In this episode, host Victoria Gaba sits down with Maddie to discuss her remarkable journey through two vastly different pregnancy and birth experiences, beginning with Maddie's unexpected transition into motherhood at just sixteen years old. Despite a PCOS diagnosis that suggested future fertility hurdles, Maddie’s early experience as a teen parent set the stage for a learning advocacy and grit, ultimately leading her to a high-risk plus-size pregnancy with Di-Di twins years later.

This second journey brought a new set of medical complexities, from the initial shock of discovering multiples during a routine ultrasound to the daily management of diet-controlled gestational diabetes. As her pregnancy progressed, Maddie navigated the physical and emotional weight of being a plus-size mother, confronting societal stigmas and medical biases while her body worked overtime to carry two babies toward a safe delivery.

The narrative takes a critical turn as Maddie describes the sudden onset of severe preeclampsia symptoms—including vision spots, chronic migraines, and significant swelling—which necessitated an immediate hospital admission and a traumatic emergency C-section. She offers a raw, unfiltered look at the grueling realities of a magnesium drip and the physical toll of a spinal block that required seven attempts before successful placement. Once her twins arrived at thirty-four weeks, the family began a month-long NICU journey characterized by the use of CPAPs, NG tubes, and the delicate balance of "touch time" and "scent cloth" bonding. Maddie concludes the episode with a transparent discussion on postpartum depression (PPD) and the unique challenges of parenting multiples alongside a seven-year-old, all while managing the external pressures and commentary often directed at plus-size women during their postpartum recovery.

Resources Mentioned:

Hand to Hold NICU Support

Episode 6 | Sydney’s Story

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Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.

In this episode, host Victoria Gaba sits down with first-time mom Cera to unpack the raw and empowering reality of navigating a plus-size pregnancy and a successful vaginal birth after induction. Cera shares her journey from the surprise of a quick conception after thirteen years on birth control to the nuances of receiving "high-risk" prenatal care due to her BMI. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of self-advocacy in the delivery room, explaining how she navigated medical weight stigma, opted for midwifery care, and managed gestational hypertension with a proactive medical team.

The heart of the episode dives into the details of Cera’s 37-week induction, where she discusses the physical hurdles of the Foley balloon, the decision to use an epidural to help her body relax and dilate, and the "fireworks" moment of finally meeting her daughter. Cera also pulls back the curtain on the postpartum fourth trimester, offering a vulnerable look at the mental health toll of low milk supply and the grueling cycle of triple feeding. By sharing her transition to formula and her firm belief that fed is best, Cera provides a supportive roadmap for any parent feeling the pressure of "perfect" breastfeeding. 

Whether you are interested in the mechanics of an anterior placenta, looking for tips on managing morning sickness, or seeking a boost of confidence for your own plus-size birth story, this episode is a testament to the fact that our bodies are capable, resilient, and worthy of compassionate care.

Resources Mentioned:

The Heavyweight Midwife

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Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.

In this episode, We sit down with Allison to discuss her incredible journey from a decade of fertility struggles to the birth of her "miracle baby," Juniper. Allison shares the raw reality of navigating pregnancy with PCOS and endometriosis, including the specific 30-day hormone reset that finally led to a positive test.

The conversation dives deep into the unexpected side effects of pregnancy—from extreme arm numbness and ear infections to a sudden pre-eclampsia diagnosis at 37 weeks. Allison also provides a beautiful and rare look at her Navajo cultural traditions, explaining how they influenced her choices regarding medical interventions, labor practices, and the sacred handling of the placenta.

Whether you’re curious about C-section recovery, the stress of a NICU stay following a failed car seat test, or managing postpartum anxiety and high blood pressure, Allison’s story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy and the resilience of a mother’s intuition.

#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #Induction #Csectionmom

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Gauge Girl Fitness

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Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.

In this episode, we sit down with Cam, a mom from Utah, to discuss her journey through a high-risk plus-size pregnancy, a 15-hour induction, and an unplanned C-section. Cam shares an honest account of the challenges she faced, from managing a pregnancy following gallbladder surgery to navigating medical bias in the delivery room.

We dive deep into the realities of C-section recovery, the frustration of finding inclusive plus-size maternity clothes, and the "pit of darkness" that was her experience with Postpartum Depression (PPD) at the three-month mark. Now seven weeks pregnant with her second child, Cam reflects on the importance of mental health advocacy, the life-changing impact of therapy, and her hopes for a future VBAC. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a sincere look at the complexities of birth, body image, and postpartum resilience.

#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #Induction #Csectionmom

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Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.

In this episode, we sit down with Clara to hear about her unconventional fertility journey and becoming a first-time mother approaching age 40. Clara details a fascinating medical breakthrough: how removing a 20-year-old dental bridge—and resolving a hidden metal allergy and chronic inflammation—allowed her to conceive naturally despite a bicornuate uterus. The discussion provides essential insights into managing a high-risk pregnancy, including navigating plus-size maternal health care, undergoing iron transfusions, and maintaining optimism after an initial pregnancy loss.

The birth story takes center stage as Clara recounts her 35-week induction and the physical toll of a magnesium drip for blood pressure management. Facing a failed epidural and intense hospital protocols, she shares how patient advocacy led to a successful C-section delivery and a healthy baby girl. Clara offers a candid look at postpartum recovery, the reality of exclusive pumping, and the importance of trusting your intuition over rigid medical advice during the early months of motherhood.

#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #Induction #Csectionmom

Resources: 

Flow App

Pre-Mom App

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Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.

Welcome Javeé Love to the show for a compelling look at the realities of a pregnancy starting at over 500 pounds. After a surprise conception following the loss of her grandmother, Javeé navigated a healthy and uneventful pregnancy despite pre-existing high blood pressure. She sheds light on the limitations within the healthcare industry, recounting how she was initially turned away from an OBGYN before finding an inclusive maternal-fetal medicine team.

This conversation explores the technical aspects of a classical C-section, the recovery benefits of a Pico dressing, and the emotional challenges of being separated from her newborn during a 24-hour ICU monitoring period. Javeé also provides an unfiltered look at mental health, discussing her struggles with prenatal depression and her decision to choose formula over breastfeeding after experiencing DMER. Javeé’s story shows that with a good attitude and a little humor, you can navigate the curveballs and still have a positive pregnancy and birth!

#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #500lbpregnancy #Csectionmom

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TikTok

Stand Up Comedy

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Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.

We are joined by Becca Fajardo for a sincere and impactful look at the realities of high-risk motherhood. This episode follows Becca’s journey from handling Type 2 Diabetes and PCOS with significant weight loss to navigating a fertility journey with Letrozole. Becca shares an honest account of receiving a Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) diagnosis mid-pregnancy and the transition into life as part of the "Lucky Few" community.

From a traumatic birth involving shoulder dystocia and an emergency postpartum surgery for a 13cm hematoma to a 17-day NICU stay, this conversation highlights the importance of medical advocacy and support. Whether you are navigating a high-risk pregnancy, looking for Down syndrome resources, or seeking stories of resilient parenting, Becca’s story offers deep insight into the strength and joy found in the unexpected!

#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #downsyndrome #NICUmom

Resources Mentioned:

Mira Ovulation Tracker

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network

Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas

Jack’s Basket

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Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.

When does a "normal" pregnancy become high-risk? For Sydney, a first-time mom from Texas, that shift happened overnight at 30 weeks pregnant. What followed was a month of strength, patience, and unwavering focus as she navigated a month-long antepartum hospital stay with one goal in mind: reaching the 34-week milestone.

In this episode, Sydney shares the incredible highs and lows of her journey, starting with her experience navigating plus size pregnancy. We dive deep into the reality of a sudden preeclampsia diagnosis, the peaceful 34-week planned C-section she fought so hard for, and the unexpected challenges that surfaced during a 32-day NICU stay.

Sydney speaks candidly about discovering a newborn brain bleed late in the journey and how that diagnosis transformed her into a fierce advocate for her daughter’s health. We discuss the "wait and see" nature of neurological healing, the importance of physical and feeding therapies, and how they are moving forward with their care team.

Whether you are a plus-size mama, a preemie parent, or someone looking for a story of hope amidst medical uncertainty, Sydney’s perspective on "grieving the plan while loving the reality" is a must-listen.

Resources:

What is Pre-Eclampsia?

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This episode is a powerful look at the spectrum of birth experiences—from a smooth vaginal delivery to an emergency twin C-section under general anesthesia. Host Victoria Gaba sits down with Anjelica Otto, a mother of three living in Texas, to discuss her 11-year age gap journey.

Anjelica opens up about her first pregnancy at age 20, which involved low amniotic fluid and a successful induction. Fast forward a decade, and she shares the "Fertile Myrtle" surprise of a twin pregnancy. We dive deep into the complexities of managing gestational diabetes with insulin, the frustration of medical bias in larger bodies, and the terrifying moment her water broke at 37 weeks.

Anjelica recounts her emergency C-section where her daughter was footling breech, the pain of waking up from general anesthesia, and the emotional "newborn trenches" of a two-week NICU stay. If you’ve ever felt like your weight defined your care or struggled with the "mom guilt" of a NICU separation, this episode is for you.

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This episode is a profound look at the resilience required to navigate a high-intervention fertility journey. Victoria sits down with Nicky to discuss her four-year path to motherhood, involving failed IUIs, multiple IVF rounds, and the emotional complexities of using donor eggs. Nicky opens up about the intersection of plus-size pregnancy, Crohn’s disease, and hypothyroidism, and how she advocated for a care team that saw her as a person, not a BMI.

We dive into the reality of an emergency C-section after a sudden water break at 37 weeks, the stress of a 10-day NICU stay for her "little but mighty" son, and her current "miracle" natural pregnancy that occurred after years of medical assistance. This conversation is a testament to the fact that while the road to baby might look different than planned, every birth is a victory.

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Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only.