Strong and Steady

#19 Preparing for a VBAC & Natural Birth (Part 2)

What actually helps support a successful VBAC… physically, mentally, and emotionally? In Part 2 of this conversation, Brittany and her sister Nicole continue sharing Nicole’s journey from an unexpected C-section to an unmedicated VBAC — along with the preparation, mindset, and support that helped her approach birth differently the second time around. This episode dives deeper into the practical side of VBAC preparation, labor support, advocacy, and trusting your instincts throughout pregnancy and birth. We talk through: * How to prepare your body for a VBAC before and during pregnancy * The role of nutrition, movement, positioning, and mindset * Finding supportive providers and advocating for yourself * Why hospital policies aren’t always the same as laws * Building a strong birth team and support system * Practical labor preparation techniques and comfort measures * Managing fear, disappointment, and mental preparation * Trusting God’s plan through pregnancy and labor * Why flexibility in your birth plan matters This conversation is a reminder that birth preparation isn’t about controlling every outcome — it’s about feeling informed, supported, and confident as you walk through the experience. Whether you’re considering a VBAC, preparing for birth, or simply wanting to better understand your options, we hope this episode encourages you. Enjoyed this episode? Let’s hang out more and stay connected! Share this with your friends and subscribe to us on Spotify for all our episode updates! And don't forget to follow us: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the.strong.and.steady/] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TheStrongandSteady] Don't forget to connect with and follow Nicole on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/mawoolbright?igsh=OTc0YmFld3B5bmly] too! **Disclaimer: This episode is based on personal experiences, research, and opinions and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with your trusted healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy, birth, and health decisions.

#18 What to Know About VBACs & Natural Birth (Part 1)

Are you considering a VBAC… or wondering how to better prepare your body for birth? In Part 1 of this conversation, Brittany sits down with her sister Nicole to talk about VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), natural birth preparation, and the importance of feeling informed, supported, and empowered throughout pregnancy and labor. Nicole shares her personal journey from an unexpected C-section to an unmedicated VBAC, along with the physical, emotional, and mental preparation that helped her approach birth differently the second time around. This conversation is honest, encouraging, and a reminder that birth doesn’t have to be approached from a place of fear. We talk through: * What a VBAC is and why some women choose it * Nicole’s experience going from a C-section to an unmedicated VBAC * The importance of supportive providers and advocating for yourself * How nutrition, movement, and hormone health support pregnancy and birth * Mental preparation and mindset leading into labor * Pelvic exercises, positioning, and practical birth prep tools * Trusting God’s plan even when birth doesn’t go as expected * Why a C-section is not a failure Whether you’re preparing for birth, considering a VBAC, or simply wanting to feel more informed about your options, this episode offers practical encouragement and perspective for the journey — with even more coming in Part 2! Share this with a friend who’s preparing for birth or navigating pregnancy after a C-section 💜 Enjoyed this episode? Let’s hang out more and stay connected! Share this with your friends and subscribe to us on Spotify for all our episode updates! And don't forget to follow us: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the.strong.and.steady/] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TheStrongandSteady] Don't forget to connect with and follow Nicole on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mawoolbright?igsh=OTc0YmFld3B5bmly] too! **Disclaimer: This episode is based on personal experiences, research, and opinions and is not intended to replace medical advice. Always consult with your trusted healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy, birth, and health decisions.

#17 How to Support Your Body Before Pregnancy

Are you preparing your body for pregnancy… or just hoping everything falls into place? In this episode, Jessica and Brittany kick off a new series all about pregnancy — starting with what to focus on before you’re even expecting. They share both personal experiences and practical tips around how to support your body leading up to pregnancy, from gut health and hormones to nutrition, movement, and everyday habits. This conversation isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about building a strong foundation so your body is supported going into pregnancy and beyond. We talk through: * Why gut health and hormone balance matter before conception * Simple nutrition shifts to support fertility (without overcomplicating it) * The role of healthy fats, protein, and key nutrients like magnesium * How movement and exercise fit into this season * Reducing toxin exposure in your home and daily life * Supporting your body’s natural detox pathways * Listening to your body and adjusting as needed * Letting go of a one-size-fits-all approach to pregnancy prep If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, currently trying, or just want to support your body well for the future, this episode will help you focus on what actually matters — without the overwhelm. Share this with a friend who’s in this season or thinking about it! Enjoyed this episode? Let’s hang out more and stay connected! Share this with your friends and subscribe to us on Spotify for all our episode updates! And don't forget to follow us: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the.strong.and.steady/] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TheStrongandSteady] Episode Resources:- Take our free ⁠⁠⁠Strong & Steady Wellness Snapshot⁠⁠ [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOohXADNdp3JqoKYgj_4TYDyaqsVhqBee_JV-6P3IDtM2k5Q/viewform?pli=1&pli=1]- Grab the book Fast Like a Girl [https://amzn.to/48Lr5Ad]by Dr. Mindy Pelz - Celtic Salt [https://amzn.to/49wO3LI] - The Lady Comp [https://amzn.to/3PjUtae] fertility tracker - Grab your first ButcherBox [https://www.butcherbox.com/discount/EGTB-8833-TPJD?referral] for just $20!*Affiliate Disclosure: Some links mentioned in this episode are Amazon or other affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only share things we genuinely use and love!

#16 Lock In: Potty Training: What I Didn’t Cover the First Time

Still have questions after starting potty training… or feel like you’re missing a few pieces? In this Lock In episode, Jessica shares additional potty training tips, answers common questions, and walks through some of the real-life situations that don’t always get talked about the first time around. From daycare to travel to missed cues, this is a practical follow-up to help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed as you go. We talk through: * Extra potty training tips that make the process smoother * How to approach potty training with daycare (without pressure) * Why it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing * Teaching cues and recognizing your child’s signals * Handling accidents and missed cues with patience * Tips for travel, outings, and real-life situations * Letting go of pressure and keeping the process simple This episode is a reminder that potty training isn’t about doing it perfectly — it’s about learning your child, staying consistent, and giving yourself a lot of grace along the way. Share this with a friend who’s in the potty training stage or about to be! Enjoyed this episode? Let’s hang out more and stay connected! Share this with your friends and subscribe to us on Spotify for all our episode updates! And don't forget to follow us: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the.strong.and.steady/] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TheStrongandSteady] Episode Resources: - Toddler Boys Boxers [https://amzn.to/4sVWtmJ] - Toddler Girls Underwear [https://amzn.to/4ueTwPh] - Potty Travel Seat [https://amzn.to/3OvWcJl] - Travel Potty [https://amzn.to/4mVmAcl] *Affiliate Disclosure: Some links mentioned in this episode are Amazon affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only share things we genuinely would use and love! **If you missed the last Potty Trainging talk, be sure to check it out HERE [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5c8Q01bmeItbWctixK60R4?si=lKpTYGIGQ1C1kzqLH7NMjg]!!**

#15 When (and How) to Start Potty Training — Without the Pressure

Are you overthinking potty training… or waiting for the “perfect” time to start? In this episode, Jessica and Brittany break down potty training in a way that feels practical, doable, and a lot less overwhelming. From when to start to how to handle accidents, they share what’s worked in real life — not just what’s typically recommended. This conversation takes the pressure off and helps you approach potty training as a natural process, not a stressful milestone. We talk through: * Diaper and wipe options and what to look for * When to start potty training and how to recognize readiness cues * The idea of starting earlier vs. waiting — and what that can look like * Elimination communication and how babies naturally signal their needs * Using the big potty vs. small potty seats * How to teach cues and communication with your child * Handling accidents with patience and consistency * Creating simple routines that support learning * Tips for outings, travel, and public bathrooms * Making potty training a positive, low-pressure experience If potty training has felt confusing or overwhelming, this episode will give you a simpler, more natural way to approach it — with confidence and a lot more grace. Share this with a friend who’s in the potty training stage or about to be! Enjoyed this episode? Let’s hang out more and stay connected! Share this with your friends and subscribe to us on Spotify for all our episode updates! And don't forget to follow us: - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/the.strong.and.steady/] - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TheStrongandSteady] Episode Resources: - https://godiaperfree.com/ - Grab Andrea Olson's Go Diaper Free audiobook here [https://amzn.to/42nDV3W] *Affiliate Disclosure: Some links mentioned in this episode are Amazon affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only share things we genuinely use and love!