Your Birth Bestie | The Best Pregnancy Podcast for an Informed and Natural Birth Experience

Text Your Birth Bestie Day 1 of this 5-day series on overcoming hospital birth fears! You're not alone in having doubts, worries, or anxiety while anticipating how your labor and birth will go, so let's figure out how to ease these feelings and have a positive hospital birth! >>GIVEAWAY!!<< Enter for the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card EVERY day this week! Review the sho...

Text Your Birth Bestie Do you feel nervous or anxious for your upcoming hospital birth?  I think it’s safe to say every pregnant woman has been there too. The unknowns of when labor will start, exactly how delivery will go, and the transition to postpartum are so familiar. In this episode, we’re diving into the common, yet often unspoken, topic of anxiety during pregnancy, especially as your due d...

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you hesitant about agreeing to medical intervention during your hospital birth? If you’re planning a hospital birth and feel like you have to choose between having the birth you want but you or your baby will be at risk, or having the birth your provider insists, but all your birth goals are tossed to the side... Tune in to this episode, where I cover: What’s the deal wi...

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you a pregnant mom planning your hospital birth and wondering how to confidently navigate the unpredictable journey of childbirth?  You are not alone! I love a fun gender reveal at birth, but nobody wants unwelcomed surprises when it comes to their birth experience. What to expect in this episode: Reassurance that embracing the unknown is part of your unique birth story…...

Text Your Birth Bestie Tune in to uncover the untold choices during hospital births your doctor won't reveal but "Your Birth Bestie" will spill the beans on! In this episode we’ll talk about: Questioning inductions and decreasing the high rate of unnecessary intervention… Exploring pain coping methods and finding a birth team to support your goals… How important waiting for the urge...

Text Your Birth Bestie It’s time to set the record straight, reveal common birth myths and empower pregnant moms, like you, to make informed choices for your birth. Let’s uncover the truth!  What to expect in this episode: We’ll debunk the myth of the ‘all-natural’ ideal and empahsize the importance of informed decision-making… How comparing your birth experience to idealized social media isn’t pr...

Text Your Birth Bestie Did you recently get a positive pregnancy test and anxiously awaiting your first appointment?! Congratulations!  You might suddenly be hit with a whirlwind of excitement, questions, and maybe even feeling nervous. Don’t worry though, I’m here to guide you on this journey to feeling confident and well-prepared as you plan for your first prenatal visit! In this episode we’ll t...

Text Your Birth Bestie Have you ever struggled with anxiety or depression or are worried about what if you do develop a mental health disorder during pregnancy or postpartum? You are not alone, mama!  Today, I'm joined by Bailey Huffman from Moms Mental Health Initiative, established by two moms who faced postpartum depression and anxiety challenges, recognizing the scarcity of resources in t...

Text Your Birth Bestie Do you have your gestational diabetes screening coming up? (Usually around 24-28 weeks!) In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why you should even care about if you have gestational diabetes… What to anticipate your doctor will recommend for testing and how to choose if it’s right for you… Tips to make the glucose test tolerable if you choose it… (remember nothing is mandatory!...

Text Your Birth Bestie Of course you want labor to go as smoothly as possible... So let's dive into my top recommended positions for labor and delivery, how to effectively push despite what your nurse may recommend, and tips to reduce perineal tearing! Labor positions matter! Discover how certain positions can help manage contractions, encourage baby's descent, and make pushing a breeze....

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you a pregnant mom wanting to make informed choices for your hospital birth, including GBS testing and treatment options?  Tune in to this episode, as I explore…  What GBS is, why it's tested for during pregnancy, and how it can impact you and your baby's health during labor. How to make informed choices about GBS testing and treatment options. The risks and be...

Text Your Birth Bestie With a million birth courses and resources out there, how the heck do you choose the right one? In this episode I’ll answer the common questions: Do I have to take a childbirth class… Or are they only for parent’s planning a natural childbirth? What should I absolutely make sure the course includes? How do I go about deciding which one is best for my values and goals?  What...

Text Your Birth Bestie It doesn't take convincing to agree that an autonomous birth is the best kind of birth, right?!  This isn’t dependent on any specific style of giving birth though. You DO NOT need to have a home birth to have an autonomous birth. You can have an autonomous birth in any setting, with any care provider. It could be any type of birth from a waterbirth at home to a planned...

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure when deciding what hospital to have your baby at? Don’t worry, you’ll leave this episode feeling so much more prepared with actionable steps, so you can check this off your pregnancy to-do list! Choosing the right hospital for your baby's birth is a crucial decision, and it can greatly impact your birth experience. So, why is this...

Text Your Birth Bestie Is your support person terrified of birth or has no clue how to be involved? It’s so important for partners to grow their confidence to support laboring mothers, understand that this is mom’s birth, and show them why it’s important to follow her lead and trust her decisions. Whether you’re the support person, or mom looking for resources to give your support person… this epi...

Text Your Birth Bestie Once you check off making your birth plan, you still have to figure out how to advocate for what you want! Feeling confident and informed enough to communicate your needs to your partner, provider, and healthcare team will determine how you feel about your birth. I want you to know your birth rights and be in control every step of the way. And to do that… let’s talk about co...

Text Your Birth Bestie Time for a Q&A!!  We’ll talk about many standard hospital practices that are so commonly accepted, that it may seem like they’re required, but they’re not!  In this episode, I'll answer: Do I have to get an IV during labor? Is Pitocin after my baby is born required? If my water doesn't break, will my doctor have to break it at the hospital? My provider says I h...

Text Your Birth Bestie Do you have anxiety, fear, or uncertainty about pregnancy or birth that is causing you stress or extra worry?  Whether it’s as severe as birth emergencies or  as simple as pooping during birth, both are valid and I hear you!  If I had a dollar for every person who commented on how my labor was going to go, when I was pregnant, based on THEIR fears, birth horror stories, or g...

Text Your Birth Bestie Have you ever wondered what labor induction entails and why it's important to be knowledgeable about it? I was electively induced twice… The first time was a situation where I didn’t know it was an induction or that I had any options. I was just expected to agree to hospital admission from my prenatal appointment because I was 7cm dilated, but not actually in labor yet....

Text Your Birth Bestie What even is a physiologic birth and why should you know about it? Physiologic birth involves minimal medical interventions and encourages the body's natural processes during labor and delivery. It’s all about allowing mom to move freely, use breathing and relaxation techniques, and rely on her body's instincts. This results in reduced medical interventions, shorte...

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you debating whether to plan for an unmedicated birth or considering getting an epidural? Or many people probably fall somewhere in the middle! I support physiologic birth 100%! But… epidurals are a useful tool to manage pain and can promote a positive hospital birth experience if it’s right for you. It really comes down to what you want and I’m here to guide you through...

Text Your Birth Bestie Out of all standardized hospital practices, inpatient physical therapy for moms is often overlooked... but shouldn't be! Every pregnant or postpartum mom could absolutely benefit from a physical therapy evaluation. Did you know this support can begin even while you’re admitted to the hospital to have your baby? In today’s episode, Brett Connors, DPT discusses how inpati...

Text Your Birth Bestie As an expecting parent, do you actually need a birth plan to prepare for your hospital birth? In today's episode, I’ll be breaking down birth plans and why they are so much more than just a piece of paper. Many expectant moms may wonder why they need a birth plan or think it's unnecessary, but in reality, a thoughtful birth plan is an invaluable tool to take to the...

Text Your Birth Bestie Ever wondered what it’s like to have a hospital water birth? Maybe you’re considering a water birth yourself! You totally should be! This episode is all about my second hospital birth story. It was the most amazing, redemptive experience, I wish everyone could feel this good about their hospital birth. And you totally can, friend. Water birth or not! You'll hear me shar...

Text Your Birth Bestie Ever wondered how the heck you’re going to speak up for your wants in labor?  This episode is for you if... you’re pregnant or hoping to be soon, and planning your upcoming hospital birth. You might be figuring out what your ideal birth experience is or what is even “allowed” in the hospital. Trying for the best possible chance at having your dream hospital birth! I was too...