041 What the Stages and Phases of Labor Actually Feel Like

045 How to Choose Coping Tools That Actually Work for YOU During Labor

If you've ever searched for ways to cope during labor, you've probably found a list of dozens of options. And it's easy to start wondering: Which one is THE best? The truth is that the best coping tool is the one that works for you. In this episode, we talk about: *  Why having a long list of coping tools isn't the same as being prepared  *  The mistake many first-time moms make when preparing for labor  *  What I learned from my own first birth about coping  *  How your personality can influence what works best for you  *  What surprises moms about coping once labor actually starts  *  Questions to help you figure out which tools might fit you best  The goal isn't learning every coping technique. The goal is finding a few that feel familiar, natural, and supportive when labor becomes more intense.

044 What Happens If They Recommend Pitocin During Labor?

Pitocin is one of the most common medications used in labor and delivery. And if you're planning a hospital birth, there's a good chance you'll hear about it at some point. But what does it actually do? Why is it offered? And what should you know if it comes up during your labor? In this episode, we talk about: *  What Pitocin is and how it works  *  Why providers recommend Pitocin  *  Common situations where it may be offered  *  What surprised me after becoming a labor and delivery nurse  *  My own experience with Pitocin during one of my births  *  Why two moms can have very different experiences with the same intervention  *  What many moms are surprised to learn about Pitocin contractions  *  Questions to think about if Pitocin is recommended during your labor  *  How to participate in decisions without feeling confrontational  This episode isn't about telling you whether you should accept or decline Pitocin. It's about helping you understand why it might be offered, what questions you can ask, and how to feel more informed before you're making decisions in the middle of labor.

043 Why Labor Feels More Painful When You're Afraid (And What Actually Helps)

A lot of first-time moms think labor suddenly became “too much” because they’re not coping well. But sometimes what’s actually happening is something called the fear–tension–pain cycle. Fear changes what your body does during labor. Your breathing changes, your muscles tighten, and contractions can start feeling harder to move through. In this episode, we talk about: * What the fear–tension–pain cycle actually is * How fear changes what your body does during labor * What this cycle often looks like in real life * Why labor can suddenly feel more intense or overwhelming * How moving into a new phase of labor can trigger fear without you realizing it * Simple ways to interrupt the cycle when it starts happening * Why breathing, movement, and reducing tension can make a difference Labor isn’t just physical. Your nervous system is part of it too. If you’ve ever worried that you’ll panic, freeze, or feel out of control during labor, this episode will help you understand what may actually be happening and what can help.

042 What Your Support Person Should Focus On During Labor

A lot of support people go into labor wanting to help, but not really knowing what that looks like in real time. And in the moment, it’s not about doing everything. It’s about focusing on the few things that actually make a difference. In this episode, we talk about: *  What your support person is not responsible for during labor  *  Why staying calm and steady matters more than saying the “right” thing  *  How they can protect your space so you can stay focused  *  What it looks like to support you through each contraction  *  How they can step in when you don’t feel like talking or answering questions  *  Why paying attention matters more than waiting for instructions  Support in labor isn’t about fixing anything. It’s about being present, steady, and responsive to what’s happening in the moment. If you’ve ever wondered what your partner should actually be doing during labor, this episode breaks it down in a simple, realistic way.

041 What the Stages and Phases of Labor Actually Feel Like

Most first-time moms learn what the stages of labor are… but not what they actually feel like. And that’s what can causes the most confusion. In this episode, we walk through: * Why the first stage of labor is broken down into phases * What early labor really feels like (and why it can feel slow or uncertain) * How active labor often feels like “this is a lot”... and why that’s normal * What makes transition feel so intense and emotional * How pushing feels different from everything before it * What to expect during the final stage when the placenta is delivered Labor doesn’t feel the same from beginning to end. It changes, and understanding those changes can help you feel less caught off guard when it does. If you’ve ever wondered, “How will I know where I am in labor?” this episode will help you recognize what’s happening from the inside. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @EmpoweredBeginningsDoula for more daily tips and info to feel confident in labor!