EP13 Breastfeeding Real Talk with Lactation Counselor Alexx Whitelaw

Complete Placenta Previa | Our Story So Far

In this episode of the *MamaBare Podcast*, I sit down with my husband to share a very real and vulnerable update on our current pregnancy — navigating a diagnosis of **Complete Placenta Previa** alongside the discovery of **black mold in our home**. When we first received this diagnosis, we were shocked by how few real-life resources and personal stories we could find. So many conversations felt clinical, fear-based, or incomplete. This episode is **chapter one of our story**, shared in hopes of filling that gap and letting other parents know they’re not alone. We open up about: • What led to the Complete Placenta Previa diagnosis • The emotional toll of uncertainty and waiting • Natural approach and mindset • Discovering black mold in our home and how it added another layer of stress • Why this feels especially hard after having a **previous home birth** • Processing the reality of a potential **C-section** — and why it feels unfair and unnatural for us • How we’re coping, communicating, and staying grounded through it all This conversation is raw, honest, and ongoing. We don’t have all the answers yet — but we’re choosing to share our journey as it unfolds. If you’re facing placenta previa, a high-risk pregnancy, or unexpected turns in motherhood, we hope this helps you feel seen. ✨ This is just the beginning. Be sure to follow along for future updates and how this story ultimately unfolds for our family. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. #MamaBarePodcast #PlacentaPrevia #HighRiskPregnancy #PregnancyUpdate #BirthAfterHomeBirth #CSectionJourney #MotherhoodUnfiltered #PregnancySupport #RealLifeMotherhood

Doula Shares Everything- Natural Birth Support Explained

In this episode of MamaBare, Brie sits down with Kristi Waun, registered massage therapist, birth doula, and founder of Mindful Mums— to talk all things birth prep, labour, and postpartum recovery. Brie shares her personal experience working with Kristi during the birth of her son, and together they unpack what makes a truly supportive birth experience — from emotional care to physical recovery. We dive deep into: * ✨ What a doula really does (and how they’re different from midwives) * 🌿 The power of natural-minded birth support * 💆‍♀️ How understanding the body changes the birth experience * 🤱 Preparing for postpartum recovery and caring for yourself after birth * 🕯️ Why feeling safe and supported can completely change your labour Whether you’re pregnant, planning a home birth, or just curious about how to create a calmer, more empowered birth — this episode will leave you feeling grounded, informed, and supported. 🎧 Listen now and share with another mama who’s preparing for her birth journey. — 👩‍🍼 Learn more about Kristi: mindfulmums.ca 🌸 Follow MamaBare on Instagram: @mamabare.podcast 🎥 Watch more episodes: MamaBare YouTube Playlist * 01:00 - Kristi's Experience and Background * 04:00 - What is a Doula? * 07:00 - Postpartum Support * 09:00 - Finding a Good Fit! * 12:14 - Birth Support Options in Ontario * 16:20 - Doula Early Labour Support * 21:37 - Pain Management (Physical and Spiritual) * 24:10 - Dealing With Transition & How Much Longer? * 28:47 - Doula vs Midwife * 31:05 - RMT Background * 33:15- Birth Prep - Ina May Gaskin * 37:50- Staying Fit in Pregnancy * 39:30 - After Birth Support * 44:30 - Babies First Bath * 46:43 - The Family Dynamic - Navigating Visits After Birth * 53:35- The Home Birth Shift & Taking Back Control * 55:50 - Advocating for the Birth Couple - Informed Consent * 59:35 - Mindful Mums - Doula Kristi Waun

Magnesium & Motherhood: The Overlooked Key to Pregnancy Wellness | ft. ITL Health

In this episode of the *MamaBare Podcast*, we sit down with **Meaghan Esser & Lynae Morningstar from ITL Health** to talk all things **magnesium** — and why this essential mineral plays such a vital role in **pregnancy, postpartum, and overall wellness**. We cover: * 💫 Why magnesium is often called “the relaxation mineral” * 🤰 How magnesium supports fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery 🍼 Common signs of magnesium deficiency (especially for moms!) * 💧 The difference between magnesium forms — and what to look for in a supplement * 🌙 How magnesium can improve sleep, reduce stress, and support hormonal balance If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re getting enough magnesium — or why it’s such a hot topic in the wellness world — this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to support your body naturally. 🎧 Tune in and learn more about magnesium at [ITL Health](https://itlhealth.ca). Magnesium Comparison Chart: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nqYYgjBWBA9IXljDi2xGL-wKPlosvlUN/view?usp=drive_link [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nqYYgjBWBA9IXljDi2xGL-wKPlosvlUN/view?usp=drive_link] #MamaBarePodcast #PregnancyWellness #MagnesiumForMoms #PostpartumHealth #ITLHealth #NaturalMotherhood 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro 03:20 – Why Magnesium Matters for Everyone (Especially Stressed Moms!) 04:21 – Everyone is Deficient in Magnesium 07:00 - Deficiency Symptoms 11:58 – Magnesium in Pregnancy 16:00 – Supplementation over Diet 20:40 – Postpartum 23:20 – My Magnesium Experience 26:40 – How to Choose a Quality Magnesium Supplement 31:07 - Which Form to Take During Pregnancy 35:25 - Child Safe Magnesium 39:25 – ITL Health 44:14 - What Sets ITL Health Apart?

Grace’s Birth Story | Honest & Empowering Home Birth Experience

Thinking about a home birth but not 100% sure? This episode of the *MamaBare Podcast* is for you. We sit down with Taylor, baby Grace’s mom to hear her raw and honest *all-natural* home birth story—from the very first signs of labour to the moment Grace was placed in her arms. She shares why she chose a home birth, what it was really like to labour without interventions, and how having the right birth team made all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered what a safe, supported home birth can look like, this story will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and empowered to explore your options. **What we cover:** * * Why she chose a *natural* home birth with a midwife * * How she prepared her body and mind * * The progression from early labour to transition * * What helped her stay calm through contractions * * Meeting baby Grace at home * * Her advice for mamas considering home birth 💛 **Listen to the full MamaBare Podcast** 🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube #MamaBarePodcast #HomeBirthStory #NaturalBirth #BirthWithoutFear **0:00** – Welcome & Introduction **1:45** – Why I Chose a Home Birth **6:10** – Preparing for a Natural Birth **10:25** – Early Labour Begins **15:55** – When Things Got Intense **22:15** – Transition & Pushing **32:58** – Meeting Baby Grace **34:37** – Immediate Postpartum at Home **42:10** – My Advice for Moms Considering Home Birth

EP13 Breastfeeding Real Talk with Lactation Counselor Alexx Whitelaw

In this episode, we sit down with **Alexx Whitelaw**—lactation counselor, mom of three, and breastfeeding advocate—to talk all things *nursing*. From latching struggles to supply worries to tandem feeding, Alex shares her personal journey and professional insights into what it really takes to make breastfeeding work. Whether you’re nursing your first baby or navigating a totally different experience with your third, this episode is full of practical tips, encouragement, and a whole lot of “you’re not alone.” **What we cover:** * * Common challenges (and solutions!) in the early days * * What lactation counselors actually do * * Managing oversupply, undersupply & cluster feeding * * Breastfeeding boundaries & mental health * * Support systems that *actually* help This is the breastfeeding pep talk we all wish we had. 💛