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Unpack the mysteries of postpartum mental health with our special guest, therapist Jennifer Byrnes, LPC, PMH-C. Jennifer, an expert in perinatal mental health and trauma, offers clear-cut explanations on the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression – two conditions often misunderstood by many. She helps demystify these conditions, underlining their differences in timing, severity, and duration, and also elaborates on their respective symptoms. If you're a new mom, or part of a new mom's support system, this knowledge is invaluable.

Our conversation doesn't end there, we also touch upon how to maintain mental health wellness for new moms. Jennifer provides insights on the five tenets of balance and wellness: sleep, nutrition, exercise, and the importance of having a strong support system. She emphasizes preparing conversations with your partner and support system before the baby arrives, to facilitate asking for help post-delivery. As we wrap up, we discuss the treatment options available for postpartum depression, reassuring you that this condition is highly treatable. Let's navigate the postpartum journey together, with a clearer understanding and practical advice.

Connect with Jennifer Byrnes at mytherapygoals.com

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Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly at kellyhof.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyond

Grab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

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Today, we invite you to join an enlightening discourse with our esteemed guest, Dr. Stephanie Waggel. We discuss the groundbreaking science behind the new medications approved to treat postpartum depression, which are sparking new hope for postpartum depression patients. Dr. Waggel adeptly unravels the science behind these drugs, making complex medical terms digestible and fascinating.

In our dialogue, we also step into the realm of controversies and implications of these FDA-approved drugs. We question the potential effects on breastfeeding mothers and scrutinize the role of pharmaceutical companies in these developments. We hope to enrich your understanding of postpartum depression and its promising new treatments. Join us for this profound conversation; let's embark on this knowledge journey together.

To connect with Dr. Waggel, go to 
improvelifepllc.com

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly at kellyhof.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyond

Grab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered about the riveting journey a woman embarks on when entering motherhood? What if you had the chance to hear honest, raw stories from a mother who's experienced it all? Join me as I sit down with Jenna Hodge, a mother to three precious miracles, to hear her tale, filled with unexpected twists and turns, about her childbirth journeys and postpartum experiences. 

From the intense pain of being induced to the unforeseen experiences of an epidural, Jenna does not hold back in sharing the realities of childbirth. Her candidness extends beyond the birthing experience, as she opens up about the physical and mental struggles she faced during her postpartum period, like dealing with her baby's reflux and the toll it took on her mental health. Jenna discusses the importance of having a robust support system and addresses the oft-ignored topic of postpartum depression and anxiety, providing invaluable insights for all mothers and mothers-to-be.

But Jenna's wealth of knowledge doesn't stop at her personal experiences. As a professional coach specializing in motherhood, she shares her perspectives on the potential dangers of self-medication for mental health issues. She underlines the importance of accepting the current season of motherhood and offers advice on navigating the tricky terrains of parenting. Jenna emphasizes cherishing the little moments, a reminder that, no matter how chaotic motherhood might seem, it's the tiny, unexpected moments of joy that make it all worthwhile. Don't miss out on this empowering conversation that promises to enlighten, comfort, and inspire.

Connect with Jenna at http://purposeintended.com/

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be!

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Buzzsprout - Get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Connect with Kelly at kellyhof.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyond

Grab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

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Imagine facing your dream of becoming a mother, only to be met with fertility issues, an arduous 80-hour induction, and a subsequent C-section without adequate anesthesia—this was the reality for Mary Buffington, MSN, RN, my guest for this episode. As a nurse, presenter, advocate, and coach, Mary has used her personal experiences to promote change, specifically in the realm of trauma-informed care for postpartum mothers in a hospital setting.

Our conversation delves into the often unspoken struggle of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders postpartum. With Mary's candid insight into these issues, we hope to shed light on the critical importance of a compassionate and understanding healthcare team and the dire need for a more patient-focused approach within the healthcare system. We also touch on the business side of healthcare, discussing how improved services can both ensure patient comfort and help retain patients within a system.

In the latter part of our discussion, Mary shares her own journey of emotional healing after a traumatic birth, revealing the therapies and modalities that helped her cope. She also talks about her role as a coach, providing emotional and mental support to others during their hospital births. This episode is a testimony to Mary’s strength and advocacy for better healthcare and support for mothers, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the significant returns that even small improvements can bring to maternal healthcare. Join us for this heartfelt exploration of these critical topics.

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be!

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Buzzsprout - Get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Connect with Kelly at kellyhof.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyond

Grab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

Send us a text

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Waggel, a perinatal mental health psychiatrist and mother of two, vividly recounts her unique experiences in conceiving, childbirth, and parenting. In this personal narrative, Dr. Waggel unveils her journey of planning her first pregnancy amidst kidney cancer follow-up tests. She shares how she made informed choices about her doctor, pediatrician, and birth plan, which included a scheduled induction.

Parenting is indeed an uphill task, and it can be even more challenging if you're trying to balance your professional life simultaneously. In the second part of our conversation, Dr. Waggel shares her journey through her second pregnancy, delivery, and post-delivery recovery. From severe nausea and muscle pain, to her water breaking unexpectedly at home, Dr. Waggel does not hold back in sharing the highs and lows of her experiences. Listen in as she also opens up about her struggles with breastfeeding, pelvic floor issues, and the various (and often creative) remedies and strategies that came to her rescue. You'll also get a glimpse into how she navigated her career in private practice while being a mother.

As we wrap up this riveting episode, we touch on the vital importance of support for mothers and how it can alleviate some of the pressures faced by new mothers. Finally, Dr. Waggel shares her evolved perspectives on the realities and expectations of parenting post having her children. This episode promises to be an enlightening and inspiring one, whether you're an expecting mother or just interested in understanding the intricacies of pregnancy and parenting.

Connect with Dr. Waggel!

IG- https://www.instagram.com/improvemedicalculture/
https://www.instagram.com/improvelifepllc/

TikTok-  www.tiktok.com/@improvelifepllc

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Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be!

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly at kellyhof.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyond

Grab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

Send us a text

Join me for an enlightening journey through the adventures of motherhood with my exceptional guests. Discover why Jennifer Byrnes champions early mental health support, learn to stop and smell the roses of maternity with Michelle Powers, embrace your ability to face challenges with Jennie Weill, and hear Emily Finnell's call to trust yourself and not rely too heavily on outside advice. Erika Yalowitz and Mila Little remind you to have faith in where you are being led and trust the process.

From a practical standpoint, we decode childbirth mysteries like why a squirt bottle will become your best friend and the emotional rollercoaster of prodromal labor with Amanda Stoyko and Joyanna Delshad. Plus, we uncover the miracle of padsicles for moms recovering from vaginal deliveries with Carrie Young. Ellie Goldstein reminds us that you CAN get pregnant while breastfeeding. Dr. Speight discusses the need to proactively treat your postpartum pain. Charlie Marshall emphasizes the importance of sleeping well before you deliver your baby because the hospital environment doesn't allow for good sleep. Kiyah Catron's takeaway is don't be so hard on yourself. And Tiare Smith wants to remind moms to call your OB provider if you have concerning symptoms.  

We also discuss with Devin Garcia, Megan McCutcheon, and Anna Gates the necessity for mental preparation for the birthing process and the need to be flexible with your birth plan. Megan Castanien advises us to be mindful but not to be fearful when preparing for delivery. So, whether you're an expectant mother, a new mom, or just interested in the complex and beautiful journey of motherhood, this episode promises to be a treasure trove of insights and experiences, offering invaluable

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be!

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Buzzsprout - Get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Connect with Kelly at kellyhof.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyond

Grab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

Send us a text

Have you ever wondered how you would handle a deeply desired pregnancy with fetal anomalies deemed incompatible with life? In Sabrina's case, the stakes were as high as life and death, not just for her baby, but potentially for her, too, if she continued the pregnancy. I invite you to journey through the heartrending story of Sabrina Fletcher, a mother of three and a TFMR (termination for medical reasons) Doula, who bravely faced this very situation. Sabrina shares the precious memory of her first home birth, beautifully accompanied by her husband's flute and chanted prayers. Her joy was replaced by shock and desolation when her second pregnancy was determined to be high-risk, and she was told that there was little to no hope that her baby would survive more than minutes after birth.

Sabrina, with heartfelt honesty, opens up about the ethical dilemmas she and her husband grappled with following the distressing news concerning their baby's health. She discusses navigating their way through the restrictive laws in Mexico, the trauma of the procedure, and the importance of having the option to make such decisions with as much time and information as possible. Sabrina's candidness about her emotional journey is simultaneously raw and enlightening, shedding light on the importance of honoring the child that was lost, as a vital step in finding closure.

A story of resilience and healing, Sabrina's experience didn't stop at loss. She faced her third pregnancy with a warrior's spirit, using an array of psychospiritual tools to manage the gripping anxiety that lingered. She touches on the crucial role her community and her doula played in bringing her to a place of peace during her third labor, and how she visualized bringing her third daughter's soul back from the far ends of the universe. Sabrina’s extraordinary journey underscores the power of support during life's most challenging times and reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit. Join us for this moving episode as we navigate the intricate paths of loss, healing, and ultimate redemption.

To connect with Sabrina go to thetfmrdoula.com

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly at kellyhof.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyond

Grab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

Send us a text

What if I told you that yoga could not only help you manage the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy, but also transform your labor experience and enhance postpartum recovery? Our guest, Devin Garcia, a seasoned yoga and flexibility instructor and a resilient mother, is here to unravel the transformative power of yoga during the maternal journey. She shares her own experience with yoga during pregnancy and labor, including how she didn't just survive but thrived through an intense induction and labor process, largely thanks to her yoga practice.

But the journey doesn't end at childbirth. Exploring the postpartum period, Devin highlights the role of yoga in recovery, focusing on the often-neglected yet crucial lower abdominal muscles. Her insights into the interconnectedness of the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles shed light on a holistic approach to postpartum recovery. Amidst the trials of motherhood, Devin emphasizes the importance of integrating personal exercises into daily life, even with the time constraints of being a new mom. 

As we wrap up our conversation, we dive into the trials and triumphs of Devin's experiences in motherhood. From balancing her career with child-rearing to encouraging independent play for her child, Devin's story is one of resilience and strength. She emphasizes managing pregnancy expectations and shares her valuable resource, 'Flexibility Secrets,' which offers insights into the journey of flexibility. Don't miss out on this extraordinary conversation with Devin Garcia, where she illuminates the myriad ways yoga can support you during pregnancy, labor, and beyond.

To connect with Devin, go to stretchloveyoga.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be!

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Buzzsprout - Get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Connect with Kelly at kellyhof.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyond

Grab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

Send us a text

Want to kickstart your fertility journey with the right nutrition? This episode, featuring fertility nutritionist Evelyn Kennedy, promises to be a goldmine of valuable insights. We delve right in by discussing how your diet directly impacts fertility. Evelyn emphasizes the need to take charge of your meals, minimize dining out, and tailor nutrition to your unique needs, helping you stay in control of your fertility journey.

We then transition to the delicate balance between nutrition and supplements. Evelyn advocates for a whole food approach, emphasizing the importance of a robust diet before even considering supplementation. We explore crucial supplements like CoQ10, Omega-3, Vitamin D, and Folate, discussing how an individualized approach is fundamental when considering these.

Our conversation doesn't stop at the women involved. We highlight the importance of the male partner's role in the fertility journey, underscoring the need for both partners' optimal nutrition. Conditions like PCOS, celiac disease, and secondary infertility don't escape our radar as we discuss how they can be managed through proper nutrition. From breastfeeding to managing chronic conditions, you're in for an enlightening conversation on optimizing fertility health – don't miss out!

To connect with Evelyn, go to: http://www.enhancedfertilitynutrition.org/
You can also follow Evelyn on instagram @enhancedfertilitynutrition

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Buzzsprout - Get your podcast launched!
Start for FREE

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Connect with Kelly at kellyhof.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyond

Grab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

Send us a text

Imagine facing the challenges of PCOS, navigating complex fertility treatments, and ultimately experiencing the joy of becoming a mother. That's the journey that my guest, Michelle Powers, a certified nurse midwife and mother of two, takes us on. From her experiences with intrauterine insemination and IVF, to her heartwarming and hilarious story of welcoming her sons into the world, Michelle's narrative is a source of light for those in their own fertility journey.

Michelle doesn't shy away from the nitty-gritty. Get a first-hand account of managing PCOS, including the need for insulin injections, and the potential risks associated with gestational diabetes. Michelle also offers invaluable insights into the intricacies of her own induction and delivery experiences, including her experiences pushing with and without an epidural. We also delve into the unexpected complexities and challenges of formula feeding.

Above all, Michelle is candid about the emotional roller-coaster that is motherhood. She speaks freely about her bouts with postpartum depression, the highs and lows of parenting, and the need for open conversations about mental health. Michelle's story is a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers, and her wisdom a beacon of hope and inspiration for all on their own journey to parenthood. This episode is as enlightening as it is empowering, and one you definitely don't want to miss!

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be!

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly at kellyhof.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyond

Grab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.