Entering Motherhood: Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Support
Entering Motherhood is a podcast hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger, a certified birth and postpartum doula and mother of two. The show explores mindful healing, holistic parenting, and the transformative journey from preconception through postpartum. Each episode aims to empower listeners with tools to embrace motherhood while maintaining their individual identity. The podcast features intentional conversations that spark curiosity and provide support for pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
Episodes
294. Fourth Trimester Preparation and Learning to Let Go with Leisha Drews
Sarah Marie Bilger and Leisha Drews flip the script on the fear-driven postpartum narrative and invite you into a story of nourishment, rest, and practical support. Through clear explanations of hormonal changes and lived examples, they weave science with warm, actionable steps. Giving yourself tips for sunlight, sleep, protein-rich snacks, and a simple plan for asking for help.
Listen for concret
293. Mom Guilt, Creativity, and the Village: What Celebrity Moms Can Teach Us
Join host Sarah Marie Bilger as she takes listeners behind the scenes of celebrity motherhood to uncover the unexpected lessons that help shape our own parenting stories.
Through intimate snapshots of Meghan Trainor, Hilary Duff, Mayim Bialik, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Bell, and Reese Witherspoon, this episode explores mom guilt, creative identity, building a village, and the freedom of lowered expe
292. Redefining Identity and Ambition in Motherhood
When furlough and a newborn collided with the start of a global pause, one engineer found herself at a crossroads. In this episode, Sarah Marie Bilger walks you through the small, decisive moments, the midnight doubts, the Zoom calls, and even the in-person meetups that nudged her from a structured corporate life into the messy, luminous work of birth and postpartum support.
Follow the breadcrumbs
291. Early Labor Signs: Breakdown of 3 Stages of Labor
Come along with Sarah Marie Bilger as she transforms the mystery of labor into a clear, comforting story. From the first subtle signs like lightening and losing the mucus plug to the unexpected surge of nesting energy and Braxton Hicks. This episode opens with the quiet moments before labor, so you know what to watch out for and how your body may be preparing for the process ahead.
Walk through ea
290. The Truth About Creating a Birth Plan
Join host Sarah Marie Bilger as she walks you into the delivery room of the mind. Where excitement and anxiety collide, and the simple act of writing a birth plan becomes a doorway to clarity. Through honest stories and gentle prompts, this episode follows a pregnant mother wrestling with two fears: that plans will fail her, or that without one she’ll feel powerless.
Listen as Sarah reimagines the
289. Why Women Are Increasingly More Afraid of Birth Than Ever Before
Join Sarah Marie Bilger, a birth and postpartum doula, as she traces the arc from panic to power. Unpacking why endless feeds and worst‑case stories leave so many women feeling afraid, and why that fear doesn’t have to be the story you tell about your birth.
Through candid reflection and practical rituals, trusted education, building your village, nervous‑system care, and a simple brain‑dump exerc
288. The Conversations Every Expecting Mom Needs to Have Before Labor Starts
When contractions hit, clarity is a lifeline. In this episode, doula Sarah Marie Bilger leads you through the exact questions to ask your provider, doula, partner, and yourself so that you enter labor informed, calm, and in control of your choices.
Using relatable stories and practical prompts, she helps you rehearse responses, name your fears and non‑negotiables, and build a birth team that under
287. Reclaiming the Feminine in Motherhood with Chelsea Ann
In this episode Sarah Marie Bilger sits down with Chelsea Ann, a former labor-and-delivery nurse turned integrative health practitioner. Chelsea recounts training with legendary midwife Ina May Gaskin, choosing home birth, and a later divorce that pushed her to the edge and ultimately led her back to her true feminine nature.
Through vivid stories and practical tools, Chelsea challenges cultural e
286. Preparing for Birth Fearlessly: Replace Anxiety with Confidence
Walk into labor like a story unfolding, not like a crisis to survive. In this episode, Sarah Marie Bilger guides you through a gentle, practical narrative that turns racing thoughts into a clear plan: breathe with intention, rehearse your coping tools, shape your sanctuary, and build a support team that steadies you when the intensity rises. You'll hear how small rehearsals and honest conversation
285. Pregnancy, Genetics, and Missing Nutrients with Aimee Aminnaugh
Aimee Minnaugh’s story begins with heartbreak and unfolds into purpose: after multiple miscarriages and the discovery of a genetic mutation that blocked her body’s ability to process folic acid, she refused to accept inadequate prenatal care. In this episode she guides listeners through her personal search for answers, the science that changed everything, and the moment she teamed up with clinicia
284. Release the Pressures of Early Motherhood
Sink into this short, honest episode with Sarah Marie Bilger as she speaks directly to the worn, comparing, and over-caffeinated new mama inside you. She paints a small, real scene—coffee, a messy living room, a tiny warm baby in your arms...and invites you to breathe, to let the noise of shoulds fall away, and to choose what actually brings peace to your household.
Through quiet encouragement and
283. Reimagining Postpartum Essentials with Courtney Boylan
Host Sarah Marie Bilger welcomes Courtney, founder of Le Lolo, as she shares a candid postpartum story, from feeling like a patient in a new body to reclaiming confidence through caregiving and design.
Inspired by sterile products that erased her sense of self, Courtney built a line of functional, beautiful accessories that put moms first, offering gentle reminders of worth and resilience in the c
282. Homebirth Experience: The Birth Story of Our Third Baby
At 41 weeks, Sarah’s quiet night shifts from anxious waiting to full-blown labor in one generous breath: her water breaks, there’s unexpected bleeding, and a choice that will shape everything, go to the hospital or stay home. With intuition and a steady birth team, she chooses home, setting the stage for an intimate, wildly human experience.
A husband with a to-do list, doulas braiding hair and ho
281. Sacred Ayurvedic Secrets for Postpartum Healing with Christine Eck
Join host Sarah Marie Bilger as she sits down with Christine Eck, a postpartum doula and Ayurvedic practitioner whose own difficult recovery after her first child propelled her into a life of healing work. Through Christine’s story we move from struggle to reclamation, discovering how age‑old practices can turn the postpartum window into a sacred time of restoration.
Christine blends personal anec
280. Third-Time Truths: What I Wish I Knew as a First-Time Mom
Join Sarah Marie Bilger as she walks you through the quiet revelations that came with baby number three. With vivid memories of labor and the hush of newborn cuddles, she shares the exact moments that shifted her from anxious planner to grounded parent, and she wishes she could hold your hand through it all.
Through short, honest stories about messy days, surprising joys, and the slow softening of
279. How Personalized Lactation Support Can Transform Breastfeeding with Amber Ginn
Walk into a story that begins in a high‑school dressing room with a boombox looking pump, and follow Amber Ginn as she navigates emergency C‑sections, double mastitis, and the dismissal of well‑meaning professionals. This episode is full of raw moments of struggle, a life‑changing encounter with a WIC peer counselor, and the fierce determination that turns painful beginnings into purpose.
From a t
278. How to Tell Braxton Hicks from the Real Thing
Join host Sarah Marie Bilger as she unfolds the late-pregnancy mystery of tightenings that feel like everything and nothing all at once. Through candid stories from her three pregnancies, client births she’s attended, and the honest hum of a newborn co-host in the background, Sarah guides you into the difference between practice contractions, prodromal labor, and the real thing.
Short, clear cues
277. The Role of Sibling Birth Doulas with Fionna Sams
Sarah interviews Fionna, founder of Wellness Womb, about how her own birth trauma inspired her to become a doula specializing in birth, postpartum, and sibling doula care.
They explain the role of sibling doulas; relationship-building date nights, on-call support, preparing children for birth, advocacy during labor, and practical tips for building a village when family isn’t nearby. Find Fiona on
276. Spinning Babies, Miles Circuit & Labor Moves
Host Sarah Marie Bilger explains why fetal positioning matters and how simple movements and positions can help baby settle into an easier, safer path for birth.
Learn clear, practical techniques including the Spinning Babies approach (balance, gravity, movement), the mile circuit (open knee–chest, side‑lying, upright open pelvis), peanut ball and birth‑ball positions, hands‑and‑knees, squats, lung
275. Consent, Choices, and Power in Birth with Hehe Stewart
He-He, founder of Tranquility by He-He and The Birth Lounge, joins Sarah Marie Bilger to discuss empowering women to use their voice through pregnancy, birth, and early parenting.
The episode covers consent, respectful communication, understanding medical options, evidence-based information, patients' rights (including EMTALA), and the freedom to accept, decline, or change care decisions.
Listener
274. Practical Partner Prep for Birth and Beyond
This episode guides partners on how to meaningfully prepare for birth and the postpartum period, covering mental and physical preparation, comfort techniques, logistics, and how to create a supportive environment.
Listeners will get practical tips for communication, packing, advocacy, and postpartum support to help the birthing person feel safe, seen, and cared for throughout the journey.
Find the
273. A Lactation Journey of Intuition and Healing with Emily Swann
In this episode Emily Swann, an IBCLC and former labor and delivery nurse, shares her unconventional path from surfing and working in a tattoo shop to becoming a lactation consultant. She opens up about her own painful breastfeeding struggles, the importance of finding individualized support, and how mindset and intuition shaped her births and postpartum experience.
Emily offers practical guidance
272. Home Birth Essentials: Create Your Calm, Cozy Birth Space
Join Sarah-Marie Bilger as she walks through how to prepare for a home birth, focusing on creating a calm, comfortable environment, what your midwife typically provides, and the key supplies to have on hand before labor.
This episode offers a concise checklist covering birth-space setup, water birth and pool tools, postpartum recovery items, newborn basics, and practical doula tips to help you fee
271. Nesting, Surrender, and Home Birth with Taylor Shaffer
Host Sarah Marie Bilger talks with Taylor, a holistic doula, about preparing for the final weeks of pregnancy, especially for home birth. They cover the hormonal progression before labor, shifting your mindset from doing to allowing, boosting oxytocin through rest and connection, and simple physical practices (gentle movement, Spinning Babies, prenatal bodywork).
Taylor also shares concrete home-b
270. Your Hospital Bag Checklist for Labor & Postpartum
In this episode Sarah Marie Bilger walks through a clear, practical hospital bag checklist: when to pack, what hospitals usually supply, and which personal items will make labor and postpartum more comfortable.
Key tips include packing two smaller bags (one for labor and one for postpartum/baby), prioritizing essentials like ID and chargers, and bringing comfort items, snacks, toiletries, nursing
269. [DOULA TALK] Preparing for Postpartum
In this episode Sarah Marie walks through practical ways to prepare for the postpartum period, including meal planning and freezer meals, creating nursing stations, stocking healing supplies (peri bottles, pads, nipple cream), and organizing helpers with clear lists and expectations.
She also discuss emotional and professional support, lining up lactation consultants, pediatricians, doulas, and th
268. Making Postpartum Snacking Simple with Lindsay Taylor
Host Sarah Marie Bilger talks with Lindsay Taylor (The Food Doula) about realistic pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, covering Lindsay’s new cookbook and practical strategies to make nourishing your body simple and sustainable.
They debunk myths about relying only on soups, highlight one-handed savory snacks, prepped proteins (meatballs, egg squares, salmon bites), meal train tips, and the import
267. [DOULA TALK] Preparing for Birth
Sarah Marie Bilger shares practical guidance for late-pregnancy preparation, covering birth bags, comfort items, birth plans (including cesarean and NICU contingencies), and the differences between home, birth center, and hospital births.
She offers actionable tips—using a doula, prenatal check-ins, chiropractic care, red raspberry leaf and dates, and a birth vision planner—to help you feel inform
266. Build Your Dream Birth Team: Choices, Boundaries, and Support
Host Sarah Marie Bilger guides listeners through how to build a birth team that supports your emotional and physical needs during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. She explains the difference between medical providers and support roles, why boundaries matter, and how doulas and other helpers can improve birth outcomes.
The episode covers options for hospital, birth center, and home births, tips fo
265. [DOULA TALK] Consistency in Pregnancy
In this episode Sarah Marie Bilger and Katelyn discuss the power of consistency during pregnancy, offering practical tips like checklists, habit-stacking, and accountability to help you stay on track.
They cover involving partners, using doulas and apps, prepping essentials (hospital bag, freezer meals, diapers), honoring your capacity and rest, and building routines that carry into postpartum.
Fi
264. Adding NICU Preferences to Your Birth Plan with Mary Farrelly
Host Sarah Marie Bilger talks with Mary Farrelly, a Level 4 NICU nurse and founder of The NICU Translator, about the realities of NICU care, common myths, and how families can prepare whether a stay is expected or unexpected.
They cover NICU levels, separation and bonding, feeding and pumping decisions, communication and advocacy, practical birth-plan options, and resources to reduce trauma and bu
263. [DOULA TALK] Finding out Baby's Gender
Hey Mamas, Sarah Marie Bilger and co-host Katelyn discuss everything around finding out baby’s gender — from early blood tests and ultrasounds to surprise reveals at birth. They explore generational differences, creative reveal ideas, the emotional highs and lows (including naming and gender disappointment), and the unexpected freedom of surrendering control. Practical parenting concerns like gend
262. Personal Update: Nesting, Birth Plans & Doula Life
Host Sarah Marie Bilger gives a pregnancy update, sharing her home-birth preparations, doula work wrap-up, nesting, and thoughts on postpartum recovery as she anticipates baby #3.
She touches on family dynamics, name feelings, prenatal care, and how she’s recording episodes ahead of baby’s arrival while leaning into rest and self-care.
Find the Full Show Notes Here: https://www.enteringmotherhood.
261. [DOULA TALK] Preparing Older Siblings for Baby
In this Doula Talk episode Sarah Marie Bilger and Katelyn discuss how to prepare older siblings for a new baby, from when and how to tell them to age‑appropriate conversations, setting expectations, and helping kids bond by feeling kicks and getting involved in care.
They also cover logistics and options for the birth, home vs hospital, hiring a sibling doula or trusted caregivers, and practical s
260. Homebirth Stories, Safety & Self-Advocacy with Katelyn Fusco
In this episode Sarah Marie Bilger speaks with Katelyn Fusco, creator of the Happy Homebirth Podcast, about her journey into home birth, how her personal experiences inspired her to educate and empower mothers, and why home birth feels rare but possible in the U.S.
They discuss informed choice, self-advocacy, practical tips for preparing a birth plan, the power of storytelling to heal and connect,
259. [DOULA TALK] Cesarean Options
Join hosts Sarah Marie Bilger and Katelyn for a concise Doula Talk focused on cesarean options, including maternal-assisted cesareans, spinal vs. general anesthesia, and ways to stay present during an unplanned or planned C-section.
Learn practical choices you can ask for in the OR: lowering or clear drapes, not strapping arms, music, delayed cord clamping, partner skin-to-skin, and immediate bond
258. What's the Deal with Due Dates?
Host Sarah Marie Bilger breaks down how due dates are calculated, why they're often inaccurate, and what an estimated due date really means.
She offers mindset shifts, practical self-care tips, and communication strategies to reduce anxiety as the big day approaches, plus guidance on ultrasound dating and induction conversations with providers.
Find the Full Show Notes Here: https://www.enteringmo
257. [DOULA TALK] Birth Positions Unpacked
In this Doula Talk episode Sarah Marie Bilger and co-host Katelyn walk through a range of birthing positions—from all fours and the upright “throne” to asymmetrical lunges, peanut ball use, squat techniques and even the toilet—explaining how each can help labor progress and how to adapt them with or without an epidural.
They share practical tips for staying mobile, switching positions, using suppo
256. An OB/GYN’s Honest Take on Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum with Dr. Jessica Vernon
OBGYN Dr. Jessica Vernon shares her journey into perinatal care, candid postpartum struggles, and collaborative work with midwives.
She discusses perinatal mental health, realistic expectations, patient advocacy, and her book Then Comes Baby to help parents feel informed, supported, and less alone through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Find the Full Show Notes Here: https://www.enteringmotherho
255. O.W.N. Your Birth: A Simple Framework to Claim Your Experience
Host Sarah Marie Bilger introduces the O.W.N. framework — Optimism & Ownership, Worthiness & Well-being, Nourish & Nurturing — to help mothers claim agency over their birth and life. Through practical steps like naming your goal, defining ownership, making a micro-commitment, asking for support, and designing your environment, listeners learn how to create the spark, fuel, and conditio
254. [DOULA TALK] In-Person Connections
Join host Sarah Marie Bilger for a Doula Talk episode about the importance of in-person connections during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Learn practical tips on finding doulas, local mom groups, prenatal classes, and how to set boundaries so your support team helps — not hinders — your birth experience.
Plus: resources on combining online education with in-person support and details about the
253. The Three H's of Pregnancy: Hernias, Hemorrhoids & Heartburn
Host Sarah Marie Bilger walks through the “three H’s” of pregnancy—hernias, hemorrhoids, and heartburn—covering what causes them, simple remedies, prevention tips, and a few surprising facts.
This short, relatable episode offers practical strategies to ease discomfort during pregnancy and reassurance that you’re not alone.
Find the Full Show Notes Here: https://www.enteringmotherhood.com/episodes
252. [DOULA TALK] Pregnancy Food Aversions
Hosts Sarah Marie Bilger and Katelyn chat about food aversions in pregnancy, sharing personal experiences and practical tips like smoothies, protein alternatives, small frequent meals, and texture-friendly swaps.
They encourage self-compassion, communication with partners and providers, and point listeners to additional resources like their O.W.N. Your Birth course and the Build Your Village summi
251. Your Third Trimester Roadmap
Host Sarah Marie Bilger guides you through a simple, practical third trimester roadmap covering body care (nutrition, movement, rest), preparing your home and hospital bag, emotional and mental preparation, childbirth education and advocacy, and postpartum planning.
Walk away with a short checklist, resources to support labor and recovery, and encouragement to take small steps so you feel grounded
250. Climate, Depression, and the Birth of Tilt with Emma Pattee
Journalist and novelist Emma Pattee joins Entering Motherhood to share her experience with prenatal depression, intense fears about climate-driven disasters, and how those anxieties shaped her novel Tilt. She talks candidly about home and hospital births, advocating for respectful care, and the emotional and spiritual work of preparing for motherhood.
This episode explores the intersection of clim
249. Hypnosis & Affirmations for a Positive Labor
Sarah Marie Bilger explores how affirmations, hypnosis, and positive thinking during pregnancy can calm the nervous system, reduce fear, and support smoother labor and postpartum. She explains how stress affects hormones and shares practical tools like Hypnobabies, affirmation cards, and visualization to build confidence and safety.
Listeners get simple, actionable tips — record your own affirmati
248. [DOULA TALK] Old Wives' Tales: Boy or Girl?
Join Sarah Marie Bilger and Katelyn on a Doula Talk episode of Entering Motherhood as they explore popular old wives' tales for predicting baby gender — cravings, morning sickness, heart rate, belly shape, the baking soda pee test, and more.
They share personal stories from their pregnancies, compare results, and invite listeners to try the tests and share their outcomes while highlighting their O
247. Gestational Diabetes 101: From Glucose Drinks to the ‘Fresh’ Test
Host Sarah Marie Bilger explains what gestational diabetes is, why testing matters, and the difference between the standard glucose drink and a fresher alternative.
She covers common test values, what results can mean for pregnancy and birth, and practical, evidence-based strategies—diet, movement, hydration, and monitoring—to manage blood sugar and support a healthy outcome.
Find the Full Show No
246. AI, Social Media and the Truth About Postpartum with Amanda Tice and Emily Poteet
The hosts of Unfiltered and Unstoppable, Emily and Amanda join Sarah Marie Bilger to normalize the messy realities of new motherhood. In this episode they are covering postpartum sex, body image, matrescence, social media pressures, and the rise of AI. They share personal stories, practical tips, and encouragement to seek support.
Listen for candid conversations, resources like The New Mom Code an
245. Tips for Managing Pregnancy Stress and Anxiety
Welcome to another heartwarming episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, where Sarah Marie Bilger, a dedicated mother, VBAC mama, and experienced doula, shares her personal and professional journey through the emotional labyrinth of pregnancy. As Sarah enters her third trimester with what will be her third child, she opens up about the unique experiences and challenges that each pregnancy has t
244. Unlocking the Gut-Brain Connection for Maternal Health with Sylvia Hall
Join host Sarah Marie Bilger on the Entering Motherhood podcast as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sylvia Hall, founder of Lifted Naturals. In this insightful episode, Sylvia shares her personal journey through postpartum challenges and how it inspired her to create mood-supporting probiotics. Discover the profound impact of minerals, nutrition, and the gut-brain connection on materna
243. Slowing Down and Listening to Your Inner Wisdom in Motherhood
Welcome to another episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast. This episode we delve into the overwhelming feelings of exhaustion and lack of motivation that many mothers experience. From dealing with the emotional and physical transitions of motherhood to understanding the importance of giving yourself grace.
This episode seeks to remind you that you're not alone and explores the significance of
242. Navigating Pumping and Breastfeeding with Jacque Ordner
In this episode of Entering Motherhood, host Sarah Marie Bilger chats with Jacque Ordner, a registered nurse, board-certified lactation consultant, and mother of four, to explore the intricacies of breastfeeding and pumping. Jacque shares her personal journey and expertise, addressing common concerns like information overload and the challenges of balancing work with motherhood.
Listeners will gai
241. Transforming Pain into Power for Birth and Beyond
Welcome to another empowering episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger. Join us as we dive into the emotional and physical preparations for birth and motherhood. Explore the power of reframing pain, the significance of understanding personal triggers, and the journey towards finding comfort in your own body. Discover insightful thoughts from audiobooks about pain an
240. Lessons from a Home Birth Midwife and Mom of 10 with Maryn Green
Join host Sarah Marie Bilger on this episode of Entering Motherhood as we dive into a heartfelt conversation with Maryn Green, a mother of 10 and a home birth midwife. Discover Maryn's insights on the power of trusting the birthing process, the significance of somatic education, and the treasured lessons she has learned from her children.
Explore the balance between intuitive parenting and setting
239. Essential Nutrients and Vitamins for Expectant Mothers
Welcome to another episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger. This week, we delve into the often overlooked but crucial topic of prenatal nutrition. From essential vitamins like folate and iron to minerals such as calcium and magnesium, we explore how to naturally support your body and nourish your growing baby.
Discover holistic approaches to nutrition, emphasizing
238. [DOULA TALK] Social Media and New Moms
Join Sarah Marie Bilger on this engaging episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, where she dives into a candid discussion with Katelyn about the impact of social media on new mothers. Discover insights on avoiding the pitfalls of comparison, and learn how to maintain a healthy mindset during the early stages of motherhood. As they explore the benefits and challenges of platforms like Instagram
237. Unlocking Pelvic Health with Lynn Schulte
Join host Sarah Marie Bilger in this enlightening episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast as she welcomes Lynn Schulte, founder of the Institute for Birth Healing. Lynn shares her extensive knowledge on pelvic health, emphasizing its crucial role during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Discover practical tips on pelvic floor awareness, optimal fetal positioning, and the importance of individu
236. [DOULA TALK] Managing Expectations Postpartum
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Entering Motherhood Podcast, where we engage in meaningful Doula Talks. In this episode, we dive into managing expectations during the immediate postpartum period. Through personal anecdotes and expert advice, we explore the importance of setting realistic goals and embracing rest with the 5-5-5 rule.
Our conversation highlights the significance of comm
235. Build Your Village: Upcoming Prenatal Summit in the Upstate of South Carolina
Welcome to another engaging episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast! Your host, Sarah Marie Bilger, is joined by special guests Taylor and Ashley to discuss the upcoming Build Your Village Perinatal Summit. This exciting event is set to happen on September 13th, 2025, in Greer, South Carolina, and aims to bring together families, resources, and professionals to support mothers in building their
234. [DOLUA TALK] Pregnancy Announcements
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger. In this episode, we delve into the personal and unique experience of announcing your pregnancy. Join Sarah and Katelyn, co-creators of the comprehensive 'O.W.N. Your Birth' course, as they discuss the various ways to share this exciting news, how to find support, and the importance of choosing t
233. Nurturing Your Birth Journey with Kristin Revere
In this episode, Sarah Marie Bilger, host of the Entering Motherhood podcast, engages in a discussion with Kristin Revere, the founder of Gold Coast Doulas. Kristin shares her transformative journey from a career in advertising to becoming a pioneer in the birth work industry. She offers invaluable insights into her own pregnancy experiences and underscores the importance of assembling a supportiv
232. [DOULA TALK] Tools for Birth
Join Sarah Marie Bilger in this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, where she is accompanied by Katelyn, co-creator of the O.W.N. Your Birth course. Together, they explore the essential tools and techniques for birthing, from hands-on support to using aids like birth balls, combs, and essential oils. They discuss the significance of being informed and empowered during childbirth and provid
231. Initial Postpartum Recovery and Care Tips
Welcome to the Entering Motherhood podcast, hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger. In this episode, we dive into the critical period immediately after birth, often referred to as the 'golden window' or 'sacred window,' where the body, mind, and spirit undergo significant changes. Sarah, a VBAC mama and experienced doula, shares personal insights and practical advice to help new mothers navigate this transi
230. [DOULA TALK] When Things Don't Go to Plan
Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast with your host, Sarah Marie Bilger. This week, join Sarah and Katelyn for a candid doula talk about navigating the unpredictable nature of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Discover how to cope when things don’t go as planned, and learn strategies to feel informed and empowered even when unexpected challenges arise.
Gain in
229. Secrets to a Stronger Postpartum Fitness Journey with Marissa Salemi
Join Sarah Marie Bilger on the Entering Motherhood podcast as she delves into a captivating conversation with Marissa Salemi, an occupational therapist and postpartum coach for E2M Fitness. In this episode, Marissa opens up about her experience as a mother of three and emphasizes the integral role of fitness during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Discover vital exercises for expectant mothers,
228. Conquer Common Pregnancy Symptoms Naturally
Join Sarah Marie Bilger in this insightful episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, where she shares practical and natural ways to manage common pregnancy symptoms. From combating nausea and alleviating constipation to tackling heartburn and boosting energy, Sarah provides tried-and-true tips backed by research and personal experience. Gain valuable insights into maintaining a comfortable and h
227. [DOULA TALK] Knowing Your Birth Options
Join Sarah Marie Bilger on the Entering Motherhood podcast for an enlightening episode focused on empowering moms-to-be. In this episode, Sarah and Katelyn dive into the importance of knowing your birth options and making informed decisions. They discuss their signature Own Your Birth course, designed to provide comprehensive and unbiased information, helping expectant mothers navigate pregnancy,
226. Empowering Cesarean Recovery with Nicole Alfred
In this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, host Sarah Marie Bilger engages in an illuminating conversation with Nicole Alfred, a registered massage therapist and C-section recovery coach. Nicole shares her personal experiences with cesareans and emphasizes the importance of mental, emotional, and physical healing. She discusses the common misconceptions surrounding cesarean recovery and s
225. [DOULA TALK] BTS: Doula Work
Welcome to the Entering Motherhood podcast, hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger, a passionate doula, and former mechanical engineer. Join Sarah and Katelyn, a dedicated nurse, as they share their transformative journeys into the world of doula work, inspired by their personal experiences with childbirth.
In this engaging Doula Talk episode, they discuss the significance of birth education, the evolution
224. Tips to Prevent Tearing During Birth
Welcome to the Entering Motherhood podcast, hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger, a wife, mom, VBAC mama, and doula. In this episode, we tackle the often-overlooked topic of perineal tearing during childbirth. Join us as we explore evidence-based strategies to protect the perineum, including perineal massage, optimal birthing positions, and spontaneous pushing techniques. Understand the importance of hydr
223. [DOULA TALK] Babies Growth and Early Ultrasounds
Welcome to another episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast! Join your host, Sarah Marie Bilger, as she dives into the nuances of early pregnancy in this special Doula Talk edition. Alongside Katelyn, explore the intricacies of baby’s growth during the first trimester and the role of initial ultrasounds. Learn to navigate the joys and challenges of early pregnancy with expert insights and person
222. How Motherhood Transforms Our Identity and Career Aspirations with Arivee Vargas
Welcome to this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast! Join host Sarah Marie Bilger as she converses with Arivee Vargas, an author, certified coach, and mother of three, about her unique journey into motherhood. Discover how navigating the transition from being a litigator to a fulfilling career aligned with her intuitive values, impacted Arivee's identity and career.
Arivee shares candidly a
221. [DOULA TALK] Trusting Your Intuition
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, dedicated to empowering mothers with knowledge and confidence. This week, Sarah Marie Bilger and Katelyn dive deep into the importance of trusting your intuition during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Join us as we explore how tuning into your inner wisdom can guide you through the challenges of motherhood, making informed
220. Techniques for the Pushing Stage of Labor
Join host Sarah Marie Bilger on the Entering Motherhood podcast as we delve into the crucial and often misunderstood second stage of labor - pushing. Whether you're pregnant, planning to be, or simply curious, this episode uncovers the physiological and emotional nuances of the pushing stage. From understanding the four stages of labor to exploring various techniques and positions for both medicat
219. [DOULA TALK] A Partners Role in Birth
In this engaging episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, host Sarah Marie Bilger and Katelyn explore the crucial role of partners during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They delve into how partners can prepare, advocate, and support the birthing process, emphasizing involvement in childbirth education. The discussion highlights the importance of presence, communication, and setting expectati
218. VBAC Resources and Support with Meagan Heaton
Welcome to the Entering Motherhood podcast! In this exciting episode, host Sarah Marie Bilger talks with Meagan Heaton, owner of the VBAC Link, a unique community focused on vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC). Meagan shares her personal experiences with cesareans and VBACs, the challenges she faced, and how they inspired her to become a doula. Tune in to discover valuable insights, resources, an
217. [DOULA TALK] Contraction Patterns
Welcome to the Entering Motherhood Podcast. This week, our host Sarah Marie Bilger, alongside co-creator Katelyn, delves into the world of labor contraction patterns in a lively Doula Talk session. Discover crucial insights about prodromal labor, Braxton Hicks, and real-world labor experiences that may change how you navigate pregnancy and childbirth. Learn how mental preparedness plays a signific
216. Pregnancy Updates, Podcast Evolution & Personal Reflections
Welcome to Entering Motherhood. Join host Sarah Marie Bilger as she shares personal updates on her third pregnancy, reflections on the journey of leaving a corporate job to embrace a holistic motherhood lifestyle, and the evolution of this empowering podcast. Dive deep into the latest changes, summer plans, upcoming events, and the profound learning experiences of being a mom and a doula.
Through
215. [DOULA TALK] Early Pregnancy Symptoms
In this Doula Talk episode, join host Sarah Marie Bilger and Katelyn as they explore the early symptoms of pregnancy and what these may look and feel like for different women. They discuss common experiences such as fatigue, nausea, and spotting, while emphasizing the importance of trusting your intuition and understanding your unique journey.
Through personal anecdotes and professional insights,
