Entering Motherhood: Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Support

Welcome to this enlightening episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger. Join us as we delve into the holistic world of motherhood with Kristy Vacari, a seasoned doula, nutritionist, and yoga teacher. Kristy shares her profound insights on breath work and self-care, offering a grounding presence to mothers navigating their unique journeys.

In this episode, Kristy opens up about her personal experiences with home births, the challenges of early motherhood, and her journey as a single mom. Discover how she integrates her diverse expertise to support mothers through childbirth and beyond, emphasizing the importance of self-care and present-moment awareness.

Grab your favorite beverage, relax, and enjoy this authentic conversation filled with wisdom and strategies to empower you in your motherhood journey. Whether you're expecting, a new mom, or supporting others, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and encouragement.

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Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger, a dedicated birth and postpartum doula. This week, we delve into the unexpected: how to handle an unplanned out-of-hospital birth. Whether you're at home or on the way to your birthing center, things don't always go as planned, and we're here to guide you through it.

Sarah emphasizes the importance of staying calm, trusting your body, and creating a safe, relaxing environment. She provides practical advice on preparing for such a scenario, including essential supplies, how to manage without medical pain relief, and the critical role of a supportive partner.

Discover the natural processes of birth, from the delivery of the placenta to ensuring your baby's health immediately after birth. Learn when to seek medical help and how to handle potential emergency situations with confidence.

This episode is packed with valuable insights and reassuring advice, offering you the knowledge and resources you need to feel empowered and prepared for any birthing situation. Tune in to gain peace of mind and embrace the unpredictable journey of motherhood.

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Welcome to another enlightening episode of Entering Motherhood! In this episode, host Sarah Marie Bilger sits down with Celeste Yvonne, a mom, author, and advocate for sobriety, especially within the context of motherhood. They delve into Celeste's journey towards sobriety and discuss the pervasive "mommy wine culture" that has become so normalized in today's society.

Celeste shares her personal experiences, including the challenges she faced and the pivotal moments that led her to quit drinking. They talk about the societal pressures and stigmas surrounding alcohol use among mothers and emphasize the importance of creating inclusive environments that respect individual choices regarding alcohol.

Sarah and Celeste also explore the impact of alcohol on new mothers, the benefits of sobriety, and offer practical advice for those who might be struggling with similar issues. Tune in to learn about healthier coping mechanisms and how to support mothers in making empowered choices for themselves and their families.

Don't miss this heartfelt and informative episode that aims to change the conversation around alcohol and motherhood. Let's doula this and navigate the transition of entering motherhood together!

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Welcome to another episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating and crucial aspects of labor: cervical dilation and effacement. Learn about the process, understand what to expect, and discover tips to help your body progress naturally.

Sarah explains the significance of dilation and effacement, how they are measured, and the factors that can influence their progress. Whether you're a first-time mom or have given birth before, this episode provides valuable insights to help you feel more prepared and confident as you approach labor.

Join us to learn about the natural progression of labor, the importance of trusting your body, and the various interventions that might be suggested if labor stalls. This episode is packed with information to empower you on your unique motherhood journey. Tune in and let's navigate this together! Click here to see full show notes.

In this episode, we delve deep into the impactful and heartfelt story of Victoria Greene, a local mom who bravely shares her experience with postpartum psychosis.

Victoria opens up about the challenges she faced, from the initial manic episodes to her journey through the healthcare system, and the eventual diagnosis of postpartum bipolar. She recounts the emotional highs and lows, the struggle for proper medical support, and the strength it took to navigate this difficult period.

Join us as Victoria describes her journey, the importance of seeking help, and the power of community support. Her story is a testament to resilience and the importance of mental health awareness in motherhood. Whether you're a mom, a supporter, or someone interested in maternal mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Tune in to learn from Victoria's experience and discover the importance of reaching out for help and the strength that lies within each of our stories. Click here for the full show notes.

In this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, host Sarah Marie Bilger, discusses labor inductions. She covers both medical and non-medical methods, offering insights and tips to help expectant mothers make informed decisions. Sarah emphasizes understanding one's body, the importance of patience, and the need for open conversations with healthcare providers. She also shares strategies to avoid unnecessary inductions and highlights the significance of trusting one's instincts during labor. The episode aims to empower mothers with knowledge and confidence as they navigate their childbirth journey.

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In this episode of Entering Motherhood, Sarah Marie converses with Suzzie Vehrs, a doula and childbirth educator. Suzzie shares her contrasting birthing experiences: an emergency cesarean section for her first daughter and an empowering natural birth for her second. The discussion emphasizes the importance of informed consent, effective communication with healthcare providers, and the supportive role of doulas. Suzzie highlights the significance of creating a birth plan, advocating for oneself, and preparing mentally and emotionally for labor. The episode underscores the transformative journey of motherhood and the empowerment that comes from being well-informed and supported. Click here for full show notes.

In this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, host Sarah Marie Bilger, a wife, mother of two, and doula, discusses the critical topic of blood pressure during pregnancy. She explains the importance of monitoring blood pressure, detailing the differences between low and high blood pressure and their potential impacts on both mother and baby. Sarah offers insights into managing blood pressure through lifestyle choices and emphasizes the significance of regular monitoring. She also addresses the potential need for labor induction in cases of high blood pressure, aiming to empower and inform expecting mothers with holistic and evidence-based practices. Click here for full show notes.

In this episode of Entering Motherhood, we chat with Lisa Marchiano, a Jungian analyst, author, and podcaster, to explore the psychological dimensions of motherhood. Lisa shares insights from her books, "Motherhood: Facing and Finding Yourself" and "The Vital Spark: Reclaim Your Outlaw Energies and Find Your Feminine Fire." The discussion covers key Jungian concepts like individuation, dreams, and maternal anger. Lisa emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and reclaiming personal authority in motherhood. The episode highlights the transformative nature of motherhood, encouraging listeners to embrace their journey with compassion and self-discovery. Click here for full show notes.

In this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, host Sarah Marie discusses Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and its impact on pregnancy, labor, and birth. She covers the testing process, treatment options, and considerations for both positive and negative results. Drawing from her own personal experiences, Sarah Marie provides insights and practical advice, emphasizing informed decision-making and open communication with healthcare providers. She also shares tips for reducing the risk of a positive GBS test and discusses its implications for different types of birth plans. The episode aims to empower and inform women on their motherhood journey. Click here for full show notes.