Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy

Doula Caitlin Wilder emphasizes the importance of normalizing struggles, sharing realistic postpartum experiences, and focusing on mental and emotional preparation over material items. They also talk about the critical role of a supportive postpartum team and self-care tailored to individual needs. Show Notes HERE! How to connect with Caitlin: WebsiteInstagramPodcastLinks Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach...

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Stephanie King, a childbirth educator, interviews Godelieve from the Netherlands about her empowering home birth experience. They discuss her rapid labor, techniques for managing contractions, and the importance of preparation and support. Godelieve also shares insights on Dutch postpartum care. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearing from you...

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

Stephanie shares eight essential and often overlooked aspects of childbirth. These include the possibility that your water might not break, the reality that an epidural doesn't eliminate all sensation, understanding your options, and having the right to refuse any tests or procedures. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearing from you! L...

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Stephanie introduces craniosacral therapy (CST) with Meaghan Beames. They discuss the benefits of CST for babies and pregnant moms, how it helps with colic, latching, and other issues. She highlights how CST works, its differences from chiropractic care, and practical advice for expectant mothers. Show Notes HERE! Where to find Meaghan: WebsiteInstagramLinks Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any ti...

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

Each contraction during labor is beneficial, contributing to the opening of the cervix and the baby’s eventual birth. While exhausting, these contractions are important for both the baby and the mother's body. This episode emphasizes a positive mindset by reminding that labor is temporary. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearing from you! Lo...

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

This week's episode emphasizes advocating for yourself during pregnancy and birth and features Kyla's birth story of her daughter born at 28 weeks. It covers emotional preparations, affirmations, and breathing techniques. Kyla shares her NICU experience, breastfeeding challenges, and parenting tips. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearing from...

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Stephanie King interviews Sophie Harris, a postpartum therapist, about postpartum challenges and self-care. They discuss overcoming self-neglect, emotional struggles, setting boundaries, and the importance of community support. Listeners get practical advice for better postpartum experiences. Click HERE for the Show Notes! Where to find Sophie and how to connect with her: InstagramWebsite1:1 TherapyGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearing from you!...

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

Stephanie discusses the empowering journey of Liv and Matt's home birth, highlighting their experiences, challenges, and preparations. They share initial fears, the importance of supportive people, and practical advice for both moms and dads, offering insights into a calm and prepared home birth. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearing from yo...

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

Stephanie discusses the importance of knowing your options of administering Vitamin K to newborns. She covers various options including injections, oral doses, and maternal supplementation, weighing their benefits and potential risks, and emphasizes the importance of informed parental choice. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearing from you! ...

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

The world of women's health is vast and often misunderstood, especially when it comes to fertility and menstrual cycles. But understanding these essential aspects of health can empower women to take charge of their bodies. Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, creator of Fertility Friday, gives us insights! Show Notes HERE! Where you can find Lisa: WebsiteInstagramPodcastLinks Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramReal Food for FertilityGET IN TO...

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

We discuss how postpartum should be mother-centered and family-focused. Dr. Kristal Lau shares insights on blending traditional and modern postpartum practices. They discuss the importance of planning for postpartum, ensuring proper nutrition and rest, and including partners in the care process. Show Notes HERE! How to find Dr. Lau: InstagramPostpartum 30Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out a...

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

Select someone for your birth space who makes you feel loved and protected, rather than someone you feel obligated to include. They should support your wishes without personal motives or desires, believing in and respecting your needs during this time. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearing from you! Looking for more info on the birth cours...

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

Stephanie encourages new mamas in this postpartum episode about what happens if your healing journey takes a turn. New moms are encouraged to take care of themselves postpartum, along with a reminder to help others once they feel well, fostering a supportive community. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramPostpartum Support International - 1-800-944-4773Conditions to Watch for PostpartumPost-Delivery ComplicationsGET IN TOUC...

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

Stephanie discusses the importance of communication and preparation for childbirth with guest Morgan. Morgan shares her positive birth experiences, contrasting her induced first labor with a natural second one, emphasizing the significance of supportive partners, education, and a good birth plan. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramThe Fresh Test For 20% OFF use Coupon Code: MYESSENTIALBIRTH GET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out...

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

Lily Nichols discusses the importance of focusing on both women's and men's nutrition for fertility. They emphasize the significance of preconception planning, optimal diets, and essential supplements. Lily shares practical advice and research to help couples prepare for a healthy pregnancy. You can access the Show Notes HERE! Where to find Lily Nichols: InstagramWebsite Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramReal Food ...

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

If you're considering having little ones being in your birth space for the arrival of your newest little one, this is the episode for you! Stephanie discusses how to prepare your children for the sacred birth space and gives insight on making it a peaceful environment full of positivity and love. Click for the Show Notes HERE! Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramBooks for Kids about BirthGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any ...

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

Ashley and Bryan share about their unexpectedly rapid labor/delivery experience, which culminated in their son Jack being born in a parking lot. They discuss the preparation and intuition that helped them through the process, emphasizing the importance of informed decisions and partner involvement. Show Notes HERE! Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We...

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

You get to decide what will work best for you. It's important to plan for the birth you want, the one that will light you up and bring you joy, whether if it's with an epidural, an unmedicated birth, or somewhere in between. You get to pick! Have all the information to make those decisions. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free ExercisesGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearing from you! Looking for mo...

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2024

Stephanie shares advice for overwhelmed moms, emphasizing that feeling overstimulated is normal and temporary. Various moms share their own tips, including prioritizing self-care, maintaining routines, seeking outside help, communicating with partners, and more. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearing from you! Looking for more info o...

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2024

This week, Stephanie interviews Meagan, a birth doula and VBAC advocate. Megan shares her personal experience with two unnecessary Cesareans and her triumphant VBAC afterwards. The episode explores VBAC logistics, preparation, and mental readiness while addressing common questions from listeners. Where to find Megan: InstagramWebsitePodcastLinks Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to hello@...

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

This week's guest is Dr. Jessica London who will discuss pelvic health post-childbirth. We will cover symptoms like pelvic heaviness and prolapse, while also emphasizing conservative management through education and exercises. Dr. London also highlights the benefits of virtual pelvic floor rehab. Where to find Dr. London: InstagramFree Training for Postpartum MomPodcastLinks Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH...

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

In today's episode, we'll answer: "What if I don't make it to my birthplace?" While this situation will not affect most moms, it's always important to be prepared mentally and literally. When you come from a place of knowledge then you don't have to be in a place of fear should these things happen. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearin...

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2024

In this episode, Elizabeth McCravy shares her unexpected C-section story, emphasizing strength, faith, and support. She challenges C-section stigma, highlights preparation for birth scenarios, and offers postpartum tips. Her story inspires resilience and empowers moms in their birth journeys. Where to find Liz: WebsiteInstagramLinks Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to hello@myessentialbi...

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2024

This episode explores finding childcare, discussing why it's needed and alternative solutions if external childcare isn't ideal. It reviews types of care, including family, friends, swaps, daycare centers, and in-home providers. Prioritizing what works best for your family reflects good parenting. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramQuestions to Ask a Potential Childcare ProviderGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to he...

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024

Amy Kiefer, a nurse, doula, and trainer from Expecting and Empowered, discusses the importance of prenatal and postpartum support, safe pregnancy workouts, and mental health. We also highlight Expecting and Empowered's app, which offers tools to help women stay strong through pregnancy and beyond. Expecting & Empowered: WebsitePodcastInstagramCode for 25% OFF of Expecting & Empowered App: MEBLinks Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Bi...

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

Taylor Dilk shares intimate details about her prodromal labor, her fitness background during pregnancy, and the significant role her husband played during her unmedicated birth. She discusses her switch to a midwife for her desired birth experience and emphasizes the power of prayer and education. Find Taylor: InstagramTikTok Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to hello@myessentialbir...

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024

This episode explores the safety of ultrasounds during pregnancy, especially for moms categorized as "high risk" and need frequent scans. While ultrasounds are widely accepted as safe, each medical procedure carries risks/benefits. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramStudies Mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8szqgtX_GQhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573070/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24176149/https://ev...

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

Candi Frazer created the Primal Bod System to help women take control of their health. She discusses the benefits of protein over carbs, while stressing the importance of animal-based nutrition. Insulin-related conditions like PCOS stem from high sugar levels and can be reversed with proper diet. Where to Find Candi: Primal Bod ProgramCandi's WebsiteCandi's InstagramLinks Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth InstagramGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reac...

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2024

Hana Naamani shares her birth story, starting with a miscarriage before her son. She had a smooth pregnancy, started labor unexpectedly (mostly due to tacos), and delivered within a few hours. She advises staying active and trusting intuition. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free Exercises Midwives BrewGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearing from you! Looking for m...

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2024

If you are in your third trimester, this is 100% for you! If you're in the third trimester and you're feeling like, "Oh my gosh, what is coming next? Labor is so exciting and I can't wait, but what am I supposed to be doing?" Do these 7 things to prepare your mind and body for birth! Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free ExercisesFree Birth Plan TemplateEpisode 175: The Evidence-Based Information You Need to Know about Real Food, Pregnancy Diets, & ...

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2024

Patricia, a music therapist from West Virginia, shares her journey through IVF and ultimately a home birth turned hospital transfer. With her supportive husband, she prepared with music therapy and exercises. After a 40-hour labor, her son was born. Her advice: "Blessed are the flexible." Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free Exercises GET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love ...

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2024

Let's explore VBAC and dispel the myth that "once a cesarean, always a cesarean." Stephanie shares her VBAC journey, discusses risks, benefits, and preparation tips. She emphasizes finding a supportive provider and empowering women to make informed decisions about their birth plan. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free Exercises Find It & Flip It AffirmationsGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to hello@mye...

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2024

David Arrell, founder of Welcome to Fatherhood, discusses how dads can actively engage in the pregnancy process by viewing it as their own journey. Dads are encouraged to participate through birth classes, doula support, and conversations with their partners emphasizing emotional growth, communication, and leadership in fatherhood. Where to find David: WebsiteInstagramPodcastLinks Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free Exerc...

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2024

Your due date is just an estimate! Many factors affect when your baby will arrive, including genetics. Most first-time moms give birth between 40-42 weeks. Mentally prepare yourself for a longer pregnancy to avoid pressure for induction at 40 weeks. You can make an informed decision for your baby! Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free Exercises https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-on-due-dates/https://www.ncbi...

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2024

Maren Rider shares her journey from a stressful hospital birth to an empowering birth center experience. With a focus on mental preparation, trust in her body, and supportive midwives, Maren achieved a calm, intervention-free water birth, highlighting the importance of choosing the right provider. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free Exercises Ina May's Guide to Childbirth GET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time...

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2024

With 40+ years of experience, Dr. Stu of Birthing Instincts transitioned from hospital births to home births. He advocates for informed decision-making and encouraging women to trust their instincts, seek nurturing care and providers, and prepare their bodies and minds for a healthy pregnancy. Our guest this week is Dr. Stuart James Fischbein or Dr. Stu! He has been practicing obstetrics for over 40 years. He's the co-author of the book, Fearless Pregnancy, Wisdom and Reassurance from a Doct...

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2024

If you're looking into the pros and cons (or benefits/risks) of Cesarean birth versus vaginal birth, listen in! You are capable of making these decisions for yourself. You do not have to be bullied or coerced into believing your body is not capable of growing your baby and knowing how to birth it. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free ExercisesGentle Cesarean PlanStats and Studieshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc...

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2024

Today's birth story is a little bit different. Erika shares two very different birth experiences. She shares the trauma she experienced and had to process from her first birth, and how redemptive her next birth was. She does an excellent job of pointing out what did not go how she hoped and what needed to change for her next experience. Her stories encourage moms to trust their bodies and tune into their needs. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy ...

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2024

We love hearing from medical professionals about their perspective during birth, especially from our Labor & Delivery Nurses! Our guest this week is Nurse Sydney, a L&D nurse in Toronto who shares educational and entertaining content about pregnancy, delivery, postpartum, and newborn care. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free ExercisesGentle Cesarean PlanCustomizable Birth PlanGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at an...

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2024

If youre going to be giving birth in a hospital setting, this episode is for you! You’ll want to know about the 7 most common interventions that you may come home against in your birth experience. We’ll also talk about how to avoid these interventions if possible and when they may be necessary. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free ExercisesGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We...

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2024

When it comes to your birth partner, they may be thinking that all they have to do is show up, right? Wrong! There are so many ways they can step in and help to make the birth experience a beautiful bonding moment as your sweet baby comes into the world. Listen in for practical tips and advice! Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free ExercisesGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love ...

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2024

In today's birth story, Whitni found out her baby had velamentous cord insertion. She and her husband took the birth course and used the knowledge and confidence they gained to work through all of the possible outcomes this diagnosis meant for her pregnancy, labor, and baby’s birth. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free ExercisesGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearin...

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2024

Dr. Freeze is the founder and president of Breech Without Borders, which is dedicated to breech training, education, and advocacy. We talk about what mamas can do if they are coming up to birth and baby is breech, what the risks are, and what having a breech birth looks like. Where to find Rixa: WebsiteInstagramLinks Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free ExercisesGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to hello@myessentialbi...

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2024

It's one thing to find out you're pregnant, but what do you do when you're pregnant with twins?! Natalie Diaz, founder of Twiniversity, gives us all her tips and advice for pregnancy with multiples. As a twin mom herself, she's got great advice that you will want to hear! Where to find Natalie: WebsiteInstagramWhat to Do When You're Having TwoLinks Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free ExercisesEpisode 54: Sick of Being Pre...

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2024

Postpartum is really a time for mom to be healing, and for bonding to happen between mom, baby, and birth partner. It's this sacred space that you get to enjoy together as a family. There are some things that make it go well, and there are some things that can make it not go as well. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free ExercisesPostpartum Guide WorkbookGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to hello@myessentialbirth...

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2024

While there are so many amazing things to appreciate about pregnancy, there are also a few complaints that many women have. We compiled a list of the Top 10 Complaints that we've gotten in our messages about pregnancy and have some practical tips on how to cope with them! Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free Exercises15% Off Paleovalley Beef Liver SupplementsGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to hello@myessential...

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2024

Dr. Elana is a Pediatric Naturopathic Doctor with a mission to teach moms how to safely be a “Doctor Mom!” She teaches moms how to transform their fear and overwhelm when their child gets sick into feeling calm, competent, and confident with the right tools to prevent illness and treat it wisely! Where to find Dr. Elana Roumell: WebsiteInstagramDoctor Mom Membership7 Secrets to Making Confident Vaccine Choices For Your ChildLinks Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpar...

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2024

We have a home birth story this week! Martha Henon, mother of 2, joins us to share her birth experiences. Giving birth at home or in a hospital is a choice that moms need to make, but often times, moms feel pressured to do what they're told instead of listening to their instincts. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free Exercises15% Off Paleovalley Beef Liver SupplementsGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to he...

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2024

This week's episode is all about yoga! Brett Larkin talks about how the simple practice of yoga combined with breathwork (the secret sauce), and mindset can set you up for an easier, seamless pregnancy and birth. She also shares her birth stories, which you definitely want to hear! Where to find Brett: WebsiteInstagramYoga Life: Habits, Poses and and Breathwork to Channel Joy Amidst the ChaosLinks Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Inst...

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2024

After experiencing a devastating loss of her child, Luisa shares her birth experience of her rainbow baby. She had fears and anxiety, but got through those fears with prayer and celebrating milestones of carrying her baby. She trusted her body, leaned into her intuition, and had a home birth. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth CourseMy Essential Birth Postpartum CourseMy Essential Birth Instagram3 Free ExercisesEpisodes for Birth PartnersGET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to hello@myess...

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2024