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Show Notes:

[1:12] We’re changing things up, and we’re diving right into a guided meditation. This is something I feel like is really useful for moms in any stage of pregnancy. I don’t know about you and if you’ve been feeling any anxiety in the air, but it feels like every mama I talk to is feeling stressed, heavy, or overwhelmed. If that sounds like you, let’s dive into a pregnancy meditation.

[1:57] Meditation can be powerful. The mind is very powerful and very suggestive during pregnancy. We want to give it the good stuff to help us have a good mindset for pregnancy & birth. This simple, guided meditation will help you feel calm, relaxed, and in-tune with your body.

[2:22] Make sure you are in a safe, quiet place. Set the mood (lighting, smell, comfort of what you’re wearing or laying on). Lay in your bed or sit on a chair. Pause, get yourself comfortable, and let’s begin.

[3:15] Stephanie walks us through a guided meditation.

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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:

[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!...

Often when we head to our birthplace we are walking away from all of the things that bring us comfort. What if we told you that there was a way to create more of an at-home experience in whatever setting you're birthing in AND that it will even help your labor to progress more comfortably? Oxytocin and adrenaline have an interesting relationship and when oxytocin is flowing it's generally due in part to mom feeling safe and being able to relax. Hint: Oxytocin is the hormone that causes contractions and the same hormone that flows during intercourse. Naturally, if you can find a way to be more relaxed and feel safe, your body will react positively to those feelings.

Show Notes

3:30 - Everything in the hospital is so generic and wipedown-able (yuuup, that's a word now). Literally from the walls, to the pillows, to the waterproof covered bed to the linoleum floor, most of it screams, "This is not home."

11:40 - Hospital gowns. They're uncomfortable, drafty, there are buttons and...

The most intense, shortest, and possibly the most important part of the birth process, Transition not only moves you into the next stage of birth but also the transition into motherhood. This episode takes you through the mechanics of what's happening inside of the body during this stage, the spiritual side of transition, why surrendering is SO necessary, and what your partner must do to prepare.

Show Notes

2:00 - We go over what your body is physically doing during transition inside of your body (the mechanics!).

5:18 - How long does transition last??

6:48 - The spiritual side of transition. Yes, it may be the toughest part of birth but it's also stretching and spiritual too.

8:14 - Surrendering is necessary as we move into this part of labor. If you're wondering what this really means though, tune in here. + What surrendering doesn't look like.

21:24 - Preparation by the partner and with mom is so important before the birth, especially during this time of birth. Have your...

How often does your body just melt at someone's request for you to "relax?" (No, YOU relax! lol) Anyone else feel the tension forming in their jaw and forehead when you hear that? In this episode, we'll give you and your partner some guidance on how to prep for a relaxing birth by tapping into the power of your senses! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth AND for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.