Your Birth Bestie | The Best Pregnancy Podcast for an Informed and Natural Birth Experience

Text Your Birth Bestie In today’s episode, I talk with experienced doula, Lexi Zuo about how expecting moms and their partners can prepare for a C-section, whether planned or unexpected. Lexi shares her knowledge, from calming fears to ensuring a positive, individualized experience! We will discuss: Common fears about C-sections and ways to address them…Essential education to feel prepared and in control…How partners can support and stay involved during surgery…Tips for creating a flexible bi...

Text Your Birth Bestie In this episode, we chat with Karissa, a dedicated doula and birth educator, who provides a wealth of knowledge on navigating medical interventions in pregnancy and birth. We talk about: Typical experiences with interventions suggested by providers, from pregnancy through active labor…Discussions around common interventions like cervical exams, Pitocin, AROM, and epidurals…Client-provider interactions and strategies to ensure families feel involved in decision-mak...

Text Your Birth Bestie Whether you're currently recovering from a C-section or preparing for one, this episode with Dr. Sabrina Thorpe, will help answer your biggest questions, from what to expect physically to how physical therapy can play a crucial role in your recovery. In this episode, you can expect: What are the most common physical challenges during c-section recovery…When should you start pelvic floor physical therapy after a c-section…What signs indicate pelvic floor physical t...

Text Your Birth Bestie In this episode, I share all the details of my positive home birth story with my third daughter, Harper! From navigating pregnancy decisions to the amazing, intense moment of welcoming my baby at home, I reflect on how this experience reinforced my passion for supporting others on their birth journeys as a midwife. What to expect: My decision behind choosing a home birth over a birth center or hospital birth…A detailed description of my recent home birth, includin...

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you a pregnant mom feeling overwhelmed or unprepared for your breastfeeding journey? I have been there twice before, but there is a way to have more support and information before your baby arrives. I am on this journey with you with baby number three due in a few days! In this episode, we’ll dive into prenatal lactation education with our special guest, Jackie from Latched Lake Country, a board-certified lactation consultant and postpartum nurse. With eight years o...

Text Your Birth Bestie Have you ever wondered how your baby’s position during pregnancy can affect your labor and delivery experience? Many expecting moms are curious about the best ways to make sure their baby is in the best position for a smoother birth. In this episode, we’ll dive into what you need to know about baby positioning and how you can encourage the best outcomes. What to expect: Understanding the optimal position and how it can make birth quicker and easier… Common ba...

Text Your Birth Bestie If you want a home-like birth experience in the hospital setting, this episode is for you! Join me as I share my home birth preparation tips and how they aren’t much different than how I would plan for another hospital experience. Many women want the intimacy, atmosphere, and autonomy of a home birth, but it's not always the right fit for everyone. Join me to hear more about my journey and tips to enhance your birth experience, no matter where you give birth. This...

Text Your Birth Bestie Pregnant moms often wonder if it’s worth it to collect colostrum during pregnancy? Or maybe you’re completely new to the idea of hand expression during pregnancy! In this episode, we delve into the benefits, methods, and reasons behind colostrum harvesting. Join us as we explore this valuable practice that can provide a great start for your newborn. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why colostrum is referred to as 'liquid gold' and its crucial benefits for newborns…The...

Text Your Birth Bestie Did you know that you can birth your baby without a single cervical exam during pregnancy or labor? In this episode, we’ll explore how you can assess labor progress in other ways, understand the true necessity of these exams, and how to advocate for what you want during your birthing experience. What to expect: Understand the frequency and routine nature of cervical exams in hospital births…Why cervical dilation is NOT a reliable predictor of labor progress...Possible r...

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you wondering what natural methods can help you go into labor or prepare your body for birth? This episode will answer these questions, but also give you insight and support if a checklist of extra things causes more stress! In this episode, you’ll learn about: The importance of reducing stress: How staying calm and confident can naturally promote labor…Physical activities and professional help: The benefits of walking, prenatal yoga, and seeking assistance from chi...

Text Your Birth Bestie Have you ever wondered how to tell if your water has broken or if you accidentally peed your pants? It’s more common than you probably think, so please don’t feel embarrassed! This episode will help clear up any confusion and provide you with the information you need to feel confident and prepared. In this episode, we cover: The differences between amniotic fluid and urine, including color and odor…Key signs that your water has broken and how to identify them…When to co...

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you unsure what to expect when labor starts or how to determine a pregnancy cramp or Braxton Hicks contraction from a true labor contraction? You want to feel confident you’ll know when it’s the real deal! In today’s episode, I’ll cover everything you need to know when distinguishing practice contractions from actual labor. What to expect: What is preterm labor and key signs to watch for…What are Braxton Hicks contractions…How do real labor contractions differ from ...

Text Your Birth Bestie Informed consent is a crucial topic to discuss in childbirth. I love helping women take control of their birthing experiences by asking questions and making informed plans, so they can love their birth no matter what! In this episode, I spoke with Katie Spinks, a doula and childbirth educator, who bravely shares her story of experiencing uterine rupture during an elective induction with pitocin. Katie opens up about her journey, highlighting issues of uninformed consent...

Text Your Birth Bestie How are you hanging in there during the third trimester of pregnancy? There can be many discomforts at this time of pregnancy and this week I am sharing tips on how to manage some of the biggest complaints moms have. In this episode, we'll cover: Practical tips for managing frequent urination during pregnancy…Strategies for getting better sleep before those restless newborn days…How to prevent swelling in your ankles and legs, especially when on your feet al...

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you worried about having a big baby and it leading to an induction of labor or perineal tearing? As a mom of big babies, I was fear mongered in my second pregnancy to do extra testing early on, leading to further intervention… instead of being educated, empowered, and supported to do what was right for me. You won’t want to miss this episode with Bloom Physical Therapy and Wellness! In this episode we talk about: The myths and truths about big babies during pregnanc...