Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy

My Essential Birth
  • 4.8 (729)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Birth is amazing, beautiful, wonderful . . . and it can throw you for a loop! Despite our very best birth “plans,” we can find ourselves taking some twist and turns during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum that we don’t expect. Enter the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Hey mama! My name is Stephanie, and I’m a mom of three boys, and two girls, a professional doula, childbirth educator, and the creator of the Online Birth Course - My Essential Birth www.myessentialbirth.com. I love to help mothers just like you feel empowered and confident during pregnancy, birth, and into motherhood by taking my years of knowledge and personal/professional experience in the birth world and breaking down complex birth topics to make preparing for labor & birth a breeze! Every week, you’ll hear from myself & other women ready to share their knowledge with other pregnant moms about pregnancy and birth topics that will have you feeling knowledgeable and in the driver’s seat of your best birth experience. Your best birth starts here >>>> www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted 

  1. 5D AGO

    What No One Told You About Fertility & Gestational Diabetes w/ Dr. Kiltz

    Is everything we’ve been told about fat… wrong? In this episode, I sit down with Reproductive Endocrinologist & Fertility Specialist, Dr. Robert Kiltz, founder of CNY Fertility, to talk about infertility, gestational diabetes, insulin resistance, and the controversial idea that eating more fat — not less — may be the key to healing. Dr. Kiltz shares his personal health journey, how he began questioning conventional nutrition advice, and what he started noticing in his fertility practice when patients shifted toward paleo, keto, and even carnivore-style eating. We discuss rising infertility rates, pregnancy nutrition myths, blood sugar balance, liver health, inflammation, and why so many women today are being diagnosed with gestational diabetes. This episode will absolutely challenge the standard pregnancy nutrition narrative you've been receiving — and invite you to think more critically about what truly supports fertility and metabolic health. Here are some highlights from the episode:  • Dr. Kiltz’s unexpected journey from troubled teen to fertility specialist  • Why infertility rates continue to rise — and what might actually be driving it  • The connection between insulin, liver health, and gestational diabetes  • How quickly hormones and blood sugar can begin to shift with dietary changes  • Protein vs. fat — are we emphasizing the wrong one?  • Whether you can really “eat too much” fat  • The role inflammation may play in reproductive struggles  • Why reproductive health reflects overall metabolic health  • How mindset, faith, and stress impact healing and fertility Whether you agree with everything shared or not, this conversation will help you ask better questions about what you’re eating before and during pregnancy — and what truly nourishes your body while growing a baby. If you’re trying to conceive, navigating gestational diabetes, or simply wanting to optimize your health for pregnancy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in, decide for yourself, and let me know what you think!! Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!

    1h 7m

  2. FEB 18

    VBAC Success Story w/ Sarah Agus-Bina

    If you're aiming for a VBAC this pregnancy, this one is for you mama! I had a wonderful conversation with My Essential Birth Mama, Sarah. She shares how she navigated pregnancy, labor, and birth with confidence — even when things didn’t go exactly as planned. We discuss everything from preparing her mindset during pregnancy to advocating during labor and embracing the beauty of her baby’s arrival. This episode is full of encouragement for any mama preparing for birth...and especially for my VBAC mamas! Here are some highlights from the episode: • How Sarah prepared mentally and physically for birth during pregnancy  • The mindset shifts that helped her release fear and build confidence  • What early labor felt like and how she knew things were progressing  • The tools she used to manage contractions naturally  • How preparation helped her advocate for herself in the hospital  • What it looked like to pivot peacefully when birth didn’t unfold exactly as expected  • The emotional moment she met her baby  • Her honest postpartum reflections and what she wants every pregnant mom to know Birth may not always go exactly according to plan — but it can still be powerful, peaceful, and empowering. I hope this story reminds you that your body was designed for this, and with the right preparation, you can walk into your birth feeling strong and ready. 💛 Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!

    1 hr

  3. FEB 11

    Early Brain Development in Pregnancy with Neuroscientist, Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum

    "It's our birthright to be deeply connected to our babies and to grow from it." - Dr. Kirshenbaum What if the most important thing you could do for your baby’s brain… isn’t something you buy, schedule, or optimize — but in the way you nurture & feel? This week, I sit down with Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum — neuroscientist, author of The Nurture Revolution, and former doula — to talk about what modern neuroscience says about pregnancy, birth, infant sleep, and the first three years of life. We talk about how your emotional experiences during pregnancy shape your baby’s brain, why nurture is not “soft” but biologically essential, and what moms really need to know about stress, bonding, sleep training, and early brain development. If you’ve ever worried about doing enough, getting it right, or messing up your baby, you're going to love this discussion and I hope more than anything, it puts your mind at ease. I feel like I cannot say this enough, but YOU are the perfect mother for your baby AND you're doing better than you think you are! Here’s some highlights from the episode:  • How pregnancy experiences shape your baby’s brain before birth  • The neuroscience behind what doulas do in the birth and postpartum space  • Why the first 0–3 years are the most critical window for emotional and mental health  • What “nurture” really means from a brain-based perspective  • Dr. Kirshenbaum’s views on infant sleep and why she questions sleep training  • What’s considered normal for baby sleep around the world • How mothers can regulate stress — for themselves and their babies • Why soothing your baby also soothes your own nervous system • What happens if early nurture wasn’t ideal (and why there’s still so much hope) • The core message of The Nurture Revolution and how it supports modern motherhood This episode is a beautiful reminder that you don’t have to be perfect to raise a healthy, secure, thriving baby. If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or even just thinking about motherhood, this conversation will leave you feeling calmer, more confident, and deeply validated in the most important role you’ll ever have. Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!

    43 min

  4. FEB 4

    Top 16 Birth Myths from 1940's to Today

    “Don’t lift your arms over your head.” “First babies always come late.” “Hospital birth is the only safe option.” If you’re pregnant, you may have already heard at least one of these — maybe from a well-meaning family member… or maybe from your doctor. In this episode, we’re having a little fun (and a lot of truth-telling) as we walk through 16 of the most common pregnancy and birth myths, from the 1940s all the way to today. Some are funny. Some are outdated. And some are still quietly shaping how women experience pregnancy and birth — without even realizing it. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this actually true… or just something people say?"... this one's for you! Here are some highlights from the episode: • Why lifting your arms, moving your body, and even sex during pregnancy became taboo • The truth behind weight gain, cravings, and “eating for two” • The real history of being put to sleep for labor (and why informed consent matters) • How formula marketing, induction convenience, and medical authority shaped modern birth • Why questioning your provider is not only okay — it’s important • What actually happens with water breaking, due dates, and first babies • The myths surrounding epidurals, C-sections, and “forgetting the pain” • Why instant bonding doesn’t happen for everyone — and why that’s normal Some will make you laugh, others will have you shaking your head...all of them will be debunked 😉  Let's keep the conversation going...send me the craziest, funniest, or downright concerning myths you've heard!  IG @myessentialbirth  email: hello@myessentialbirth.com Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!

    35 min

  5. JAN 29

    From Fight Camp to Birth: How a Pro Fighter Prepared for Labor w/Madie Meacham

    I never thought I would hear birth compared to fighting… but honestly, it might be one of my favorite analogies ever. In this episode, I’m joined by Madie — a professional fighter, dog trainer, and mom — who shares how she approached pregnancy and birth with the same mindset she brings to fight camp: strategy, mental strength, and trust in her mind and body. We talk about what it’s like to navigate pregnancy when you can’t workout, how she chose the right midwife, and how she learned to make intuitive decisions in labor — including whether or not to get the epidural, and how to trust her body's need for movement.  I absolutely loved this conversation and the way Madie reframes birth as something you can actually train for, mentally and emotionally, not just physically.  Here are some highlights from the episode:  • How Madie went from professional fighter to first-time (& second-time) mom...who still fights btw!  • What it was like mentally to not be able to fight or workout during pregnancy  • How she chose her midwife and what to do if you’re second-guessing your provider  • The truth about pregnancy weight gain and why it wasn’t actually a problem  • Why she calls birth a “nine-month fight camp”  • How she used visualization, meditation, movement, and My Essential Birth to prepare • Why she actually wanted cervical checks  • How intuitive position changes helped her baby move into a better position • How My Essential Birth supported her through pregnancy and labor • Her best advice for moms (and dads… especially dads 😅) If you are here and pregnant, I hope you take some of this amazing advice into your own birth prep, and that you enjoying the fun birth story as well. Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!

    54 min

  6. JAN 21

    Pregnancy Nausea? Do THIS Before Medication

    If you’re pregnant right now, chances are your mornings—or really, your entire day—feel like a constant battle with nausea. 🤢 And that means this episode is 100% for you! In this episode, we uncover the real reasons pregnancy nausea hits so hard — especially early on — and why crackers, ginger, and “just push through it” just don't work. From hormones and blood sugar to minerals, hydration, and lab tests, we break down the root causes behind morning sickness and share strategies that actually help you feel better. I loved recording this episode because so many moms feel helpless with nausea — but there’s so much you can do before reaching for medication. We’ll cover practical, science-backed tips that address your body’s needs and help you regain energy and comfort during the first challenging months of pregnancy. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: • Why understanding the why behind nausea matters before taking medication • Why nausea hits so hard in early pregnancy — hormones, placenta growth, and more • The hidden causes of pregnancy nausea: blood sugar swings, thyroid, minerals, dehydration, and nervous system overload • How to know if blood sugar is driving your nausea and what to do about it • Which labs and providers can give you the answers you need • Foods, supplements, temperature hacks, and rest strategies to feel better fast • How to put it all together for a personalized, root-cause approach that works Whether you’re in week 6 or week 16, this episode will give you tools to feel empowered, supported, and a little less nauseous. 😉 Tune in and discover how to approach morning sickness from the root — so you can finally enjoy this season of pregnancy. Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!

    28 min

  7. JAN 14

    Choosing ONE Word or Intention for Your Birth Experience

    Choosing one word may seem simple, but it can completely transform the way you experience pregnancy and birth. In this episode, I share how selecting a single intention or birth word can help you focus your energy, calm your nervous system, and step into labor feeling empowered and grounded. From reflecting on your pregnancy to setting meaningful goals and aligning your mindset, this episode is full of practical guidance, real-life examples, and mindset shifts that can make a big difference — even before your baby arrives. I loved diving into this topic, walking through why this small, intentional act can have such a profound impact. Whether you’re just starting your pregnancy journey or counting down the weeks, this episode gives you tools to create a calmer, more confident, and empowered birth experience. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn in this episode:  • Why choosing one word or intention for your birth is more powerful than you think • How to focus on your pregnancy and use visualization to clarify your intentions • Daily habits and mindset practices that keep you grounded and focused • How to break intentions into realistic goals for pregnancy and birth • The subtle power of saying yes and no • Examples of birth words and how to use them during labor and throughout pregnancy • How mindset shapes your birth experience, even if things don’t go exactly as planned Birth is about more than just the physical process — it’s about your mindset and intention too. This episode will help you create a birth experience that feels aligned with you and your baby, no matter what unfolds. Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!

    30 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    REBROADCAST: Birth Story: Unmedicated Birth Story of Embracing the Beauty of Natural Childbirth with Morgan Adams

    What would you do if your labor moved so fast… you barely made it to the hospital? This birth story is our most downloaded episode of the entire year!  In this powerful birth story, My Essential Birth Course student Morgan Adams shares her journey through pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and two very different birth experiences — including an incredibly fast, unmedicated hospital birth where she met her baby just 15 minutes after arriving. From navigating induction conversations with her provider to trusting her body and preparation, Morgan’s story full of wisdom for every pregnant mom. I absolutely loved sitting down with Morgan and walking through her birth experiences. She shares honestly about what surprised her, what helped her feel confident, and how education, mindset, and support shaped the way her births unfolded. This episode is such a beautiful reminder that preparation matters — and that when you understand your options and trust your body, birth can be empowering no matter how it looks. This is one of those stories you’ll want to save and come back to as you prepare for your own birth. Here are some highlights from the episode: • Morgan’s experience with gestational diabetes and how she managed it through diet • What it looked like to have honest, supportive conversations with her provider about induction • The role her husband played as a calm, encouraging birth partner • Why Morgan’s mindset around birth completely changed after taking the birth course • The simple daily habits and tools she used to prepare for birth • What it was like when her water broke before contractions began • The moment she realized labor was moving quickly — and how she stayed calm • Delivering her baby just minutes after arriving at the hospital with minimal intervention • Honest thoughts on Pitocin contractions vs. unmedicated labor • Morgan’s best advice for moms about education, advocacy, and confidence • Encouragement and practical wisdom for dads supporting their partners during birth Don't forget to RATE & FOLLOW the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Leave a Review! ⭐️ Here's how >> On Apple Podcasts Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast Select “Ratings and Reviews” Click the stars! Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved! On Spotify Find "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" podcast Click the 3 dots "..." Select "Rate podcast" Click the stars and write a quick review! FOLLOW "Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy" so you never miss an episode that makes pregnancy & birth feel easier! Here’s how to do it in just 2 seconds: On Apple Podcasts → Tap the “+” Follow button in the top right corner of the show page. On Spotify → Tap the “Follow” button right under the show titles Let's Connect! Join the Course! https://www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted Email: hello@myessentialbirth.com. Follow @myessentialbirth on INSTAGRAM!

    44 min
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4.8
out of 5
729 Ratings

About

Birth is amazing, beautiful, wonderful . . . and it can throw you for a loop! Despite our very best birth “plans,” we can find ourselves taking some twist and turns during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum that we don’t expect. Enter the Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast! Hey mama! My name is Stephanie, and I’m a mom of three boys, and two girls, a professional doula, childbirth educator, and the creator of the Online Birth Course - My Essential Birth www.myessentialbirth.com. I love to help mothers just like you feel empowered and confident during pregnancy, birth, and into motherhood by taking my years of knowledge and personal/professional experience in the birth world and breaking down complex birth topics to make preparing for labor & birth a breeze! Every week, you’ll hear from myself & other women ready to share their knowledge with other pregnant moms about pregnancy and birth topics that will have you feeling knowledgeable and in the driver’s seat of your best birth experience. Your best birth starts here >>>> www.myessentialbirth.com/getstarted 

Information

  • Creator
    My Essential Birth
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    338
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy
  • Show Website
    Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy

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