Birth, Baby, and Life

What do you do when your doctor doesn't support natural birth and keeps pushing tests and interventions you don't want? Today's episode goes over practical strategies for building your confidence and having open, respectful conversations with your doctor. Listen in to find out exactly what to do. Topics I Cover in This Podcast:Why not knowing […] The post BBL194: What to do When Your Doctor Isn't Supportive of Natural Birth appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Everyone in your family can get upset: crying baby, tantruming toddler, fighting kids, and an overwhelmed, angry mama yelling at them all! Stressed parents and anxious kids create a cycle of anger, stress, and more anxiety that keeps perpetuating itself - so today, I'll share strategies to help everyone in the family calm down. When […] The post BBL193: How to Help Everyone in the Family Calm Down appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Moms often need to, or want to, work… but you feel guilty having to handle it all as a working mom. However, the reality of mothering and working is much different than popular beliefs… (and even the myths we have about how working and parenting mix). Join me in today's episode for an eye-opening look […] The post BBL192: How to Handle It All as a Working Mom appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Can you have it all when you're a mom? How do you ditch the housework and handle the busy life that comes with caring for small children, work, laundry, meals, and more? Every mom is busy - and you probably have some serious guilt. Join me today for encouragement and practical strategies for how mamas […] The post BBL191: Mom Balance – Why You Need to Ditch the Housework appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

How much pregnancy weight gain is normal? Should you worry about it? What does weight gain in pregnancy mean - or not mean? We're going to talk about where the pounds come from in pregnancy, how much weight you should gain, and what that means for you in today's episode. Topics I Cover in This […] The post BBL190: How Much Pregnancy Weight Gain is Normal? appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Get practical, evidence-based information on how to prevent preeclampsia, one of today's most feared pregnancy complications. While we still don't completely understand this dangerous condition, we do have excellent, tested methods to prevent it (or even take steps towards reversing it!). Join me in today's episode where I outline nutritional strategies, supplements, lifestyle changes, and […] The post BBL189: How to Prevent Preeclampsia: An Evidence-Based Guide appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Did you know that IUGR and pregnancy diet can be related?  Hearing that your baby has fetal growth restriction is really scary, and you probably wonder if there's anything you can do. The good news is you can absolutely help your baby catch up and grow better. In today's episode, I talk about what evidence […] The post BBL188: IUGR Pregnancy Diet – What You Need to Know to Get Baby Growing appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Your birth partner is your biggest helper during labor... but there's a problem. Many mamas want a natural birth but end up feeling totally overwhelmed on their birthing day - and even before then. They don't feel like their birth partner is on board - or helpful at all! Here's how to get your birth […] The post BBL187: How Your Birth Partner Can Really Help appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

When you plan a natural birth you often get people who doubt you and who don't approve of your birth choices. They may be concerned that you're doing something dangerous, or that you're suffering when you don't need to. This can really affect relationships, so we're talking through how to deal with it in today's […] The post BBL186: How to Deal With People Who Don't Approve of Your Birth Choices appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Feeling stress during your pregnancy? You're not alone! Today's episode covers how stress affects your unborn baby - plus what you can do to handle stress during your pregnancy. I also share why stress (and how you deal with it) can be GOOD for your baby, so don't miss this episode! Topics I Cover in […] The post BBL185: How to Deal with stress in pregnancy appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

People think childbirth is at worse very dangerous and at best a gamble. But when women believe only "experts" are qualified to "manage" birth, they lose confidence and fail to see their own strength. Join me in today's episode as we bust some myths about childbirth safety... and talk about what you can do to […] The post BBL 184: Why Childbirth is Much Safer Than You Think appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Mom burnout is real - every mome experiences it, and it keeps you from being the mama you want to be. In today's episode I dive into a practical strategy to take the first step out of mom burnout - so you can be the happy mom you'd like to be. Topics I Cover in […] The post BBL 183: How to Overcome Mom Burnout appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Pregnancy and childbirth offer the chance to explore the feminine power of women. Dig deep and find the strength that already lives inside you. You find this reserve during pregnancy, pull on it during birth - and use it over and over and over again as you go through life as a mama. Let's dig […] The post BBL 182: Childbirth and the Feminine Power of Women appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Many moms tell me they can't follow their intuition during pregnancy and birth because they don't have any intuition. Listening to your needs is the first step to discovering your inutition. In today's episode I talk about how to listen to your needs - and how to share your needs - even when you're busy […] The post BBL 181: How Moms Can Get What They Need appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

What do you need to consider when you choose a doctor or choose a midwife for your pregnancy? Today's episode covers what's really important (hint: it's what you want) and how you can both grow your trust in yourself and find a great care provider for your pregnancy. Topics I Cover in This Podcast:What does […] The post BBL 180: How to Choose a Pregnancy Doctor or Midwife appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

I've talked to thousands of women about preparing for childbirth - and labor pain is one of the biggest worries. Can you handle it? Will you lose it? Today's episode focuses on how we think about pain in birth - and how we can handle it.Topics I Cover in This Podcast: Why our views on […] The post BBL 179: Straight Talk on Labor Pain Perceptions appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Money and kids - are they like oil and water? You can enjoy both your money and your kids - today's episode talks about living well on a budget with a growing family!Topics I Cover in This Podcast: How to let go of fear and find happiness - even on a budget! The pros and […] The post BBL 178: Living Well on a Budget with a Growing Family appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Toddlers are beautiful, tiny humans - and they can be one of the most confusing creatures on the planet! Here's how to handle common toddler behavior and set your toddler up for success: Topics I Cover in This Podcast:Working on toddler behavior: why things sometimes get worse before they get betterThis rule of thumb will […] The post BBL 177: Taming Toddlers appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

We give a lot of lip service to mothers and how important they are… but does our culture actually value mothers? Everything today is about “science” and “experts” - and slick marketing. As a mother you are indescribable value and worth. Your influence on your family cannot be underestimated. Listen to this episode to understand […] The post BBL 176 – The Value of Mother appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Can you give birth without fear?  What exactly is a fearless birth?  Why is there so much sheer terror around birth in modern culture, and why aren't women prepared when labor begins?  I cover all of this - and how YOU can give birth without fear in today's episode Topics I Cover in This Podcast:Can […] The post BBL 175 – You Can Give Birth Without Fear appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Many women worry they'll get pushed into interventions they don't want during birth. This episode covers how to find your voice during childbirth - so you feel confident in saying what you want… and what you don't want… and can have the sacred birth experience you want! Topics I Cover in This Podcast:Why you have […] The post BBL 174: How to Speak Up For Yourself During Childbirth appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Description: There are a lot of weird pregnancy changes nobody talks to you about! Everyone expects to get a bigger belly and maybe have their ankles swell, but on today's episode I'll dig into some of the changes that happen in your mouth, to your eyes, and even down there where people are embarrassed to […] The post BBL 173: Pregnancy Body Changes Nobody Tells You About appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Have you ever considered catching your own baby? While it may sound impossible, it's one of the most awesome feelings a mama can experience - I have caught my last five babies and treasure those timeless moments. Listen in to today's episode as I describe why you should catch your own baby - and how […] The post BBL 172: The Best Birth Positions to Catch Your Own Baby appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

It's almost time for your baby's birthday and you're hoping for a great natural birth. You know a birth plan is important - but writing one is confusing! What should you include? What should you leave off? Should it have pictures, icons, bells and whistles? Listen in to today's episode where I share my best […] The post BBL 171: Write the Perfect Natural Birth Plan appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Every mom wants to be a perfect mom - but every mom makes mistakes. Sometimes you get overwhelmed, burned out, and find yourself yelling at your kids. You feel like the world's worst mom… but I promise you're not. Listen to today's episode for perspective - and practical tips to help you get back on […] The post BBL 170: What To Do When You Keep Yelling at Your Kids appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

It's great to feel confident that natural birth works… but what do you do when labor throws the unexpected at you? This episode focuses on practical steps, skills, and options when something comes up before or during your labor and delivery. You'll feel calmer, more confident, and more prepared for whatever your baby's birthday brings! […] The post BBL 169: What To Do When Labor Throws the Unexpected appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Pregnancy and birth are a beautiful, forgotten rite of passage. While there are many profound times in a woman's life, pregnancy and birth offer an incredible opportunity for growth. I talk about why this time is so unique and how you can step into the power and vulnerability it brings to find a new, stronger […] The post BBL 168: Pregnancy and Birth Are a Forgotten Rite of Passage appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Routines and standardization are helpful for institutions. But they don't serve pregnant and birthing women. While care might look similar, you deserve to be seen as the beautiful, sovereign woman that you are. Here's how to find your voice - and create the pregnancy and birth that you want to have Topics I Cover in […] The post BBL 167 – How to Get Off the Childbirth Conveyor Belt (and have a Sacred Birth Instead) appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

How do you let go of a difficult birth so you can prepare for your new baby's birth? Is it possible to find healing and freedom from fear? Can you feel confident in your body and ready for a peaceful birth this time? Topics I Cover in This Podcast:Healing is your right after a difficult […] The post BBL 166 When You Feel Unhappy With Your Last Birth appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Birth is more than just a healthy baby. You feel guilty because your birth experience wasn't what you wanted… and it still bothers you. Today's episode explores why birth matters so much - and why it's okay to acknowledge that you're not happy with what happened. Discover how you can validate your feelings and still […] The post BBL 165: Why It’s Okay to Feel Upset About Your Last Birth appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Most of moms-to-be assume that prenatal care and hospital childbirth procedures are based on research about what's best for moms and babies. It's meant to make sure that pregnancy and birth are safe, right? While there is a little truth to that, the real driver behind care practices, especially childbirth procedures, may surprise you. Listen […] The post BBL 164: The Real System Behind Childbirth appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Pregnancy and birth are usually seen as a medical event or a mechanical process, but they offer much more than that to moms and to families. And birth is not the end goal of pregnancy and birth. Sure, you want a healthy baby (and a beautiful birth), but when you look beyond that point, the […] The post BBL 163 – Is Birth a Medical Event? appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Are you hoping for faster labor and delivery ? You're not alone! Many mamas hope for a quick, easy delivery. In today's episode I'll share my thoughts on why women want a speedy labor… and what it's like to have a really fast deliver! Plus I'll give you practical techniques to use during pregnancy and […] The post BBL 162: So, You Want a Faster Labor? appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Losing control during labor and birth is one of the #1 worries I hear from pregnant moms. Today I share what happens during labor and why you might get "out of control" - and what you can do to let go of that fear… and feel confident about your upcoming labor and birth! Topics I […] The post BBL 161: How to Stay In Control During Childbirth appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Can you "practice" before labor begins? Getting ready for labor and delivery is the best way to have a successful natural birth - but most women don't realize they can actually practice how to handle contractions before the first one starts. Listen in for steps to take now, during pregnancy, that make a simple natural […] The post BBL 160: How to Practice for Natural Childbirth appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

What can Dad do during a natural birth?  Most dads want to be involved - and most mamas want their help!  Today we'll discuss how dads can be helpful during delivery - including different roles men take, how you can encourage your husband, and even if dads really need to go through birthing classes with […] The post BBL 159: What is Dad’s Role in Birth? appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

How do you handle it when you've decided on a natural birth for your baby, but everyone else seems to have an opinion - a negative opinion?! Today's episode covers what to do when you're hearing a lot of negative talk or even anger about your birth choices. I also cover what to do when […] The post BBL 158: How to Handle Haters When You Plan a Natural Birth appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Can pregnancy exercise make labor and delivery harder? Deb Flashenberg, founder of the Prenatal Yoga Center in NYC, joins me for today's episode to talk about how exercise impacts labor and delivery. You don't want to miss this episode as she busts myths and teaches you a balanced perspective on prenatal fitness! Things I discuss […] The post BBL 157: The Truth About Exercise and Childbirth with Deb Flashenberg appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Here's the truth - being a mama is hard work.  But it's also deeply rewarding and joyful work.  If you're healthy and feel good, the "ups and downs" of motherhood are an adventure - which is why self-care is essential for mamas. In this episode, I talk about self-care and what that looks like for […] The post BBL 156 Self-Care is Non-Negotiable for Moms appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Do you want to have a gentle, natural birth - with no tearing during the pushing stage?  "Mother-directed pushing" is something talked about a lot in natural birth circles… but does it really work?  How can you push your baby out without tearing?  That's what I cover in today's episode. Things I discuss in this […] The post BBL 155: Should You Use Mother-Directed Pushing? appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

How do you get ready for a healthy natural birth?  There are three pillars that clarify and simplify natural birth prep. This podcast episode covers those pillars and also details exciting upcoming changes to MamaBaby Birthing and my pregnancy programs! The post BBL Special: How to Prepare for a Natural Birth (and updates) appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Did you know that being outside in nature is good for babies - even newborns?  In fact, it's essential for babies and children to spend time in nature exploring.  This must-listen episode covers why being outside is vital for your child - and gives practical tips to make it happen! Topics I Cover in This […] The post BBL 154: Why You Need to Take Your Baby Outside appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Do you want to make special memories with your kids?  Do you hope to create a peaceful day-to-day routine for them?  Do you have more on your plate than you can ever get done in a day… so much to do that you feel you can’t create the home you want?  This episode covers exactly […] The post BBL 153: The Mom Hack That Gets Everything Done appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Wondering why you need to prepare to give birth if your body is made for birthing and if birth “just natural?”  The answer to this question paves the way to a smoother, safer, easier birth for you - and the best start for your baby

Can healthy food, satisfying meals, and even fancy feasts be possible while juggling home and family? This episode shares exactly how I’ve made fun, satisfying, and even fancy family meals a reality in our home - and how you can do the same in yours!Topics I Cover in This Podcast:Why I decided to model the French […] The post BBL 151: My Secret to Stress-Free Fancy Meals appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Do you feel frustrated, overwhelmed, and like you’re not getting anything done?  Feeling burned out by the daily grind of parenting and housework?  How can you clear out the frustrating bottlenecks so you have time for what really matter?  That’s the life hack we’re covering in this week’s podcast!Topics I Cover in This PodcastThis strategy […] The post BBL 150: Step #1 in Creating the Home You Want appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

A healthy pregnancy begins before conception. Today’s episode outlines clear steps to take to prepare your body for conception, boost your fertility, and increase your child’s lifelong health. Contrary to popular belief, fertility is not pre-determined… …you can increase your fertility and greatly decrease your child’s chances of birth defects and health problems. You can also […] The post BBL 149: Preparing to Conceive a Healthy Baby appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Do you ever look longingly at Instagram, wishing you had that mom’s life? Today’s episode covers how to create a vision for your family - a vision that takes you from wishing you could step into someone else’s life to creating a life that you (and your family) truly love. Topics I Cover in This […] The post BBL 148: Create a Family Vision for a Life You Love appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

A “stalled labor” is one of the biggest fears women have about natural birth. “Failure to progress,” as it’s called in the medical lingo, can bring on interventions or even lead to a cesarean section. Fortunately there are a number of techniques you can try to get labor moving - and they’re effective. Listen in to […] The post BBL 147: How to Keep Labor MOVING! appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

Do mealtimes at your house feel stressed, frazzled, or even non-existent? Is everything a blur of “hangry” people and picky eaters? Our family’s dinner times were feeling more like a battle zone - so we took on a 30-day challenge to get things right. Topics I Cover in This Podcast:How picky eaters and wrestling-match suppers […] The post BBL 146: The Great Dinner Challenge appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.

The coronavirus quarantine of 2020 completely changed life for most families - and it had some unexpected benefits for pregnant mamas and for newborn babies. Babies gained weight more quickly, moms had fewer preemies, and stress lowered even during a global pandemic - today I talk about these effects and what you can take away […] The post Fewer Preemies, More Breastmilk: Lessons Learned from Quarantine appeared first on Natural Birth and Baby Care.com.