The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama

Trish Ware, RN
  • 4.6 (62)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

How do I actually push during labor? Should I get an epidural? Why is breastfeeding so hard? What exactly is Pitocin, and how much will induce labor? Is there a secret to having a successful VBAC? What happens if I poop during labor *shudder*? And oh yeah, how do I take care of a newborn? I know you’ve got a ton of questions and fears when it comes to giving birth. How? Because I’ve delivered thousands of babies as a labor nurse! I’ve seen it all...and as @labor.nurse.mama on IG, I’ve helped mamas all over the world stand up to their fears and walk into the labor room with confidence. The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama is here to guide you through every step of your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I’ll show you how to embrace your inner feminine wisdom and teach you to feel totally comfortable owning the labor room. Your body was made to deliver this baby, mama...let’s face all those fears and doubts and answer those nagging questions — so you can be ready for the most important day of your life!

  1. 1D AGO

    Unexplained Infertility: What It REALLY Means & What to Do Next with Dr. Sasha Hakman | 246

    If you’ve ever been told “everything looks normal” but you’re still not pregnant, or if you’re just starting your trying-to-conceive journey and want real answers instead of vague “we don’t know,” this episode is going to feel like a warm hug and a game-changer all at once. I sat down with the incredible Dr. Sasha Hakman, a double board-certified OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (REI) specialist at HRC Fertility in Beverly Hills. She’s highly awarded, stays on the cutting edge of research, and is even a subject matter expert for the American Board of OB-GYN in REI board certification. In other words, she knows her stuff - and she explains it in the kindest, clearest way possible. We cover: What “unexplained infertility” actually means - it affects 15-20% of couples with infertility.The hidden endometriosis link and why it can fly under the radar.The basic fertility workup every woman deserves to know about.First-line treatment: superovulation + IUI and the success rates.When to move to IVF, embryo testing, and even whole genome sequencing.Dr. Sasha’s own fertility journey at 39 while helping patients every day.Her top 3 tips if you’re walking this road right now. I walked away feeling so much more informed and hopeful, and I know you will too. Whether you’re deep in this journey, supporting a friend, or just educating yourself ahead of time - go you. I’m so proud of you for showing up and learning. This episode is for every mama who’s ever felt unseen in her journey. I see you. I’m here for you. You are stronger than you know. More from Dr. Sasha Hakman: Listen to her podcast: Trying to Conceive Follow her on Instagram @sashahakmanmd @tryingtoconceivepod Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Dr. Sasha Hakman03:36 What Unexplained Infertility Means07:26 Hidden Endometriosis Clues12:14 Age And Family Planning15:38 IUI To IVF Decision Point22:05 IVF As Diagnostic Tool23:33 Embryo Genetic Testing Basics25:08 Whole Genome Sequencing Upgrade28:58 IVF Success Rates by Age30:37 Postpartum and Fertility Pressure33:15 Top Three Infertility Tips39:11 Where to Find Dr. Sasha Hakman Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

    42 min

  2. FEB 27

    Epidural or Unmedicated? How to Decide Without Regret | 245

    Hey Mama! Ever caught yourself making a birth choice out of straight-up fear? Yeah, me too - with my first baby, needles had me running unmedicated without a clue. But here's the real talk: it's not about the pain or the meds; it's about owning your power. In this episode, we dive into the big question - epidural or unmedicated? - and how to choose without regret. I share my stories from 16 years as a high-risk labor nurse and mama of six, plus three game-changing questions to guide you to a birth where YOU call the shots. Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle! Key Takeaways:Regret Isn't About the Choice - It's About the Why: I've seen mamas rock both paths and also, regret both. The difference? Feeling informed, involved, and empowered, not rushed or pressured.The pros & trade-offs of choosing the epidural or going unmedicated.Prepping for what YOU want:No winging it, girl! Tools, knowledge, and advocacy are key, whether you're team epidural or going natural.You can pivot without panic: Birth is wild - plans change. Stay flexible and informed, and you'll walk away feeling like the boss you are. No perfect births here, just empowered ones where you say, "I understood, I decided, I owned it." If fear's been your driver, let's flip that script with education and confidence. Share this with a mama who's wrestling with the decision, hit subscribe, drop a review (it means the world!), and remember: you're capable, you're seen, and I've got your back. 💕 Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Epidural or Unmedicated01:01 Trish’s Birth Story01:49 Regret Comes From Fear02:34 Question One: Know Options03:34 Question Two: Prepare Well03:58 Question Three: Stay Flexible04:23 Empowered Birth Mindset05:41 Final Encouragement Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

    6 min

  3. FEB 20

    Did You Know Your Baby’s Sleep & Poop is Tied to Their Gut? with Dr. Stephanie Culler | 244

    What if I told you that 9 out of 10 babies in America are missing key gut microbes right from the start? As a labor nurse who's delivered thousands of little ones and now a proud Gigi, this chat totally rocked my world and got me thinking about my own grandbabies' health. Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle! I'm thrilled to welcome Stephanie Culler, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Persephone Biosciences. Stephanie's a powerhouse scientist with a PhD in chemical engineering from Caltech, tons of patents in synthetic biology, and a passion for using the gut microbiome to fight disease. Inspired by losing her grandmothers to cancer and her own journey as a first-time mom during COVID, she pivoted from cancer research to baby gut health. She's led the largest U.S. study on infant microbiomes and created groundbreaking products to restore what modern life has stripped away from the gut. In this episode, we dive deep into: Why modern babies are missing crucial bifidobacteria - and how it links to allergies, eczema, asthma, and even long-term risks like cancer.The shocking impact of antibiotics, C-sections, and formula on gut health, and why it's a multi-generational issue.Stephanie's "aha" moment that shifted her from cancer treatments to preventing issues at the source with Persephone's first-of-its-kind synbiotic.Signs your baby's gut needs help: fussiness, colic, constipation, diaper rash, poor sleep - and how this product can turn things around fast.Tips for new moms: Start from day one, even if breastfeeding (mix a smidge into colostrum or on your nipple!), and why it's great for C-section babies too.Bonus: How this could be a game-changer for adults and pregnant mamas, too. More from Dr. Stephanie Culler: Persephone's Daily Synergistic Synbiotic: https://persephone.bio/products/bloom Visit www.persephone.bio Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @persephone.bio Connect with Dr. Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-culler Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Dr. Stephanie Culler01:44 Stephanie’s Story: From Cancer Research to Babies05:27 The My Baby Biome Study: The Shocking 9-in-10 Finding09:26 Signs of an Off Microbiome + Benefits Seen11:16 Why Start From Day One15:42 Industrialization & Rising Allergies20:41 Practical Tips for Breastfed Babies (No Bottle Needed)23:15 C-Section Considerations + Final Takeaways for New Parents Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

    26 min

  4. FEB 13

    VBAC Student Birth Story: Cassie Gilliam | 243

    Join me, as I talk with one of my VBAC Lab Students and Calm Mama Society Members, Cassie. She's going to be sharing her birth story and how the techniques we've been working on in class, have helped her to move through her birth trauma from her first birth and prepare for an empowered VBAC. Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle! Cassie gives us all the details, shares the highs and lows of her birth experience, and how ultimately she was able to bring her baby into the world in a way that she was proud of. This episode is packed with so much information and is really empowering for all the mamas out there who want to have an empowered birth. So grab a cup of coffee or tea and settle in for a chat with Cassie. Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Cassie: A VBAC Lab Student02:16 Cassie's First Birth Experience03:28 Discovering the VBAC Lab07:11 Facing Challenges with the Provider17:53 Preparing for Labor at Home21:34 Arriving at the Hospital24:47 Labor Begins: Early Contractions and Support30:30 Challenges and Swelling33:19 Decision for a C-Section35:48 Meeting the Baby37:52 Reflecting on the Birth Experience40:45 Advice for Expecting Mothers Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

    42 min

  5. FEB 6

    900 Births as a Doula: What Every Mama Needs to Know Before Hiring Support | 242

    Trish sits down with one of her favorite doulas - Sarah Osborne, doula, doula mentor, mama of three, and the real-deal with 17 years and over 900 births attended. Sarah went from a thriving solo practice to building a doula collective in the Pacific Northwest, and she’s spilling all the tea on what actually matters when you’re hiring support for your birth. You’re going to hear why the “Google checklist” of doula questions is kinda useless, how to spot the vibe you really want (yes, you should feel like you could be friends with her - and not care if she sees you naked and pooping), and why Sarah says you can’t say “never” in birth. She shares her own three very different birth stories, one of her favorite births she’s attended, and the powerful reminder that interventions have their place - and sometimes they’re exactly what you need. This conversation is packed with wisdom, zero judgment, and the kind of real talk that leaves you feeling empowered instead of overwhelmed. Whether you’re a pregnant mama trying to build your birth team or a birth worker who wants to do this work with integrity, hit play. You’re going to walk away smarter, calmer, and even more fired up about birth. More from Sarah Osborne, CD(DONA): Checkout https://theexpertdoula.com/skills-lab Connect with Sarah on Instagram: @the.expert.doula + @thebirthcollectivepnw Visit TheExpertDoula.com Visit TheBirthCollectivePNW.com Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Sarah00:36 Sarah's Doula Journey02:09 Sarah's Birth Stories05:16 Choosing the Right Doula12:31 Memorable Birth Experiences15:06 The Role of Positioning in Pregnancy17:26 The Importance of Medical Interventions23:11 Respecting Personal Choices in Birth27:04 Doula Mentorship and Community Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

    31 min

  6. JAN 30

    My Daughter's Birth- From 'Dead Baby' Threat to Beautiful Unmedicated Delivery | 241

    Today, Trish is sharing the powerful birth story of her daughter where she went from being told she would have a ‘dead baby’ at 37 weeks pregnant if she didn’t induce, to having a beautiful unmedicated delivery. This birth story shows how her daughter navigated the difference between convenience-based and necessary interventions. Trish breaks down the distinction between these interventions, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making and self-advocacy. She recounts how her daughter navigated medical advice and ultimately delivered her baby safely amidst true medical necessity at 39 weeks. This story underscores the value of patient education, boundaries, and empowerment in birth. You'll also hear an inspirational birth story from one of Trish's students, who delivered just a week after her daughter, showcasing the impact of her comprehensive birth education and how it helped her navigate a fast, unexpected home birth! More from this episode: Listen to the ‘My Daughter’s OB Said She’ll Have a Dead Baby (I’m a Labor Nurse Ya’ll)’ episode! Watch this FREE Birth Class: 3 Secrets to a Smoother, Faster Birth Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 My Daughter’s Birth01:08 The Importance of Informed Decision Making02:40 The 37-Week Appointment04:42 The 39-Week Emergency Induction07:16 Advocating for Yourself During Labor11:58 The Birth Experience14:11 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts17:22 Student Birth Story Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

    23 min

  7. JAN 23

    Why Labor & Delivery Nurses Choose Unmedicated Birth with The Labor Mama | 240

    Trish welcomes a fellow labor and delivery nurse and childbirth educator, Lo Mansfield, also known as The Labor Mama. They discuss the intriguing question of why so many L&D nurses, midwives, and birth pros personally opt for unmedicated births, sharing behind-the-scenes insights from their years on the floor. Trish and Lo open up about their own journeys - Trish recounting her first unmedicated birth at 17 out of sheer needle fear (and loving how she felt like a boss + queen afterward), while Lo explains her mix of clinical experience, like minimizing interventions for better outcomes, and practical perks, such as immediate mobility if baby needs the NICU. They swap hilarious and heartfelt stories of fast labors, OP babies, and the power of a supportive partner, emphasizing how education and trust in your body can make all the difference. Trish and Lo keep it real, reminding mamas that unmedicated birth isn't for everyone - epidurals and interventions can lead to beautiful births too - but empowerment comes from listening to your inner voice and advocating for yourself. More from The Labor Mama Visit thelabormama.com Listen to the Lo & Behold Podcast Follow @thelabormama on Instagram Helpful Timestamps: 01:44 Lo's Journey into OB Nursing04:52 Unmedicated Birth Choices05:28 Lo's Birth Stories09:23 Trish's Birth Stories17:42 Navigating Hospital Births, Interventions, & Autonomy29:12 The Value of Immediate Post-Birth Mobility31:41 Choosing the Right Birth Setting34:59 Trusting Your Intuition in Birth Choices Join the Sold Out Offer Challenge at trishwarecoaching.com/soo happening this February 2nd-6th! Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

    38 min

  8. JAN 16

    My Daughter's OB Said She'll Have a Dead Baby (I'm a Labor Nurse Ya'll) | 239

    Trish shares a deeply personal and shocking account of a recent doctor's appointment for her 37-week pregnant daughter. Despite being a highly experienced labor and delivery nurse, she found herself shaken by the fear-inducing tactics used by the doctor to push for an induction at 39 weeks, with a beautifully healthy baby and mama. Trish discusses the importance of making informed medical decisions based on knowledge rather than fear, explaining how to navigate these critical conversations with healthcare providers. She emphasizes the power of asking questions, seeking second opinions, and trusting one's maternal instincts. Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 A Shocking Doctor's Visit00:47 SThe Appointment02:13 The Doctor's Alarming Recommendation03:20 The Emotional Impact and Professional Insight04:45 Questioning Medical Advice10:21 Empowering Decisions and Final Thoughts Join The Calm Labor Birth Bundle - everything you need from bump to baby! Use code POD50 for $50 off! Over 15k mamas have used our classes to prepare for a birth that they love 🤍 ⭐ Download immediately ⭐App available ⭐Life-time access⭐ Connect w/ Trish: On Instagram On YouTube For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

    15 min
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About

How do I actually push during labor? Should I get an epidural? Why is breastfeeding so hard? What exactly is Pitocin, and how much will induce labor? Is there a secret to having a successful VBAC? What happens if I poop during labor *shudder*? And oh yeah, how do I take care of a newborn? I know you’ve got a ton of questions and fears when it comes to giving birth. How? Because I’ve delivered thousands of babies as a labor nurse! I’ve seen it all...and as @labor.nurse.mama on IG, I’ve helped mamas all over the world stand up to their fears and walk into the labor room with confidence. The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama is here to guide you through every step of your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I’ll show you how to embrace your inner feminine wisdom and teach you to feel totally comfortable owning the labor room. Your body was made to deliver this baby, mama...let’s face all those fears and doubts and answer those nagging questions — so you can be ready for the most important day of your life!

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