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

Are you unsure what to expect when labor starts or how to determine a pregnancy cramp or Braxton Hicks contraction from a true labor contraction? You want to feel confident you’ll know when it’s the real deal!

In today’s episode, I’ll cover everything you need to know when distinguishing practice contractions from actual labor.

What to expect:

• What is preterm labor and key signs to watch for…
• What are Braxton Hicks contractions…
• How...

Informed consent is a crucial topic to discuss in childbirth. I love helping women take control of their birthing experiences by asking questions and making informed plans, so they can love their birth no matter what!

In this episode, I spoke with Katie Spinks, a doula and childbirth educator, who bravely shares her story of experiencing uterine rupture during an elective induction with pitocin. Katie opens up about her journey, hig...

How are you hanging in there during the third trimester of pregnancy? There can be  many  discomforts at this time of pregnancy and this week I am sharing tips on how to manage some of the biggest complaints moms have.

In this episode, we'll cover:

• Practical tips for managing frequent urination during pregnancy…
• Strategies for getting better sleep before those restless newborn days…
• How to prevent swelling in your ankles and l...

Are you worried about having a big baby and it leading to an induction of labor or perineal tearing?

As a mom of big babies, I was fear mongered in my second pregnancy to do extra testing early on, leading to further intervention… instead of being educated, empowered, and supported to do what was right for me. You won’t want to miss this episode with Bloom Physical Therapy and Wellness!

In this episode we talk about:

• The myths and...

Are you thinking about using a fetal doppler to monitor your baby's heartbeat at home during pregnancy?

Join me in this episode, as we dive further into:

• Pros and cons of using a fetal doppler for increased reassurance…
• Early detection of potential concerns and what to be aware of…
• How dopplers can increase emotional bonding for moms and dads… 
• Understanding the limitations of a doppler and that false reassurance does happen…
• Pr...

You may or may not have heard of fetal kick counts before… but let’s talk about your baby’s movements in your belly and how to best understand what they mean!

In this episode, we’ll dive into:

• What are fetal kick counts? When to start tracking these movements…
• How to know what your baby’s movements mean…
• The steps to do fetal kick counts and what is considered normal…
• Debunking the myth that baby’s movements decrease as they grow…
• …a...

Celebrating ONE YEAR of Your Birth Bestie Podcast!

My goal has been for pregnant women to feel heard, supported, comforted, and also challenged by some of the decisions you may have to make during pregnancy and childbirth.

I also want pregnant moms to have the information from all sides, so they can make the choice best for their family. I love sharing how to have the best pregnancy and birth experience, enjoying...

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Jess Hull, the founder of MotherMe.io, who shares insights into managing stress and relationships during the transition into postpartum with a new baby.

We talk about:

• The neurological shifts during and after pregnancy and their impact on stress and relationships…
• Common stressors couples face when bringing home a new baby…
• Managing realistic expectations and setting boundaries with family and fr...

Are you planning for your maternity leave and unsure if you should take off time before the baby is born or wait to go into labor? Are you budgeting simultaneously to see how much time you financially are able to take off and looking for tips on making a baby budget?

Tune in to this episode where we’ll cover…

• How to determine when to start your maternity leave…
• Eligibility and length of maternity leave under FMLA and exceptions wi...

Are you questioning how much weight to gain during pregnancy? Or maybe you know the what the recommended amount of weight gain is in pregnancy, but you’re either under or over that. What does that even mean for you and your baby, for your pregnancy?!

In this episode, we talk about:

• Weight gain recommendations in pregnancy based on BMI, as outlined by ACOG…
• Risks of too little weight gain in pregnancy or going over the weight gain ...

Are you nervous about labor pain and what to learn more about epidurals? Or maybe you’re really wanting to give birth unmedicated, but someone tells you, “You don’t get a trophy for natural birth…” and now you’re questioning it. 

In this episode, we’ll talk all about epidurals and their impact on childbirth including:

• What an epidural is and what to expect during the procedure…
• Understanding the risks and benefits of an epidural…
• H...

Are you wondering what routine blood tests in pregnancy are usually done, why they are standardized, and what choices you have around these routine tests? 

Tune in to explore the significance of these tests as a snapshot of your health in pregnancy, helping to detect any issues early on and be sure you and your baby are healthy!

In this episode the pregnancy labs we will talk about include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Un...

Have you ever questioned how much control you will have of your hospital birth? I wish you didn’t have to worry about this, but being your best advocate is so important. Having a support person and/or doula is also so beneficial to having your best birth experience! 

In this episode, I talk with Deja Ramos, aka Doula Deja, and dive into the most important aspects of prioritizing your values and advocating for yourself during pregnan...

If you’re ready to answer some of the most asked questions of the mid-second trimester to help you feel confident in your body during pregnancy and informed when making decisions for your baby before they are even born, then this episode is for you! 

The 3 questions answered in this episode are:

• When should I expect to start feeling my baby? What do those first movements feel like? 
• Can you lie on your back to sleep during pregnan...

Are you wondering what to expect during your anatomy ultrasound and how to prepare for this exciting, but often nerve-wracking appointment? 

In this episode, we’ll dive into:

• What is an anatomy ultrasound and what information it can tell us about baby…
• Learn more about the procedure, measurements taken, and what your sonographer is actually allowed to tell you…
• Tips for physical preparation, managing emotions, and when to schedule ...

Are you thinking about how your life, your relationships, or your kids are going to change when bringing your new baby home? 

In this episode we will discuss:

• The unpredictable joy and exhaustion of life changes when having a baby…
• Concerns about sibling adjustments and managing time between kids…
• Financial planning and one of my favorite baby items I saved thousands on…
• How to plan for mom and baby essentials and create a baby regi...

Are you wondering about your options for prenatal genetic testing and what information they will actually give you?

In this episode we talk about…

• Understanding genetic screening versus diagnostic tests…
• When and why genetic tests are recommended…
• Types of tests including NIPT, first trimester screen, quad screen, and more…
• Factors that influence the decision to test or not to…
• …and so much more!

If you want to know what options ...

Are you preparing for your first prenatal appointment and wondering what to expect? 

There can be mixed emotions of excitement and uncertainty as you’re waiting for your scheduled appointment, but sharing some inside information hopefully helps you as you wait!

What to expect in this episode:

• When your first prenatal visit is scheduled and what to do while you wait…
• Tips to empower you to actively participate in the decision making...

Are you having a baby shower and stuck deciding what to add to your baby registry?

Join me as I share insights on streamlining your list, avoiding unnecessary items, and focusing on what truly matters.  

In this episode we'll dive into:

• Prioritizing the essential items to reduce overwhelm, expenses, and time researching...
• How to align with the minimalist approach where simplicity equals less stress...
• Enhan...