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Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy

My Essential Birth

300 episodes

Birth is amazing, beautiful, wonderful . . . and it can throw you for a loop! Despite our very best birth “plans,” we can find ourselves taking some twist and turns during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum that we don’t expect. Enter the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Hey mama! My name is Stephanie, and I’m a mom of three boys, and two girls, a professional doula, childbirth educator, and the creator of the Online Birth Course - My Essential Birth www.myessentialbirth.com. I love to help mothers just like you feel empowered and confident during pregnancy, birth, and into motherhood by taking my years of knowledge and personal/professional experience in the birth world and breaking down complex birth topics to make preparing for labor & birth a breeze! Every week, you’ll hear from myself & other women ready to share their knowledge with other pregnant moms about pregnancy and birth topics that will have you feeling knowledgeable and in the driver’s seat of your best birth experience. Your best birth starts here >>>> www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted

Episodes page 3 of 6

  1. Finding a Trustworthy Caregiver: A Parent's Guide & Questions to Ask

    · 32 min · Episode 272

    This episode explores finding childcare, discussing why it's needed and alternative solutions if external childcare isn't ideal. It reviews types of care, including family, friends, swaps, daycare centers, and in-home…

  2. Thriving Physically and Mentally through Pregnancy & Postpartum with Amy Keifer of Expecting & Empowered

    · 46 min · Episode 271

    Amy Kiefer, a nurse, doula, and trainer from Expecting and Empowered, discusses the importance of prenatal and postpartum support, safe pregnancy workouts, and mental health. We also highlight Expecting and Empowered's…

  3. Unmedicated Birth Story: The Role of Fitness, Faith, and Family with Taylor Dilk

    · 58 min · Episode 270

    Taylor Dilk shares intimate details about her prodromal labor, her fitness background during pregnancy, and the significant role her husband played during her unmedicated birth. She discusses her switch to a midwife…

  4. The 411 on Ultrasounds: Benefits & Risks

    · 30 min · Episode 269

    This episode explores the safety of ultrasounds during pregnancy, especially for moms categorized as "high risk" and need frequent scans. While ultrasounds are widely accepted as safe, each medical procedure carries…

  5. Prenatal Nutrition: The Lies & The Truth, with Candi Frazier

    · 58 min · Episode 268

    Candi Frazer created the Primal Bod System to help women take control of their health. She discusses the benefits of protein over carbs, while stressing the importance of animal-based nutrition. Insulin-related…

  6. Birth Story: Quick Labor and Unmedicated Hospital Birth with Hana Naamani

    · 35 min · Episode 267

    Hana Naamani shares her birth story, starting with a miscarriage before her son. She had a smooth pregnancy, started labor unexpectedly (mostly due to tacos), and delivered within a few hours. She advises staying…

  7. REBROADCAST: 7 Ways to Prepare Your Mind & Body during the 3rd Trimester!

    · 26 min · Episode 266

    If you are in your third trimester, this is 100% for you! If you're in the third trimester and you're feeling like, "Oh my gosh, what is coming next? Labor is so exciting and I can't wait, but what am I supposed to be…

  8. Birth Story: How Music and an Empowered Mindset Created a Positive Birth Experience with Patricia Allison

    · 54 min · Episode 265

    Patricia, a music therapist from West Virginia, shares her journey through IVF and ultimately a home birth turned hospital transfer. With her supportive husband, she prepared with music therapy and exercises. After a…

  9. Yes, You CAN Have a VBAC! Trust Your Body and Find a Supportive Provider!

    · 29 min · Episode 264

    Let's explore VBAC and dispel the myth that "once a cesarean, always a cesarean." Stephanie shares her VBAC journey, discusses risks, benefits, and preparation tips. She emphasizes finding a supportive provider and…

  10. David Arrell's Blueprint for First-Time Dads: Embrace the Journey of Fatherhood

    · 45 min · Episode 263

    David Arrell, founder of Welcome to Fatherhood, discusses how dads can actively engage in the pregnancy process by viewing it as their own journey. Dads are encouraged to participate through birth classes, doula…

  11. Stop Calling It a Due Date! Start Calling It a Guess Date!

    · 29 min · Episode 262

    Your due date is just an estimate! Many factors affect when your baby will arrive, including genetics. Most first-time moms give birth between 40-42 weeks. Mentally prepare yourself for a longer pregnancy to avoid…

  12. Unmedicated Birth Center Birth Story: The Power of Support and Affirmations with Maren Rider

    · 42 min · Episode 261

    Maren Rider shares her journey from a stressful hospital birth to an empowering birth center experience. With a focus on mental preparation, trust in her body, and supportive midwives, Maren achieved a calm,…

  13. The Realities of Modern Obstetrics: Dr. Stu’s Unfiltered Take

    · 1 h 34 min · Episode 260

    With 40+ years of experience, Dr. Stu of Birthing Instincts transitioned from hospital births to home births. He advocates for informed decision-making and encouraging women to trust their instincts, seek nurturing…

  14. Is Cesarean Birth Safer than Vaginal Birth?

    · 36 min · Episode 259

    If you're looking into the pros and cons (or benefits/risks) of Cesarean birth versus vaginal birth, listen in! You are capable of making these decisions for yourself. You do not have to be bullied or coerced into…

  15. Unmedicated Birth Story: Journey from a Traumatic Birth to a Healing Unmedicated Birth with Erika Bielska

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 258

    Today's birth story is a little bit different. Erika shares two very different birth experiences. She shares the trauma she experienced and had to process from her first birth, and how redemptive her next birth was.…

  16. What Your Labor & Delivery Nurses Want You to Know with Nurse Sydney

    · 39 min · Episode 257

    We love hearing from medical professionals about their perspective during birth, especially from our Labor & Delivery Nurses! Our guest this week is Nurse Sydney, a L&D nurse in Toronto who shares educational and…

  17. 7 of the Most Common Interventions During Labor and Birth

    · 36 min · Episode 256

    If youre going to be giving birth in a hospital setting, this episode is for you! You’ll want to know about the 7 most common interventions that you may come home against in your birth experience. We’ll also talk about…

  18. 7 Ways Your Birth Partner Can Support You

    · 36 min · Episode 255

    When it comes to your birth partner, they may be thinking that all they have to do is show up, right? Wrong! There are so many ways they can step in and help to make the birth experience a beautiful bonding moment as…

  19. Birth Story: Working through Tough Decisions and All the Outcomes with Confidence with Whitni Synakiewicz

    · 48 min · Episode 254

    In today's birth story, Whitni found out her baby had velamentous cord insertion. She and her husband took the birth course and used the knowledge and confidence they gained to work through all of the possible outcomes…

  20. Breech Births: What Are Your Options and What Are the Risks with Rixa Freeze, PhD

    · 53 min · Episode 253

    Dr. Freeze is the founder and president of Breech Without Borders, which is dedicated to breech training, education, and advocacy. We talk about what mamas can do if they are coming up to birth and baby is breech, what…

  21. What to Expect When You're Having Twins with Natalie Diaz of Twiniversity

    · 56 min · Episode 252

    It's one thing to find out you're pregnant, but what do you do when you're pregnant with twins?! Natalie Diaz, founder of Twiniversity, gives us all her tips and advice for pregnancy with multiples. As a twin mom…

  22. Our Best Advice on Navigating and Setting Boundaries with Loved Ones & How to Handle Postpartum Expectations

    · 32 min · Episode 251

    Postpartum is really a time for mom to be healing, and for bonding to happen between mom, baby, and birth partner. It's this sacred space that you get to enjoy together as a family. There are some things that make it…

  23. Top 10 Pregnancy Complaints and Practical Remedies to Cope with the Not So Fun Side of Pregnancy

    · 42 min · Episode 250

    While there are so many amazing things to appreciate about pregnancy, there are also a few complaints that many women have. We compiled a list of the Top 10 Complaints that we've gotten in our messages about pregnancy…

  24. Make Calm, Confident, and Competent Decisions about Your Child’s Health with Dr. Elana Roumell of Doctor Mom

    · 50 min · Episode 249

    Dr. Elana is a Pediatric Naturopathic Doctor with a mission to teach moms how to safely be a “Doctor Mom!” She teaches moms how to transform their fear and overwhelm when their child gets sick into feeling calm,…

  25. Birth Story: On Giving Birth Where You Feel Peace with Martha Henon

    · 49 min · Episode 248

    We have a home birth story this week! Martha Henon, mother of 2, joins us to share her birth experiences. Giving birth at home or in a hospital is a choice that moms need to make, but often times, moms feel pressured…

  26. How Yoga, Breathwork, and Mindset Can Make All the Difference in Your Pregnancy and Birth with Brett Larkin

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 247

    This week's episode is all about yoga! Brett Larkin talks about how the simple practice of yoga combined with breathwork (the secret sauce), and mindset can set you up for an easier, seamless pregnancy and birth. She…

  27. Birth Story: An Unmedicated Home Birth after Miscarriage with Luisa Gates

    · 37 min · Episode 246

    After experiencing a devastating loss of her child, Luisa shares her birth experience of her rainbow baby. She had fears and anxiety, but got through those fears with prayer and celebrating milestones of carrying her…

  28. Top 12 Q&A's about Birth and Labor from Mamas Like You

    · 32 min · Episode 245

    This week's episode is going to be straight from you guys back to you guys. All of your questions will be answered right here on the podcast. We have grabbed all of the questions that we feel like we're getting the…

  29. 7 Lies You've Been Told about Pregnancy & Birth

    · 43 min · Episode 244

    There's so much information out there about the do's and dont's of birth and pregnancy. In this episode, we dive into 7 Lies You've Been Told about Pregnancy & Birth. You deserve to have all the information to make the…

  30. What Actually Needs to Be in Your Prenatal Vitamins with Bridgitte Mallinson of Gut Personal

    · 33 min · Episode 243

    Are you really getting what you need from your prenatal? It all starts with your gut! 1 in 4 women have gut issues. Bridgette, functional registered dietician, shares that no matter how good our nutrition is or how…

  31. Birth Story: Mentally Preparing for Her Unmedicated Birth Experience as a Single Mom by Choice with Melissa Kidd

    · 1 h 04 min · Episode 242

    Birth stories are so important because they help mothers to be understand all the different ways birth could happen. We have a great birth story this week from Melissa Kidd, a single mom by choice. We talk about how…

  32. Subchorionic Hemorrhage: What We Missed In Our Last Episode on Exercise, Management, and Birth Outcomes

    · 20 min · Episode 241

    Any kind of bleeding in pregnancy can be worrisome. Join us for our Part 2 episode on Subchorionic Hemorrhage. In this episode, we'll talk about exercise, management, and birth outcomes. This is all just information…

  33. Gestational Diabetes Nutrition: All the Best Advice for Diet, Prevention, and Management with Leslee Flannery, Registered Dietician

    · 39 min · Episode 240

    Getting diagnosed with gestational diabetes can be scary and overwhelming. What to eat, when to eat, measuring your blood sugars, so much new information you need to process and take in. Whether you were just diagnosed…

  34. The Episode Your Birth Partner NEEDS to Hear on How to Best Support You During Pregnancy, Labor, and Postpartum

    · 38 min · Episode 239

    In addition to educating yourself on your options for your birth experience, one of the most important things a mama needs is a supportive birth partner. Your birth partner should know how to support you, advocate for…

  35. Birth Story: Unplanned Pregnancy to Knowing What Her Body Needed with Savanna Davis

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 238

    This week's birth story is from Savanna Davis, a My Essential Birth student and first time mama! She walks us through her emotional journey of not being prepared for her pregnancy and how she educated herself on all…

  36. Dr. Robyn Thompson: Encouraging Breastfeeding, Maternal Bonding, & The Importance of a Mother's Intuition

    · 50 min · Episode 237

    Our esteemed guest, Dr. Robyn Thompson, joins us this week to discuss breastfeeding, the importance of the maternal bond with baby, and how crucial a mother's intuition is. We dive into the Three Golden Hours and what…

  37. Vaccines during Pregnancy and For Baby: Make the Most Informed Decisions & Choose What's Right for Your Family

    · 36 min · Episode 236

    Vaccines are a hot topic these days when it comes to pregnancy and for our children. Stop to think about why that is. All parents want what's best for their children. In this episode, I'm asking you to ask yourself…

  38. Every Mother Needs to Hear This for Every Stage of Motherhood: You Are Enough and Worthy

    · 29 min · Episode 235

    You are enough, and I hope that, yes, you know that. When we're going through the things that we go through to become mothers, when we're dealing with infertility, when we are growing a baby, when we are in the throes…

  39. Empowering & Strengthening Your Body: Pregnancy & Postpartum Workouts for Every Stage of Motherhood with Coach Kim Perry

    · 44 min · Episode 234

    Wherever you are in your pregnancy or postpartum, you can still move and strengthen your body! This week, we have Fit Pregnancy Coach, Kim Perry, share her advice and wisdom on staying fit, strong, and happy during…

  40. Birth Story: Preparing and Knowing Her Options for Her Unmedicated Birth with Katelynn Monty

    · 40 min · Episode 233

    Discover Caitlin's inspiring birth journey this week! We delve into Caitlin's experience, from navigating pregnancy challenges to advocating for her birth preferences. Learn about the importance of preparation,…

  41. 7 Ways to Prepare Your Mind & Body during the 3rd Trimester!

    · 26 min · Episode 232

    If you are in your third trimester, this is 100% for you! If you're in the third trimester and you're feeling like, "Oh my gosh, what is coming next? Labor is so exciting and I can't wait, but what am I supposed to be…

  42. A Guide to Knowing Pain Management Options BEFORE Your Contractions Begin

    · 34 min · Episode 231

    You get to decide what will work best for you. It's important to plan for the birth you want, the one that will light you up and bring you joy, whether if it's with an epidural, an unmedicated birth, or somewhere in…

  43. Birth Story: Preparing & Practicing for an Unmedicated Birth with Autumn and James Cosgrove

    · 59 min · Episode 230

    Having a birth partner that is on the same page as you is critical when you're working through planning your birth map! This week, James and Autumn share their birth story and how communication, the My Essential Birth…

  44. Tongue Ties & Chiropractic Care for Mama + Baby with Dr. Casey Baker

    · 39 min · Episode 229

    As a mama, it can be overwhelming wading through all the information out there regarding best practice and alternate options when it comes to care. Dr. Casey Baker, who specializes in chiropractic care for mamas AND…

  45. An Overview of Breech Babies: What You Can Do To Prevent It, The Risks, and Your Options

    · 44 min · Episode 228

    Having a breech baby can kind of throw a wrench in your birth plans. BUT! With breech babies, it's similar to any kind of vaginal delivery. You allow mom and baby to work together, let intuition do its thing and have…

  46. Scheduled for an Induction? Here's What You Should Know with L&D Nurse, Mackenzie DeClark

    · 52 min · Episode 227

    You've heard me talk about inductions before, but this time, we're walking through what to expect with Labor & Delivery Nurse, Mackenzie DeClark. She gives us the nitty gritty about what induction is, different…

  47. Birth Story: Delaying Her Induction Three Times with Taylor Ward

    · 56 min · Episode 226

    Taylor Ward joins me to share her unmedicated birth story! She knew she wanted to go the midwife route. At 41 weeks, she started hearing talk of induction. She postponed her induction 3x and had her baby at 41+5.…

  48. {REBROADCAST} Contractions: What You Can Expect, How to Know It’s Time for You to Head to Your Birth Place, & How to Keep Track

    · 43 min · Episode 225

    We're sharing our most downloaded episode in 2023! 🎉 Most births are not like the movies. They don’t typically start with a massive gush of water followed by insanely intense contractions that have mom rushing to the…

  49. Introducing Ellement, Prenatal Supplements Created and Personalized for Each Mother, with Doreen Bloch and Dr. Nate Fox

    · 36 min · Episode 224

    No pregnancy is the same, and every body is different. Why would we think prenatals would be the same for everyone? Our guests, Doreen Bloch and Dr. Nate Fox dive into the world of prenatal supplements with us and talk…

  50. Low Iron or Anemia during Pregnancy? What Can You Do Now to Raise Your Levels?

    · 23 min · Episode 223

    Fifteen to twenty-five percent of moms will experience low iron levels or anemia during pregnancy. Don't worry! There are a few ways that you can raise those levels to remain in control of your birth, pregnancy, and…

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