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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. 

Quick commercial break. Have you left us a review yet? This is the #1 way to...

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...

Show Notes:

[1:10] Reviewer of the week is BethanyEdge310 says, “Just what I wanted to find!” She found the My Essential Birth podcast by listening to a pregnancy and fitness episode while working out because she felt morning sickness! She laughed when Stephanie said exercise would help with morning sickness because it definitely helped her!

I talk with Jessica Estrada, a first time mama at the age of 43, about her pregnancy experience. She shares her story, struggles, and what she wants other mamas who are pregnant over age 35 to know. Jessica discusses things like how family and friends have not had the easiest time with her decisions and how she's dealt with that, how her fiancé  feels about her birth choices, and how she's maintained a strong, positive attitude throughout.

You're going to love listening to her light and enthusiasm about trusting your body and the process of birth. If you are pregnant and over 35 this is for you AND every pregnant mama...

Show Notes:

[1:12] Our reviewer of the week, Cassidy Jake, says, “This podcast is empowering.” She started listening to the podcast with her first and had a beautiful, natural birth. Currently at 30 weeks with her second, she has loved catching up on the new episodes. She loves Stephanie’s passion for informed consent and educating women on physiological birth. She believes the work Stephanie is doing is changing lives and generations with the knowledge and power being given to women.

Thank you for the beautiful testimonial, Cassidy! It HAS changed lives and generations starting with my own to feel empowered and knowledgeable about birth.

Today’s episode is meant to be a resource you can save, download, refer back to, and listen to over and over again! The techniques I talk about can be used NOW to make your labor and birth experience so much easier! Another added benefit is including your birth partner so they will be more prepared when the time comes!...

 This week we're breaking down everything you need to know to prepare yourself physically and mentally for an induction without an epidural. I cannot stress the importance of going into labor with the mindset of possibly having an induction and preparing yourself for that outcome. I'll also discuss all things Pitocin: what it is, what it does, and how it can affect you, your baby, and labor. By getting your body and mind ready before you even go into labor, you can achieve an unmedicated birth despite being induced.

Show Notes:

[1:16] Our reviewer of the week, iheartdonuts, started listening to the podcast to prepare for her "dream birth." She wanted to be as informed as possible and be prepared to advocate for herself and her daughter. She said, "The evidence based info is exactly what you need to dig deeper and do even more research for yourself and your baby. It'll make you feel more prepared for whatever comes your way in your birth story."

Listening,...

Madison shares how her birth goals changed over time and a red flag that caused her to change service providers for the better. Madison also discusses the moment she found the perfect birth center for her and what led her to that decision. Madison shares the preparation she did regularly for an empowered birth. She shares the spiritual side of her birth story and how she surrendered her body after a long and exhausting labor. Her story is beautiful and inspiring...and even full of some challenges, especially postpartum, so take a listen! I hope you enjoy this week's episode!

Show Notes:

[1:16] Reviewer of the week, SydneyAdairG, shares that she is 22 weeks pregnant and has been listening to the podcast "Every Step of the Way" since she found out she was pregnant. The podcast has helped her feel informed and in control of the process. She says she's also enrolled in the birth course and cannot wait to dig deeper into...