Lo & Behold | Pregnancy, Birth, Motherhood

Which Breast Pump Should You Get? Let’s Break Them All Down | Episode 57

I'm breaking down breast pumps in the most practical, no-fluff way I can, because I think this is one of the most confusing topics in the whole postpartum conversation, and you deserve to actually feel informed. We're talking about the two big categories of pumps - manual and electric - and then we're going deep on all the different types of electric pumps, from your classic double electric to hospital-grade pumps, portables, and wearables. Whether you're a first-time mom who doesn't even know where to start, someone heading back to work who needs to pump multiple times a day, or you're planning to exclusively pump - I want this episode to be the foundation that makes every other pumping conversation make sense. We also get into how to actually choose the right pump for your situation, what your insurance likely covers, when a wearable might not be your best friend, and what to do with your pump before baby even arrives. Because I promise you - the most expensive pump is not always the best pump, and what worked for your best friend might not be what works for you. Mentioned in this episode: * Listen to episode #28: Oversupply, Exclusive Pumping & Neurodivergent Lactation with The Oversupply Mama [https://thelabormama.com/captivate-podcast/exclusive-pumping-and-neurodivergent-lactation-with-the-oversupply-mama/] * Listen to episode #53: The Truth About Low Milk Supply: What Everyone Needs to Know Before Baby is Born [https://thelabormama.com/captivate-podcast/the-truth-about-low-milk-supply-what-everyone-needs-to-know-before-baby-is-born/] Helpful Timestamps: * 00:00 Which Pump Should You Get? * 04:14 Manual Pumps Explained * 06:33 Electric Pumps Basics * 08:17 Single vs Double Electric Pumps * 10:49 Hospital-Grade Pumps * 13:58 Portable vs Wearable Pumps * 17:06 Wearable Tradeoffs * 20:27 Choosing Your Pump * 24:07 Prep and Flange Fit * 26:36 Reuse and Replace Parts About your host: 🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama. For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website [https://thelabormama.com/] and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth [https://thelabormama.com/your-body-your-birth-course], breastfeeding [https://thelabormama.com/breastfeeding-course], and postpartum/newborns [https://thelabormama.com/postpartum-and-newborn-care-course]. You can also follow @thelabormama [https://www.instagram.com/thelabormama/] and @loandbehold_thepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/loandbehold_thepodcast/] on Instagram and join her email list here. [http://thelabormama.com/general-list-sign-up] For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen! 👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️ Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/] | TIK TOK [https://www.tiktok.com/@thelabormama] | PINTEREST [https://www.pinterest.com/thelabormama/] | FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/thelabormama] Disclaimer Opinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here. [https://thelabormama.com/disclaimer] Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services [https://vadenpodcastservices.com/] Mentioned in this episode: TBB 20% off ad link [https://lo-behold-pregnancy-birth-motherhood.captivate.fm/breastfeeding]

11 Things to Know Before You Go Into Labor (That No One Tells You) | Episode 56

I’m giving you 11 quick and essential things I really wish every mama knew before heading to the hospital - whether it's your first baby or your fourth. We're pulling back the curtain on the real-life stuff that doesn't exactly make it into the textbooks, and honestly? That's my favorite kind of episode. From the moment you pull into that parking lot to the moment you're trying to catch a nap postpartum with a revolving door of hospital staff, there are just so many things that can catch you off guard if no one ever tells you about them. And that's exactly what I'm here for. We're covering all of it: * The check-in process and how to make it less clunky * Why you might get sent home (and why that's okay!) * When to actually sound the alarm with family and friends * Why things justtake timeat a hospital * Whether there will even be a room waiting for you * The two-bag strategy I love for your hospital bag * Why you should stay home longer than you think * What your birth partner is and isn't allowed to do * How long you'll actually be there postpartum * Why that car seat needs to be installednow * How to actually get some rest when it feels nearly impossible My goal is always the same - to make the unfamiliar familiar so that when any of this shows up for you, you're saying "oh yeah, I knew this might happen" instead of feeling thrown off. Let's get into it! Mentioned in this episode: * Grab my Free Third Trimester Prep Pack [http://thelabormama.com/third] * Listen to episode 01: Labor Nurse's First Unmedicated Hospital Birth with Midwives [https://thelabormama.com/captivate-podcast/my-first-birth-story/] * Listen to episode 37: Is it Real Labor: Braxton Hicks Contractions, False Labor & Prodromal Labor [https://thelabormama.com/captivate-podcast/is-it-real-labor-braxton-hicks-contractions-false-labor-prodromal-labor/] * Listen to episode 38: You're Contracting! When Do You Go to the Hospital? [https://thelabormama.com/captivate-podcast/when-do-you-go-to-the-hospital/] * Listen to episode 44: What Happens in OB Triage & Will They Send You Home? [https://thelabormama.com/captivate-podcast/what-happens-in-ob-triage-and-will-they-send-you-home/] Helpful Timestamps: * 00:00 11 Things to Know Before Labor * 03:04 Check In Can Feel Clunky * 05:46 OB Triage And Getting Sent Home * 10:49 Hold Off On Telling Everyone * 12:42 Everything Takes Longer in the Hospital * 17:21 Pack Two Hospital Bags * 20:49 Stay Home Longer * 23:51 Partner Can Step Out * 25:11 Postpartum Stays * 28:05 Car Seat Before Labor * 30:03 Rest And Cluster Care About your host: 🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama. For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website [https://thelabormama.com/] and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth [https://thelabormama.com/your-body-your-birth-course], breastfeeding [https://thelabormama.com/breastfeeding-course], and postpartum/newborns [https://thelabormama.com/postpartum-and-newborn-care-course]. You can also follow @thelabormama [https://www.instagram.com/thelabormama/] and @loandbehold_thepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/loandbehold_thepodcast/] on Instagram and join her email list here. [http://thelabormama.com/general-list-sign-up] For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen! 👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️ Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/] | TIK TOK [https://www.tiktok.com/@thelabormama] | PINTEREST [https://www.pinterest.com/thelabormama/] | FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/thelabormama] Disclaimer Opinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here. [https://thelabormama.com/disclaimer] Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services [https://vadenpodcastservices.com/] Mentioned in this episode: YBYB 20% off ad link [https://lo-behold-pregnancy-birth-motherhood.captivate.fm/birth]

Plus Size Pregnancy & Birth Truths & Myths with Jen McLellan | Episode 55

I'm sitting down with Jen McLellan - published author, founder of Plus Size Birth, certified childbirth educator, TED Talk speaker, and host of the Plus Mommy Podcast - for a conversation I truly believe every single person needs to hear, regardless of the body they're in. We're diving deep into plus size pregnancy & birth, and Jen is bringing the evidence, the empowerment, and the honesty that so many people in larger bodies have been desperately searching for. We talk about the very real (and very frustrating) assumptions and misconceptions that follow plus size pregnancy & birth - from automatic high-risk labels to the way relative risk gets weaponized in provider conversations - and how to flip that script so you feel informed and empowered rather than defeated before you even get started. We also get into the practical stuff: how to find a size-friendly care team, what to look for when you walk into a facility, and one of my favorite questions Jen drops in this episode that I think every pregnant woman should be asking their provider: "Do you have any specific guidelines or protocols specifically for my BMI?" Because knowing what your provider already assumes about your pregnancy before anything has even happened? That is gold. Jen also walks us through what to expect during labor, from monitoring challenges to bringing your own belly band, and why so much of what happens in the birth space is about the equipment - not you. This one is full of mic-drop moments, and I'm so grateful Jen trusted me with this conversation. More from Jen & Plus Size Birth: * Visitplussizebirth.com [http://plussizebirth.com]& use the code ‘BEHOLD’ for 25% off any ofPlus Size Birth’s offers [http://plussizebirth.com]! * Follow Jen on Instagram@plussizebirth [https://www.instagram.com/plussizebirth/] * My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide [https://plussizebirth.com/my-plus-size-pregnancy-bundle/] * Read her blog on advocacy with your provider [https://plussizebirth.com/doctor-appointments-alone/] * Read her blog on finding a size-friendly provider [https://plussizebirth.com/finding-size-friendly-healthcare-provider/] Helpful Timestamps: * 00:00 Plus Size Pregnancy & Birth * 05:55 Why Plus Size Birth * 08:16 Creating Missing Resources * 17:12 Risk Myths and Numbers * 24:15 Finding Size Friendly Care * 28:58 BMI Protocol Questions * 30:56 Spotting Red Flags * 33:27 Labor Prep Essentials * 37:15 Postpartum Gear Tips * 47:20 Plus Size Birth Resources and Discounts About your host: 🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama. For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website [https://thelabormama.com/] and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth [https://thelabormama.com/your-body-your-birth-course], breastfeeding [https://thelabormama.com/breastfeeding-course], and postpartum/newborns [https://thelabormama.com/postpartum-and-newborn-care-course]. You can also follow @thelabormama [https://www.instagram.com/thelabormama/] and @loandbehold_thepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/loandbehold_thepodcast/] on Instagram and join her email list here. [http://thelabormama.com/general-list-sign-up] For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen! 👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️ Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/] | TIK TOK [https://www.tiktok.com/@thelabormama] | PINTEREST [https://www.pinterest.com/thelabormama/] | FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/thelabormama] Disclaimer Opinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here. [https://thelabormama.com/disclaimer] Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services [https://vadenpodcastservices.com/] Mentioned in this episode: YBYB 20% off ad link [https://lo-behold-pregnancy-birth-motherhood.captivate.fm/birth]

What I Wish I Knew About Baby Sleep Before They Were Born (from a mom of 4) | Episode 54

When it comes to baby sleep, I'm not coming at you as an expert - I'm coming at you as a mom of four who has been in the trenches and figured some things out the hard way. The biggest thing I want you to take away is this idea of anchors - rhythms and routines you can float around and return to, not rigid schedules that are going to stress you out when life doesn't cooperate. For me, those anchors looked like paying attention to sleep cues, thinking about total sleep needs in a 24-hour period, swaddling in those early weeks, and helping babies work through that day-night confusion. Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth [https://lo-behold-pregnancy-birth-motherhood.captivate.fm/birth] & use the code PODCAST to save 20% I also really want you to hear about Safe Sleep Seven, because whether you plan to bed-share or not, the reality is most of us are going to fall asleep with our babies at some point - and knowing how to do that as safely as possible is something that honestly should be part of every hospital discharge conversation but isn't. Mentioned in this episode: Safe Co Sleeping: The Safe Sleep Seven [https://llli.org/news/the-safe-sleep-seven/] Helpful Timestamps: * 00:00 What You Need to Know About Baby Sleep * 01:42 Why Baby Sleep is a Spicy Topic * 06:53 Anchors Not Rules * 09:15 Follow Your Gut * 10:34 Safe Sleep Seven * 16:19 Newborn Rhythm Basics * 18:49 Foundations for Better Sleep * 27:40 Wake Windows and Cues * 31:11 Common Sleep Myths About your host: 🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama. For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website [https://thelabormama.com/] and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth [https://thelabormama.com/your-body-your-birth-course], breastfeeding [https://thelabormama.com/breastfeeding-course], and postpartum/newborns [https://thelabormama.com/postpartum-and-newborn-care-course]. You can also follow @thelabormama [https://www.instagram.com/thelabormama/] and @loandbehold_thepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/loandbehold_thepodcast/] on Instagram and join her email list here. [http://thelabormama.com/general-list-sign-up] For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen! 👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️ Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/] | TIK TOK [https://www.tiktok.com/@thelabormama] | PINTEREST [https://www.pinterest.com/thelabormama/] | FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/thelabormama] Disclaimer Opinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here. [https://thelabormama.com/disclaimer] Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services [https://vadenpodcastservices.com/] Mentioned in this episode: YBYB 20% off ad link [https://lo-behold-pregnancy-birth-motherhood.captivate.fm/birth]

The Truth About Low Milk Supply: What Everyone Needs to Know Before Baby is Born with Kaia Lacey, CLC | Episode 53

Low milk supply is one of those topics that doesn't get nearly enough attention. I sat down with Kaia Lacy - IBCLC, mom of three, partner to the Low Milk Supply Foundation, and the voice behind Low Supply Mom - to have the conversation I wish more people had access to before they had their babies. She’s breaking down the difference between primary and secondary low milk supply, what actually causes each, and why that overly simplified "it's just supply and demand" advice can do more harm than good for so many families. Spoiler: up to 10-15% of breastfeeding moms may have low supply due to underlying causes like thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, or insufficient glandular tissue - and that old 3-5% stat? Turns out it was never even scientifically confirmed. Join The Breastfeeding Blueprint: www.thelabormama.com/breastfeeding [https://lo-behold-pregnancy-birth-motherhood.captivate.fm/breastfeeding] & use the code PODCAST to save 20% We also get into the science of why supply can drop - think prolactin receptors, the feedback inhibitor of lactation, and what's actually happening at a cellular level when things aren't working - without making your head spin. Whether you're pregnant with your first baby, navigating low supply right now, or heading into a subsequent pregnancy after a tough breastfeeding experience, Kaia's message is clear: this is not about effort, and you are not broken. This episode is equal parts education and permission slip, and I could not be more glad to have gotten this conversation in front of you. More from Kaia Lacy: Visit www.lowsupplymom.com [http://www.lowsupplymom.com/] Follow her on Instagram @lowsupplymom [https://www.instagram.com/lowsupplymom/] Mentioned in this episode: Listen to episode 48: Low Milk Supply & Breast Hypoplasia: Emily's Birth Story & Breastfeeding Challenges [https://thelabormama.com/captivate-podcast/low-milk-supply-and-breast-hypoplasia-with-emily-shapiro/] Helpful Timestamps: * 00:00 How Common Is Low Supply? * 08:30 Primary vs Secondary Low Supply Explained * 12:42 Primary Causes * 16:03 Secondary Causes * 18:54 Prolactin Receptors and FIL Science * 28:26 Why Supply and Demand Falls Short * 37:21 Primary Low Supply Validation * 40:31 IGT Signs and Red Flags * 46:50 Support Options and Resources for Low Supply About your host: 🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama. For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website [https://thelabormama.com/] and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth [https://thelabormama.com/your-body-your-birth-course], breastfeeding [https://thelabormama.com/breastfeeding-course], and postpartum/newborns [https://thelabormama.com/postpartum-and-newborn-care-course]. You can also follow @thelabormama [https://www.instagram.com/thelabormama/] and @loandbehold_thepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/loandbehold_thepodcast/] on Instagram and join her email list here. [http://thelabormama.com/general-list-sign-up] For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen! 👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️ Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM [https://www.instagram.com/] | TIK TOK [https://www.tiktok.com/@thelabormama] | PINTEREST [https://www.pinterest.com/thelabormama/] | FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/thelabormama] Disclaimer Opinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here. [https://thelabormama.com/disclaimer] Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services [https://vadenpodcastservices.com/] Mentioned in this episode: TBB 20% off ad link [https://lo-behold-pregnancy-birth-motherhood.captivate.fm/breastfeeding]