The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama

Connect w/ Trish:

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

Pregnancy Unpacked Week 35: You Are Closer Than You Think | 194 Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with your birth bestie, Trish. In this episode, Trish unpacks what it's like being 35 weeks pregnant. From what’s happening with your baby, like gaining fat and practicing breathing, to what you might experience, such as pelvic pressure and Braxton Hicks contractions, we've got it all covered. Plus, learn what to expect at your 35-week prenatal visit, including the Group B Strep (GBS) test, and why you should be prepared for it. Trish also reminds you of the importance of preparing your mind, home, and team as you get closer to meeting your baby.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

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

Helpful Timestamps:

00:58 You’re 35 Weeks Pregnant
02:21 Baby's Development at 35 Weeks
04:42 Common Symptoms and What to Expect
06:33 Doctor's Visit and GBS Testing
08:27 Mindset and Preparation Tips
09:43 35 Week Checklist and Final Encouragement

More from this episode:

Don't forget to check out the free workshop for more tips on having a faster, smoother birth: labornursemama.com/faster

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Connect w/ Trish:

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

Overcoming Loneliness in Pregnancy: How to Feel Supported | 193 Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

In this heartfelt episode, Trish opens up about the often-unspoken topic of loneliness during pregnancy. Drawing from her personal experiences and those of her community, Trish shares emotional insights and practical tips to help mamas feel supported during this transformative time.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

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

What’s inside this episode:

The Reality of Loneliness During Pregnancy: Trish discusses how pregnancy can amplify feelings of isolation, whether due to physical distance from family, lack of support from a partner, or shifting relationships with friends.
Personal Stories: Reflecting on her own pregnancy journeys, through an abusive relationship and pregnancies far from family, Trish connects with listeners who feel alone.
Types of Loneliness: From hormonal changes and shifting identities to comparison on social media, Trish explores why pregnancy can feel isolating.
Practical Tips:
Build a support system through communities like Calm Mama Society.
Seek a therapist or doula for professional support.
Lean into friendships or find a mentor figure.
Journal to process emotions and create self-care rituals like prenatal yoga or EFT tapping.

More from this episode:

Mama,you do not have to be alone! Join Calm Mama Society for support and community.

Helpful Timestamps:

00:52 An Emotional Episode Begins
01:43 Discussing Loneliness During Pregnancy
02:48 Personal Story and Support Systems
05:35 Types of Loneliness During Pregnancy
09:46 Addressing Relationship Challenges
12:42 Support for Single Moms
17:03 Practical Tips to Combat Loneliness
19:41 Conclusion and Encouragement

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Connect w/ Trish:

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

Pregnancy Unpacked Week 34: Baby's Breathing Milestone + Hospital Bag Checklist | 192 Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with Trish, your favorite labor nurse and birth coach. If you're at 34 weeks, we're getting super close! Trish is getting into the significance of week 34: recognizing preterm labor signs, what essentials you need to pack in your hospital bag, and how your baby's development (now the size of a butternut squash!) this week is crucial for lung development and overall growth.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

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

She also talks about your body’s changes, from feeling intense shortness of breath to experiencing stronger Braxton Hicks contractions. Remember to trust your body, stay hydrated, and prepare confidently for the upcoming weeks. Until next week, trust your instincts and keep rocking this journey!

Helpful Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Pregnancy Unpacked
00:57 Welcome Back and Week 34 Overview
01:57 Baby's Development at 34 Weeks
03:11 Mama's Changes and Symptoms
04:47 Preterm Labor Signs and What to Do
06:23 Packing Your Hospital Bag
08:42 Preparing for Birth and Postpartum
10:56 Final Thoughts and Next Week's Preview

More from Pregnancy Unpacked:

More from this episode:

Third Trimester Prep Pack

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Connect w/ Trish:

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

Grab her FREE Pregnancy Exercises to Modify by Trimester Guide

Pregnancy Fitness 101: Myths, Truths, and Staying Active with Nicole Scheitlin | 191 Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Hey mama! This is a must-listen if you've ever looked in the mirror during pregnancy or postpartum and thought, 'I don't look like me anymore.' Whether you're navigating swollen ankles, unpredictable energy, or the mental load that comes with pregnancy, this conversation is your reminder that you don't have to sacrifice strength, identity, or confidence. I'm sitting down with Nicole Scheitlin, a mom of three and the powerhouse behind Strong Mama Wellness to bust some pregnancy fitness myths.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

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

Nicole is a 12-year exercise physiologist and certified pre and postnatal fitness specialist. We're talking about what it really looks like to stay active during pregnancy and busting a LOT of myths. We dive deep into myths like not lifting weights above 25 pounds, keeping your heart rate below 140 bpm, and more. Nicole provides practical advice on safely exercising without confusion or fear, emphasizing a personalized approach. Don't miss this episode if you're currently expecting, trying to conceive, or just trying to feel like yourself again after baby.

Connect with Nicole Scheitlin:

Visit her website www.strongmamawellnessco.com

Follow her on Instagram: @strongmamawellness

Helpful Timestamps

01:34 Meet Nicole Scheitlin: Fitness Expert and Mom

02:09 Nicole's Journey into Pregnancy Fitness

05:31 Busting Pregnancy Fitness Myths

15:40 The Importance of Core Work During Pregnancy

21:11 Supporting Your Body Through Pregnancy

22:49 Advice for Expecting Moms

26:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:

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

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

Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!

Connect w/ Trish:

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

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.

Pregnancy Unpacked Week 33: What to Expect & Third Trimester Tips | 190 Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked! In this week's episode, we celebrate crossing 32 weeks - a major milestone. Dive deep into what's happening in Week 33 as Trish unpacks your little one's brain development, increasing weight and length, and the importance of surfactant for lung maturation.

Learn how to support your partner with practical and emotional tasks, recognize signs of preeclampsia, and set essential boundaries with family and friends as the countdown begins. Plus, get a sneak peek into the action items for this week, preparing your nursery, and finalizing your birth plan. Tune in to feel supported, informed, and ready for the incredible journey ahead!

What’s inside this episode:

What’s happening with baby at 33 weeks - key development milestones.
The physical and emotional changes happening with you.
Your action items for week 33 of pregnancy.
Partner support tips.
Doctor’s appointments & what to expect.
How to set boundaries.
Reg flags to watch for.

Helpful Timestamps:

00:58 33 Weeks Pregnant: Key Milestones
02:26 Baby's Size and Development
04:00 Essential Steps for Week 33
09:14 What's Happening with Your Body
13:19 Partner's Role and Support
15:23 Doctor's Appointments and What to Expect
18:28 Setting Boundaries and Final Preparations
20:50 Action Items for the Week
21:56 Red Flags and When to Call the Doctor
22:34 Connect and Share Your Journey
23:01 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

Resources mentioned in this episode:

More from Pregnancy Unpacked:

Resources:

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

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

Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!

Connect w/ Trish:

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

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.

Membrane Sweeps - What You Need to Know and How to Handle Them | 189 Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Trish dives into the topic of membrane sweeps. She breaks down everything you need to know about this optional procedure to help you make informed decisions for your birth.

Trish explains what a membrane sweep is (also known as a stretch and sweep), how it works, tips to make it more comfortable, and why it might be considered to encourage labor naturally. She emphasizes that membrane sweeps are entirely your choice - your body, your birth, your decision. Trish shares when a membrane sweep is most effective (hint: wait until at least 40 weeks!), the importance of slight cervical dilation for the procedure, and why dilation alone isn’t the whole story when it comes to labor readiness. She also encourages combining a membrane sweep with various natural labor preparation techniques.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

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

More from this episode:

Join Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab

Grab the Induction Workshop: available for those preparing for an induced birth.

Read the Blog: Read this Easy to Understand Guide Before Your Membrane Sweep: Everything You need To Know

Helpful Timestamps:

00:54 Understanding Membrane Sweeps
01:26 How Membrane Sweeps Work
02:39 When to Consider a Membrane Sweep
03:43 Preparing for a Membrane Sweep
04:28 Making Membrane Sweeps More Comfortable
06:44 Post-Sweep Expectations and Tips
08:37 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
09:15 Join the Community and Stay Connected

Resources:

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

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

Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!

Connect w/ Trish:

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

Read the Blog: The Golden Hour After Birth

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.

Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 31–32: Baby Growth, Body Changes + What to Prepare Next | 188 Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with Trish, your go-to labor nurse and birth bestie. In this episode, we’re diving into weeks 31 and 32 - when things start feeling super real! We’ll cover your baby’s incredible growth, the changes you’re noticing in your body, and how to prep for the final stretch. From managing shortness of breath and wild dreams to monitoring fetal movement and planning for birth, Trish delivers practical tips and empowering vibes to keep you confident. You’re magical, powerful, and totally 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!

What’s Happening with Baby

Size & Growth: Your baby is about the size of a coconut - 16-17 inches long and 3.5-4 pounds.
Development: Major brain and nervous system growth, eyes opening and tracking light, and bones hardening (with a soft skull for birth). Baby’s practicing breathing and swallowing amniotic fluid, which they recycle to maintain fluid levels.
Brown Fat: They’re building brown fat for temperature regulation - key for skin-to-skin after birth. Check Trish’s blog post on skin-to-skin for more!
Fetal Movement: You’re likely noticing a pattern. Keep track, as movement is a key sign of baby’s oxygen levels. Grab Trish’s Free Third Trimester Prep Packfor a fetal movement count sheet.

What’s Happening with You

Shortness of Breath: Your growing uterus is crowding your lungs. Try yoga, stretching, swimming, or hands-and-knees positions to ease it.
Swelling: Gradual swelling in ankles, feet, or hands is normal, but sudden swelling means you should call your provider.
Aches & Pains: Expect more back and hip discomfort, plus Braxton Hicks contractions.
Vivid Dreams & Insomnia: Hormones and discomfort can spark bizarre dreams and sleepless nights. Trish loves the Momcozy Pregnancy Pillow for comfort.
Clumsiness: Your shifting center of gravity may make you wobbly - be cautious!
Emotional Swings: From excitement to overwhelm, it’s all normal. Give yourself grace - you’re building a human!

Appointments & Prep

Provider Checkups: You’re likely seeing your provider every two weeks for fundal height, heartbeat checks, and symptom discussions.
Ask These Questions:
How will baby’s growth be monitored?
What are the hospital’s labor and delivery policies?
Who will attend my birth?
Pro Tip: Jot down questions in your phone to remember them at appointments. If your provider seems rushed, politely ask for time to talk.

Your Action Steps for Weeks 31–32:

Hospital Bag: Start thinking about what to pack.
Birth Preferences: Review them with your partner. Education is key for a solid plan.
Take a Birth Class: Girl, if you haven’t yet, take one! Trish offers:
Full Birth Course ($297): In-depth with robust support.
Calm Labor Birth Pod ($97): Quick, audio-based with a guide.
Labor Bat Signal: Add-on for 12 weeks of virtual DM support with Trish and a doula.
Hydration & Movement: Prioritize drinking water and gentle movement.
Postpartum Planning: List key contacts, check insurance for mental health support, and plan who’ll help after birth.
Rest Without Guilt: Practice chilling out - you deserve it!

Helpful Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Pregnancy Unpacked
00:49 Baby's Development: Weeks 31-32
02:54 Mom's Symptoms and Self-Care Tips
05:17 Doctor Visits and What to Expect
08:23 Preparing for Birth: Action Steps
10:30 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
11:10 Closing Remarks and Subscriber Call-to-Action

More from this episode:

Momcozy Pregnancy Pillow

Resources:

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

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

Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!

Connect w/ Trish:

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

Join the TOT Spot Membership

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.

Key Baby Development Milestones with Dr. Allison Mell | 187 Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

Ever wondered about the significance of your baby’s milestones, particularly crawling, or concerned about what to do if they're not meeting them? In today's episode, Trish sits down with Dr. Allison Mell, a pediatric physical therapist and founder of The TOT Spot, for a deep dive into why crawling is crucial for sensory and motor development.

Learn about:

The real reasons behind these baby development milestones, and why they matter.
How to spot red flags early.
Gain insights into effective early intervention strategies.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

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

Dr. Allison also shares her experience as a mom of four and offers valuable advice on navigating the overwhelming world of child development. Discover the importance of tuning into your parental instincts, advocating for your child, and how timely interventions can lead to success in later stages of life.

Join us as we unpack these vital topics and empower yourself with the knowledge to support your baby’s growth journey!

Helpful Timestamps:

00:56 Meet Dr. Allison Mell: Pediatric Physical Therapist and Mom
02:43 The Importance of Early Milestones
04:30 Common Issues and Red Flags for Baby Development
06:10 The Role of Pediatricians and Early Intervention
08:36 The Connection Between Crawling and Development
10:47 Sensory Development and Body Awareness
13:28 Key Milestones and When to Seek Help
17:26 Trusting Your Parental Instincts
18:44 Advocating for Your Child's Health
20:39 Navigating Early Intervention Programs
21:50 The Benefits of Online Consultations
27:03 How the TOT Spot Membership Works

More from Dr. Mell:

Visit TotsOnTarget.com

Follow her on Instagram: @totsontarget

Tots on Target Free Resources

Resources:

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

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

Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!

Connect w/ Trish:

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

Braxton Hicks Contractions IG Post

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.

Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 29–30: VBAC Birth Story, Baby Growth + Third Trimester Prep | 186 Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

Hey mamas, welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked! Today, Trish is unpacking weeks 29 to 30 of pregnancy. Exploring the changes happening to your baby and your body, tackle the mental challenges of the third trimester, and hear an astonishing VBAC birth story from one of our long-time students, Miss Sarah.

Trish discusses everything from your baby's development, including their brain, lungs, and bones, to the common physical symptoms you're experiencing, like back pain, heartburn, and possibly, Braxton Hicks contractions. She also covers valuable tips and tools for dealing with third trimester challenges, highlights the importance of mental preparation, and stresses the power of knowledge, support, and intuition.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

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

Don't miss the emotional and inspiring story of Sarah, who overcame her fears and previous birth trauma to have an empowering VBAC birth.

Trish will recap:

Tips for preparing your birth space.
Packing your hospital bag.
Building a strong support system.

Remember, you are powerful and capable. Keep prepping and get ready for a beautiful birth experience!

Helpful Timestamps:

00:43 Baby Development: Weeks 29-30
01:32 Mama's Body Changes and Tips
04:00 Mental Prep and Support
04:31 Sarah's Inspiring VBAC Story
08:49 Preparing Your Birth Space
10:36 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

More from Pregnancy Unpacked:

More from this episode:

Read the blog: The Signs That You are in Real Labor and Not false?

Resources:

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

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

Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!

Connect w/ Trish:

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