Mom2Mom Podcast

Stephanie Sinclair
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

We are on a mission to make the journey of motherhood a little less overwhelming. During these episodes you will hear stories of triumph, heartache, and hope. You will hear time-tested tips and tricks shared by moms, a variety of birth stories that will resonate with all birthing families, and advice from professionals who have dedicated their teachings to pregnancy, birth, and moms. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we’re so happy to have you! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. 

  1. 5d ago

    49 | What Happens When Your Water Breaks: Pros, Cons, and the BRAIN Framework We Use

    What happens when your water breaks is one of the most common questions we get as doulas, and the answer rarely matches the Hollywood version. In this episode, we're talking through both sides of the water breaking conversation. The one where your water releases on its own at home, and the one where your provider suggests breaking it for you. Both come with options, and both deserve real information instead of the rush-to-the-hospital panic we've been taught to expect. What you'll hear: What to actually do if your water breaks at home, including how to assess the fluid and when to call your providerThe 24-hour clock conversation, why it's evolved since our parents' generation, and what evidence-based birth has to say about itHow we protect physiological birth after your water releases, from limiting vaginal exams to building oxytocinWhen a provider may suggest breaking your water (called AROM, or artificial rupture of membranes), and the real risks and benefits to weigh before saying yesThe BRAIN acronym we walk every How2Mom client through when they're making a decision in the momentMentioned in this episode: Evidence-Based Birth article on Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM): PROM-Handout.pdf  Our recent episode on oxytocin: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3l790j5k4WVmffMdG1CzS0?si=d0f608c6ee2641f2 Childbirth Education Course: https://www.how2mom.com/courses-and-events/childbirth-class-online-and-in-person/Birth Doula Services — How2Mom | Birth Doula Services in the Twin Cities Childbirth Ed Course — How2Mom | Birth Support, Online Birthing Classes, Resources for New Moms Thank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we’re so happy to have you! Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE!  Please also make sure  to comment, share and subscribe!  xoxo, Stephanie Let's Connect: Website (how2mom.com) Instagram (@how2mom) Facebook (@how2mom) TikTok (@how.2.mom) Twitter (@how_2_mom) Linkedin (@how2mom) Pinterest (@how2mom) YouTube (@how2mom)

    25 min

  2. May 18

    48 | Why Your Birth Story Matters: Pride, Grief, and Everything In-Between

    Your baby is here, and in a lot of ways that moment can feel like the finish line. But the story of how they got here, how it felt, what it asked of you, lives on long after the birth. This is why your birth story matters. In this episode, we're talking about the full weight of a birth experience. The pride. The grief. The moments that surprised you. The comments that landed wrong. The pieces you're still making sense of weeks, months, or years later. And we're making space for all of it, because every story deserves to be heard. We're walking through: Why a birth story shapes you long past the day it happenedHow both pride and grief can live in the same storyWhy "at least the baby is healthy" misses what a mom is actually asking forWhat trauma can look like in a birth that "went fine" on paperHow to hold space for a friend who is sharing her story with youDifferent ways to process your own story, from journaling to sharing in communityWhether your story is one you've told a hundred times or one you've never said out loud, you deserve the space to process it however you need to. If you want to share yours with us, we'd be honored to hear it. You can email us anytime. Thank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we’re so happy to have you! Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE!  Please also make sure  to comment, share and subscribe!  xoxo, Stephanie Let's Connect: Website (how2mom.com) Instagram (@how2mom) Facebook (@how2mom) TikTok (@how.2.mom) Twitter (@how_2_mom) Linkedin (@how2mom) Pinterest (@how2mom) YouTube (@how2mom)

    18 min

  3. May 4

    47 | The Real Difference Between Oxytocin and Pitocin & its Impact on your Birth

    When people hear the word Pitocin, it often gets described as "synthetic oxytocin," so it's easy to assume the two are basically the same thing. They're not, and that distinction matters more than most of us realize. In this episode, we're walking through what oxytocin actually does during labor, why it's so much more than the "love hormone" nickname, and how Pitocin works differently in the body even though it's chemically similar. We talk about the labor feedback loop, why environment plays such a huge role in how things progress, and why induced labor can sometimes feel more intense than spontaneous labor. We also cover the postpartum side of Pitocin, which can feel a little confusing at first. Why is the same medication used to start contractions also given to stop bleeding after birth? We break it down so it actually makes sense. This isn't about judging birth choices or saying one path is better than another. It's about understanding what's happening in your body so you can feel more grounded in whatever your birth looks like. Stephanie also shares the story of how her daughter Mackenzie helped move her from early labor into active labor with the twins, a real-life example of oxytocin in action. Birth Doula Services - How2Mom | Birth Doula Services in the Twin Cities Childbirth Ed Course - How2Mom | Birth Support, Online Birthing Classes, Resources for New Moms Thank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we’re so happy to have you! Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE!  Please also make sure  to comment, share and subscribe!  xoxo, Stephanie Let's Connect: Website (how2mom.com) Instagram (@how2mom) Facebook (@how2mom) TikTok (@how.2.mom) Twitter (@how_2_mom) Linkedin (@how2mom) Pinterest (@how2mom) YouTube (@how2mom)

    17 min

  4. Apr 20

    46 | Placenta Encapsulation: What It Actually Is, Why Moms Are Choosing It, and What to Do If It's Not for You

    If your first reaction to "placenta encapsulation" is a hard no, we get it. Stephanie had the same reaction 13 years ago. But stay with us, because by the end of this episode, a lot of moms find themselves thinking: okay, this actually makes sense. In this episode, Stephanie and Nikki break down what placenta encapsulation really is, how the process works, and the top five reasons moms are choosing it as part of their postpartum recovery. We talk about what the research does and doesn't say, what nutrients the placenta contains, and why timing matters so much in those first few days. Stephanie also shares her own experience and how encapsulation played a role in her milk coming in. We also cover what to do if encapsulation isn't your thing. From burial to donation to cadaver dog training (yes, really), there are more options for your placenta than you might think. This one is all about giving you the information so you can decide what feels right for your body and your postpartum journey. No pressure. Just options. Thank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we’re so happy to have you! Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE!  Please also make sure  to comment, share and subscribe!  xoxo, Stephanie Let's Connect: Website (how2mom.com) Instagram (@how2mom) Facebook (@how2mom) TikTok (@how.2.mom) Twitter (@how_2_mom) Linkedin (@how2mom) Pinterest (@how2mom) YouTube (@how2mom)

    25 min

  5. Apr 6

    45 | Is It False Labor or Prodromal Labor? What Your Body Is Actually Doing

    If you've been having contractions that feel completely real and then just stop, you are not imagining it. And you are not doing anything wrong. Prodromal labor is one of those experiences that doesn't get talked about nearly enough, and yet so many people go through it feeling confused, defeated, and alone. This episode is for anyone currently in it, anyone who has been through it, and anyone who wants to be prepared. Stephanie and Nikki break down exactly what prodromal labor is, why it happens, and most importantly how to cope with prodromal labor when it feels like your body is playing tricks on you. We cover: What prodromal labor actually is and how it differs from Braxton HicksWhy your body is not broken, it is preparingThe most common causes including baby's position, pelvic alignment, and emotional stressWhy we prefer the term pre-labor over false laborPractical tools to help you rest, recover, and stay groundedWhen to lean on your team and what that support can look likeWhy distraction might be your best friend right nowWe also want to say this clearly. Prodromal labor is hard. The feelings of frustration, exhaustion, and discouragement that come with it are completely valid. This phase will pass, and your body is working even when it doesn't feel like it. Items Mentioned During the Episode:  Spinning Babies for the fetal positioning techniques sectionThe Miles Circuit has its own dedicated websiteDip the Hip is actually hosted on the Spinning Babies site, not One Strong Mama. The transcript attributes it to One Strong Mama but the technique lives on Spinning Babies. Worth double checking with Stephanie and Nikki which link they want to use. One Strong Mama is a prenatal exercise program site, so we can still link it when the program is mentioned generallyBlog: https://www.how2mom.com/prodromal-labor/ Thank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we’re so happy to have you! Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE!  Please also make sure  to comment, share and subscribe!  xoxo, Stephanie Let's Connect: Website (how2mom.com) Instagram (@how2mom) Facebook (@how2mom) TikTok (@how.2.mom) Twitter (@how_2_mom) Linkedin (@how2mom) Pinterest (@how2mom) YouTube (@how2mom)

    15 min

  6. Mar 30

    44 | Partner Support During Labor: What Tools Dads & Support People Need to Know

    This one is for the dads, partners, and support people who want to help during birth but aren't sure what that actually looks like. Here's the truth: you do not need to be a birth expert to be an incredible support person. You just need presence, awareness, and a willingness to prepare. And that's exactly what we're getting into today. Stephanie and Nikki share the real, practical tools we give partners before and during birth. The stuff that actually makes a difference in the room. Not what the movies show. Not what social media suggests. What we see working every single day at births. We talk through: Why your job is not to fix labor (and what it actually is)How your nervous system directly affects your birthing partnerTangible physical support tools including touch, counter pressure, and hip squeezesHow to be a gatekeeper and advocate without taking overWhat not to say (please, just never say "just relax")Why preparation is one of the most loving things you can do before birthWhen to lean on your doula so you don't carry it all aloneWe also go deep on something that doesn't get talked about enough. Resentment. Feeling unsupported during labor can linger for years. Preparation together before birth day protects both of you. Plus we share a full checklist covering before birth, mindset prep, during labor support, emotional tools, and self-care for partners too. If you're expecting and listening to this one, please share it with your partner. This is exactly what they need to hear. Blog: www.how2mom.com/partner-support-during-labor  Thank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we’re so happy to have you! Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE!  Please also make sure  to comment, share and subscribe!  xoxo, Stephanie Let's Connect: Website (how2mom.com) Instagram (@how2mom) Facebook (@how2mom) TikTok (@how.2.mom) Twitter (@how_2_mom) Linkedin (@how2mom) Pinterest (@how2mom) YouTube (@how2mom)

    29 min

  7. Mar 18

    43 | Can you REALLY Breathe Your Baby Out? Two Minnesota Doulas Talk Breathing Techniques for Labor

    You've probably heard it before: don't hold your breath while pushing. Maybe you're holding onto that advice tightly as you prep for birth, especially if you've been practicing breathing techniques for labor ahead of time. We get it. And we want to give you the full picture. In this episode, Stephanie and Nikki sit down for an honest conversation about breathing, pushing, and what it actually looks like to move a baby through the pelvis in real time. This isn't about contradicting anyone's care team. It's about making sure you have context, not just a rule. We talk through: Why the "no breath-holding" guidance exists and where it comes fromWhat breathing techniques for labor work best at each stage of pushingHow pushing shifts as baby descends and crowning beginsWhy rigid advice can work against you in the momentWhat it looks like when every professional stays in their lane and refers outThe questions you should be asking your care team before your due dateThe pelvic floor therapy community does incredible work. And as doulas who attend births every single day, we bring a different lens. Not a competing one. A complementary one. Because birth requires responsiveness, not perfection. If you're preparing for the pushing phase and want to feel informed, flexible, and supported, this episode is for you. See more on the blog: https://www.how2mom.com/breathing-techniques-for-labor  Thank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we’re so happy to have you! Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE!  Please also make sure  to comment, share and subscribe!  xoxo, Stephanie Let's Connect: Website (how2mom.com) Instagram (@how2mom) Facebook (@how2mom) TikTok (@how.2.mom) Twitter (@how_2_mom) Linkedin (@how2mom) Pinterest (@how2mom) YouTube (@how2mom)

    19 min

  8. Mar 9

    42 | The Evidence for Doulas: Research-backed Benefits for Birth Outcomes

    When families ask, “Is there evidence that doulas really make a difference?” —the answer is yes. In this episode of the Mom2Mom Podcast, we break down the scientific evidence for doulas and what research actually shows about the benefits of doula support during labor and birth. Using high-quality data summarized by Evidence Based Birth, we explore how continuous labor support—especially from a doula—impacts cesarean rates, spontaneous vaginal birth, pain medication use, labor length, newborn outcomes, and birth satisfaction. We also explain the difference between relative risk and absolute risk, so the statistics actually make sense for real families making real decisions. If you’re wondering, “What scientific studies support the benefits of hiring a doula?” this episode walks you through the data in a clear, supportive way—so you can feel confident and informed as you plan your birth. Read the Blog: how2mom.com/evidence-for-doulas Thank you so much for listening to the Mom2Mom Podcast! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we’re so happy to have you! Join the email list to be notified when episodes go live HERE!  Please also make sure  to comment, share and subscribe!  xoxo, Stephanie Let's Connect: Website (how2mom.com) Instagram (@how2mom) Facebook (@how2mom) TikTok (@how.2.mom) Twitter (@how_2_mom) Linkedin (@how2mom) Pinterest (@how2mom) YouTube (@how2mom)

    20 min
See All (49)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

We are on a mission to make the journey of motherhood a little less overwhelming. During these episodes you will hear stories of triumph, heartache, and hope. You will hear time-tested tips and tricks shared by moms, a variety of birth stories that will resonate with all birthing families, and advice from professionals who have dedicated their teachings to pregnancy, birth, and moms. Here, you will find encouragement, support and community. We are your community. And we’re so happy to have you! This podcast is meant to empower women and bring the community together through storytelling and education. 

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Sinclair
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mom2Mom Podcast
  • Show Website
    Mom2Mom Podcast