Answering your questions! This week we dive into listener  questions from the Birth With Liv Instagram page. Listen in for everything from personal questions, to how to overcome fear of birth, medical indications for a C-Section, and VBAC. 

Make sure to follow us on Instagram so you don't miss our next Q&A!

Links from the show:

VBAC Facts Website 

https://vbacfacts.com/2021/12/15/vaginal-birth-after-two-cesareans-vba2c-evidence/

https://vbacfacts.com/2022/08/03/13-myths-about-vaginal-birth-after-cesarean/

Study Mentioned 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10277578/#:~:text=Trial%20of%20labor%20after%20cesarean%20rates%20and%20success.,%E2%89%A53%20previous%20CDs%2C%20respectively.

Connect with me

Instragram: www.instragram.com/birthwithliv

email: [email protected] 

Are you ready to hear the unspoken realities of the postpartum period? Join me for the final episode in a two-part series on postpartum.  In this episode I share numbers 6-10 of things I wish I had known before giving birth. Subscribe to the show and make sure to check out episode #5 for part one!

My hope is by talking about these formerly "taboo" postpartum topics, we can shed light on the experiences women go through in their entrance to motherhood. When we are equipped with knowledge and prepared for what may come after birth, we can take action now to ask for support from family and friends, and feel assured that we aren't alone in this. 

Let's keep the conversation going. What surprised you most about postpartum? What was your experience like? I'd love to know!

Connect with me

Instagram: www.instagram.com/birthwithliv

email: [email protected] 

Join me for an eye-opening episode where I get candid about the often unspoken realities of the postpartum period. In part one of this two-part series, I share five things I wishes I had known before giving birth. Subscribe to the show and come back next week for part two, so you can be better prepared for your own postpartum experience.

Motherhood is not for the faint of heart. Today we cover everything from hormones, emotions, and the not-so-glamourous side of postpartum. My hope is by talking about these formerly "taboo" topics, we can shed light on the experiences women go through in their entrance to motherhood. When we are equipped with knowledge and prepared for what may come after birth, we can take action now to ask for support from family and friends, and feel assured that we aren't alone in this. 

Let's keep the conversation going. What surprised you most about postpartum? What was your experience like? I'd love to know!

Connect with me

Instagram: www.instagram.com/birthwithliv

Email: [email protected]

Birth education is essential for an empowered birth experience, even in the midst of the unexpected. This episode highlights the importance of knowledge and preparation for birth and discusses the many benefits of taking a childbirth education class. 

Childbirth education has been shown to reduce maternal stress, improves self-efficacy, lowers the cesarean birth rate, and decreases the use of epidural anesthesia. It equips parents with practical strategies, allows for better communication with healthcare providers, and fosters a stronger connection between partners.

Comprehensive childbirth education covers topics such as the physiology of labor and birth, coping strategies, labor positions, common medical interventions, newborn care, lactation, and postpartum support. Choosing a childbirth class that is aligned with your birth preference, along with selecting a supportive birth team, are the crucial first steps to achieving a positive birth experience.

By understanding the birth process and being aware of alternatives and options, parents can make informed decisions and advocate for their preferences. Studies show that childbirth education reduces inductions, increases maternal satisfaction, and improves breastfeeding rates. 

Resources Mentioned 

Connect with Me

Instagram: www.instagram.com/birthwithliv

Email: [email protected] 

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that often presents with little to no symptoms, making it difficult to detect.

In this episode of the Birth with Liv podcast, I give you a deep dive into the world of preeclampsia, discussing its suspected causes, signs & symptoms, and treatment options. I emphasize the importance of early and regular prenatal care, as preeclampsia can be detected during routine check-ups through blood pressure and urine tests.

While there is no known way to prevent preeclampsia, I share insights into potential prevention measures and aim to raise awareness about preeclampsia and empower pregnant women to recognize the warning signs to best advocate for themselves and their baby. 

If you'd like to learn more, or are interested in my source material for this episode, check out these references below: 

https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(20)31198-4/fulltext#secsectitle0110

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000898.htm

https://www.preeclampsia.org/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/preeclampsia

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928160/#:~:text=In%20pre%2Declampsia%20right%20upper,usually%20reflects%20severe%20pre%2Declampsia.

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preeclampsia/conditioninfo/risk-mother

https://www.preeclampsia.org/the-news/health-information/what-do-we-know-creating-an-effective-understanding-of-nutrition-and-preeclampsia#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20evidence%20that,be%20useful%20in%20preventing%20preeclampsia.

https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(24)00043-7/fulltext

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330890/#:~:text=Semen%20is%20not%20sterile%2C%20and,the%20case%20of%20semen%20microbes.

Connect with me:

Email: [email protected] 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/birthwithliv 

In this episode I share my personal birth story, from deciding I'm ready to be a mom to my unexpected 34 week birth. I recount the joys and challenges faced, and the lessons learned about trust and resilience. Despite my birth plan going out the window, my experience was still beautiful and I contribute that to being informed about the physiology of birth, and also the common interventions.

Inspired by my own journey, I'm now studying to become a certified childbirth educator and am dedicated to providing education, support, and genuine conversations to parents.

Whether you're an expecting or seasoned parent, or simply curious about the miracle of birth, Birth with Liv is your go-to source for education and empowerment.

Subscribe now to join the community. Let's learn together!

Connect with Me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/birthwithliv

Email: [email protected] 

If you're wondering "who is Liv and why should I listen to her?", press play to find out!

Welcome to Birth with Liv, a podcast designed to be your go-to resource on all things pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. 

In this first episode I share my personal journey into the birth world. From reading books and listening to podcasts long before getting pregant, to unexpectedly giving birth at 34 weeks, I discuss how I've become inspired to help other women better prepare for birth and postpartum. I'm studying to become a certified childbirth educator, and aim to provide evidence-based information to empower parents and help them make decisions that are right for them.

I'm thrilled you're here. Let's learn together!

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/birthwithliv

Email: [email protected] 

Are you overwhelmed by conflicting opinions on pregnancy and childbirth?

Are you desperate to find a reliable source to help you make informed choices that are right for you and your unique situation? 

If so, you’re in the right place! 

Welcome to Birth with Liv, the podcast designed to be your go-to guide for all things pregnancy, birth, and motherhood.

I'm your host, Olivia Styons. I'm a wife, mom, and Learning & Development Professional.

After having my daughter unexpectedly at 34 weeks, and watching my seemingly perfect birth plan go out the window, I felt called to help other women better prepare for birth and postpartum. I’m now studying to become a certified childbirth educator and I’m here to provide parents with easy to understand, evidence-based information so they can gain confidence to make decisions that are right for them.

Join me weekly for the up-to-date insights, expert interviews, heartwarming birth stories, and real talk. No fear mongering or pretending to be perfect here!

In each episode, I’ll break down common questions, debunk misconceptions, and equip you with the knowledge needed for a confident and informed journey into parenthood.

Welcome to Birth with Liv, I'm thrilled you're here. 

Let’s learn together!

**Disclaimer: Please remember the information in this podcast is not medical advice and is for educational purposes only.

Connect with me:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/birthwithliv 

Email: [email protected]