Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy

2d ago

Can you imagine having only about 10 contractions and your baby being born?! This is seriously the BEST birth story! In this unforgettable (and honestly unbelievable) birth story, My Essential Birth students Ashley & Bryan Worley share their second birth experience — from preparing for pregnancy while parenting a toddler, to doing deep mental work for birth, to a labor that went from “hmm, maybe something’s happening” to baby in arms in less than about 10 contractions 🤯. I absolutely loved sitting down with Ashley and Bryan to walk through this birth story together. They talk openly about what changed the second time around, why mental preparation mattered more than anything else, and how nutrition, midwife care, and intentional communication helped Ashley stay low-risk and confident going into labor. Bryan also shares his perspective as a dad — including the moment he knew something was different just by the sound of Ashley’s voice. This episode is such a powerful reminder that birth doesn’t have to be predictable to be empowering — and that when both parents prepare together, everything flows smoothly. If you’re pregnant (or supporting someone who is), I promise this is one of those stories that will stick with you and leave you thinking, “Okay… maybe I really can do this.” (because you 100% can!) Here are some highlights from the episode: • What really changes in pregnancy and birth the second time around • Preparing for birth while parenting a toddler • The mental prep that helped Ashley stay calm and focused during labor • Why they chose midwives and a birth center — again • How nutrition impacted labs and risk factors in pregnancy • Skipping routine cervical checks and trusting the process • Going past the due date and navigating the mental side of waiting • The moment labor shifted and everything moved FAST • A birth that ended with Bryan catching their baby himself • Their best advice for both moms and dads preparing for birth If you’re getting close to your due date or just starting to think about birth, let this episode be your reminder that your body is capable, birth can move in unexpected (and amazing) ways, and preparation truly matters. Take a deep breath, press play, and let Ashley and Bryan’s story encourage you as you head toward your own birth day. Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com . Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM !

Dec 10

This birth story is such a beautiful reminder that preparation, prayer, and unwavering partner support can truly transform the labor experience . In this episode, Kaitlyn and her husband Kale share their faith-filled home birth journey — from unexpected pregnancy challenges and prenatal depression to the incredible moment Kale caught their baby in the birth tub. You’ll hear the raw realities of third-trimester pain, mental health struggles, intentional birth prep as a couple, and the powerful role prayer played when their birth took an unexpected turn. This episode is packed with encouragement for moms preparing their bodies and minds for birth — and for dads learning how to show up with strength and confidence when it matters most. This was such a meaningful birth story to record, and I truly hope you absolutely love it. Here’s some highlights from the episode: • Unexpected pregnancy symptoms and fears surrounding possible cholestasis • The reality of severe third-trimester pain and prenatal depression • How Kaitlyn chose a home birth and found the right midwife • How they prepared for labor together as a couple • What labor looked like from both the mom and dad perspective • Natural pain relief methods used during home labor • The moment Kale caught their baby • A delayed placenta and the powerful role prayer played • What it was like emotionally for both of them to experience a home birth • Their best advice for expectant moms and dads preparing for birth This episode is a beautiful reminder that birth is not just a physical experience — it’s emotional, spiritual, relational, and transformational. Whether you’re planning a home birth, a hospital birth, or trying to figure out each of your roles during pregnancy and birth, this is the perfect episode for moms AND dads! ❤️ Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com . Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM !

Dec 3

What would you do if your baby came so fast… there was no time to make it to the hospital? In this unforgettable, heart-melting birth story, My Essential Birth Mama Karlen shares her journey with us through a challenging pregnancy, an unexpected early labor after planning for induction, and a completely unplanned roadside birth with only her husband by her side. From the moment she realized, “I’m doing this right now,” to the incredible birth that follows, I know you're going to love this birth story as much as I do!! I absolutely loved chatting with Karlen and walking through her birth story with her. As a clinical psychologist, she shares how her mindset, preparation, and deep trust in her body supported her through one of the most intense experiences of her life. This episode is a PROOF that birth doesn’t have to go according to plan to be empowering and unforgettable. I promise, this is an episode you do not want to miss! In fact, maybe play it over and over again as you come up to your birth! Here's some deets from the episode: • How Karlen navigated a challenging pregnancy and a late diagnosis of cholestasis • What midwifery care looked like for her • The daily habits, mindset work, and preparation that set her up for success and gave her a birth she loves! • What happened when labor began earlier than expected • The moment she realized her baby was coming FAST • How her husband supported her through a roadside birth with no medical staff present • What it was like emotionally to process a birth no one could have planned • How her background in psychology shaped her birth experience • Her most powerful advice for both moms and birth partners Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com . Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM !

Nov 26

“I love my baby… AND I’m struggling.” If you’ve ever thought that and immediately felt guilt, shame, or fear that something was wrong—you are not alone. In this deeply moving and much-needed episode, I sit down with Dr. Margo Lowy , author of the powerful new book Maternal Ambivalence , to talk about the full emotional reality of motherhood—starting in pregnancy . This conversation is profoundly healing. It normalizes the feelings so many mothers carry silently: the love, the overwhelm, the resentment, the doubt, and the deep devotion that all exist at the same time. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, conflicted, judged, isolated, or like you’re “not doing motherhood right,” this episode is 100% for you . It may be one of the most important conversations I’ve shared this year for pregnant moms and mothers everywhere. Here’s what we cover: 2:43 – Meet Dr. Margo Lowy & why the emotional truth of motherhood begins in pregnancy—not at birth. 6:35 – What maternal ambivalence really means (and why loving your baby while feeling resentment is completely normal). 14:43 – “Will I get through this?” What to do when motherhood feels overwhelming—and how the right support changes everything. 20:25 – The pressure to be a “perfect mom,” the lie of social media, and why real motherhood was never meant to be lived in isolation. 33:31 – Inside her book Maternal Ambivalence and how understanding your full range of emotions can release shame at every stage. 42:21 – Letting go of the “inner camera” that constantly judges your mothering—and learning to flow with compassion instead. Motherhood was never meant to be neat, quiet, or flawless. It’s messy, interrupted, overwhelming, sacred, and deeply loving—all at once . If you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or years into motherhood and still questioning yourself, this episode will leave you with a deep breath of relief, maybe a tear or two, and a renewed ability to trust yourself as a mother . Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com . Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM !

Nov 20

If you’ve ever wondered what a peaceful , physiological , deeply empowering home birth can look like — especially with a big baby — this episode will become your new obsession. Today, Taylor Ward walks us through her beautiful birth story of her 9 lb 12 oz baby boy born at home… after going 8 days past her due date … with zero cervical checks , no stitches , and the most intuitive, grounded labor mindset you’ve ever heard. If you’re craving real-life encouragement, home birth inspiration, mental preparation tips, and reassurance that your body truly can do this — this one's for you! Here's What You'll Learn in This Episode: 2:47 – Life with two under two What daily life looks like with two little ones and the surprising perspective Taylor wants every pregnant mom to hear. 5:58 – Her pregnancy journey Energy shifts, wild third-trimester leg cramps, breastfeeding while pregnant, and navigating a dip in milk supply. 11:40 – Leg cramps + mental health What finally helped her cramps and how she moved through an unexpected emotional spiral. 17:15 – Hospital birth vs. home birth Why she switched birth settings the second time and how her midwives supported every decision. 19:47 – Preparing mentally + physically Mindset work, fear release, and the positioning techniques that helped with a late-pregnancy transverse baby. 23:42 – Her birth partner’s role How her husband supported her emotionally, physically, and with toddler care so she could rest. 29:06 – Saying “no” to induction… again What happened the first time — and why she chose a completely different path at 41+ weeks. 31:48 – The Birth Story Waters breaking at night, the birth space, her visualizations, quiet rest periods, and laboring in the birth pool. 42:36 – Pushing + meeting baby What pushing positions actually worked and the calm, joyful moment she met her nearly 10 lb baby. 48:24 – Immediate postpartum care Why she skipped stitches, skipped cervical checks, and how she settled in after birth. 52:54 – The first 24 hours Healing, bonding, resting, and soaking in that dreamy newborn bubble. 55:03 – The mental work behind her contractions Her spiritual reflections, relaxation tools, and the techniques (like a birthing comb + counter-pressure) that ma Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com . Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM !

Nov 12

Pregnant and already worried about how your baby will sleep? Forget cry-it-out and rigid sleep methods — there’s a gentler, biology-based way to support your baby’s rest. In this episode, Pediatric Sleep Expert Louise Herbert shares what every pregnant mom needs to know before your little one even arrives. Learn how to set up your baby’s environment, support their natural rhythms, and protect your own mental health...yep that matters and we talk about why in this episode! Some Highlights!! 1:23 – Louise’s inspiration Her personal journey with her daughter and why she’s dedicated to helping families sleep peacefully. 4:35 – Why common sleep methods fail Cry-it-out, intermittent soothing, chair method… what these approaches miss and why sleep isn’t a skill to teach . 8:21 – The “sleep puzzle” How to align your baby’s biology so every piece — safety, rhythm, hormones, and environment — fits naturally. 10:50 – My personal story Lessons learned trying cry-it-out and intermittent soothing with my own kids. 13:41 – The environment matters Light, movement, and even the timing of pumped breastmilk influence your baby’s rest. Learn how circadian rhythm and sensory nourishment impact sleep. 18:46 – Connection over perfection “You are your baby’s moon and stars.” Why your presence matters more than “doing it right.” 23:28 – The myth of the unicorn sleeper Most babies wake at night — and that’s normal. Synchronicity is the key to restful nights. 29:39 – Sleep milestones: newborn to 1 year What’s normal, what’s a red flag, and how to minimize stress during developmental peaks. 32:36 – Preparing before birth Safe sleep, room-sharing, and steps you can take now to set your baby up for rest from day one. 38:42 – “Your way is a beautiful way” A reminder that you don’t have to match anyone else’s parenting path — trusting yourself is enough. 39:49 – Sleep & maternal mental health Why your baby’s well-being is deeply tied to your emotional state, and what really helps reduce your stress...spoiler alert - it's not more sleep 🤯 43:49 – The sensitive window The first three years of life wire your baby’s brain for love, connection, and resilience — shaping their future and yours. 47:58 – Louise’s book, Rest Assured A must-read for expecting Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com . Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM !

Nov 5

Join the My Essential Birth Course by Nov 7 and get TWO exclusive bonuses: The Belly Mapping Guide + Partner Belly Binding Video ! Help your baby get into the best position for birth and support your healing postpartum. You’ve been prepping for birth, but with so much conflicting advice, it’s easy to feel nervous or unprepared… and you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down what most people don’t tell you about getting ready for labor — from birth myths and epidurals to baby positioning, mindset, and practical ways to feel confident no matter how your birth unfolds. We’re covering what really matters during birth prep, including how to: • Spot the signs of active labor and plan for support • Understand epidurals, pain, and movement — what providers often don’t mention • Influence your baby’s position safely during pregnancy • Use mindset, flexibility, and planning to stay calm and confident • Prepare your birth partner to truly be your rock in the delivery room • Focus on three simple, actionable things you can start today to feel ready If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I ready for this?” or “What actually matters for a smooth birth?” — this episode is for you. It’s honest, empowering, and full of practical tips to help you feel informed AND ready for your best birth yet! Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com . Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM !

Oct 29

Join the My Essential Birth Course by Nov 7 and get TWO exclusive bonuses: The Belly Mapping Guide + Partner Belly Binding Video ! Help your baby get into the best position for birth and support your healing postpartum. You know your baby better than anyone — but when it comes to milestones, feeding, or development, it’s easy to second-guess yourself...and you're not alone! In this episode, I’m joined by Jordyn Gorman of Eat, Play, Say — a pediatric therapist and mama who helps parents support their baby’s growth holistically . We’re covering baby milestones, early intervention, starting solids, feeding confidence, and how to trust your mama gut. If you’ve wondered, “Is my baby on track?” or “Should I start solids yet?” — this one’s for you, mama. In this episode: • When to trust your gut vs. seek early intervention (and it’s free in the U.S.) • How to know if baby is ready for solids — and what to start with • Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding & formula facts for confident feeding choices • High-protein, nutrient-dense foods for babies who need more calories • Why play is the most powerful tool for development (ages 0–5) • The impact of screens & distraction on early childhood development • How to advocate for your child when something feels “off” From feeding to milestones, this episode is your guide to understanding your baby’s whole-body development — and trusting your instincts every step of the way. Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com . Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM !