“Don’t lift your arms over your head.”
“First babies always come late.”
“Hospital birth is the only safe option.”

If you’re pregnant, you may have already heard at least one of these — maybe from a well-meaning family member… or maybe from your doctor.

In this episode, we’re having a little fun (and a lot of truth-telling) as we walk through 16 of the most common pregnancy and birth myths, from the 1940s all the way to today. Some are funny. Some are outdated. And some are still quietly shaping how women experience pregnancy and birth — without even realizing it.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this actually true… or just something people say?"... this one's for you!

Here are some highlights from the episode:
• Why lifting your arms, moving your body, and even sex during pregnancy became taboo
• The truth behind weight gain, cravings, and “eating for two”
• The real history of being put to sleep for labor (and why informed consent matters)
• How formula marketing, induction convenience, and medical authority shaped modern birth
• Why questioning your provider is not only okay — it’s important
• What actually happens with water breaking, due dates, and first babies
• The myths surrounding epidurals, C-sections, and “forgetting the pain”
• Why instant bonding doesn’t happen for everyone — and why that’s normal

Some will make you laugh, others will have you shaking your head...all of them will be debunked 😉

Let's keep the conversation going...send me the craziest, funniest, or downright concerning myths you've heard!

IG @myessentialbirth

email: hello@myessentialbirth.com

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!

Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>

On Apple Podcasts

1. Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
2. Select “Ratings and Reviews”
3. Click the stars!
4. Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!

On Spotify

1. Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
2. Click the 3 dots "..."
3. Select "Rate podcast"
4. 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!

I never thought I would hear birth compared to fighting… but honestly, it might be one of my favorite analogies ever.

In this episode, I’m joined by Madie — a professional fighter, dog trainer, and mom — who shares how she approached pregnancy and birth with the same mindset she brings to fight camp: strategy, mental strength, and trust in her mind and body.

We talk about what it’s like to navigate pregnancy when you can’t workout, how she chose the right midwife, and how she learned to make intuitive decisions in labor — including whether or not to get the epidural, and how to trust her body's need for movement.

I absolutely loved this conversation and the way Madie reframes birth as something you can actually train for, mentally and emotionally, not just physically.

Here are some highlights from the episode:
• How Madie went from professional fighter to first-time (& second-time) mom...who still fights btw!
• What it was like mentally to not be able to fight or workout during pregnancy
• How she chose her midwife and what to do if you’re second-guessing your provider
• The truth about pregnancy weight gain and why it wasn’t actually a problem
• Why she calls birth a “nine-month fight camp”
• How she used visualization, meditation, movement, and My Essential Birth to prepare
• Why she actually wanted cervical checks
• How intuitive position changes helped her baby move into a better position
• How My Essential Birth supported her through pregnancy and labor
• Her best advice for moms (and dads… especially dads 😅)

If you are here and pregnant, I hope you take some of this amazing advice into your own birth prep, and that you enjoying the fun birth story as well.

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!

Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>

On Apple Podcasts

1. Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
2. Select “Ratings and Reviews”
3. Click the stars!
4. Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!

On Spotify

1. Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
2. Click the 3 dots "..."
3. Select "Rate podcast"
4. 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!

If you’re pregnant right now, chances are your mornings—or really, your entire day—feel like a constant battle with nausea. 🤢 And that means this episode is 100% for you!

In this episode, we uncover the real reasons pregnancy nausea hits so hard — especially early on — and why crackers, ginger, and “just push through it” just don't work. From hormones and blood sugar to minerals, hydration, and lab tests, we break down the root causes behind morning sickness and share strategies that actually help you feel better.

I loved recording this episode because so many moms feel helpless with nausea — but there’s so much you can do before reaching for medication. We’ll cover practical, science-backed tips that address your body’s needs and help you regain energy and comfort during the first challenging months of pregnancy.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
• Why understanding the why behind nausea matters before taking medication
• Why nausea hits so hard in early pregnancy — hormones, placenta growth, and more
• The hidden causes of pregnancy nausea: blood sugar swings, thyroid, minerals, dehydration, and nervous system overload
• How to know if blood sugar is driving your nausea and what to do about it
• Which labs and providers can give you the answers you need
• Foods, supplements, temperature hacks, and rest strategies to feel better fast
• How to put it all together for a personalized, root-cause approach that works

Whether you’re in week 6 or week 16, this episode will give you tools to feel empowered, supported, and a little less nauseous. 😉 Tune in and discover how to approach morning sickness from the root — so you can finally enjoy this season of pregnancy.

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!

Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>

On Apple Podcasts

1. Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
2. Select “Ratings and Reviews”
3. Click the stars!
4. Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!

On Spotify

1. Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
2. Click the 3 dots "..."
3. Select "Rate podcast"
4. 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!

Choosing one word may seem simple, but it can completely transform the way you experience pregnancy and birth.

In this episode, I share how selecting a single intention or birth word can help you focus your energy, calm your nervous system, and step into labor feeling empowered and grounded. From reflecting on your pregnancy to setting meaningful goals and aligning your mindset, this episode is full of practical guidance, real-life examples, and mindset shifts that can make a big difference — even before your baby arrives.

I loved diving into this topic, walking through why this small, intentional act can have such a profound impact. Whether you’re just starting your pregnancy journey or counting down the weeks, this episode gives you tools to create a calmer, more confident, and empowered birth experience.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn in this episode:
• Why choosing one word or intention for your birth is more powerful than you think
• How to focus on your pregnancy and use visualization to clarify your intentions
• Daily habits and mindset practices that keep you grounded and focused
• How to break intentions into realistic goals for pregnancy and birth
• The subtle power of saying yes and no
• Examples of birth words and how to use them during labor and throughout pregnancy
• How mindset shapes your birth experience, even if things don’t go exactly as planned

Birth is about more than just the physical process — it’s about your mindset and intention too. This episode will help you create a birth experience that feels aligned with you and your baby, no matter what unfolds.

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!

Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>

On Apple Podcasts

1. Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
2. Select “Ratings and Reviews”
3. Click the stars!
4. Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!

On Spotify

1. Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
2. Click the 3 dots "..."
3. Select "Rate podcast"
4. 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!

What would you do if your labor moved so fast… you barely made it to the hospital?

This birth story is our most downloaded episode of the entire year!

In this powerful birth story, My Essential Birth Course student Morgan Adams shares her journey through pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and two very different birth experiences — including an incredibly fast, unmedicated hospital birth where she met her baby just 15 minutes after arriving. From navigating induction conversations with her provider to trusting her body and preparation, Morgan’s story full of wisdom for every pregnant mom.

I absolutely loved sitting down with Morgan and walking through her birth experiences. She shares honestly about what surprised her, what helped her feel confident, and how education, mindset, and support shaped the way her births unfolded. This episode is such a beautiful reminder that preparation matters — and that when you understand your options and trust your body, birth can be empowering no matter how it looks. This is one of those stories you’ll want to save and come back to as you prepare for your own birth.

Here are some highlights from the episode:
• Morgan’s experience with gestational diabetes and how she managed it through diet
• What it looked like to have honest, supportive conversations with her provider about induction
• The role her husband played as a calm, encouraging birth partner
• Why Morgan’s mindset around birth completely changed after taking the birth course
• The simple daily habits and tools she used to prepare for birth
• What it was like when her water broke before contractions began
• The moment she realized labor was moving quickly — and how she stayed calm
• Delivering her baby just minutes after arriving at the hospital with minimal intervention
• Honest thoughts on Pitocin contractions vs. unmedicated labor
• Morgan’s best advice for moms about education, advocacy, and confidence
• Encouragement and practical wisdom for dads supporting their partners during birth

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!

Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>

On Apple Podcasts

1. Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
2. Select “Ratings and Reviews”
3. Click the stars!
4. Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!

On Spotify

1. Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
2. Click the 3 dots "..."
3. Select "Rate podcast"
4. 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!

What happens when the birth you thought you’d have turns into something even more powerful?

In this incredible unmedicated birth story, My Essential Birth Mama Rebekah Foderaro shares her journey from planning a hospital birth to unexpectedly falling in love with birth center care. Along the way, she opens up about pregnancy challenges, navigating provider options, trusting her intuition, and how preparation—both mental and physical—completely changed her birth experience.

Rebekah’s story is one so many moms will recognize: doing the research, asking the hard questions, and learning to listen to your body and your instincts. From the early moments of labor to working with contractions and feeling truly supported, this episode is a beautiful reminder that when you feel informed and prepared, birth can be empowering—even when it doesn’t follow your original plan.

I absolutely loved sitting down with Rebekah and walking through her experience. Her reflections on mindset, education, and partner support are incredibly grounding and will leave you smiling. This episode is a reminder that birth preparation is about confidence, trust, and knowing your options. If you’re pregnant and wondering what’s possible for your birth, this is one you’ll want to listen to more than once.

Here are some highlights from the episode:
• What led Rebekah to explore birth center care—and why it ended up being the perfect fit
• Navigating pregnancy challenges and advocating for herself along the way
• How education, movement, and mindset shaped her confidence going into labor
• What early labor felt like and how she knew it was time to pay attention
• The ways she worked with contractions and supported her body through labor
• How her husband showed up as a steady, supportive birth partner
• What surprised her most about the birth experience
• Why preparation made such a difference in how she felt during labor and birth
• Her best advice for moms and birth partners preparing for birth

Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, a birth center birth, or still figuring out your options, Rebekah’s story will leave you feeling confident in your ability to prepare for a birth experience you can look back on with joy.

Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast!

Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >>

On Apple Podcasts

1. Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
2. Select “Ratings and Reviews”
3. Click the stars!
4. Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!

On Spotify

1. Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
2. Click the 3 dots "..."
3. Select "Rate podcast"
4. 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!

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

1. Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
2. Select “Ratings and Reviews”
3. Click the stars!
4. Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!

On Spotify

1. Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
2. Click the 3 dots "..."
3. Select "Rate podcast"
4. 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!

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

1. Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
2. Select “Ratings and Reviews”
3. Click the stars!
4. Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!

On Spotify

1. Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast
2. Click the 3 dots "..."
3. Select "Rate podcast"
4. 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!