The Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast and Blog

Speedy Delivery: Erica’s Birth Story

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On this weeks podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting with one of the members of the My Essential Birth Course, and talking about her most recent birth experience. Erica is a mother of three, and due to previous births that were less than she had hoped for, she decided to explore a different option for her third pregnancy. She talks about her provider experience - what needed to change for this birth, course experience - what worked well, and her partner's experience - how he was not only able to step up and support her but also how he was so proud of her afterwards. We also talked about many other important aspects of pregnancy and birth. You're in for a treat with this beautiful birth story!

Show Notes

3:18 - Erica introduces herself. She gives us a bit of background about who she is, where she’s from, and her family dynamics. She further talks about how she discovered MEB and her not-so-favorite experiences prior to joining the course.

8:58 Erica talks about the signs of...

Countdown to Baby: Final Two Weeks

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The last two weeks of pregnancy can be a bit tricky because #1 you don't know when those last two weeks will actually be and #2 it feels exciting and exhausting all at the same time! We've broken it down into the most useful things you can do to transition from having baby inside to bringing home a newborn during that final countdown. We're talking about everything from prepping freezer meals, what to pack before you go, what to unpack before you give birth, breastfeeding, and much more.

3:25 - We dish on freezer meals and meal prep!

5:47 - One of the best things to do to prep for postpartum is to create "stations" around your home like in the bathroom and for breastfeeding.

10:18 - Review the birth course! When to head to the birthplace, last-minute conversations with the provider, labor rehearsals, meditation...you get it!

14:39 - The stuff that you don't want to be unpacking after the baby is home.

17:23 - The perfect time to learn about breastfeeding is right before baby is...

Is a Birth Class Really Necessary?

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We often get asked...

At what point in my pregnancy should I take a birth class?
What kind of birth course is best for me?
What should a birth course cover?
Do I really need one if I plan on getting an epidural?

But before we answer those great questions, will you indulge us for a minute? We've gotta get this off our chest first...

The truth of the matter is that when it comes to birth, you don't know what you don't know. And if you're reading this post or listening to the podcast, you're likely the kind of person who wants to be in-the-know! That's awesome because our entire goal is to empower you & give you the skills, confidence, and knowledge necessary before your birth.

Speaking from very personal experience, failing to prepare can often lead to a poor experience, regrets, and then (hopefully!) a fierce determination to make things better the next time! We want to find you and help you before that next time!

Birth is a natural event, but when we moved birth...

Birth: Enneagram Type 9

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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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

If you haven't subscribed to the podcast yet, you definitely should! We love breathing life into our mamas and don't want you to miss a thing. Plus we have some neat bonus episodes coming and if you're not subscribed you may miss them. Click >>here<< to subscribe in iTunes!

AND if you love all the great birth discussions, tips, and tricks you're hearing, make sure to head over to iTunes and give us a review. It will help other mamas just like...

Hollywood Birth: Where They Get It Wrong

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Birth always begins with either a pop-gush of waters breaking or a massive contraction, followed by screaming at your partner, and then squeezing his hand super hard while you push out a baby the size of a 2-month-old. That's Hollywood's version of birth, but how much of it is accurate? Hint: not a lot! We think you'll love listening to us debunk all the ways they get it wrong, why they do this, and what you can do about it.

[3:06] Pregnancy is always miserable & always a burden

[3:42] The father is always clueless

[5:13] Birth always begins with a gush of water or Level 10 contractions!

[6:40] Birth goes from zero to baby being born in a matter of minutes

[6:58] You have to fumble around just trying to get to the hospital

[7:51] The woman in labor screams at everyone and is angry at the father

[9:04] Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

[9:25] Birth only happens in the back of the car or a hospital

[10:24] You give birth on your back with your legs in...

Get It Started! Natural Ways to Induce Birth

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You asked, we listened! This episode will give you some simple, fun ways to get birth started. Some you may have heard of, and others may be totally new to you. While we are careful to share only those things that are safe and evidence-based, we are not medical professionals and cannot provide medical advice so be sure to talk with your provider before trying these.

[3:05] When you want to utilize these tools and all the legitimate reasons to get things moving.

[11:47] Why we just spent all this time talking about why to not get things moving!

[12:23] Ways that you can jumpstart your birth from the comfort of your home; everything from dates, castor oil, baby positioning, herbs, sex and more.

[17:56] After 37 weeks and it's time to get things moving...

[19:00] Your cervix and the Bishop's Score

[23:21] Membrane sweeps and when it's a good time to give it a go!

[25:29] What if I tested positive for GBS?

[27:35] Wrapping it all up!

Subscribe & Review in...

Birth: Enneagram Type 7

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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

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

AND if you love all the great birth...

Birth: Enneagram Type 1

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Feeling like things need to be perfect for your birth? Do you have high expectations for yourself, your provider, your birth team and your partner? Let me guess...you kinda think you know what's best and your preparation consists of research, lists and checking off all of your accomplishments as you go. Well, mama, we made this episode just for you!

[3:38] Enneagram 1 strengths
[11:21] Watch out for these
[17:54] Advice for partners
[22:10] Why Enneagrams 1's love the My Essential Birth Course

Subscribe & Review in iTunes

If you haven't subscribed to the podcast yet, you definitely should! We love breathing life into our mamas and don't want you to miss a thing. Plus we have some really neat bonus episodes coming and if you're not subscribed you may miss them. Click >>here<< to subscribe in iTunes!

AND if you love all the great birth discussions, tips, and tricks you're hearing, make sure to head over to iTunes and give us a review. It...

Birth: Enneagram Type 4

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Calling ALL Enneagram Type 4 mamas! If you're a sensitive mama who wants a unique birth experience and knows how to be super in tune with your body then definitely jump into this episode and get ready to be nodding your head and taking notes on exactly what you and your partner need to make your birth a success! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth.

[2:37] Description of a Type 4

[6:38] Want a unique experience

[11:06] Create a vision for your birth

[13:03] The importance of setting up your birth team for Type 4

[16:14] How to set yourself up for success later in labor when verbal communication may be challenging.

[17:12] Body language during birth

[17:30] Cortney describes experience from her 3rd birth

[20:20] A strength of a type 4 is that you are in tune with your body

[22:22] Type 4 mamas are very creative, want to decorate their birth rooms and make the space pretty

[25:32] Tips for Partners

[31:30] Why Enneagram Type 4s LOVE the My Essential...

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