Here's what you need to know about breech birth. From myths to realities, I'm covering it all, including what a physiologic breech birth really looks like and how it differs from head-down births.Is vaginal breech birth as risky as it's made out to be? Spoiler: It's not always what you think! Topics I Cover in […] The post BBL 205 – Breech Birth: W…

Hoping to get pregnant? Here are 7 steps to boost your fertility! Each of these steps is evidence-based and won't just help you get pregnant, they'll help you conceive a healthier, happier baby. Plus, many of these steps help you prevent pregnancy complications before they ever happen. There's a LOT you can do.Topics I Cover […] The post BBL 204: 7…

What is quantum fertility? Quantum biology is one of the newest fields to look at fertility, pregnancy, and birth. In today's episode I share what all of that means, and how you can conceive a vibrant, healthy baby on a quantum level! Topics I Cover in This Podcast: What exactly is quantum biology - and why […] The post BBL 203: How to Use Quantum …

You cannot consider birth, life, and mothering without at some point wrestling with abortion. I felt it was time to address that issue on the podcast. I've spent a lot of time talking about mothering, choosing to have babies, and the journey that a woman goes on when she makes those choices. Let's talk about how […] The post BBL 202 – The Sword is …

The pregnancy and birth journey can be a powerful experience for a woman. Is this episode I explore birth as a journey into chaos where you, the heroine, bring your baby back. Gain strength, inspiration, and a greater appreciation for this incredible time of your life! Topics I Cover in This Podcast: What do chaos […] The post BBL 201 – The Birth J…

Pregnancy and childbirth are important - but do they mark a rite of passage in a woman's life? Today's episode explores that question in depth, looking at both history and how the modern-day journey to motherhood. I also share some important ways you can honor this time and explore the deep meaning it holds for you […] The post BBL 200: Are Pregnan…

Pronatalism is about being open to more babies for the good of future generations, but what does pronatalism mean for women? We talk about the positives in this episode, and I also lay out a roadmap for women who want to have a full, satisfying life - and a few happy babies along the way!Topics […] The post BBL 199: What Does Pronatalism Mean for W…

What is pronatalism, and why does it matter for you? It might not be what you think! This episode digs into why every mom needs to understand pronatalism... and how it will impact your children. Topics I Cover in This Podcast: What is pronatalism?Why should we worry about population and demographicsAn economic argument for more babies?!Are babies […

Is mothering a project? Every woman today is told that having children can put her career on hold, or even put her life on hold! In today's podcast I argue that mothering your children is your most important project. Listen in to discover why your children are not the end result of this project (hint: I'll […] The post BBL 197: Why Mothering is You…

What do women REALLY want in childbirth? That's the question I looked at as I researched and wrote my senior thesis... ...and I found surprising insights in contrasting two 1970s home birth services. Listen in to discover how both lower and higher income women could advocate for the experience they wanted... ...and take back birth for themselves [……

Is it possible for a single mom to take the kids camping, and enjoy it? Yes! Today's episode shares our camping adventures. I walk you through how I prepared for this trip, what went well, and what I plan to change next time. Spoiler alert: there will definitely be a next time because it was […] The post BBL195 – How I Took 5 Kids Camping as a Sing…

What do you do when your doctor doesn't support natural birth and keeps pushing tests and interventions you don't want? Today's episode goes over practical strategies for building your confidence and having open, respectful conversations with your doctor. Listen in to find out exactly what to do. Topics I Cover in This Podcast:Why not knowing […] T…

Everyone in your family can get upset: crying baby, tantruming toddler, fighting kids, and an overwhelmed, angry mama yelling at them all! Stressed parents and anxious kids create a cycle of anger, stress, and more anxiety that keeps perpetuating itself - so today, I’ll share strategies to help everyone in the family calm down. When […] The post BB…

Moms often need to, or want to, work… but you feel guilty having to handle it all as a working mom. However, the reality of mothering and working is much different than popular beliefs… (and even the myths we have about how working and parenting mix). Join me in today’s episode for an eye-opening look […] The post BBL192: How to Handle It All as a …

Can you have it all when you're a mom? How do you ditch the housework and handle the busy life that comes with caring for small children, work, laundry, meals, and more? Every mom is busy - and you probably have some serious guilt. Join me today for encouragement and practical strategies for how mamas […] The post BBL191: Mom Balance – Why You Need…

How much pregnancy weight gain is normal? Should you worry about it? What does weight gain in pregnancy mean - or not mean? We’re going to talk about where the pounds come from in pregnancy, how much weight you should gain, and what that means for you in today’s episode. Topics I Cover in This […] The post BBL190: How Much Pregnancy Weight Gain is …

Get practical, evidence-based information on how to prevent preeclampsia, one of today's most feared pregnancy complications. While we still don't completely understand this dangerous condition, we do have excellent, tested methods to prevent it (or even take steps towards reversing it!). Join me in today's episode where I outline nutritional strat…

Did you know that IUGR and pregnancy diet can be related? Hearing that your baby has fetal growth restriction is really scary, and you probably wonder if there's anything you can do. The good news is you can absolutely help your baby catch up and grow better. In today's episode, I talk about what evidence […] The post BBL188: IUGR Pregnancy Diet – …

Your birth partner is your biggest helper during labor... but there's a problem. Many mamas want a natural birth but end up feeling totally overwhelmed on their birthing day - and even before then. They don’t feel like their birth partner is on board - or helpful at all! Here's how to get your birth […] The post BBL187: How Your Birth Partner Can R…

When you plan a natural birth you often get people who doubt you and who don't approve of your birth choices. They may be concerned that you're doing something dangerous, or that you're suffering when you don't need to. This can really affect relationships, so we're talking through how to deal with it in today's […] The post BBL186: How to Deal Wit…

Feeling stress during your pregnancy? You're not alone! Today's episode covers how stress affects your unborn baby - plus what you can do to handle stress during your pregnancy. I also share why stress (and how you deal with it) can be GOOD for your baby, so don't miss this episode! Topics I Cover in […] The post BBL185: How to Deal with stress in …

People think childbirth is at worse very dangerous and at best a gamble. But when women believe only "experts" are qualified to "manage" birth, they lose confidence and fail to see their own strength. Join me in today's episode as we bust some myths about childbirth safety... and talk about what you can do to […] The post BBL 184: Why Childbirth is…

Mom burnout is real - every mome experiences it, and it keeps you from being the mama you want to be. In today's episode I dive into a practical strategy to take the first step out of mom burnout - so you can be the happy mom you'd like to be. Topics I Cover in […] The post BBL 183: How to Overcome Mom Burnout appeared first on Natural Birth and Ba…

Pregnancy and childbirth offer the chance to explore the feminine power of women. Dig deep and find the strength that already lives inside you. You find this reserve during pregnancy, pull on it during birth - and use it over and over and over again as you go through life as a mama. Let's dig […] The post BBL 182: Childbirth and the Feminine Power …

Many moms tell me they can't follow their intuition during pregnancy and birth because they don't have any intuition. Listening to your needs is the first step to discovering your inutition. In today's episode I talk about how to listen to your needs - and how to share your needs - even when you're busy […] The post BBL 181: How Moms Can Get What T…

What do you need to consider when you choose a doctor or choose a midwife for your pregnancy? Today's episode covers what's really important (hint: it's what you want) and how you can both grow your trust in yourself and find a great care provider for your pregnancy. Topics I Cover in This Podcast:What does […] The post BBL 180: How to Choose a Pre…

I've talked to thousands of women about preparing for childbirth - and labor pain is one of the biggest worries. Can you handle it? Will you lose it? Today's episode focuses on how we think about pain in birth - and how we can handle it.Topics I Cover in This Podcast: Why our views on […] The post BBL 179: Straight Talk on Labor Pain Perceptions ap…

Money and kids - are they like oil and water? You can enjoy both your money and your kids - today's episode talks about living well on a budget with a growing family!Topics I Cover in This Podcast: How to let go of fear and find happiness - even on a budget! The pros and […] The post BBL 178: Living Well on a Budget with a Growing Family appeared f…

Toddlers are beautiful, tiny humans - and they can be one of the most confusing creatures on the planet! Here’s how to handle common toddler behavior and set your toddler up for success: Topics I Cover in This Podcast:Working on toddler behavior: why things sometimes get worse before they get betterThis rule of thumb will […] The post BBL 177: Tami…

We give a lot of lip service to mothers and how important they are… but does our culture actually value mothers? Everything today is about “science” and “experts” - and slick marketing. As a mother you are indescribable value and worth. Your influence on your family cannot be underestimated. Listen to this episode to understand […] The post BBL 176…

Can you give birth without fear? What exactly is a fearless birth? Why is there so much sheer terror around birth in modern culture, and why aren’t women prepared when labor begins? I cover all of this - and how YOU can give birth without fear in today’s episode Topics I Cover in This Podcast:Can […] The post BBL 175 – You Can Give Birth Without Fe…

Many women worry they’ll get pushed into interventions they don’t want during birth. This episode covers how to find your voice during childbirth - so you feel confident in saying what you want… and what you don’t want… and can have the sacred birth experience you want! Topics I Cover in This Podcast:Why you have […] The post BBL 174: How to Speak …

There are a lot of weird pregnancy changes nobody talks to you about! Everyone expects to get a bigger belly and maybe have their ankles swell, but on today’s episode I’ll dig into some of the changes that happen in your mouth, to your eyes, and even down there where people are embarrassed to talk […] The post BBL 173: Pregnancy Body Changes Nobody…

Have you ever considered catching your own baby? While it may sound impossible, it’s one of the most awesome feelings a mama can experience - I have caught my last five babies and treasure those timeless moments. Listen in to today’s episode as I describe why you should catch your own baby - and how […] The post BBL 172: The Best Birth Positions to…

It’s almost time for your baby’s birthday and you’re hoping for a great natural birth. You know a birth plan is important - but writing one is confusing! What should you include? What should you leave off? Should it have pictures, icons, bells and whistles? Listen in to today’s episode where I share my best […] The post BBL 171: Write the Perfect N…

Every mom wants to be a perfect mom - but every mom makes mistakes. Sometimes you get overwhelmed, burned out, and find yourself yelling at your kids. You feel like the world’s worst mom… but I promise you’re not. Listen to today’s episode for perspective - and practical tips to help you get back on […] The post BBL 170: What To Do When You Keep Ye…

It’s great to feel confident that natural birth works… but what do you do when labor throws the unexpected at you? This episode focuses on practical steps, skills, and options when something comes up before or during your labor and delivery. You’ll feel calmer, more confident, and more prepared for whatever your baby’s birthday brings! […] The post…

Pregnancy and birth are a beautiful, forgotten rite of passage. While there are many profound times in a woman’s life, pregnancy and birth offer an incredible opportunity for growth. I talk about why this time is so unique and how you can step into the power and vulnerability it brings to find a new, stronger […] The post BBL 168: Pregnancy and Bir…

Routines and standardization are helpful for institutions. But they don’t serve pregnant and birthing women. While care might look similar, you deserve to be seen as the beautiful, sovereign woman that you are. Here’s how to find your voice - and create the pregnancy and birth that you want to have Topics I Cover in […] The post BBL 167 – How to Ge…

How do you let go of a difficult birth so you can prepare for your new baby’s birth? Is it possible to find healing and freedom from fear? Can you feel confident in your body and ready for a peaceful birth this time? Topics I Cover in This Podcast:Healing is your right after a difficult […] The post BBL 166 When You Feel Unhappy With Your Last Birt…

Birth is more than just a healthy baby. You feel guilty because your birth experience wasn’t what you wanted… and it still bothers you. Today’s episode explores why birth matters so much - and why it’s okay to acknowledge that you’re not happy with what happened. Discover how you can validate your feelings and still […] The post BBL 165: Why It’s O…

Most of moms-to-be assume that prenatal care and hospital childbirth procedures are based on research about what’s best for moms and babies. It’s meant to make sure that pregnancy and birth are safe, right? While there is a little truth to that, the real driver behind care practices, especially childbirth procedures, may surprise you. Listen […] Th…

Pregnancy and birth are usually seen as a medical event or a mechanical process, but they offer much more than that to moms and to families. And birth is not the end goal of pregnancy and birth. Sure, you want a healthy baby (and a beautiful birth), but when you look beyond that point, the […] The post BBL 163 – Is Birth a Medical Event? appeared f…

Are you hoping for faster labor and delivery ? You're not alone! Many mamas hope for a quick, easy delivery. In today's episode I'll share my thoughts on why women want a speedy labor… and what it's like to have a really fast deliver! Plus I'll give you practical techniques to use during pregnancy and […] The post BBL 162: So, You Want a Faster Lab…

Losing control during labor and birth is one of the #1 worries I hear from pregnant moms. Today I share what happens during labor and why you might get "out of control" - and what you can do to let go of that fear… and feel confident about your upcoming labor and birth! Topics I […] The post BBL 161: How to Stay In Control During Childbirth appeare…

Can you "practice" before labor begins? Getting ready for labor and delivery is the best way to have a successful natural birth - but most women don't realize they can actually practice how to handle contractions before the first one starts. Listen in for steps to take now, during pregnancy, that make a simple natural […] The post BBL 160: How to P…

What can Dad do during a natural birth? Most dads want to be involved - and most mamas want their help! Today we'll discuss how dads can be helpful during delivery - including different roles men take, how you can encourage your husband, and even if dads really need to go through birthing classes with […] The post BBL 159: What is Dad’s Role in Bir…

How do you handle it when you've decided on a natural birth for your baby, but everyone else seems to have an opinion - a negative opinion?! Today's episode covers what to do when you're hearing a lot of negative talk or even anger about your birth choices. I also cover what to do when […] The post BBL 158: How to Handle Haters When You Plan a Natu…

Can pregnancy exercise make labor and delivery harder? Deb Flashenberg, founder of the Prenatal Yoga Center in NYC, joins me for today's episode to talk about how exercise impacts labor and delivery. You don't want to miss this episode as she busts myths and teaches you a balanced perspective on prenatal fitness! Things I discuss […] The post BBL 1…

Here's the truth - being a mama is hard work. But it's also deeply rewarding and joyful work. If you're healthy and feel good, the "ups and downs" of motherhood are an adventure - which is why self-care is essential for mamas. In this episode, I talk about self-care and what that looks like for […] The post BBL 156 Self-Care is Non-Negotiable for M…