We have an exciting episode today: this is the first time I've ever had a guest on the podcast who is currently pregnant! I thought it would be wonderful to have someone on who is on the same journey as a lot of my listeners, so today we have the honor of hosting Amber Manning.

Amber is an Occupational Therapist based in Dallas, Texas. She and her husband recently got married and are expecting their first baby in April, so they've jumped wholeheartedly into educating themselves about pregnancy and birth.

Amber shares some of the resources she's found really helpful during her pregnancy and talks about how she's applied what she's learned so far. We chat about switching doctors, being flexible with your birth plan, and advocating for yourself throughout your pregnancy and birth.

We also discuss some of the mental health aspects of pregnancy and why it's okay if you don't feel perfectly happy and excited every second of your pregnancy.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

• How Amber and her husband found out they were pregnant not long before their wedding
• What resources they have used to educate themselves before their baby arrives
• Why Amber wanted to switch doctors right away
• How she has advocated for herself throughout her pregnancy, and how her husband is making sure he will be able to advocate for her during childbirth
• Why it's important to have a birth plan and birth wishes, but stay flexible and open to change
• Some of the struggles, both mental and physical, that Amber has been dealing with throughout her pregnancy
• Why it's so important to be aligned with what you want for your pregnancy - not what other people think

Links Mentioned In The Episode

• How To Make A Birth Plan That Works - Free Online Class!
• The Birth Preparation Course
• Amber Manning | YouTube | Instagram
• What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel
• Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
• Evidence Based Birth Podcast
• Spinning Babies on Instagram
• Sara Reardon PT on Instagram
• Bump to Baby Academy
• Join us in the All About Pregnancy and Birth Facebook Group!
• Join my email list here!

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