Labor Lessons

Sonia is a former educator turned health coach. She developed preeclampsia suddenly at 34 weeks pregnant with her second child. This was during covid quarantine, and she was teaching from home while caring full-time for her toddler daughter. Sonia didn't have much time or energy to care for herself. She also didn't have many in-person visits with her OB. Most of her appointments were virtual and she was responsible for taking her own blood pressure. During one of her virtual appointments, Sonia's OB reminded her to take a blood pressure reading. It was high, and she was advised to go to the hospital, where she was told her blood pressure was dangerously high and she would have to stay and deliver her baby. Extremely upset by this news, Sonia worried about leaving her daughter suddenly, as she thought she had a few more weeks to spend one-on-one with her. She was also upset as this was something that came out of nowhere. She didn't have a history of high blood pressure or preeclampsia. Sonia attributes the sudden onset of preeclampsia to her lifestyle at that time: she was mostly sedentary, teaching from home. She didn't have the time, energy, or resources to make herself a priority during covid quarantine.  After this scare, Sonia made some big changes in her life. She currently runs her own business helping other teacher moms make themselves a priority and meet their health goals. Listen in as she describes what it was like to develop preeclampsia unexpectedly, give birth during a pandemic, and take charge of her health in a way she hadn't before. Weight Loss for Teacher Moms PodcastPreeclampsia FoundationInstitute for Integrative NutritionLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Natalie is a second-time mom and co-host of The Golden Hour podcast. Last year, I spoke with Liz, the other co-host of The Golden Hour podcast, about her postpartum anxiety. In this episode, Natalie shares her battles with prenatal and postpartum mood disorders. After Natalie's son was born, she had postpartum anxiety. That anxiety was never fully resolved before she got pregnant with her daughter, and it carried over into her pregnancy. Natalie struggled with prenatal anxiety and depression, calling her doctor's office often, asking them to check her daughter's heartbeat. She found herself crying often and overthinking everything. For someone who is usually very optimistic, this was out of character for her. After her daughter was born, Natalie began to have bouts of rage. It started with her daughter waking up in the middle of the night and not going back to sleep. The struggle continued when her daughter got frequent ear infections, and couldn't tolerate breastfeeding due to a dairy allergy. Natalie would find herself yelling and punching pillows, and needing to walk away from the situation to calm down. She describes it as an "out of body" experience. Listen as Natalie shares about her struggles with prenatal and postpartum mood disorders, what has worked for her, and the advice she would give to anyone dealing with the same thing. LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Allison is an intuitive medium and owner of Souls of a Feather where she offers readings online. In this episode, she shares her experience with both prenatal and postpartum mood disorders. Allison suffered from PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), and tried for two years to get pregnant. She finally decided to take a break from trying to focus on her health. She asked her doctor for birth control and in the time it took to fill the prescription, she got pregnant. Allison suffered from severe hyperemesis gravidarum which landed her in the hospital for a week. She had gestational diabetes which turned into hypoglycemia. Instead of being excited about her pregnancy, she felt anxious and paranoid. Postpartum only seemed to be worse for Allison. After a traumatic birth, she felt anxious and couldn't sleep. She was in the hospital multiple times for severely high blood pressure, and it was brushed off as anxiety. She still couldn't sleep. She was shuffled back and forth between her OB and her primary care physician, even though she was asking for help. Allison finally ended up in the hospital and spent several weeks recovering at her mother's house, away from her baby. Allison's story is a reminder of just how important it is to support mothers while pregnant and after giving birth. She says there aren't enough resources or education on mental health issues. How can we take care of the babies if we can't take care of the mothers? Postpartum Support International- 1-800-944-4773LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

One year ago today, Natalia's son Xavian was born. Just 12 hours later, he passed away. Natalia is originally from Russia, and currently lives in Brazil. She and her husband love to travel.  While in Egypt, she found out she was pregnant. They looked for a place to settle down and have their baby, and at six months pregnant decided on Brazil. She found a Russian midwife there and was excited to start a new chapter of her life in a new place. Natalia said she had a beautiful labor and birth at home; however, her son was not breathing when he was born. After transferring to the hospital, she and her husband learned that their son had passed. After a few weeks, Natalia realized that she wasn't dealing with the death of her son, and that she needed to focus on herself and her grief and healing. She decided to put herself and her comfort first, and began learning what that meant. In this episode, Natalia shares the story of how she began to cope with the loss of her son, what healing looks like for her, and how personal growth can come out of the  grief that we experience. LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Maureen Farrell is a lactation counselor, doula, herbalist, and homebirth midwife practicing in rural West Virginia. She is also the co-host of the Milk Minute podcast, which provides evidence-based and entertaining breastfeeding information. Maureen had her first child at home before she became a midwife. Preparing for her first birth, she read a lot of books and thought that she needed to be calm and relaxed during her labor. She progressed fairly quickly and then stalled. She felt frustrated that her relaxation techniques weren't working, and eventually gave in to her intuition. Maureen used her anger to push through the final moments of her labor and deliver her baby. She learned that there is no "right way" to manage pain during labor. Maureen struggled postpartum with breastfeeding and feeling isolated. It was nearly impossible to see a lactation consultant where she lived, and it was hard to travel to visit friends or family. She and her partner decided to wait a few years before thinking about having another baby. Maureen started training to become a midwife, and had just opened her own practice when she unexpectedly found out that she was pregnant again! This time she was able to draw on her previous experience and let go of what she thought was the "right way" to labor. Listen in as Maureen gives an entertaining account of her two different labors and how she uses her experience to help her birthing clients. Check out Maureen's podcast! Milk Minute PodcastLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

One of the most common things I hear when talking with women about their birth experiences is that they didn't know how to advocate for themselves going in. Whether they were overwhelmed by what they were feeling, or they were mistreated by the medical staff, they were unsure how to make themselves heard and respected.  In this episode, 10 doulas share their best piece of advice for advocating for yourself during labor. Listen, check out their websites, and follow them on social media. You'll learn a lot!Psalms Frye- Peace and Compassion Birth ServicesAnna- Dovely DoulaTessa Maloney- Nourished With TessMorgan Owens- Morgan Owens DoulaEmily Baldwin- Kindred Souls DoulaMaureen- Milk Minute PodcastPatricia- PatriciaGrensemanJess- Birthing Babies and BeyondLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Stefanie lives in Scandinavia where she raises her two boys. Throughout her journey into motherhood, she experienced the benefits of a health system where midwives are the forefront of pregnancy and birth. Stefanie's first son asphyxiated right after being born. What could have been a traumatic event for her was not, due to her strong support system. Her birth team calmly handled the situation, while keeping her informed of what was going on. She felt heard, supported, and involved in her birth. Stefanie also experienced the benefits of living in Scandinavia during her postpartum period. She was seen and visited multiple times, cared for, and supported during her transition into motherhood. In this episode, Stefanie shares about the importance of trusting your birth team. If there isn't a mutual trust, there is great potential for birth trauma. She also shares about the benefits of living and giving birth in Denmark, even without family or close friends. Stefaniefernandes.comRaw and Real with Stefanie FernandesLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Jenna was induced with her first son at 41 weeks. She went into labor without having taken a birth class, and without doing any research because she believed that knowing too much about giving birth might hinder her ability to do it. Her body didn't respond to the Pitocin, which was continually increased. When her provider broke her water, labor kicked in very fast. However, due to the increase of Pitocin, there was no gradual build up and she didn't have time to adjust. Jenna opted for an epidural to help relieve her pain. The epidural left Jenna feeling out of control in her body, and she couldn't feel anything. She tore severely and a few days postpartum developed a very high fever. She had a severe UTI and kidney infection from the catheter. Due to her first birth experience, Jenna wanted a different experience the second time around. She decided to go natural, and chose to be induced with her second just by having her waters broken. It was a much better experience and Jenna learned that she could have small doses of fentanyl to help with pain relief. Her third birth, Jenna also chose to be induced by having her waters broken, no Pitocin. Her son was sunny-side up and she had painful back labor, but she felt in control of her situation and heard by her support team. In this episode, Jenna shares a few things she learned from her three labors, how she learned to advocate for herself, and how she worked to have a better birth after her first experience. PurposeIntended.comLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

At 36 weeks pregnant with her first child, Kimberly was concerned that her baby wasn't moving enough. Her doctor sent her for monitoring and even though she wasn't dilated, they decided to induce her. That night, she ended up going into labor naturally on her own! The epidural didn't work at first, but her labor progressed slowly enough that there was time to fix it. She ended up with a second degree tear and had a rough recovery combined with breastfeeding issues. With her second baby, Kimberly walked around 4 cm dilated for weeks. She was eventually induced and had issues with the epidural again. This labor was super fast at only 2 hours long! Kimberly's doctor joked about keeping towels and scissors in the car if she and her husband decided to have a third. With her third pregnancy, Kimberly had a lot of anxiety. She was nervous about how the labor might go and how quickly it could progress. This was also during COVID, and she was worried about hospital policies and how that might affect her birth. After dinner on her birthday, Kimberly felt her water leaking. She was determined to hold the baby in until her birthday was over, but life had other plans. She and her husband made it to the hospital just in time for the baby to be born in the wheelchair on the way to labor and delivery! After deciding to have a fourth, Kimberly felt she needed a little more control over the labor, and was induced again due to low movement. Once her water was broken by her doctor, her baby was once again born very quickly. Listen in as Kimberly shares about the wild ride she and her husband had during her four labors, and things she learned along the way that helped her navigate each one. Kimberly's website and podcast- Messywonderful.comLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Jen is very much a type A personality. She loves to plan way in advance of events taking place. Even with all of her planning, she still wasn't prepared for how her first birth went. Her daughter was stuck and delivered by forceps. She had her clavicle broken in the process of being delivered. Jen ended up with a third degree episiotomy, and needed a lot of time to recover. Jen spent a few extra days in the hospital because she couldn't get out of bed. She needed extra help for her baby, so that her husband could help with her. She needed two additional surgeries to repair a fistula that resulted from her episiotomy. It was a traumatic experience for both Jen and her daughter. For Jen's second birth with her son, she opted for a scheduled c-section, and she loved it. For someone who is a type A personality, it was easier for her to plan this birth, and everything went smoothly. Her recovery was much easier compared to her vaginal birth. In this episode, Jen shares how she gladly accepted help after her first birth, and despite how unpredictable birth is, help and support is one thing that you can plan for. JenSalk.comLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Adrianne Babbitt is a Christian author, blogger, proofreader, and mentor. She recently relauched her debut book, "The Miscarriage Project" and her launched her new children's book series, "Princess With A Purpose". In addition, she also runs her own Christian lifestyle blog, The Haven.Adrianne's first labor did not go as she expected. Her water broke two days before labor started and she ended up with an infection in the hospital. She was young at the time, but felt that she wasn't treated well because the hospital staff thought she was a teen mom. During her second pregnancy, Adrianne found out that she had a low lying placenta. At 32 weeks pregnant, her daughter kicked part of the placenta out. Adrianne feared for her daughter's safety, but carried her to full term and had a fairly easy delivery with her. Her third pregnancy ended in a miscarriage, and Adrianne was deeply affected by it. She carried fear, anxiety and depression with her after that. A week after her miscarriage, she got pregnant again. She found out that it was an ectopic pregnancy and was devastated at the thought of losing another baby. She prayed to God to save her baby and at her follow-up ultrasound, they found the baby in her uterus. She had a lot of anxiety throughout that pregnancy. Her rainbow baby was safely delivered without incidence. Adrianne was also induced for her fifth pregnancy, and despite it being her fifth time, she found that one to be the most traumatic.  At her 6-week postpartum checkup, Adrianne fell apart, and her doctor prescribed her medication for her depression. Adrianne's sixth pregnancy was a redeeming one, and her only unmedicated birth. Listen in as Adrianne's describes shares how different each delivery was, and how she had to advocate for herself. Check out Adrianne's website here. The Miscarriage Project LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Eileen Joy is the Money Coach for Moms. She's also the woman who FIRED four doctors to have the birth she dreamed about!When she got pregnant with her son, Eileen totally changed her life around. She ate very clean and got rid of toxic chemicals in her house. She cared deeply about what she was putting into her body, and how she was treating her unborn son. This lifestyle carried over into her medical care. She would go to doctor's appointments and feel completely uncared for. One doctor didn't even look at her for the whole appointment! Her doctors didn't acknowledge her birth plan and were more interested in keeping Eileen on their schedule than providing the best care for her. Eileen felt frustrated and knew she wanted something better for her and her son. When her chiropractor told her about the homebirth she had, Eileen decided to look into it. She fired her doctors, found a wonderful midwife and hired a doula. Eileen had a beautiful birth at home with her midwife and shares about what a wonderful experience it all was. She knew she made the right choices for herself and for her son. Listen in as Eileen shares how she took charge of her pregnancy and worked for the birth she knew she and her baby deserved. Eileen's Website Moms Who MoneyLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

In this episode, I share some of my struggle with postpartum anxiety. During my unplanned c-section, I was left feeling out of control, with no one explaining to me what was happening. I felt like a bystander, watching birth happen to me. Afterwards, my anxiety was triggered when they took my daughter for her newborn screening tests. Again, no one explained to me what was happening or how long she would be gone for. I hated to be separated from my daughter. I would feel like I was suffocating. I had panic attacks about returning to work. As someone who's never really had anxiety, all this was new for me. I didn't feel like myself. In this episode, I share how my anxiety affected my life postpartum. I explain how therapy didn't work great for me, but I share what did. E22 Liz's struggle with postpartum anxietyE16 Christie's struggle with postpartum anxietyE10 Amanda's birth story and postpartum depressionE9 Betsy's traumatic c-section and postpartum depression E18 Alissa's 4th degree tear and PTSDE13 CA's birth storyLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Liz from the Golden Hour podcast joins me in this episode to share her story!  Liz has always been a planner, and spent a lot of time preparing for birth. She found a birth center attached to a hospital, and loved the welcoming atmosphere. She hired a doula, and felt confident that her birth would go well. While Liz planned a lot for birth, she didn't plan as much for postpartum. She ended up hemorrhaging after birthing her son, and had to be transferred out of the birth center to the hospital. She had a retained placenta that had to be hand removed. Liz didn't recognize the trauma she experienced at the time. Afterwards, Liz had a lot of anxiety. She was breastfeeding, and both she and her son were struggling. She started exclusively pumping, but needed to supplement with insurance. She put a lot of pressure on herself to breastfeed without stopping to think if it was worth the mental anguish. Eventually Liz was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety. She was constantly worried that her son wasn't getting enough to eat, and hyper-focused about keeping him on a feeding schedule and herself on a pumping schedule. She stopped pumping and saw a counselor and began to feel more like herself again. When Liz became pregnant with her second, she was more prepared for postpartum this time. Listen as Liz shares her story battling postpartum anxiety and what a relief it was when she was finally diagnosed. LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What the heck is a TENS unit? TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It works by sending electrical pulses through a handheld device through your body, to your spinal cord and brain. In this episode, I talk about what a TENS unit is and why it works. I share what it feels like and where you can find them if you're interested in trying them out. TENS UnitSong "Christmas" by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™https://ikson.com/musicMusic by @iksonmusicLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

How can visualization exercises help you manage pain during labor? They help keep your mind focused, and can relieve anxiety and fear that you might feel.  In this special episode, I share a few visualization exercises that I like, and explain how to do them. Birthing From Within Song "Christmas" by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™https://ikson.com/musicMusic by @iksonmusicLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

This tool comes from the book "Birthing From Within", by Pam England and Rob Horowitz. Pam calls it a "self-hypnotic jingle". It's a rhythmic affirmation that states an outcome you want. In this episode, I share the story behind Pam's "chocolate  cake" jingle, and the one I created for myself for my second labor. Birthing From WithinSong "Christmas" by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™https://ikson.com/musicMusic by @iksonmusicLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

How can a comb help you manage pain during labor? Squeezing a comb during labor activates the Gates Control Theory of Pain, which says that when the pain "gates" are closed, you feel less pain. In this episode, I share about how a comb is a little known hack that can be used to help you feel less pain during contractions, and why this works.  Song "Christmas" by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™https://ikson.com/musicMusic by @iksonmusicLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

We've talked about counterpressure and light touch, but let's talk about something everyone loves: a good massage. A massager can help relieve pain during contractions and can be used to help you relax in between contractions. In this episode, I talk about why a massage gun is a good tool to bring with you to the hospital. Song "Christmas" by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™https://ikson.com/musicMusic by @iksonmusicLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Aromatherapy works by stimulating the part of your brain responsible for emotions and memories. This includes the part responsible for anxiety and fear. In this episode, I share how aromatherapy can help lower pain during labor, and the best types of essential oils to use. Song "Christmas" by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™https://ikson.com/musicMusic by @iksonmusicLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

How can light touch massage help relieve pain during labor? Did you know that light touch massage can release endorphins? Endorphins help us cope with pain. In today's special episode, I share how to have your support person do a light touch massage on you during labor. Song "Christmas" by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™https://ikson.com/musicMusic by @iksonmusicLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What is counterpressure and how can it help relieve pain during contractions? In this episode, I talk about what counterpressure is and how it can be used during labor for pain relief. I also share about the different types of counterpressure and explain how to do one. 3 Types of Counterpressure Song "Christmas" by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™https://ikson.com/musicMusic by @iksonmusicLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What is Hypnobirthing? How can it help you have a better birth? What's the difference between Hypnobirthing and meditation? In this special episode, I share a little about how hypnobirthing, meditation, and various breathing techniques can help you cope with pain during labor. I also share some of the differences between them, and the most important thing to keep in mind when using any of them. The Mongan Method The Positive Birth CompanyHypnobabies-   Use coupon code laborlessons for 10% off! The Ice Cube ExerciseSong "Christmas" by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™https://ikson.com/musicMusic by @iksonmusicLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Have you ever heard of birth affirmations before? How do birth affirmations work?  What are some good birth affirmations? In this special episode, I share about how birth affirmations affect our mindset and our belief in our body's capabilities. I go over how affirmations helped me achieve my VBAC, and I also share some of my favorite birth affirmations.In episode 12, Anum shared about the power of having a positive mindset, and of speaking to ourselves in a positive way.  If you missed Anum's episode on having a positive mindset, check it out here!Song "Christmas" by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™https://ikson.com/musicMusic by @iksonmusicLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Do you take a hot shower at the end of a long day to help you relax? Water can be a great tool to use for pain relief during labor. In this episode, I share my experience with using a shower during my second labor. I also share what might exclude you from being able to use the tub or shower at the hospital. Song "Christmas" by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™https://ikson.com/musicMusic by @iksonmusic LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

How can movement help you cope with pain during labor? Welcome to the First Day of Christmas special episode! In this short episode, I share how movement can be helpful in progressing labor, and what that movement might look like. I also share how moving can help you manage pain during a natural birth. Stick around! There's 11 more days to go!Song "Christmas" by TELL YOUR STORY music by ikson™https://ikson.com/musicMusic by @iksonmusic LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Jennifer is a certified life coach who specializes in pregnancy loss recovery coaching. She is also the creator and host of the Navigating Baby Loss podcast. Jennifer's third pregnancy ended in the stillbirth of her twin daughters, weeks before they were to be born. She had two young sons she was caring for, and didn't process her grief until much later. She suffered from physical ailments as a result, and eventually had a hysterectomy at the age of 40. Jennifer had a subsequent pregnancy and healthy birth after the stillbirth of her twin daughters. She expected it to be a healing, redeeming birth, but it didn't help the grief that Jennifer still felt.  She found she couldn't look beyond a few days to a week at a time. She couldn't imagine a future months, or even years in advance. When she met with a life coach at her work, that's when things began to change for Jennifer. She got the help that she needed, and began to heal. Jennifer now works as a life coach who specializes in pregnancy loss recovery. She helps her clients navigate topics such as blame, guilt, isolation, depression, anxiety, marriage/ relationship issues, body shame, jealousy, returning to work after and facing others' comments, as well as fear of another pregnancy following a loss. She works with women and their families re-designing a future that looks different than when it did while they were pregnant, and showing them that life after loss can still be beautiful in a way that honors their baby and themselves.JenniferSenn.comLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

During Krista's fourth pregnancy, she had difficulty finding a provider and the care that she needed. She wanted to birth with a midwife, but there wasn't one accessible in her area.  She ended up planning to deliver at a hospital that was pretty far from her house. She had recently moved and didn't have family nearby, and worried about what to do with her other children when she went into labor. Throughout her pregnancy, Krista had this vision of having her daughter on her bedroom floor. It wasn't something she was planning, but she could see it happening very clearly. She had a history of short labors, and the hospital was not right around the corner. Krista prepared to have her daughter at the hospital, but consulted a few midwives who helped her in the event that she gave birth at home. Krista went into labor in the middle of the night. Her labor was quick, and her husband barely had time to shower and get the car ready before she had her baby at home, on the floor of her bedroom, just as she had envisioned. In this episode, Krista talks about the difficulty of finding the right care for her, and feeling supported while giving birth. She also shares how empowered she felt after the birth of her daughter, and how it felt right to just trust her body and go with the vision she saw. Krista's website: Motherhood Simplified LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Eir got pregnant unexpectedly after years of suffering from endometriosis. During her pregnancy, she had two partial placental abruptions and was put on bed rest. At about six months pregnant, Eir began to have severe pain in her abdomen. She tried multiple times to call her doctor, but was written off as a first-time mom who was experiencing ligament pain. Even with her history of TWO partial abruptions, her pain was not taken seriously. When Eir went into labor, her water broke first. Contractions never started, even with Pitocin. But the pain in her abdomen got worse. When they checked her baby's heart rate, they knew something was wrong. Eir was rushed to the OR for an emergency c-section, where they discovered she had a severe infection. She went septic, clinically died, and was brought back. Due to hospital negligence, her daughter almost died as well. Eir shares how crucial it is to stand up for yourself and your baby, even to medical professionals who think they know your body better than you do. She stresses the importance of having a great support team to help advocate for you, and how you can still create a life that you will love, despite past trauma. Twin Raven Naturals The Herbal Eir PodcastLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Alissa Alter is also known as the "Amy Poehler of Vaginas" for her unfiltered and unapologetic approach to exploring the female experience. She is a former Broadway performer, certified pilates instructor, pelvic health expert, comedian, author, host of the podcast Alter Your Life, and co founder of pstprtm.comWhile in labor at the hospital, Alissa knew that something didn't feel right. She was feeling an incredible amount of pain in her back while laying in bed. Alissa didn't know it at the time, but she was having back labor. Instead of being supported with other options, she was encouraged to get an epidural early. The epidural stalled her labor. Her son was sunny-side up and got stuck coming out. She ended up with two midwives pushing on her stomach and a fourth degree tear. Alissa had severe bleeding and a very difficult postpartum recovery, physically and mentally. She felt incredibly alone in her experience, without a lot of resources or support. She also had severe PTSD and continually had flashbacks to her son's birth. Despite such a traumatic birth, Alissa gives a humorous account of her experience. She describes how not okay she was,  how she lacked support, and how she began to heal.  alteryourlife.substack.comPSTPRTMAlso mentioned: Ejaculate Responsibly- Gabrielle BlairLeave a voice recording of your "Ridiculous Thing"LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Monica's first three labors got progressively shorter. The first one was around 7 hours long, the second one a few hours shorter, and her third labor lasted just 3 hours total.  With her third baby, Monica barely had enough time to make it to the hospital before her daughter was born!Monica expected her fourth labor to be even faster. She told her doctor that she was going to sneeze and birth her baby. But you know what happens when you make plans... Instead of a super quick labor, Monica's fourth was the longest. It lasted a full 12 hours, and her baby required a vacuum assist to be born. In this episode, Monica shares how unprepared she was for her third labor, how that affected her expectations for her fourth, and how she and her husband were taught patience. Monica's Website and Relationship CoachingSecrets of Happily Ever After Podcast LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

In Christie's first birth, she was treated like an assembly line part, not a first-time mom who was scared and had no birthing experience.  She didn't know how to advocate for herself. She trusted that the doctors and nurses would support her. It was a traumatic experience for her.  The nurses treated her horribly, and she didn't feel like she mattered. She developed postpartum anxiety as a result. Christie worked hard to heal from that experience and wanted to make her second birth better. For her second birth experience, Christie hired a doula. She wanted someone who knew how to and would advocate for her. She also switched from a hospital to a birthing center. In this episode, Christie shares the trauma of her first birth experience, what she wished she would have known beforehand, and how she was able to make her second birth the one she always wanted. Christie's Website- The PartnerhoodThe Partnerhood Workbook LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Dr. Stephanie Rimka is a holistic brain optimization specialist. She built Brain and Body Solutions in Atlanta, Georgia, where she focuses on neurotherapies to identify and address the root causes of mental illness, chronic illness, and learning disorders.In this episode, Dr. Rimka shares how copper toxicity can cause postpartum depression. During pregnancy, our need for copper rises. It helps create new blood vessels for both mom and baby. After giving birth, however, it is important for our bodies to clear out excess copper quickly.  If it hangs around, it can cause serious problems. Postpartum depression is one of those. This is not a cause of PPD that your OB will know about. However, it is something that could easily be tested for before leaving the hospital. Listen in as Dr. Rimka shares about copper's role in the body, the importance during pregnancy, and how it contributes to PPD when your body can't get rid of it. Dr. Rimka's websiteResources mentioned in this episode: Walsh InstituteNutrient Power- by William WalshMensa Medical PPD Help Resources: Postpartum ProgressPostpartum Support International National Child and Maternal Health Education Program  *National Maternal Mental Health Hotline- 1-833-943-5746LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. Danielle had a stillbirth at 25 weeks of pregnancy. She was young, and was completely unaware of what her or her baby's rights were. In addition to being treated horribly, Danielle never received a birth certificate or a death certificate for her son. Later, when Danielle was in nursing school, she learned that she could have advocated for her son, and that they both had rights. When a health condition arose with another pregnancy, Danielle did what she had to do for herself and her baby. Danielle is now a nurse who is a fierce advocate for her patients. She stands up for people who are vulnerable or are in need of support. She does what no one did for her in one of her darkest times. Authentic Points of View with Danielle BooherResources: Navigating Baby Loss- Jennifer SennExpecting Rainbow- Justine WanStill a Part of Us- Winter and Lee ReddI'll Hold You in Heaven-Jack HayfordWeighted BearsWalter's BearsMolly BearsMemory BearsTammy BearsHold A Memory BearsLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

CA Kanooble is a comedian, author, podcast host, and mental health advocate. But before all that, she became a mom. CA  expected a calm, supportive birthing environment for her first-time experience. But instead, she was neglected, disrespected, and uncared for. She still has long-lasting effects from the epidural that was improperly inserted multiple times.  Instead of wanting to remember every bit of becoming a mom, she wishes she could forget most of her experience. In this episode, she shares how she wishes she was more prepared for giving birth, and had done more research on what to expect. She also shares the importance of having a strong support system, and how to make your voice heard during labor. You can find CA Kanooble: Her Website: https://www.cakanooble.com/ Her Mental Health Project: https://www.mentallykillproject.org/Her Podcast: Hoe on the GoLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Anum struggled with being anxious before she became pregnant for the first time. She was so anxious, she would worry that she didn't have anything to worry about! When she became pregnant with her first child, Anum worked to change her mindset. She told herself that everything was great, and that she would have an easy labor and delivery. And she did! She has since implemented that positive mindset into every aspect of her life. She runs her own business, while caring for four kids, and she loves it. She says work doesn't feel like work. Anum shares how she worked to change her mindset, and the impact it has had not only on her labor and delivery, but in her every day life. She also discusses some struggles she had staying positive with her second child, and the effect that had on her delivery. You can find Aum on Facebook here, or you can schedule a free strategy session with her.  LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If you're pursuing a VBAC, you might have gotten the advice to find a supportive provider. But what does a VBAC supportive provider look like? How you do know if yours is one?In this week's quick tip, I discuss what conditions might be placed on your labor by a provider that is not supportive. I also include what those conditions look like for a provider who is VBAC supportive. I also share how to find out your hospital and provider's VBAC and c-section rates.  There is a great article by the VBAC Link on finding VBAC supportive providers. I also recommend checking out your local ICAN group for information in your area. Want to check out c-section and VBAC rates in your area? -Cesareanrates.orgAnd for my PA friends!LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Katie's first birth was an induction that ended in a c-section. Being in the medical field, she knew it was possible to have a vaginal birth after a c-section (VBAC). Katie knew she wanted a VBAC for her next child. When she got pregnant with her second baby, Katie told her doctors right away that she wanted to try for a vaginal birth. She scheduled a repeat c-section, but was hoping to be induced if she was able to. She went in on her repeat c-section date, and thanks to her doctor, was able to have a successful VBAC. Katie shares how she advocated for herself, how her doctor advocated for her, and offers advice to any women who would like to pursue a VBAC. LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Amanda had a lot of anxiety while pregnant with her first baby. People's comments about how big her baby might be contributed to her anxiety and her need to control things. Amanda's first birth experience was full of interventions and ended traumatically. For her second pregnancy, Amanda knew she had to relax and trust her body to birth her baby. This time, she was able to advocate for herself, to be heard by her midwives, and to experience the calm and peaceful birth she desired the first time around. And she got it by letting go of control and trusting her body. You can find Amanda at: amandarolph.comAlso mentioned in this episode: One born every minutePANDAS FoundationFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labor_lessons/LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Do you know how to advocate for yourself during labor? Do you know how to make an informed decision, or give informed consent? Today's quick tip walks you through using the acronym BRAIN to advocate for yourself. I also use a real-life example so you can see it in action. When you are informed, you can confidently make the best decisions for you and your baby. If you enjoy this podcast, please leave us a rating and review! You can do this on your favorite podcast listening app, or on our website here. This allows us to keep having great guests and sharing informative tips! Thank you for your support. LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Betsy's induced labor was long, painful, and extremely traumatic. At many point during her labor, she asked the doctors to give her a c-section, but they refused. After 12 hours in excruciating pain, the doctors finally decided that Betsy needed to have a c-section. Betsy's birth story may have happened 38 years ago, but it is still relevant today. Her doctors ignored her requests, the trauma from the birth left her feeling conflicted, and she suffered in silence from postpartum depression. Unfortunately, many of the same things still happen today.  Listen as Betsy shares her birth story: the trauma, the beauty that came out of it, and advice for women today.  Mentioned in this episode: #KickAlzheimersAssMovement Group on FacebookChatting with BetsyLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Whether you are planning to go unmedicated or know ahead of time you want pain relief, it's a good idea to labor at home for a while before you head to the hospital or birth center. How can you prepare for managing contractions during labor? Have you heard of the ice cube exercise? Doing it can help you train your mind and your body to focus in and relax during contractions. This makes for an easier, faster labor, and a better experience overall. LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Cassie's first two labors were long and extremely painful. After doing some research about the labor process, Cassie's next two labors were short and a lot less painful. In this episode, Cassie shares about the hormones that are involved during the labor process, and how to create an environment that helps produce those hormones. She also discusses how to manage pain during labor. Cassie hosts the Bearfoot Parenting podcast, where she encourages other parents to do what they know is best for their family, despite pushback and fears. You can also find her at cassiehutton.com. Mentioned during the episode: Sara Wickham-In Your Own Time Barefoot ParentingCassiehutton.comDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Labor Lessons. LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

A lot of us hold a strong loyalty to our medical providers, even though we may feel unheard or unsupported by them. In this week's quick tip, I'll let you in on a little secret that some people may not know. It could change the way you think about your current provider. LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Once Ariell began to create her birth plan, she realized how difficult it would be to stick to it with her current provider. She decided to look for a birth center and found one near her. Ariell did her research, made some changes, and set herself up for success. Her birth plan went exactly as she hoped, and she had an amazing birthing experience. Listen as she recounts her birth story: the process behind her birth plan, the changes she made, and how it all came together. Get in contact with me!laborlessons@gmail.comInstagramLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Do you know what a "gentle c-section" is? Gentle c-sections, also called  "family centered c-sections" are being offered at more and more hospitals. They are less traumatic and have better outcomes for both mom and baby. Listen, and find out what some of the options are during a gentle c-section. LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

April's first labor with her daughter ended in a c-section. It wasn't what she expected, but she quickly learned what helped her during recovery. April's three subsequent children were also c-sections. After having multiple c-sections with small children at home to care for, April is a bit of an expert. She shares some of the struggles and some of the joys, and offers advice for women who are experiencing the same thing. LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

One of the most commonly asked questions when preparing for labor is: what should I pack in my hospital bag? Today's episode is a quick tip of something you definitely should bring that you might not think of. Pack this in your hospital bag, and you'll be glad you did!LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Christine's experience wearing glasses for her first labor and delivery did not go well. They kept fogging up and falling off. She didn't see her son until he was lying on her chest after being born.  For her second birth, she decided to take what she had learned the first time around and make some changes.In this episode, Christine shares what made her decide to wear glasses or contacts for labor and delivery. She also offers tips to make wearing both glasses or contacts easier. Follow Labor Lessons: FacebookInstagramLaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Physically recovering from birth is difficult enough, but tearing or having an episiotomy can make it worse. Lauren had an episiotomy while birthing her son. Afterwards, she had difficulty peeing.  When she did,  it burned so bad it made her not want to. She also had trouble sitting down and getting around. In this interview with Lauren, she talks about certain aspects of the physical recovery that she was unprepared for. We discuss the ways that Lauren did prepare for labor and delivery, and she offers tips for an easier recovery and getting around postpartum.Postpartum Healing CareDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you. LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Are you considering pursuing a VBAC(Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)? Are you unsure if your provider will support you? In this episode, I discuss the difference between a provider who is VBAC tolerant vs. VBAC supportive. I also share how I found out my provider was not VBAC supportive, and my experience birthing in a non-VBAC supportive hospital. The VBAC Link- VBAC Friendly DoctorsThe VBAC Link PodcastDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you. LaborLessons.comEnjoy listening to Labor Lessons? Leave a review here! Let me know what your favorite episode is and why!Follow me on Instagram: Labor LessonsDisclosure: Links to other sites may be affiliate links that generate us a small commission at no extra cost to you.