The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama

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

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

  1. 2D AGO

    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

    9 min

  2. 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

  3. 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

    11 min

  4. 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

  5. APR 10

    What I Tell Moms Who Are Terrified of Labor | 251

    If the thought of labor makes your stomach drop and your heart race… this episode is for you, mama. Hey girl, I see you. The midnight Google spirals, the dramatic birth stories that left you spiraling, and that voice in your head whispering “there’s no way I can do that.” Fear of labor is incredibly normal - but left unchecked, it can actually make labor harder. Today I’m breaking down exactly where that fear comes from, what it does to your body, and what I personally tell every terrified mom I work with as a high-risk labor and delivery nurse. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most of what you think you know about birth is skewed (thanks, TV, horror stories, and the unknown)How fear creates the Fear-Tension-Pain cycle and fights against the very hormones you need for laborThe 4 powerful truths I share with scared mamas that completely shift their perspectivePractical steps to turn uninformed fear into confident preparation (education, real birth classes, relaxation practice, and strong support) By the end, you’ll have a totally different relationship with your fear - and you’ll walk into your birth feeling more prepared and empowered instead of terrified. Your body was literally built for this. Labor has rhythm. You have more control than you think. And that fear? It just means you care deeply - now let’s give it the right outlet. If you’re ready to stop spiraling and start preparing like a boss, this one’s for you. Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 What I Tell Moms Who Are Terrified of Labor01:56 Where Fear Comes From03:42 Fear Changes Labor Biology05:11 Four Reframes for Scared Moms07:51 How to Calm Fear09:33 You Can Do This 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. APR 3

    From 3cm to 10cm in One Hour: Our Student Gabi’s Birth Story | 250

    Hey mamas! I am SO excited to share this episode with you. Today I’m chatting with Gabi, one of my Calm Labor Confident Birth students who also activated her Labor Bat Signal. She’s here to tell the raw, real story of bringing her fiery little girl into the world on January 26th, 2025. Gabi went from measuring small with low fluid at 38+5, to an induction she didn’t plan for, a midwife who wanted to break her water way too early, a deceleration scare, and back-to-back contractions that had her questioning everything… to going from 2-3 cm to 10 cm in ONE HOUR and pushing her baby out in just 18 minutes (six pushes!) on hands and knees. She stayed calm and confident because she had the knowledge, the tools, the mantras ("You're one contraction away from meeting your baby"), and the support from the Labor Bat Signal when it mattered most. The toilet was her magic dilation station, she advocated like a boss, and she walked away feeling completely empowered - even when her birth map took some unexpected turns. This episode is proof that when you know your options, trust your body, and have the right support, you can handle whatever labor throws at you. Key takeaways you’ll love: Why a birth map (not a rigid plan) is everythingThe power of saying “no” when you know whyHow the toilet can be your best friend in laborWhy the Labor Bat Signal is a game-changer (especially when things shift fast)Turning fear into fierce advocacy in real time If you’re pregnant and want to feel prepared, calm, and confident - no matter how your birth unfolds - this one’s for you. Gabi’s story will fire you up! Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Gabi’s Birth Story05:26 Labor Bat Signal07:29 Low Fluid Diagnosis08:55 Induction Advice 10:53 Pitocin Pressure Begins12:21 Toilet Dilation Station14:40 Urge to Push15:39 Toilet to Ten Centimeters19:10 Advocacy and Pitocin Decisions21:44 Empowered Birth Map Mindset22:52 Tear Stitch and Baby Two 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

  7. MAR 27

    You Asked, I Answered: Pregnancy and Postpartum Questions Your Doctor Is Too Busy To Answer | 249

    This week I grabbed the most common questions you sent me over on Instagram from my 418k followers and answered them the way your bestie labor nurse would - honest, no fluff, and zero fear-mongering. I’m answering: Is that sharp bump pain in the early second trimester normal? (And when to actually call your provider)The 4-1-2 rule for heading to the hospital with your first baby (and why it’s different for your second)How long postpartum bleeding really lasts + the red-flag signs you can’t ignoreThe truth about the 24-hour water-breaking rule (it’s not the automatic emergency most hospitals make it sound like)Postpartum night sweats, when your milk actually comes in, and why those night sweats hit so hardBig baby at 39 weeks - do you have to induce or schedule a C-section? (Spoiler: I’ve got strong feelings on this one)Tips for flipping a breech baby, scar pain in pregnancy, Pitocin realities, and so much more If you’ve ever been up at 2 a.m. Googling your questions while pregnant, this episode is your calm in the chaos. Knowledge flips fear into power, mama - and that’s exactly what we’re doing today. Whether you’re prepping for birth or deep in the postpartum trenches, you’ll walk away feeling seen, informed, and way more confident. More from this episode: Listen to Episode 217: Your Essential Second Trimester Checklist for a Smoother Birth Experience | 217 Calm Labor Confident Birth Course Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Answering Your Top Questions01:43 Second Trimester Bump Pain02:24 Postpartum Bleeding Timeline03:00 When To Go To Hospital04:30 Water Break 24 Hour Rule05:12 Fear Of Giving Birth05:51 TDAP And Whooping Cough06:21 Flipping A Breech Baby07:19 C Section Scar Pain07:59 Postpartum Night Sweats08:16 When Milk Comes In09:02 What Contractions Feel Like09:43 Pitocin Pros And Risks10:08 Big Baby Induction Pressure11:48 Small Baby Growth Concerns 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

    14 min

  8. MAR 20

    Baby Reflux Is Not Normal: What Every New Mom Needs to Know | 248

    I got to sit down with Áine, the Baby Reflux Lady - a leading holistic expert in infant reflux, colic, and digestive discomfort. Drawing from her background in Traditional Chinese Medicine, nutrition, and her own journey as a mom of two babies with severe reflux, Áine shares why she refuses to accept the outdated idea that “this is just how babies are.” We dive deep into the real signs of reflux (it’s not just spitting up!), why so many parents feel dismissed by “they’ll grow out of it,” and how listening to your instincts can change everything. Áine explains the importance of looking at the whole baby, uncovering root causes instead of just managing symptoms, and shares practical steps for overwhelmed moms - from what pregnant mamas can watch for to simple ways to support your nervous system when things feel heavy. If you’ve ever been told your baby’s discomfort is normal, this episode will give you permission to trust yourself and know there is another way. Whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or deep in the thick of sleepless nights and constant crying, Áine’s wisdom offers real hope and clear direction. More from Áine The Baby Reflux Lady: Visit https://www.thebabyrefluxlady.co.uk/ Check out the Symptoms Tracker Follow Áine on Instagram: @babyrefluxlady and FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/theBabyRefluxLady Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Áine The Baby Reflux Lady06:43 Pregnancy Prep and Early Red Flags10:27 Calming Yourself to Calm Baby14:24 Clear Signs It’s Reflux17:34 Smelly Gas and Gut Discomfort20:45 Breastmilk, Carbs And Stress27:35 Programs And Support Options29:58 Fast Results Story32:08 Where To Find Áine 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

    37 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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