Today is a family-centered episode as I welcome my older sister, Jenn, to the show. She shares the fast and emotional birth of her daughter Reese—my first niece and the baby who kicked off my nursing career.

From the initial feelings of transitioning from a couple to a family, to an unexpected fast labor and the reality of postpartum challenges, Jenn's story is one of grace, dry humor, and the incredible power of her community. And I had the privilege of living with them during that time and seeing it all!

Join us as we discuss the intimate details of Jenn's “becoming a mom” story, her husband's humorous reactions, and the invaluable support she received from friends and family during one of the most transformative times of her life.

What’s inside this episode:

• Jenn’s “I got this (kinda)” vibe and why no birth plan was her plan.
• The hilarity of a birth that went from zero to baby in, like, an hour (with partial placenta abruption).
• My front-row seat as sister and nurse (cue the tissues) that spontaneously happened.
• Postpartum real talk: sore nipples, epic mom friends, and finding your groove as a new mom.

Helpful timestamps:

• 02:08 Jenn's Birth Story: The Beginning
• 05:16 Pregnancy Journey and Challenges
• 08:11 Labor and Delivery: The Unexpected Moments
• 09:52 The Role of Partners in Birth
• 13:32 Hospital Arrival and Early Labor
• 16:17 Water Breaks 
• 20:56 Epidural and Preparing to Push
• 24:21 Breathing Techniques During Labor
• 26:31 Reese’s Birth
• 29:07 Postpartum Reflections
• 32:48 Breastfeeding Challenges and Support
• 39:54 The Power of Community

More from today’s guest: 

• Connect with Jenn on Instagram: @itsjennrorabaugh

More from this episode:

Visit www.thelabormama.com/birth and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!

About your host:

🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.

For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!

👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️

Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOK 

Disclaimer:

Opinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.

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Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services