Looking for all the best freebies and downloads?!

Show Notes:

[0:21] Our Reviewer of the Week, kpalsson, says, "I found this podcast about a week ago and have not stopped binging episodes. I really love the positive birth stories! It seems most of my friends have traumatizing birth experiences, normally ending in an emergency C-section. Since before getting pregnant, my husband and I have discussed working towards an unmedicated hospital birth. I’m now 23 weeks pregnant and feeling more confident than ever that we can do this! Thanks for giving an amazing resource of knowledge and positivity!"

I think it's really important that you have positive places, spaces, and people around you as you prepare for your birth so that you can be excited, confident, and ready for this experience, rather than fearing it or being really concerned about what is to come.

[4:31] This week's topic is about what it looks like if you don't have the best support. Which can range from people who are close to you that don't...

When it comes to your birth experience, one of the most important things you can do to prepare is putting together your birth team. Doulas can be an incredible asset to you as you think about who you want to support you during your labor experience. Learn about the benefits of a doula here!

 Show Notes:

[1:12] The reviewer of the week, Tabs33, says, “Amazing!” She started listening to the podcast when she switched providers at 26 weeks pregnant. She received knowledge about what questions to ask and to have confidence in herself to switch. From the birth stories to finding out you could say no in the hospital  , she recommends this podcast and the birthing class to all her mama friends (even if they’ve already had babies). Thank you, Tabitha! 

Even if someone has already had their babies, we feel that there is always more to learn when it comes to pregnancy and labor. There are always new updates coming out and new evidence for...

This is quick and information-filled episode about placenta previa, including, what it is, how it's diagnosed during pregnancy, how it will affect your birth, and of course I leave you with all the good news. Maybe you're early in pregnancy and don't know what this even is yet, or perhaps you're later in pregnancy and have been diagnosed. Either way, this is an excellent topic for every mom to know so the you have the knowledge and remove the fear that may be attached to it. I even give you the best questions to ask your provider so you know what's going on in the future of your pregnancy and birth. Still have questions? Shoot me an email at [email protected] or message me on Instagram @myessentialbirth.

Show Notes

2:08 - What the placenta is, what is does (it's pretty neat), and where it may attach. Most women won't even know where their placenta is attached unless it's in a less than usual location.

3:48 - Placenta previa is when the placenta attaches to your uterus down...

We stress the importance of having a vision for your birth and finding the right provider to support you through that process, but how exactly do you get there? There are likely going to be some obstacles you will face as you work through what you know you want for your birth, understanding what questions to ask your provider, thinking through real-life scenarios you may come up against, and having the knowledge and the voice to advocate for yourself during pregnancy and birth. This episode will walk you through each step and help you feel more clear and calm about the process for your own birth.

Show Notes

3:16 - You and your provider may view birth differently. That's ok!

6:25 - The first thing you need to be able to do to effectively advocate for yourself.

9:51 - Questions to discuss with your provider as well as what the red flags might look like.

17:33 - How to work through the deal-breaker questions and figure out where there's some give-and-take necessary to get the...

Dr. Nate Fox, a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (aka High-Risk) doctor, joins us to discuss how passionate he is about what he does as well and answers some questions from YOU! We hope you'll enjoy listening to a doctor who clearly respects women and the process of birth, and that you will use his example and the information he shares as information in finding the right provider for you.

Here are some of the questions that were answered in this interview:

• How did you get involved in birth work? What made you decide to specialize in high-risk?
• What is your overall birth philosophy? 
• What does a high-risk doctor do? Who do you see/most common diagnosis you deal with? Twins? Gestational Diabetes? Etc.
• What do you do when someone comes to you late in pregnancy - is there anything you do to make them more comfortable with the process, especially women who are switching from a midwifery model of care or are seeking a less medically-managed birth? 
• Talk to us about why...

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