Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy

My Essential Birth
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  • 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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 12/24/2025

    From Hospital to Birth Center: An Empowering Second Birth Story w/Rebekah Foderaro

    What happens when the birth you thought you’d have turns into something even more powerful? In this incredible unmedicated birth story, My Essential Birth Mama Rebekah Foderaro shares her journey from planning a hospital birth to unexpectedly falling in love with birth center care. Along the way, she opens up about pregnancy challenges, navigating provider options, trusting her intuition, and how preparation—both mental and physical—completely changed her birth experience. Rebekah’s story is one so many moms will recognize: doing the research, asking the hard questions, and learning to listen to your body and your instincts. From the early moments of labor to working with contractions and feeling truly supported, this episode is a beautiful reminder that when you feel informed and prepared, birth can be empowering—even when it doesn’t follow your original plan. I absolutely loved sitting down with Rebekah and walking through her experience. Her reflections on mindset, education, and partner support are incredibly grounding and will leave you smiling. This episode is a reminder that birth preparation is about confidence, trust, and knowing your options. If you’re pregnant and wondering what’s possible for your birth, this is one you’ll want to listen to more than once. Here are some highlights from the episode: • What led Rebekah to explore birth center care—and why it ended up being the perfect fit • Navigating pregnancy challenges and advocating for herself along the way • How education, movement, and mindset shaped her confidence going into labor • What early labor felt like and how she knew it was time to pay attention • The ways she worked with contractions and supported her body through labor • How her husband showed up as a steady, supportive birth partner • What surprised her most about the birth experience • Why preparation made such a difference in how she felt during labor and birth • Her best advice for moms and birth partners preparing for birth Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, a birth center birth, or still figuring out your options, Rebekah’s story will leave you feeling confident in your ability to prepare for a birth experience you can look back on with joy. 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!

    45 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    10 Contractions & a Toilet Baby: Positive Home Birth Story w/Ashley & Bryan Worley

    Can you imagine having only about 10 contractions and your baby being born?! This is seriously the BEST birth story! In this unforgettable (and honestly unbelievable) birth story, My Essential Birth students Ashley & Bryan Worley share their second birth experience — from preparing for pregnancy while parenting a toddler, to doing deep mental work for birth, to a labor that went from “hmm, maybe something’s happening” to baby in arms in less than about 10 contractions 🤯. I absolutely loved sitting down with Ashley and Bryan to walk through this birth story together. They talk openly about what changed the second time around, why mental preparation mattered more than anything else, and how nutrition, midwife care, and intentional communication helped Ashley stay low-risk and confident going into labor. Bryan also shares his perspective as a dad — including the moment he knew something was different just by the sound of Ashley’s voice. This episode is such a powerful reminder that birth doesn’t have to be predictable to be empowering — and that when both parents prepare together, everything flows smoothly. If you’re pregnant (or supporting someone who is), I promise this is one of those stories that will stick with you and leave you thinking, “Okay… maybe I really can do this.” (because you 100% can!) Here are some highlights from the episode: • What really changes in pregnancy and birth the second time around • Preparing for birth while parenting a toddler • The mental prep that helped Ashley stay calm and focused during labor • Why they chose midwives and a birth center — again • How nutrition impacted labs and risk factors in pregnancy • Skipping routine cervical checks and trusting the process • Going past the due date and navigating the mental side of waiting • The moment labor shifted and everything moved FAST • A birth that ended with Bryan catching their baby himself • Their best advice for both moms and dads preparing for birth If you’re getting close to your due date or just starting to think about birth, let this episode be your reminder that your body is capable, birth can move in unexpected (and amazing) ways, and preparation truly matters. Take a deep breath, press play, and let Ashley and Bryan’s story encourage you as you head toward your own birth day. 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

  5. 12/10/2025

    Home Birth Story: Prayer, Prenatal Depression, & the Best Birth Story w/Kaitlyn & Kale Hallman

    This birth story is such a beautiful reminder that preparation, prayer, and unwavering partner support can truly transform the labor experience.  In this episode, Kaitlyn and her husband Kale share their faith-filled home birth journey — from unexpected pregnancy challenges and prenatal depression to the incredible moment Kale caught their baby in the birth tub. You’ll hear the raw realities of third-trimester pain, mental health struggles, intentional birth prep as a couple, and the powerful role prayer played when their birth took an unexpected turn. This episode is packed with encouragement for moms preparing their bodies and minds for birth — and for dads learning how to show up with strength and confidence when it matters most. This was such a meaningful birth story to record, and I truly hope you absolutely love it. Here’s some highlights from the episode:  • Unexpected pregnancy symptoms and fears surrounding possible cholestasis  • The reality of severe third-trimester pain and prenatal depression  • How Kaitlyn chose a home birth and found the right midwife  • How they prepared for labor together as a couple • What labor looked like from both the mom and dad perspective • Natural pain relief methods used during home labor • The moment Kale caught their baby • A delayed placenta and the powerful role prayer played • What it was like emotionally for both of them to experience a home birth • Their best advice for expectant moms and dads preparing for birth This episode is a beautiful reminder that birth is not just a physical experience — it’s emotional, spiritual, relational, and transformational. Whether you’re planning a home birth, a hospital birth, or trying to figure out each of your roles during pregnancy and birth, this is the perfect episode for moms AND dads! ❤️  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 9m

  6. 12/03/2025

    From Induction Plans to Roadside Baby: Birth Story w/MEB Mama, Karlen Barr

    What would you do if your baby came so fast… there was no time to make it to the hospital? In this unforgettable, heart-melting birth story, My Essential Birth Mama Karlen shares her journey with us through a challenging pregnancy, an unexpected early labor after planning for induction, and a completely unplanned roadside birth with only her husband by her side. From the moment she realized, “I’m doing this right now,” to the incredible birth that follows, I know you're going to love this birth story as much as I do!! I absolutely loved chatting with Karlen and walking through her birth story with her. As a clinical psychologist, she shares how her mindset, preparation, and deep trust in her body supported her through one of the most intense experiences of her life. This episode is a PROOF that birth doesn’t have to go according to plan to be empowering and unforgettable. I promise, this is an episode you do not want to miss! In fact, maybe play it over and over again as you come up to your birth! Here's some deets from the episode: • How Karlen navigated a challenging pregnancy and a late diagnosis of cholestasis • What midwifery care looked like for her • The daily habits, mindset work, and preparation that set her up for success and gave her a birth she loves! • What happened when labor began earlier than expected • The moment she realized her baby was coming FAST • How her husband supported her through a roadside birth with no medical staff present • What it was like emotionally to process a birth no one could have planned • How her background in psychology shaped her birth experience • Her most powerful advice for both moms and birth partners 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!

    46 min

  7. 11/26/2025

    I Love My Baby… AND I’m Struggling | Why This Is NORMAL in Motherhood with Dr. Margo Lowy

    “I love my baby… AND I’m struggling.” If you’ve ever thought that and immediately felt guilt, shame, or fear that something was wrong—you are not alone. In this deeply moving and much-needed episode, I sit down with Dr. Margo Lowy, author of the powerful new book Maternal Ambivalence, to talk about the full emotional reality of motherhood—starting in pregnancy. This conversation is profoundly healing. It normalizes the feelings so many mothers carry silently: the love, the overwhelm, the resentment, the doubt, and the deep devotion that all exist at the same time. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, conflicted, judged, isolated, or like you’re “not doing motherhood right,” this episode is 100% for you. It may be one of the most important conversations I’ve shared this year for pregnant moms and mothers everywhere. Here’s what we cover: 2:43 – Meet Dr. Margo Lowy & why the emotional truth of motherhood begins in pregnancy—not at birth. 6:35 – What maternal ambivalence really means (and why loving your baby while feeling resentment is completely normal). 14:43 – “Will I get through this?” What to do when motherhood feels overwhelming—and how the right support changes everything. 20:25 – The pressure to be a “perfect mom,” the lie of social media, and why real motherhood was never meant to be lived in isolation. 33:31 – Inside her book Maternal Ambivalence and how understanding your full range of emotions can release shame at every stage. 42:21 – Letting go of the “inner camera” that constantly judges your mothering—and learning to flow with compassion instead. Motherhood was never meant to be neat, quiet, or flawless. It’s messy, interrupted, overwhelming, sacred, and deeply loving—all at once. If you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or years into motherhood and still questioning yourself, this episode will leave you with a deep breath of relief, maybe a tear or two, and a renewed ability to trust yourself as a mother. 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!

    50 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    9lb 12oz Baby Home Birth — No Cervical Checks, No Stitches, Taylor's AMAZING Birth Story

    If you’ve ever wondered what a peaceful, physiological, deeply empowering home birth can look like — especially with a big baby — this episode will become your new obsession. Today, Taylor Ward walks us through her beautiful birth story of her 9 lb 12 oz baby boy born at home… after going 8 days past her due date… with zero cervical checks, no stitches, and the most intuitive, grounded labor mindset you’ve ever heard. If you’re craving real-life encouragement, home birth inspiration, mental preparation tips, and reassurance that your body truly can do this — this one's for you! Here's What You'll Learn in This Episode: 2:47 – Life with two under two What daily life looks like with two little ones and the surprising perspective Taylor wants every pregnant mom to hear. 5:58 – Her pregnancy journey Energy shifts, wild third-trimester leg cramps, breastfeeding while pregnant, and navigating a dip in milk supply. 11:40 – Leg cramps + mental health What finally helped her cramps and how she moved through an unexpected emotional spiral. 17:15 – Hospital birth vs. home birth Why she switched birth settings the second time and how her midwives supported every decision. 19:47 – Preparing mentally + physically Mindset work, fear release, and the positioning techniques that helped with a late-pregnancy transverse baby. 23:42 – Her birth partner’s role How her husband supported her emotionally, physically, and with toddler care so she could rest. 29:06 – Saying “no” to induction… again What happened the first time — and why she chose a completely different path at 41+ weeks. 31:48 – The Birth Story Waters breaking at night, the birth space, her visualizations, quiet rest periods, and laboring in the birth pool. 42:36 – Pushing + meeting baby What pushing positions actually worked and the calm, joyful moment she met her nearly 10 lb baby. 48:24 – Immediate postpartum care Why she skipped stitches, skipped cervical checks, and how she settled in after birth. 52:54 – The first 24 hours Healing, bonding, resting, and soaking in that dreamy newborn bubble. 55:03 – The mental work behind her contractions Her spiritual reflections, relaxation tools, and the techniques (like a birthing comb + counter-pressure) that ma 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 9m
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4.8
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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
    332
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy
  • Show Website
    Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy

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