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This is probably the #1 thing moms are curious about when that due date starts creeping closer and we are here to tell you that this episode will bring great relief for when you're face-to-face with those contractions! 

 

[2:54] You WILL feel contractions even if you plan to have an epidural.

[6:50] Knowing how you handle physical pain and emotional discomfort matters for how you will naturally find comfort and work through contractions.

[8:29] You do not have to be religious to connect to something spiritual during your birth experience.

[12:49] Hands-on support is wonderful, but it needs to be practiced and done right.

[15:57] "I've heard breathing like I'm panting is supposed to help me relaxed and stay focus. Is that true?" No. No, it's not.

[17:47] DOULA TIP!

[19:22] Sometimes distraction trumps visualization when it comes to working through contractions.

[25:11] Curious about more you can do to manage contractions during birth?

 

 

Yes, we know that it sounds like a reality show and to be honest it 100% is! It's your reality and we wanted to take a minute, or 30, to chat about it. Listen until the end because we promise you'll end laughing.

 

[4:47] We know what it's like to be stuck at home with no one to talk to!

[6:36] Our NEW FB Community Group - "Quarantined & Pregnant with My Essential Birth"

[8:03] It's good and we recommend talking to people in your life about how you are doing and feeling because it matters!

[8:37] Healthy habits affect your physical and mental state

[12:22] Spiritual health matters

[14:40] It's good to cry and it's good to laugh

[16:11] What needs to happen right now?

[17:27] There is no shame in telling someone when you're not doing well

[18:42] Sometimes it's easy for us to forget what we didn't know...so send us your questions! There is no dumb question or anything you can't ask us. We are happy to cover anything that will help YOU!

[20:40] Switching gears to a...

 

We had the opportunity to interview Fitness Coach, Shayli Campbell, and ask her about pregnancy, exercise, nutrition, and postpartum. You'll hear how she walked through her cesarean birth and how exercise and good nutrition helped her throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

 

[4:34] Shayli shares their trials in getting pregnant + the strength she found through it

[6:48] Nutrition & exercise during pregnancy and curbing nausea

[10:18] First signs of pregnancy

[11:22] How she used the My Essential Birth course workbook to help her prep for the big day

[13:06] Birth story time!

[17:15] Vulnerability and how we help each other as birthing mothers

[19:31] How and why preparation and knowledge matters no matter how we birth

[21:13] What she wants to say to every mother

[22:14] Shayli's husband Jake answers some questions for us about supporting Shayli during birth

[27:10] Exercise Time: the importance of exercise during pregnancy

[29:07] Recommendations...

 

This podcast episode is hot off the press and in true Cort & Steph fashion, we break down the Pros AND Cons to birthing in/out of hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yup! We totally see it both ways and above all hope to speak peace to your heart. You are seen. You are heard. Your feelings- which may swing from gratitude one minute to sorrow the next- are valid. You are stronger than you know, and the story you pass down of birthing during a time of great global uncertainty will be revered for generations to come.

 

[2:00] ACOG, CDC, and WHO: What they're saying and what they recommend

[7:05] Telehealth

[7:37] Recommendations for COVID-19 & Breastfeeding Practices

[10:10] Other things to consider

[12:12] What to do with all of this information!

[19:00] Pros & Cons to Birthing In & Out of the Hospital During COVID-19

[27:04] Get prepared. You won't ever regret preparing "too much"...because there's no such thing!

 

 

Being pregnant is so much fun and we can prove it! Jump into this episode with us and learn about all the fun, disturbing, embarrassing, downright laughable things you have to look forward to as that baby and belly grow.

 

[2:35] Breasts, nausea, weight gain stretch marks + stuffy noses

[9:25] Sensitivity to smells, warmer body temp, and yes, your feet may grow 

[16:00] Prenatal Depression, yes it's a thing

[17:32] Constipation and other happenings downstairs

[20:55] Leg cramps, metallic tastes, and too many pillows

[24:42] Ridiculous pregnancy dreams

[28:49] Unsolicited advice - what's the quote about opinions being like bumholes?...everyone has one. HA!

[32:00] Remember the good

[33:06] Be Kind Anyways - Adapted by us from Mother Teresa

 

 

 

With terms like Advanced Maternal Age and Geriatric Mother being thrown around, it's time we broke down all the facts surrounding being pregnant and giving birth after the age of 35- including the hot topic of stillbirth. Share this episode with your friends who are also having babies in their late 30's & beyond!

 

[4:03] Why "Geriatric" is not even close to an appropriate term for a pregnant woman.

[5:29] Why you need to have the correct information about giving birth over 35.

[6:31] Why women are choosing to have children later in life?

[7:15] Challenges for women giving birth after 35

[8:10] The Hot Topic: Stillbirth

[9:58] Relative vs. Absolute Risk

[11:43] Gestation and how it's different before and after age 35

[13:03] Why out of hospital midwifery care may be a great choice

[16:27] What stands in the way of a mother over 35 having her best birth?

[19:20] What you can do to have the best outcomes

 

 

We have good reason to think that Enneagram 7 women are birthing rockstars! They are optimistic about everything, quick learners, and they are curious about allll the many birthing options available. Curious what an Enneagram 7 mama needs to know to achieve her best birth? Take a listen!

 

[4:37] Enneagram 7 strengths

[7:56] Watch out for these!

[8:25] Why re-framing the word "pain" will make a huge difference for you.

[13:19] Your favorite place to give birth!

[16:32] Tips and tricks for your partner

[19:00] Why Type 7 mamas love the My Essential Birth Course

 

 

Anyone else experience pregnancy hormones drawing you away from your partner instead of closer? You're not alone! This important time in your life may shed light on communication skills that could use a little improvement. So, we've given you tons of examples and incredible tips and exercises to keep your communication strong and open. The best part is all of this will transfer into how you communicate and lean on your partner during birth.

 

[2:00] Marriage + Pregnancy & Parenthood = time to level up your communication skills

[2:25] How does poor communication show up in labor and birth?

[7:50] The most important step in building communication

[8:48] We discuss The Five Love Languages

[10:35] Our first communication exercise for you!

[10:45] It's important to recognize that pregnancy affects both people

[15:12] Two more communication exercises for you!

[16:43] The sandwich method

[20:27] The magic of creating a check-in time

[22:09] The importance of studying...