Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy

This week, on My Essential Birth, I delve into the natural ways to induce childbirth, answering questions about the processes and methods, their risks and benefits, and the options available to you. We’ll dive down the rabbit hole to understanding prodromal labor, its symptoms, and how you can cope. From there it’s Curb Walking 101, a simple exercise with giant benefits. In addition, we’ll cover topics like the Webster Technique, the Bishop Score, and how oils can be used to improve your childbirth. Sprinkled throughout will be tips for you and your birth partner to maximize your birthing environment. Learn what you and your partner can do to create a comfortable and supportive community to welcome your baby into the world. My Essential Birth is proud to be a judgment-free zone where we can be a resource for you to utilize and take control of your pregnancy and delivery experience.Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.  Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple PodcastsFind “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcastSelect “Ratings and Reviews”Click the stars!Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On SpotifyFind "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcastClick the 3 dots "..."Select "Rate podcast"Click the stars and write a quick review!FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titlesLet's Connect!Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedEmail: hello@myessentialbirth.com.  Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM! 

Today’s guest is Taylor, a new mom and student of My Essential Birth, who recently gave birth to the first baby in her family. In spite of rough symptoms in the first trimester, Taylor had an extremely positive experience being pregnant.As the life grew inside of her, she experienced a wide array of emotions, symptoms, and cravings (most strongly that of watermelon). Though visits to a chiropractor alleviated some of the symptoms, after delivery they completely disappeared, showing that 99% of the solutions to pregnancy-related symptoms are to just have your baby.Taylor describes the initial doubts in her mind when she first learned she was expecting, but something that helped to quell the barrage of “what ifs” was the support of her husband.For the first 20 weeks of her pregnancy, Taylor saw a doctor and observed that despite a courteous bedside manner, they did not often spend the time to get to know her. Rather than taking the time to understand her expectations for her pregnancy and delivery, doctors tended to approach her and her baby with an assembly line rigidity. In contrast, seeing a midwife opened Taylor up to a higher level of attention in all aspects of her life, meeting her expectations with open ears.Taylor woke up to contractions and within a few hours rushed to the birth center where she safely gave birth. In spite of its title, a Natural Birth doesn’t just happen.It’s not easy, but being prepared and putting work in beforehand will allow you to go into birth with confidence. Just because it’s not easy, doesn’t mean it needs to be confusing. Taylor highlights the techniques that helped through the early stages of her labor, natural approaches that helped her feel relaxed and comfortable.In the days that followed, Taylor had to recover from a bad tear that prevented her from taking part in activities at home or for the baby. She illustrates the difficulty of the postpartum period and the reliance she had to place on those around her. Her lesson is that it’s okay not to be comfortable with your body in this period and to ask for help because it will pass and your body will heal.Taylor closes with advice to partners and moms. This is a hectic time for mom. Changes are going to come and the dynamic is going to shift. Now is the time for support and comfort, the time to be an anchor for your family. Moms are encouraged to take the birth course and be prepared for what is to come, both before, during, and after delivery.Don't forget to follow me on Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple PodcastsFind “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcastSelect “Ratings and Reviews”Click the stars!Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On SpotifyFind "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcastClick the 3 dots "..."Select "Rate podcast"Click the stars and write a quick review!FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titlesLet's Connect!Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedEmail: hello@myessentialbirth.com.  Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM! 

Are you prepared for the very first step of the postpartum period? This week on the podcast, I talk about the golden hour—that crucial first 60 minutes following your baby’s birth. I’ll be going through why the golden hour is so important, how to get it (if it’s not immediately offered to you during your care), and exactly what you and your partner should be doing during that time. Tune in and enjoy!Show Notes1:45 - The golden hour is the first hour after the baby is born. It’s the crucial 60-minute transition that your baby goes through between the womb and the outside world. During this important time, mom and baby need time together, undisturbed, in order for them to bond, familiarize themselves with each other, and start building a connection outside the womb.3:27 - Look for a hospital with a baby-friendly certification, as these hospitals are guaranteed to offer you this golden hour. But it’s not a deal-breaker even if your hospital doesn’t have this certification. Take the time to speak with your care provider, birth center, or hospital on exactly what to expect regarding the postpartum period.4:37 - There are a ton of benefits to the golden hour, and they range from short-term to long-term impacts. Skin-to-skin directly after delivery is such a vital first step in our first hour of life that a baby will instinctively look for mom’s breast once they are placed on her tummy. Check out the amazing video I’ve linked below to see this in action!12:05 - What shouldn’t happen during golden hour? The weight check can wait an hour. For that matter, there shouldn’t be any rush to take any other measurements until after golden hour. Vaccines and other shots, blood work, hearing tests, baths, and the like aren’t urgent, either.13:51 What if mom has a Cesarean birth? And what should the partner’s role be? Different providers and hospitals have different policies so, again, it’s important to have this conversation beforehand. I’ve included a gentle Cesarean birth plan that you can download for free, linked below.17:52 How do we enforce the golden hour? How do you ensure that you receive this uninterrupted time for your birth? Aside from requesting that time from your provider, make sure you communicate to friends and family that you need those 60 minutes following the birth. You can’t get that hour back, so take it.20:44 What other questions should you ask your provider? The clearer you are on what to expect, the more relaxed and enjoyable your golden hour will be—as it should be.Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple PodcastsFind “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcastSelect “Ratings and Reviews”Click the stars!Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On SpotifyFind "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcastClick the 3 dots "..."Select "Rate podcast"Click the stars and write a quick review!FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titlesLet's Connect!Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedEmail: hello@myessentialbirth.com.  Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM! 

Do you know what to look for to know it’s labor time?! This week on the podcast, I talk about what those things are but also give you some detail on how they can show up for moms because, let’s be honest, some moms may see certain signs and still wait a week or two before hitting active labor. Tune in and enjoy!Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.  Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple PodcastsFind “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcastSelect “Ratings and Reviews”Click the stars!Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On SpotifyFind "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcastClick the 3 dots "..."Select "Rate podcast"Click the stars and write a quick review!FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titlesLet's Connect!Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedEmail: hello@myessentialbirth.com.  Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM! 

This week I had the pleasure of having  incredible home birth midwife, Angie, LM, CPM,  join me on the podcast. Angie, from the Long Beach, CA area, gives us some insight into what the process of taking care of a mother during pregnancy and birth is like as a home birth midwife. We also went a little deeper into birthing during a pandemic as well as the importance of informed consent. Informed consent is so important to her and I know when you take a listen you will understand why and feel empowered to stand up for yourself.It's true that when you birth at home you will be birthing unmedicated but it doesn't mean your midwife won't come prepared with life-saving medications, tools, knowledge, and skills to keep you and your baby safe. With so many misconceptions when it comes to home births, including the legitimacy and safety of the practice, Angie gives us the facts that can help tackle those misconceptions and may even have you looking up a local home birth midwife near you for care. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.  Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple PodcastsFind “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcastSelect “Ratings and Reviews”Click the stars!Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On SpotifyFind "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcastClick the 3 dots "..."Select "Rate podcast"Click the stars and write a quick review!FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titlesLet's Connect!Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedEmail: hello@myessentialbirth.com.  Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM! 

I can't wait for you to listen to this inspiring birth story with Anne, a My Essential Birth Course mama, who takes us through her journey from conception, pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. It is a perfect story about what it's really like to walk through everything pregnancy, birth, and postpartum for the very first time. Her and her husband did an excellent job preparing and supporting each other. I hope you will find something special and learn tons, for both you and your partner as you listen. Enjoy!!Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.  Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple PodcastsFind “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcastSelect “Ratings and Reviews”Click the stars!Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On SpotifyFind "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcastClick the 3 dots "..."Select "Rate podcast"Click the stars and write a quick review!FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titlesLet's Connect!Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedEmail: hello@myessentialbirth.com.  Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM! 

You’ve had the baby, now what? This has now become a 24 hour responsibility. In this episode, I walk you through what happens from the time you give birth, until you reach home, and even some tools that can be useful once you've brought baby home and start to manage your everyday life. My husband also share's his dad perspective of what it was like for him when welcoming our children home. Listen in, get some great information and even better, some awesome laughs.Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.  Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple PodcastsFind “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcastSelect “Ratings and Reviews”Click the stars!Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On SpotifyFind "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcastClick the 3 dots "..."Select "Rate podcast"Click the stars and write a quick review!FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titlesLet's Connect!Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedEmail: hello@myessentialbirth.com.  Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM! 

Since it's the simple things that can trip us up the most when it comes to trying to create the birth experience we’re really aiming for, I want to throw a few "obvious" but not so obvious lies you will likely believe if you hear them during your pregnancy. I’m hoping as I give you some more details about each of these three lies your mind will start to sort through all of the information and you will continue to build on that knowledge so you have it for when you need it. Overall, I want you to realize how much power you have over your birth experience and that you are truly the one in charge. So I will tell you each lie, give you all the nitty gritty facts, and then end with the truth. Remember, I am not a medical provider and cannot provide medical advice. I’m just a birth nerd who loves to know what my options are when it comes to birthing and then be able to share them with all of you.Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.  Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple PodcastsFind “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcastSelect “Ratings and Reviews”Click the stars!Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On SpotifyFind "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcastClick the 3 dots "..."Select "Rate podcast"Click the stars and write a quick review!FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titlesLet's Connect!Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedEmail: hello@myessentialbirth.com.  Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM! 

It's true that we love telling you all of the ways to have an easier, more comfortable, confident and empowered birth experience, but we decided to switch things up and get a little sarcastic so you can join us in some laughs while we give you all the top tips on what will cause more pain during labor.  Maybe you already know that being flat on your back and not having great support will leave you less than comfortable but what about pulling up trauma from a previous birth, focusing on all the negatives happening right now and inviting all the unsupportive and opinionated people into your birth space!? No? Don't worry, we've got you covered mama! As always, we hope that you leave this episode armed with a smile and some crazy good info about how to make your birth the best it can possibly be. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.  Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple PodcastsFind “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcastSelect “Ratings and Reviews”Click the stars!Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On SpotifyFind "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcastClick the 3 dots "..."Select "Rate podcast"Click the stars and write a quick review!FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titlesLet's Connect!Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedEmail: hello@myessentialbirth.com.  Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM! 

I sat down with Dr. Nate Fox, once again, and I got to ask him all of YOUR questions about twins! Birthing one baby comes with its fair share of challenges, but for mamas birthing two babies in one shot, well, there's some things you'll want to know. Thankfully, Nate talks us through some of the different things you can expect during the pregnancy, birth, and some postpartum. Not only does his practice specialize in the delivery of twins, he is also the father of twins, so you will love his expertise, personally & professionally. Listen in as he gives some great information as well as resources to anyone interested in all the fun parts of having twins.Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.  Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple PodcastsFind “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcastSelect “Ratings and Reviews”Click the stars!Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On SpotifyFind "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcastClick the 3 dots "..."Select "Rate podcast"Click the stars and write a quick review!FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titlesLet's Connect!Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstartedEmail: hello@myessentialbirth.com.  Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!