The Labor Room

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I know that there are so many moms out there letting you know what they packed in their hospital bag, or what they wish they had packed, but I'm here to let you know what you should avoid packing! I've already shared with you exactly what to pack to make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible, but in order for my mission to be complete, I have to share my knowledge about what items only get in the way. Trust me!

As a labor and delivery nurse, when I see what some people are packing and lugging into the hospital, sometimes I cannot believe my eyes. You would think that they were on their way to their summer vacation and just happened to stop by the hospital first.

I'll bet those women go home after delivery thinking, "Man, I wish I had known what I actually needed before I packed my hospital bag". Lucky you, you're here now.

If you haven't made your way over to last week's post yet, here is the Free Printable Hospital Bag Checklist to make sure you have everything you need when the time comes to deliver.

Ad: The Labor & Delivery Guide

Connect with Heather:
@alifeinlabor

The Customizable Birth Plan

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.
https://alifeinlabor.com

Sign up for the Week by Week Pregnancy Email Sequence: https://alifeinlabor.com/weekbyweek

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Support the show

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Send me a love note here to let me know what you thought about your most recently listened-to episode!

Today we have a special guest on the podcast to to talk to us about keeping your baby close for breastfeeding success. Bri is a IBCLC,  Registered Nurse, Certified Educator of Infant Massage and mom of 4 located in Northern Utah. Her passion is to teach all things boobs, babies and breastfeeding to help ease the transition into parenthood. This conversation is packed full of breastfeeding information and tips that will help you get off on the right foot when starting to breastfeed your new baby.
 

If you loved this episode, don't forget to rate and review The Labor Room Podcast. Your support means the world to us!

Connect with Bri:
@breezy__babies
breezybabies.com

Connect with Heather:
@alifeinlabor

The Customizable Birth Plan
Milkies Like You Mean It Breastfeeding & Pumping Course

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.
https://alifeinlabor.com

Sign up for the Week by Week Pregnancy Email Sequence: https://alifeinlabor.com/weekbyweek

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Support the show

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Send me a love note here to let me know what you thought about your most recently listened-to episode!

This week we are chatting about weaning. But this conversation goes a whole lot further than just weaning from breastfeeding. In this episode we are talking about weaning from nursing, pacifier use, sleep associations, and more.

If you're nervous about the things that "you can't do forever" with your newborn, this is the episode for you.

If you loved this episode, don't forget to rate and review The Labor Room Podcast. Your support means the world to us!

Join the Conversation: Share your favorite pregnancy products in The Labor Room Facebook group and 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.
https://alifeinlabor.com

Sign up for the Week by Week Pregnancy Email Sequence: https://alifeinlabor.com/weekbyweek

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Support the show

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Send me a love note here to let me know what you thought about your most recently listened-to episode!

Welcome back to the labor room podcast. Today you get to hear from Britt Havens, a mom of four who shares her birth stories from her first baby that was born via cesarean section all the way down to her eventual VBAC at home with her 4th baby. Britt touches on how the cascade of interventions in the hospital contributed to her ultimate cesarean birth while also reminding us that hospital birth is absolutely the right choice for some people, every birth story is unique, and each mother gets to write her own story one birth at a time.

In this episode you hear about things like making the decision to have a home birth, how she accomplished her successful VBAC, birth plans, prodromal labor, Chorioamnionitis, epidural headache, and more.

If you loved this episode, don't forget to rate and review The Labor Room Podcast. Your support means the world to us!

Connect with Britt:
@britthavens

Connect with Heather:
@alifeinlabor 

The Birth Plan Accelerator
Enjoy Your Birth Ebook

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.
https://alifeinlabor.com

Sign up for the Week by Week Pregnancy Email Sequence: https://alifeinlabor.com/weekbyweek

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Support the show

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Send me a love note here to let me know what you thought about your most recently listened-to episode!

In honor of October being pregnancy loss awareness month, this episode of The Labor Room Podcast reveals my own personal story with miscarriage and pregnancy loss and the tips that helped me recover and heal my heart after miscarriage x4.

This episode on miscarriage is based off of a post that I wrote years ago after I had my first miscarriage. If you'd like to read the original post, keep in mind that it's from a perspective of having only one child while now I have three. But the tips still hold true.

https://alifeinlabor.com/how-to-care-for-yourself-and-your-heart-after-miscarriage-or-stillbirth

Every mother heals differently after miscarriage or stillbirth. This episode reflects the things that I would tell my closest friend or sister if a miscarriage or still birth were to happen to her. That doesn't mean that these methods of grieving or healing will be what works for you and your process. My heart goes out to each and every one of you that have experienced any number of losses at any gestation. The pain is something that cannot be explained.

If you loved this episode, don't forget to rate and review The Labor Room Podcast. Your support means the world to us!

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.
https://alifeinlabor.com

Sign up for the Week by Week Pregnancy Email Sequence: https://alifeinlabor.com/weekbyweek

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*
Support the show

Support the show

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Send me a love note here to let me know what you thought about your most recently listened-to episode!

In this episode of The Labor Room Podcast, I got to interview Marissa Bergman, a wife, mom to (almost) 3 girls, RN and small town birth & postpartum educator who believes that the transition into motherhood is one of the most important seasons of our lives and is a life event worth preparing for. 

For many new moms, the postpartum season looks like postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression and for some...postpartum rage. After a traumatic labor and delivery or birth experience, postpartum can be a season that makes you feel like you're drowning in overwhelm. But why? Does it have to be this way? 

In this episode, we talk about how you can set yourself up for postpartum success while you're preparing for a new baby as a first time mom or a seasoned pro that's just looking for ways to make her postpartum season more restorative and healing than it was the first time. 

Tune in to find ways that you can prepare for postpartum and change the narrative for postpartum mothers everywhere. 

Links and Resources

https://momtomomwithmarissa.com
Find Marissa on Instagram
The Postpartum Workshop

Things we mentioned in this Episode:

Postpartum Anxziety: The #1 Reason Why I'm Afraid To Have Another Baby
Get $50 off The Empowered Birth Academy using the code “THELABORROOM”
Join The Labor Room Facebook Group

If you loved this episode, don't forget to rate and review The Labor Room Podcast. Your support means the world to us!

Join the Conversation: Share your favorite pregnancy products in The Labor Room Facebook group and 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.
https://alifeinlabor.com

Sign up for the Week by Week Pregnancy Email Sequence: https://alifeinlabor.com/weekbyweek

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Support the show

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Send me a love note here to let me know what you thought about your most recently listened-to episode!

In this episode of The Labor Room podcast we are diving into ten things that you probably haven't thought about prior to getting to the hospital to have your baby. You've probably googled so many labor and delivery tips that your brain hurts but before your hospital birth, you'll want to remember these 10 essential pieces of advice for new or expecting moms. 

Links mentioned in this episode:
The Hospital Bag Checklist
The Labor & Delivery Guide
The Empowered Birth Academy

We Have A Giveaway Winner! The winner is announced inside the episode. If you are this week's winner, DM me on IG @alifeinlabor to claim your prize.

Join the Conversation: Share your experiences and ask questions in The Labor Room Facebook group and connect with other moms for support.

Rate and Review: Don't forget to leave an honest rating and review for a chance to win admission to one of our online courses.

Have your BEST birth!

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.
https://alifeinlabor.com

Sign up for the Week by Week Pregnancy Email Sequence: https://alifeinlabor.com/weekbyweek

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Support the show

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Send me a love note here to let me know what you thought about your most recently listened-to episode!

Welcome back to another heartwarming episode of The Labor Room Podcast, where we discuss everything you ever wanted to know about the world of birth and babies. Today, we've got a truly inspiring guest with us—Elizabeth Presta. 🌟

Elizabeth is a podcast host, birth doula and prenatal coach and has been practicing since 2013. Her favorite part of being a doula is partnering with women to make sure they feel validated and heard throughout their birthing experience. Elizabeth is passionate about women’s healthcare and is continually learning. She is currently hosting the Morning Chava podcast, working as a birth worker and creating online courses to help spread the message of empowerment and advocacy in the birthing space.

Key Takeaways

1️⃣ When to Use a Doula:
Not sure if a doula is right for you? We tackle that question head-on. No matter what stage of pregnancy you're in, a doula can offer invaluable support.

2️⃣ Why Doulas are Necessary:
Are doulas just a "nice-to-have," or are they an essential part of a positive birth experience? 

3️⃣ The Role of a Doula in Unmedicated AND Medicated Births:
Think doulas are only for moms going the natural route? Think again! We dive into how doulas can play a pivotal role, even if you opt for medical interventions.

4️⃣ Doulas in Inductions and C-sections:
Did you know that a doula could be a game-changer in inductions and C-sections? We break down the how and why.

5️⃣ The Importance of Birth Plans and Education:
Planning and education are your BFFs when it comes to labor and birth. And yes, doulas play a role here too!

6️⃣ Elizabeth's #1 Tip for Moms Preparing for Birth:
You won't want to miss this golden nugget of wisdom.

Links and Resources

• Elizabeth Presta's Website
• Find Elizabeth on Instagram
• Listen to Morning Chava with Elizabeth Presta -linked is an episode where Elizabeth interviews me and we chat about how to have an empowered birth in a hospital setting. 

Things we mentioned in this Episode: 

• Why We Should Use The Term "Birth Plan" Instead of "Birth Preferences" and Why It Matters
• Get $50 off The Empowered Birth Academy using the code "THELABORROOM" 
• Download the free "Enjoy Your Birth" Ebook

If you loved this episode, don't forget to rate and review The Labor Room Podcast. Your support means the world to us!

Join the Conversation: Share your favorite pregnancy products in The Labor Room Facebook group and 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

Support the show

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Send me a love note here to let me know what you thought about your most recently listened-to episode!

This week on The Labor Room Podcast we are talking about labor and delivery pain management tips that will make you feel like the super-hero you are. With some of these important labor tricks, you will be able to avoid the epidural if you're hoping to have an unmedicated birth OR manage labor on your own until you decide that it's time to request the epidural that you're already planning to have in active labor. Tune in to learn 18 of my favorite pain management techniques that I used when I had my own unmedicated labor and births - twice.

Links mentioned in this episode:
The Birth Plan Blueprint
The Labor & Delivery Guide
The Empowered Birth Academy

We Have A Giveaway Winner! The winner is announced inside the episode. If you are this week's winner, DM me on IG @alifeinlabor to claim your prize.

Join the Conversation: Share your favorite pregnancy products in The Labor Room Facebook group and connect with other moms for support.

Rate and Review: Don't forget to leave an honest rating and review for a chance to win admission to one of our online courses.

Have your BEST birth!

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.
https://alifeinlabor.com

Sign up for the Week by Week Pregnancy Email Sequence: https://alifeinlabor.com/weekbyweek

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Support the show

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Send me a love note here to let me know what you thought about your most recently listened-to episode!

Welcome to this episode of The Labor Room Podcast where we discuss what your support person during labor and delivery should NOT do.  As a labor and delivery nurse and a mom who's given birth three times with an incredible support person by my side, I have seen the good, bad, and the ugly when it comes to Dads in the delivery room and how a support person can help or hurt your birth experience. Tune in to hear the TOP 10 things that Dads in the labor and delivery room should NOT do.

Rate and Review: Don't forget to leave an honest rating and review for a chance to win admission to one of our online courses.

Have your BEST birth!

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.
https://alifeinlabor.com

Sign up for the Week by Week Pregnancy Email Sequence: https://alifeinlabor.com/weekbyweek

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Support the show

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*