Pregnancy Podcast

A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother and her birth partner during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They do not have any formal medical training and do not perform any medical procedures. There are doulas that specialize in every type of birth, from home birth to a planned cesarean at a hospital. There is substantial growing evidence on how doulas positively impact births. But do you need a doula? With the benefits are downsides, like the additional cost. This episode examines the evidence of having a doula, how they advocate for you and work with your OB/GYN or midwife, and how they support your partner in being your primary support during labor. Plus, get tips on how to find a doula that is the right fit for your family. Thank you to our sponsors FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. AG1 is a Foundational Nutrition supplement with a science-driven formulation of 75 high-quality vitamins, probiotics, and whole-food sourced nutrients. It is a simple and easy solution to fill nutrient gaps, promote gut health, support immunity, and boost energy. (As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.) Pregnancy Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/pregnancy today to get 10% off your first month. You are going through a significant life transition during pregnancy and preparing for a baby. Plus, many changes during and after pregnancy put you at risk for baby blues and postpartum depression. You can be proactive in taking care of your mental health now. BetterHelp is convenient and flexible and all online. To get started, complete a short questionnaire to get matched up with a licensed therapist. You can always switch therapists at any time for no additional charge. Get a break from your thoughts with BetterHelp. Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

If you have a dog, you may be wondering what you should be doing during pregnancy to get your dog ready for your baby on the way. The good news is there are simple steps you can take to prepare your dog for a harmonious transition when your baby arrives. Learn how to focus on positive attention and avoid negative reinforcement to modify your dog's behavior, not just suppress it. This episode/article covers everything from dog behaviors to work on while pregnant to introducing your dog to your baby and having a seamless transition in your postpartum period. Plus, learn how to plan for your dog for when you go to the hospital or birth center and what to do with your dog if you plan a home birth. Thank you to John and Jaime Caponetta of Pawsome University for sharing their expertise for this episode. Jaime has her certification as a K9 trainer from the Animal Behavior College in California and earned the title of Associate Certified K9 Behavior Consultant by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. John Caponetta is a former humane law enforcement officer and is a certified instructor in pet first aid & CPR. Both John and Jaime are on boards or support multiple non-profit organizations that provide dog training to families facing financial hardship or support fostering dogs and keeping them out of shelters or euthanized due to a lack of services. Together, these two run Pawsome University, which offers one on one in-home professional dog training using only positive and fear-free training methods. Plus, they have a podcast called the Podcast for Dog People. John and Jaime are experts in dog behavior. They are the perfect resource to help guide you on how to get your dog ready for your new baby and ensure that everything goes smoothly after your baby arrives. Save 15% the Dogs & Babies Course from Pawsome University. Say goodbye to stress and hello to harmony. This is a complete course for new and expecting parents that teaches you everything you need to know for a seamless transition with your dog as your family grows. Thank you to our sponsors Pregnancy Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/pregnancy today to get 10% off your first month. You are going through a significant life transition during pregnancy and preparing for a baby. Many changes during and after pregnancy put you at risk for baby blues and postpartum depression. You can be proactive in taking care of your mental health now. BetterHelp is convenient and flexible and all online. To get started, complete a short questionnaire to get matched up with a licensed therapist. You can always switch therapists at any time for no additional charge. Let therapy be your map with BetterHelp. Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Breast milk is liquid gold. It is so valuable and amazing that scientists cannot reproduce it in a lab, and only you can make it. Your body perfectly formulates your milk for your baby, and pumping allows you to provide milk even when you are not there. This episode covers the fundamentals of pumping breastmilk to meet your goals, whether an occasional pumping session or building a serious freezer stash. If you plan to return to work after maternity leave, this episode walks through navigating pumping at work. Plus, everything from cleaning and sterilizing your pump and accessories to safely storing your milk. Thank you to our sponsors Aeroflow Breastpumps aims to improve health outcomes for new and expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding journey by making it easy to receive the very best medical equipment and supplies through insurance for each unique stage of motherhood. You can shop top-rated breast pumps from brands like Medela, Spectra, and Motif without ever opening your wallet. In fact, many health insurance plans also cover milk storage bags, pregnancy support & postpartum recovery items, breastfeeding prep courses, and more. And they make it easy for you with their quick eligibility form. FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. AG1 is a Foundational Nutrition supplement with a science-driven formulation of 75 high-quality vitamins, probiotics, and whole-food sourced nutrients. It is a simple and easy solution to fill nutrient gaps, promote gut health, support immunity, and boost energy. (As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.) Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Your newborn is hard-wired to breastfeed and is born with instincts to help them latch right after birth. Despite these instincts, breastfeeding doesn't always come naturally or go perfectly right from the start. In reality, breastfeeding can take practice and patience as you and your baby navigate your nursing relationship. Many issues can come up during breastfeeding in the first few days and even months down the road. The more you know about the small speed bumps you could run into, the more likely you are to be able to get over those and correct minor issues before they become significant problems. Issues can include symptoms in your breasts like leaking, sore nipples, nipple shields, pain during breastfeeding or pumping, vasospasms, blebs, plugged ducts, mastitis, and engorgement. Or issues that affect your baby like jaundice, tongue-tie, yeast infection, thrush, food allergies or sensitivities, nursing strikes, sleepy babies, cluster feeding, growth spurts, and spitting up. This episode will help you identify common breastfeeding issues and understand how to correct them so you and your baby can enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding. Thank you to our sponsors Aeroflow Breastpumps aims to improve health outcomes for new and expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding journey by making it easy to receive the very best medical equipment and supplies through insurance for each unique stage of motherhood. You can shop top-rated breast pumps from brands like Medela, Spectra, and Motif without ever opening your wallet. In fact, many health insurance plans also cover milk storage bags, pregnancy support & postpartum recovery items, breastfeeding prep courses, and more. And they make it easy for you with their quick eligibility form. FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. AG1 is a Foundational Nutrition supplement with a science-driven formulation of 75 high-quality vitamins, probiotics, and whole-food sourced nutrients. It is a simple and easy solution to fill nutrient gaps, promote gut health, support immunity, and boost energy. (As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.) Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

A lot of moms expect breastfeeding to come naturally, and that is not the case for many new mothers. Despite all the evidence supporting breastfeeding, most parents supplement or switch to infant formula within the first year. Educating yourself about the basics of breastfeeding is a fantastic way to prepare to reach your breastfeeding goals. This episode covers the basics you should know about breastfeeding and the knowledge and tools to make breastfeeding easier and more enjoyable. Thank you to our sponsors For a limited time only, you can get the 8 Sheep Pregnancy Survival Kit at $30 off, with free shipping within the US! Plus, save an additional 10% with the promo code PREGNANCYPODCAST. The Pregnancy Survival Kit includes a set of four handcrafted products that help with common pregnancy pains like pregnancy insomnia, restless legs, lower back and hip pains, leg cramps, swollen and achy legs and feet, and stretch marks. The amazing products from 8 Sheep are made with safe ingredients for you and your baby during pregnancy. Every product from 8 Sheep Organics comes with a 100-Day Happiness Guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. 30% off your first Hungryroot delivery and free veggies for life. Pregnancy is the perfect time to clean up your diet. Eating healthy whole foods can take a lot of planning, shopping, and preparation, and Hungryroot makes this so easy. Everything that Hungryroot offers follows a simple standard: it has to taste good, be quick to make, and contain whole, trusted ingredients. Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They've got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place. Nutrafol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement clinically shown to improve visible thickness and strength. Nutrafol Postpartum is OBGYN-formulated for postpartum women in the first year after giving birth or breastfeeding. It improves hair growth for visibly thicker, fuller hair and less overall shedding. It is breastfeeding-friendly, reduces feelings of stress, and improves sleep. 91% of women saw less hair shedding after two months. 98% of women saw improvement in their hairline after four months. 100% of women had visibly thicker hair after six months. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners ten dollars off your first month's subscription and free shipping with the promo code PREGNANCYPOD. Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

You will have many opportunities to opt in or out of interventions in your pregnancy, birth, or with your newborn. You always have options when it comes to your prenatal care and birth as long as you know what your options are. In a perfect world, every procedure comes with informed consent, and you have all the information you need to make an informed decision confidently. In the real world, constraints like limited appointment time make proper informed consent a challenge. There are five simple questions you can ask. When used together, these are one of the most versatile tools you can apply to any decision, whether navigating prenatal care, choosing interventions to employ during labor and birth, or making critical choices for your newborn. Thank you to our sponsors Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. Save 35% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon with the code PREPOD35. Email your order number and mailing address to [email protected] to get a free silicone baby bib. You can always see the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin by clicking here. Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Your doctor or midwife is your trusted partner and has the education and experience to guide you through all the intricacies of pregnancy and birth. You can expect to have somewhere around 14 appointments throughout your entire pregnancy. The limited time you spend with your doctor or midwife will shape the tests you take, the procedures your care provider performs, and your preparation for birth. It is essential to know that you are in complete control over what happens and what procedures your doctor or midwife performs throughout your prenatal care. Learn what to expect throughout your care and at each appointment and many options to navigate your prenatal care confidently. Thank you to our sponsors Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. Save 35% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon with the code PREPOD35. Email your order number and mailing address to [email protected] to get a free silicone baby bib. You can always see the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin by clicking here. 30% off your first Hungryroot delivery and free veggies for life. Pregnancy is the perfect time to clean up your diet. Eating healthy whole foods can take a lot of planning, shopping, and preparation, and Hungryroot makes this so easy. Everything that Hungryroot offers follows a simple standard: it has to taste good, be quick to make, and contain whole, trusted ingredients. Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They've got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place. Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

Vitamin D is sometimes referred to as a hormone because the activated forms are hormones. You utilize this essential vitamin in nearly all parts of your body. Vitamin D is crucial for absorbing other nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate, and zinc. Vitamin D also regulates immune function, cell growth, neuromuscular function and affects thousands of genes. Your baby relies on you to supply adequate vitamin D to support their growth and development during pregnancy. Despite the importance of vitamin D, data shows that most pregnant mothers do not get enough vitamin D. Deficiency is associated with elevated risks for preeclampsia, adverse health outcomes for your child later in life, and even a cesarean section. Most prenatal vitamins contain far less vitamin D than the evidence suggests during pregnancy. Find out what the current evidence says about vitamin D during pregnancy and how to ensure you have optimal vitamin D levels to support you and your baby. Thank you to our sponsors Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. Save 35% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon with the code PREPOD35. Email your order number and mailing address to [email protected] to get a free silicone baby bib. You can always see the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin by clicking here. Nutrafol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement clinically shown to improve visible thickness and strength. Nutrafol Postpartum is OBGYN-formulated for postpartum women in the first year after giving birth or breastfeeding. It improves hair growth for visibly thicker, fuller hair and less overall shedding. It is breastfeeding-friendly, reduces feelings of stress, and improves sleep. 91% of women saw less hair shedding after two months. 98% of women saw improvement in their hairline after four months. 100% of women had visibly thicker hair after six months. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners ten dollars off your first month's subscription and free shipping with the promo code PREGNANCYPOD. Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

If you enjoy the water, you don't have to give it up when you are pregnant. Enjoying the water can be a great workout, relaxing, and even therapeutic. Along with the benefits, there are also risks you need to be mindful of to keep you and your baby safe. This episode examines the evidence on the benefits and risks of enjoying the water during pregnancy including swimming, pools, hot tubs, baths, and float spas. Thank you to our sponsors Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. Save 35% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon with the code PREPOD35. Email your order number and mailing address to [email protected] to get a free silicone baby bib. You can always see the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin by clicking here. The all-in-one Hatch Rest is a smart sleep device with a sound machine and night light that grows with your kids. Babies love the continuous sounds of white noise and lullabies for a soothing and comfortable sleep environment. The Rest has helped over 3 million babies and parents get restful sleep. Right now, Hatch is offering Pregnancy Podcast listeners up to 15% off your purchase of a Hatch Rest and free shipping. 10% off 8 Sheep Organics with the promo code PREGNANCYPODCAST. There are actually ingredients that are clinically proven to work to prevent stretch marks. The True Belly Serum by 8 Sheep Organics is the best product for pregnant moms. This serum contains clinically proven ingredients and is specially formulated with pregnancy-safe ingredients to help prevent stretch marks. You can try the True Belly Serum risk-free for 100 days with the 8 Sheep 100-day happiness guarantee. Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.