In this episode of The Best Birth Podcast, co-hosts Sarah Ziroll and Jen Banks reflect on the invaluable lessons they've learned from interviewing experts in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. They discuss the recurring themes of nutrition, exercise, and sleep that have been emphasized by their guests, and how these basics play a crucial role in a healthy pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Sarah and Jen share personal insights and highlight the importance of building a supportive birth team, recognizing the body's natural ability to birth, and utilizing available resources and specialists.

00:00 Ride the Wave media welcome to the best birth podcast

01:33 Jen, what was the number one thing you learned in this podcast

04:16 Jen: I have learned that our bodies were made to do this

05:19 Last lesson was to utilize the specialists that are out there

06:13 Jen: I learned that we are not fragile in pregnancy

07:49 We share some of our favorite quotes from our podcast guests about childbirth

14:06 Jen Banks: This podcast has been life changing. Thank you for joining us

Throughout the episode, they revisit some of their favorite quotes from past guests, offering wisdom on topics such as emotional maturity, postpartum mental health, and the importance of building a relationship with healthcare providers. They also emphasize the significance of trusting one's intuition and preparing for the unexpected in labor.

Join Sarah and Jen as they provide a heartfelt recap of their journey, sharing the knowledge and experiences that have transformed their understanding of birth and parenting. Don't miss this episode filled with practical advice and inspiration for expectant parents.

Subscribe today and share the podcast with other moms and dads-to-be, ensuring everyone can have the best birth experience possible!

In this episode, Jody Moore of the podcast "Better Than Happy" joins us to discuss how focusing on thoughts and mindset can significantly impact our reality, particularly in the context of birth and motherhood. Jody shares her journey from struggling with work-life balance and embracing motherhood to becoming a life coach and helping tens of thousands through her coaching practice and podcast. She emphasizes the power of mindset in shaping our experiences and offers practical tools for strengthening our thoughts to create a better birth and parenting experience. Jody also touches on her personal experiences with gestational diabetes and the importance of self-care and self-compassion in parenting.

00:00 The following presentation is a production of Ride the Wave Media

00:48 Jody Moore turned to life coaching after having her first two kids

01:44 How does focusing on your thoughts and mindset create your reality during birth

05:38 Practicing mindfulness strengthens your mindset and your thoughts, right?

07:21 When did you feel you weren't fulfilled in motherhood

12:38 A lot of our listeners are first time moms

16:42 You were diagnosed with gestational diabetes and then you reversed that

19:31 If you are capable of exercising during pregnancy, then keep it up

20:42 We are very wrapped up in our children's success, right?

24:44 Your thoughts are creating your feelings, right. How can this shape our emotional experience during childbirth

28:15 As a mother, how have you taught these tools to your children

RESOURCES

• Jody Moore's Free Coaching Workshop

• Better Than Happy Podcast

In this episode, Lindsey White, founder and CEO of The Little Milk Bar, joins us to discuss the challenges and triumphs of breastfeeding and lactation. Lindsey shares her personal breastfeeding journey with her three children, highlighting the struggles she faced and how those experiences inspired her to create a brand that empowers breastfeeding parents. She emphasizes the importance of confidence and normalizing breastfeeding in public, offering practical advice like the two-shirt method and the need for supportive partners. Lindsey also discusses societal stigmas, legal aspects of breastfeeding, and the role of social media in advocating for breastfeeding rights. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that underscores the significance of support and education in the breastfeeding journey.

00:00 Lindsey White is the founder of the Little Milk Bar

01:11 Frankie has had three different breastfeeding experiences

04:30 The two shirt method is a great way to start breastfeeding in public

05:47 All 50 states legalized breastfeeding in public until 2018

13:24 If you can learn two shirt method or feeding underneath, others will feel comfortable

14:21 Why is it important to have that conversation with your partner about breastfeeding

16:29 Do you have any other tips or tricks or lactation advice that you might share

21:01 Before we go, we will share a mom squad secret

RESOURCES

The Little Milk Bar

The Little Milk Bar on Instagram

La Leche League International

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Breastfeeding

Dr. Nicole Rankins, an OB-GYN, discusses the importance of education and advocacy in pregnancy and birth. She emphasizes the need for women to be well-supported, respected, and empowered during their birth experiences. Dr. Rankins provides information and resources to help women make informed decisions based on their unique circumstances. She also addresses the issue of racism in the birth space and encourages individuals to start conversations and challenge stereotypes. The conversation highlights the significance of maternal health and the need for support and resources during the postpartum period.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction: Empowering Women in Pregnancy and Birth 03:39 The Importance of Education and Advocacy in Birth 08:38 Addressing Racism in the Birth Space 14:22 The Rising C-Section Rate and its Impact on Birth Plans 17:01 Pushing and Advocacy during Labor 20:01 Tools and Maneuvers to Help Progress in Labor 24:31 Lotus Birth and Placenta Encapsulation 26:36 Pros and Cons of Placenta Encapsulation 30:28 Racism, Maternal Health, and Postpartum Support

RESOURCES All About Birth Podcast

In this conversation, Anj Lineback, a licensed clinical social worker, discusses navigating the postpartum period. She explains that perinatal mental health issues can occur during pregnancy and up to two years postpartum. She highlights the importance of recognizing the difference between baby blues and more serious conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety. Anj provides coping strategies such as getting enough sleep, seeking support from others, and engaging in self-care activities. She also emphasizes the need to reach out to healthcare professionals and utilize resources like support groups and therapy. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of medication when necessary and the role of community in the postpartum journey.

CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Navigating the Postpartum Period 02:25 Understanding Perinatal Mental Health 04:07 Differentiating Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression/Anxiety 09:31 Coping Strategies: Sleep, Support, and Self-Care 14:59 Seeking Help: Healthcare Professionals and Resources 20:29 Medication and Mental Well-being in the Postpartum Journey 25:29 The Importance of Community in the Postpartum Experience

RESOURCES Mix-hers Drink Supplement PSI - International Babies Are Not Pizzas "Knowledge is power, and in the context of childbirth, it can be the difference between a positive birth experience and one that leaves scars." Health & Human Development Sunshine Acronym Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding - Ina May "Oxytocin has been called the 'hormone of calm, love, and healing' because of the kinds of feelings it causes in the mother and the interactions with her baby that often trigger its release."

Patty Peterson from Fit 4 Mom shares her journey and the mission of Fit 4 Mom, which offers fitness classes for all stages of motherhood. The community aspect of Fit 4 Mom is emphasized, providing a support system for moms who may feel isolated or alone. Patty discusses the mental health benefits of fitness and the importance of movement during pregnancy. She encourages moms to find a hobby or activity that brings them joy and to prioritize self-care. Building a village and asking for help are also highlighted as important aspects of preparing for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Patty's Journey 03:27 The Community Aspect of Fit 4 Mom 07:29 The Importance of Communication and Self-Understanding 09:12 The Mental Health Benefits of Fitness 13:03 The Impact of Fitness on Mental Health 15:51 Fitness During Pregnancy 18:45 The Importance of Movement During Pregnancy 23:58 Building a Village and Asking for Help

Amanda Horvath shares her journey of transformation through motherhood and how it has impacted her business and personal life. She discusses the challenges and adjustments she faced, including changes in her identity, energy management, and the impact of motherhood on her business. Amanda also talks about the concept of human design and how it can help parents understand their children's energy and behaviors. She shares tips on capturing and documenting the journey of motherhood through videos and photos. Finally, Amanda discusses her birth experience, including hypnobirthing, C-section, and her plans for future pregnancies.

CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Amanda Horvath's Background 03:09 The Transformative Power of Motherhood 09:21 Understanding Your Child's Energy: The Role of Human Design 18:12 Capturing the Journey: Tips for Documenting Motherhood 28:38 Navigating Birth: Hypnobirthing, C-sections, and Planning for the Future

RESOURCES Mama Natural Birthing Comb Create Anyway -the joy of pursuing creativity in the margins of motherhood - Ashlee Gadd "Your creative work matters, even if it’s done in the margins of motherhood. Motherhood can be the catalyst that refines and hones your creative passions."

In this episode, Laurel Bandy discusses the importance of maternity leave and how to prepare for balancing motherhood and career. She highlights the lack of federal paid leave in the United States and the varying policies of employers and states. Laurel provides advice on preparing for maternity leave, including researching state and employer programs, communicating with HR, and planning for childcare. She also discusses the options for returning to work after maternity leave, such as phased returns, flexible work hours, job sharing, and teleworking. Laurel emphasizes the need for paid family leave and the impact of maternity leave on the wage gap.

CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Background of Maternity Leave 06:35 Preparing for Maternity Leave: Researching Programs and Planning for Childcare 13:41 Returning to Work After Maternity Leave: Phased Returns and Flexible Work Arrangements 26:55 Childcare Options and Considerations 32:25 Recommended Resources: Ina May Gaskin's Books

RESOURCES Your Baby, Your Child - Penelope Ina May's Guide to Childbirth Links from Laurel: https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/state-paid-family-leave-laws-across-the-u-s/

https://www.eeoc.gov/pregnancy-discrimination

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/civil-rights-center/internal/policies/pregnancy-discrimination

https://www.penguin.com.au/books/your-baby-and-child-9780241562659

https://www.penguin.com.au/books/ina-mays-guide-to-childbirth-9780091924157