for two”? Or that once you’ve had a cesarean, you’ll always have to? Let’s set the record straight, friend! In this episode, I’m breaking down five of the most common pregnancy myths that are still floating around out there—and giving you the real, evidence-based truth (with a side of tough love and encouragement, of course). ✨ You don’t need to follow al
Birth Your Way: Exploring Breech Births and Alternative Options with Bonnie Baker, CPM
What if breech didn’t automatically mean cesarean? In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and midwife Bonnie Baker to talk all about breech babies—how they’re born, when it’s safe, and what your options really are (especially outside of a hospital setting). Whether you’re a birth junkie or you just found out your baby is breech, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.Show Notes HER
SSRIs in Pregnancy: Benefits, Risks, & Your Options
Let’s talk about something that affects so many mamas but often gets brushed under the rug—mental health during pregnancy. In this episode, I’m getting real about SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), what they are, how common they are, the benefits and the risks (yes, for both mom and baby), and—most importantly—the wide range of options available to you.This episode came straight from
Birth Story: Breaking Anxiety and Embracing Joy with Matthew & Sara
This week’s episode is such a treat because we’ve got a birth story—and not just any birth story—one that includes both mama and dad! Sarah and Matthew share the story of how they prepared (physically, mentally, and emotionally) to bring their baby girl into the world. Their journey is such a powerful reminder of what intentional preparation, trust, and partnership can look like.Sarah walks us thr
Freedom in Labor: The Essential Birthing Positions You Need to Know
In this episode, we’re talking all about one of my favorite topics—freedom of movement during labor! I’m diving into why it’s so important to listen to your body and move in ways that feel good as you work through contractions. From squatting to hands-and-knees to standing and swaying, we’ll explore how different positions can make a big difference in your comfort and your baby’s progress. Spoiler
Birth Story: How Jaycie Hohn Conquered Her Birth Fears with Mind Over Matter
This week, we’re celebrating 300 episodes of Pregnancy and Birth Made Easy—can you believe it?! I’m so honored to mark this milestone by sharing an incredibly raw, honest, and empowering birth story from Jaycie Hohn, one of our amazing My Essential Birth students. She walks us through her pregnancy journey, her labor experience, and the beautiful support she received from her husband. She also sha
Pelvic Floor Mastery: Dr. Arielle Martone's Guide to Postpartum Wellness
In today’s episode, I’m so excited to welcome Dr. Arielle Martone to the show! Arielle is a physical therapist and postpartum coach who is truly passionate about helping moms feel strong, supported, and at home in their bodies again after birth. Whether you’re freshly postpartum or it’s been years since you gave birth, this conversation is full of powerful insights and gentle reminders that healin
Birth Story: Going Beyond 40 Weeks with Amber Mejia-Mohr
In this episode, I’m chatting with the amazing Amber, who takes us through her powerful journey during her 41-week pregnancy with her third baby. She opens up about navigating a high-risk diagnosis, the ways she prepared for labor, and the challenges she overcame during birth. Amber’s story is such a beautiful reminder of the strength that comes from trusting yourself, leaning into support, and us
Decoding Labor: How Long Will Your Birth Journey Be?
In this solo episode, I’m diving into the natural rhythms of labor and how we can work with them—not against them. We’ll talk about what the stages of labor really look like, how long they typically last (because every body and every birth is different!), and what can influence how labor unfolds—like baby’s position or certain medical interventions. I’m also sharing tips for staying comfortable at
Postpartum 101: Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle's Comeback
In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that so many of you have asked about—your menstrual cycle after baby. When does it come back? Why is it irregular? What’s up with all the bleeding and hormone shifts? I’m breaking it all down for you with a gentle, supportive approach. We’ll chat about how nutrition, stress, breastfeeding, and even certain supplements can play a role in your cycle returning
Ditching Unrealistic Expectations: Postpartum Advice from Doula Caitlin Wilder
In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Caitlin Wilder, a doula who brings so much honesty and compassion to the postpartum space. We’re talking all about what it really looks like after baby arrives—normalizing the hard stuff, letting go of unrealistic expectations, and shifting the focus from baby gear to emotional and mental prep. Caitlin shares such beautiful insights on buildin
Birth Story: Insights into Home Birth: Godelieve Peters-Boselie's Story of Strength and Preparation
In this episode, I have the absolute joy of chatting with Godelieve from the Netherlands about her beautiful and empowering home birth experience. She takes us through her fast-paced labor, the tools and techniques she used to stay grounded through contractions, and how preparation and support made all the difference. We also dive into what postpartum care looks like in the Netherlands—it’s so ins
8 Surprising Facts about Birth
In this episode, I’m sharing eight important truths about childbirth that often get overlooked—but can make such a difference in how empowered and prepared you feel. From the fact that your water might not break on its own, to what an epidural really feels like, to knowing that you have the right to say no to any test or procedure—this is the kind of info every birthing person deserves to know. My
Baby's Best Start: Craniosacral Therapy Unveiled with Meaghan Beames, CST
In this episode, I’m so excited to introduce you to Meaghan Beames, a craniosacral therapist who brings such a gentle, knowledgeable approach to supporting both babies and mamas. We’re diving into what craniosacral therapy (CST) actually is, how it works, and the amazing ways it can help—especially with things like colic, latching challenges, and tension in both moms and little ones. Meaghan also
Labor Pains and Gains: The Truth About Contractions
In this episode, we’re shifting the way we think about contractions—because yes, they’re intense and exhausting, but they’re also incredibly purposeful. Each one is helping your cervix open and bringing your baby closer to your arms. I’ll walk you through how viewing contractions as beneficial can totally change your mindset during labor. We’ll also talk about the power of perspective, the reminde
Birth Story: Premature Miracles: Kyla's Inspiring NICU Experience
This week’s episode is all about the power of advocacy—trusting your voice, your instincts, and your choices during pregnancy and birth. I’m honored to share Kyla’s incredible birth story, as she opens up about welcoming her daughter at just 28 weeks. We talk about the emotional strength it took to navigate such an unexpected journey, how affirmations and breathing techniques helped her stay groun
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