I begin with a mini disclaimer about the audio and video quality due to the last day of Mercury retrograde. Despite the production challenges, we have an important and heartfelt conversation for you today.

I want you to meet Nikki, who is joining my Hypnobirthing series, and this is our first face-to-face talk. Nikki shares her deeply personal and emotional fertility journey, which includes unexpected pregnancies, miscarriages, and the associated medical experiences. Nikki is still early in her pregnancy and so she came today to get some early help in reducing the fears she has around her upcoming birth. The sooner you can address worries and get ideas of how to manage them, the more you can enjoy the remaining weeks with your baby.

We are both on the same page with the importance of advocating for oneself in the medical system, and Nikki is already doing that and off to a good start. Nikki is also really good at taking a step back and asking, "why?" when she hears something that doesn't sit right with her. We discuss some solutions and create some ways to practice letting go of her current fears.

We emphasize the importance of trusting one's body and intuition, the words we choose to use in preparing for birth, and the transformative nature of motherhood. We hope to provide support and understanding to others on similar journeys. Nikki is also an artist! Find her Etsy shop here -

LavenderAndSea https://www.etsy.com/shop/LavenderAndSea?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=1150541348&from_page=listing

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

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Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

In this episode, I welcome April to share her labor denial birth story and the journey of overcoming fears related to pregnancy. April opens up about her past struggles with an eating disorder and how it impacted her initial fears of weight gain during pregnancy. This is an issue that many women face in pregnancy and isn't talked about enough in my opinion.

April emphasizes the importance of mental health, surrendering control, and trusting one's body and baby throughout the process. She put in the work to figure these things out for herself before labor began. She also talks about the necessity for open communication between partners to navigate postpartum challenges with practical advice.

April also talks up her awesome birth support, her husband, doula Lydia and her mom who was also there for the birth. From navigating labor, the beauty of the golden hour and the emotional support from her mother, this episode is a testament to the power of preparation, trust, and the irreplaceable moments shared with loved ones during this significant life event.

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

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Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/OMG-Im-Pregnant-Course/

Induction 101: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/Induction-101-Course/

Mental Health: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/pregnancy-and-postpartum-mental-health/

Newborn Procedures: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/Newborn-Procedures-Course/

Epidurals Explained: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/epidurals-explained/

Meditations/Journal: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/shop/

For Doulas Only: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/shop/bundles/ebook-bundle/

I can't wait for you to hear Courtney's incredible birth story. From her experiences with pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, to raising her seven-year-old, Courtney's journey is filled with resilience and practical life skills.

Courtney shares her initial vision of a natural birth with a midwife, through her unexpected medical diagnoses of gestational diabetes, cholestasis, and preeclampsia, and the necessity of induction. She discusses navigating the steep changes to her birth plan with the help of hypnobirthing, her husband, and her steadfast community support. Expected challenges became manageable thanks to the advocacy and flexibility she cultivated.

Her story shows the significance of self-advocacy in medical settings, the indispensable role of a doula, and embracing flexibility for smoother transitions into parenthood. Courtney's story isn't just about overcoming the struggles of childbirth, but also about how to apply these strengths to better handle the ever-evolving phases of parenting and life. Join us for an inspiring conversation full of insights for new and expectant parents.

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Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

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TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

In this episode, we have an incredible birth story for you. This is a story where Hannah's natural birth was quickly overshadowed by an extensive NICU stay with their son. Hannah and Greg took my Hypnobirthing class early in her pregnancy and did extensive preparation. What started as a planned birth center birth became a hospital transfer due to the baby's early gestation.

Hannah had become the "planner for the unplannable" due to her knowing her birth ideals well over a year before she became pregnant. Little did she know that all of that thinking ahead helped her establish great care and an amazing village of support

Greg shares how participating in multiple classes helped him support Hannah and plan for different birth scenarios. Together, they discuss the challenges and triumphs of their NICU experience, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, self-care, and staying optimistic. This episode is a testament to the resilience of parents and the power of preparation, offering hope and inspiration for anyone who finds themselves on a similar journey.

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Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

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FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

I'm excited today as we have Sierra to share her incredible birth story with us. If you are watching on YouTube you can see her adorable little one. Sierra took my Hypnobirthing class from her work location and her partner joined from home. A definite advantage of attending an online childbirth series!

In this episode, Sierra dives into the nitty-gritty of her unexpected pregnancy journey, her fears surrounding birth, and the real-deal experiences she faced in the hospital. We'll talk about how she stayed strong and knew exactly what she wanted for her birth and her baby, even when things got tough.

We'll also chat about how she prepared mentally and physically for an unmedicated birth, navigated through hospital language and interventions, and championed her way through it all. With her advocacy practice on high alert and a hilarious recount of having an inebriated husband by her side, this episode is all about empowerment, preparation, and keeping your cool. Can't wait for you all to tune in and get inspired by Sierra's phenomenal journey!

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Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

In this episode, we dive into the topic of birth plans, or as we prefer to call them, 'birth preferences.' This is a more energetic view of how to create an plan that fits your family and what's important to you. The internet is filled with templated plans - but how to you keep it specific without overwhelming yourself and the staff? We emphasize the importance of informed consent and how it allows for autonomy during childbirth. We'll cover the difference between hospital and out-of-hospital birth classes and how they can affect your birth plan.

Since we don't know what your baby is going to do during labor - we have to go with the flow. That does not mean you just show up with a suitcase at the hospital and wait to see what happens. Quite the opposite. Having solid education about birth, helps you see what's most important for your family and create a plan to personalize the care you receive. If you don't know what the options are - you don't have any.

We'll share practical tips for keeping your birth preferences concise, readable, and focused on what's most important to you and your baby. Additionally, we touch on why it's essential to have separate cesarean birth plans and how to communicate your non-negotiables effectively. Whether you're a parent-to-be or a doula supporting expecting families, this episode is filled with insights to help you create a birth environment where you feel respected, heard, and in control.

Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/

In this latest episode in our Birth Educator series, we dive into the power of autonomy in childbirth with Maggie, a birth educator who transitioned from student to educator. We find out what the birth world is like in her area and Maggie tells us about an amazing birthing place that left me wanting!

Maggie took every set of classes we offered before the birth of her first son. She studied birth education like she was attaining a college degree. She worked through her fears, physical limitations, handpicked a birth team and rocked her birth. She also shares the unexpected birth of her second son.

Along with her personal birth experiences, Maggie emphasizes the importance of education, preparation, and the ability to make informed decisions for a better birth outcome. We discuss everything from physiologically understanding birth to the role of the pelvic floor, and how being well-informed can reduce fear and lead to a more empowering birth experience, whether it's a home birth, hospital birth, or C-section. Join us as we explore how to stack the cards in your favor for a positive birth journey.

Maggie teaches Birthsmarter® classes in Bozeman Montana. You can find her at WholeHealthyMama.com and on IG @wholemamafit

Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/

In this episode, Ashley and I are talking about pushing and why we encourage you to advocate for freedom of movement during the pushing phase of labor. You do not have to be on your back and you are "allowed" to move and push in any way that your body is instinctively telling you to push.

In Hypnobirthing we have multiple discussions on how to communicate your needs effectively with your birth team, the benefits of moving freely, and the positions that optimize the birthing process. We want you to practice having these conversations with each other during the series and make sure that you and your partner are on the same page with position options and what feels right to your body in the moment. Partners are really good at remembering what you have practiced and how they can help - but it has to be practiced and talked about ahead of time.

We also touch upon the challenges posed by traditional medical settings and the history behind common birthing practices. Discover the importance of trusting your instincts, exploring different birthing positions, and communicating your needs without conflict.

Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/

In our final February love fest episode, I chat with Alenna, who shares her personal Hypnobirthing birth story. From how she and her husband accidentally found Hypnobirthing to what happened on delivery day, Alenna and her husband were on the same page about not using medication and did a lot of proactive practice ahead of time. You may hear about the peanut ball and its magic for the first time in this episode!

Alenna did great with remembering to ignore early labor to save energy for the real stuff later. A tip that most of us ignore and then regret later. As a self proclaimed control freak, she allowed herself to go with the flow even as a backup doula was called in because hers was at another birth.

Her education and practice enabled her voice to come through and ask the important questions as they presented themselves. Alenna follows up with some great tips and real talk about preparing for birth and postpartum life. Thank you to Seneca for taking the baby and dog on a walk so we could meet up for this conversation - and we missed you!

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Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/

In this February episode, we welcome back Jeanne Marie Paynel, a seasoned Montessori mentor and host of 'The Art of Parenting' podcast. We are so excited for Jeanne Marie to share with you insights on how Montessori principles can transform your home into a nurturing environment for your children. You'll also get a sneak peak into what goes on in a Montessorri classroom and how it supports your child's natural brain development with no harsh timelines and expectations.

We will learn about the critical first six years of your child's development, the importance of a 'yes' environment, and how to create a space that fosters independence and confidence. I have worked with her for over 15 years and what she has brought to the parents I teach has been remarkable. Whether you're planning for a baby or already parenting, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt wisdom. This is the perfect episode to share with a friend who is NOT pregnant yet so they have time to research these principles and see if they are right for them.

You can find Jeanne Marie on her website https://voilamontessori.com/

IG @Yourparentingmentor

You can find her on YouTube at The Art Of Parenting and her podcast The Art of Parenting is on Apple and Spotify.

For her FREE PDF guide for creating a Montessorri nursery Click Here

https://voilamontessori.com/nursery-checklist/

The three books mentioned can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/voilamontessori

A love letter from your baby--

https://voilamontessori.com/newborns-need-you-to-know/

Quotes from Dr. Maria Montessori's writings:

…/… the most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to the age of six. For that is the time when man's intelligence itself, his greatest implement, is being formed. But not only his intelligence; the full totality of his psychic powers. This new idea has greatly impressed those with some insight into psychic life, and many have begun to study the newborn and the one year old child, who is the creator of the adult's personality.

"Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their future… Let us treat them with all the kindness which we would wish to help to develop in them."

"The greatness of the human personality begins at the hour of birth."

Let's connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

[email protected]

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I'm Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/