The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama

Latest Episodes:

A Doula: The Quiet Birth Warrior By Your Side with HeHe Stewart | 155 Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

Trish welcomes HeHe, a dedicated doula, birth advocate, and host of The Birth Lounge podcast. They dive deep into the significant role that doulas play in empowering parents during childbirth through advocacy, education, and effective communication.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

HeHe shares her journey from working with children on the autism spectrum to becoming a doula, highlighting the recurring themes of birth trauma and anxiety among parents from a lack of education or support.

This episode focuses on the doula’s role in birth, covering how to prepare for unexpected situations during labor, creating collaborative relationships in the birth room, and the importance of therapy for birth workers.

Whether you're a doula, a pregnant mama, or simply interested in birth advocacy, this episode provides valuable insights into making informed birth decisions and fostering a supportive birth environment.

00:54 Meet HeHe: Doula and Birth Advocate

04:30 Empowering Parents in the Birth Room

08:56 Balancing Advocacy and Professionalism

11:18 The Role of Doulas in Birth Decisions

19:38 The Importance of Birth Planning

24:37 Tips for Doulas in Hospital Settings

26:22 Creating a Comfortable Birth Environment

38:00 Polite Communication and Hospital Culture

39:38 The Role of a Doula as an Advocate

Connect with HeHe:

Follow her on Instagram: @tranquilitybyhehe & @the.birth.lounge

Listen to The Birth Lounge Podcast

TheBirthLounge.com

Listen to Episode 324: Debunking VBAC Myths: What You Really Need to Prepare for a Hospital Birth with Trish Ware

Resources:

Join our 5 Days to A Fearless Birth Experience and watch 5 Online Birth Classes!!

Connect w/ Trish:

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Next Steps with LNM:

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.

Remember, my advice is not medical advice. Always discuss what you learn with your team. See my Disclaimer here! Also, We make a small commission from some of the links (you don’t pay any more for using our links); however some of the recommendations, we do not earn anything; we love ’em and want you to know about them.

OMG - Did My Water Just Break? Now What? | 154 Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

Hey, beautiful mamas! Ever found yourself wondering, “Did my water just break… or is this pee? Wait, maybe it’s something else?!”

Don’t worry, Trish has your back in this episode! Here’s what she’s breaking down for you:

⭐ How to figure out if it’s *really* your water breaking

⭐ Sorting out the difference between amniotic fluid, pee, or vaginal discharge like the labor pro you’re becoming

⭐ The must-know signs to watch for and what to do next

⭐ When it’s time to grab that hospital bag and roll out

⭐ Tips to keep your labor moving forward once that water breaks (you’ve got this!)

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

Trish covers the C.O.A.T. method (color, odor, amount, time)—to help you feel confident about what’s happening down there. She’s also dishing out practical steps to take once your water breaks (and a few “please don’t do that” warnings) so you can stay calm and in control.

Tune into this episode to feel ready for that wild, wonderful moment when your water breaks.

01:27 Understanding Your Water Breaking

01:41 Is It Really Your Water?

03:45 What to Do When Your Water Breaks

05:17 When to Head to the Hospital

07:18 Contraction Rules and High-Risk Situations

08:55 Listening to Your Intuition

09:39 Final Tips and Birth Plan Importance

Resources:

Join our 5 Days to A Fearless Birth Experience and watch 5 Online Birth Classes!!

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

Connect w/ Trish:

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Next Steps with LNM:

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.

The Truth About Tongue Tie Treatment with Lisa Paladino | 153 Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

Trish welcomes Lisa Paladino, a renowned tongue tie expert, IBCLC, midwife, and labor and delivery nurse who is passionate about infant feeding and oral function.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

Lisa shares her journey of becoming an expert in this field, the common myths surrounding tongue ties, and practical advice on how mothers can navigate this challenging aspect of infant feeding.

They also address the larger issues of breastfeeding support, the importance of following maternal instincts, and the emotional and physical challenges faced by new mothers who are navigating tongue tie.

If you've ever wondered whether tongue ties are over diagnosed, underdiagnosed, or what signs you should actually be looking for, this episode is for you.

00:20 Meet the Tongue Tie Expert: Lisa Paladino

01:31 Lisa's Journey to Becoming a Tongue Tie Expert

03:38 Understanding Tongue Ties: Myths and Facts

06:40 The Importance of Professional Guidance

13:27 Finding the Right Provider

19:24 Online Courses and Continuous Learning

22:56 Trusting Your Instincts as a Mother

24:43 Challenges in Recognizing Tongue Tie

28:01 Misdiagnoses and the Importance of Proper Evaluation

31:54 Final Advice and Emotional Support for Mothers

More from Lisa Paladino:

Connect with Lisa on Instagram @tonguetieexperts

Lisa's Tongue Tie Professional Referral List

Selecting a Provider: Ask These Questions before Tongue Tie Treatment

Grab her courses:

A Parent’s Guide to Tongue Tie Course:

Professional’s Guide to Tongue Tie in the Breastfeeding Infant:

More from this episode:

Listen to episode 114: Understanding Tongue Tie: Expert Insights and Practical Solutions for New Moms

Resources:

Join our 5 Days to A Fearless Birth Experience and watch 5 Online Birth Classes!!

🎙FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth!🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

Connect w/ Trish:

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Next Steps with LNM:

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.

Vaginal Tearing during Birth: Real and Gritty | 152 Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

Who's afraid of vaginal tearing during birth? Um...none of us want to tear our lady bits! We hear this all the time over on IG. We know this fear is filling your brain right now. So Trish is breaking it down today.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

Vaginas are made to stretch and accommodate your baby. A vaginal tear is your body's natural response to a need for more room for the baby your body built.

I want to help you arm yourself with knowledge. Knowledge is power. Knowledge combats fear. We love to disarm fears around here.

Fear and birth are a terrible mix.

Trish will break it all down in her particular unorthodox view of birth and all the fear surrounding it. Listen in, and let's talk about what vaginal tearing is, why it happens, who it happens to, and what you can do to TRY to prevent it.

More from this episode:

Get the tearing book here!

Full Article about tearing:

Link to Sitz Bath

Resources:

Join our 5 Days to A Fearless Birth Experience and watch 5 Online Birth Classes!!

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

Connect w/ Trish:

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Next Steps with LNM:

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.

Taking Control of Your Birth: Empowering Moms Through Education and Advocacy | 151 Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Trish welcomes Colette Wagholikar, a passionate labor and delivery nurse, childbirth educator, mom of two daughters, and creator of 'My Friends a Nurse'.

They discuss the importance of education in childbirth, advocating for yourself in the delivery room, and navigating the healthcare system.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

Trish and Colette cover key strategies for handling unsupportive medical staff, making informed decisions, and how to use your voice effectively during labor.

Colette shares valuable insights from her journey as a labor and delivery nurse and mom, and emphasizes the necessity of building a knowledgeable and supportive birth team.

“ The most powerful thing in the birth room is your voice.” - Trish

00:51 Meet Colette

03:19 Colette's Journey in Nursing

05:07 Challenges in the Hospital System

09:03 Empowering Women in Childbirth

15:24 Handling Difficult Situations with Nurses

22:55 Dealing with Uncooperative Doctors

29:22 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Colette

More from Colette:

Visit MyFriendsANurse.com

Listen to The Birth Link Podcast

Resources:

Join our 5 Days to A Fearless Birth Experience and watch 5 Online Birth Classes!!

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

Connect w/ Trish:

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Next Steps with LNM:

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.

Navigating Your 20-Week Anatomy Scan with Confidence | 150 Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Today, I’m walking through the essentials of the 20-week anatomy scan, covering what to expect and how you can prepare.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

So the 20-week anatomy scan is a detailed ultrasound that gives you and your health care team a comprehensive look at how your baby is developing, and it's typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks, and it focuses on examining all your baby's little parts, the organs, the limbs, and overall growth.

Tune in for practical tips, empowering advice, and a guide to making the most of this milestone in your pregnancy journey.

00:53 Understanding the 20-Week Anatomy Scan

02:42 Preparing for Your 20-Week Scan

03:47 Personal Story: My 20-Week Scan Experience

04:41 What to Expect During the Scan

06:01 Handling Unexpected News

07:19 Empowerment and Resources

Resources:

First Trimester Secret Podcast

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

Connect w/ Trish:

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Next Steps with LNM:

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.

Managing Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy | 149 Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

Trish welcomes Sara Alayev to the podcast, a seasoned labor and delivery nurse specializing in gestational diabetes management.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

They cover everything from the diagnosis of gestational diabetes, to practical tips for blood sugar control, mindset during pregnancy, and what to expect in labor and delivery.

Sara shares her expertise on dietary adjustments, exercise, and the importance of prenatal and postpartum support.

“ Everyone is different regarding gestational diabetes, but, it's something that can be controlled, and you can still have a healthy pregnancy with this diagnosis.”

-Sara Alayev

Trish and Sara also emphasize the emotional aspects, dispelling guilt and fear while providing actionable advice for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

00:57 Meet Sara: The Gestational Diabetes Nurse

05:25 Understanding Gestational Diabetes

07:22 Managing Gestational Diabetes: Diet and Exercise Tips

19:39 Labor and Delivery with Gestational Diabetes

21:55 Postpartum Care and Support

26:21 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information

More from the Gestational Diabetes Nurse:

Follow Sara on Instagram: @gestational.diabetes.nurse

Resources:

First Trimester Secret Podcast

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

Connect w/ Trish:

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Next Steps with LNM:

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.

Labor Will Let You Know: Tips for Early Labor | 148 Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

Trish is talking all things labor today, sharing tips for early labor and how to know when labor has arrived.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

“Answering that age old question every mama asks, whether it's your first time or your third time.

We all at some point think to ourselves, “How am I going to know if I am in labor?” So don't worry, we're going to clear it up in the most laid back, Trish way, possible.

Labor will absolutely, without a doubt, declare itself. So grab a snack, get comfy, and let's dive in.” - Trish

Some tips for early labor to keep calm and distracted:

Miles Circuit
Going for a walk
Curb walking
Binge watching marathon
Cooking
Dancing
Taking a bath

This episode is a must-listen for expectant mamas wanting to calmly take on labor with confidence.

00:52 Understanding Labor: The Basics

01:55 False Labor vs. Real Labor

02:42 Tips for Early Labor

06:53 My First Birth

10:33 Distraction Techniques for Early Labor

More from this episode:

Read this blog post: The Miles Circuit: Here’s How To Induce Labor and Birth at the End of Pregnancy

https://labornursemama.com/miles-circuit/

Grab the $7 Labor Like a Pro Guide

https://connect.labornursemama.com/labor-guide

Resources:

First Trimester Secret Podcast

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

Connect w/ Trish:

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Next Steps with LNM:

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.

A Candid Conversation About Doulas, Birth Advocacy, and Birth Interventions | 147 Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

Trish welcomes Kristin Revere, a newborn care specialist and the founder of Gold Coast Doulas.

Kristin shares her journey from a career in advertising to becoming a dedicated childbirth educator and doula. They explore topics like the significance of having a doula, the power of informed decision-making, and the importance of creating a judgment-free birthing plan.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

The episode also highlights Kristin's new book, 'Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby,' which offers inclusive and evidence-based advice for new parents.

Tune into this episode for a candid conversation between childbirth educators and how their passions led them to supporting women in birth and beyond.

00:53 Guest Introduction: Kristin Revere

01:47 Kristin's Journey to Becoming a Doula

02:23 Empowering Women in Childbirth

05:49 The Role of Doulas and Birth Plans

10:03 Navigating Medical Interventions

17:43 The Importance of Birth Education

25:19 Kristin's Book and Resources

27:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Kristin Revere:

Gold Coast Doulas

Listen to her podcast: Ask the Doulas podcast

Grab her book: Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Bab y book

Resources:

First Trimester Secret Podcast

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

Connect w/ Trish:

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Next Steps with LNM:

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.

First Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms: Top Questions Answered | 146 Jan 03, 2025

Show notes

The first trimester can be full of questions, excitement, and let's be honest, a lot of fear.

Trish is here to help you demystify what's happening in your body, provide you with some support to feel empowered, and is answering the top questions she gets during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

Covering common symptoms such as breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, emotional changes, and spotting. Trish offers practical tips for managing these symptoms, including the use of essential oils, crackers, rest, and hydration.

So whether or not you're curled up on your couch, out for a walk, or just looking for some answers, listen to this episode for expert advice on first trimester pregnancy symptoms.

00:00 Introduction to the First Trimester

01:59 Top Questions About the First Trimester

04:04 Symptoms and Experiences

07:33 Managing Nausea and Vomiting

14:18 Spotting During the First Trimester

16:02 Morning Sickness Tips

18:34 Hydration and Other Tips

20:07 Conclusion and Membership Invitation

Resources:

First Trimester Secret Podcast

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

Connect w/ Trish:

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Next Steps with LNM:

If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!

If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.

If you have a scheduled cesarean, take our Belly Birth Masterclass and own that experience.

If you are a newly pregnant mama or just had the babe, you want to join our private pregnancy and postpartum membership, Calm Mama Society.