Your Birth Bestie | The Best Pregnancy Podcast for an Informed and Natural Birth Experience

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Are you thinking about using a fetal doppler to monitor your baby's heartbeat at home during pregnancy?

Join me in this episode, as we dive further into:

• Pros and cons of using a fetal doppler for increased reassurance…
• Early detection of potential concerns and what to be aware of…
• How dopplers can increase emotional bonding for moms and dads… 
• Understanding the limitations of a doppler and that false reassurance does happen…
• Practical tips for safe and effective doppler use if you choose to monitor at home…
• … and much more!

Tune in to gain insights into the use of fetal dopplers during pregnancy. Whether you're seeking reassurance, considering early detection options, or aiming to deepen your bond with your baby, don't miss this episode of Your Birth Bestie!

➡️ FREE GUIDE -- 5 Best Pain Coping Tips for Every Stage of Labor

🌸 Connect with Beth

Website - www.familyfocusedmidwifery.com
Instagram - @family.focused.midwifery
Pinterest - familyfocusedmidwifery
Etsy Shop - Your Birth Bestie

👋 WHO AM I?

Welcome, friends! I am Beth, a certified nurse midwife, doula, and childbirth educator. My philosophy is rooted in autonomy, informed decision making, and positive mindset to help expecting parents plan for a beautiful, stress-free  birth. I am here to provide value to YOU through tips and practical advice, either to guide you through pregnancy or to help you prepare for childbirth, postpartum and beyond. There’s no fluff here - only info that adds to your positive experience and saves you stress and uncertainty.

Text Your Birth Bestie

You may or may not have heard of fetal kick counts before… but let’s talk about your baby’s movements in your belly and how to best understand what they mean!

In this episode, we’ll dive into:

• What are fetal kick counts? When to start tracking these movements…
• How to know what your baby’s movements mean…
• The steps to do fetal kick counts and what is considered normal…
• Debunking the myth that baby’s movements decrease as they grow…
• …and much more!

General advice is to trust your instincts if you notice concerning changes in your baby's movements, such as prolonged periods without activity or abrupt shifts in movement types. Your healthcare provider is your ally in ensuring both your peace of mind and your baby's well-being.

➡️ FREE GUIDE -- 5 Best Pain Coping Tips for Every Stage of Labor

🌸 Connect with Beth

Website - www.familyfocusedmidwifery.com
Instagram - @family.focused.midwifery
Pinterest - familyfocusedmidwifery
Etsy Shop - Your Birth Bestie

👋 WHO AM I?

Welcome, friends! I am Beth, a certified nurse midwife, doula, and childbirth educator. My philosophy is rooted in autonomy, informed decision making, and positive mindset to help expecting parents plan for a beautiful, stress-free  birth. I am here to provide value to YOU through tips and practical advice, either to guide you through pregnancy or to help you prepare for childbirth, postpartum and beyond. There’s no fluff here - only info that adds to your positive experience and saves you stress and uncertainty.

Text Your Birth Bestie

Celebrating ONE YEAR of Your Birth Bestie Podcast!

My goal has been for pregnant women to feel heard, supported, comforted, and also challenged by some of the decisions you may have to make during pregnancy and childbirth.

I also want pregnant moms to have the information from all sides, so they can make the choice best for their family. I love sharing how to have the best pregnancy and birth experience, enjoying this special time, without the overwhelm and uncertainty.

I hope you have enjoyed the last year as much as I have! Thank you for being here!

Please support the show by  writing a review wherever you listen. It helps more than you know!

Year 1 Recap:

55 Episodes

5,000+ Downloads

Top 10% of Global Podcasts

54+ Countries Reached

Top Featured Episodes:

37. Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy and When to Take a Pregnancy Test

3. Empowering Pregnant Moms to Be Their Best Advocate for Hospital Birth

21. First Prenatal Appointment Expectations and Questions to Ask Your Provider

18. Labor Positions, Pushing Tips, and How to Avoid Perineal Tearing During Birth

2. A Traumatic First Hospital Birth: What I'd Change Now as a Midwife

➡️ FREE GUIDE -- 5 Best Pain Coping Tips for Every Stage of Labor

🌸 Connect with Beth

Website - www.familyfocusedmidwifery.com
Instagram - @family.focused.midwifery
Pinterest - familyfocusedmidwifery
Etsy Shop - Your Birth Bestie

👋 WHO AM I?

Welcome, friends! I am Beth, a certified nurse midwife, doula, and childbirth educator. My philosophy is rooted in autonomy, informed decision making, and positive mindset to help expecting parents plan for a beautiful, stress-free  birth. I am here to provide value to YOU through tips and practical advice, either to guide you through pregnancy or to help you prepare for childbirth, postpartum and beyond. There’s no fluff here - only info that adds to your positive experience and saves you stress and uncertainty.

Text Your Birth Bestie

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Jess Hull, the founder of MotherMe.io, who shares insights into managing stress and relationships during the transition into postpartum with a new baby.

We talk about:

• The neurological shifts during and after pregnancy and their impact on stress and relationships…
• Common stressors couples face when bringing home a new baby…
• Managing realistic expectations and setting boundaries with family and friends….
• How to reduce stress and foster connection with your partner…
• …and so many more great tips!

Don't forget to visit MotherMe.io for more resources and to connect with Jess directly. Until next time, take care and remember, you're not alone in this journey!

Resources Mentioned

Learn more about Mother Me: www.motherme.io
Follow on Instagram: @motherme.io
Book a call with Jess: here
Download my postpartum checklist: here
Bring Jess to speak: here

➡️ FREE GUIDE -- 5 Best Pain Coping Tips for Every Stage of Labor

🌸 Connect with Beth

Website - www.familyfocusedmidwifery.com
Instagram - @family.focused.midwifery
Pinterest - familyfocusedmidwifery
Etsy Shop - Your Birth Bestie

👋 WHO AM I?

Welcome, friends! I am Beth, a certified nurse midwife, doula, and childbirth educator. My philosophy is rooted in autonomy, informed decision making, and positive mindset to help expecting parents plan for a beautiful, stress-free  birth. I am here to provide value to YOU through tips and practical advice, either to guide you through pregnancy or to help you prepare for childbirth, postpartum and beyond. There’s no fluff here - only info that adds to your positive experience and saves you stress and uncertainty.

Text Your Birth Bestie

Are you planning for your maternity leave and unsure if you should take off time before the baby is born or wait to go into labor? Are you budgeting simultaneously to see how much time you financially are able to take off and looking for tips on making a baby budget?

Tune in to this episode where we’ll cover…

• How to determine when to start your maternity leave…
• Eligibility and length of maternity leave under FMLA and exceptions with small businesses…
• Featured support from a small business with paid maternity leave and parental accommodations…
• The lack of maternity leave support often offered or overlooked by pregnant moms, including myself…
• Practical financial tips to manage the expenses of childcare and baby essentials…
• … and much more!

Tune in to uncover top questions pregnant moms have when planning for maternity leave and budgeting for a new baby. Gain insights, hear personal stories, and discover strategies to navigate this transformative journey with confidence and preparedness. You’ve got this!

Resources Mentioned

Baby Registry Checklist – Mom and Baby Essentials

The Mom Project - Maternity Leave Checklist

Latched Mama – Breastfeeding apparel company

Cloth Diapering For Beginners Facebook Page

➡️ FREE GUIDE -- 5 Best Pain Coping Tips for Every Stage of Labor

🌸 Connect with Beth

Website - www.familyfocusedmidwifery.com
Instagram - @family.focused.midwifery
Pinterest - familyfocusedmidwifery
Etsy Shop - Your Birth Bestie

👋 WHO AM I?

Welcome, friends! I am Beth, a certified nurse midwife, doula, and childbirth educator. My philosophy is rooted in autonomy, informed decision making, and positive mindset to help expecting parents plan for a beautiful, stress-free  birth. I am here to provide value to YOU through tips and practical advice, either to guide you through pregnancy or to help you prepare for childbirth, postpartum and beyond. There’s no fluff here - only info that adds to your positive experience and saves you stress and uncertainty.

Text Your Birth Bestie

Are you questioning how much weight to gain during pregnancy? Or maybe you know the what the recommended amount of weight gain is in pregnancy, but you’re either under or over that. What does that even mean for you and your baby, for your pregnancy?!

In this episode, we talk about:

• Weight gain recommendations in pregnancy based on BMI, as outlined by ACOG…
• Risks of too little weight gain in pregnancy or going over the weight gain guidelines…
• The significance of personal medical history, lifestyle factors, and other factors in appropriate weight gain…
• Focusing on a balanced lifestyle rather than feeling guilty or ashamed…
• Tips for managing healthy weight gain during pregnancy…
• …and ways to seek more assistance if needed.

I hope you gained valuable insights into how much weight gain is recommended during pregnancy and feel empowered to trust your body's journey while prioritizing nourishment and well-being. Remember, every pregnancy is unique, so listen to your body and seek support as needed!

Resources Mentioned

Liz Riesen, Dietitian and Hormone Health Coach
Instagram @moms.hormone.dietitian
www.lizriesen.com
Foundations of Hormone Balance Program

Promix Collagen Powder

Advice About Eating Fish (PDF Chart) 

➡️ FREE GUIDE -- 5 Best Pain Coping Tips for Every Stage of Labor

🌸 Connect with Beth

Website - www.familyfocusedmidwifery.com
Instagram - @family.focused.midwifery
Pinterest - familyfocusedmidwifery
Etsy Shop - Your Birth Bestie

👋 WHO AM I?

Welcome, friends! I am Beth, a certified nurse midwife, doula, and childbirth educator. My philosophy is rooted in autonomy, informed decision making, and positive mindset to help expecting parents plan for a beautiful, stress-free  birth. I am here to provide value to YOU through tips and practical advice, either to guide you through pregnancy or to help you prepare for childbirth, postpartum and beyond. There’s no fluff here - only info that adds to your positive experience and saves you stress and uncertainty.

Text Your Birth Bestie

Are you nervous about labor pain and what to learn more about epidurals? Or maybe you’re really wanting to give birth unmedicated, but someone tells you, “You don’t get a trophy for natural birth…” and now you’re questioning it. 

In this episode, we’ll talk all about epidurals and their impact on childbirth including:

• What an epidural is and what to expect during the procedure…
• Understanding the risks and benefits of an epidural…
• How do epidurals affect labor progress or do epidurals slow down labor…
• The effects epidurals can have on newborns and breastfeeding...
• … and so much more!

As you’re deciding whether to choose an epidural during labor or not, it’s important to know the risks and benefits to you and your baby, so you can make an informed decision and plan ahead for your pain management plan.

I encourage you to explore your options, figure out what your values and goals are for your birth, communicate with your healthcare providers, and seek support for whatever it is you decide to choose!

➡️ FREE GUIDE -- 5 Best Pain Coping Tips for Every Stage of Labor

🌸 Connect with Beth

Website - www.familyfocusedmidwifery.com
Instagram - @family.focused.midwifery
Pinterest - familyfocusedmidwifery
Etsy Shop - Your Birth Bestie

👋 WHO AM I?

Welcome, friends! I am Beth, a certified nurse midwife, doula, and childbirth educator. My philosophy is rooted in autonomy, informed decision making, and positive mindset to help expecting parents plan for a beautiful, stress-free  birth. I am here to provide value to YOU through tips and practical advice, either to guide you through pregnancy or to help you prepare for childbirth, postpartum and beyond. There’s no fluff here - only info that adds to your positive experience and saves you stress and uncertainty.

Text Your Birth Bestie

Are you wondering what routine blood tests in pregnancy are usually done, why they are standardized, and what choices you have around these routine tests? 

Tune in to explore the significance of these tests as a snapshot of your health in pregnancy, helping to detect any issues early on and be sure you and your baby are healthy!

In this episode the pregnancy labs we will talk about include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Understanding its role in checking for anemia, infection, or clotting issues twice during pregnancy…
• Blood Typing and Rh Factor: Significance for pregnancy and potential implications…
• Urine Sample Analysis: Screening for urinary tract infections, often asymptomatic during pregnancy…
• Screening for Diseases: Including Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis, HIV, and STIs, with further discussions on treatment if conditions are positive…
• Additional Tests: TSH for thyroid check, Pap smear for cervical cancer screening, gestational diabetes screening, and genetic screening options.

Understanding routine tests help you to actively engage in your prenatal care, ensuring the best outcomes for both you and your baby. Don’t forget to check out our free resource on hospital birth choices at bethconnors.com/choices!

Your Birth Bestie Episodes Referenced:

• #17 Group Beta Strep During Pregnancy: Risks to Consider Before Labor and Birth
• #19Gestational Diabetes: Pregnancy Risks, Testing Options, and Alternatives to Glucola Drink
• #45 Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests: Testing Options and Important Details

➡️ FREE GUIDE -- 5 Best Pain Coping Tips for Every Stage of Labor

🌸 Connect with Beth

Website - www.familyfocusedmidwifery.com
Instagram - @family.focused.midwifery
Pinterest - familyfocusedmidwifery
Etsy Shop - Your Birth Bestie

👋 WHO AM I?

Welcome, friends! I am Beth, a certified nurse midwife, doula, and childbirth educator. My philosophy is rooted in autonomy, informed decision making, and positive mindset to help expecting parents plan for a beautiful, stress-free  birth. I am here to provide value to YOU through tips and practical advice, either to guide you through pregnancy or to help you prepare for childbirth, postpartum and beyond. There’s no fluff here - only info that adds to your positive experience and saves you stress and uncertainty.

Text Your Birth Bestie

Have you ever questioned how much control you will have of your hospital birth? I wish you didn’t have to worry about this, but being your best advocate is so important. Having a support person and/or doula is also so beneficial to having your best birth experience! 

In this episode, I talk with Deja Ramos, aka Doula Deja, and dive into the most important aspects of prioritizing your values and advocating for yourself during pregnancy, labor, and birth. I would love for you to feel empowered to make informed decisions aligned with your preferences and values and challenge conventional norms!

Key Takeaways:

• Understand your values: Identify values and prioritizes that will guide your decision-making
• Advocate for yourself: Don’t hesitate to ask questions until you are comfortable moving forward to be sure your opinions are heard throughout the process
• Request time: Ask for the time needed to process information before making decisions and emphasize the importance of informed consent
• Challenge routine: Question the necessity of routine procedures and promote a personalized birth experience
• And so much more!

You can learn more about Deja and connect with her at: www.douladeja.com

➡️ FREE GUIDE -- 5 Best Pain Coping Tips for Every Stage of Labor

🌸 Connect with Beth

Website - www.familyfocusedmidwifery.com
Instagram - @family.focused.midwifery
Pinterest - familyfocusedmidwifery
Etsy Shop - Your Birth Bestie

👋 WHO AM I?

Welcome, friends! I am Beth, a certified nurse midwife, doula, and childbirth educator. My philosophy is rooted in autonomy, informed decision making, and positive mindset to help expecting parents plan for a beautiful, stress-free  birth. I am here to provide value to YOU through tips and practical advice, either to guide you through pregnancy or to help you prepare for childbirth, postpartum and beyond. There’s no fluff here - only info that adds to your positive experience and saves you stress and uncertainty.

Text Your Birth Bestie

If you’re ready to answer some of the most asked questions of the mid-second trimester to help you feel confident in your body during pregnancy and informed when making decisions for your baby before they are even born, then this episode is for you! 

The 3 questions answered in this episode are:

• When should I expect to start feeling my baby? What do those first movements feel like? 
• Can you lie on your back to sleep during pregnancy? Tips for pregnancy insomnia and pregnancy sleep challenges.
• When should I start looking for a pediatrician during pregnancy? Will my pediatirican come to the hospital, or how does this process even work?

Thank you for tuning in to today's episode! Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help other moms on their pregnancy journey.

>> Baby Registry Checklist <<

➡️ FREE GUIDE -- 5 Best Pain Coping Tips for Every Stage of Labor

🌸 Connect with Beth

Website - www.familyfocusedmidwifery.com
Instagram - @family.focused.midwifery
Pinterest - familyfocusedmidwifery
Etsy Shop - Your Birth Bestie

👋 WHO AM I?

Welcome, friends! I am Beth, a certified nurse midwife, doula, and childbirth educator. My philosophy is rooted in autonomy, informed decision making, and positive mindset to help expecting parents plan for a beautiful, stress-free  birth. I am here to provide value to YOU through tips and practical advice, either to guide you through pregnancy or to help you prepare for childbirth, postpartum and beyond. There’s no fluff here - only info that adds to your positive experience and saves you stress and uncertainty.