The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama

Trish Ware, RN
  • 4.6 (63)
  • 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. 5d ago

    A Judge Decided She HAD to have a C-section. While She Was in Labor. | 259

    She was 12 hours into labor when a nurse walked in carrying a tablet - and a judge appeared on the screen to decide what would happen to her body. This isn't a social media horror story. This happened in Florida, in 2026, to a woman who was not only informed - she was a doula. She had a prior C-section complicated by a dangerous hemorrhage. Refusing another surgery wasn't a whim. It was a medical decision she had every right to make. And a judge overruled her anyway. In this episode, we're getting into all of it: what your rights actually are, where they get murky, and the three things I want you to do before you ever go into labor - because when you're in labor, your job is to labor. In this episode: What actually happened in Florida - and why the details matterThe difference between informed refusal and an unsafe one (these are not the same thing)Why "rights on paper" and what happens at 3 AM in a hospital room aren't always the sameWhy I call it a birth map, not a birth plan - and why this story is why I prefer a map over a planThe three things to do before labor Why the advocacy piece is non-negotiable, especially for Black women, who are far more likely to have their pain, rights, and refusals dismissedThe one question that is one of the most powerful things you can say in a hospital room This episode is not about walking in braced for a fight. It's about walking in prepared, calm, confident, and educated. Resources mentioned: Calm and Confident Birth Course & Birth Bundle - understand your rights, your body, and your options before you walk in Florida needs to change those laws. And until it does, the best thing you can do is prepare. Let's get you there. Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Judge In The Delivery Room02:10 What Happened In Florida03:55 Informed Consent And Refusal05:30 Why Rights Get Murky06:04 Birth Map vs Birth Plan07:03 Getting Prepared Before Labor09:38 Bring Your Support Team10:35 Birth Advocacy 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

    16 min

  2. May 29

    The Breastfeeding Specialist You've Never Heard Of (But Desperately Need) | 258

    Stephanie brings a unique perspective to breastfeeding and postpartum support by combining occupational therapy expertise with lactation consulting. After 9+ years in the NICU and her own breastfeeding journey with her premature son in 2023, she's committed to helping families navigate lactation and infant development with confidence and compassion. In this episode, we talk about what a session with Stephanie looks like, prenatal prep, postpartum red flags, and why asking for help isn't optional—it's essential. Key TakeawaysBefore Baby Arrives: 3 Powerful Prenatal Choices Take a prenatal lactation class — Most insurance covers it. Being prepped gives you options and confidence.Get your breast pump early (33-34 weeks) — Insurance usually covers it. Don't wait until you need it.Leverage your insurance — Most plans cover prenatal classes AND pumps. That's free education and equipment. After Baby Arrives: 3 Powerful Reasons to Ask for Help Ask for help. You need rest. You need support. There's no medal for doing it alone.If you're experiencing pain, reach out immediately. Pain is NOT normal. A qualified IBCLC can help.If something feels off with baby, get assessed. Clicking, gulping, arching, popping on and off—reach out to a professional. "You don't have to push through the pain. You don't have to do it alone. Ask for help, and let people come alongside you." - Stephanie Wong, Certified NICU OT & Lactation Consultant What to Look for in a Lactation ConsultantSeek an IBCLC over a CLC. IBCLCs have more rigorous training standards.Consider booking postpartum support privately. Hospital LCs have time constraints; private sessions offer more thorough care.In-person or virtual? Both work. Choose what fits your life. More from Stephanie Wong, IBCLC:Stephanie's Practice: Lovely Littles Therapy Instagram & Website: @lovelylittlestherapy | lovelylittlestherapy.com Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Whole Family Lactation01:30 NICU Roots & Personal Journey04:15 What a Session Looks Like06:45 Prenatal Breastfeeding Prep13:31 Postpartum Tips + Myth Busting16:30 Red Flags When Breastfeeding19:19 Weight Checks Pediatrician Support21:35 Partners Bonding Beyond Bottles23:57 Where to Find Stephanie 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

  3. May 22

    The Second Trimester Isn't Just the Easy Trimester: Here's What's Really Happening | 257

    Everyone calls the second trimester the "honeymoon phase" - but if you're in it right now and not feeling blissful and glowing, you are not doing it wrong. In this episode, Trish is pulling back the curtain on what's actually happening in your body during weeks 13 through 27, because comfortable does not mean uneventful. Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle! In this episode, Trish covers: Why the second trimester gets its reputation - and where that falls shortWhat your baby is actually doing in there (fingerprints, thumb sucking, and yes… peeing)What to expect at your anatomy scan and why it's one of the most important appointments of your entire pregnancyThe physical changes in your body that catch people off guard - nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heart palpitations, and round ligament painWhat early fetal movement feels like and when to mention changes to your providerGestational diabetes screening, cervical length, and signs of preterm labor you should knowThe emotional side of the anatomy scan that nobody talks about enough The second trimester is beautiful — but it's not a time to coast. The more you understand what's actually happening, the more present and prepared you can be for everything ahead. Mentioned in this episode: Grab the Second Trimester Prep Pack Listen to more Second Trimester episodes: Navigating Your 20-Week Anatomy Scan with Confidence | 150 Second Trimester Pregnancy: What To Expect | 3111 Things to Do During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy | 82Second Trimester Pregnancy Testing | 165 Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Second Trimester02:17 Baby Development04:46 Round Ligament Pain05:30 Feeling Baby Move06:25 Key Screenings07:34 Preterm Labor Signs08:18 Anatomy Scan 09:41 Second Trimester Resources 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

    11 min

  4. May 15

    A Traumatic First Birth - Here's Exactly What She Did Differently the Second Time - Unmedicated Birth Story | 256

    I am SO excited for you to hear this birth story with my Calm Labor Confident Birth Course student, Linda Kelly. Linda has been part of the Labor Nurse Mama community since 2021. She joined the Calm Labor Confident Birth course after her first birth that left her feeling like it just happened to her - no knowledge, no voice, no power. Fast forward to baby number two, and Linda walked into that hospital armed with her birth plan, her snacks, her AirPods in, Modern Family queued up, and absolutely zero tolerance for being told what to do. She went from a traumatic, unplanned induction the first time around to bouncing on the ball, eating her favorite foods, requesting an experienced provider to break her waters, and pushing her baby out in 20 minutes. And now? She's 30 weeks pregnant with baby number three! 💗 In this episode, we chat about: How a traumatic first birth (including an epidural that didn't work and not feeling like she had any say) pushed her to do things completely differentlyWhy knowledge is everything - and why "just do what the doctor says" is not a birth planHow Linda went from people-pleaser to advocate (and why being Irish made that extra hard 😂)Eating during labor - yes, you absolutely can, here's why, and here's exactly what to say if someone tries to stop youWhat it felt like to push her baby out on her own terms and walk to the bathroom afterward feeling like a total badassWhy birth is 90% mental - and how staying in her zone made her labor fly by One word Linda used to describe taking Calm Labor Confident Birth: “Empowered.” If you're sitting there thinking you don't need a birth class, Linda has something to say to you: "Knowledge is power, and that's that." This episode is everything I want for you, mama. Tune in, take notes, and know that you can do this. Resources from this episode: Calm Labor Confident Birth CoursePregnancy Hangouts — join the community! If this episode landed for you, please hit subscribe and leave a review - it means the world and helps other mamas find us. See you next Friday! 🎙️ Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome our Birth Student: Linda04:25 First Birth Trauma07:15 Second Birth Game Plan10:42 Eating in Labor14:37 Induction Decision15:34 Staying Relaxed in Labor19:38 No Time for Epidural20:44 Fast Birth Afterglow22:50 Empowered by Knowledge 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

    28 min

  5. May 8

    The Birth Plan Mistake That's Setting You Up to Fail (Do This Instead) | 255

    Let's talk about birth plans - and yes, I know that's going to land differently for everyone reading this. But after 16 years as a high-risk labor and delivery nurse and thousands of births, I need to say what I've seen: the traditional birth plan might not be helping you the way you think it is. In fact, it could be setting you up for unnecessary disappointment and a feeling of failure you absolutely do not deserve. In this episode, I'm introducing you to a concept I teach all of my students - the birth map - and explaining exactly why that distinction changes everything. So what's a birth map? Think of planning a road trip. You have a destination, a preferred route, and the flexibility to reroute when a road is closed. A detour doesn't mean the trip is ruined - it just means you found another way to get there. That's exactly what a birth map does. Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle! Your birth map includes: Your destination - the big picture experience you're working towardYour top 3–5 priorities - the non-negotiables that matter most, clearly communicatedAlternate routes - thinking through "what if" scenarios before labor so nothing catches you off guardReal education - because a map is only useful if you understand the territory I am a fierce advocate for informed consent, asking questions, and knowing your rights. What a birth map does is give you real navigational power instead of the false security of a document that labor might not follow. When you're holding a map instead of a plan, a detour feels like a detour - not a disaster. Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Birth Plan Mistakes03:23 Introducing Birth Maps04:48 What Goes On A Birth Map07:00 Informed Consent Matters07:53 Build Your Map Now 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

    11 min

  6. May 1

    Baby Sleep Tips Without Guilt, Pressure, or “Cry It Out” Method | 254

    If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “how do I get my baby to sleep?” at 2 AM… this episode is for you. Because let’s be honest - baby sleep advice is LOUD, conflicting, and overwhelming. One expert says cry it out, another says never let them cry. One says strict schedules, another says go with the flow. And you’re left exhausted, questioning everything. In this conversation, I’m joined by Chrissy Lawler, therapist, baby sleep consultant, and founder of The Peaceful Sleeper - and she’s breaking down what actually works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to infant sleep. Chrissy is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 15+ years of experience who saw one consistent root issue in her clients - sleep. She went on to specialize in sleep medicine and created a method that helps families get rest without sacrificing connection, mental health, or flexibility. Her bestselling book, The Peaceful Sleeper, teaches parents how to build healthy sleep habits from birth through the first year. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to baby sleep. But there is a way to: Support your babyProtect your mental healthStrengthen your familyAnd actually get rest Without feeling like you’re failing. As Chrissy shares, getting good sleep is important - but how you get there should work for YOUR family. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why baby sleep advice feels so confusing (and how to filter through it)The truth about “cry it out” and attachmentHow sleep impacts your mental health, relationships, and motherhood experienceThe 4 foundational pillars of newborn sleepWhy “sleep begets sleep” and how to use it to your advantageHow to gently teach sleep skills without guilt or rigidityThe difference between supporting your baby and over-functioning for themWhy your needs matter just as much as your baby’s More from Chrissy Lawler: Visit ThePeacefulSleeper.com Order her book: The Peaceful Sleeper Connect with her on Instagram, Threads, FaceBook, TikTok, & YouTube : @the.peaceful.sleeper Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Why Sleep Matters04:34 Sleep and Attachment06:57 No One Right Method08:54 Newborn Sleep Pillars10:19 Gentle Training Options11:33 Cry It Out Trauma15:37 Family System Balance22:14 Three Baby Sleep Tips for Moms27:43 Where to Find Chrissy 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

    29 min

  7. Apr 24

    First Trimester Symptoms That Are Actually Red Flags (And Ones That Aren't) | 253

    If you’ve been Googling every little symptom in early pregnancy… you’re not alone. But the internet can’t tell you what’s actually normal vs. what needs attention - and that uncertainty can send you into a spiral fast. In this episode, Trish breaks it all down in a way Google never could. You’ll learn which first trimester symptoms might feel scary but are usually totally normal - and which ones are true red flags that deserve a call to your provider (or even a trip to the ER). This is your guide to feeling more calm, confident, and clear in those early weeks of pregnancy. In this episode, we cover: Common (but scary-feeling) symptoms that are usually normalWhat light spotting and cramping really meanWhen nausea and vomiting cross the lineWhy extreme fatigue and breast changes are expectedWhat it means if you don’t feel pregnant at allRed flags like heavy bleeding, one-sided pelvic pain, and feverSigns of ectopic pregnancy and when to seek immediate careWhen a UTI can become more serious in pregnancyA simple framework for knowing when to monitor vs. act And always remember - if something feels off, you’re never wrong for reaching out. Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 First Trimester Symptoms01:52 Scary But Normal Signs02:16 Spotting Explained03:29 Cramping And Nausea04:34 Fatigue And Breast Changes05:51 True Red Flags06:03 Bleeding And Ectopic Warning07:22 Severe Vomiting And Fever08:22 UTI Symptoms To Watch09:02 Anxiety And Provider Support09:38 Simple Decision Framework 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

    13 min

  8. Apr 17

    Pumping Made Easier: 3 Powerful Tips from The Pumping Expert - Tamari Jacob, CLC | 252

    I sat down with Tamari Jacob, Certified Lactation Consultant and founder of One With The Pump, and we had the best chat about all things pumping and breastfeeding. Tamari knows the pumping journey inside and out - she exclusively pumped for her first baby for 10 months after he wouldn’t latch, and she’s been helping moms make pumping suck a whole lot less ever since. We talked about the emotional side of feeding your baby (hello, grief and rejection when it doesn’t go as planned), why finding the right lactation consultant is everything, and how the system sometimes works against us. Tamari dropped three powerful, game-changing tips whether you’re exclusively pumping or mixing pumping with breastfeeding: Size your flanges correctly - Most pumps come with the wrong sizes (21, 24, or 28 mm), but most moms need something much smaller like 13–18 mm. This one thing can stop pain and low output fast!Pumping is not free - Invest a little in the right tools (extra parts, a good bra, a wearable, a milk chiller) to make your life so much easier. You don’t have to suffer with just the bare minimum.Get real education and support - Breastfeeding and pumping are NOT as “natural” as everyone says. Learn from someone who actually specializes in pumping (not every LC does!). We also got real about hospital lactation consultants, baby-friendly policies, mom guilt, and how preparation before baby comes can save you so much heartache later. If you’re planning to pump, struggling with your pump, or just want to feel more confident, you need to hear this episode. More from Tamari Jacob, CLC: Use this link to get 10% off The Ultimate Pumping CourseWebsite: onewiththepump.comInstagram, TikTok, FaceBook, YouTube & Pinterest: @onewiththepump Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Pumping Made Easier04:02 Why Tamari Started Pumping11:51 Top Tips Start Flange Fit12:49 Gear That Makes It Easier15:31 Finding the Right Lactation Help18:32 Hospital Lactation Reality22:38 How to Work With Tamari24:29 Prep Before Labor 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

    29 min
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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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