Afleveringen
-
Trish gets into the unfiltered, totally normal chaos of the third trimester of pregnancy. She’s breaking down the weird symptoms, emotional rollercoasters, and practical prep tips to help you feel empowered as you approach the finish line of pregnancy.
From lightning crotch to unexpected leaks, Trish normalizes the wild changes your body might be throwing at you. She’s got you covered with actionable advice, heartfelt encouragement, and a reminder to trust your gut as you prepare for birth.
What’s Inside This Episode:
Lightning Crotch and Swollen Everything: Learn about those sharp zings in your pelvis, swollen hands, feet, and even vulva—why they happen, what’s normal, and when to call your provider.Leaky Boobies and More: Trish explains colostrum leakage (or lack thereof), carpal tunnel, night sweats, and increased vaginal discharge, reassuring you that your body’s just doing its thing to build a human.Braxton Hicks vs. Real Labor: Get clear on how to tell them apart - irregular and front-focused for Braxton Hicks, consistent and intensifying from back to belly for the real deal. Pro tip: If you’re still wondering if it's labor, it’s not time to worry yet!Nesting: Discover why you’re suddenly scrubbing baseboards at 2 AM and how this primal urge is your brain creating safety for your baby.Sex, Sleep, and Relationships: Navigate libido shifts, insomnia, and changing dynamics with your partner. Trish shares tips like using a pregnancy pillow, avoiding late-night caffeine, and communicating openly to stay connected.When to Call Your Provider: Critical signs to watch for, including decreased fetal movement, bright red bleeding, leaking fluid, severe headaches, or sudden swelling, and why trusting your instincts is never overreacting.This episode is your go-to guide for rocking the third trimester with confidence. Share it with a pregnant friend, leave a review to support Trish’s mission to empower mamas, and binge more episodes to prep for your birth like the queen you are!
Mentioned in this episode:
Grab the Third Trimester Prep Pack
Listen to Ep 154: OMG – Did My Water Just Break? Now What?
Listen to Ep 48: Six Signs that Labor is Not Far Off
Read 6 Signs of Labor According to a Labor Nurse
Helpful Timestamps:
00:55 Navigating the Third Trimester02:00 Weird but Normal Symptoms05:20 Braxton Hicks vs. Real Labor07:41 Nesting Instincts09:02 Sex, Sleep, and Relationship Shifts12:18 When to Call Your Provider14:52 Empowerment and Advocacy15:25 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources:
🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙
Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!
First Trimester Prep Pack
Second Trimester Prep Pack
Third Trimester Prep Pack
Listen to the
-
Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with your birth bestie, Trish. If you’re in weeks 18 to 20 of your pregnancy, this one’s for you! We’re diving into the magic (and realness) of this stage, the big anatomy scan, and the emotional rollercoaster of bonding. Trish is here with her no-sugarcoating, cheerleader vibe to unpack what’s happening with your body, your baby, and your heart.
Your little bean is growing fast, flipping and fluttering, and you’re probably feeling that bump pop! From the 20-week anatomy scan details to navigating those “am I supposed to feel bonded yet?” moments, Trish breaks it all down.
Whether you’re buzzing with excitement or wrestling with anxiety, your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone. Let’s unpack this stage together!
What’s Inside This Episode:
Baby’s Big Glow-Up: Your baby’s now the size of a sweet potato or mango (6–6.5 inches, 9–11 ounces!), with taste buds, working ears, and somersaults galore. Plus, their heartbeat’s loud enough for a stethoscope!20-Week Anatomy Scan Lowdown: Trish dives into what this long, detailed ultrasound checks: brain, heart, spine, limbs, placenta, and more. Learn what to expect, how to prep, and why unclear images aren’t an instant red flag.Finding Out Baby’s Sex (Maybe): This scan might reveal if you’re having a boy or girl, but as Trish’s story with baby #6 shows, it’s not always a sure thing!Bonding with Your Baby: Feeling super connected or a bit detached? Both are normal. Trish shares tips like daily affirmations, journaling, and visualizing those first snuggles to nurture your bond - no pressure, just love.Action Steps for You: Schedule your anatomy scan, prep questions for your provider, jot down your feelings, and ask about placenta placement or cervical length if you’ve had complications.Mindset Matters: Trish reminds you to trust your gut, ask questions, and embrace this transition. You’re growing a human and a new version of yourself!“You’re half way there mama and I’m so freaking proud of you!” - Trish
More from this episode:
Listen to episode 150: Navigating Your 20-Week Anatomy Scan with Confidence | 150
The Latest from Pregnancy Unpacked:
Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 16-18: Baby Bumps, Tests, & Trusting Yourself | 174
Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 14-16: Building Your Birth Team & Trusting Your Gut | 172
Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 12-14: Hello Second Trimester, Now What? | 170
Helpful Timestamps:
00:00 Welcome to Pregnancy Unpacked00:59 Weeks 18-20 of Your Pregnancy01:31 Baby's Development at 18-20 Weeks04:15 The Anatomy Scan Explained09:33 Mindset and Bonding Tips10:58 Action Steps and Final ThoughtsResources:
🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙
Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!
First Trimester Prep Pack
-
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
Trish welcomes her sweet birth student, LeeAnn, a first-time mom and a student of the 'Calm Labor Confident Birth' course. LeeAnn shares her breathtaking birth story, which started with a surprise in triage and ended with the unmedicated birth she always dreamed of.
She walked us through her mindset shifts during pregnancy, the tools from the course, as well as the labor bat signal, that kept her calm and at ease, especially during those last weeks of pregnancy, and what it was like to have a fast, unmedicated first birth. She also gets into her postpartum experiences and offers real, valuable advice to other first-time moms.
Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
“ I felt comfortable and I think there's so much out there nowadays about like, “Here's what you should do, Here's what you should not do” - and it's also contradictory. Your courses were very much like, “Here are your options, “ and you were very open about, if you want to go natural, if you want to do medicated - you gave all the options. And I felt like that made me feel empowered to speak for what I wanted. “
-LeeAnn
Tune in to hear how LeeAnn took control of her birth journey and emerged empowered, confident, and in control as a first-time mama.
More from LeeAnn:
Follow her on IG: @leeannypants
01:25 LeeAnn's Pregnancy Journey02:11 Finding Support and Empowerment03:26 Navigating Pregnancy Fears and Guilt04:56 The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course09:10 The Labor Bat Signal Experience12:08 LeeAnn's Labor and Delivery14:07 Unexpected Early Labor Signs14:23 Intensifying Contractions and Hospital Arrival15:24 Hospital Triage and Cervix Check16:15 Rapid Progression to Delivery18:54 Empowering Birth Experience20:14 Postpartum Challenges and Support22:01 Advice for New MothersResources:
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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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
-
Hey Mama, welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked!
Trish is taking you through the transformative journey of pregnancy weeks 16-18. Your baby is growing, now about the size of an avocado or a dill pickle, with developing lashes, eyebrows, and fingernails.
Trish discusses common tests such as the quad screen, and what to expect during your ultrasound scans. She shares some stories about gender surprises and emphasizes the importance of asking questions and trusting your intuition.
For those still grappling with morning sickness, Trish offers supportive tools and lifestyle tips to ease the discomfort. This episode is packed with straight talk, some science, and lots of support to help you navigate your pregnancy journey with confidence. Remember, you are amazing mama, and you've got this!
Tune in every Wednesday for more pregnancy unpacked. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and drop questions in the comments!
Helpful Timestamps
01:00 Weeks 16-18: Baby Development02:32 Understanding Prenatal Testing04:10 Ultrasound Scans and Gender Reveals05:47 Dealing with Concerning News09:34 Morning Sickness and Nausea Relief11:00 Advocacy and IntuitionMore from this episode:
Listen to Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 14-16: Building Your Birth Team & Trusting Your Gut
Listen to Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 12-14: Hello Second Trimester, Now What?
Grab the Second Trimester Prep Pack
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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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,
-
Hey mama and partners! Tune in to this empowering episode where we get into how partners can genuinely shape the pregnancy journey right from the first trimester.
8 essential things your partner should do in the first trimester, that actually matter:
1. Learn about her hormones2. Plan the birth with her3. Protect her energy4. Track in the pregnancy apps5. Take care of her6. Emotional check-ins7. Get educated with her8. Begin postpartum planning nowTrish gives you essential tips outlining eight ways for partners to step up and support their pregnant mamas. Don't miss out on all of Trish’s tips—subscribe and leave a review!
Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
00:00 The Importance of Partner Support in the First Trimester00:50 Understanding Hormones: The Foundation of Support02:15 Planning the Birth Together03:22 Protecting Her Energy and Setting Boundaries04:23 Tracking Pregnancy Milestones05:14 Taking Care of Her: Emotional and Physical Support06:13 Emotional Check-ins: Building a Strong Connection06:59 Getting Educated Together08:28 Postpartum Planning: Preparing for the Fourth TrimesterMore from this episode:
Listen to Pregnancy Unpacked: Am I Pregnant? What to Know Before You See Two Pink Lines
Listen to Pregnancy Unpacked: Weeks 6-8: You, Baby, & Pregnancy Hormones
Listen to 8 Essential Things to Do During Your First Trimester
Go to labornursemama.com/calm for the Full Birth Class
Go to labornursemama.com/guide for the Calm Labor Birth Pod
Grab the First Trimester Prep Pack
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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
For more pregnancy...
-
Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked, where Trish is guiding you through the transformative weeks of 14 to 16 of pregnancy. Learn how to build a supportive birth team, why trusting your gut is crucial, and the significant physical and emotional changes happening right now.
This is where you stop hoping, and start preparing. Your action steps for weeks 14-16 are to start a birth team vision list!
Remember, you are the leader of your birth team. Your dream birth team could consist of:
Your ProviderA DoulaPelvic floor Physical TherapistWebster Certified Chiropractor Birth Class EducatorJoin the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
Your team will shape your labor more than your birth plan ever could.
Ask yourself these questions to know who’s right for your birth team:
Do you fell calm in their presence? Do you feel safe asking questions? Do you trust them with your vulnerability?If any of these questions leave you leaning “no”- then they’re not the right fit for you.
Your body is amazing, your voice is important, and your birth deserves thoughtful prep. Tune in every Wednesday for more Pregnancy Unpacked!
More from Pregnancy Unpacked:
Go to labornursemama.com/calm for the Full Birth Class
Go to labornursemama.com/guide for the Calm Labor Birth Pod
Grab the Second Trimester Prep Pack
Helpful Timestamps
00:59 The Moment Everything Clicks01:28 Unpacking Weeks 14 to 1601:41 Building Your Birth Team01:50 Understanding Your Baby's Development03:44 Choosing the Right Provider05:14 The Role of a Doula06:14 Additional Support Team Members06:55 The Importance of Birth Education08:40 Action Steps for Weeks 14 to 16Resources:
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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
-
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp!
Head to https://betterhelp.com/labornursemama to save 10% on your first month.
Trish welcomes Shelby Payne, a preventative postpartum recovery coach and founder of Intentionally Postpartum, to explore a transformative approach to postpartum recovery.
Shelby's methods go beyond traditional checklists, focusing on deep healing, radical honesty, and full-body transformation rooted in Chinese medicine, nutrition, and emotional well-being.
Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
Shelby shares her personal journey from dealing with digestive issues and eating disorders to discovering the power of nourishing foods and holistic healing practices. She emphasizes the importance of breakfast, bone broth, and gentle herbs like chenpi and goji berries to support postpartum health.
Trish and Shelby discuss the critical need for mothers to honor their bodies, set boundaries, and teach the next generation the value of self-care. This episode is a wake-up call to all moms to stop merely surviving and start thriving in motherhood.
More from Shelby Payne:
Follow Shelby on Instagram: @intentionally.postpartum
Visit her website: Intentionally Postpartum
00:00 Introduction to Shelby Payne and Intentionally Postpartum
01:50 Shelby's Personal Journey and Early Struggles
02:43 The Impact of Nutrition and Chinese Medicine
03:57 Postpartum Recovery and Emotional Well-being
05:13 Practical Tips for Postpartum Nutrition
08:00 The Importance of Support and Community
13:50 Incorporating Herbs in Postpartum Care
16:07 Honoring Our Bodies, Self-Care, & Boundaries
22:58 Nutritional Advice for Moms
23:47 Bone Broth: A Nutritional Powerhouse
26:49 Egg Pudding and Other Nourishing Recipes
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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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...
-
Congratulations on entering the second trimester!
In this episode of Pregnancy Unpacked, Trish guides you through weeks 12-14 of pregnancy — the beginning of your second trimester!
You'll learn about:
Your baby's growth from weeks 12 to 14.What's happening in your body.What to expect at your prenatal visits. Tips on managing symptoms like constipation and round ligament pain.Discover how to start preparing for labor mentally and physically. Building your birth team!Remember to advocate for yourself and start building your birth team now. Tune in every Wednesday for more real talk and support during your 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!
More from Pregnancy Unpacked:
Grab the Second Trimester Prep Pack
Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 10-12: The End of the First Trimester
Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 8-10: Your First Prenatal Appointment & Early Pregnancy Tips
Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 6-8: You, Baby, & Pregnancy Hormones
00:58 Entering the Second Trimester
02:30 Baby's Growth and Development
04:40 What to Expect at Prenatal Visits
06:56 Changes in Your Body
09:39 Preparing for Birth
12:43 Building Your Birth Team
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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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
-
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp!
Head to https://betterhelp.com/labornursemama to save 10% on your first month.
Today’s episode is one that every mom should listen to before having a baby. Trish is talking about something so many moms experience after birth, and that is scary, intrusive thoughts and postpartum depression.
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, distressing, repetitive thoughts, thoughts that just keep coming into your brain, especially during times of stress - like right after having a 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!
If you’ve experienced thoughts like “what if I dropped the baby?”, “what if something terrible happens?”, “what kind of mother thinks like this?” - you’re not broken, you’re not dangerous, and you’re absolutely not a bad mom.
Trish shares her own experiences with intrusive thoughts and emphasizes that this often happens to moms resulting from stress and hypervigilance to protect their babies.
Trish also offers practical techniques for managing distressing thoughts and encourages mothers to speak out and to seek support - either through trusted confidantes, mental health professionals, or supportive communities.
More Episodes:
Overcoming Mental Health Challenges in Motherhood with Danielle Sherman-Lazar | 167
What No One Tells You About Navigating Postpartum Emotions: Meredith Waymire | 81
The Mother Wound & Its Effect on Postpartum: Maranda Bower | 76
01:16 Understanding Intrusive Thoughts
02:14 My Experience with Intrusive Thoughts
03:15 The Nature of Intrusive Thoughts
05:33 Intrusive Thoughts vs. Postpartum Depression
06:49 Seeking Support and Healing
07:17 Community and Resources
10:46 Grounding Techniques and Final Encouragement
Resources:
Join our 5 Days to A Fearless Birth Experience and watch 5 Online Birth Classes FOR FREE!!
Connect w/ Trish:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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...
-
Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked. In this episode, Trish gets into weeks 10 to 12 of pregnancy - the end of the first trimester!
She’s unpacking what's happening in your body, from peak nausea to mood swings, and discusses the emotional rollercoaster you might be experiencing.
Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
Learn:
Why it's okay to not always feel excitedWays to stay emotionally supportedThe importance of mindset. Tips on journaling and preparing for birth.You're doing amazing, mama! Join me next week as we kick off the second trimester with energy shifts and building your birth team.
More from Pregnancy Unpacked:
Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 8-10: Your First Prenatal Appointment & Early Pregnancy Tips
Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 6-8: You, Baby, & Pregnancy Hormones
Pregnancy Unpacked: Am I Pregnant? What to Know Before You See Two Pink Lines
Grab the First Trimester Prep Pack
00:00 Welcome to Pregnancy Unpacked
01:00 Navigating Weeks 10 to 12 of Pregnancy
01:44 Baby's Development Milestones
02:23 Coping with Symptoms and Emotions
03:35 Mindset and Emotional Support
05:21 Preparing for Birth
Resources:
Join our 5 Days to A Fearless Birth Experience and watch 5 Online Birth Classes FOR FREE!!
Connect w/ Trish:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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
-
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp!
Head to https://betterhelp.com/labornursemama to save 10% on your first month.
Trish is joined by Danielle Sherman-Lazar, creator of Living Full and author of Mothers Are Made.
Danielle shares her journey from battling eating disorders to becoming a mental health advocate and mother of four. She discusses the challenges of postpartum body image, mental health in motherhood, and how her experiences have shaped her into a better mother.
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 Danielle discuss how each child changes you as a mother, the identity shifts that happen in postpartum, and the importance of community.
No matter where you’re at in your motherhood journey, you are powerful, capable, and doing a darn good job. Stop the self-doubt, give yourself grace, and remember: You’re not alone.
Connect with Danielle Sherman-Lazar:
Grab her book: Mothers Are Made
http://www.livingfull.me/
Follow her on Instagram @livingfullaftered
Follow her on FaceBook
01:07 Danielle's Journey with an Eating Disorder
02:15 Motherhood and Mental Health
04:45 Postpartum Struggles and Body Image
10:01 Empowering Moms and Living Fully
14:52 Danielle's Book: Mothers Are Made
Resources:
Join our 5 Days to A Fearless Birth Experience and watch 5 Online Birth Classes FOR FREE!!
Connect w/ Trish:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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
-
Welcome to this week's episode of Pregnancy Unpacked with Trish, RN, who is unpacking weeks 8 to 10 of pregnancy.
You've got hormones flying, symptoms ramping up, and maybe even your very first prenatal appointment on the calendar. Trish is going to walk you through exactly what to expect at that appointment, what to ask, and what's normal to feel right now.
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 you’ll learn:
The rapid development happening with your baby. What to expect at your first prenatal appointment, what key questions to ask, and how to take charge of your pregnancy journey. What to expect during your first ultrasound.Practical tips for managing morning sickness.Understanding the importance of a strong mindset. The benefits of starting a birth class early to ensure you're prepared for every stage of your pregnancy.00:59 Weeks 8 to 10: What to Expect
03:03 First Prenatal Appointment: What You Need to Know
05:49 Mindset Matters: Advocating for Yourself
07:36 Morning Sickness Relief Tips
10:33 The Importance of Early Birth Education
Resources:
Join our 5 Days to A Fearless Birth Experience and watch 5 Online Birth Classes FOR FREE!!
Grab the First Trimester Prep Pack
Connect w/ Trish:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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
-
Hey mama! In this short and sweet episode Trish breaks down everything you need to know about second trimester pregnancy testing. Get ready to feel educated, empowered, and like the queen you are as you navigate your pregnancy with confidence.
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 You'll Learn:
Second Trimester Visits: Expect weight checks, blood pressure monitoring, urine tests, and hearing your baby’s magical heartbeat with the Doppler. Plus, fundal height measurements to track baby’s growth.Fetal Movement: Those fluttery kicks start between 18-22 weeks, signaling your baby’s thriving.Multiple Marker Screening (Triple/Quad Screen): Done at 16-18 weeks, this blood test checks for Down Syndrome, Trisomy 18, and neural tube defects. 20-Week Anatomy Scan: The big ultrasound! It measures baby’s organs, bones, and more, plus reveals the gender (if you want to know). Be prepared for a long appointment!Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): Between 24-28 weeks, you’ll drink the dreaded glucola to screen for gestational diabetes. STI Screening & Emotional Check-Ins: High-risk mamas may get STI tests, and your provider will check on your mental health. Be honest—there’s zero shame in needing support.Walk into every appointment informed and ready to advocate for you and your baby. It’s your body, mama!
More from this episode:
Grab the Second Trimester Prep Pack, First Trimester Prep Pack, or our Third Trimester Prep Pack
Listen to Navigating Your 20-Week Anatomy Scan with Confidence | 150
Listen to 11 Things to Do During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy | 82
Connect with the Gestational Diabetes Nurse
00:53 Second Trimester Overview
01:51 Routine Checkups and Measurements
03:05 Important Tests and Screenings
04:10 Emotional Well-being and Support
04:37 The 20-Week Anatomy Scan
05:54 Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
06:40 Gestational Diabetes Management
07:53 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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
-
Welcome to the second episode of Pregnancy Unpacked. I'm Trish, your birth bestie, and I'll be guiding you through every stage 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!
In this episode, we focus on the critical, yet often surprising, weeks 6 to 8 of pregnancy. Learn about what's happening in your body, the hormonal changes, and the development of your baby at this stage.
We'll talk about common symptoms, how to manage them, and why they're actually good signs, and how to care for yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally through this wild hormonal ride.
00:59 Navigating Early Pregnancy: Weeks 6-8
02:43 Understanding Hormonal Changes
05:10 Common Symptoms and Remedies
08:33 Emotional Well-being During Pregnancy
09:27 Practical Tips for the First Trimester
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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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...
-
Today we're getting real about C-sections, not as a worst case scenario, but as a valid, powerful, and yes—a beautiful way to bring your baby into the world.
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 is sitting down with two incredible women. Jen Wagner, a trained OB anesthesiologist and Bethany, a doula turned nurse and three times C-section Mama. Together they host this C-section Experience podcast.
These women are flipping the narrative on surgical birth, and this conversation is honest, emotional, and packed with tips that every pregnant woman should hear, not just those planning a cesarean, because birth isn't about a plan. It's about your power, and you are the queen of your story no matter how your baby arrives.
Connect with Jen & Bethany:
Listen to The C-Section Experience Podcast
Follow them on Instagram @thecsxpodcast
00:00 Introduction to C-Section Experiences
01:17 Meet Jen and Bethany
03:49 Changing the Narrative Around C-Sections
20:35 The Importance of Advocating for Yourself
23:39 Challenging Medical Norms
26:17 Creating a Positive C-Section Experience
26:53 Medication and Anxiety Management
28:10 Capturing the Birth Moment
33:11 Normalizing C-Section Births
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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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....
-
This is Pregnancy Unpacked, a week-by-week series where Trish walks you through every stage of pregnancy. This isn’t your standard “what size fruit is the baby?” podcast - this is real talk bringing you the truth, the science, the symptoms, the “what’s normal?” and “what’s not?” during each stage 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!
Today, Trish is unpacking the “Am I Pregnant?” phase, and what you need to know before you know.
She’s getting into:
Navigating the “maybe” phase, common fears, and uncertainties.Fertilization, ovulation, implantation–and more.Timing and accuracy of pregnancy tests.Taking care of your body and your mental health.Guidance for women trying to conceive.The importance of honoring the present moment.Whether your test is positive, negative, still too early to tell, or you're just wondering what the heck your body is doing right now —this episode is for you.
00:00 Welcome to Pregnancy Unpacked
03:09 Your Week-By-Week Pregnancy Series
05:04 Am I Pregnant?
06:24 Understanding Pregnancy Tests
10:17 Taking Care of Yourself
Resources:
Calm Labor Guide
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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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...
-
What happens when you create your birth plan, you're super adamant about it, but then in the moment during your birth, you change your mind? Maybe you swore you'd go unmedicated, but now that epidural's calling your name or maybe you planned for hospital birth, but now you're really dreaming about a home birth?
Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
This is YOUR BIRTH and you do not owe anyone an explanation! So in today's episode, Trish is breaking down why your birth plan's a guide, a map, not a contract, and why changing your mind is your right.
Don't miss out on this supportive discussion reminding you that your birth journey is uniquely yours.
00:00 A Birth Plan is Your Guide
01:07 The Guilt of Changing Your Birth Plan
02:59 Empowerment and Decision Making
05:08 The Importance of Birth Plans
08:21 Common Reasons for Changing Your Mind
11:02 Resources and Support
Resources:
Calm Labor Guide
Grab this Birth Plan Workshop and Visual Birth Planning Template: Birth Plan Mastery: Crafting Your Roadmap to Empowered Birth
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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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...
-
Get ready for a raw, real chat with Trish and Kim Perry, a pre/postnatal fitness certified mom of four! Trish and Kim get into everything from birth preparation - both physically & mentally - to postpartum life, and the chaos of motherhood sharing expert tips and real stories. Trish shares how to master the mental game of labor and advocate in the delivery room, while Kim offers quick, safe workouts for pregnancy and beyond. From birth stories to pregnancy prep, they cover it all—proving you don’t need perfection, just grit and grace.
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 Kim Perry:
Checkout Kim’s Pregnancy Workout Programs, Afterglow, & Labor Intensity Interval
Find Kim on Instagram @kimperryco
Visit her website KimPerry.com
01:32 Welcome back - Kim Perry!
02:20 Motherhood and Real-Life Struggles
10:51 Reality TV and Personal Stories
18:47 Preparing for Birth: Mentally and Physically
24:44 The Importance of Education and Support During Labor
37:06 Castor Oil, Midwives and Home Birth
40:54 Importance of Birth Education
45:01 Navigating Birth Choices and Trauma
56:23 Community Support for Moms +05:29s
01:01:52 Motherhood Challenges and Joys
01:10:02 Fitness Programs for Moms
Resources:
Listen to episode 101: Empowering Pregnancy Fitness: Insights & Tips
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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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...
-
Reclaim your autonomy in the delivery room. You have the right to say NO in your birth!
In this episode, Trish discusses the critical importance of maintaining autonomy during pregnancy and birth.
She challenges the societal norm where strong, capable, pregnant women defer to healthcare authorities without question, emphasizing the need for women to be informed, ask questions, and confidently make decisions about their birth experience.
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 underscores the importance of practicing autonomy during prenatal appointments to build confidence for labor and delivery.
Trish highlights the benefits of her online birth classes, designed to empower expecting mothers by providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate labor confidently.
“ I am so passionate about changing this birth culture, not just for you guys, but for my own daughters, for my daughter-in-laws, because I don't want you guys to go through what I had happened to me and what I've seen thousands of women go through - we can't do this anymore. We have to stand up and bring that power into the birth room.” - Trish
Tune in for tips on how to advocate for yourself and transform your birth story into a powerful, positive birth experience.
More from this episode:
Listen to Episode 19: Your Pregnancy Rights: What if Your Provider says "Don't Let" or "You Can't?""
Listen to Episode 156: Birth Fears: Why You Feel Anxious and How to Feel Confident Instead
00:21 Autonomy During Pregnancy
01:46 The Importance of Advocating for Yourself
03:41 Building Autonomy Throughout Pregnancy
04:33 Empowerment Through Education and Support
07:47 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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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...
-
Trish welcomes Alicia Zayas, a former VBAC Lab student, to share her redemptive VBAC birth story - from a C-Section to a home birth.
Alicia shares her profound and emotional journey from a traumatic first birth experience to a successful and wonderful home birth. She discusses navigating roadblocks, advocating for herself, and finding supportive care providers.
Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms
Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!
Their conversation underscores the importance of informed choices, support systems, and the empowering potential of a well-prepared birth plan and an evidence based childbirth education course.
Trish and Alicia also touch on the importance of postpartum recovery and mental health, highlighting Alicia's professional work, helping moms who are dealing with perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD).
More from Alicia Zayas:
Follow her on Instagram @mammatherapist
Visit her website www.zayaslcsw.com
More from this episode:
Join The VBAC Lab!
00:54 Meet Our VBAC Lab Student: Alicia Zayas
01:35 Alicia's First Birth Experience
05:29 Discovering the VBAC Lab
07:02 Preparing for a Home Birth VBAC
13:58 The Home Birth Journey Begins
20:02 The Birth of Dominic
20:32 Emotional Reflections on Birth
21:05 Challenges and Mistrust in VBAC
22:46 Support and Recovery Post-Birth
26:16 Faith and Empowerment in Birth
30:34 Postpartum Care and the 5-5-5 Rule
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:
On Instagram
On Facebook
On YouTube
On Pinterest
On TikTok
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
- Laat meer zien