Back Labor: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What You Can Do About It | Episode 51

Induction Part 1: What You Need to Know Before We Talk About How it’s Done | Episode 59

Induction might be one of the most misunderstood - and most talked about - topics in the birth world, so I wanted to slow down and give it the space it deserves. In this episode, I'm laying the foundation before we ever get into specific methods (that's coming in part two!). I break down the real difference between induction and augmentation - induction is when labor hasn't started yet and we're trying to kickstart it, while augmentation is about moving things along once labor is already underway. I also get into the different reasons induction might come up for you, whether it's medically necessary, elective, or somewhere in that gray area in between, and why understanding this matters even if you're someone who says you'd never choose to be induced. With roughly half of births in the US involving a Pitocin conversation in some form, this is information almost all of us need. I also want you walking away from this episode knowing about your Bishop score, because it's a huge piece of how these decisions get made. I explain the five components that make up this score - dilation, effacement, station, cervical position, and cervical consistency - and what it means for your cervix to be favorable versus unfavorable for induction. My goal here isn't to tell you whether you should be induced; that's a deeply personal conversation between you and your provider. Instead, I want you to leave this episode feeling smart and prepared, with the language and framework you need to ask good questions, understand what's being suggested to you, and advocate for yourself, whether that's during an induction or if augmentation comes up mid-labor. Once you've got this groundwork down, come back for part two, where we'll dive into the actual induction methods themselves. More from this episode: Listen to episode 21: What's the Big Deal About Cervical Exams & Should You Say Yes or No? [https://thelabormama.com/captivate-podcast/cervical-exams/] Helpful Timestamps: * 00:00 Why Induction Matters * 04:32 Induction vs Augmentation * 12:48 Bishop Score Explained * 14:16 Cervix Ripeness Basics * 17:35 Bishop Score Ranges * 20:52 Questions to Ask Next * 21:45 Part Two Preview * 22:22 Closing and Disclaimer 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]

Postpartum Recovery: Hair Loss, Nutrient Depletion & Exhaustion After Baby with Lily Nichols | Episode 58

I'm so excited to welcome back Lily Nichols - registered dietician, certified diabetes educator, and honestly one of my favorite people to talk about nutrition with. We're diving deep into postpartum recovery, and specifically the things I don't think we talk about enough like the fact that your protein needs after baby are actually higher than a female athlete's, that a standard "extra 500 calories a day" while breastfeeding is probably not cutting it, and which supplements are actually worth your time versus what is just really smart marketing targeted at exhausted moms scrolling Amazon at 2am. We also get into the postpartum hair loss conversation that I have been wanting to have for a while now - because I found Lily's blog on this topic years ago and thought, this is the education everyone needs. We break down why it happens, why it's actually normal and expected, when you should and shouldn't be concerned, and why that hair growth supplement you're eyeing probably isn't doing what you think it is. If you're in the thick of postpartum recovery, or preparing for it, or even just a year or two out and still trying to feel like yourself again - this one is for you. More from Lily Nichols, RDN: * Listen to episode 19: Why Choline Matters in Your Pregnancy and Postpartum (and how to get enough) with Lily Nichols, RDN [https://thelabormama.com/captivate-podcast/lily-nichols/] * Visitlilynicholsrdn.com [http://lilynicholsrdn.com] * Check out her books:https://lilynicholsrdn.com/books/ [https://lilynicholsrdn.com/books/] * Follow her on Instagram:@lilynicholsrdn [https://www.instagram.com/lilynicholsrdn/] Helpful Timestamps: * 00:00 Postpartum Recovery * 01:49 Meet Lily Nichols * 04:20 Which Book To Read * 09:56 Higher Nutritional Needs After Birth * 13:24 Warming Foods Tradition * 17:17 Prenatals And Add Ons * 20:57 Testing And Repletion * 26:42 Postpartum Hair Loss * 35:27 Marketing Myths And Supplements * 38:25 HTMA Testing Explained * 46:34 Postpartum Resources 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]

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]