Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy

By My Essential BirthHealth & Fitness Education Parenting Kids & Family Courses

Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy episodes

October 26, 2021Why The Golden Hour Matters!
Are you prepared for the very first step of the postpartum period? This week on the podcast, I talk about the golden hour—that crucial first 60 minutes following your baby’s birth. I’ll be going through why the golden hour is so important, how to get it (if it’s not immediately offered to you during your care), and exactly what you and your partner should be doing during that time. Tune in and enjoy!
Show Notes
1:45 - The golden hour is the first hour after the baby is born. It’s the crucial 60-minute transition that your baby goes through between the womb and the outside world. During this important time, mom and baby need time together, undisturbed, in order for them to bond, familiarize themselves with each other, and start building a connection outside the womb.
3:27 - Look for a hospital with a baby-friendly certification, as these hospitals are guaranteed to offer you this golden hour. But it’s not a deal-breaker even if your hospital doesn’t have this certification. Take the time to speak with your care provider, birth center, or hospital on exactly what to expect regarding the postpartum period.
4:37 - There are a ton of benefits to the golden hour, and they range from short-term to long-term impacts. Skin-to-skin directly after delivery is such a vital first step in our first hour of life that a baby will instinctively look for mom’s breast once they are placed on her tummy. Check out the amazing video I’ve linked below to see this in action!
12:05 - What shouldn’t happen during golden hour? The weight check can wait an hour. For that matter, there shouldn’t be any rush to take any other measurements until after golden hour. Vaccines and other shots, blood work, hearing tests, baths, and the like aren’t urgent, either.
13:51 What if mom has a Cesarean birth? And what should the partner’s role be? Different providers and hospitals have different policies so, again, it’s important to have this conversation beforehand. I’ve included a gentle Cesarean birth plan that you can download for free, linked below.
17:52 How do we enforce the golden hour? How do you ensure that you receive this uninterrupted time for your birth? Aside from requesting that time from your provider, make sure you communicate to friends and family that you need those 60 minutes following the birth. You can’t get that hour back, so take it.
20:44 What other questions should you ask your provider? The clearer you are on what to expect, the more relaxed and enjoyable your golden hour will be—as it should be.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.

Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!
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Let's Connect!

Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises
Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted
Email: [email protected].
Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
27 min
October 20, 2021Am I In Labor?
Do you know what to look for to know it’s labor time?! This week on the podcast, I talk about what those things are but also give you some detail on how they can show up for moms because, let’s be honest, some moms may see certain signs and still wait a week or two before hitting active labor. Tune in and enjoy!
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.

Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!
Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>
On Apple Podcasts
Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
Select “Ratings and Reviews”
Click the stars!
Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!
On Spotify
Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
Click the 3 dots "..."
Select "Rate podcast"
Click the stars and write a quick review!
FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!
Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:
On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.
On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles
Let's Connect!

Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises
Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted
Email: [email protected].
Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
39 min
October 13, 2021Safety of Homebirth + Informed Consent with Angie, LM, CPM
This week I had the pleasure of having incredible home birth midwife, Angie, LM, CPM, join me on the podcast. Angie, from the Long Beach, CA area, gives us some insight into what the process of taking care of a mother during pregnancy and birth is like as a home birth midwife. We also went a little deeper into birthing during a pandemic as well as the importance of informed consent. Informed consent is so important to her and I know when you take a listen you will understand why and feel empowered to stand up for yourself.
It's true that when you birth at home you will be birthing unmedicated but it doesn't mean your midwife won't come prepared with life-saving medications, tools, knowledge, and skills to keep you and your baby safe. With so many misconceptions when it comes to home births, including the legitimacy and safety of the practice, Angie gives us the facts that can help tackle those misconceptions and may even have you looking up a local home birth midwife near you for care.
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.

Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!
Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>
On Apple Podcasts
Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
Select “Ratings and Reviews”
Click the stars!
Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!
On Spotify
Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
Click the 3 dots "..."
Select "Rate podcast"
Click the stars and write a quick review!
FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!
Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:
On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.
On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles
Let's Connect!

Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises
Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted
Email: [email protected].
Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
53 min
October 06, 2021Anne's Birth Story: Experiencing All the Firsts
I can't wait for you to listen to this inspiring birth story with Anne, a My Essential Birth Course mama, who takes us through her journey from conception, pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. It is a perfect story about what it's really like to walk through everything pregnancy, birth, and postpartum for the very first time. Her and her husband did an excellent job preparing and supporting each other. I hope you will find something special and learn tons, for both you and your partner as you listen. Enjoy!!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.

Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!
Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>
On Apple Podcasts
Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
Select “Ratings and Reviews”
Click the stars!
Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!
On Spotify
Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
Click the 3 dots "..."
Select "Rate podcast"
Click the stars and write a quick review!
FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!
Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:
On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.
On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles
Let's Connect!

Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises
Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted
Email: [email protected].
Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
37 min
September 29, 2021Bringing Baby Home: Mom & Dad Talk Postpartum
You’ve had the baby, now what? This has now become a 24 hour responsibility. In this episode, I walk you through what happens from the time you give birth, until you reach home, and even some tools that can be useful once you've brought baby home and start to manage your everyday life. My husband also share's his dad perspective of what it was like for him when welcoming our children home. Listen in, get some great information and even better, some awesome laughs.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.

Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!
Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>
On Apple Podcasts
Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
Select “Ratings and Reviews”
Click the stars!
Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!
On Spotify
Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
Click the 3 dots "..."
Select "Rate podcast"
Click the stars and write a quick review!
FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!
Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:
On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.
On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles
Let's Connect!

Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises
Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted
Email: [email protected].
Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
43 min
September 22, 20213 Pregnancy Lies You Probably Believe
Since it's the simple things that can trip us up the most when it comes to trying to create the birth experience we’re really aiming for, I want to throw a few "obvious" but not so obvious lies you will likely believe if you hear them during your pregnancy. I’m hoping as I give you some more details about each of these three lies your mind will start to sort through all of the information and you will continue to build on that knowledge so you have it for when you need it. Overall, I want you to realize how much power you have over your birth experience and that you are truly the one in charge. So I will tell you each lie, give you all the nitty gritty facts, and then end with the truth. Remember, I am not a medical provider and cannot provide medical advice. I’m just a birth nerd who loves to know what my options are when it comes to birthing and then be able to share them with all of you.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.

Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!
Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>
On Apple Podcasts
Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
Select “Ratings and Reviews”
Click the stars!
Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!
On Spotify
Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
Click the 3 dots "..."
Select "Rate podcast"
Click the stars and write a quick review!
FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!
Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:
On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.
On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles
Let's Connect!

Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises
Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted
Email: [email protected].
Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
53 min
September 21, 202115 Things That Cause More Pain During Birth
It's true that we love telling you all of the ways to have an easier, more comfortable, confident and empowered birth experience, but we decided to switch things up and get a little sarcastic so you can join us in some laughs while we give you all the top tips on what will cause more pain during labor. Maybe you already know that being flat on your back and not having great support will leave you less than comfortable but what about pulling up trauma from a previous birth, focusing on all the negatives happening right now and inviting all the unsupportive and opinionated people into your birth space!? No? Don't worry, we've got you covered mama! As always, we hope that you leave this episode armed with a smile and some crazy good info about how to make your birth the best it can possibly be.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.

Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!
Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>
On Apple Podcasts
Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
Select “Ratings and Reviews”
Click the stars!
Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!
On Spotify
Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
Click the 3 dots "..."
Select "Rate podcast"
Click the stars and write a quick review!
FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!
Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:
On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.
On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles
Let's Connect!

Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises
Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted
Email: [email protected].
Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
30 min
September 15, 2021Twins: What To Expect With Dr. Nate Fox
I sat down with Dr. Nate Fox, once again, and I got to ask him all of YOUR questions about twins! Birthing one baby comes with its fair share of challenges, but for mamas birthing two babies in one shot, well, there's some things you'll want to know. Thankfully, Nate talks us through some of the different things you can expect during the pregnancy, birth, and some postpartum. Not only does his practice specialize in the delivery of twins, he is also the father of twins, so you will love his expertise, personally & professionally. Listen in as he gives some great information as well as resources to anyone interested in all the fun parts of having twins.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.

Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!
Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>
On Apple Podcasts
Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
Select “Ratings and Reviews”
Click the stars!
Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!
On Spotify
Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
Click the 3 dots "..."
Select "Rate podcast"
Click the stars and write a quick review!
FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!
Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:
On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.
On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles
Let's Connect!

Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises
Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted
Email: [email protected].
Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
56 min
September 08, 2021Speedy Delivery: Erica’s Birth Story
On this weeks podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting with one of the members of the My Essential Birth Course, and talking about her most recent birth experience. Erica is a mother of three, and due to previous births that were less than she had hoped for, she decided to explore a different option for her third pregnancy. She talks about her provider experience - what needed to change for this birth, course experience - what worked well, and her partner's experience - how he was not only able to step up and support her but also how he was so proud of her afterwards. We also talked about many other important aspects of pregnancy and birth. You're in for a treat with this beautiful birth story!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.

Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!
Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>
On Apple Podcasts
Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
Select “Ratings and Reviews”
Click the stars!
Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!
On Spotify
Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
Click the 3 dots "..."
Select "Rate podcast"
Click the stars and write a quick review!
FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!
Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:
On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.
On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles
Let's Connect!

Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises
Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted
Email: [email protected].
Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
38 min
September 01, 2021Prodromal Labor & What It Means for Your Birth
This week’s episode is going to focus on all of the ins and outs of prodromal labor. 2020 changed a lot of things for birth, including causing a ton of prodromal labor for expecting mamas. In this episode, I walk you through exactly what prodromal labor is, what the risks are, if there are any benefits, how to prevent it, what to do for yourself (and baby) if you end up experiencing it, and what it means for the end-game - in other words, how it affects your birth plan and if it ultimately means you can’t have the birth you were hoping for. Since this is something affecting tons of pregnant moms right now, you're definitely going to want to give this episode a listen and then tuck it away to review for later.
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out the totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads.

Looking for all the FREE downloads and links mentioned in this episode? Go to www.myessentialbirth.com/podcast, click on this week's episode, scroll to the bottom of the page and download away!

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!
Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>
On Apple Podcasts
Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
Select “Ratings and Reviews”
Click the stars!
Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!
On Spotify
Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
Click the 3 dots "..."
Select "Rate podcast"
Click the stars and write a quick review!
FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier!
Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds:
On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page.
On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles
Let's Connect!

Three exercises to help prepare you for your BEST birth: https://www.myessentialbirth.com/3-exercises
Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted
Email: [email protected].
Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!
42 min

About Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy

From the publisher's feed

Birth is amazing, beautiful, wonderful . . . and it can throw you for a loop! Despite our very best birth “plans,” we can find ourselves taking some twist and turns during pregnancy, birth, and…