Entering Motherhood: Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Support

Hey Mamas, Sarah Marie Bilger and co-host Katelyn discuss everything around finding out baby’s gender — from early blood tests and ultrasounds to surprise reveals at birth. They explore generational differences, creative reveal ideas, the emotional highs and lows (including naming and gender disappointment), and the unexpected freedom of surrendering control. Practical parenting concerns like gend...

Host Sarah Marie Bilger gives a pregnancy update, sharing her home-birth preparations, doula work wrap-up, nesting, and thoughts on postpartum recovery as she anticipates baby #3. She touches on family dynamics, name feelings, prenatal care, and how she’s recording episodes ahead of baby’s arrival while leaning into rest and self-care. Find the Full Show Notes Here: https://www.enteringmotherhood....

In this Doula Talk episode Sarah Marie Bilger and Katelyn discuss how to prepare older siblings for a new baby, from when and how to tell them to age‑appropriate conversations, setting expectations, and helping kids bond by feeling kicks and getting involved in care. They also cover logistics and options for the birth, home vs hospital, hiring a sibling doula or trusted caregivers, and practical s...

In this episode Sarah Marie Bilger speaks with Katelyn Fusco, creator of the Happy Homebirth Podcast, about her journey into home birth, how her personal experiences inspired her to educate and empower mothers, and why home birth feels rare but possible in the U.S. They discuss informed choice, self-advocacy, practical tips for preparing a birth plan, the power of storytelling to heal and connect,...

Join hosts Sarah Marie Bilger and Katelyn for a concise Doula Talk focused on cesarean options, including maternal-assisted cesareans, spinal vs. general anesthesia, and ways to stay present during an unplanned or planned C-section. Learn practical choices you can ask for in the OR: lowering or clear drapes, not strapping arms, music, delayed cord clamping, partner skin-to-skin, and immediate bond...

Host Sarah Marie Bilger breaks down how due dates are calculated, why they're often inaccurate, and what an estimated due date really means. She offers mindset shifts, practical self-care tips, and communication strategies to reduce anxiety as the big day approaches, plus guidance on ultrasound dating and induction conversations with providers. Find the Full Show Notes Here: https://www.enteringmo...

In this Doula Talk episode Sarah Marie Bilger and co-host Katelyn walk through a range of birthing positions—from all fours and the upright “throne” to asymmetrical lunges, peanut ball use, squat techniques and even the toilet—explaining how each can help labor progress and how to adapt them with or without an epidural. They share practical tips for staying mobile, switching positions, using suppo...

OBGYN Dr. Jessica Vernon shares her journey into perinatal care, candid postpartum struggles, and collaborative work with midwives. She discusses perinatal mental health, realistic expectations, patient advocacy, and her book Then Comes Baby to help parents feel informed, supported, and less alone through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Find the Full Show Notes Here: https://www.enteringmotherho...

Host Sarah Marie Bilger introduces the O.W.N. framework — Optimism & Ownership, Worthiness & Well-being, Nourish & Nurturing — to help mothers claim agency over their birth and life. Through practical steps like naming your goal, defining ownership, making a micro-commitment, asking for support, and designing your environment, listeners learn how to create the spark, fuel, and conditio...

Join host Sarah Marie Bilger for a Doula Talk episode about the importance of in-person connections during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Learn practical tips on finding doulas, local mom groups, prenatal classes, and how to set boundaries so your support team helps — not hinders — your birth experience. Plus: resources on combining online education with in-person support and details about the...

Host Sarah Marie Bilger walks through the “three H’s” of pregnancy—hernias, hemorrhoids, and heartburn—covering what causes them, simple remedies, prevention tips, and a few surprising facts. This short, relatable episode offers practical strategies to ease discomfort during pregnancy and reassurance that you’re not alone. Find the Full Show Notes Here: https://www.enteringmotherhood.com/episodes...

Hosts Sarah Marie Bilger and Katelyn chat about food aversions in pregnancy, sharing personal experiences and practical tips like smoothies, protein alternatives, small frequent meals, and texture-friendly swaps. They encourage self-compassion, communication with partners and providers, and point listeners to additional resources like their O.W.N. Your Birth course and the Build Your Village summi...

Host Sarah Marie Bilger guides you through a simple, practical third trimester roadmap covering body care (nutrition, movement, rest), preparing your home and hospital bag, emotional and mental preparation, childbirth education and advocacy, and postpartum planning. Walk away with a short checklist, resources to support labor and recovery, and encouragement to take small steps so you feel grounded...

Journalist and novelist Emma Pattee joins Entering Motherhood to share her experience with prenatal depression, intense fears about climate-driven disasters, and how those anxieties shaped her novel Tilt. She talks candidly about home and hospital births, advocating for respectful care, and the emotional and spiritual work of preparing for motherhood. This episode explores the intersection of clim...

Sarah Marie Bilger explores how affirmations, hypnosis, and positive thinking during pregnancy can calm the nervous system, reduce fear, and support smoother labor and postpartum. She explains how stress affects hormones and shares practical tools like Hypnobabies, affirmation cards, and visualization to build confidence and safety. Listeners get simple, actionable tips — record your own affirmati...

Join Sarah Marie Bilger and Katelyn on a Doula Talk episode of Entering Motherhood as they explore popular old wives' tales for predicting baby gender — cravings, morning sickness, heart rate, belly shape, the baking soda pee test, and more. They share personal stories from their pregnancies, compare results, and invite listeners to try the tests and share their outcomes while highlighting their O...

Host Sarah Marie Bilger explains what gestational diabetes is, why testing matters, and the difference between the standard glucose drink and a fresher alternative. She covers common test values, what results can mean for pregnancy and birth, and practical, evidence-based strategies—diet, movement, hydration, and monitoring—to manage blood sugar and support a healthy outcome. Find the Full Show No...

The hosts of Unfiltered and Unstoppable, Emily and Amanda join Sarah Marie Bilger to normalize the messy realities of new motherhood. In this episode they are covering postpartum sex, body image, matrescence, social media pressures, and the rise of AI. They share personal stories, practical tips, and encouragement to seek support. Listen for candid conversations, resources like The New Mom Code an...

Welcome to another heartwarming episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, where Sarah Marie Bilger, a dedicated mother, VBAC mama, and experienced doula, shares her personal and professional journey through the emotional labyrinth of pregnancy. As Sarah enters her third trimester with what will be her third child, she opens up about the unique experiences and challenges that each pregnancy has t...

Join host Sarah Marie Bilger on the Entering Motherhood podcast as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sylvia Hall, founder of Lifted Naturals. In this insightful episode, Sylvia shares her personal journey through postpartum challenges and how it inspired her to create mood-supporting probiotics. Discover the profound impact of minerals, nutrition, and the gut-brain connection on materna...

Welcome to another episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast. This episode we delve into the overwhelming feelings of exhaustion and lack of motivation that many mothers experience. From dealing with the emotional and physical transitions of motherhood to understanding the importance of giving yourself grace. This episode seeks to remind you that you're not alone and explores the significance of...

In this episode of Entering Motherhood, host Sarah Marie Bilger chats with Jacque Ordner, a registered nurse, board-certified lactation consultant, and mother of four, to explore the intricacies of breastfeeding and pumping. Jacque shares her personal journey and expertise, addressing common concerns like information overload and the challenges of balancing work with motherhood. Listeners will gai...

Welcome to another empowering episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger. Join us as we dive into the emotional and physical preparations for birth and motherhood. Explore the power of reframing pain, the significance of understanding personal triggers, and the journey towards finding comfort in your own body. Discover insightful thoughts from audiobooks about pain an...

Join host Sarah Marie Bilger on this episode of Entering Motherhood as we dive into a heartfelt conversation with Maryn Green, a mother of 10 and a home birth midwife. Discover Maryn's insights on the power of trusting the birthing process, the significance of somatic education, and the treasured lessons she has learned from her children. Explore the balance between intuitive parenting and setting...

Welcome to another episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger. This week, we delve into the often overlooked but crucial topic of prenatal nutrition. From essential vitamins like folate and iron to minerals such as calcium and magnesium, we explore how to naturally support your body and nourish your growing baby. Discover holistic approaches to nutrition, emphasizing...