How do I actually push during labor? Should I get an epidural? Why is breastfeeding so hard? What exactly is Pitocin, and how much will induce labor? Is there a secret to having a successful VBAC? What happens if I poop during labor *shudder*? And oh yeah, how do I take care of a newborn?
I know you’ve got a ton of questions and fears when it comes to giving birth. How? Because I’ve delivered thousands of babies as a labor nurse! I’ve seen it all...and as @labor.nurse.mama on IG, I’ve helped mamas all over the world stand up to their fears and walk into the labor room with confidence.
The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama is here to guide you through every step of your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I’ll show you how to embrace your inner feminine wisdom and teach you to feel totally comfortable owning the labor room.
Your body was made to deliver this baby, mama...let’s face all those fears and doubts and answer those nagging questions — so you can be ready for the most important day of your life!
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Pregnancy Unpacked Week 33: What to Expect & Third Trimester Tips | 190
Season 1 · Episode 190
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 • Duration 24:35
Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked! In this week's episode, we celebrate crossing 32 weeks - a major milestone. Dive deep into what's happening in Week 33 as Trish unpacks your little one's brain development, increasing weight and length, and the importance of surfactant for lung maturation.
Learn how to support your partner with practical and emotional tasks, recognize signs of preeclampsia, and set essential boundaries with family and friends as the countdown begins. Plus, get a sneak peek into the action items for this week, preparing your nursery, and finalizing your birth plan. Tune in to feel supported, informed, and ready for the incredible journey ahead!
What’s inside this episode:
What’s happening with baby at 33 weeks - key development milestones.
The physical and emotional changes happening with you.
If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!
If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.
If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.
Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.
Membrane Sweeps - What You Need to Know and How to Handle Them | 189
Season 1 · Episode 189
Friday, July 25, 2025 • Duration 10:15
Trish dives into the topic of membrane sweeps. She breaks down everything you need to know about this optional procedure to help you make informed decisions for your birth.
Trish explains what a membrane sweep is (also known as a stretch and sweep), how it works, tips to make it more comfortable, and why it might be considered to encourage labor naturally. She emphasizes that membrane sweeps are entirely your choice - your body, your birth, your decision. Trish shares when a membrane sweep is most effective (hint: wait until at least 40 weeks!), the importance of slight cervical dilation for the procedure, and why dilation alone isn’t the whole story when it comes to labor readiness. She also encourages combining a membrane sweep with various natural labor preparation techniques.
Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 22-24: The Juggle Is Real | 180
Season 1 · Episode 180
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 • Duration 12:34
Hey Mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with Trish, your pregnancy bestie. We’re diving into weeks 22-24, where your baby’s hitting papaya size and your bump’s stealing the show! Trish breaks down baby’s big developments, your body’s changes, and the emotional weight of this in-between season. You’re carrying a lot, but you’re not alone - let’s unpack it together!
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
What’s Happening with Baby
Size: Baby’s about the size of a papaya (~11-12 inches, ~1.5 pounds).
Development: Lungs are producing surfactant, key for breathing at birth. Eyelids are opening, eyelashes are forming, and baby’s hearing is sharp—reacting to your voice or loud noises. Movements are getting stronger, with a unique rhythm starting to emerge.
Cool Moment: Trish shares a sweet memory of her son Grayson startling during an ultrasound—proof of that magical connection!
What’s Happening with You
Physical Changes: Your uterus is ~2 cm above your belly button, stretching ligaments and causing round ligament pain, lower back aches, or sciatica. Braxton Hicks might be noticeable (see Episode 105 for details). Shortness of breath, increased discharge (normal unless foul-smelling), and insane hunger are common.
Digestive Issues: Bloating, gas, or reflux? Try papaya enzymes, stay hydrated, and eat balanced meals. Check with your provider for gas pain relief.
Sleep Struggles: Feeling tired but not sleeping? Grab a pregnancy pillow (linked in Trish’s Amazon shop below).
Emotional & Mental Load: Feeling resentful, touched out, or like you’re carrying it all? It’s normal. Have those hard convos with your partner or support system
Feeling as If Your Toddler will Never Potty Train? | 90
Season 1 · Episode 90
Friday, December 8, 2023 • Duration 33:50
Allison Jandu and I sat down to chat about potty training. You may not be at this stage yet. But I promise it will come faster than you expect.
Being prepared is key to handling parenting challenges, and potty training might land in that category for most of you.
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
I asked Allison what she thinks is most important to know when you enter into what I call potty training H-E-L-L.
Listen in as we chat about:
Preparing to potty train
Understanding child development & signs they are ready.
Buying a potty (not the cute ones...)
Reading Potty Books
When should you start training?
The down low on pull-ups and so much more.
More From Allison Jandu
Allison is helping to empower parents and toddlers to successfully go through the potty training process in a fun and positive way! She is a mom of two! Evan, 8, and Layla, 6! Layla has Type 1 Diabetes. When Layla was a toddler, she struggled with constipation, which drove Allison to quit her full-time job and become the potty training consultant full-time! She has now potty trained over 6000 children!!!
Your Epidural Playbook: Tips, Choices, and Practical Advice | 89
Season 1 · Episode 89
Friday, December 1, 2023 • Duration 23:32
Welcome to another episode designed specifically for all the expecting moms out there. Today, we're diving deep into a topic that's often shrouded in myths and misconceptions: Epidurals.
With the help of my long time experience as a labor and delivery nurse, I aim to arm you with all the information you need to make empowered choices for your birthing experience.
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
What's Inside this Episode:
What is an Epidural?: Understand the medical science behind epidurals and how they can impact your labor.
The Best Timing for an Epidural: Get the lowdown on when you should consider getting an epidural for a seamless labor experience.
The Epidural Placement Process: Know what to expect during the actual procedure and pick up some relaxation techniques to ease the process.
Types of Epidurals: From 'walking epidurals' to standard ones, explore the options that best suit your labor goals.
Pros and Cons of Epidurals: Navigate the benefits and risks, and learn how to discuss them effectively with your healthcare provider.
Resources & Extras
Epidural Empowerment Kit: Comment '#Epidural' on our latest Instagram post to get your hands on this invaluable resource filled with FAQs, checklists, and practical tips. or click this link:
Questions to Ask Your Provider: Don't miss our bonus list in our toolkit where we share essential questions to discuss with your healthcare provider, ensuring you make an informed choice.
Final Thoughts
Making decisions about your birth plan can be daunting, but knowledge is power. This episode is designed to provide comprehensive insights into epidurals, helping you take control of your labor and birthing experience.
Connect with Us
A Holistic Approach to Pelvic Floor Wellness – with Jenn Lormand | 88
Season 1 · Episode 88
Friday, November 24, 2023 • Duration 38:00
Join Trish in an engaging conversation with Jenn Lormand from Tighten Your Tinkler, as they delve into holistic solutions for pelvic floor issues.
Jenn, an experienced exercise physiologist shares her revolutionary approach which goes beyond traditional methods like kegels, offering hope and healing to women facing these challenges.
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
Jenn discusses the importance of a holistic approach to pelvic floor health, emphasizing the body's ability to heal and reactivate dormant muscles. This is amazing news for many of our mamas.
They explore the core issues behind pelvic floor dysfunctions and the inefficacy of temporary fixes like kegels. Jenn highlights their Signature Program, an online platform designed to ease related symptoms like back and hip tightness and improve overall quality of life from home.
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
6 Ways to Prepare for An Unmedicated Birth:
Mindset Matters: Addressing your fears and your mindset happens long before the labor room. Replace your fears with TRUTH, and having a clear “WHY” for choosing an unmedicated birth is essential for a positive mindset.
Being Educated: Education gives you a sense of calm & peace to make the best decisions for your during your birth. Winging your birth is not an option.
Preparing Your Body: Understanding the power of the pelvis and movement during birth is monumental to your birth experience.
Creating a Supportive Birth Environment: If you create a birth environment that is supportive, you are going to feel safe while allowing the natural pain killers that we have flowing through our body to flow.
Unmedicated Pain Management Tools & Techniques: Understanding the importance of various unmedicated pain management techniques, including breath work, hot/cold therapy, & the comb technique.
Understanding Your Interventions & Your Birth Rights: Like I’ve said before, we don’t just refuse willy nilly. You need to know what this intervention is for, why it is used, and when it is appropriate. Should I say yes? Should I say no? You need to know your rights to navigate this.
Revolutionizing Postpartum Care with Melissa Fernandez, the Acrobat-Turned-Doula | 86
Season 1 · Episode 86
Friday, November 10, 2023 • Duration 36:09
Today we're diving into a unique story of athleticism, artistry, and maternal care. Join me as I chat with Melissa, a former Cirque du Soleil acrobat, NCAA gymnast, and now, a dedicated postpartum doula.
Reigniting the Spark: Postpartum Intimacy with Expert Sex Coach Kaci Mial | 85
Season 1 · Episode 85
Friday, November 3, 2023 • Duration 26:13
Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Kaci Mial, an esteemed sex coach with a robust educational background in human sexuality and hands-on experience as a support provider for teen moms. Kaci delivers her expert insights into preserving intimacy during the postpartum period, a topic that many new mothers find challenging yet crucial for their well-being and relationships.
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:
Embracing Your New Body: Self-Care Postpartum Kaci emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care and acknowledging the physical changes after birth. She advocates for attending postpartum check-ups and introduces the idea of using lubrication as a helpful tool for comfortable intercourse during this time.
Rediscovering Your Sensuality: Body Awareness Techniques The journey back to intimacy begins with understanding your transformed body. Kaci encourages new mothers to engage in sensory exploration, breathing exercises, and specific massages that aid in healing and comfort. She also suggests the novel use of a squatty potty and mirror work to foster a positive body image.
Mental and Emotional Well-being: Psychological Support and Myth-Busting Mental health is as crucial as physical health in the postpartum period. Kaci recommends therapy, creating a robust support system, and engaging in mindfulness practices to maintain a healthy mindset. She also addresses the need to dispel common myths surrounding post-birth sexuality.
Strengthening Your Partnership: Communication and Empathy Finally, Kaci outlines strategies for new parents to maintain a strong connection with their partners. Open communication about desires, expectations, and the emotional complexities faced by both partners is vital. She underlines the significance of empathy and mutual support during this transformative phase.
More from Kaci Mial Here:
Unconventional Pain Relief Techniques for Childbirth | 84
Season 1 · Episode 84
Friday, October 27, 2023 • Duration 18:44
Are you an expectant mom, curious about innovative ways to ease labor pain and make your birthing experience more empowering? Look no further!
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
In this episode, Trish, a seasoned labor and delivery rn and childbirth educator, dives deep into unconventional yet scientifically-backed methods that can revolutionize your birthing journey. We're talking about:
The Comb Technique: Learn how a simple comb can be your secret weapon against pain using the Gate Theory of Pain. Trish will guide you through a practice session you won't want to miss.
Visualization Magic: Harness the incredible power of your mind! Discover how visualization can reduce anxiety and pain perception during labor, and practice this transformative technique with Trish.
The Power of Affirmations: Empower yourself with positive words. Trish shares empowering birth affirmations and guides you through an affirmation practice session.
Unlock Your Birth Potential: Don't miss this opportunity to prepare for a positive birth experience like never before. Our unconventional methods are not only effective but also empowering.
Subscribe, share, and be sure to invite all the moms-to-be you know.
Together, we're on a mission to make childbirth a beautiful and empowering experience.
Remember, you're strong, capable, and fully equipped for this incredible journey.
If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!
If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.
If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.
Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.
Appointments & What to Expect
Monthly provider visits include fundal height checks, Doppler heartbeat monitoring, blood pressure, urine tests, and swelling checks. Discuss cramps, movements, or preterm labor signs.
If you have cramping, backaches, or pelvic pressure, your provider may run a fetal fibronectin test or refer you to a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. Always call for fluid leaks, bleeding, or intense pressure - you’re advocating, not annoying!
Action Steps for Weeks 22-24:
Prep questions for your next provider visit.
Track anything weird and call your provider if needed.
Observe baby’s movements - get curious, no formal kick counts yet.
Start your postpartum support plan (it’s not too early!).
Check in with your partner or support person about your emotional and physical needs.
You’re growing a human and showing up for life—that’s superhero stuff, mama!
If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!
If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.
If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.
Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.
For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Next Steps with LNM:
If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!
If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.
If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.
Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Share this episode with anyone you think could benefit from it.
For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Next Steps with LNM:
If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!
If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.
If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.
Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.
For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Next Steps with LNM:
If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!
If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.
If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.
Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.
For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Next Steps with LNM:
If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!
If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.
If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.
Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.
For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Next Steps with LNM:
If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!
If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.
If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.
Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.
For those eager to deepen their understanding of postpartum intimacy, Kaci's tips provide a foundational guide for nurturing both self and relationships after childbirth.
Remember to follow and subscribe for more empowering discussions that help you navigate motherhood with ease and confidence.
For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Next Steps with LNM:
If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!
If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.
If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.
Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.
For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Next Steps with LNM:
If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!
If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.
If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.
Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.
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