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EP 49:
In today’s episode, Stephanie dives into seven common mistakes to avoid during labor that can make the process much harder than it needs to be. From simple physical adjustments to mindset shifts, Stephanie shares practical, doula-approved tips to help you approach labor with confidence and ease.

Key Takeaways:

1. Don’t Tense Up – Softening your jaw and relaxing your shoulders can help your body open and progress.
2. Avoid Staying in One Position – Moving around helps with labor progression and baby positioning.
3. Stop Watching the Clock – Focus on the present moment to reduce mental fatigue.
4. Work with Contractions, Not Against Them – Embrace contractions as helpful waves.
5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished – Keep energy levels up with water and light snacks.
6. Remember to Breathe – Deep, steady breaths make contractions more manageable.
7. Prioritize Your Comfort Needs – Adjust the environment to feel at ease.

Ready to learn more? Check out Stephanie's Bump to Bundle Blueprint course for comprehensive guidance on preparing for labor, birth, and breastfeeding!

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Bump To Bundle Blueprint
• Subscribe to the Channel

Follow Stephanie for More Tips!

• Instagram | Birth Prep Academy - YouTube | Facebook

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EP 48:
Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into all the basics of breastfeeding! I’ll walk you through everything a first-time mom needs to know to feel prepared, from understanding your baby’s first feeds to managing common breastfeeding challenges. By the end of this episode, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to make your breastfeeding journey smooth and enjoyable.

Key Topics:

• The many benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby
• Setting realistic expectations for the first few days
• Understanding colostrum and how your milk supply works
• Practical tips for positioning and latching
• Building and boosting your milk supply
• Solutions for common challenges like sore nipples and engorgement
• Creating a support system to help you succeed

Resources & Links:

• Breastfeeding Basics Course
• Contact a Lactation Consultant

Subscribe & Follow: Don’t forget to subscribe and follow for more insights, tips, and expert support as you navigate your breastfeeding and motherhood journey!

Send us a text

EP 47:
Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into all the basics of breastfeeding! I’ll walk you through everything a first-time mom needs to know to feel prepared, from understanding your baby’s first feeds to managing common breastfeeding challenges. By the end of this episode, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to make your breastfeeding journey smooth and enjoyable.

Key Topics:

• The many benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby
• Setting realistic expectations for the first few days
• Understanding colostrum and how your milk supply works
• Practical tips for positioning and latching
• Building and boosting your milk supply
• Solutions for common challenges like sore nipples and engorgement
• Creating a support system to help you succeed

Resources & Links:

• Bump To Bundle Blueprint
• One-on-one Intensive for specialized birth education and support
  
  

Subscribe & Follow: Don’t forget to subscribe and follow for more insights, tips, and expert support as you navigate your breastfeeding and motherhood journey!

Send us a text

EP 46:
Welcome back to the podcast! In today’s episode, we’re talking about the powerful act of letting go in order to create a smoother, more confident birth experience. Sometimes, to truly "birth like a boss," we need to release things that hold us back and focus on trusting ourselves. I'll take you through five specific things to quit during pregnancy to empower yourself for the big day.

Episode Highlights:

• Overcoming Information Overload: Avoid the temptation to Google everything and stick with trusted sources for your pregnancy journey.
• Stop Comparing: Every mom’s journey is unique—celebrate yours without comparing.
• Trust Your Body: Let go of doubts and lean into your body’s power with confidence and affirmations.
• Ignoring Unwanted Opinions: Keep only the advice that serves you, and leave the rest.
• Embrace Rest: Allow yourself to rest without guilt; it’s part of the preparation!

Want more tips and guidance on navigating pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding? Check out my Bump to Bundle Blueprint course, designed to support you from pregnancy to that first breastfeeding moment. Share this episode with another soon-to-be mom, and don’t forget to subscribe for more weekly episodes!

Resources Mentioned:

• Bump to Bundle Blueprint Course

Send us a text

EP 45:
Welcome to this episode, mama! Today, we're diving deep into the first trimester. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Between morning sickness, fatigue, and everything else, there’s a lot going on in these first few weeks of pregnancy. In this episode, I’ll be sharing my top tips to help you survive and thrive during this time, plus answering some of the most common questions I get from expecting moms just like you.

Episode Highlights:

1. What’s Happening with Your Body – Understand what’s going on as your body changes and adapts to pregnancy.
2. Survival Tips – From staying hydrated to eating small meals, we cover the essentials to keep you feeling as good as possible.
3. Top FAQs – Answering your most-asked questions on fatigue, morning sickness, and safe foods during pregnancy.
4. First Trimester Mindset – Why giving yourself grace is key to navigating these early months.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Bump to Bundle Blueprint – Your ultimate guide from pregnancy to birth to breastfeeding.
• Pregnancy-Safe Teas and Snacks – Find relief with foods like ginger chews and cold smoothies.

Connect With Us:

• Website: BirthPrepAcademy.com
• Social Media: Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for daily pregnancy and breastfeeding tips.

The first trimester is full of changes, but with a positive mindset and the right tools, you’re ready to take it on! Remember, each step brings you closer to meeting your little one. Listen, subscribe, and stay tuned for more guidance and support on your journey to motherhood!

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EP 44:
Hey mama! Are you in the final stretch of pregnancy, watching every symptom like a hawk? Join Stephanie Pool, your go-to doula and lactation consultant, as she breaks down the top 8 signs that labor might be just around the corner. From emotional shifts to those last-minute nesting instincts, Stephanie helps you decode what your body is telling you as it preps for the big day. Tune in to learn about the physical and emotional signs that labor is approaching and find out how to stay calm and prepared for this life-changing moment.

Labor can come with a mix of surprising physical and emotional signs. Listen to your body and remember: each sign is part of the preparation for meeting your little one. If you’re looking to feel even more prepared, check out our course linked above.

Key Points Covered:

1. Emotional Shifts - The surge of energy, calmness, or nesting instinct.
2. “Lightning” or Baby Dropping - Changes in breathing and pressure as baby moves down.
3. Vaginal Discharge Changes - What it means when you notice mucus-like discharge or the “bloody show.”
4. Lower Back Pain and Cramps - How your body uses small contractions to prep for labor.
5. Joint Loosening - The impact of the hormone relaxin on your body.
6. Braxton Hicks vs. True Contractions - When to recognize the shift to actual labor contractions.
7. Digestive Changes - Why nausea or diarrhea can signal labor is near.
8. Sleep Pattern Shifts - How restless nights can indicate impending labor.

Resources Mentioned:

• Bump to Bundle Blueprint Course: Comprehensive guidance for preparing for labor, delivery, and breastfeeding.

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• Bump To Bundle Blueprint

Send us a text

EP 43:
Why Your Labor Isn’t Starting & Tips to Help It Along

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking a common experience for moms-to-be: feeling ready for labor but seeing no signs of it beginning! Join me as we explore why this happens and dive into tips to help get things moving naturally.

Topics Covered:

1. Reasons labor might be delayed (hint: it’s normal!)
2. The role of hormones, baby’s position, and stress in labor onset
3. Safe, natural ways to encourage labor without forcing it
4. Things to avoid while waiting for labor

Resources Mentioned:

• Bump to Bundle Blueprint Course: Comprehensive guidance for preparing for labor, delivery, and breastfeeding.

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• Bump To Bundle Blueprint

Send us a text

Ep 42:
Welcome, mama! Today, we’re covering an essential topic to help you protect your newborn from RSV. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, can cause serious respiratory issues in infants. The good news? Breastfeeding can be a natural defense!

In this episode, we cover:

• What RSV is: Understanding the virus and why it can pose a risk to babies, especially those under six months.
• How Breastfeeding Helps: Discover how breast milk’s immune-boosting properties, like antibodies and white blood cells, protect against RSV and other infections.
• Feeding Tips for Babies with RSV: Learn practical ways to feed a congested baby, from using saline drops to humidifying the room.

Want to take your pregnancy prep further? Check out Bump to Bundle Blueprint – a course designed to walk you through every stage, from creating a birth plan to confidently breastfeeding your baby!

Listener Question: Have more questions on breastfeeding or RSV prevention? Drop your questions, and I’ll answer them in upcoming episodes!

Resources Mentioned:

• Bump to Bundle Blueprint – My comprehensive childbirth and breastfeeding preparation course

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with an expecting mom who could use these tips!

• Join my Bump to Bundle Blueprint course to learn everything you need about birth and breastfeeding. Link in the description!

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @birthprepacademy
• Podcast: Oh Baby! – For pregnant moms preparing for their first birth
• Website: www.birthprepacademy.com

Send us a text

EP 41:
Today, we’re diving into the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy. With so much advice out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this video, I’ll walk you through the essentials of pregnancy care, from taking prenatal vitamins to avoiding certain foods, so you can confidently navigate this exciting time. Whether you’re newly pregnant or trying to conceive, these tips will help keep you and your baby healthy and safe.

🌟 What You'll Learn:

• The must-do's for a healthy pregnancy (prenatal vitamins, staying active, hydration, and more)
• The major don’ts to avoid (smoking, excessive caffeine, and unsafe foods)
• How to manage stress and get plenty of rest
• Why it's important to listen to your body and trust your instincts

💡 Need help preparing for birth? Check out my Bump to Bundle Blueprint course! It covers everything from creating a birth plan to learning how to breastfeed like a pro. This course is your ultimate guide to a confident birth experience. Find the link below!

👉🏽 Click Here to Join my Bump to Bundle Blueprint: 

📢 Don't forget to:

• Like this episode
• Share with another mama who needs this!
• Subscribe to my podcast for more pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding tips!
• Leave a review.

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EP 40:

Hey mama! Wondering if you might be pregnant? In this video, we're diving into some of the most common early signs of pregnancy so you can understand what your body is telling you. Whether you've been trying for a while or it's just crossed your mind, knowing these early signs can help you feel more in control and prepared.

From missed periods to food cravings and even morning sickness, I'll cover it all! Plus, I'll give you tips on when to take a pregnancy test and what to do next if you get a positive result. If you're feeling a bit unsure or overwhelmed, don’t worry—I’m here to help you every step of the way!

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Missed period—what it really means
• Morning sickness and when it hits
• Unusual fatigue—could this be pregnancy?
• Breast changes and tenderness
• Weird cravings and food aversions
• Needing to pee more often than usual
• Timing your pregnancy test for the most accurate result
• What to do next if you’re pregnant

Resources Mentioned: 👉🏽 Bump to Bundle Blueprint: Your step-by-step guide to preparing for birth! Learn how to create a birth plan, take a childbirth class, and master breastfeeding—all before baby arrives! Click Here To Jumpstart Your Breastfeeding Journey Today!