Your Birth Bestie | The Pregnancy and Birth Podcast for an Informed and Fearless Experience Beth Connors - Certified Nurse Midwife

Are you unsure what to expect when labor starts or how to determine a pregnancy cramp or Braxton Hicks contraction from a true labor contraction? You want to feel confident you’ll know when it’s the real deal!In today’s episode, I’ll cover everything you need to know when distinguishing practice contractions from actual labor.What to expect:What is preterm labor and key signs to watch for…What are Braxton Hicks contractions…How do real labor contractions differ from pregnancy cramps…When to c...

Informed consent is a crucial topic to discuss in childbirth. I love helping women take control of their birthing experiences by asking questions and making informed plans, so they can love their birth no matter what!In this episode, I spoke with Katie Spinks, a doula and childbirth educator, who bravely shares her story of experiencing uterine rupture during an elective induction with pitocin. Katie opens up about her journey, highlighting issues of uninformed consent and medical negligence ...

How are you hanging in there during the third trimester of pregnancy? There can be many discomforts at this time of pregnancy and this week I am sharing tips on how to manage some of the biggest complaints moms have.In this episode, we'll cover:Practical tips for managing frequent urination during pregnancy…Strategies for getting better sleep before those restless newborn days…How to prevent swelling in your ankles and legs, especially when on your feet all day…Managing acid reflu...

Are you worried about having a big baby and it leading to an induction of labor or perineal tearing?As a mom of big babies, I was fear mongered in my second pregnancy to do extra testing early on, leading to further intervention… instead of being educated, empowered, and supported to do what was right for me. You won’t want to miss this episode with Bloom Physical Therapy and Wellness!In this episode we talk about:The myths and truths about big babies during pregnancy and childbirth…Expert in...

Are you thinking about using a fetal doppler to monitor your baby's heartbeat at home during pregnancy?Join me in this episode, as we dive further into:Pros and cons of using a fetal doppler for increased reassurance…Early detection of potential concerns and what to be aware of…How dopplers can increase emotional bonding for moms and dads… Understanding the limitations of a doppler and that false reassurance does happen…Practical tips for safe and effective doppler use if you choose to m...

You may or may not have heard of fetal kick counts before… but let’s talk about your baby’s movements in your belly and how to best understand what they mean!In this episode, we’ll dive into:What are fetal kick counts? When to start tracking these movements…How to know what your baby’s movements mean…The steps to do fetal kick counts and what is considered normal…Debunking the myth that baby’s movements decrease as they grow……and much more!General advice is to trust your instincts if you noti...