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With all the love and adoration in the world for birth partners, we present the top 10 things you should definitely NOT be doing in the birth space. Plus, we're doing our best to make sure you don't get yourself punched during labor so you should be thanking us. Did we miss one?!

 

[3:46] Timing contractions, video chat, football scores, what are you really doing over there?

[5:32] What if mom has an epidural?

[6:48] Are you tired? Do your feet hurt? You poor thing!

[8:40] Overhearing birth videos mom is watching is not proper prep.

[10:03] Can you really understand how she feels?

[11:48] Monitors should not be used in place of watching mom.

[13:31] Are you sleeping? Where are you going? No, no, no.

[14:30] No stinking up the room!

[16:36] Are you ready for provider push-back when mom is deep into her zone?

[17:50] Relief comes by proper touch.

[19:06] Don't be scurred!

 

 

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...

 

Cortney interviews her husband, Nate, to find out what it takes to support a birthing woman and how to handle different birthing scenarios. It's so good and we promise this is one you won't want to miss. Hint: make sure your birth partner listens along!

 

[3:38] Your partner should NOT be the only one preparing for this birth!

[5:06] Advice from a dad: "You cannot be that stereotypical guy in these situations. You just can't." -Nate

[9:47] Cortney tests Nate's birthing knowledge

[12:05] More quizzing for Nate! Play along...does your birth partner know how to answer these correctly?

[12:47] Scenario 1

[16:07] Scenario 2

[18:44] Scenario 3

[26:34] What birth was like for Nate

 

 

You had fears before COVID-19 and you will have them after, but spoiler alert, you're going to work through them! How do we know? You're here, aren't you?! That means that you've walked through every single other fear or challenge to be standing here today. We believe in you, so let's tackle this together.

 

[4:24] What is fear? What does it look like during birth?

[5:57] What is empowerment? What does it look like during birth?

[7:46] Example - What if you fear is labor being too long?

[12:21] 1 to Stay 2 to Grow Challenge!

[22:04] You have to apply the knowledge.

 

 

Ok all of our peacemaking, spiritual, intuitive mamas, this one is for you! We loved recording this episode so much and can't wait to hear birth stories from our Type 9 moms. Having supported this type during birth, we know just how incredible you are when you create the right birth space and press forward with knowledge and confidence.

 

[2:37] Your Strengths

[9:22] Watch out!

[17:56] Tips for Partner

[21:41] Why you'll love the My Essential Birth Course

 

 

Strong, powerful, determined, and in-charge - if this sounds familiar then you might be a Type 8 mom and we definitely have a thing or two you want to hear when it comes to prepping for and giving birth!

 

[4:40] Your Strengths, even if you intimidate us a tiny bit...

[11:57] Watch out!

[15:10] Tips for Partner

[19:07] Why you'll love the My Essential Birth Course

 

 

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!

 

 

 

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...