Your Birth Bestie | The Best Pregnancy Podcast for an Informed and Natural Birth Experience - podcast cover

Your Birth Bestie | The Best Pregnancy Podcast for an Informed and Natural Birth Experience

Beth Connors - Certified Nurse Midwifewww.bethconnors.com

Beth Connors is a certified nurse midwife, birth doula, childbirth educator, and girl mom. Every week, Your Birth Bestie, shares practical pregnancy tips, personal birth stories, and dives deep into informed and empowering maternity care to help you have the best labor and delivery experience. Tune in for expert insights and trusted support through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood!

Get answers to all your pregnancy questions including:

What pregnancy and labor interventions are required?
What does a contraction feel like?
How do I know when I'm in labor?
What are early pregnancy symptoms and when should I take a pregnancy test?
What should I ask my doctor in my prenatal appointments?
What to include on a baby registry?
How do I make a birth plan?
How to survive the first trimester and treat morning sickness?
What is the best prenatal vitamin?
What's the difference between a doula and a midwife?
Do I have to test for gestational diabetes?
What is the best childbirth class to take?


AND MORE!!

Join Beth on instagram at @family.focused.midwifery

Thanks for tuning in!

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Episodes

77. Practical Tips for Letting Go of Worry While Pregnant

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you looking for ways to let go of worry and enjoy your pregnancy with confidence and peace of mind? In this episode, we will cover: The practical strategies for managing anxiety and embracing a calm, trusting mindset during pregnancy. Why personalized midwifery care supports emotional well-being alongside physical health. How trusting the birth process can help you release fears and focus on a confident pregnancy journey... … and a whole lot more! If you’re ready to le...

Feb 25, 202518 min

76. The True Cost of Birth: Why Investing in Personalized Midwifery Care Is Worth It

Text Your Birth Bestie Curious about how investing in personalized midwifery care can not only transform your birth experience but also be worth every dollar in a system where having a baby comes with a hefty price tag? Today, we’re breaking down the financial side of birth and why the right support is priceless. In this episode, we will cover: The benefits of investing in home birth families trust for a safe and empowering birth experience. Why personalized midwifery care can make all the diffe...

Feb 11, 202515 min

75. How to Overcome Common Fears About Home Birth Safety with Evidence-Based Midwifery

Text Your Birth Bestie Have you ever wondered how evidence-based midwifery can help you feel confident in the safety of a home birth? In this episode, we will cover: The most common fears about home birth safety and how to address them with personalized midwifery care. Why trusting the birth process can empower you to make confident choices for your family-centered midwifery journey. How a supportive birth provider ensures holistic birth support while prioritizing safety... … and a whole lot mor...

Feb 04, 202515 min

74. How to Find the Best Midwife for a Safe Home Birth

Text Your Birth Bestie Have you ever wondered how choosing the right midwife can ensure a safe and empowering home birth experience? In this episode, we will cover: The key traits to look for in a compassionate midwifery provider who prioritizes home birth safety... Why finding an evidence-based midwife can give you confidence in your birth choices... How personalized midwifery care creates a trusting partnership to support your natural childbirth preparation... … and a whole lot more! If you’re...

Jan 28, 202515 min

73. How To Avoid the Temptation of Induction with Personalized Midwifery Care

Text Your Birth Bestie Have you ever wondered how trusting the birth process with personalized midwifery care can help you avoid unnecessary interventions? In this episode, we will cover: The importance of natural childbirth preparation to reduce the pressure of induction... Why personalized midwifery care provides the holistic birth support you need to feel confident in your birth journey... How a supportive birth provider can help you stay patient and empowered throughout your pregnancy... … a...

Jan 21, 202526 min

72. C-Section Preparation: Tips for a Positive Surgical Birth With Doula Lexi Zuo

Text Your Birth Bestie In today’s episode, I talk with experienced doula, Lexi Zuo about how expecting moms and their partners can prepare for a C-section, whether planned or unexpected. Lexi shares her knowledge, from calming fears to ensuring a positive, individualized experience! We will discuss: Common fears about C-sections and ways to address them… Essential education to feel prepared and in control… How partners can support and stay involved during surgery… Tips for creating a flexible bi...

Nov 12, 202434 min

71. How Doula Support Helps You Feel Empowered and in Control of Your Birth With Karissa Birth Doula

Text Your Birth Bestie In this episode, we chat with Karissa, a dedicated doula and birth educator, who provides a wealth of knowledge on navigating medical interventions in pregnancy and birth. We talk about: Typical experiences with interventions suggested by providers, from pregnancy through active labor… Discussions around common interventions like cervical exams, Pitocin, AROM, and epidurals… Client-provider interactions and strategies to ensure families feel involved in decision-making… Ho...

Nov 05, 202429 min

70. C-Section Recovery and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy With Dr. Sabrina Thorpe

Text Your Birth Bestie Whether you're currently recovering from a C-section or preparing for one, this episode with Dr. Sabrina Thorpe, will help answer your biggest questions, from what to expect physically to how physical therapy can play a crucial role in your recovery. In this episode, you can expect: What are the most common physical challenges during c-section recovery… When should you start pelvic floor physical therapy after a c-section… What signs indicate pelvic floor physical therapy ...

Sep 17, 202430 min

69. The Home Birth Story of Harper Elyse: Intense, Fast, and Unforgettable

Text Your Birth Bestie In this episode, I share all the details of my positive home birth story with my third daughter, Harper! From navigating pregnancy decisions to the amazing, intense moment of welcoming my baby at home, I reflect on how this experience reinforced my passion for supporting others on their birth journeys as a midwife. What to expect: My decision behind choosing a home birth over a birth center or hospital birth… A detailed description of my recent home birth, including the em...

Sep 03, 202429 min

68. Prenatal Lactation Education: What Pregnant Moms Should Know About Breastfeeding

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you a pregnant mom feeling overwhelmed or unprepared for your breastfeeding journey? I have been there twice before, but there is a way to have more support and information before your baby arrives. I am on this journey with you with baby number three due in a few days! In this episode, we’ll dive into prenatal lactation education with our special guest, Jackie from Latched Lake Country, a board-certified lactation consultant and postpartum nurse. With eight years of e...

Jul 09, 202438 min

67. Getting Your Baby into a Good Position For Labor and Delivery

Text Your Birth Bestie Have you ever wondered how your baby’s position during pregnancy can affect your labor and delivery experience? Many expecting moms are curious about the best ways to make sure their baby is in the best position for a smoother birth. In this episode, we’ll dive into what you need to know about baby positioning and how you can encourage the best outcomes. What to expect: Understanding the optimal position and how it can make birth quicker and easier… Common baby positions t...

Jul 02, 202417 min

66. How To Have a Home-Like Hospital Birth and My Home Birth Preparation Tips

Text Your Birth Bestie If you want a home-like birth experience in the hospital setting, this episode is for you! Join me as I share my home birth preparation tips and how they aren’t much different than how I would plan for another hospital experience. Many women want the intimacy, atmosphere, and autonomy of a home birth, but it's not always the right fit for everyone. Join me to hear more about my journey and tips to enhance your birth experience, no matter where you give birth. This episode ...

Jun 25, 202428 min

65. Collecting Colostrum During Pregnancy: How To Do It and Why You Should Try

Text Your Birth Bestie Pregnant moms often wonder if it’s worth it to collect colostrum during pregnancy? Or maybe you’re completely new to the idea of hand expression during pregnancy! In this episode, we delve into the benefits, methods, and reasons behind colostrum harvesting. Join us as we explore this valuable practice that can provide a great start for your newborn. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why colostrum is referred to as 'liquid gold' and its crucial benefits for newborns… The o...

Jun 18, 202413 min

64. How To Give Birth Without a Single Cervical Exam (or limited cervical exams)

Text Your Birth Bestie Did you know that you can birth your baby without a single cervical exam during pregnancy or labor? In this episode, we’ll explore how you can assess labor progress in other ways, understand the true necessity of these exams, and how to advocate for what you want during your birthing experience. What to expect: Understand the frequency and routine nature of cervical exams in hospital births… Why cervical dilation is NOT a reliable predictor of labor progress... Possible ri...

Jun 11, 202424 min

63. Redefining How Pregnant Women Think About Natural Methods To Start Labor

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you wondering what natural methods can help you go into labor or prepare your body for birth? This episode will answer these questions, but also give you insight and support if a checklist of extra things causes more stress! In this episode, you’ll learn about: The importance of reducing stress: How staying calm and confident can naturally promote labor… Physical activities and professional help: The benefits of walking, prenatal yoga, and seeking assistance from chiro...

Jun 07, 202422 min

62. How to Tell if Your Water Broke or If It’s Pee and What to Expect Next

Text Your Birth Bestie Have you ever wondered how to tell if your water has broken or if you accidentally peed your pants? It’s more common than you probably think, so please don’t feel embarrassed! This episode will help clear up any confusion and provide you with the information you need to feel confident and prepared. In this episode, we cover: The differences between amniotic fluid and urine, including color and odor… Key signs that your water has broken and how to identify them… When to con...

May 28, 202415 min

61. How to Know if You're in Labor and Signs of Preterm Delivery

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you unsure what to expect when labor starts or how to determine a pregnancy cramp or Braxton Hicks contraction from a true labor contraction? You want to feel confident you’ll know when it’s the real deal! In today’s episode, I’ll cover everything you need to know when distinguishing practice contractions from actual labor. What to expect: What is preterm labor and key signs to watch for… What are Braxton Hicks contractions… How do real labor contractions differ from p...

May 22, 202413 min

60. Informed Consent: Take Your Birth Back by Being Active in Your Care and Asserting Your Birth Rights

Text Your Birth Bestie Informed consent is a crucial topic to discuss in childbirth. I love helping women take control of their birthing experiences by asking questions and making informed plans, so they can love their birth no matter what! In this episode, I spoke with Katie Spinks, a doula and childbirth educator, who bravely shares her story of experiencing uterine rupture during an elective induction with pitocin. Katie opens up about her journey, highlighting issues of uninformed consent an...

May 14, 202444 min

59. Third Trimester Pains and How To Survive The Final Stretch of Pregnancy

Text Your Birth Bestie How are you hanging in there during the third trimester of pregnancy? There can be many discomforts at this time of pregnancy and this week I am sharing tips on how to manage some of the biggest complaints moms have. In this episode, we'll cover: Practical tips for managing frequent urination during pregnancy… Strategies for getting better sleep before those restless newborn days… How to prevent swelling in your ankles and legs, especially when on your feet all day… Managi...

May 07, 202420 min

58. The Fear of Big Babies During Childbirth with Bloom Physical Therapy and Wellness

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you worried about having a big baby and it leading to an induction of labor or perineal tearing? As a mom of big babies, I was fear mongered in my second pregnancy to do extra testing early on, leading to further intervention… instead of being educated, empowered, and supported to do what was right for me. You won’t want to miss this episode with Bloom Physical Therapy and Wellness! In this episode we talk about: The myths and truths about big babies during pregnancy a...

Apr 30, 202424 min

57. Fetal Doppler Use in Pregnancy: Pros, Cons, and Limitations for Reassurance

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you thinking about using a fetal doppler to monitor your baby's heartbeat at home during pregnancy? Join me in this episode, as we dive further into: Pros and cons of using a fetal doppler for increased reassurance… Early detection of potential concerns and what to be aware of… How dopplers can increase emotional bonding for moms and dads… Understanding the limitations of a doppler and that false reassurance does happen… Practical tips for safe and effective doppler us...

Apr 23, 202415 min

56. Fetal Kick Counts and Understanding Your Baby's Movements

Text Your Birth Bestie You may or may not have heard of fetal kick counts before… but let’s talk about your baby’s movements in your belly and how to best understand what they mean! In this episode, we’ll dive into: What are fetal kick counts? When to start tracking these movements… How to know what your baby’s movements mean… The steps to do fetal kick counts and what is considered normal… Debunking the myth that baby’s movements decrease as they grow… …and much more! General advice is to trust...

Apr 16, 202413 min

55. Empowering Women To Advocate for Their Dream Birth: 1 Year Anniversary of Your Birth Bestie Podcast

Text Your Birth Bestie Celebrating ONE YEAR of Your Birth Bestie Podcast! My goal has been for pregnant women to feel heard, supported, comforted, and also challenged by some of the decisions you may have to make during pregnancy and childbirth. I also want pregnant moms to have the information from all sides, so they can make the choice best for their family. I love sharing how to have the best pregnancy and birth experience, enjoying this special time, without the overwhelm and uncertainty. I ...

Apr 09, 202415 min

54. Managing Stress and Relationships Postpartum with Jess Hull

Text Your Birth Bestie In today’s episode, we’re joined by Jess Hull, the founder of MotherMe.io, who shares insights into managing stress and relationships during the transition into postpartum with a new baby. We talk about: The neurological shifts during and after pregnancy and their impact on stress and relationships… Common stressors couples face when bringing home a new baby… Managing realistic expectations and setting boundaries with family and friends…. How to reduce stress and foster co...

Apr 02, 202434 min

53. How To Prepare For Maternity Leave and Budgeting For a Baby Tips

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you planning for your maternity leave and unsure if you should take off time before the baby is born or wait to go into labor? Are you budgeting simultaneously to see how much time you financially are able to take off and looking for tips on making a baby budget? Tune in to this episode where we’ll cover… How to determine when to start your maternity leave… Eligibility and length of maternity leave under FMLA and exceptions with small businesses… Featured support from ...

Mar 26, 202422 min

52. Weight Gain in Pregnancy, How Much is Normal, and Tips To Manage a Healthy Body

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you questioning how much weight to gain during pregnancy? Or maybe you know the what the recommended amount of weight gain is in pregnancy, but you’re either under or over that. What does that even mean for you and your baby, for your pregnancy?! In this episode, we talk about: Weight gain recommendations in pregnancy based on BMI, as outlined by ACOG… Risks of too little weight gain in pregnancy or going over the weight gain guidelines… The significance of personal me...

Mar 19, 202417 min

51. Are Epidurals Safe During Labor: Risks and Benefits of an Epidural on Birth, Babies and Breastfeeding

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you nervous about labor pain and what to learn more about epidurals? Or maybe you’re really wanting to give birth unmedicated, but someone tells you, “You don’t get a trophy for natural birth…” and now you’re questioning it. In this episode, we’ll talk all about epidurals and their impact on childbirth including: What an epidural is and what to expect during the procedure… Understanding the risks and benefits of an epidural… How do epidurals affect labor progress or do...

Mar 12, 202426 min

50. Routine Tests in Pregnancy Including Labs and Blood Draws

Text Your Birth Bestie Are you wondering what routine blood tests in pregnancy are usually done, why they are standardized, and what choices you have around these routine tests? Tune in to explore the significance of these tests as a snapshot of your health in pregnancy, helping to detect any issues early on and be sure you and your baby are healthy! In this episode the pregnancy labs we will talk about include: Complete Blood Count (CBC): Understanding its role in checking for anemia, infection...

Mar 05, 202413 min

49. Women Centered Maternity Care in the Hospital Setting with Doula Deja Ramos

Text Your Birth Bestie Have you ever questioned how much control you will have of your hospital birth? I wish you didn’t have to worry about this, but being your best advocate is so important. Having a support person and/or doula is also so beneficial to having your best birth experience! In this episode, I talk with Deja Ramos, aka Doula Deja, and dive into the most important aspects of prioritizing your values and advocating for yourself during pregnancy, labor, and birth. I would love for you...

Feb 27, 202435 min

48. Baby’s First Movements, Tips for Sleeping Discomforts in Pregnancy, and Choosing a Pediatrician Before Baby is Born

Text Your Birth Bestie If you’re ready to answer some of the most asked questions of the mid-second trimester to help you feel confident in your body during pregnancy and informed when making decisions for your baby before they are even born, then this episode is for you! The 3 questions answered in this episode are: When should I expect to start feeling my baby? What do those first movements feel like? Can you lie on your back to sleep during pregnancy? Tips for pregnancy insomnia and pregnancy...

Feb 20, 202420 min
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