In this powerful birth story episode, Trish sits down with a VBAC Lab student, Kelly Coy, a physician assistant and new mama to baby Carter (who makes a few adorable cameo coos!). Kelly opens up about her traumatic first birth - an unnecessary 38-week induction that ended in a 3-day labor, C-section, postpartum hemorrhage, and a grueling 7-day hospital stay - and how that experience lit a fire in her to prepare differently the second time around.

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Even as a medical professional herself, Kelly felt unprepared to advocate against a system that pushed induction too soon. Determined to have the redemptive VBAC she knew her body was capable of, she joined The VBAC Lab before she was even pregnant (classic Type-A move!) and soaked up every lesson, hangout, and community conversation.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why she chose to decline baby aspirin despite provider pressure (and how that decision played out)
• How the monthly VBAC Happy Hours gave her the confidence and community she needed to navigate tricky decisions
• The night her water broke on its own at 40+1, a 36+ hour labor, laboring in the tub, and an 8-cm epidural that only halfway worked
• The surreal moment she reached down and pulled her son Carter onto her chest herself
• The massive difference in recovery between her C-section and this vaginal birth (yes, even with second-degree tears)
• Why mindset, processing previous birth trauma, and knowing your “why” are absolutely everything when chasing a VBAC

Kelly’s one-word review of The VBAC Lab?

“Empowering.” 

If you’re a mama dreaming of a redemptive VBAC, this episode will leave you fired up, educated, and ready to fight for the birth you deserve.

More from this episode: 

• Join the VBAC Lab
• Join the Calm Mama Membership

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💻 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.

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Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Trish tackles one of the hardest parts of the fourth trimester: setting and holding boundaries with the people who love you (and your baby) the most. Fresh off feeling both sides of the boundary conversation in real time with her own daughter, Trish gives you full permission to protect your postpartum peace – no guilt required.

 Boundaries without consequences are just suggestions. You do NOT have to open the door, answer the phone, or continue the visit if your boundary is ignored. Protecting your peace is protecting your baby – and that makes you an incredible mother. Tune into this episode for ready-to-use boundary scripts to protect your peace. 

If you’re tired of feeling guilty for wanting space, support, or saying “no,” come join the Calm Mama Society. Real talk, real moms, daily access to Trish and a postpartum doula – all for $19/mo (or free for 30 days when you grab a birth course bundle).

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 You’ll Learn:

• Why boundaries aren’t mean – they’re medicine for your healing body, mental health, and new little family
• The truth about postpartum that makes boundaries non-negotiable (leaking boobs, swollen bits, zero sleep, hormone rollercoaster… you get it)
• How setting boundaries early prevents resentment later (even if it stings in the moment)
• Why someone else’s disappointment or pushback is NOT your responsibility
• The perspective shift every grandma, Gigi, mother-in-law, and well-meaning aunt needs to hear

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:28 Understanding the Importance of Postpartum Boundaries
• 03:02 Scripts for Setting Boundaries
• 04:43 Handling Pushback and Guilt
• 06:34 A Grandmother's Perspective
• 09:52 Final Thoughts and Support 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

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

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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

Today, we're uncovering a practice in many hospitals that could be robbing your baby of a third of their blood volume right after birth. This scientifically backed episode will arm you with everything you need to advocate for delayed cord clamping - a vital decision that can drastically improve your baby's first year of life. From boosting iron levels and enhancing brain development to improving circulation, discover why waiting just a few extra minutes before clamping the umbilical cord is a game-changer for your baby's health. We also tackle common concerns like C-sections and cord blood banking, ensuring you're well-prepared for any scenario. Don't let anyone else make this decision for you; your baby's health is in your hands. Tune in and walk into your delivery room confident and informed.

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

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:58 Understanding the Umbilical Cord
• 02:20 The Importance of Delayed Cord Clamping
• 03:33 Scientific Recommendations and Benefits
• 07:22 Addressing Common Concerns
• 09:26 Empowering Your Birth Choices
• 10:33 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

Leaving the house with a newborn feels anything but simple, until it suddenly is. In this raw, real, and incredibly practical episode, Trish pulls back the curtain on the invisible mental and emotional load that hits the second you think about stepping outside with your tiny human.

If you’ve ever stood at your front door in leaking boobs, spit-up-covered clothes, wondering “How do people do this?”, this episode is your permission slip, your pep talk, and your step-by-step game plan for leaving your house with a newborn.

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 You’ll Learn:

• Why feeling terrified to leave the house is 100% normal
• The hidden grief of losing the version of you who could just “grab keys and go”
• How to flip the intrusive “What if something goes wrong?” thoughts into “I can handle whatever comes”
• Trish’s viral diaper-bag formula: 1 diaper per hour you’re out + 2 extras (blowout protection without hauling the entire nursery)
• The exact minimalist “go bag” checklist that removes 90% of the decision fatigue
• The #1 timing hack: always leave right after a full feed for the longest calm window
• 3 firm-but-kind boundary scripts to stop strangers from touching or kissing your baby (plus the body language that makes them actually work)
• A 30-second grounding technique (hand on chest + 4-6 breathing) to calm the overwhelm 
• Why abandoning a full grocery cart and going home is NOT failing; it’s listening to your intuition (and it’s a win)
• How to stack tiny wins so postpartum confidence actually starts to feel real

Affirmations to Say Out Loud (yes, right now):

• “I’m allowed to have a life AND a baby.” (say it 3x)
• “It’s okay if my baby cries.”
• “I am safe. My baby is safe. I am calm now.”

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:00 The Challenge of Leaving the House with a Newborn
• 01:35 Emotional Load and Invisible Prep Work
• 03:42 Facing the Fear: Building Confidence Step by Step
• 06:21 Practical Tips for Outings with a Newborn
• 09:27 Handling Public Interactions and Boundaries
• 11:17 Grounding Techniques for Overwhelm and Anxiety

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 Dr. Kela Smith, holistic fertility and hormone doctor, and nutritionist. Dr. Kela shares her journey from struggling with unexplained infertility to becoming a mom and a fertility expert. They discuss 'The Hormone Puzzle' - a holistic approach teaching 5 key ways to balance your hormones fast and optimizing fertility through nutrition, detox, stress management, sleep, and functional lab testing. Today Dr. Kela provides actionable insights on improving hormonal health and fertility, making this episode a must-listen for anyone on a fertility journey. Plus, learn about her upcoming projects and where you can find more resources to support your fertility goals.

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 Dr. Kela Smith:

Visit the HormonePuzzleSociety.com 

Connect with her on Instagram: @kela_healthcoach & TikTok: @drkelasmith

Learn more about her Solving Infertility Summit at solving-infertility.com 

Listen to the Hormone PUZZLE Podcast

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:41 Dr. Kela's Fertility Journey
• 03:48 Trish's Fertility Story
• 06:21 Understanding Infertility
• 07:39 Five Ways to Balance Hormones
• 13:44 Managing Stress for Hormonal Balance
• 16:00 Improving Sleep Quality
• 18:46 Functional Lab Testing for Fertility
• 21:10 Seeking Professional Support
• 24:23 Conclusion 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

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 shares her personal experience with severe sleep deprivation and her groundbreaking 'Pump and Cup' method that can help new moms secure five to six hours of uninterrupted sleep. Trish explains the neurological impacts of sleep deprivation, how it affects your brain, and offers practical nighttime protocols to improve your sleep quality. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, recognizing critical warning signs of postpartum depression and anxiety, and seeking support when needed. Tune in for expert advice and compassionate guidance to help you navigate the challenges of sleep deprivation during the postpartum period.

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:

• 01:49 Understanding Sleep Deprivation
• 03:57 The Pump and Cup Method
• 08:15 Additional Tips for Better Sleep
• 10:18 Recognizing When to Seek Help
• 11:21 Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Well-being

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 explains why night two after birth often feels overwhelming, reassures new parents that it's normal, and shares practical tips to survive Second Night Syndrome. Drawing from her expertise, Trish emphasizes that your baby isn't broken - they're just adjusting to life outside the womb while helping establish your milk supply.

• What is Second Night Syndrome? Around 24-48 hours post-birth, babies become fussy, cry incessantly, root constantly, and refuse to be put down. This is a normal adjustment from the womb's constant comfort to the bright, cold world. It's not hunger or failure - it's biological programming to trigger your milk production.
• Survival Tips for Night Two:

1. Skin-to-Skin: Strip baby to diaper and yourself to bare chest to regulate their vitals and provide comfort.
2. Feed on Demand: Allow nonstop nursing - it's establishing your supply. Prep for a relaxed evening (watch your fav tv show).
3. Create a Calm Environment: Dim lights, use white noise, and minimize overstimulation.
4. Share the Load: Involve your partner for diapers, burping, and holding to give you breaks.
5. Lower Expectations: Forget schedules - focus on bonding and survival. This phase passes quickly.

• When to Call Your Provider: Fewer than two wet diapers in 24 hours, lethargy, no interest in feeding, dry lips/mouth, or if your gut says something's wrong.

More from this episode:

Read the Blog: Second Night Syndrome: Tips For Surviving Baby’s Second Night

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:04 Understanding Second Night Syndrome
• 02:11 Why Your Baby is Crying
• 04:36 Common Mistakes Parents Make
• 06:28 Survival Guide for Second Night Syndrome
• 09:03 When to Call Your Provider
• 10:31 Conclusion and Next Steps

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 episode of Postpartum Unpacked, Trish gets into the often-overlooked topic of lochia - postpartum bleeding. Trish breaks down what lochia really means, why it happens, and how to navigate it with confidence. Drawing from her experience as a labor nurse, she explains the healing process after birth, shares practical tips for comfort, and emphasizes listening to your body. Whether you're a new mom or preparing for postpartum, this episode reassures you that lochia is a normal part of recovery and a sign of your body's incredible strength.

• Understanding Lochia: Lochia is your body's natural healing process after the placenta detaches, leaving a large wound (about the size of a dinner plate) in the uterus. It involves shedding blood, tissue, and leftover cells as the uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size. Trish describes lochia as the visible part of this internal cleanup.

The Three Stages of Lochia:

• Lochia Rubra (Days 1-4, up to 7): Bright red, heavy bleeding similar to a period. Small clots are common, especially after standing or nursing (which releases oxytocin and helps the uterus contract).
• Lochia Serosa (Days 5-10, up to 2 weeks): Lighter flow turning pinkish-brown. Clots should be rare and very small, indicating the uterus is contracting effectively.
• Lochia Alba (Week 2 to 6+): Yellowish or whitish discharge with mucus. This signals the final stages of wound closure.

Note: Everyone's body is different, so timelines may vary. If bleeding suddenly returns to bright red after lightening, it's a signal to rest - your body is saying you've overdone it.

Practical Tips for Managing Lochia and Postpartum Comfort:

• Underwear and Pads: Embrace hospital mesh panties or disposable incontinence underwear in the early days. Use giant postpartum pads (ask for extras at the hospital).
• No Internal Products: Skip tampons or menstrual cups until cleared by your provider - your cervix is open, and infection risk is high.
• Peri Bottle: Fill with warm water to gently clean the area instead of wiping. Pat dry for comfort. Add witch hazel or aloe if approved.
• Sitz Bath: Use warm water (with Epsom salts or safe herbal mixes) in a portable basin on the toilet. Great for soothing stitches, swelling, hemorrhoids, or general freshness.
• Witch Hazel Pads (Tucks Pads): Refrigerate and line your pad with them for cooling relief from soreness, swelling, or hemorrhoids.
• Nutrition and Hydration: Stay hydrated and eat iron-rich foods to rebuild blood volume and support healing. 

When to Call Your Provider: While lochia varies, watch for red flags and seek help immediately if:

• You're soaking a pad in an hour or less.
• Passing clots larger than a golf ball (notify even if smaller ones occur after lying down).
• Bleeding has a foul smell (beyond normal).
• You feel dizzy, weak, or short of breath.
• Persistent bright red bleeding after resting, especially weeks in.

Trust your instincts - better to report concerns and prevent issues like hemorrhage or infection.

More from this episode:

Postpartum Recovery Essentials Amazon List

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Postpartum Bleeding
• 00:53 Understanding Lochia: The Healing Process
• 01:44 Stages of Lochia: What to Expect
• 04:16 Practical Tips for Managing Postpartum Bleeding
• 09:11 When to Call Your Provider
• 10:59 Recap 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 sits down with Crystal, a physical therapist and c-section recovery expert with 17 years of experience and a professor for over 11 years, to discuss crucial insights into recovering from a C-section. They emphasize the importance of not solely relying on hospital recovery instructions, as proper early care can significantly impact long-term healing and pain management. Crystal shares her personal experience, having had two c-section births,  and professional expertise on common recovery mistakes, the value of early gentle movements, scar care, and strategies to regain core strength and mobility. This conversation is packed with essential tips, support options, and resources for moms navigating their C-section recovery journey.

More from Crystal Garnett:

• Follow her on Instagram @csectionphysio
• Visit  www.csectionphysio.com 
• Enroll in Crystal’s program using the code “LABORNURSEMAMA’ and get Labor Nurse Mama’s Belly Birth Masterclass included for FREE!

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:35 Crystal's Personal C-Section Experience
• 02:33 The Shocking Lack of Post-Op Care Instructions
• 06:30 The Importance of Gentle Movements and Breathing Exercises
• 08:46 Managing Intra-Abdominal Pressure and Pain
• 11:07 Scar Care and Emotional Healing
• 15:12 The Role of Compression and Support in Recovery
• 18:15 Managing Pain and Mobility
• 21:03 Importance of Support and Assistance
• 22:19 Lifting and Handling Post-Surgery
• 26:02 Scar Massage and Healing Techniques
• 28:54 Silicone Tape and Scar Care

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 breaks down the often-overlooked issue of postpartum booty pain experienced by new mothers, sharing her personal journey and the critical lessons learned. From her startling experience with her first baby Ian, where a nurse referred to hemorrhoids as 'a patch of cauliflowers,' to understanding various causes, Trish offers insights into tailbone trauma, hemorrhoids, pelvic floor dysfunction, and other sources of pain. 

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 provides practical strategies and preventative measures to alleviate this discomfort, emphasizing the importance of proper birth positions, physical therapy, and self-advocacy. With her extensive experience as an online birth educator and 16+ years as a labor and delivery nurse, Trish aims to empower women with the knowledge to reduce postpartum suffering and enjoy a smoother recovery. Tune in to learn how to prevent and manage seven common causes of postpartum booty pain.

More from this episode:

• Grab this Donut Cushion
• Sitz Bath for Hemorrhoids
• Stool Softener

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:14 Understanding Postpartum Booty Pain
• 05:17 Tailbone Trauma: Causes and Solutions
• 07:59 Hemorrhoids: The Cauliflower Patch
• 13:25 Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: The Hidden Connection
• 16:35 Birth Positions: Preventing Tailbone Pain
• 20:21 Anal Fissures: The Sharp Pain
• 22:36 Muscle Strain from Pushing
• 25:29 Nerve Damage: The Rare Case
• 27:49 Conclusion: Empowering Your Recovery

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