Preggie Pals: Your Pregnancy, Your Way

We've all seen the images on television and in the movies. A woman in labor screams her head off as she's pushing her baby through the birth canal. We've been trained to think this experience is going to be painful. So, what are your pain management options? What are epidurals and spinals and when are they used? What additional medications can help take the edge off while allowing you to stay mobile throughout labor and delivery? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are discussing different pregnancy complications and diagnosis that can come up while you are growing your bundle of joy! Whether you have been suffering from non-stop nausea and wondering if it could be HG, just got diagnosed with gestational diabetes or suffering from high blood pressure... We will be chatting about all this and more coming up! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of us dream of one day having a family of our own, but for some prospective parents, giving birth to their own biological child just isn’t a possibility. Every day surrogate mothers are helping these families turn their dreams into reality. So, what does it take to become a surrogate mom, and is it right for you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Water can help you relieve pressure throughout your pregnancy, so it only makes sense that giving birth in the water can improve your overall childbirth experience as well. What are some of the benefits waterbirth provides for both mother and baby? How are babies monitored if mom is laboring in the water? And is it really safe for babies to stay underwater as they're being born? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy is an amazing time in your life- filled with lots of new changes. What exactly is happening to you and your body during your second trimester? How long is this trimester and what stages of growth and development is your new baby experiencing? When will morning sickness subside? At what point can you learn your baby's gender? Plus, the flutter of your baby's first kick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are discussing pregnancy after miscarriage. Miscarriage impacts about one in three pregnancies and can be a very emotional experience to go through. Getting pregnant again after having a miscarriage can be a nerve wrecking experience and today we are diving deep on ways to ease your mind and give tips on how to cope through the stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many advantages to having a low-risk pregnancy, especially if you're planning a natural birth. What should your blood pressure look like? What about the food you eat and the amount of time you exercise? This episode explores some practical ways for you to stay in optimal health during the next nine months. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your due date is quickly approaching and you're still trying to figure out what to pack in your hospital bag? So, what are the essentials, and what can you essentially leave at home? We've asked some experienced moms to help us create a checklist of what belongs in your hospital bag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are discussing the importance of finding childcare while pregnant! Whether you know you are going back to work after your maternity leave or you are still on the fence… this episode is to help guide you to making the right decision when it comes to your baby on the way and the care they will receive if and when you head back to work! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each pregnancy is different, so how are we supposed to know if the symptoms we are currently feeling are "normal"? How can you tell if there's something really wrong? Today we'll expose the top 10 reasons when you'll want to pick up the phone and call your doctor or midwife. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most pregnancies result in healthy babies. However, moms-to-be are offered prenatal testing as a way to determine if there are any known abnormalities in the growth and development of their unborn child. What are the benefits and risks of prenatal testing? What tests are you offered and when? And how can genetic counseling help you through the process? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our bodies experience three stages of labor during childbirth. What are the three stages, what exactly is happening to your body and why is it necessary? Understanding these stages will better prepare you for your own labor and delivery because you'll know what to expect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're expecting your first, second, or even third child, this episode is here to support you on your breastfeeding journey, especially as you navigate the transition back to work. It’s never too early to start planning, and today, we’re sharing practical tips and strategies to help you tackle common challenges and set yourself up for breastfeeding success. Let’s dive in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With more babies being born by Cesarean section, a new movement is campaigning to create a more natural experience for both mom and baby. It's known as the "Natural Cesarean" or "Family-Centered Cesarean". So, what exactly happens during this procedure? How can it improve the bonding between you and your newborn? And why are some medical providers against it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're expecting your first, second, or even third child, this episode is here to support you on your breastfeeding journey, especially as you navigate the transition back to work. It’s never too early to start planning, and today, we’re sharing practical tips and strategies to help you tackle common challenges and set yourself up for breastfeeding success. Let’s dive in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your baby is on the way, so making your baby registry is a top priority. What should you consider when selecting the best breast pump for you and your baby? What are the benefits of a manual hand pump versus an electric pump? What other features should you be looking for? Plus, additional accessories to help make your pumping experience as pleasant as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think you're pregnant? Nausea is one of the first pregnancy symptoms you may notice, and it could stay with you for a while. So, what actually causes morning sickness? What types of foods and vitamins help make you feel better? Plus, our panelists share how they coped with morning sickness during their pregnancies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You were planning for a vaginal birth, but then you learn your baby is breech. Fetal position is often overlooked until late in the pregnancy, so what are your options? Should you try and get your baby to turn? Can you deliver a breech baby vaginally? What are the concerns for both mom and baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you've experienced miscarriage or stillbirth, you may have concerns about becoming pregnant again. But there is hope. How do you know when you're ready to start trying again? What type of emotions may you experience with a subsequent pregnancy? And how do you process it all? Today we're talking with three women who have experienced loss but have also experienced successful pregnancies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sudden bursts of energy have led you to clean out the fridge, sweep out the garage and reorganize your sock drawer. The good news is, you're not alone. What exactly is the nesting instinct during pregnancy? Who gets it? And how can we effectively use it without driving our partners (and other people around us) completely crazy? Plus, one of our listeners from Maine joins us as a special guest! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've reached the end of your pregnancy. Your due date has passed and still no baby. Fortunately, there are some safe non-invasive ways to give your baby a gentle nudge down the birth canal. When should you consider self-induction and what methods work best? Today we're separating fact from fiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You are so close to meeting your bun in the oven! As you are setting up the nursery and putting items on your registry you want to make sure you have clean safe baby products! Today we are speaking with Chase and Stefanie, the founders of Stork and Sun on why they came up with their clean baby products and how to navigate the overwhelming amount of items offered to new parents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Determining your due date is one of the first things that happens at your initial prenatal appointment. What are the common methods used when figuring out this date? What happens if your exact due date can't be determined and how can it impact future treatment? Plus, what happens if your due date comes and goes and your baby still hasn't arrived? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a holistic approach to childbirth that helps mothers reclaim and celebrate the spiritual, emotional, and psychological aspects of birth as a right of passage. How can this method, called "Birthing From Within", help you throughout your labor and delivery experience? How does it differ from other childbirth preparation methods? And what can you expect should you decide to take a class? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy is supposed to be a happy time, but that joy can easily be overshadowed by prenatal anxiety and depression. How do you know if you're developing these conditions during your pregnancy? What are the main risk factors or warning signs? And how can you get the support you need to overcome it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As an expectant parent, there are so many terms to learn and new “feelings” to identify in pregnancy. What does the term “the baby has dropped” really mean? What does it feel like? How do you know what’s going on? And what does this mean for your labor and delivery? Learn more about the signs your baby has dropped in pregnancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you're pregnant, your body is working overtime and you may feel more sleepy or tired than usual. However, the larger your belly gets, the more uncomfortable you may be when you lay down to rest? What are the best positions for sleeping while pregnant? What modifications can you make to your environment so you can get the sleep you need? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to caring for an amazing newborn baby, your postpartum period will almost certainly bring more stress and challenges than you anticipated. Preparing a postpartum plan can help make this transition into parenthood a bit smoother. So, what should you consider when creating your postpartum plan? When should you create it, and who should be part of the process? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your first baby was born via c-section and with this time you're hoping to have a vaginal birth, or VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). You may have heard about some of the risks, but what does it all actually mean? Are VBACs riskier than having a repeat c-section? What factors should you consider before making this big decision for both you and your baby? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know sleep is important during pregnancy. Not getting enough can cause drastic changes both mentally and emotionally. What are some signs of sleep deprivation? How can you overcome sleep disorders while pregnant? Plus, simple tips to help you and your baby get the restful sleep you deserve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thinking about your labor and delivery can be overwhelming. If you are among the women who are interested in birthing out of the hospital and at a birth center this episode is for you! Today we are chatting about birth center options for labor and birth and what you need to know before you give birth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're planning to breastfeed your baby once he arrives. But what happens if your breastfeeding experience doesn't happen as perfectly as you planned? How can a board-certified lactation consultant help you on your journey? What services does a lactation consultant typically provide? What are some of the benefits in adding one to your team of health care providers? Plus, how to find a lactation consultant who best fits you and your breastfeeding needs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Running while pregnant is a controversial topic for many non-runners. But running while pregnant can actually be quite beneficial to both mom and baby. What should you expect if you choose to run throughout your pregnancy? Can you run during all three trimesters? And what are some great ways to monitor your body to ensure you and baby are safe? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congrats! You are pregnant! Whether this is your first pregnancy or second you will need to think about the care team you would like to have while carrying your bundle of joy. Today we are talking about the growing trend of women opting to go with a midwifery team rather than their normal OB and essentially calling their midwife! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know you want to birth with a midwifery team however you aren’t sure how tochoose the one right for you. Today we are speaking with Sarah Tunney a very experiencedmidwife to chat about why experience matters especially for high risk pregnancies anddeliveries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're pregnant and you're planning to breastfeed your baby. But, if you've never breastfed before, how will you know what to do? Should you take a breastfeeding class? How about visiting a breastfeeding support group? What can you expect to happen during those first few days after your baby is born? And what can you do in advance to prepare for any unexpected breastfeeding challenges? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you first find out you're pregnant, you probably aren't thinking much about your cervix. But this tiny organ is already preparing for your baby. It softens, lengthens, elongates, dilates, thins, and does all sorts of interesting things right up to the moment your baby is born. Learn more about what causes these changes and what it means for your labor and delivery experience! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're looking for a non-invasive way to help relieve your pregnancy discomfort, then acupuncture may be a great alternative for you! How exactly does acupuncture work and how can it help to heal the body? Does having a bunch of needles inserted just below your skin hurt? And what can you expect to happen during an appointment? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people think of it as a "breathing technique" that helps women during labor and delivery. However, Lamaze is much more than that. Through the years, this childbirth education method has evolved into a philosophy that builds women's confidence and prepares them for pregnancy and birth. So, what are the main principles of Lamaze? And what can you expect to happen during a Lamaze class? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you want to birth your baby at home, at a midwife center or in the hospital, hiring a birth doula might be the best option for you. Not only do they come with a wealth of knowledge, but having one present has been proven to give you better labor outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thinking about adding an OB/GYN to your team of health care providers? What type of prenatal care can you expect to receive with an OB/GYN? What exactly is their role during the labor and delivery process? And how can you find an OB/GYN that best fits your goals outlined in your birth plan? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You just confirmed you are pregnant and now your doctor is talking about prenatal nutrition. You remember hearing pregnant women are supposed to avoid sushi, deli meat and alcohol but is that it? Today we are diving deep into the dos and don’ts of prenatal nutrition and talking about those pregnancy cravings you have heard so much about! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're planning a vaginal birth, you'll want to minimize the amount of injury caused by the birth of your baby. Episiotomies, tearing and perineal massage are all options that can create more room for your baby to pass through the birth canal. When is each option typically used and how effective are they? What is the recovery process like for episiotomies versus tearing? And why are episiotomies considered taboo these days? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a lot to think about when you're an expecting dad. Our crazy pregnancy symptoms and mood swings can easy perplex any soon-to-be dad. But what are your partner's biggest concerns during pregnancy? Did their lives drastically change during this nine month period? How do they really feel about childbirth and watching their partners give birth to their child? Today, we ask the tough questions to our special all-dad panel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you hired your doula and are waiting for the big day your little one decides to arrive! Did you know your Doula can do more for you than just support the birth you want? Today’s episode is all about knowing the things your doula can do for you during labor and for your postpartum! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've just peed on the stick and it's positive. Now what? Most care providers will schedule your first prenatal appointment at the eight-week mark. So, what are you supposed to do in the meantime? We're answering some of the main questions you'll have during this time, especially if this is your first baby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having more than one child can make pregnancy a bit more challenging. When and how do you tell your other children that you're pregnant? How involved should they be in your pregnancy? And how do you have enough energy to physically take care of your kids while growing another one? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pregnancy expectations when it comes to adopting a kid. Whether you are pregnant now after adopting a child or have always dreamed of welcoming your home to a child by adopting as well as experiencing pregnancy and birth you’ve come to the right place! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you choose to birth in a hospital, birth center or home, there are small things you can do to help make your birth experience as calm and comfortable as possible. How can we tame our five senses so we can relax more easily? Can aromatherapy and essential oils help your labor progress faster? Does special lighting help with pain management? And can your favorite music playlist re-energize you for those last few pushes when your baby is crowning? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you worried about the sleepless nights once your newborn arrives? The potential bickering that might happen with your partner and how you both will come together to raise your new baby? This episode is all about how to prepare your mental health and get on the same level as your partner before your baby arrives! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices