The Birth Advocacy Podcast — The Birth Prep Podcast for Pregnant Moms

12. Empowering High-Risk Pregnancies Through Advocacy and Support

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2416939/open_sms] If you’ve ever been told to “just trust the doctors” during a high-risk pregnancy… and then left an appointment more confused, anxious, or flat-out dismissed—you are so not alone. High-risk doesn’t mean helpless. And in this episode, we’re breaking down how real advocacy can change the game when the stakes are high. I'm joined by Jessica Freedman—a professional birth doula, Spinning Babies® Certified Parent Educator, prenatal yoga teacher, and student of Traditional Chinese Medicine—whose approach to perinatal care is anything but one-size-fits-all. Jess brings a holistic, culturally-informed lens to birth work, blending movement, breath, and ancestral wisdom to help people feel grounded and empowered in their bodies. She’s studied birth culture across Asia, teaches from a deep commitment to bodily autonomy and informed consent, and has helped countless clients reclaim their power in pregnancy and labor. Whether you're navigating gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, a previous loss, or just feeling like your care team is speaking a different language—this one’s for you. What you’ll learn: * How to make informed decisions when everything feels urgent * The emotional toll no one talks about—and what real support looks like * How Jessica blends traditional wisdom with modern care to help her clients feel steady, safe, and so not alone 🎧 Additional Resources You’ll LOVE… 🔥 Free Birth Webinar: Birthing Your Way [https://mamashaktiprenatalyoga.com/birthing-your-way] – Jess’s free class will help you feel less like a patient and more like a powerful decision-maker. 🔥 Lazy Girl’s Guide to Birth Prep [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/lazyprep] – Too many TikToks, too many opinions, and still no clue what actually matters before birth? This guide gives you the basics—fast. Straight to the point, super practical, and made for the pregnant girlies who want to feel ready without the overwhelm. 🔥 The Doula’s Checklist for Beating Burnout [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/checklist] – For every doula listening who’s one text away from losing it. Spot the signs, take the pause, reset your birthwork boundaries. 📲 Connect with Jessica Freedman 💬 Follow her on Instagram: @mamashaktiprenatalyoga [https://www.instagram.com/mamashaktiprenatal/]  🌐 Visit her website: mamashaktiprenatalyoga.com [https://mamashaktiprenatalyoga.com/] 💥 Let’s Keep the Advocacy Going 💬 Follow me on Instagram @birthadvocacypodcast [https://instagram.com/birthadvocacypodcast] for real talk on navigating a system that wasn’t built for your complexity—and making it work anyway. ⭐ If this episode hit home, leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening. It helps us reach more moms and doulas who need this message. 📸 Screenshot your review, upload it here [https://airtable.com/appHhHrZQUJdUmsds/shr9rGqmIc7gZyh2C], and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank-you.

11. How Will I Know If I’m in Labor? (Here’s What to Actually Look For)

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2416939/open_sms] If you’ve ever laid in bed wondering “Is this it?” or stressed about whether you’ll actually know when you’re in labor—you’re not alone. That “you’ll just know” advice? Not helpful. In this episode, we’re breaking down what early labor actually feels like, how contractions change as things progress, and why you don’t need to obsess over the 5-1-1 rule to figure it out. Whether you’re dealing with Braxton Hicks, random cramping, or just feeling off—this episode will help you feel more confident about what’s normal, what’s not, and when to start paying attention. What you’ll learn: * How to recognize the signs of early vs. active labor * What real contractions feel like (and where you’ll feel them) * Why 5-1-1 isn’t always reliable—and what matters more * When to stay home and when it’s probably go-time 🎧 Additional Resources You'll LOVE... 🔥 7 Questions to Ask Before You Say Yes in Labor [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/questions] – The must-ask list every first-time mom needs before labor.  🔥 5 Phrases Every Doula Needs in Their Back Pocket [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/phrases] – Advocacy tools you’ll actually use.  🔥 You’ve Googled Everything. Now Read This. [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/blog]  From contractions to birth plans to postpartum recovery—this blog answers the questions first-time moms are already searching (but with way better info than a Reddit thread). 📲 Let’s Connect!  💬 Follow me on Instagram @birthadvocacypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/birthadvocacypodcast] for real talk on calling out red flags in the birth system and building unshakable birth confidence. ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening! Your feedback helps the podcast grow and reach more birthworkers and moms who need this info. 📸 After leaving a review, snap a pic and upload it here [https://airtable.com/appHhHrZQUJdUmsds/shr9rGqmIc7gZyh2C], and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank-you!

10. Sushi, Fentanyl, and Other Birth “Rules” That Are Completely Backwards

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2416939/open_sms] Have you ever wondered why pregnant women are warned about sushi but not fentanyl during labor? In this episode, we will cover:  🔹 The hospital procedures that are “routine” but rarely rooted in actual evidence...  🔹 Why deli meat is demonized while synthetic opioids are casually offered during birth...  🔹 How to question birth rules that don’t align with logic, consent, or your values...  … and a whole lot more! If you’re ready to ditch the double standards and advocate for a birth that actually makes sense, then this episode is for you! 🎧 Additional Resources You'll LOVE... 🔥 The Quick Start Guide to Confident Birth [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/prep] – The must-have guide to preparing for an empowered, low-intervention birth. Grab it here for FREE! [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/prep] 🔥 Confident AF Birth Prep Guide [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/birthprepguide] – 50 pages of real birth education, birth planning tools, and advocacy strategy. Take the overwhelm and anxiety out of birth planning. Download it here. [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/birthprepguide] 📲 Let’s Connect! 💬 Follow me on Instagram @birthadvocacypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/birthadvocacypodcast] for real talk on calling out red flags in the birth system and building unshakable birth confidence. ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening! Your feedback helps the podcast grow and reach more birthworkers and moms who need this info. 📸 After leaving a review, snap a pic and upload it here [https://airtable.com/appHhHrZQUJdUmsds/shr9rGqmIc7gZyh2C], and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank-you!

9. Five Unnecessary Hospital Interventions You Can Decline (And Why)

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2416939/open_sms] Have you ever wondered why so many hospital birth protocols include interventions that don’t actually improve outcomes? In this episode, we will cover: * The hospital procedures that are “routine” but rarely necessary—and how they often lead to more interventions... * Why saying no to things like continuous monitoring or coached pushing can actually lead to safer, smoother births... * How to decline unnecessary hospital interventions without being labeled “difficult” (and still be taken seriously)... *  … and a whole lot more! If you’re ready to protect your peace and advocate for a birth that feels aligned with your values—not hospital policy—then this episode is for you! 🎧 Additional Resources You'll LOVE... 🔥 The Quick Start Guide to Confident Birth [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/prep] – The must-have guide to preparing for an empowered, low-intervention birth. Grab it here for FREE! [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/prep] 🔥 Confident AF Birth Prep Guide [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/birthprepguide] – 50 pages of real birth education, birth planning tools, and advocacy strategy. Take the overwhelm and anxiety out of birth planning. This is your first step to feeling confident AF about your birth. Download it here. [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/birthprepguide] 🔥 Confident AF Childbirth Class [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/confident] – The no-BS birth class that actually prepares you for birth. Not another generic hospital class. Real tools, real confidence. Sign up now! [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/confident] 📲 Let’s Connect! 💬 Follow me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/birthadvocacypodcast/] @birthadvocacypodcast for real talk on calling out red flags in the birth system and building unshakable birth confidence. ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening! Your feedback helps the podcast grow and reach more birthworkers and moms who need this info. 📸 After leaving a review, snap a pic and upload it here [https://airtable.com/appHhHrZQUJdUmsds/shr9rGqmIc7gZyh2C], and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank-you!

8. Why You Need a Doula (Even If You Think You Don’t)

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2416939/open_sms] We’ve all heard it— “Oh, I don’t need a doula. My husband will be there.” or “I’m getting an epidural, so I won’t even need support.” But here’s the truth—birth is unpredictable. And no matter how much you prepare, things can shift. Having a doula isn’t about whether or not you can do it alone—it’s about how much better it can be with the right support. In this episode, we’re breaking down the biggest myths about doulas and why every mom deserves continuous, educated, unbiased support—no matter what kind of birth she’s planning. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why your husband and a doula aren’t interchangeable (and why they actually make the best team) ✔️ Why epidurals don’t replace the need for a doula (yep, you still need support!) ✔️ Why your doctor or midwife can’t give you the kind of continuous care that a doula can ✔️ Why doulas aren’t just for unmedicated births (hint: we support all birth choices) If you’ve ever wondered whether a doula is really “necessary” or if you’re pregnant and on the fence about hiring one—this episode is for you. Additional Resources You'll LOVE... 🔥 The Quick Start Guide to Confident Birth [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/prep] – The must-have guide to preparing for an empowered, low-intervention birth. Grab it here for FREE! [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/prep] 🔥 Confident AF Birth Prep Guide [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/birthprepguide] – 50 pages of real birth education, birth planning tools, and advocacy strategy. Take the overwhelm and anxiety out of birth planning. This is your first step to feeling confident AF about your birth. Download it here. [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/birthprepguide] 🔥 Confident AF Childbirth Class [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/confident] – The no-BS birth class that actually prepares you for birth. This is NOT your average childbirth class. Most just give you the basics—hospital policies, vague advice, or the classic “just trust your body”.  You don’t need more generic advice that you can find on Google. You need real, practical birth prep that makes you feel ready—not overwhelmed. Sign up now! [https://www.birthadvocacypodcast.com/confident] Let’s Connect! 💬 Follow me on Instagram @birthadvocacypodcast [https://www.instagram.com/birthadvocacypodcast/] for real talk on calling out red flags in the birth system and building birth confidence for moms. ⭐ If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening! Your feedback helps the podcast grow and reach more birthworkers and moms who need this info. 📸 After leaving a review, snap a pic and upload it here [https://airtable.com/appHhHrZQUJdUmsds/shr9rGqmIc7gZyh2C], and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank-you!