Trish welcomes Jennifer to share her story, a member of the VBAC lab, Calm Mama Society, and a proud mom of two. Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from having a C-section with her first baby to achieving a successful VBAC with her second. She shares her experiences with chiropractic care, pelvic floor therapy, and the invaluable support from the VBAC lab & community that taught her to follow her intuition and advocate for herself. 

Join the Calm Mama Membership:  labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

Jennifer opens up about the emotional challenges of transitioning from one child to two, including feelings of guilt, resentment, and the struggle to find 'me time’. She highlights the importance of support, education, and trusting one’s intuition throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period. Don't miss this powerful story of resilience, self-advocacy, and the strength of a mother's love.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:19 Jennifer's First Birth Experience
• 03:02 Discovering the VBAC Lab
• 04:22 Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Care
• 07:14 Navigating Pregnancy Challenges
• 10:52 VBAC Lab Community Support
• 12:17 Facing Medical Misdiagnosis
• 16:19 Empowerment and Autonomy in Birth Decisions
• 21:31 Challenges of Baby Number Two
• 22:54 Adjusting to New Family Dynamics
• 27:34 Breastfeeding Struggles and Solutions
• 34:27 Community Support and Resources

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

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Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

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On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Trish, your birth bestie, gets into what to expect at 37 weeks of pregnancy. From baby movements and their importance, to what happens during your 37-week prenatal appointment, Trish covers it all. She offers in-depth advice on navigating the final weeks of pregnancy, including checking off essential items like your hospital bag and car seat, finalizing your postpartum support, and understanding the significance of baby's movements. Trish emphasizes the importance of self-care and emotional well-being, equipping you with practical tips and encouraging words as you approach the big day. Tune in for a friendly, no-nonsense guide through your 37th week of pregnancy - you're almost there, mama!

Join the Calm Mama Membership:  labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

More from this episode:

• Third Trimester Prep Pack
• Haakaa Colostrum Collector Kit
• Read the blog: Here's What You Need to Know About GBS (Group B Strep) and Pregnancy

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:57 37 Weeks Pregnancy
• 02:02 Baby's Development at 37 Weeks
• 05:01 Prenatal Appointments and Preparations
• 08:09 Common Symptoms and Self-Care Tips
• 11:30 37 Week Checklist
• 12:34 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Trish discusses the essential topic of Pitocin - a common intervention used in labor and delivery. She breaks down what Pitocin is, why it's used, and the critical choices you have around its application. She covers its role in induction, augmentation, and postpartum hemorrhage prevention. Remember, this is all about empowering you with knowledge so you can confidently make informed decisions during your birth experience. You're the queen of your birth room, and Trish is here to ensure you feel educated and powerful. Grab your raspberry leaf tea, hit subscribe, and let's get into it!

Join the Calm Mama Membership:  labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

More from this episode:

Get the Mini Induction Class: labornursemama.com/induction

Listen to: Third Stage of Labor: What You Need to Know | 37 on Spotify or Apple

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:56 Understanding Pitocin: What It Is and Why It's Used
• 02:40 The Prevalence and Misuse of Pitocin
• 03:53 Pitocin for Induction: What You Need to Know
• 07:03 Pitocin for Augmentation: Making Informed Decisions
• 08:59 Pitocin Post-Delivery: Preventing Hemorrhage
• 10:19 Empowering Your Birth Experience
• 11:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked, where Trish is guides you through week 36 of pregnancy. As you approach full term, Trish breaks down what’s happening with your baby, your body, and how to prepare mentally and physically for the big day. From baby’s development to your 36-week appointment and practical tips for the final weeks, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you feel confident and ready.

Key Topics Covered

• Baby’s Development at 36 Weeks: Your baby is about 5.5–6 pounds and 18.5 inches long—roughly the size of a bunch of kale (but much cuter!). 
• Your Body: Expect increased pelvic pressure, less heartburn, and more waddling as your baby settles in. 
• 36-Week Appointment: Weekly checkups begin, including weight, urine, blood pressure, fundal height, and baby’s heart rate checks. Most babies are head-down by now, and you’ll likely have your Group B Strep test. 
• Mental Preparation: It’s normal to feel excited, scared, or overwhelmed. Trish encourages addressing fears about labor pain, work transitions, and postpartum life. She also highlights the importance of mental “nesting” as you prepare for motherhood.
• Actionable Checklist: Finalize your birth plan, pack your hospital bag, confirm childcare or pet care, settle work leave plans, and arrange postpartum support (meals, visitors, mental health, and breastfeeding resources).

Questions to Ask Your Provider

• Is my baby head-down?
• What happens if I go into labor before 37 weeks?
• Where do I go if labor starts during the day or night?
• What’s the process for getting to labor and delivery?
• How can I distinguish real labor from false labor?

Resources Mentioned

• Birth Classes: Join Trish’s birth classes to conquer labor fears and learn advocacy skills.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:31 36 Weeks Pregnant: What to Expect
• 02:13 Baby's Development at 36 Weeks
• 03:52 Your 36-Week Appointment
• 05:35 Preparing for Labor and Delivery
• 07:05 Final Preparations and Support
• 08:18 Encouragement and Conclusion

Breastfeeding Resources: Get Insurance Covered Breastfeeding Support at TheLatchLink.com

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Trish welcomes Lauren Murdock, RN, IBLCLC, and founder of Labor Lauren, a platform dedicated to empowering women for peaceful, powerful, faith-centered births. Lauren shares her unexpected path into nursing, from caring for her grandmother in hospice at age 16, to challenges she faced including passing out during labor and delivery clinicals, and how she overcame them. Lauren also touches on her passion for incorporating faith into childbirth, advocating for herself and her patients, and educating others on the importance of preparation for labor. Trish and Lauren also debunk labor pain myths and share practical advocacy tips for expectant moms.

Join the Calm Mama Membership:  labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

What’s inside this episode:

• Lauren's Journey into Nursing: From hospice care for her grandmother to battling fears in labor and delivery clinicals, Lauren's story is a testament to divine calling and perseverance.
• Faith in Birth: Lauren discusses incorporating scripture and breath prayers to foster peace and self-control during labor.
• Misconceptions About Labor Pain: Why preparation is essential even if planning an epidural, and the pitfalls of "pain-free birth" promises - pain is real, but manageable with tools and mindset.
• Advocacy in the Hospital: Using the BRAIN acronym (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing) to make informed decisions, plus tips for partners to support and read the room.
• Hospital Progress and Education: Challenges in supportive care, the value of doulas, and Lauren's work on a home-like birth room in her hospital.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:39 Lauren's Journey to Nursing
• 01:30 Experiences in Hospice and Oncology
• 04:26 Transition to Labor and Delivery
• 08:15 Teaching and Spiritual Birth Support
• 11:33 Common Misconceptions About Labor Pain
• 13:47 Debunking the Myth of Pain-Free Birth
• 14:48 Managing Pain and Control During Labor
• 18:48 The Role of Hormones in Labor
• 19:04 Advocating for Yourself in the Hospital
• 22:38 Hospital Support for Educated Women
• 24:58 Challenges with Traditional Providers
• 27:11 Conclusion and Where to Find More Information

More from Labor Lauren:

LaborLauren.com 

Follow her on Instagram @labor.lauren

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with your birth bestie, Trish. In this episode, Trish unpacks what it's like being 35 weeks pregnant. From what’s happening with your baby, like gaining fat and practicing breathing, to what you might experience, such as pelvic pressure and Braxton Hicks contractions, we've got it all covered. Plus, learn what to expect at your 35-week prenatal visit, including the Group B Strep (GBS) test, and why you should be prepared for it. Trish also reminds you of the importance of preparing your mind, home, and team as you get closer to meeting your baby. 

Join the Calm Mama Membership:  labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:58 You’re 35 Weeks Pregnant
• 02:21 Baby's Development at 35 Weeks
• 04:42 Common Symptoms and What to Expect
• 06:33 Doctor's Visit and GBS Testing
• 08:27 Mindset and Preparation Tips
• 09:43 35 Week Checklist and Final Encouragement

More from this episode:

Don't forget to check out the free workshop for more tips on having a faster, smoother birth: labornursemama.com/faster

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

In this heartfelt episode, Trish opens up about the often-unspoken topic of loneliness during pregnancy. Drawing from her personal experiences and those of her community, Trish shares emotional insights and practical tips to help mamas feel supported during this transformative time.

Join the Calm Mama Membership:  labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

What’s inside this episode:

• The Reality of Loneliness During Pregnancy: Trish discusses how pregnancy can amplify feelings of isolation, whether due to physical distance from family, lack of support from a partner, or shifting relationships with friends.
• Personal Stories: Reflecting on her own pregnancy journeys, through an abusive relationship and pregnancies far from family, Trish connects with listeners who feel alone.
• Types of Loneliness: From hormonal changes and shifting identities to comparison on social media, Trish explores why pregnancy can feel isolating.
• Practical Tips:
• Build a support system through communities like Calm Mama Society.
• Seek a therapist or doula for professional support.
• Lean into friendships or find a mentor figure.
• Journal to process emotions and create self-care rituals like prenatal yoga or EFT tapping.

More from this episode:

Mama, you do not have to be alone! Join Calm Mama Society for support and community. 

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:52 An Emotional Episode Begins
• 01:43 Discussing Loneliness During Pregnancy
• 02:48 Personal Story and Support Systems
• 05:35 Types of Loneliness During Pregnancy
• 09:46 Addressing Relationship Challenges
• 12:42 Support for Single Moms
• 17:03 Practical Tips to Combat Loneliness
• 19:41 Conclusion and Encouragement

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with Trish, your favorite labor nurse and birth coach. If you're at 34 weeks, we're getting super close! Trish is getting into the significance of week 34: recognizing preterm labor signs, what essentials you need to pack in your hospital bag, and how your baby's development (now the size of a butternut squash!) this week is crucial for lung development and overall growth.

Join the Calm Mama Membership:  labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

She also talks about your body’s changes, from feeling intense shortness of breath to experiencing stronger Braxton Hicks contractions. Remember to trust your body, stay hydrated, and prepare confidently for the upcoming weeks. Until next week, trust your instincts and keep rocking this journey!

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Pregnancy Unpacked
• 00:57 Welcome Back and Week 34 Overview
• 01:57 Baby's Development at 34 Weeks
• 03:11 Mama's Changes and Symptoms
• 04:47 Preterm Labor Signs and What to Do
• 06:23 Packing Your Hospital Bag
• 08:42 Preparing for Birth and Postpartum
• 10:56 Final Thoughts and Next Week's Preview

More from Pregnancy Unpacked:

• Pregnancy Unpacked Week 33: What to Expect & Third Trimester Tips | 190
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 31–32: Baby Growth, Body Changes + What to Prepare Next | 188
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 29–30: VBAC Birth Story, Baby Growth + Third Trimester | 186

More from this episode:

• Third Trimester Prep Pack

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Hey mama! This is a must-listen if you've ever looked in the mirror during pregnancy or postpartum and thought, 'I don't look like me anymore.' Whether you're navigating swollen ankles, unpredictable energy, or the mental load that comes with pregnancy, this conversation is your reminder that you don't have to sacrifice strength, identity, or confidence. I'm sitting down with Nicole Scheitlin, a mom of three and the powerhouse behind Strong Mama Wellness to bust some pregnancy fitness myths. 

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Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

Nicole is a 12-year exercise physiologist and certified pre and postnatal fitness specialist. We're talking about what it really looks like to stay active during pregnancy and busting a LOT of myths. We dive deep into myths like not lifting weights above 25 pounds,  keeping your heart rate below 140 bpm, and more. Nicole provides practical advice on safely exercising without confusion or fear, emphasizing a personalized approach. Don't miss this episode if you're currently expecting, trying to conceive, or just trying to feel like yourself again after baby. 

Connect with Nicole Scheitlin:

Visit her website www.strongmamawellnessco.com

Follow her on Instagram: @strongmamawellness

Grab her FREE Pregnancy Exercises to Modify by Trimester Guide

Helpful Timestamps

01:34 Meet Nicole Scheitlin: Fitness Expert and Mom

02:09 Nicole's Journey into Pregnancy Fitness

05:31 Busting Pregnancy Fitness Myths

15:40 The Importance of Core Work During Pregnancy

21:11 Supporting Your Body Through Pregnancy

22:49 Advice for Expecting Moms

26:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:

Calm Labor Confident Birth Pod

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

First Trimester Prep Pack

Second Trimester Prep Pack

Third Trimester Prep Pack

Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On Facebook

On YouTube

On Pinterest

On TikTok

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.

Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.

Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked! In this week's episode, we celebrate crossing 32 weeks - a major milestone. Dive deep into what's happening in Week 33 as Trish unpacks your little one's brain development, increasing weight and length, and the importance of surfactant for lung maturation.

 Learn how to support your partner with practical and emotional tasks, recognize signs of preeclampsia, and set essential boundaries with family and friends as the countdown begins. Plus, get a sneak peek into the action items for this week, preparing your nursery, and finalizing your birth plan. Tune in to feel supported, informed, and ready for the incredible journey ahead!

What’s inside this episode:

• What’s happening with baby at 33 weeks - key development milestones.
• The physical and emotional changes happening with you.
• Your action items for week 33 of pregnancy.
• Partner support tips.
• Doctor’s appointments & what to expect.
• How to set boundaries.
• Reg flags to watch for.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:58 33 Weeks Pregnant: Key Milestones
• 02:26 Baby's Size and Development
• 04:00 Essential Steps for Week 33
• 09:14 What's Happening with Your Body
• 13:19 Partner's Role and Support
• 15:23 Doctor's Appointments and What to Expect
• 18:28 Setting Boundaries and Final Preparations
• 20:50 Action Items for the Week
• 21:56 Red Flags and When to Call the Doctor
• 22:34 Connect and Share Your Journey
• 23:01 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Read the Blog: The Golden Hour After Birth
• Read the Blog: Delayed Baths For Newborns: The Benefits According To Studies
• Read the Blog: Here's What You Need to Know About GBS (Group B Strep) and Pregnancy
• Amazon Shop for All Things Pregnancy & Postpartum

More from Pregnancy Unpacked:

• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 31–32: Baby Growth, Body Changes + What to Prepare Next | 188
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 29–30: VBAC Birth Story, Baby Growth + Third Trimester Prep | 186
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 26-28: Hello Third Trimester | 184

Resources:

Calm Labor Confident Birth Pod

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

First Trimester Prep Pack

Second Trimester Prep Pack

Third Trimester Prep Pack

Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On Facebook

On YouTube

On Pinterest

On TikTok

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.

Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.