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Show Notes:

[1:16] Our reviewer of the week is JumelleT, and she says: “This is the best pregnancy and birth podcast ever! I am just about 25 weeks pregnant and have been SO enjoying your podcast. Every day I try to listen to a new podcast from the past. I've found your content so educational, fun and motivational. Because of listening to you and learning so much, I've been working hard on my birth plan. We are a military family and relocating from California to North Carolina when I will be 30 weeks. Ugh! After a ton of searching, I finally found a provider that I'm excited about - a midwifery in Wilmington, NC. I'm also doing pelvic floor PT as well. To those other mamas who may be moving or considering switching providers in your second trimester or later, this podcast has a ton of related birth stories and tips to help. Just wanted to say thank you for your content - I've been deeply enjoying it and will continue to!”

I love the action of creating a birth plan! We...

Show Notes:

When it comes to breastfeeding, mamas have alllll the questions! My guest this week, Jacqueline Kincer, is an IBCLC and the founder of Holistic Lactation. She shares her wisdom and expertise in a way that is empowering and encouraging to all mamas no matter what stage of their breastfeeding journey they are in!

[1:12] This week’s topic comes up ALL the time! “How do I feed my baby should I choose to breastfeed?”

[1:43] My guest, Jacqueline Kincer, is the founder of Holistic Lactation. She started the company 6 years ago. She is a stockbroker turned mama/business owner/podcaster/IBCLC/all the things! She found that the hardest part of new motherhood was breastfeeding. She also hosts a podcast: The Breastfeeding Talk and has launched a line of herbal supplements for breastfeeding moms. She wants to show up and serve moms in any way that she can!

[3:19] What is a lactation consultant? What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant...

Show Notes:

[1:11] Our reviewer of the week is morganstep13, and she says: “5 stars! I love this podcast! I’m not pregnant or a mom yet, but I still love listening to this podcast, and I find it really helpful to know this information so I can be fully educated when I do become pregnant! I love how you give lots of perspective and your voice is so soothing, haha! Keep up the great work!”

I am fully aware that my voice is not soothing, but thank you! I am so impressed whenever I hear about women who are not mothers yet, but they listen to the podcast! If you want to hear about a specific topic, send them my way! Send me an email at [email protected].

For many mamas, baby's sleep can be a huge worry and cause us to second-guess every choice we make. We'll talk about what's "normal" and how to anticipate your baby's needs. 

[2:24] If you haven’t heard yet, I am in the process of creating a postpartum course! We are scripting as we speak! ...

Show Notes:

[1:17] Our Reviewer of the Week, Celina Souffrant, said: “I started listening to this podcast about two weeks ago. I’m 34 weeks into my pregnancy, and it has been so helpful. The highlights for me are definitely the birth stories because it makes birth so much more relatable. In particular, I loved Sally’s recent birth story. Her tips, exuberant faith and infectious energy really transformed my perception of what a natural birth can look like. Please keep up the good work!”

I can’t get enough birth stories! This week’s particular birth story has a special place in my heart! I’m so excited to have Lorelei and her husband, Jason, here with me on the podcast.

One of my favorite parts of what I do is getting to be a part of and hearing the incredible birth stories in the My Essential Birth community. Lorelei shares about how she did not see birth as a beautiful experience but something she had to get through to get to the baby....

Show Notes:

[1:12] Our reviewer of the week is Hailey987416, and she said, “These ladies give you ALL the details - tips and tricks, the real truth about everything! So grateful! I am living abroad in Germany for my first birth and I am so happy my sister-in-law told me about you two! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

I’m excited you’re here! I have another amazing woman on with me today so if you’re looking for more tips and trips, I hope you’ll get that out of today’s episode!

[1:42] I want to tell you how Courtney and I connected! She reached out to me about the GBS podcast episode because she saw some discrepancies and had evidence to back it up! I loved how passionate she is about what she does and how much she cares about women. I responded to her email and asked her to be on the podcast!

[3:32] I ask Courtney to introduce herself. ‍ She emphasized that we’re all here for the same reason, which is to get evidenced-based...

 Show Notes:

What can I expect in the first 24 hours after my baby is born? For mom, we’ll talk about all the things such as afterbirth, tearing, and what’s going on with your body. For baby, we’ll talk about tests, medical procedures, and even paperwork! 

Our reviewer of the week, evitakay, said: “Love. I like to determine quality, reliability, truthfulness of podcasts and blogs, etc. by listening to or reading about something they talk about that I’ve already researched and come to a conclusion on myself. The vaccine episode is what hooked me with this podcast. Everything was laid out effectively and succinctly, and was EXACTLY in line with the research I’d found. And it was especially refreshing to hear the information given in an unbiased way. Fantastic.”

Truly, this is the goal with my podcast! I try to present all of the information so you can make an informed choice! (Our vaccine podcast is Episode 90, in case you wanted to...

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...