On the 10th episode of The Labor Line, I’m joined by my friend Valeria, who had only ever held one baby before she had her own! From finding the right circle of friends that helped her feel confident enough to become a mom to utilizing all the tools offered to her from a local pregnancy help center, Valeria went from being a newborn novice to a birthing boss! 

In this episode: 

• Positive labor with an epidural at 42 weeks 
• Navigating the complex US healthcare & insurance system as a Peruvian immigrant 
• Big baby and a subsequent 2nd degree tear 
• Learning to stand up to negative nurses 
• The emotional strain of exclusively pumping for 10 months

Valeria’s story is full of laughs and heart and is a great reminder that surrounding yourself with the right people can empower you to do things you never thought possible before. 

I also end the episode by sharing 10 things that I’ve learn from 10 episodes of The Labor Line, so be sure to stick around to the end!  

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Valeria

08:06 - Pregnancy: Nausea, Birthing Classes, & Community Support

24:44 - Labor: Positive Delivery of a Big Baby With an Epidural at 42 Weeks 

27:40 - Postpartum: Cranky Nurses, Negotiating Medical Bills, & Exclusively Pumping

42:26 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

45:58 - 10 Lessons From 10 Episodes

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my friend Madeline, whose twin pregnancy was as surprising as it was thrilling! From working with a midwife at a birth center to mitigate fearmongering common with a twin pregnancy, to being lifeflighted (!!) to an unfamiliar hospital, only to be discharged a few days later, and ultimately having a C-section at 32 weeks, Madeline’s story is a wonderful example of staying strong in your convictions through the twists and turns of pregnancy. 

In this episode: 

• A subchorionic hematoma at 5 weeks 
• Faulty genetic tests with a false positive for the Trisomy 18 marker
• Early labor sparked on by a symptomless UTI
• C-Section prompted by a misread of the size of her babies 
• 3-week and 6-week NICU stays
• Difficulty feeling bonded to both babies amidst postpartum depression
• Advocating for yourself and your baby no matter what! 

Madeline’s story is a beautiful reminder that birth rarely goes according to plan, but your voice and your resilience matter every step of the way. If you need encouragement to trust yourself through the unpredictable journey of pregnancy and postpartum, this is the episode for you. 

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Madeline

06:29 - Pregnancy: Subchronic Hematoma, Inaccurate Genetic Tests, & Rejecting Fearmongering

32:52 - Labor: Unnecessary Lifeflight, Size Discrepancy Worries, & a C-Section Delivery 

56:41 - Postpartum: NICU Stays, Newborn Bubble, Postpartum Depression, & Learning to Bond

1:16:32 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my lifelong friend Lauren, who had 3 unique birth experiences that all informed one another. From a positive introduction into motherhood with her first, to a mentally difficult postpartum experience with her second, followed by a diagnosis of ICP (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy) with her third, Lauren’s story reminds us that no two births are alike– even in the same family!

In this episode: 

• Two failed epidurals
• Utilizing RhoGAM shots 
• Real talk about postpartum anxiety + intrusive thoughts 
• Beyond just the itchiness of ICP 
• A one-push unmedicated delivery
• The power of preventative meds + uplifting community

Lauren has a way of telling it like it is without leaving you feeling heavy or overwhelmed (I mean, she is a rock-star of a therapist after all). Her candid discussion of the various curveballs that come with each new pregnancy reminds us to always ALWAYS check in on our friends, even the ones we think have it all together. 

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along on Instagram @thelaborline

Trigger Warning: Discussion of suicidal ideation (40:16 to 40:30 & 1:06:06) 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

More information on the RhoGAM shot

Chapters: 

00:00 - Meet Lauren

09:05 - 1st Pregnancy: Positive Introduction Into Motherhood

18:38 - 1st Labor: Failed Epidural -- Didn't Feel Contractions, But Felt Everything While Pushing 

23:02 - 1st Postpartum: Sweet Bonding Time + Supportive Community 

25:58 - 2nd Pregnancy: Utilizing Clomid for Fertility + RhoGAM shot

35:20 - 2nd Labor: Induction + Another Failed Epidural

38:01 - 2nd Postpartum: Anxiety, OCD Tendencies, & Breastfeeding Challenges

44:09 - 3rd Pregnancy: Itchiness with ICP (Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy) 

52:27 - 3rd Labor: Quick, One-Push Unmedicated Birth

01:01:42 - 3rd Postpartum: The Power of Preventative Meds + Uplifting Community 

01:12:30 -To My Pre-Mom Self...

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my friend Mariah, who brings her wisdom as an emotional processing yoga coach to the world of birth. From dreaming of a quiet, at-home birth to some late pregnancy hurdles that led to an unexpected, but peaceful C-section, Mariah’s journey is a crash course in the power of surrendering. 

In this episode: 

• The nuances of pursuing a home birth in a medically motivated state
• Staying grounded as a mom with OCD
• Cholestasis + pre-eclampsia 
• Trusting your body and your baby amid uncertainty 
• Breech baby + empathetic hospital staff
• The untold difficulties of overproduction in breastfeeding + D-MER

Mariah’s story is a testament to the importance of staying true to your inner voice as you enter the unpredictable world of motherhood. Her insights have forever changed how I view birth and the beautiful balance between a mother and her baby. 

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along on Instagram @thelaborline

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Mariah’s Honey, Be Yoga Instagram 

Chapters: 

00:00 - Meet Mariah 

06:54 - Pregnancy: Instant Connection to Baby, Switching Doctors, & Late Term Hurdles

28:49 - Delivery: Pre-eclampsia, Breech Baby, Empowering Hospital Staff, & Positive C-Section

56:21 - Postpartum: Overproduction in Breastfeeding, Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex, & Emotional Struggles

1:13:33 - To My Pre-Mom Self...

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my friend Maddie, whose birth stories are as powerful as they are different. From a long, exhausting hospital induction with polyhydramnios to a fast, redemptive unmedicated birth at a birth center—plus the emotional experience of miscarriage in between—Maddie shares it all with honesty, insight, and so much heart.

In this episode: 

• 3 DAYS of hospital labor (48+ hours unmedicated!)
• Moving across the country with a newborn
• Coping with a miscarriage
• The shock of a subchorionic hemorrhage
• Healing, unmedicated birth center experience
• A birth prep must = Disney Jeopardy! 

Maddie’s story is one of strength, surrender, and showing up with love. I know y’all will be just as moved by it as I was.

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along on Instagram @thelaborline

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols

New Sibling Course Pack by LoveEvery

Chapters: 

00:00 - Meet Maddie 

08:13 - Deciding to Have Kids

11:39 - 1st Pregnancy: Exhaustion + Polyhydramnios 

17:55 - 1st Labor: Induction, 3 DAYS of Labor, & Epidural

25:33 - 1st Postpartum: No Sleep + Cross-Country Move

30:18 - Miscarriage: Grief + Emotional Support

45:08 - 2nd Pregnancy: Physical Prep + Subchorionic Hemorrhage

56:25 - 2nd Labor: Birth Center + Redemptive Water Birth

1:29:00 - 2nd Postpartum: Quick Healing + Adjusting to 2 Children

1:35:00 -To My Pre-Mom Self..

This week, I’m joined by my friend from home, Annika, who is such a kind and resilient person.

After wrestling with several chronic health issues in her early twenties, Annika shares her winding road to mom-hood, including her IUI journey, her positive pregnancy experience, an induction, an epidural, 30 HOURS of labor, and the emotional decision to pivot to a C-section. She also talks about utilizing accelerated resolution therapy (or ART) to process her birth experience. 

In this episode:

• Unanticipated infertility + IUI success
• Enjoying pregnancy after infertility
• Elective induction + inability to dilate
• Mental and emotional coping during a C-section
• Reflecting on the vulnerability required in motherhood

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along on Instagram @thelaborline

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

Annika’s 30-Minute Nutrition Podcast

Annika’s Digital Diet Tech Page

Roku Stick to add to your hospital bag

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my college friend, Anahi, who’s a true girl’s girl and all-around gem.

She shares what it was like emotionally adjusting to pregnancy, how she and her husband tackled labor as a team, and her empowering (mostly unmedicated!) birth story with an epidural at the 12-hour mark. We also dive into the raw postpartum haze, and the tough emotions that came with returning to work just three months after giving birth.

Anahi’s story is full of love, honesty, and community, highlighting the people who showed up for her in big and small ways. This episode feels like a warm hug for any new or expecting parent.

In this episode:

• The emotional adjustment of pregnancy
• Prepping mentally for a positive birth
• A mostly unmedicated labor with an epidural assist
• Supportive nurses + birth team wins
• The guilt and growth of returning to work postpartum

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along on Instagram @thelaborline

Chapters: 

00:00 - Meet Anahi

06:19 - Pregnancy: Adjusting to "New Normal" Mentally & Emotionally

19:32 - Labor: Late Stage Epidural + Supportive Husband, Mom, & Medical Staff

36:29 - Postpartum: Raw Emotions + Relying on Others for Support

41:59 - Returning to Work: Mom Guilt & Putting Your Child First

49:23 - To My Pre-Mom Self...

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my sister-friend Becca, the kind of mom who brings light, laughter, and a roll-with-the-punches attitude to everything life (and birth) throws at her.

She walks us through her 10-year journey into motherhood, which BEGAN with a 10+ pound baby (yes, really) and has since included:

• Gestational diabetes
• Jaundice
• A rare genetic diagnosis
• Three C-sections
• Four cross-country moves
• Oh yeah– and three graduate degrees between her and her husband in their "spare" time!

Today, she shares her insights into juggling the raw emotions of motherhood, including life after pregnancy loss, staying optimistic amidst the chaos, and relishing in the little everyday joys. Her story is an example of the adaptability required to be a modern mom that gives hope to anyone wondering, “How can I do this?” 

Fair warning, today’s episode comes with a lot of laughter and stories from the OR that will leave your jaw on the floor!

• Long labor that led to 3 planned C-sections
• Managing gestational diabetes like a champ
• Navigating pregnancy loss while raising toddlers
• What not to say to someone while tying their tubes
• A rare ZTTK syndrome diagnosis that transformed their family.

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along on Instagram @thelaborline

00:00 - Meet Becca

07:11 - Were We Truly Ready to be Parents?

08:40 - 1st Pregnancy: Intense Nausea in the Texas Heat

13:49 - 1st Delivery: 29 Hours & An Epidural Into a C-Section

27:26 - 1st Postpartum: A Positive Transition Into Parenthood

31:05 - 2nd Pregnancy: Learning to Manage Gestational Diabetes

38:00 - 2nd Delivery: Positive Planned C-Section + Skin-to-Skin

40:57 - 2nd Postpartum: Jaundice, Sleep Struggles, &Community Support with 2 Under 2

46:30 - Processing Pregnancy Loss

48:22 - 3rd Pregnancy: Minor Gestational Diabetes & Enlarged Brain Ventricles

52:32 - 3rd Delivery: Planned C-Section + NICU Stay

57:34 - 3rd Postpartum: Unique Developmental Struggles + COVID 

1:01:41 - Journey to a ZTTK Diagnosis

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my powerhouse of a mom-friend, Lindsy, who brings the kind of raw, beautiful honesty that this podcast is all about.

After a smooth pregnancy, things took a wild turn: her OB completely ghosted her, the backup Physician's Assistant dropped the ball, and on the morning of delivery, Lindsy found out her baby was breech (even though she’d been told for weeks he was head-down).

She opens up about the real emotions of an unexpected C-section, how it felt to be dismissed by medical staff, and the heartbreak and resilience that came with her baby’s hip dysplasia diagnosis. Oh! And did I mention, I was her doula?

This is a story about trusting your gut, fighting for your voice, and learning to bond with your baby even when birth doesn’t go the way you imagined.

• A positive, uneventful pregnancy (until it wasn’t)
• Getting ghosted by your OB + a careless backup PA
• A surprise breech diagnosis and C-section delivery
• Real talk on trauma, healing, and bonding with baby
• Encouragement for parents learning to advocate for themselves

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along @thelaborline

00:00 - Meet Lindsy

06:52 - A Smooth, Unplanned Pregnancy

11:34 - Doctor Red Flags

13:58 - A Breech Baby & Traumatic, Unexpected C-Section

24:36 - Careless Nurses & High Blood Pressure 

30:16 - The Grief of Unmet Expectations

37:29 - Advocate For Yourself!!

46:32 - Bonding With Baby After Difficult Birth

49:43 - Finding Peace & Meaning

Welcome to the very first episode of The Labor Line! I’m your host, Emily — a non-mom who’s always been weirdly obsessed with birth. (Like… childhood Barbie birth scenarios obsessed.)

To kick things off, I’m joined by my dear friend Kylie, who may or may not have told her OB to shut up while pushing. From not being sure she even wanted kids, to navigating fertility struggles, Kylie takes us through all the twists, turns, and TUMS of pregnancy (hello, carpal tunnel and raging heartburn).

We talk about her labor and delivery — the real stuff, like what surprised her, what hurt, and what helped. And we dive into the postpartum fog, including her breastfeeding journey and how she found support when things got hard. 

If you’re into real, vulnerable, laugh-through-the-tears kind of birth stories, you’re in the right place. 

In this episode: 

• Changing your mind about motherhood
• Carpal tunnel, heartburn, and other pregnancy joys 🙃
• The emotional weight of labor + delivery
• Real talk about breastfeeding and asking for help
• Words of love and encouragement for new moms

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday.

📱 Let’s hang out @thelaborline

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Practically Pain-Free Birth Course by the Mighty Mama Movement

Labor like a Goddess by Lauren Mahana

Motherlove More Milk Plus by Motherlove

Chapters

00:00 - Introducing: The Labor Line!! 

05:49 - Meet Kylie

11:15 - A Winding Road to Pregnancy

20:31 - Pregnancy: Carpal Tunnel, Birthing Prep, & Peeling Wallpaper

32:48 - Labor: Pain Reality Check, Epidural Relief, & Squatted Pushing]

45:14 - Breastfeeding: A Tounge Tie Mystery 

59:12 - To My Pre-Mom Self…