Lo & Behold | Pregnancy, Birth, Motherhood – Details, episodes & analysis

What if your best motherhood choices aren’t my best motherhood choices?

Each week on Lo & Behold, we’re leaning into that real, messy, necessary question as we navigate all the choices you’ll find yourself making in pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and modern motherhood.

Hosted by Lo Mansfield — former labor and postpartum nurse, certified lactation counselor, mom and RN behind The Labor Mama, and real life mama of four — this show is your judgment-free space to explore all the options in front of you. Whether you’re navigating a birth plan, wondering about labor induction methods, worried about breastfeeding challenges, or figuring out how to advocate for yourself or your baby, you’re not alone here.

On Lo & Behold, we’re cutting through the noise of the motherhood space and ditching the black-and-white takes. Each episode, Lo brings her years of experience in maternity care, lactation support, and real-life motherhood straight to your earbuds — through candid insights from her own successes and mistakes, expert interviews, and other real mom and dad story shares you’ll actually relate to.

About your host:

🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.

For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!

A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going!

Connect with Lo on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOK 

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Opinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%

Listen in as I get vulnerable and raw, going all the way back to those first time mama feels, and share my own first birth story. Our birth stories may not tell us who we are, but for so many of us, they are the very beginning of the motherhood story we are writing. 

From finding out I was pregnant, to navigating a healthy pregnancy while juggling the heartbreak of my mom’s illness, I’m opening the door on all of it. You’ll hear about my unmedicated hospital birth, a super doula husband by my side, and the overwhelming pride of how well we did as a team.

This story isn’t just about birth; it’s about why I do what I do. Becoming a mom while working as a labor nurse opened my eyes to the gaps in birth education—stuff we need to know but aren’t always taught. That’s why I created The Labor Mama platform and now this podcast: to empower you with a safe space for real talk, practical tools, and a reminder that there’s no one “best” way to do any of this. 

Whether your pregnancy or motherhood feels joyful, heavy, or both, you’re not alone, and I’m here to walk it with you.

What You’ll Get in This Episode:

• My raw, real first birth story and why I'm here.
• How my mom’s cancer journey intertwined with my pregnancy.
• Why birth education became my passion—and why it matters for you.
• A nudge to own your pride in your birth, however it unfolds.

If this episode made you laugh, cry, or feel seen, hit subscribe and join me next week for more stories, expert insights, and practical mama wisdom. You’re doing an amazing job mama, and I’m so glad you’re here.

Helpful timestamps:

• 03:14 My First Birth Story
• 05:39 Pregnancy Journey and Family Challenges
• 14:40 Navigating Pregnancy as a Nurse
• 19:38 Preparing for Birth
• 29:20 First Signs of Labor
• 30:37 Tracking Contractions
• 35:52 Arriving at the Hospital
• 38:24 Labor Progresses Quickly
• 41:57 The Birth
• 44:22 Reflecting on the Birth Experience

More from this episode:

Visit www.thelabormama.com/birth and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!

About your host:

🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.

For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to...

Join The Breastfeeding Blueprint: www.thelabormama.com/breastfeeding & use the code PODCAST to save 20%

Today I’m chatting with my friend Amber Ginn, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and founder of The Latch Link, on how to set yourself up for breastfeeding success before baby arrives. Amber’s got a no-fluff, straight-talking style and a passion for helping moms navigate the wild, beautiful ride of breastfeeding. 

Amber shares her expertise on preparing for breastfeeding, the importance of understanding your 'why,' and practical tips for those first hours and days postpartum. 

What’s inside this episode:

• Preparing for breastfeeding before birth: getting clear on your why behind your goals & the benefits of meeting with a lactation consultant prenatally. 
• Birth decisions that might impact your breastfeeding journey.
• How to advocate for yourself and your little one after birth - and some tips for navigating those hospital convos.
• Your options for lactation care: From virtual consults to in-person support, you’ve got options to build a care team that’s right for you.

Helpful timestamps:

• 01:26 The Breastfeeding Journey
• 02:12 Meet Amber Ginn, IBCLC
• 04:06 Amber's Story
• 06:53 Preparing for Breastfeeding Success
• 11:56 Navigating Hospital Staff 
• 15:06 Overcoming Early Breastfeeding Challenges
• 20:17 Colostrum Collection
• 22:28 Birth Decisions That Impact Breastfeeding
• 25:20 Addressing Newborn Weight Loss Concerns
• 30:29 Supplementing and Feeding Options
• 34:45 Building Your Support Team

More from Amber Ginn:

Visit TheLatchLink.com 

Listen to The Latch Lounge Podcast

Instagram: @ambertheibclc YouTube: @ambertheibclc

More from this episode:

Visit www.thelabormama.com/breastfeeding and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!

About your host:

🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on...

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%

I’m so excited to share this heartfelt episode with you. Today, I’m sitting down with Kaylaa, a labor and delivery nurse, mama of two (soon to be three!), and co-founder of Dreamy Peach Co. She’s opening up about her two very different birth experiences - one ending in a C-section and the other a triumphant VBAC at a birth center. 

We get into the raw, messy beauty of motherhood, navigating the healthcare system, and why she’s choosing a home birth for her third baby. Kaylaa also shares a bit about her entrepreneurial journey with Dreamy Peach Co., a company created to help parents transition their babies out of swaddles safely. Grab your coffee or raspberry leaf tea, settle in, and join us for this honest, supportive conversation about birth, choices, and trusting your instincts.

What’s inside this episode:

• Kaylaa’s First Birth Story: An unexpected induction at 41+5 weeks, a cascade of interventions, and a C-section during the early days of the 2020 pandemic.
• Navigating Early Motherhood: The challenges of parenting with no village, canceled meal trains, and mental health.
• Second Pregnancy & VBAC: Switching to a birth center, embracing the midwifery model, and achieving a redemptive unmedicated VBAC.
• Postpartum Reflections: Processing birth trauma, advocating for mental health, and the power of feeling seen in your care.
• Choosing Home Birth: Why Kaylaa, as a labor nurse, feels safest birthing at home for her third baby.
• Dreamy Peach Co.: How Kaylaa co-founded a wonderful business to solve the swaddle transition struggle with a safe, innovative sleep sack that me and my baby personally loved.

Helpful timestamps:

• 01:22 Welcome Kaylaa!
• 02:23 Kaylaas's First Birth Story: The Unexpected Journey
• 14:32 Navigating the Challenges of Early Motherhood
• 15:13 Kaylaas's Second Pregnancy: A New Approach
• 24:33 Reflecting on the Birth Experience
• 27:51 Postpartum Reflections and Mental Health
• 29:38 Balancing Motherhood and Career
• 32:25 Choosing Home Birth for Baby Number Three
• 39:40 Launching a Small Business

More from Kaylaa:

Keep up with Kaylaa on IG @laa.anderson & @dreamypeachco

Visit DreamyPeachCo.com

Save 10% at Dreamy Peach Co: 

https://dreamypeachco.com/discount/TLM10

More from this episode:

Visit www.thelabormama.com/birth and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!

About your host:

🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for

Join The Breastfeeding Blueprint: www.thelabormama.com/breastfeeding & use the code PODCAST to save 20%

The Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER) is a physiological breastfeeding condition. This chemical, hormonal response to the moments of milk let down, is an important topic we need to discuss and bring awareness to, as it can affect as many as 1 in 10 mamas. 

In this episode of the Lo and Behold podcast, Lo shares a deeply personal and humble story about her breastfeeding experiences with Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (DMER). Lo gets into the emotional and physiological complexities of D-MER, a condition many breastfeeding mothers may unknowingly face. 

What’s inside this episode:

• Lo’s breastfeeding experiences with D-MER, the emotional rollercoaster it took her on, and her coping strategies for dealing with this condition. 
• The science behind D-MER and why mamas experience this during breastfeeding. 
• The impact of hormonal changes, and the importance of knowing this is a physiological response, and not a mental health condition.
• When to seek support - let your provider know if you are experiencing any symptoms of D-MER.

This episode aims to foster awareness, reduce shame, and provide support for mothers navigating similar challenges in their breastfeeding journey. Share this episode with another mama who could find this valuable!

Helpful timestamps:

• 01:22 Lo’s Story: Postpartum Challenges
• 05:24 Discovering DMER
• 09:37 Understanding DMER: Symptoms and Impact
• 18:32 The Emotional Impact of DMER
• 19:04 The Science Behind DMER
• 21:44 Risk Factors and Personal Experiences
• 24:30 Differentiating DMER from Other Conditions
• 27:45 Coping Strategies and Support
• 33:20 Seeking Professional Help
• 34:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Mentioned in this episode: 

• Visit www.thelabormama.com/breastfeeding and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!
• Checkout Alia’s book:  Before the Let Down Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex and the Breastfeeding Mother
• Read more about D-MER here: https://d-mer.org/ 
• Lo's blog on D-MER: Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex: Understanding D-MER
• Grab my Breastfeeding Blueprint Course

About your host:

🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%

Get ready for an empowering and educational conversation with Dr. Sara Reardon, also known as The Vagina Whisperer. As a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist, mom of two, and author of Floored: A Woman’s Guide to Pelvic Floor Health At Every Stage and Age, Sara brings her expertise and approachable vibe to demystify pelvic floor health for pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. She’s also famous for her vulva costume 😂

Sara dives into why pelvic floor health is important in every phase in life, how to prep your pelvic floor for birth without the overwhelm, and the small, practical steps you can take to care for your body at every stage. From debunking the kegel myth to sharing why your perineum deserves some TLC, this conversation is packed with insights to help you feel confident and informed.

What’s inside this episode:

• Why pelvic floor exercises are more than just kegels - and what to do instead.
• Sara’s tips for pregnant mamas: bite-sized ways to prep your body for birth.
• The lowdown on perineal massage and how it can reduce severe tearing.
• A candid chat about why proactive pelvic floor care matters for life, not just postpartum.
• A sneak peek into Sara’s book, Floored, and how it supports women at every age and stage.

Helpful timestamps:

• 02:05 Meet Dr. Sara Reardon, The Vagina Whisperer
• 03:24 The Importance of Pelvic Floor Health
• 04:52 Navigating Pregnancy and Postpartum Challenges
• 13:25 Small Steps for Pelvic Floor Health
• 20:00 The Need for Preventative Healthcare
• 25:52 Pelvic Floor Engagement During Pregnancy
• 28:19 Perineal Massage Tips
• 34:26 Postpartum Care and Recovery
• 37:07 Lifelong Pelvic Floor Health
• 43:04 Introducing the Book 'Floored'
• 45:43 Final Thoughts and Joyful Moments

More from Dr. Sara Reardon: 

Grab her book Floored: A Women’s Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage

Visit Dr. Sara Reardon’s website: TheVaginaWhisperer.com 

Follow her on Instagram: @the.vagina.whisperer & TikTok: @thevagwhisperer

More from this episode:

Visit www.thelabormama.com/birth and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!

About your host:

🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%

Today is a family-centered episode as I welcome my older sister, Jenn, to the show. She shares the fast and emotional birth of her daughter Reese—my first niece and the baby who kicked off my nursing career.

From the initial feelings of transitioning from a couple to a family, to an unexpected fast labor and the reality of postpartum challenges, Jenn's story is one of grace, dry humor, and the incredible power of her community. And I had the privilege of living with them during that time and seeing it all!

Join us as we discuss the intimate details of Jenn's “becoming a mom” story, her husband's humorous reactions, and the invaluable support she received from friends and family during one of the most transformative times of her life.

What’s inside this episode:

• Jenn’s “I got this (kinda)” vibe and why no birth plan was her plan.
• The hilarity of a birth that went from zero to baby in, like, an hour (with partial placenta abruption).
• My front-row seat as sister and nurse (cue the tissues) that spontaneously happened.
• Postpartum real talk: sore nipples, epic mom friends, and finding your groove as a new mom.

Helpful timestamps:

• 02:08 Jenn's Birth Story: The Beginning
• 05:16 Pregnancy Journey and Challenges
• 08:11 Labor and Delivery: The Unexpected Moments
• 09:52 The Role of Partners in Birth
• 13:32 Hospital Arrival and Early Labor
• 16:17 Water Breaks 
• 20:56 Epidural and Preparing to Push
• 24:21 Breathing Techniques During Labor
• 26:31 Reese’s Birth
• 29:07 Postpartum Reflections
• 32:48 Breastfeeding Challenges and Support
• 39:54 The Power of Community

More from today’s guest: 

• Connect with Jenn on Instagram: @itsjennrorabaugh

More from this episode:

Visit www.thelabormama.com/birth and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!

About your host:

🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.

For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be...

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Megan Nix, a mother of five and the author of 'Remedies for Sorrow.' Together, we dive into the beautiful, complex duality of motherhood - how it’s both the most rewarding and challenging journey we’ll ever walk.

What’s inside this episode:

• Megan bravely shares her journey with her daughter Anna, who was born with congenital CMV, a virus that’s more common than we’re led to believe yet rarely talked about.
• The gaps in medical awareness surrounding Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
• The power of maternal intuition.
• The transformative role of narrative medicine in truly seeing and hearing mothers and their children.

This conversation is filled with hope, advocacy, and inspiration for every mom navigating her unique path. Whether you’re pregnant, raising little ones, or simply seeking connection, this episode will remind you of the strength in your story and the beauty in the unexpected.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 02:47 Meet Megan Nix: Author, Writer, and Mother
• 03:17 Navigating Motherhood with a Child's Diagnosis
• 06:16 The Power of Maternal Intuition
• 09:16 Anna's Birth and Initial Diagnosis
• 15:21 Understanding CMV
• 19:48 The Importance of Awareness and Prevention
• 27:16 A Life-Changing Diagnosis: Anna's Story
• 28:09 Navigating Uncertainty: Life in Alaska
• 29:28 Acceptance and Advocacy: Embracing Differences
• 32:27 Clinical Insights: CMV Testing and Prevention
• 39:49 Motherhood and Memoir: Balancing Life's Challenges
• 46:10 The Power of Narrative Medicine
• 49:47 Final Thoughts and Resources

More from Megan Nix:

• Remedies for Sorrow by Megan Nix – Available on Amazon and Penguin Random House
• Megan’s Website: megannix.com 
• Follow Megan on Instagram: @remediesforsorrow
• Narrative Medicine: Learn more about Dr. Rita Charon’s work at Columbia Narrative Medicine
• Learn more about CMV: https://www.nationalcmv.org/ 
• Book Recommendation: This Is Happiness by Niall Williams

More from this episode:

Visit www.thelabormama.com/birth and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!

About your host:

🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her...

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%

I’m so excited to share this heartfelt episode with you, where I sit down with Mackenzie DeClark, a labor and delivery nurse, future midwife, and mama of three behind the Mackenzie on Motherhood platform. Mackenzie opens up about her three unique birth stories, each one a beautiful mix of raw emotion, unexpected twists, and empowering choices.

What’s inside this episode:

• Her first birth: A medicated hospital birth with an epidural, a vaginal delivery shared with her mom, a 8 pound 6 oz baby, and a smooth postpartum experience.
• Her second birth: An unmedicated water birth with a dramatic shoulder dystocia, a 10-pound baby, and a challenging postpartum period, experiencing postpartum depression.
• Her third birth: A high-risk pregnancy with gestational diabetes, a nitrous oxide-supported unmedicated birth, and a joyful postpartum with her smallest baby at 8 pounds, 5 ounces.

Mackenzie’s stories are filled with honesty, humor, and wisdom from her years at the bedside and her own motherhood journey. We talk about trusting your intuition, navigating interventions like Pitocin and Foley balloons, and the messy, magical reality of birth and postpartum. 

Whether you’re curious about epidurals, water births, or managing gestational diabetes, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement for wherever you are in your pregnancy or parenting journey.

Tune in for a cozy, real conversation that celebrates the many ways we bring our babies into the world. 

Helpful Timestamps:

• 02:54 Mackenzie's First Birth Story
• 22:50 Postpartum Reflections
• 25:39 Mackenzie's Second Birth Story
• 38:52 Emergency Delivery: Shoulder Dystocia
• 40:29 Post-Birth Complications and NICU Experience
• 46:05 Postpartum Depression and Seeking Help
• 49:00 Transitioning from One to Two Children
• 51:16 Third Pregnancy Challenges and Gestational Diabetes
• 58:46 Induction and Labor with Third Child
• 01:11:45 Reflecting on Birth Experiences and Postpartum Joy
• 01:15:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

More from Mackenzie DeClark:

Find her sharing birth tips and motherhood moments on Instagram and TikTok at: @mackenzie.on.motherhood

More from this episode:

Visit www.thelabormama.com/birth and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!

About your host:

🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%

Today we’re diving into the raw, real, and sometimes controversial topic of labor pain. As a mama of four, former labor and postpartum RN, I’m sharing my heart and experience to unpack the complexities of labor pain - both the physical and emotional sides.

In this episode, I explore the fear-tension-pain cycle and whether a pain-free birth is truly possible. Spoiler: I believe it is, even though it wasn’t my personal experience! 

Whether you’re chasing an unmedicated birth, planning for an epidural, or just curious about what labor pain really feels like, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories, practical tips, and empowerment to help you navigate your unique birth journey.

What’s inside this episode:

• The truth about labor pain and the fear-tension-pain cycle.
• My take on pain-free birth and how it’s possible (even if it’s not for everyone).
• Why your pain tolerance in daily life doesn’t define your labor experience.
• Practical pain coping tools like breathing, education, and emotional signposts to support you.
• A reminder that your birth story is uniquely yours - no shame, no comparison.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:21 Understanding Labor Pain: Real Stories and Insights
• 02:24 Exploring the Concept of Pain-Free Birth
• 05:47 Biological and Psychological Factors of Pain
• 16:25 Pain Tolerance and Labor: Debunking Myths
• 24:18 Practical Tools and Techniques for Managing Labor Pain
• 33:55 Embracing Your Unique Birth Experience

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit www.thelabormama.com/birth and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!

Read The Emotional Signposts of Labor

Grab the Third Trimester Prep Pack

Join the Your Body Your Birth Course

About your host:

🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.

For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple...