Birth, Baby, and Life

I really enjoyed handling routine “prenatal care” during my pregnancy with Sadie. In today's episode I talk about what I did to care for myself and Sadie, why I still appreciated my midwife, and how directing my own care helped me bond with Sadie. Topics I Cover in This Podcast: Why it's so important to […] The post BBL 067: Taking Prenatal Care Into My Own Hands appeared first o...

When you first hear about elimination communication you probably thought it was impossible, then maybe gross, then maybe you got curious, then you wondered “is it even worth it?” That's the question I tackle in this podcast! Topics I Cover in This Podcast: Why I missed last week's podcast (hint: it involved four-legged babies!) What […] The post Elimination Communication Method &...

Independent play is important for your little one – but many toddlers don't know how to play alone. Here's how to encourage your little one to enjoy this time, plus why it's so good for them (and you!). Topics I Cover in This Podcast: How to sign up for Smart Mama, Happy Baby Why independent […] The post BBL 065: How to Get Your Toddler to Have an Alone Time appeared first on Natural B...

Naps – you know they're important to save your sanity… but they're also really important for your little one's health. Here's the vital information on naps – and how to get your kiddo to take one! Topics I Cover in This Podcast: Why daytime sleep is important (it's not only to keep you sane) It's […] The post BBL: 064 Getting The Baby Who Doesn’t Nap to Take a Nap app...

Does childbirth hypnosis really work, and are birth hypnosis courses worth it? I talk about my experiences as a birthing woman, and my thoughts as a birth worker in today's podcast! Topics I Cover in This Podcast: Thoughts on a goal of a painless birth Why I think birth hypnosis is effective What childbirth hypnosis […] The post BBL 063: Does Childbirth Hypnosis Really Work? appeared first o...

Sadie Grace was born at home just a few weeks ago! I share some memorable parts of my pregnancy with Sadie, as well as her beautiful birth story, in today's podcast! Topics I Cover in This Podcast: Why I didn't announce I was pregnant on the podcast (!!!) What it was like going “ultrasound free” […] The post BBL 062: Sadie’s Birth Story appeared first on Natural Birth and B...

Can a house with kids living in it be clean? Can you keep up with the housework and stay sane? It's possible! This episode covers what to do… and how to do it. Topics I Cover in This Podcast: When (and how) you should adjust your expectations How to decide what really matters Why you […] The post BBL 061: How to Clean Your House (Even When Kids Live In It) appeared first on Natural Bir...

The newborn period is amazing… and overwhelming. Here's what to expect – and how to make it through this crazy experience! Topics I Cover in This Podcast: How you'll get diapering down to an art… but maybe not much else Common breastfeeding challenges – and how to overcome them What to expect when it comes […] The post BBL 060: The Truth About the First Few Months app...

Don't miss The Ultimate Guide to a Fabulous Pregnancy! When I reflect back on my pregnancies I think of things I'd have done differently – and things I did right! I cover those in this episode so you can get some tips from my experience! Topics I Cover in This Podcast: What I took at […] The post BBL 059: My Pregnancy Mistakes (and What I Did Right) appeared first on Natural Birth and...

Does it seem like every other mama is well-rested and boasting that their little one sleeps through the night? Why is that conscious, attached parents seem to be the only ones deprived of sleep (and more importantly, does it have to be this way???). Listen in to today's episode for some helpful hints: Topics I […] The post BBL 058: Why AP Moms Can’t Get a Good Night’s Sleep (and...

What do you do when you go from one to two – or from two to three… or even more? How can you stay sane (and in control) when you're outnumbered by little people? This is a topic near and dear to my heart, and I cover it in today's episode! Topics I Cover in […] The post BBL 057: Handling the Kids When You’re Outnumbered appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com .

Everybody loves a rolly-polly baby and a sturdy little toddler.  But what if your little guy or gal is more peanut than plump?  Some little ones are just naturally slimmer, but if you're worried and want to put some padding on your tot, this episode tells you how: Topics I Cover in This Podcast: Finding […] The post BBL 056: Plumping Up the Skinny Baby appeared first on Natural Bir...

You'll usually hear moms say they loved the pushing stage, but many of us find it overwhelming and confusing.  When should you push, how should you push, and should you ever not push?  Get the lowdown on pushing in this week's episode. Topics I Cover in This Podcast: Why some women feel pushing is a huge relief […] The post BBL 055: What You Need to Know About Pushing You...

Sometimes weaning says “I love you” – but breastfeeding challenges can often be overcome so you and your little one can keep nursing.  This podcast talks about strategies for older babies and young toddlers – both to keep you nursing and to wean with love. Topics I Cover in This Podcast: Forced weaning vs. child-led […] The post BBL 054: How to Wean (and How to K...

Moms-to-be often ask if there's any point to taking a birthing class.  After all, there are lots of good books and websites on natural birth.  Here's why a birthing class is still the best option – and how it can help you have a great birth. Topics I Cover in This Podcast: The benefits of […] The post BBL 053: Why Birthing Classes Are Worth It appeared first on Natural Birth...

There's no doubt that pregnancy and babies bring on the advice – and a lot of it comes from close family.  How do you handle unwanted advice and set healthy boundaries?  And what about your changing relationship with spouse and older children?  I cover several important topics this week: Topics I Cover in This Podcast: […] The post BBL 052: Family and Relationship Q&#038...

Ever wondered exactly what a doula is – and how she can help you have a great birth experience? Nikki Knowles joins me for today's podcast and shares exactly what a doula can do for you during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum! Topics We Discuss in This Podcast: What is a doula? Why you should consider […] The post BBL 051: Why You Need a Birth Doula with Nikki Knowles appeared first on...

Questions about how to choose the right care provider and how to work with them are common – I cover some of the big questions for you this week on the podcast: Issues I Discuss in This Podcast: The new UK home birth recommendations Understanding different types of midwives Standard questions to ask a doctor […] The post BBL 050: Choosing and Working With Your Care Provider Q&A ap...

Rachel Coley joins me on today's episode to talk about her Can Do Kiddo project, which is focused on inspiring you with fun, creative ways to play with your young baby. Just why is play so crucial to your little one's physical, cognitive, and sensory development? That's just what Rachel shared – so be sure […] The post BBL 049: How Play Makes a Healthier Baby with Rachel Coley appeared...

This week I tackle some questions about common complications that may occur during your baby's birth – plus how you can prevent them or handle them: Issues I Discuss in This Podcast: What are the risks of hemorrhage during the 3rd stage? How long is safe to wait on the placenta? Why your cat's labor […] The post BBL 048: Birth Complications Q&A appeared first on Natural Birth and...

Is it true that we don't know why many pregnancy complications happen? Can you do anything to prevent them? What if your mom, sister, or all your friends had a complication… will you be “unlucky” too? I answer those questions – and tell you how to stop complications – in this episode: Issues I Discuss […] The post BBL 047: Preventing Pregnancy Complications Q&#0...

How can you handle the pain of childbirth? What can you do to feel confident and in control during labor? And what are good positions to labor and birth in? I cover these questions and more in this week's Q&A episode! Enjoy 🙂 Issues I Discuss in This Podcast: Feeling confident and in control during […] The post BBL 046: Childbirth Preparation Q&A appeared first on Natural Birth an...

What's the best exercise to prepare for birth? How do you prevent a diastasis during pregnancy – or heal it postpartum. And just how are you supposed to fit exercise into your crazy days? Exercise is the hot topic in this week's podcast episode! Issues I Discuss in This Podcast: What is a diastasis? Can […] The post BBL 045: Q&A on Pregnancy Exercise appeared first on Natural Birt...

When I asked what you wanted to know about, pregnancy diet was the hottest topic! Exercise and birth preparation were up there too, so over the next few weeks I'll feature your questions – and my answers – in the Birth, Baby, and Life Q&A series 🙂 Enjoy! Issues I Discuss in This Podcast: What's […] The post BBL 044: Q&A on Pregnancy Diet appeared first on Natural Birth...

Physiological birth is both safe and the ideal for mamas and babies, but what is it? What is it not? This podcast covers what happens during an undisturbed birth – and why it's important to think twice about disturbing it. What is physiological birth What causes labor to start When adrenaline stops labor (and when […] The post BBL 043: What is Physiological Birth? appeared first on Nat...