The Best Birth Podcast

0 - Introducing The Best Birth Podcast - Your Hosts Sarah Ziroll & Jen Banks (AUDIO ONLY)

The Best Birth Podcast is introduced by hosts Jen Banks and Sarah Ziroll, who share their backgrounds and passion for supporting moms throughout motherhood. They explain their goal of providing resources and support for first-time moms as they prepare for birth. The hosts discuss the importance of mental and physical preparation for labor, including understanding the concept of time and pain management. They also explore the three pillars of labor: hormonal changes, cervical changes, and baby alignment. The podcast aims to empower listeners to trust their intuition and make informed choices for their own best birth.
Share your own MomSquad Secrets on our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/groups/2823600277938182/?ref=share_group_link
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introducing The Best Birth Podcast03:52 Preparing Mentally and Physically for Birth08:05 Understanding the Concept of Time in Labor10:54 Exploring Pain Management Techniques13:11 MomSquad Secrets14:58 Empowering Women to Make Informed Choices
RESOURCES
Book - Let Yourself Bloom by Host Jen Banks
Birth Affirmation Cards by Host Sarah Ziroll
We want to share the books, the gear and the supplies that have made our journey of motherhood a little easier.Right off the bat, a great stroller and diaper bag are going to change your life! Land's End Diaper Bag
UppaBaby Vista Summer 3DLiteMesa Infant Car Seat Car Seat Travel BagPiggyBack Ride-Along Board Stroller Carry-All Parent Organizer Snack Tray with Cup HolderBassinet StandHamper InsertLower or Upper Adapter for Double Stroller 

1 - Birth Options 101: Empowering Your Delivery Decisions with HeHe from The Birth Lounge

HeHe, the founder of Tranquility by HeHe and the Birth Lounge, shares her journey into the birth advocacy space and the importance of informed and confident birth experiences. She emphasizes the need for physical and mental preparation, understanding the benefits and risks of interventions, and practicing grounding techniques. HeHe encourages women to have a birth plan that allows for flexibility and to advocate for their goals in the birth room. She recommends resources such as books, documentaries, and online platforms that provide education and support for navigating the birth process.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background of HeHe04:08 Preparing for a Confident and Informed Birth06:46 Navigating Interventions: Benefits and Risks11:30 Flexibility in Birth Planning15:28 Advocating for Your Birth Goals21:03 40 Weeks and Placental Health24:19 Creating a Birth Plan and Being Prepared for Birth Pivots30:49 Mental Preparation and Accepting Different Birth Outcomes37:01 Recommended Resources for Birth Education and Support
RESOURCESLabor Progress HandbookBook Quote - “Movement is not only a comfort measure, but also a tool to enhance labor progress by using gravity and changing pelvic dimensions to facilitate the baby’s descent.”  Dr. Christopher's Birth Prep Pink Stork Labor PrepBorn in the USACatching Babies Why Not Home   

2 - Prenatal and Postnatal Fitness: Staying Active for You and Baby with Biceps After Babies Amber Bruseke

Amber Bruseke, founder of Biceps After Babies, discusses nutrition and exercise during pregnancy. She emphasizes the importance of exercise during pregnancy and challenges the notion that pregnant women are fragile. She shares her own fitness journey and the normalization of exercise during pregnancy in her upbringing. Amber recommends starting with 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week and incorporating resistance training. She also highlights the significance of protein intake and the challenges for vegan or vegetarian diets. Amber discusses the benefits of prenatal vitamins, particularly folate, and the importance of a diverse diet. She also touches on the use of macro counting as an educational tool during pregnancy. In this conversation, Amber Bruseke discusses the importance of counting macros for awareness of food intake and adjusting it for different goals. She also emphasizes the benefits of cardio and weightlifting during pregnancy to prepare the body for the physical demands of pregnancy and delivery. Amber explains the importance of waiting until the postpartum period to engage in intense exercise and the need for patience and grace in the healing journey. She also addresses the safety of rapid weight loss methods during pregnancy and postpartum. Amber encourages women to embrace their unique journeys and release expectations of what postpartum should look like.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background of Amber Bruseke06:05 Exercise Recommendations During Pregnancy10:51 Preparation for Pregnancy: Exercise and Nutrition15:17 The Importance of Prenatal Vitamins and a Diverse Diet22:28 Using Macro Counting as an Educational Tool During Pregnancy24:43 Counting Macros and Food Awareness25:38 The Importance of Cardio and Weightlifting During Pregnancy31:06 Exercise as a Tool for Labor Induction and Early Stages of Labor33:44 Approaching Postpartum Exercise with Patience and Grace36:36 The Safety of Rapid Weight Loss Methods During Pregnancy and Postpartum41:18 Embracing the Uniqueness of Your Postpartum Journey
RESOURCES
Pregnancy Belt

3 - Empowering Labor through Partner Support with Stacey Singleton, Doula

Stacey Singleton, a doula and advocate for mothers, shares her journey and passion for empowering parents in childbirth. She discusses the benefits of the Bradley Method, which emphasizes communication and understanding between partners during labor. Stacey explains the importance of recognizing the signposts of labor and creating a supportive environment for mothers. She also highlights the role of doulas in providing physical and emotional support during birth and postpartum. Stacey encourages mothers to trust their instincts and find what works best for their families. (Assisted in the birth of Amanda Taulbee who is a guest on episode/week 19.)
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Background of Stacey Singleton02:15 Empowering Parents Through the Bradley Method05:35 Supporting Mothers in Birth and Postpartum as a Doula08:54 Trusting Your Instincts as a Mother11:16 Importance of Postpartum Support16:35 Pain Management Techniques and Comfort During Labor23:49 Eliminating Distractions and Trusting the Process26:10 Benefits of Baby Sign Language30:45 Trusting Yourself as a Mother and Seeking Support
RESOURCESDare to Lead by Brené Brown"You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both."
Hands Free Life Rachel Macy Stafford"The most meaningful life experiences don't happen in the 'when,' they happen in the 'now.'"

4 - Maternal Health Matters with a Midwife's touch - Katrina Bolduc

Katrina Bolduc, a certified professional midwife, shares her journey to becoming a doula and midwife and the importance of supporting families throughout the birth process. She emphasizes the need for comprehensive, family-centered care and the benefits of having a birth team that aligns with your goals. Katrina also discusses the importance of creating a birth plan, starting small and adjusting as needed, and preparing for postpartum. She highlights the significance of informed decision-making and the role of a doula in advocating for the mother's wishes during labor. The conversation with Katrina Bolduc focuses on the importance of person-centered care during pregnancy and childbirth. She encourages families to advocate for their preferences and make informed decisions. Bolduc discusses the significance of creating a birth plan that is concise and focuses on the most important aspects. She also highlights the importance of self-care during pregnancy and postpartum, including rest, nutrition, and emotional well-being. The conversation touches on the global shift toward comprehensive care and the increasing demand for midwifery and doula support. Bolduc recommended resources such as Evidence-Based Birth and the book 'The Mama Natural' by Genevieve Holland.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background01:39 The Journey to Becoming a Doula and Midwife08:29 Creating Your Dream Birth Team14:21 Preparing for Birth and Postpartum29:19 The Importance of Planning and Preparation32:12 Prioritizing Self-Care39:02 Preparing for Pregnancy42:30 The Global Shift Towards Comprehensive Care
RESOURCESBirth Without Fear - January Harshe"That’s the thing about birth, we don’t get an itinerary. We have to surrender and let go and it’s in that vulnerability we find the courage and strength we forgot we’ve had since our own birth. The power is already in you."The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth by Genevieve HowlandRebecca Dekker of Evidence Based BirthBaby Bath Frida Baby Basics KitHappy baby organic puffs - all flavorsHuggies Diapers

5 - The Man Cave - Carrying Men as They Carry Their Partners with Sex Therapist Braxton Dutson

In this conversation, Jen and Sarah discuss postpartum depression and anxiety in both men and women with Braxton Dutson, LCSW. They highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing postpartum mental health issues in men, as well as the impact of a partner's mental health on the other partner. They also provide insights into how partners can offer support and seek professional help. The conversation then shifts to the topic of sexual intimacy after childbirth, with a focus on communication, exploration, and acceptance of body changes. The importance of self-care and seeking support is emphasized throughout the conversation.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:28 Postpartum Depression and Anxiety in Men and Women15:25 Exploring Sexual Intimacy after Childbirth36:33 Preparing for the Postpartum Period: Communication, Exploration, and Support
RESOURCESBOOK - Silent Souls Weeping by Jane Clayson JohnsonQuote  - "Healing from depression is not a linear process; it is a journey with ups and downs, victories and setbacks. It requires patience, persistence, and, most importantly, self-compassion."
Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery KitSitz Bath SoakMilk Bath Soak

6 - Monitoring Your Baby’s Progress with each Prenatal Appointment with Sarah Felt of Beautiful Mountain Birth

In this episode, Sarah Felt, a midwife, shares her expertise in the area of prenatal care and preparing for labor. She discusses the various tests and checks performed during prenatal visits, such as monitoring the baby's heart rate and measuring fundal height. Sarah emphasizes the importance of nutrition and hydration in maintaining a healthy pregnancy and explains how certain foods and supplements can support the body during labor. She also highlights the significance of mental preparation, including positive self-talk and affirmations, as well as creating a supportive environment for labor. Sarah shares her own birth stories and offers advice for coping with unexpected outcomes and loss.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:31 Understanding Prenatal Checks and Their Importance08:39 The Role of Nutrition and Hydration in Pregnancy and Labor13:06 Mental Preparation: Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations32:12 Coping with Unexpected Outcomes and Loss
RESOURCESRaspberry Leaf TeaDatesDr. Christopher's Birth Affirmations 
Prenatal Vitamin

7 - Bump Talk - A Physician's Introduction to the First Trimester with Dr. Jonathan Crowther

Dr. Jonathan Crowther discusses the bodily changes that occur during pregnancy, focusing on the cardiovascular, genitourinary, respiratory, thyroid, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and sleep systems. He explains the physiological changes that happen in each system and provides tips for managing common symptoms. Dr. Crowther emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms become severe or if there are any concerning signs. The conversation concludes with a mom squad secret about using pillows for support during pregnancy.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Overview01:28 Cardiovascular and Genitourinary Changes12:06 Musculoskeletal and Gastrointestinal Symptoms23:21 Sleeping Comfortably with Pillows for Support
RESOURCESMomcozy Pregnancy PillowPregnancy Pillow Wedge

8 - Learning to Speak the Language of Birth within your mind, body and soul with Doula Katie Förster

Katie Förster shares her journey to becoming a doula and the transformative experiences she had during her own births. She emphasizes the importance of preparing both the mind and body for birth and highlights the role of somatics in birth preparation. Somatics is the idea that our body is intelligent and can store trauma, but it is also the way to move through it. Katie discusses the power of curiosity, tracking sensations, and mindfulness exercises in connecting the mind and body during birth. She also emphasizes the importance of honoring individual choices and finding the most impactful preparation methods that feel good for each person.
CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Katie's Journey to Becoming a Doula03:21 The Transformative Power of Birth04:03 The Role of Somatics in Birth Preparation09:18 Curiosity and Mindfulness in the Birth Experience13:47 Honoring Individual Choices in Birth16:14 Nutrition and Movement for Postpartum Recovery
RESOURCESWaking the Tiger - Healing TraumaResilient- how to grow an unshakable core of calm, strength and happiness- Rick Hanson Ph.D"Allowing yourself to be vulnerable during birth doesn’t mean you are weak. It means you are strong enough to accept help, listen to your body, and trust the process."

9 - Core Confidence, Pelvic Floor and Beyond with Kelly Dean from the Tummy Team

Kelly Dean, founder of the Tummy Team, shares her journey of discovering the importance of core strength and functional mobility before and after pregnancy. She emphasizes the need for awareness of proper posture and alignment, as well as the coordination between the core and pelvic floor. Kelly provides practical tips and exercises to strengthen the core and improve overall well-being. She also highlights the significance of the fourth trimester and the importance of allowing the body time to heal after childbirth. Kelly's approach focuses on empowering women to feel strong and connected to their bodies throughout their motherhood journey.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Background of Kelly Dean06:17 The Importance of Core Strength and Functional Mobility13:23 Posture and Alignment for a Strong Core26:43 Honoring the Fourth Trimester: Allowing the Body to Heal39:26 Small Changes, Big Impact: Incorporating Core Strengthening into Daily Life43:47 Empowering Women: Seeking Support and Resources for a Healthy Motherhood Journey
RESOURCESBook - Hands Free Mama - Rachel Macy Stafford“When you finally let go of perfection, you discover it wasn’t necessary to carry all that weight to become the person you were meant to be.”