By Heather Knezic, RN
When should I start preparing for birth? Is labor pain really that bad? What do I need to stock up on for postpartum? My baby won't latch. Is my breastfeeding journey doomed? Will I ever sleep agai
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The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.
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In this empowering episode of The Labor Room, I sit down with Dr. Naomi Whittaker, an OBGYN and mom of five (soon to be six), to discuss her inspiring journey of reclaiming her birth experiences after a traumatic first delivery. Dr. Whittaker shares how her first birth, a primary cesarean due to a misdiagnosis of Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD), shaped her determination to achieve four successful VBACs.
We dive into her transformative birth stories, exploring the emotional and physical aspects of healing from trauma and navigating VBACs. Dr. Whittaker also opens up about how her personal experiences influenced her decision to become an OBGYN and how she’s now making a difference for moms navigating their own pregnancy journeys.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Whether you're preparing for a VBAC, healing from a past birth trauma, or just looking for inspiration to feel empowered as a birthing mom, this episode is packed with heartfelt insights and expert advice.
Resources Mentioned:
The Birth Plan Accelerator Course
The FREE BIrth Plan Blueprint
The Reel that connected Heather & Naomi
The Reel Heather mentioned about a resident who pushed her over the edge
The Reel Naomi mentioned about C-Section preferences
The Reel Naomi mentioned about sewing up a chicken breast
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Connect With Naomi:
The Birth Plan Accelerator is your ultimate step-by-step guide to creating a birth plan that works for you. This course empowers you to confidently communicate your preferences, navigate unexpected situations, and ensure your birth experience feels supported and informed. Whether you're planning a hospital delivery, home birth, or anything in between, you'll gain the tools to make your voice heard, reduce fear, and feel prepared for the birth you’ve envisioned. Take charge of your birth journey with clarity and confidence—because every mom deserves to feel in control on the big day.
Subscribe and leave a review to let us know how this episode inspired or helped you! Together, we’re elevating births and empowering moms every step of the way.
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In today’s episode of The Labor Room Podcast, I’m sitting down with Amy Kiefer, co-founder of Expecting and Empowered, to talk all about strength training during pregnancy. Amy is an expert in prenatal fitness, and through her work at Expecting and Empowered, she’s empowering moms to maintain their strength and health during pregnancy and beyond.
In this episode, we cover:
Why strength training matters during pregnancy
Amy shares valuable insights into how strength training can benefit pregnant women, from improving endurance during labor to enhancing postpartum recovery. Whether you're new to exercise or an experienced fitness enthusiast, there’s something in this episode for you!
Mentioned in the episode:
Amy has generously offered my listeners a 15% discount on the Expecting and Empowered app! Just use the code alifeinlabor at checkout on https://app.expectingandempowered.com/subscriptions/.
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Connect with Amy:
Links mentioned in this episode:
Follow and Subscribe:
Don’t miss out on future episodes of The Labor Room Podcast! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. You can follow me on Instagram at @alifeinlabor and check out more resources on my website, alifeinlabor.com.
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Let's chat about labor positions that can lead to an easier, smoother, healthier birth process for you and your baby. Plus, can hospital policy dictate in what position you give birth?
Connect with Heather
@alifeinlabor
A Life In Labor website
Resources mentioned in this episode
Enjoy Your Birth Ebook
The Empowered Birth Academy - use code THELABORROOM
Birth Plan Template
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In this empowering episode of The Labor Room, we’re diving deep into how to turn your birth plan into your birth reality. Whether you're a first-time mom or navigating another pregnancy, creating a birth plan that aligns with your values and desires is key to feeling prepared and empowered. But how do you make sure your birth plan actually works for you when the day comes?
In this episode, I share practical tips and strategies on how to take your birth plan from paper to practice. Learn how to communicate effectively with your birth team, navigate the unexpected, and advocate for the birth experience you envision. From handling medical interventions to staying flexible in the moment, this episode covers everything you need to ensure your birth plan supports your ideal birth while still giving you the freedom to adapt if necessary.
Key Takeaways:
Who is this episode for?
Mentioned in This Episode:
Connect with Heather:
Resources and Links:
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Welcome to this episode of The Labor Room Podcast, where I'm diving deep into a topic that doesn't get talked about enough – the immediate care of newborns right after birth. You may think you're prepared, with all the advice you've gathered about sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, but there's so much more that new parents need to know.
In this episode, I'll walk you through the top ten most surprising and often weird things you'll encounter in those first moments and hours after your baby is born. As a labor and delivery nurse, I see the same concerns popping up from new parents over and over again, and trust me, they are all perfectly normal! We'll cover everything from your baby’s unexpected appearance to their breathing patterns, and help ease your mind as you step into the world of parenthood.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or even a seasoned one, this episode will help prepare you for the things that no one tells you about your newborn at birth. So grab a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and let's dive into all the things that make those first few hours with your baby a little less stressful.
Tech difficulties! Coming soon: Check out our new SHOP! 🎉 I'm so excited to announce the opening of our brand new shop where you can shop all of our resources that will guide you through TTC, pregnancy, birth, and the baby stage!
Resources:
Connect with Me:
Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! I'd love to hear your feedback and how this episode helped you feel more prepared for the newborn stage.
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In this enlightening episode of The Labor Room podcast, Heather Knezic sits down with Alexandra DeVito, a renowned functional nutritionist specializing in fertility and preconception health. Alexandra is the author of 9 Months Is Not Enough: The Ultimate Pre-pregnancy Checklist to Create a Baby-Ready Body and Build Generational Health and the founder and CEO of Poplin, the first pre-pregnancy wellness company.
Join us as we delve into the crucial topic of pre-pregnancy wellness and how it can significantly impact not only your pregnancy but also your postpartum period and overall generational health.
Topics Discussed:
Making Baby Steps: A Comprehensive TTC Guide
Get 50% off The Empowered Birth Academy with code THELABORROOM
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Connect with Heather:
Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Labor Room podcast and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us bring more insightful and inspiring content to new and expecting mothers.
Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode and connect with other listeners in our online community.
Tune in next week for another episode filled with valuable insights and expert advice on all things motherhood. Until then, take care and prioritize your wellness journey!
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In this episode of The Labor Room podcast, I dive into a practical and stress-free approach to building a breast milk freezer stash. Whether you’re planning to return to work, want to have some extra milk on hand, or are simply looking to build a stash for peace of mind, this episode is packed with tips and strategies to make the process smooth and manageable. Join host Heather Knezic as she breaks down the steps to create a freezer stash without feeling overwhelmed.
Listener Questions and Answers:
Heather answers listener-submitted questions about pumping, freezer stashes, and managing milk supply.
Resources Mentioned:
Milkies Like You Mean It Breastfeeding & Pumping Course
40 Breastfeeding Secrets
Connect with Me:
Subscribe & Leave a Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more moms and provide valuable content. I will draw one winner to get access to any of my courses for free.
Join the Conversation:
Share your pumping experiences and tips with us! Tag us on social media with #TheLaborRoomPodcast and #PumpingGuide.
Closing Notes:
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Labor Room podcast. Remember, building a freezer stash doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a little planning and the right tips, you can create a stash that works for you and your baby. Until next time, take care and happy pumping!
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In this episode of The Labor Room Podcast, Heather Knezic interviews Jacque Ordner, a Motif Medical Advisor, IBCLC, and BSN, about the unique challenges and solutions for breastfeeding after a C-section. Jacque shares valuable insights on overcoming common obstacles, effective breastfeeding positions, and the importance of support systems for C-section mothers. Whether you're a new mom or a birth professional, this episode is packed with practical advice and encouragement for a successful breastfeeding journey post-C-section.
Key Topics Discussed:
Connect with Heather:
Connect with Jacque Ordner:
Thank You for Listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and motherhood.
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Host: Heather Knezic
Guest: Chanelle Nsangou Nioya, DNP, CNM, FNP-C
Episode Summary: In this episode, Heather Knezic sits down with Chanelle Nsangou Nioya, a doctorate-prepared, board-certified nurse midwife and nurse practitioner, to discuss an often overlooked but crucial aspect of postpartum recovery: sexual health. Chanelle shares her extensive knowledge and practical advice on navigating sexual health after childbirth, addressing common concerns and providing tips for new mothers and their partners.
Key Topics Covered:
Key Takeaways:
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Chanelle Nsangou Nioya:
Connect With Heather Knezic:
Closing Remarks:
Thank you for tuning in to this important episode of The Labor Room Podcast. Remember, taking care of your sexual health is a vital part of your overall well-being as a new mother. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support and keep the conversation going. Until next time, take care and be kind to yourself!
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Hey! Today on The Labor Room Podcast we are talking about True vs False labor and how to know whether or not you're having real labor contractions or if they are just a run of annoying braxton hicks contractions. It can be confusing if you're a new mom but in this episode we will go over:
5 things to look for to determine whether or not it's the real thing
3 things to try if you're experiencing uncomfortable false labor
5 ways you'll know for sure that this is true labor or not
Connect with Heather:
@alifeinlabor
https://alifeinlabor.com
Resources Mentioned in the episode:
The Labor and Delivery Guide
The Week By Week Pregnancy Sequence - Free
The Empowered Birth Academy - $50 off with the code THELABORROOM
Join the Conversation: The Labor Room Facebook group is a place to connect with other moms for support.
CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth, breastfeeding, and baby care courses that will help you feel prepared and empowered on your journey to and through motherhood.
And be sure to follow @alifeinlabor on instagram to join our little community of mamas who are navigating this stage of life right along side you.
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The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.
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