Lo & Behold | Pregnancy, Birth, Motherhood

Lo Mansfield RN, CLC
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What if your best motherhood choices aren’t my best motherhood choices? Each week on Lo & Behold, we’re leaning into that real, messy, necessary question as we navigate all the choices you’ll find yourself making in pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and modern motherhood. Hosted by Lo Mansfield — former labor and postpartum nurse, certified lactation counselor, mom and RN behind The Labor Mama, and real life mama of four — this show is your judgment-free space to explore all the options in front of you. Whether you’re navigating a birth plan, wondering about labor induction methods, worried about breastfeeding challenges, or figuring out how to advocate for yourself or your littles, you’re not alone here. On Lo & Behold, we’re cutting through the noise of the motherhood space and ditching the black-and-white takes. Each episode, Lo brings her years of experience in maternity care, lactation support, and real-life motherhood straight to your earbuds — through candid insights from her own successes and mistakes, expert interviews, and other real mom and dad story shares you’ll actually relate to. Each week, you’ll find relatable, honest stories and reflections that help you make intuition-led, evidence-informed decisions in your own birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, and motherhood stories — with zero shame and zero slant. Because your best story is the one that feels right to you — and no one else gets to tell you what that is. If you’re craving confidence, clarity, friendship, and a space that says “you get to choose” and “I trust you,” this podcast is for you. Whether you’re pregnant with your first baby, planning a hospital birth, or knee-deep in the chaos of raising toddlers and raising babies, grab your coffee, your electrolytes, or your raspberry leaf tea, hit play, and let’s chase down your best story — together.

  1. 1D AGO

    Unmedicated Birth, Reality vs. Expectations & Informed Prep for Labor & Postpartum with Labor Junkie RN | Episode 39

    Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20% Today I'm welcoming Sarah, aka Labor Junkie RN, an incredible RN with 16 years under her belt, mostly in high-risk labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum - talk about a queen in the birth space! As a mom of three little ones, she somehow juggles it all while dishing out the most honest, evidence-based education on social media. We dove into her personal unmedicated birth stories, how she prepped with simple, yet intentional things like prenatal yoga and deep breathing walks, and why labor prep is all about aligning with your own goals. We unpacked some eye-opening misconceptions, like how inductions can take forever if you're not prepped, or how postpartum and breastfeeding often catch families off guard with the wild spectrum of highs and lows. We got real about balancing the "scary" truths with empowering information, stressing advocacy, communication with your team, and trusting your gut. Sarah's all about giving you the tools to own your experience, whether it's low-intervention or whatever feels right for you - it's so inspiring to chat with someone who's been there as both a nurse and a mom, helping families feel seen and ready. More from Sarah, Labor Junkie, RN: Follow Sarah on Instagram, TikTok, FaceBook, & YouTube: @labor_junkie_rn Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Sarah, Labor Junkie RN02:27 Sarah's Journey and Social Media Presence06:05 Unmedicated Birth: Personal Experiences and Preferences15:56 Preparing for an Unmedicated Birth28:10 Challenges and Misconceptions in Birth and Postpartum33:26 The Spectrum of Postpartum Experiences36:23 Balancing Scary and Necessary Information41:18 Respecting and Trusting Your Audience47:38 Advocacy and Communication in Birth54:54 The Joys and Challenges of Parenting 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 and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow a href="https://www.instagram.com/thelabormama/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    59 min

  2. FEB 9

    You’re Contracting! When Do You Go to the Hospital? | Episode 38

    Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20% If you’ve ever stared at the clock in early labor thinking “when do I actually go to the hospital?” - this episode is for you. It’s the question I get asked more than almost anything else, and I totally get the anxiety. So today I’m laying out everything I wish someone had told me before my first birth: how to time contractions properly, what the 4-1-1 or 5-1-1 rule actually means, and why those numbers are only the beginning of the story. We talk through all the real-life factors that matter way more than a simple rule - how far you live from the hospital, how your labors have gone in the past, changes in pressure, bloody show, nausea, emotional signposts, GBS status, and the fact that second, third, and fourth babies love to show up faster than you expect. I also share the exact moment in my first birth when a sudden shift in pressure told me it was time to go. Bottom line: you’re allowed to get this decision “wrong,” triage exists for a reason, and you’re way more prepared than you think you are. If you haven’t listened to episode 37 on the different types of contractions yet, go do that first - these two episodes are meant to be a pair. Come back when you’re ready and let’s take the guesswork out of this together! More from this episode: Listen to episode 37: Is it Real Labor: Braxton Hicks Contractions, False Labor & Prodromal LaborListen to episode 10: The Emotional Signposts of Labor (an Episode for Every Birth Partner to Hear)Listen to episode 01: Labor Nurse’s First Unmedicated Hospital Birth with Midwives 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 and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here. 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...

    26 min

  3. FEB 2

    Is it Real Labor: Braxton Hicks Contractions, False Labor & Prodromal Labor | Episode 37

    Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20% Today we're diving into all things contractions - because if you're in your third trimester (or gearing up for it), you're probably starting to feel those tightenings and wondering, "What the heck is this? Is it real labor?" I share personal stories and break down each of these contractions to help you understand the signs of real vs. false labor contractions. The four types of labor contractions: Braxton Hicks:those practice ones that can start early but are totally stoppable with rest or hydration.Prodromal labor:the exhausting, ongoing pattern that feels real but doesn't change your cervix yet.False labor:painful and regular, but it fizzles out on its own.True labor:the real deal that gets stronger, longer, and closer together, often with signs like bloody show or pressure. The goal here is to arm you with knowledge so you're not discouraged by these labor contractions that aren’t quite the real thing, yet. Your body's prepping like a pro, even if it's annoying. We touch on tips for managing them, like fetal positioning exercises or boosting oxytocin through rest and relaxation to potentially flip things into real labor. If you're unsure when to head to the hospital, don't sweat it - that's what OB triage is for, no apologies needed if you "get it wrong." This is part one, so stick around for part two where we'll tackle timing contractions, using your history and signs to decide when it's go-time, whether you're hospital-bound, birthing at home, or heading to a center. More from this episode: Read the blog: The Miles Circuit: Can it Induce Labor? Listen to Episode 10: The Emotional Signposts of Labor Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Labor Contractions03:25 Types of Contractions10:03 Braxton Hicks Contractions16:20 Understanding Prodromal Labor18:22 False Labor Explained20:17 Fetal Positioning and Labor23:30 Real Labor: Signs and Symptoms28:17 When to Go to the Hospital32:42 Conclusion and Encouragement 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 and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list a...

    35 min

  4. JAN 26

    How to Advocate in Your Birth: Saying No, Good RNs & Preventing Birth Trauma with Mama Nurse Tina | Episode 36

    Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20% Today I’m welcoming Mama Nurse Tina on the show - she's an incredible labor and delivery nurse who's been rocking it since 2012, after switching from the ER, and she's a mom of four who's turned her passion into evidence-based education online since 2022. We chatted about maternity leave perks in Canada versus the US (jealous much?), and she shared what she'd do differently with her own births now, like staying home longer, moving more, and delaying epidurals to make labor smoother and more empowered. We dive into advocacy and how intentional communication can minimize birth trauma. Tina's expertise shines here, stressing how crucial communication is in the delivery room, from scripting ways to decline interventions kindly but firmly, to curating your birth team and asking for a new nurse if the vibes don't match. We got real about epidurals not always keeping up with fast labors, the myth-busting around hospital births being ‘industrial’, and how even small touches like eye contact or a play-by-play communication during emergencies can prevent feeling violated or scared. She's all about that informed, joyful birth experience, and honestly, this convo was such a gift for anyone prepping for birth. Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome Mama Nurse Tina06:55 Tina's Journey: From ER to Labor and Delivery13:19 Birth Stories and Lessons Learned28:51 Advocacy and Patient Empowerment35:32 The Importance of Nurse-Patient Compatibility38:57 The Role of Nurses in Birth47:01 Preventing Birth Trauma51:31 The Power of Communication in Birth01:05:19 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections More from Mama Nurse Tina: Visit https://www.bumptolatch.com/ Follow her on TikTok an Instagram @mama_nurse_tina Subscribe to her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mamanursetina 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 and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here. For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe...

    1h 10m

  5. JAN 19

    Positive First Birth with Epidural, Unmedicated Second Birth, and Pregnancy Loss: Michelle’s Birth Stories | Episode 35

    I sit down with my dear friend and student Michelle, a stay-at-home mama to two little girls (just 13 months apart!), and now expecting her third baby girl in January. We dive deep into her journey, from the quick excitement and early losses that stole that first-pregnancy bliss, and the tender miscarriage of her son Peter at 12 weeks. We get into her experiences with her pregnancies and the birth stories of her two daughters. We chat postpartum realities too - the baby blues, nursing wins and pains, tandem feeding challenges, and navigating it all amid a house flood and GDM diagnosis - plus how faith, family support, and a bigger age gap this time around have her buzzing with anticipation for another empowering birth. If you're navigating pregnancies, losses, or the wild ride of close-together kiddos, this one's full of grace, giggles, and real-talk encouragement! More from Michelle Robins: Connect with Michelle on Instagram @therobinsthriftednest Helpful Timestamps: 02:39 Michelle's First Pregnancy and Birth Story12:43 Navigating Postpartum Challenges14:54 Surprise Second Pregnancy18:54 Unexpected Diagnosis and Holiday Challenges19:59 Preparing for an Unmedicated Birth20:53 Labor Begins Amidst Chaos22:07 A Fast and Furious Delivery27:11 Postpartum Challenges and Nursing Struggles30:03 Pregnancy Loss and Healing32:25 Expecting Baby Number Three34:09 Resources and Support for New Moms 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 and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here. 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...

    40 min

  6. JAN 12

    What Actually Happens Right After Your Baby is Born? | Episode 34

    Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20% Today I’m taking you through the whirlwind of the first 1-2 hours after birth. Whether you've just pushed out your baby vaginally or are planning a cesarean, there's so much happening in these ecstatic, hazy moments, from skin-to-skin bliss to essential checks and choices. I want you to feel empowered, not overwhelmed, so you can advocate for what you want while soaking in that newborn magic. We start right after baby arrives: the relief, possible shaking (totally normal and hormonal!), Apgar scores to gauge baby's transition, and delayed cord clamping (plus how cord blood banking fits in). Then, we cover what’s happening during this third-stage of labor, like Pitocin to prevent bleeding, placenta delivery (usually 15-30 minutes), and any tear repairs. Moving into the fourth stage, I explain fundal checks versus assessments, the golden hour's many skin-to-skin benefits (stress reduction, temp regulation, bonding, oxytocin boost, and breastfeeding support), that first magical breastfeed with colostrum, postpartum meds for pain and stool softening, getting up to pee (tips included!), and newborn procedures like assessments, eye ointment, vitamin K, and hep B vaccine. This is your roadmap to informed consent - nothing here has to be decided on the spot. My hope? You leave these hours feeling knowledgeable, blissful, and deeply connected. Mentioned in this episode: Grab My Free Third Trimester Pack - Birth Plan included!Your Body, Your Birth Course Helpful Timestamps: 01:23 The First Hours After Birth: What to Expect03:43 Understanding the Third and Fourth Stages of Labor05:28 Immediate Post-Birth Procedures and Choices10:08 The Golden Hour13:35 Placenta Delivery and Pitocin Use18:21 Fundal Assessments & Checks21:58 Benefits of Skin-to-Skin27:12 Postpartum Pain Management33:52 Newborn Assessments and Procedures36:52 Transition to Postpartum 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 and check out her online courses and digital guides for a...

    40 min

  7. JAN 5

    Food Allergies & Baby: When & How to Start Allergens & What to Watch For with Meenal Lele of Lil Mixins | Episode 33

    Join The Breastfeeding Blueprint: www.labormama.com/breastfeeding & use the code PODCAST to save 20% In this episode of Lo & Behold, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Meenal Lele, the founder and CEO of Lil Mixins, who's been at the forefront of making early allergen introduction straightforward and empowering for families. As a mom who's navigated the wild world of food allergies with her own son, Meenal breaks down the latest research in a way that's clear, reassuring, and totally relatable - perfect for expectant parents or those in the thick of those early months and years. We dove into the nerves around introducing allergens, why timing matters, and how simple tools like Lil Mixins' powders can make it less daunting, all while tying in the bigger picture of gut health, barriers, and holistic wellness. If you're prepping for solids or just want to feel more confident in these choices, this convo is a game-changer. Helpful Timestamps: 01:23 Introducing Today's Guest: Meenal from LilMix-Ins02:56 Meenal's Journey and Expertise09:44 The Complexity of Allergies and Nutrition14:43 Practical Tips for Allergen Introduction23:09 Facing Parenting Fears26:01 Understanding Allergies and Immune System31:42 Global Allergy Trends34:27 Introducing Allergens to Babies39:11 Hope and Progress in Allergy Management40:30 Final Thoughts and Resources More from Meenal Lele: Visit LilMixins.com and checkout her resources! Grab her book: The Baby & The Biome 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 and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow a...

    44 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    Tummy Time, Sitting, Rolling, Walking: Milestones Made Simple with Milestones & Motherhood | Episode 32

    Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20% If you've ever found yourself Googling "when should my baby roll over?" or stressing about tummy time, this one's for you. In this episode, I sat down with the incredible Dr. KC Rickerd, a pediatric physical therapist with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in the development of babies from birth to three years old, wife and mama to three, and founder of Milestones and Motherhood - where she helps parents ditch the worry and enjoy the journey. In this conversation, we discuss early baby milestones and development, the importance of free floor time, and how to worry less while enjoying more. Dr. KC also breaks down the myths and realities of milestones, the role of baby containers, and why crawling is a crucial milestone to monitor. Tune into this episode for practical tips to foster your child's development without feeling overwhelmed. What’s inside this episode:Baseline Knowledge is Power:Get familiar with milestone ranges to avoid unnecessary worry. Most babies figure it out with free floor time and exploration.Mini Stones Matter:Don't fixate on the big ones only, like rolling or walking - celebrate the building blocks.Containers in Moderation:Use them when needed, but balance with tummy time and play to support development.Trust Your Intuition:If something feels off, advocate early. But if your baby is progressing on their own norm, give yourself grace. More from Dr. KC Rickerd, PT, DPT: Use code TLM for 10% offcoursesand 20% offthe complete bundle.VisitMilestonesAndMotherhood.comListen to theMore Than Milestones PodcastGrab Milestones & Motherhood FreebiesFollow her on Instagram:@milestones.and.motherhood Helpful Timestamps: 01:23 Introducing Dr. KC Rickerd06:19 Navigating Baby Milestones12:49 The Role of Baby Containers21:15 Understanding Milestone Checklistsspan class="ql-ui"...

    46 min
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What if your best motherhood choices aren’t my best motherhood choices? Each week on Lo & Behold, we’re leaning into that real, messy, necessary question as we navigate all the choices you’ll find yourself making in pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and modern motherhood. Hosted by Lo Mansfield — former labor and postpartum nurse, certified lactation counselor, mom and RN behind The Labor Mama, and real life mama of four — this show is your judgment-free space to explore all the options in front of you. Whether you’re navigating a birth plan, wondering about labor induction methods, worried about breastfeeding challenges, or figuring out how to advocate for yourself or your littles, you’re not alone here. On Lo & Behold, we’re cutting through the noise of the motherhood space and ditching the black-and-white takes. Each episode, Lo brings her years of experience in maternity care, lactation support, and real-life motherhood straight to your earbuds — through candid insights from her own successes and mistakes, expert interviews, and other real mom and dad story shares you’ll actually relate to. Each week, you’ll find relatable, honest stories and reflections that help you make intuition-led, evidence-informed decisions in your own birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, and motherhood stories — with zero shame and zero slant. Because your best story is the one that feels right to you — and no one else gets to tell you what that is. If you’re craving confidence, clarity, friendship, and a space that says “you get to choose” and “I trust you,” this podcast is for you. Whether you’re pregnant with your first baby, planning a hospital birth, or knee-deep in the chaos of raising toddlers and raising babies, grab your coffee, your electrolytes, or your raspberry leaf tea, hit play, and let’s chase down your best story — together.

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