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Show Notes:

Ever heard the terms "failure to progress" or "mandatory vaginal exams"? We'll talk about the lies behind these phrases and the choices you have when it comes to your body and your birth experience.

[1:12] The reviewer of the week, Fishsbxksnainazhmonger, (and no, I didn’t just type a bunch of random letters, lol) said: “I love this podcast! The birth course and this podcast were so helpful for me when I was in my 4th pregnancy. I’m now on my 5th, and I’m catching up on all the episodes I missed while I wasn’t pregnant.  I love the practical advice for birth and the encouragement to have a plan and to listen to your body! All things I didn’t really know with my first three births. This knowledge made all the difference with my 4th birth! I’m looking forward to all the knowledge I have yet to learn, even as a mom of almost 5! I totally recommend this podcast and tell all my pregnant friends about it!”

With every...

Show Notes:

When it comes to labor, we can feel overwhelmed and unsure about what our bodies are doing to prepare for bringing our baby earth-side. I’m going to answer the most common questions about contractions, fluids, and when it’s time to head to your birth place. 

[1:12] It’s been a WHIRLWIND, y’all! We have moved across the country from Utah to Florida this past week! We’re excited for our new home and the potential that this new place holds for us! 

[2:45] This week’s episode was prompted by a question that we received in the private My Essential Birth Facebook group! ( Commercial Break: You can get access to this group by joining the My Essential Birth course!)

[3:05] Our reviewer of the week is Sarah Travaille, and she said, “I started listening to this podcast when I was 8 weeks pregnant (I am now 34 weeks), and it has been my saving grace. The knowledge I have gained from listening has been invaluable. I feel beyond...

Show Notes:

We tackle a question this week that catches many moms off guard when it comes to their birth process. “Why is my provider planning to give me a shot of Pitocin before I deliver my placenta?” We’re going to talk about all of your OPTIONS so you can make an informed decision.

[1:12] Our reviewer of the week is Mal1212 and she said: “I absolutely love learning about birth! I have had three babies (I’m pregnant with my fourth) and knew so little about the stages of birth, the options/rights that I have, and what I can do naturally on my own. I love how positive birth is portrayed and taught. I have gained confidence in my ability to give birth and other resources I can turn to for more support. Their birth course is amazing as well. Worth every penny!”

There is never a bad time to start learning about birth. Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth! I wish podcasts had been a thing when I had my first baby! I’ve learned so...

Feeling a little unsure of what to pack in your birth bag? Not to worry! We asked our mamas what items they think are essential, and we’ve made a free checklist for you to make packing so much easier!

[1:12] Our reviewer of the week is, AutumnFugate, says “I am currently 26 weeks pregnant with our first baby, I found your podcast on here about a month ago, and I have been binge listening ever since! I tear up with happy tears mostly every time [welcome to pregnancy, that’s me every time I’m pregnant, lol!] Instead of music in my car, I listen to an episode.” Autumn is planning on having an unmedicated, water birth at a birth center in September. “This podcast has truly given me so much confidence and understanding of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.” She is also starting the birth course this week, and she recommends this to all the mamas she knows!

 What a sweet review! We love to hear that you guys are binge listening! We hope...

What if you could have a registry for the SUPPORT you need postpartum in addition to the THINGS you need for your baby? This week, we talk to Kaitlin McGreyes, founder of BeHerVillage, about the importance of empowering mothers to have the registry they want! 

Show Notes:

[1:12] Our reviewer of the week, wittyditty, says: “I love this podcast! It is informative, fun to listen to, and encouraging! I love all the good info each week and the more natural approach taken, while still considering moms in all kinds of situations. As a first time mom, I am just soaking up everything I can!”

I hope today's episode will be on your Top 10 List! I'm so excited about this incredible resource that I will be sharing with you today!

[2:05] I have Kaitlin McGreyes introduce herself. She is mother of three, a doula for almost eight years, and the founder of BeHerVillage, which is the baby registry she wishes she had! She wanted something a little different and to...

We love positive birth stories here at My Essential Birth! This week, I interviewed, Stephanie Garrity, who shared about her birth experience with her rainbow baby. While the birth map she pictured for the birth of her son may not have included many of the things that brought him into her arms, she felt the birth course prepared her for all the options, which allowed her to look back at her experience in a positive light. 

Show Notes:

[1:12] The Review of the Week is from banandjdnsbaish, who says: “My new fave podcast!” She is halfway through her second pregnancy and longing for information to expand her knowledge on what she can do to have a more natural birth, no induction, no Pitocin, etc. This podcast gives her all the details! “I love it!” She recommends to moms who want to be in charge of their birth instead of letting hospitals decide how you birth.

Thank you, Carson! We are so excited for you and your second pregnancy. At My Essential...

OB’s and MD’s and Midwives, oh my! We’re going to talk about the training, certification, and background each of these providers is required to have in order to practice. Maybe you’re like me, and once upon a time, I thought OB’s were the only option when it came to a provider for your birth experience. My goal is for you to know what your options are so you can choose a provider based on the birth experience you want to achieve! 

Show Notes:

[1:12] Jguar9, our reviewer of the week, says: “So thankful! I can’t say enough positive things about this podcast! Educational, organized, captivating, empowering, charming!” She is a mama at the end of pregnancy number five and feeling equipped for labor and delivery! She is thankful to My Essential Birth for providing a much needed resource and changing other mama’s worlds and birth stories. 

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When it comes to your birth experience, one of the most important things you can do to prepare is putting together your birth team. Doulas can be an incredible asset to you as you think about who you want to support you during your labor experience. Learn about the benefits of a doula here!

 Show Notes:

[1:12] The reviewer of the week, Tabs33, says, “Amazing!” She started listening to the podcast when she switched providers at 26 weeks pregnant. She received knowledge about what questions to ask and to have confidence in herself to switch. From the birth stories to finding out you could say no in the hospital  , she recommends this podcast and the birthing class to all her mama friends (even if they’ve already had babies). Thank you, Tabitha! 

Even if someone has already had their babies, we feel that there is always more to learn when it comes to pregnancy and labor. There are always new updates coming out and new evidence for...

Are you overwhelmed with what to ask your provider, midwife, or hospital regarding what you want for your birth experience? Well, listen in! I walk you through what questions to ask, give background information behind those questions, and encourage you to educate and empower yourself to stand up for the birth you want.

Show Notes:

[1:11] Lulu2394, our reviewer of the week, says, “THE best podcast for birth preparation! I highly recommend this podcast to anyone expecting, and I highly recommend the course as well.” She felt empowered by the podcast and birth course to switch her provider at 32 weeks, and she was able to have the home birth she wanted. Her midwife and doula were impressed with the information she knew and how prepared she was for birth. All thanks to my Essential Birth!  

We love hearing stories about how the podcast empowers our listeners to make such important decisions for their birth experience. We promise the My Essential Birth Course...

Sally shares her unmedicated, hospital birth experience despite dealing with family loss the same week she went into labor. She talks about the goodness of God and how her experience of giving birth has brought her and her husband closer than ever before. We also talk about a few small things to have with you during labor that will help you keep your energy up, keep you hydrated, and distract you from the pain of contractions. I hope this episode speaks to your heart the way it spoke to mine!

Show Notes:

[1:11] Our reviewer of the week is KylieDilulo, and she says, “Best birthing preparation podcast! This is hands down my favorite birthing podcast!” She recently gave birth to a 9 lb 4 oz boy in a birthing center. She credits her "absolutely perfect and amazing in every way" birth to all of her preparation and the My Essential Birth podcast. She knew she always wanted an unmedicated birth, and this podcast gave her the tools and knowledge to...