VBAC can be an empowering and safe option for many women—but it isn't the right choice for everyone. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we break down what VBAC really means, who is a good candidate, and when a repeat C-section may be the safer option.

We talk candidly about the benefits and risks of VBAC, including uterine rupture, success rates, and how factors like the type of prior C-section, spacing between pregnancies, and labor history matter. We also discuss how to advocate for yourself, what questions to ask your provider, and how hospital policies can impact your options.

Whether you're considering a VBAC, planning a repeat cesarean, or just want clear, evidence-based information without fear or pressure, this episode is here to help you make the decision that's right for you and your baby.

Because informed choices make confident parents.

Stress and Pregnancy: What It Does to Your Body—and How to Manage It

Pregnancy can be a joyful time—but it can also be stressful, and that's completely normal. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we talk about stress during pregnancy: what it is, how it affects your body, and how chronic stress can impact both you and your baby.

We break down the science behind stress hormones, discuss common sources of stress for expecting parents, and explain when stress becomes something to pay attention to. Most importantly, we share practical, evidence-based ways to manage stress during pregnancy—simple tools you can actually use in your everyday life, even when you're busy or overwhelmed.

Whether you're feeling anxious, stretched thin, or just trying to do everything "right," this episode is here to remind you that you're not alone—and that caring for your mental health is an essential part of caring for your pregnancy.

Your thyroid may be small, but during pregnancy it plays a big role—for both you and your baby. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we break down thyroid disorders in pregnancy in a clear, reassuring way. We'll talk about what the thyroid does, how pregnancy changes thyroid hormone needs, and what happens when levels are too high or too low.

We cover common conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and postpartum thyroiditis, along with symptoms to watch for, how thyroid disorders are diagnosed, and why proper treatment matters for fetal development and maternal health. Most importantly, we'll share what expecting parents can do to advocate for themselves and feel confident navigating testing, medications, and follow-up care.

Whether you've been diagnosed with a thyroid condition or just want to better understand how pregnancy affects your body, this episode will help you feel informed, empowered, and supported—every step of the way.

Confused about which prenatal vitamin to take? You're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Renda and Dr. Rachel cut through the marketing hype to answer the questions every pregnant person asks: What actually matters in a prenatal? Do I need a prescription or is over-the-counter fine? What do I do if I can't keep it down?

They break down the "big three" nutrients every prenatal should have—folic acid, iron, and DHA—plus the supporting cast of vitamins and minerals that make a difference. You'll learn why starting a prenatal before you're pregnant matters, why "organic" and "whole-food based" don't necessarily mean better, and how to navigate the prenatal aisle without overthinking it.

Plus: real talk about nausea, tips for vegans and vegetarians, what to do if supplements aren't working for you, and why one simple pill can have a massive impact on your baby's development.

Your prenatal vitamin doesn't have to be complicated. Let's make it simple.

Is your child's eye red, goopy, or itchy? Don't panic—it might be pink eye, but not all pink eye is the same! In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we break down everything parents need to know about conjunctivitis. We'll talk about the most common causes—viral, bacterial, and allergic—plus how to tell them apart, when your child is contagious, and when it's time to see a doctor. Learn which cases clear up on their own, which may need treatment, and when pink eye can signal something more serious.

Practical advice, clear answers, and reassurance from your favorite mama doc and baby doc team—because not every red eye means trouble.

Magnesium is one of those unsung heroes of pregnancy care. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we break down how magnesium supplementation can help with everyday pregnancy discomforts—like headaches, leg cramps, constipation, and insomnia—and why it may be worth asking your doctor about. We also take a deeper dive into the role of magnesium in the hospital setting, where it's used to treat serious complications like preeclampsia and preterm labor. Tune in for a practical, evidence-based look at when magnesium can be a simple helper at home and when it becomes a life-saving therapy in pregnancy.

Parents worry about everything—but some things just aren't worth the stress. In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we talk about the common concerns that make parents anxious but usually earn a reassuring "I don't care" from your pediatrician. From little quirks to harmless habits, we'll sort out what truly matters for your child's health and what you can confidently let go of.

In this informative and compassionate episode, an OB/Gyn and pediatrician team up to discuss how a cesarean section can affect future fertility. We break down what the latest research says about C-sections and their potential impact on conception, pregnancy spacing, and risks in future pregnancies.

With clear explanations and practical tips, we'll help you understand the facts, separate myths from reality, and feel empowered to make informed decisions about your birth and family planning. Whether you've had a C-section, are planning one, or simply want to know more, this episode offers expert insight in a warm, relatable way.

In this heartfelt episode, Rachel opens up about the arrival of her second baby, Elora. She takes us behind the scenes of her pregnancy and delivery—sharing the highs, the challenges, and the unexpected moments that shaped her journey this time around. From preparing for birth with a toddler at home to the emotions of meeting baby Elora for the first time, Rachel offers an intimate and honest look at what it's really like welcoming baby #2.

Whether you're an expectant parent, a birth story enthusiast, or simply curious about the realities of growing a family, this episode is full of relatable insights, warmth, and inspiration.

Can you really tell the baby's sex based on the shape of your belly? Does heartburn mean your little one will be born with a full head of hair? And what about all those other "grandma warnings" passed down through generations? In this episode of MamaDoc BabyDoc, we put the most popular old wives' tales to the test. With a mix of evidence, experience, and a little bit of humor, we'll tackle the questions you've been dying to ask—and finally separate pregnancy fact from folklore.