Preggie Pals: Your Pregnancy, Your Way

Women have been giving birth at home since the beginning of time. So, why are planned homebirths today considered so risky? What are some of the pros and cons of this type of childbirth? And the BIG question... is it really safe? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Couples typically hire a professional photographer to preserve life's special moments, such your wedding today. So, why not hire a professional birth photographer to capture your little one's arrival? What exactly do birth photographers do, and how can they help make your labor and delivery experience more enjoyable? Plus, how do you go about finding a photographer that's right for you? Learn more...

Are you having a boy or girl? It's the question even complete strangers like to ask us when we're pregnant. So, what are the most reliable ways to determine the gender of your unborn child? And is there any medical basis for all those crazy wives-tales out there? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tired of peeing in a cup every time you have an OB/GYN appointment? They're testing for increased protein in your urine which may be a sign of preeclampsia. So, what is preeclampsia and how can it impact your pregnancy? If untreated, how could it affect you and your baby?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy. While these changes may be necessary for the growth and development of your baby, it's sometimes hard to feel good about yourself during the process. What exactly does it mean to have a healthy body image? Why is this important- especially during pregnancy? Plus, our mamas weigh in on aspects of their own bodies that bothered them the most duri...

From the moment we find out we’re pregnant… we’re told we need to take these- prenatal vitamins. And it makes sense. We know our bodies are working overtime to make a tiny human. But what are these vitamins actually doing for us? What should we be looking for in a prenatal vitamin? And perhaps more importantly, what should we try to avoid? Today we’re learning all about the ingredients inside pren...

There are tons of pregnancy forums online. Finding these forums isn't the hard part, but trying to understand what people are trying to say can be quite a challenge. Why are these forums full of acronyms? What are the most common acronyms used during pregnancy and what do they actually mean? We're decoding this secret language so you can be better prepared when seeking help online. Learn more abou...

There's a bundle of joy on the way, which means it's time to plan for your baby shower! But with so many choices to make, it's easy for the planning process to become more frustrating than fun. What are the baby shower basics? Plus, what type of baby shower is best for you? We'll explore some tips and tricks for celebrating your special day with family and friends. Learn more about your ad choices...

We've all seen the images on television and in the movies. A woman in labor screams her head off as she's pushing her baby through the birth canal. We've been trained to think this experience is going to be painful. So, what are your pain management options? What are epidurals and spinals and when are they used? What additional medications can help take the edge off while allowing you to stay mobi...

Today we are discussing different pregnancy complications and diagnosis that can come up while you are growing your bundle of joy! Whether you have been suffering from non-stop nausea and wondering if it could be HG, just got diagnosed with gestational diabetes or suffering from high blood pressure... We will be chatting about all this and more coming up! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...

Many of us dream of one day having a family of our own, but for some prospective parents, giving birth to their own biological child just isn’t a possibility. Every day surrogate mothers are helping these families turn their dreams into reality. So, what does it take to become a surrogate mom, and is it right for you?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Water can help you relieve pressure throughout your pregnancy, so it only makes sense that giving birth in the water can improve your overall childbirth experience as well. What are some of the benefits waterbirth provides for both mother and baby? How are babies monitored if mom is laboring in the water? And is it really safe for babies to stay underwater as they're being born? Learn more about y...

Pregnancy is an amazing time in your life- filled with lots of new changes. What exactly is happening to you and your body during your second trimester? How long is this trimester and what stages of growth and development is your new baby experiencing? When will morning sickness subside? At what point can you learn your baby's gender? Plus, the flutter of your baby's first kick. Learn more about y...

Today we are discussing pregnancy after miscarriage. Miscarriage impacts about one in three pregnancies and can be a very emotional experience to go through. Getting pregnant again after having a miscarriage can be a nerve wrecking experience and today we are diving deep on ways to ease your mind and give tips on how to cope through the stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...

There are many advantages to having a low-risk pregnancy, especially if you're planning a natural birth. What should your blood pressure look like? What about the food you eat and the amount of time you exercise? This episode explores some practical ways for you to stay in optimal health during the next nine months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your due date is quickly approaching and you're still trying to figure out what to pack in your hospital bag? So, what are the essentials, and what can you essentially leave at home? We've asked some experienced moms to help us create a checklist of what belongs in your hospital bag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are discussing the importance of finding childcare while pregnant! Whether you know you are going back to work after your maternity leave or you are still on the fence… this episode is to help guide you to making the right decision when it comes to your baby on the way and the care they will receive if and when you head back to work! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...

Each pregnancy is different, so how are we supposed to know if the symptoms we are currently feeling are "normal"? How can you tell if there's something really wrong? Today we'll expose the top 10 reasons when you'll want to pick up the phone and call your doctor or midwife. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most pregnancies result in healthy babies. However, moms-to-be are offered prenatal testing as a way to determine if there are any known abnormalities in the growth and development of their unborn child. What are the benefits and risks of prenatal testing? What tests are you offered and when? And how can genetic counseling help you through the process?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...

Our bodies experience three stages of labor during childbirth. What are the three stages, what exactly is happening to your body and why is it necessary? Understanding these stages will better prepare you for your own labor and delivery because you'll know what to expect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're expecting your first, second, or even third child, this episode is here to support you on your breastfeeding journey, especially as you navigate the transition back to work. It’s never too early to start planning, and today, we’re sharing practical tips and strategies to help you tackle common challenges and set yourself up for breastfeeding success. Let’s dive in! Learn more about...

With more babies being born by Cesarean section, a new movement is campaigning to create a more natural experience for both mom and baby. It's known as the "Natural Cesarean" or "Family-Centered Cesarean". So, what exactly happens during this procedure? How can it improve the bonding between you and your newborn? And why are some medical providers against it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Whether you're expecting your first, second, or even third child, this episode is here to support you on your breastfeeding journey, especially as you navigate the transition back to work. It’s never too early to start planning, and today, we’re sharing practical tips and strategies to help you tackle common challenges and set yourself up for breastfeeding success. Let’s dive in! Learn more about...

Your baby is on the way, so making your baby registry is a top priority. What should you consider when selecting the best breast pump for you and your baby? What are the benefits of a manual hand pump versus an electric pump? What other features should you be looking for? Plus, additional accessories to help make your pumping experience as pleasant as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Think you're pregnant? Nausea is one of the first pregnancy symptoms you may notice, and it could stay with you for a while. So, what actually causes morning sickness? What types of foods and vitamins help make you feel better? Plus, our panelists share how they coped with morning sickness during their pregnancies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices