Placenta encapsulation is gaining popularity and press so this episode is entirely about myths that come along with the ingestion of placentas. There are many benefits that people find from placenta ingestion. I am not a placenta expert, so today we will hear from Jade Hillery about all the things placenta ingestion.

There are two main ways placentas are routinely delivered during a vaginal delivery. Active Management and Expectant Waiting. This episode goes into the what, how, when and why of those two forms of management and gives you context for them both.

Placentas happen where the egg implants in the uterus. That can occur anywhere, but occasionally when the placenta is on or near the cervix and oftentime someone says “it may move”. The problem is that the placenta is not like a walking tree that climbs its way up the uterus. This episode dives into placenta placement and if/when it relocated and what that means since it can’t walk!

Why do we grow a placenta and What is it used for? The Placenta is the only temporary organ and it’s grown during pregnancy (a new one for every pregnancy!). It is a wonderful organ and this episode goes into some more details about what it is and what it does.

Do I or do I not need to do kegels a million times a day? That is the question! While you don’t need to do them a million times a day, they are beneficial for some people, but not everyone. There is nuance! Which is true for so many things in life. This episode features Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist Katie Bayer to answer the question: Do I need to do Kegels in Pregnancy for us!

Does everyone poop while they push during labor? What does it mean if you do? Can it be avoided? Listen to this episode to learn more!

1, 2, 3 PUSH!!!! While sometimes the movies show us that type of pushing during childbirth, that’s not what pushing has to be. Many people say “push like you’re pooping” but that’s not entirely correct either. Ideally you’re not pushing while you poop! And while the pressure of baby’s head can feel like a massive poo, it doesn’t have to be forcibly pushed out.

Babies so frequently come in the early hours of the morning. Night time is a favorite labor time for bodies in part because the oxytocin is high and people are relaxed and cozy. Because we know this we can apply it to labor during all hours of the day and night! But the cozy level is best if it’s personal to the person in labor, so it takes some extra advanced planning.

Is this labor? What about now?? Will I know when I’m in labor? How are labor contractions different than Braxton Hicks Contractions? You may have asked one of these questions….or maybe all of these questions! This episode really breaks down the difference between Braxton Hicks or Pre-labor contractions and contractions that get that baby out!

Pain medications carry risks and benefits, but not moral value! No method of birthing is inherently better than another! That said, nothing in your body in terms of medication is the lowest-risk scenario. So weighing those risks with your health history and labor desires is your first step toward supporting yourself in this decision.

From the HEE-HEE-HOO-HOO breathing of our parents’ generation to more elaborate breathing techniques, breath is a common topic in childbirth education! The reality is that there are great ways to breathe in labor, but also JUST BREATHING is vital! :) Below are some links to specific labor breathing exercises to get you started finding your rhythm.

Yoga is a popular practice for many people, but did you know that it is especially beneficial in the perinatal period. That’s what our expert is talking about today on the podcast! Jaely Turner is here to tell us all about the many benefits mentally, physically, and spiritually in the practice of yoga especially to pregnant people and newly postpartum parents.

Have you wondered how to handle the daytime and nighttime sleep mix-up that babies start life with? Babies sleep all day and are up all night, this is not news to most people. Their circadian rhythm takes time to develop but there are some ways you can help!

Today we are welcoming our first guest expert, Kim Hawley to talk to us about how to help our babies learn day from night! Kim’s credentials are impressive, so is MA, MPH, IBCLC, Holistic Sleep Coach, Lactation Consultant, Peaceful Parenting Educator, and mom of 2. Between her time working in maternal and child health, lactation support, and sleep support, she have over 12 years’ experience supporting parents and their littles.

What classes do I even need?? If you find yourself asking that question this episode is perfect for you!!!

Which professionals can you have as part of your postpartum team? What do they add? How do you find them? All of this is covered in today’s episode!

How do you plan for rest and movement in the early weeks postpartum? How much rest and healing will your body need? Listen to this episode to get the nuances of these early weeks!

Being gentle and loving to yourself in the postpartum time is vitally important. Here are 5 things that can help you be more that way!

Mental resiliency is vitally important to birth and postpartum. Listen to a few ways to build that up intentionally ahead of time.

How long will I need postpartum pads? Listen to this episode to get the details on postpartum pads, long you’ll need them and what kind you may need!

How can I set myself up well for postpartum help and visitors? What do I outsource and what do I ask people to help with? This episode dives into all of that!