logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2025
34m 58s

The Complete Guide to Packing Your Birth...

VANESSA MERTEN
About this episode
tail spinning
Up next
Feb 22
The Science Behind Eating Dates to Prepare for Labor
Can eating a specific fruit in your final weeks of pregnancy actually change how your labor goes? Multiple studies have examined whether eating dates in the final weeks of pregnancy affects cervical dilation, labor length, and intervention rates. This episode breaks down the rese ... Show More
21 m
Feb 15
What Every New Mom Should Know About Postpartum Mood Changes
Many expecting mothers skip past information about postpartum mood changes, assuming it won't apply to them. Especially when they're anticipating one of life's happiest moments and have no history of depression. But baby blues and postpartum depression are common complications of ... Show More
32m 58s
Feb 8
Lifting Weights and Strength Training During Pregnancy
Strength training offers significant benefits for physical and mental health, but many expecting parents wonder whether lifting weights is safe during pregnancy. While there is extensive research on exercise during pregnancy, specific studies on strength training are limited. Thi ... Show More
37m 10s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2025
The Gut-Baby Connection: What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know
<p>Your gut isn’t just about digestion — it’s shaping your baby’s health from the very first bite!</p><p>In this episode, we uncover the surprising ways your gut impacts baby’s immune system, brain development, and even lifelong wellness.</p><p>From what to eat each trimester, to ... Show More
32m 58s
Apr 2024
The Episode Your Birth Partner NEEDS to Hear on How to Best Support You During Pregnancy, Labor, and Postpartum
In addition to educating yourself on your options for your birth experience, one of the most important things a mama needs is a supportive birth partner. Your birth partner should know how to support you, advocate for you, and anticipate your needs during labor. You can learn all ... Show More
37m 49s
Jul 2024
Week 26 Baby Blue Eyes
Welcome to week 26 of your pregnancy. 14 weeks to go! Find out how your baby is growing this week and learn what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners. See a picture of what your baby looks ... Show More
5m 37s
Oct 2025
Pregnancy & Postpartum Nutrition: Myths, Milk Supply & Weight Loss
tail spinning
55m 47s
Oct 2025
Birth Story: Her Water Broke Early...and Everything Changed w/Lisette & Doug Boal
tail spinning
52m 16s
Apr 2025
Ditching Unrealistic Expectations: Postpartum Advice from Doula Caitlin Wilder
<p>In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Caitlin Wilder, a doula who brings so much honesty and compassion to the postpartum space. We’re talking all about what it <em>really</em> looks like after baby arrives—normalizing the hard stuff, letting go of unrealistic ... Show More
46m 37s
Jun 2024
Our Best Advice on Navigating and Setting Boundaries with Loved Ones & How to Handle Postpartum Expectations
Postpartum is really a time for mom to be healing, and for bonding to happen between mom, baby, and birth partner. It's this sacred space that you get to enjoy together as a family. There are some things that make it go well, and there are some things that can make it not go as w ... Show More
31m 37s
Sep 2025
Birth Story: Unmedicated Birth Story & Baking Sourdough During Labor with Rachel Weaver
<p><b>Join the My Essential Birth Course by October 7th and get the exclusive Rise &amp; Birth Pack</b> featuring a calming Birth Affirmations Audio Track and 25 beautifully crafted, printable Birth Affirmation Cards to keep you grounded, confident, and inspired for birth. Learn ... Show More
1h 2m
Jul 2024
7 Ways Your Birth Partner Can Support You
When it comes to your birth partner, they may be thinking that all they have to do is show up, right? Wrong! There are so many ways they can step in and help to make the birth experience a beautiful bonding moment as your sweet baby comes into the world. Listen in for practical t ... Show More
35m 58s
Jul 2023
Tips to Keep Your Pregnancy a Secret in the 1st Trimester
tail spinning
25m 27s