Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy
296 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 638 ratingsBirth is amazing, beautiful, wonderful . . . and it can throw you for a loop! Despite our very best birth “plans,” we can find ourselves taking some twist and turns during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum that we don’t expect. Enter the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!
Hey mama! My name is Stephanie, and I’m a mom of three boys, a professional doula, childbirth educator, and the creator of the Online Birth Course - My Essential Birth www.myessentialbirth.com.
I love to help mothers just like you feel empowered and confident during pregnancy, birth, and into motherhood by taking my years of knowledge and personal/professional experience in the birth world and breaking down complex birth topics to make preparing for labor & birth a breeze!
Every week, you’ll hear from women ready to share their knowledge with other pregnant moms about pregnancy and birth topics that will have you feeling knowledgeable and in the driver’s seat of your best birth experience.
Your best birth starts here >>>> www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted
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Episodes
Birth: Enneagram Type 1
January 20, 2020 15:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBFeeling like things just need to be perfect for your birth? Do you have high expectations for yourself, your provider, your birth team and your partner? Let me guess...you kinda think you know what's best and honestly, your preparation is likely to get you really close if not exactly where you're aiming. Not to mention you're making lists and checking off all of your accomplishments as you go. Well mama, we made this episode just for you! | Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessential...
21: How NOT to Write a Birth Plan
January 14, 2020 07:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBThere's really never a question of "if" you should create a birth plan. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. We break down the do's and don'ts of writing a birth plan and the why behind what you choose. Plus we include an exercise at the end of this episode that will help you envision your ideal birth before you write it all out. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our tota...
How NOT to Write a Birth Plan
January 14, 2020 07:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBThere's really never a question of "if" you should create a birth plan. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. We break down the do's and don'ts of writing a birth plan and the why behind what you choose. Plus we include an exercise at the end of this episode that will help you envision your ideal birth before you write it all out. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for even more great info head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our tota...
Assembling Your Dream Birth Team
December 24, 2019 23:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBWe tell moms everywhere all. the. time. how important it is to pick a stellar provider and to set up a birth team around them that will support and uplift them throughout your pregnancy and birth journey. BUT...how do you do it? No worries! We are going to walk you through two categories of your birth team, tips to consider who should be in your pregnancy vs. birth space and HOW to get the right providers for YOUR best birth. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for e...
20: Assembling Your Dream Birth Team
December 24, 2019 23:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBWe tell moms everywhere all. the. time. how important it is to pick a stellar provider and to set up a birth team around them that will support and uplift them throughout your pregnancy and birth journey. BUT...how do you do it? No worries! We are going to walk you through two categories of your birth team, tips to consider who should be in your pregnancy vs. birth space and HOW to get the right providers for YOUR best birth. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth and for e...
Birth: Enneagram Type 2
December 17, 2019 22:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBNeed some "help"...pun intended for all our Type 2 moms ("The Helpers")...walking through your strengths and getting some hints on what to watch out for during your pregnancy & birth? This is it. We break down all the particulars for you and help you feel appreciated and loved along the way. Supporting a Type 2 mom? There's an entire section for you too! Take a listen. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.m...
19: Birth: Enneagram Type 2
December 17, 2019 22:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBNeed some "help"...pun intended for all our Type 2 moms ("The Helpers")...walking through your strengths and getting some hints on what to watch out for during your pregnancy & birth? This is it. We break down all the particulars for you and help you feel appreciated and loved along the way. Supporting a Type 2 mom? There's an entire section for you too! Take a listen. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.m...
18: Cesareans: When They're Necessary & Avoiding When They Aren't- PART 2
December 10, 2019 02:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBWith cesarean rates higher than ever in the U.S. we realize there is a major lack of education about why and how to avoid an unnecessary one, until now. This two part episode covers all things cesarean birth, from the history behind cesarean birth, where it developed, why the cesarean birth rate has not gone down (even though it should have), why a provider may recommend one - including which reasons are legitimate and which can be avoided, what you can expect if you have one, and most impor...
Cesareans: When They're Necessary & Avoiding When They Aren't- PART 2
December 10, 2019 02:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBWith cesarean rates higher than ever in the U.S. we realize there is a major lack of education about why and how to avoid an unnecessary one, until now. This two part episode covers all things cesarean birth, from the history behind cesarean birth, where it developed, why the cesarean birth rate has not gone down (even though it should have), why a provider may recommend one - including which reasons are legitimate and which can be avoided, what you can expect if you have one, and most impor...
Cesareans: When They're Necessary & Avoiding When They Aren't- PART 1
December 04, 2019 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBWith cesarean rates higher than ever in the U.S. we realize there is a major lack of education about why and how to avoid an unnecessary one, until now. This in part one of a two part episode covering all things cesarean birth, from the history behind cesarean birth, where it developed, why the cesarean birth rate has not gone down (even though it should have), why a provider may recommend one - including which reasons are legitimate and which can be avoided, what you can expect if you have ...
17: Cesareans: When They're Necessary & Avoiding When They Aren't- PART 1
December 04, 2019 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBWith cesarean rates higher than ever in the U.S. we realize there is a major lack of education about why and how to avoid an unnecessary one, until now. This in part one of a two part episode covering all things cesarean birth, from the history behind cesarean birth, where it developed, why the cesarean birth rate has not gone down (even though it should have), why a provider may recommend one - including which reasons are legitimate and which can be avoided, what you can expect if you have ...
16: 5 Things Essential Oils Do for Pregnancy & Birth That You Don't Know About
November 25, 2019 23:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBWe cover the five most common pregnancy ailments and how to tackle them using essential oils. Essential oil use during pregnancy and birth are one of the very top questions we get from mamas all over the world, all the time. These are all safe and effective uses for mamas everywhere! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth and if you love the podcast please leave us a review so can we get this info to more mamas. ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to w...
5 Things Essential Oils Do for Pregnancy & Birth That You Don't Know About
November 25, 2019 23:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBWe cover the five most common pregnancy ailments and how to tackle them using essential oils. Essential oil use during pregnancy and birth are one of the very top questions we get from mamas all over the world, all the time. These are all safe and effective uses for mamas everywhere! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth and if you love the podcast please leave us a review so can we get this info to more mamas. ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to w...
15: Birth: Enneagram Type 4
November 20, 2019 00:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBCalling ALL Type 4 mamas! If you're a sensitive mama who wants a unique birth experience and knows how to be super in tune with your body...you might be a Type 4. Definitely jump into this episode and get ready to be nodding your head and taking notes on exactly what you and your partner need to make your birth a success! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our totally FREE...
Birth: Enneagram Type 4
November 20, 2019 00:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBCalling ALL Type 4 mamas! If you're a sensitive mama who wants a unique birth experience and knows how to be super in tune with your body...you might be a Type 4. Definitely jump into this episode and get ready to be nodding your head and taking notes on exactly what you and your partner need to make your birth a success! Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @myessentialbirth ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our totally FREE...
14: Mamas With Infertility, Listen Up (Part 2)
November 05, 2019 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBWe know how many and how deeply women are affected by infertility. As we have both dealt with infertility at different stages in our lives and we support women each day who are struggling or dealing with this in one way or another, we believe it's important to talk about it openly. If this is you, you need to know you are not alone! Sometimes there are some things we can do to support our fertility and get things on track and sometimes we need to reach out for some extra help. No matter wher...
Mamas With Infertility, Listen Up! (Part 2)
November 05, 2019 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBWe know how many and how deeply women are affected by infertility. As we have both dealt with infertility at different stages in our lives and we support women each day who are struggling or dealing with this in one way or another, we believe it's important to talk about it openly. If this is you, you need to know you are not alone! Sometimes there are some things we can do to support our fertility and get things on track and sometimes we need to reach out for some extra help. No matter wher...
13: Mamas With Infertility, Listen Up (Part 1)
October 30, 2019 04:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBWe know how many and how deeply women are affected by infertility. As we have both dealt with infertility at different stages in our lives and we support women each day who are struggling or dealing with this in one way or another, we believe it's important to talk about it openly. If this is you, you need to know you are not alone! Sometimes there are some things we can do to support our fertility and get things on track and sometimes we need to reach out for some extra help. No matter wher...
Mamas With Infertility, Listen Up! (Part 1)
October 30, 2019 04:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBWe know how many and how deeply women are affected by infertility. As we have both dealt with infertility at different stages in our lives and we support women each day who are struggling or dealing with this in one way or another, we believe it's important to talk about it openly. If this is you, you need to know you are not alone! Sometimes there are some things we can do to support our fertility and get things on track and sometimes we need to reach out for some extra help. No matter wher...
12: Birth: Enneagram Type 3
October 25, 2019 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBIf you are into all things Enneagram like we are then you are going to LOVE this episode about Type 3s and what that looks like for you in the pregnancy and birth space. This is the very first episode in a series of episodes that will walk you through each enneagram type and how to prepare for your best birth for your type. On top of that we cover all the details about how a partner and birth team can support mamas for each type. ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to w...
Birth: Enneagram Type 3
October 25, 2019 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBIf you are into all things Enneagram like we are then you are going to LOVE this episode about Type 3s and what that looks like for you in the pregnancy and birth space. This is the very first episode in a series of episodes that will walk you through each enneagram type and how to prepare for your best birth for your type. On top of that we cover all the details about how a partner and birth team can support mamas for each type. ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to w...
11: You Know You're Crunchy If...
October 02, 2019 03:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBIf you've ever wondered if what you've done or are planning to do for birth or postpartum puts you on the side of "that girl's crunchy," never fear, we clear up all your concerns in this very episode. We had so much fun recording this episode, as usual, and just want to let you know that in case you're worried about checking all the "crunchy" boxes, we're pretty granola ourselves. Enjoy! ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our to...
You Know You're Crunchy If...
October 02, 2019 03:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBIf you've ever wondered if what you've done or are planning to do for birth or postpartum puts you on the side of "that girl's crunchy," never fear, we clear up all your concerns in this very episode. We had so much fun recording this episode, as usual, and just want to let you know that in case you're worried about checking all the "crunchy" boxes, we're pretty granola ourselves. Enjoy! ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our to...
10: My Essential Birth Student Success Story: Christy
September 25, 2019 23:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBIn this super fun interview with one of our very own My Essential Birth mamas, mom of 3, Christy, walks us through her birth experiences and dishes to us about how the birth course changed her birth for the better. We absolutely love listening to birth stories and this was no exception. We know you'll love it too! ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads. PLUS get registere...
My Essential Birth Student Success Story: Christy
September 25, 2019 23:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBIn this super fun interview with one of our very own My Essential Birth mamas, mom of 3, Christy, walks us through her birth experiences and dishes to us about how the birth course changed her birth for the better. We absolutely love listening to birth stories and this was no exception. We know you'll love it too! ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads. PLUS get registere...
What and Why of Postpartum Belly Binding
September 17, 2019 16:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBIf you've ever wondered what all the hype is about postpartum belly binding, or even if you've never heard of it before, we get into the what and why women choose to purchase one or have a professional belly binder come wrap them! ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads. PLUS get registered for our FREE, Live Birth Training. You won't want to miss it! GET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Re...
09: What and Why of Postpartum Belly Binding
September 17, 2019 16:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBIf you've ever wondered what all the hype is about postpartum belly binding, or even if you've never heard of it before, we get into the what and why women choose to purchase one or have a professional belly binder come wrap them! ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our totally FREE Pregnancy Guide & other incredible downloads. PLUS get registered for our FREE, Live Birth Training. You won't want to miss it!
08: What's Stopping You From Having Your Best Birth?
September 09, 2019 13:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBHave you ever wondered if you have fears, either subconscious or ones that you're very aware of, that are holding you back from having the birth that you really want? In this episode we talk about the 7 fears that may be holding you back, whether you know it or not. Don't worry! As always, we give you all the tips and tricks to tackle them and get you back on top of achieving your best birth. ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out ...
What's Stopping You From Having Your Best Birth?
September 09, 2019 13:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MBHave you ever wondered if you have fears, either subconscious or ones that you're very aware of, that are holding you back from having the birth that you really want? In this episode we talk about the 7 fears that may be holding you back, whether you know it or not. Don't worry! As always, we give you all the tips and tricks to tackle them and get you back on top of achieving your best birth. ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out ...
Circumcision: Both Sides
September 02, 2019 23:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBWe love talking about the difficult stuff and this episode is absolutely no exception. We get into the nitty gritty behind all things circumcision, and since we both come from different places behind reasons and how we feel about this topic, it gives a safe space, and honest talk for all mamas to come listen and find support. We know how much every mama loves each one of her babies and it is our biggest mission to make sure that each one of you feels loved and supported within our communit...
07: Circumcision: A Hard Topic No Matter Which Way You Slice It
September 02, 2019 23:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBWe love talking about the difficult stuff and this episode is absolutely no exception. We get into the nitty gritty behind all things circumcision, and since we both come from different places behind reasons and how we feel about this topic, it gives a safe space, and honest talk for all mamas to come listen and find support. We know how much every mama loves each one of her babies and it is our biggest mission to make sure that each one of you feels loved and supported within our communit...
07: Circumcision: Both Sides
September 02, 2019 23:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBWe love talking about the difficult stuff and this episode is absolutely no exception. We get into the nitty gritty behind all things circumcision, and since we both come from different places behind reasons and how we feel about this topic, it gives a safe space, and honest talk for all mamas to come listen and find support. We know how much every mama loves each one of her babies and it is our biggest mission to make sure that each one of you feels loved and supported within our communit...
06: Things They Don't Tell You - Postpartum Edition
August 28, 2019 04:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBLet us take you just a little deeper into the not-so-hot things people probably aren't openly telling you about the postpartum period. Don't worry, we laughed our way through this episode and we hope you will too! And as gross or frustrating as some of this info may be...it's simply part of the beautiful, messy, "wouldn't-trade-it" experience we call motherhood. ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our totally FREE Pregnancy Guide...
Things They Don't Tell You - Postpartum Edition
August 28, 2019 04:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBLet us take you just a little deeper into the not-so-hot things people probably aren't openly telling you about the postpartum period. Don't worry, we laughed our way through this episode and we hope you will too! And as gross or frustrating as some of this info may be...it's simply part of the beautiful, messy, "wouldn't-trade-it" experience we call motherhood. ------------------ Want even more great info? Head over to www.myessentialbirth.com to check out our totally FREE Pregnancy Guide...
05: Your Mental Game for Birth & BONUS Meditation
August 19, 2019 21:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBWe are super excited to share a snippet of one of our meditation tracks from inside the My Essential Birth course. Plus we talk about the how and why positive affirmations are so dang good while your pregnant...and always! And as always, don't forget to download the FREE pdf that comes along with this episode.
Your Mental Game for Birth & BONUS Meditation
August 19, 2019 21:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBWe are super excited to share a snippet of one of our meditation tracks from inside the My Essential Birth course. Plus we talk about the how and why positive affirmations are so dang good while your pregnant...and always! And as always, don't forget to download the FREE pdf that comes along with this episode.
Your Mental Game for Birth & BONUS Meditation
August 19, 2019 21:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBWe are super excited to share a snippet of one of our meditation tracks from inside the My Essential Birth course. Plus we talk about the how and why positive affirmations are so dang good while your pregnant...and always! And as always, don't forget to download the FREE pdf that comes along with this episode. GET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearing from you! Looking for more info on the birth course? CLICK HERE! 💜 For the THREE FREE EXERCISE...
04: 2 Girls, 7 Totally Different Births
August 05, 2019 23:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBCortney & Stephanie share their personal birth stories which include hospital, birth center, and home birth, as well as cesarean birth, VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), medicated, and unmedicated....does that cover everything?! PLUS, get the scoop on the one thing that made all the difference for BOTH mamas when getting ready to have their babies. Also, poop. We talk about poop.
2 Girls, 7 Totally Different Births
August 05, 2019 23:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBCortney & Stephanie share their personal birth stories which include hospital, birth center, and home birth, as well as cesarean birth, VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), medicated, and unmedicated....does that cover everything?! PLUS, get the scoop on the one thing that made all the difference for BOTH mamas when getting ready to have their babies. Also, poop. We talk about poop. GET IN TOUCH! 🤩 Reach out at any time to [email protected]. We love hearing from you! Looking fo...
What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
July 23, 2019 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBIgnorance is not bliss, especially in the birth space. While it's true that women go their birth place pregnant and in labor and come with a baby, there's a lot that happens in between those two. Knowing what to expect and what your options are puts you in the driver's seat. Yes, we pick our providers carefully (hopefully) and trust that they will get us and our babies to the other side of birth safely, but there's a lot that we can have a say in. We get into some the hot topics surroundin...
03: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
July 23, 2019 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBIgnorance is not bliss, especially in the birth space. While it's true that women go their birth place pregnant and in labor and come with a baby, there's a lot that happens in between those two. Knowing what to expect and what your options are puts you in the driver's seat. Yes, we pick our providers carefully (hopefully) and trust that they will get us and our babies to the other side of birth safely, but there's a lot that we can have a say in. We get into some the hot topics surroundin...
Medicated vs Unmedicated: The Controversial Topic We Plan to Dispel Once & For All
July 20, 2019 18:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBDo you ever feel like you have to pick a side?! We know all too well that this controversial topic can lead to many one-ups, horror stories, and hurt feelings, but it doesn't need to be that way. If you have a birth that you love and can find joy in, that was a good birth for you, no matter how you got there! You'll get to hear why women choose one way or the other and pros and cons for each. One of the most important things we always emphasize is preparation. So, not matter which way you'r...
02: Medicated vs Unmedicated: The Controversial Topic We Plan to Dispel Once & For All
July 20, 2019 18:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBDo you ever feel like you have to pick a side?! We know all too well that this controversial topic can lead to many one-ups, horror stories, and hurt feelings, but it doesn't need to be that way. If you have a birth that you love and can find joy in, that was a good birth for you, no matter how you got there! You'll get to hear why women choose one way or the other and pros and cons for each. One of the most important things we always emphasize is preparation. So, not matter which way you'r...
Why Your Hospital Birth Class Probably Sucks
July 13, 2019 01:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBDon't be mad if you've already taken a hospital birth class, or every single birth class your local hospital offers (like Stephanie did) and you find that you learn more in this episode (which basically covers nothing) than you did at that class! We are going to dive a bit deeper into the good and bad of what's covered in a typical hospital class and why your chances of learning about how your body and birth work during labor are greater in an out of hospital class. We want all of you mamas...
01: Why Your Hospital Birth Class Probably Sucks
July 13, 2019 01:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBDon't be mad if you've already taken a hospital birth class, or every single birth class your local hospital offers (like Stephanie did) and you find that you learn more in this episode (which basically covers nothing) than you did at that class! We are going to dive a bit deeper into the good and bad of what's covered in a typical hospital class and why your chances of learning about how your body and birth work during labor are greater in an out of hospital class. We want all of you mamas...
Why Your Hospital Birth Class Probably Sucks
July 13, 2019 01:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBDon't be mad if you've already taken a hospital birth class, or every single birth class your local hospital offers (like Stephanie did) and you find that you learn more in this episode (which basically covers nothing) than you did at that class! We are going to dive a bit deeper into the good and bad of what's covered in a typical hospital class and why your chances of learning about how your body and birth work during labor are greater in an out of hospital class. We want all of you mamas...