A resource to support expecting moms (and partners, too!) with evidence-based information to navigate the awesome adventure of pregnancy, birth, and being a new parent. Vanessa Merten provides evidence based info that goes way beyond the typical “pregnancy instruction manual”. Every episode is designed to give you all of the evidence, research, pros, cons, risks, and benefits – all so you decide what the best option is for YOU and feel confident about your decisions during your pregnancy and ...
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Survive the twin pregnancy and thrive as a father of twins
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We educate and entertain expectant mothers and those hoping to become pregnant. Each episode features a panel of pregnant women, at various stages and trimesters, as well as experienced moms and experts. Together they explore topics aimed to embrace pregnancy and encourage women to pursue their individual childbirth choices.
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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, 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 ...
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Everything a pregnant woman and her partner need to know to support them in preparation for labour, birth, and the early days with a new baby. This podcast gives both you and your partner the confidence and knowledge about the role they play throughout your birth, so they don't undermine or ruin the birth for you. Throughout these episodes, my guests and I will share with you our experience of being a birth keeper and advocate for women across the globe. This podcast is inclusive and invites ...
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The Expectant Mothers Guide is a factual, educational publication aimed at pregnant moms and dads to help them make informed decisions about their pregnancy, birth and parenting experiences.
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Welcome to “Instructions Not Included,” the unique live discussion series brought to you by Sweetface Scans. This podcast dives deep into the heart of parenting and relationships, covering everything from pregnancy and childbirth to the challenges and triumphs of raising children. With candid conversations about the good times, the tough times, and everything in between, we offer a platform for everyone to share, learn, and grow together in the beautiful chaos of life. “Instructions Not Incl ...
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The Docs2Dads Podcast helps dads find the joy of fatherhood and supports dads actively participating in the health, well-being, and development of themselves, their family, and their community. Follow the show at docs2dads.com If you have a question you’ve always wanted to ask your child’s doctor or a pediatrician, Dr. Scott would love to hear from you!! What do I do if my wife or girlfriend is pregnant? Is my child growing normally? Should I call the pediatrician? How can I be a great dad? ...
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That’s right, For Dummies has turned 20! In November 1991, "DOS For Dummies" rolled off the press with 7,500 units and the yellow-and-black machine has not stopped since. Not even those closest to the brand could have anticipated the profound effect the brand would have on publishing and pop culture – everything from books to sound bites and placements in major motion pictures. But 20 years and 200 million books later, For Dummies is the most widely recognized reference series in the world a ...
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Navigating Pregnancy Nutrition on a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet
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You have increased nutrient needs during pregnancy, and maintaining a balanced diet is essential for you and your baby. There is no denying that animal products are naturally rich sources of specific vitamins and nutrients, and those following a plant-based diet can still meet their nutritional needs. People choose a plant-based diet for various re…
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Episode 125 - Doula Support and Attunement with Heidi Oh
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Send us a text In this weeks episode I am chatting with Heidi Oh, an experienced doula in the US who has recently come back to the birth world after training to be a sexologist. Heidi shares some fascinating insights into the role of being a professional birth partner, including a great explanation on the meaning of attunement. This is such an impo…
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Exciting Update! More Episodes are Coming to the Podcast!
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I’m excited to share an update: I am adding more episodes to the podcast. This means you’ll get even more evidence-based information every single week. Listen to this episode for all the details. Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more. Check …
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David Arrell's Blueprint for First-Time Dads: Embrace the Journey of Fatherhood
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David Arrell, founder of Welcome to Fatherhood, discusses how dads can actively engage in the pregnancy process by viewing it as their own journey. Dads are encouraged to participate through birth classes, doula support, and conversations with their partners emphasizing emotional growth, communication, and leadership in fatherhood. Where to find Da…
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You're pregnant and you're planning to breastfeed your baby. But, if you've never breastfed before, how will you know what to do? Should you take a breastfeeding class? How about visiting a breastfeeding support group? What can you expect to happen during those first few days after your baby is born? And what can you do in advance to prepare for an…
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Navigating Labor and Birth: Your Roadmap from Start to Finish
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Every labor and birth experience is unique, but most follow a familiar journey. This episode guides you step by step from the onset of labor through birth and bringing your baby home. You’ll gain a clear understanding of each stage of the process, along with practical tips to help you navigate labor confidently and make informed decisions for a smo…
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Episode 124 - Discovering Your Own Power When Becoming a Parent.
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Send us a text In this week's episode, I am speaking to Elizabeth. A mother of two children who went on a really deep journey after she became a mother. Finding her voice and stepping into her power helped her to evaluate what elements of her life she wanted to keep, and what she wanted to shed. Elizabeth now helps other women through all of her wo…
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Ep.12 The Village We Build: Enlisting Your Support System for New Parenthood
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Click "HERE" to Comment on show Ever feel like you're juggling a million things as a new parent? Imagine if you had an entire village to help lighten the load. In this episode of Instructions Not Included, we're breaking down the essential steps to build a robust support network that can transform your parenting experience. From listing everyone wh…
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Water Breaking in Twin Pregnancies: Can It Happen Twice?
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One common question that arises about twin pregnancies is that of the process of water breaking. Since there are two babies, can it happen twice? Let’s explore the intricacies of water breaking in twin pregnancies, addressing the possibility of it happening twice and the what that means for you. Before we start, let’s make sure you know about some …
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Stop Calling It a Due Date! Start Calling It a Guess Date!
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Your due date is just an estimate! Many factors affect when your baby will arrive, including genetics. Most first-time moms give birth between 40-42 weeks. Mentally prepare yourself for a longer pregnancy to avoid pressure for induction at 40 weeks. You can make an informed decision for your baby! Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth Course My Essen…
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Body Changes During Pregnancy: The Cervix
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When you first find out you're pregnant, you probably aren't thinking much about your cervix. But this tiny organ is already preparing for your baby. It softens, lengthens, elongates, dilates, thins, and does all sorts of interesting things right up to the moment your baby is born. Learn more about what causes these changes and what it means for yo…
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Review your pregnancy timeline from conception until your baby is born. This episode overviews how your baby develops, what changes your body goes through, and what you should do each month of your pregnancy. Learn when to expect significant milestones like feeling your baby move and critical points to know about in your prenatal care. Thank you to…
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Episode 123 - Dr Sarah Buckley - The Beneficial Role of Oxytocin
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Send us a text In the very first episode of Season 5 I am speaking to the Queen of Hormones - Dr Sarah Buckley. I have been so excited to bring this incredible conversation to you - as I recorded it way back in April. Sarah shares with us her knowledge about hormones in general, but in particular the role of Oxytocin. She has also gained lots of ne…
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Ep.11 Dad Jokes: Bringing Laughter into Early Parenthood
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Click "HERE" to Comment on show Get ready to laugh out loud, dads! Have you ever wondered why a good dad joke can make even the most serious faces crack a smile? Today on Instructions Not Included, we're trading our usual hard-hitting parenting advice for some comedic relief. We'll share classic dad jokes, from the paper that's "tear-able" to the F…
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Unmedicated Birth Center Birth Story: The Power of Support and Affirmations with Maren Rider
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Maren Rider shares her journey from a stressful hospital birth to an empowering birth center experience. With a focus on mental preparation, trust in her body, and supportive midwives, Maren achieved a calm, intervention-free water birth, highlighting the importance of choosing the right provider. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth Course My Essen…
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Managing Pregnancy Discomfort: Acupuncture
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If you're looking for a non-invasive way to help relieve your pregnancy discomfort, then acupuncture may be a great alternative for you! How exactly does acupuncture work and how can it help to heal the body? Does having a bunch of needles inserted just below your skin hurt? And what can you expect to happen during an appointment? Learn more about …
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Expert Tips to Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby
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When your baby arrives, the last thing you want to deal with is troubleshooting issues with your dog adjusting to your new baby. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take during pregnancy to ensure a seamless transition with your pet as your family grows. Learn about the downsides of traditional dog training and what you should do i…
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Send us a text In this episode I am back by giving you a quick idea about what is to come next week when season 5 kicks off with my special guest Dr Sarah Buckley. I am excited to move forward this season with a deep dive into topics that will really support you when preparing for birth and parenting. Set your clocks - timers - watches and make sur…
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Ep.10 Formula Feeding for Dads: Stepping Up When Breastfeeding Isn't the Plan
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Click "HERE" to Comment on show How can dads turn formula feeding into a magical bonding experience with their baby? This episode of Instructions Not Included is all about empowering fathers to embrace bottle-feeding as a meaningful and enriching activity. We unpack everything from the nuts and bolts of warming milk to the emotional nuances of noti…
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As a father of identical twins, one of the biggest hurdles you’ll face each school year is helping teachers distinguish between your twins. It’s crucial for both the twins’ individual development and the teacher’s ability to provide personalized attention. It isn’t uncommon for teachers to have trouble telling your twins apart – even we as parents …
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The Realities of Modern Obstetrics: Dr. Stu’s Unfiltered Take
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With 40+ years of experience, Dr. Stu of Birthing Instincts transitioned from hospital births to home births. He advocates for informed decision-making and encouraging women to trust their instincts, seek nurturing care and providers, and prepare their bodies and minds for a healthy pregnancy. Our guest this week is Dr. Stuart James Fischbein or Dr…
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Most people think of it as a "breathing technique" that helps women during labor and delivery. However, Lamaze is much more than that. Through the years, this childbirth education method has evolved into a philosophy that builds women's confidence and prepares them for pregnancy and birth. So, what are the main principles of Lamaze? And what can yo…
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Navigating Weaning: How to Stop Breastfeeding Without Stress or Anxiety
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Some of the best breastfeeding resources lack great information on weaning. What you find instead is information on why you should keep breastfeeding and anxiety-inducing articles on all of the things that can go wrong when you stop nursing. Breastfeeding is important, and thankfully, there are many resources for this, but it can be stressful when …
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Ep.9 The Magic of Soothing Cries: A Dad's Guide to Calming Your New Baby
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Click "HERE" to Comment on show Ever wondered if there's a hidden meaning behind your baby's cries? Tune into this episode of Instructions Not Included, where we unlock the secret language of baby cries based on Priscilla Dunstan's theory. We'll guide you through identifying whether your baby is hungry, tired, uncomfortable, or just needs some cudd…
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Is Cesarean Birth Safer than Vaginal Birth?
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If you're looking into the pros and cons (or benefits/risks) of Cesarean birth versus vaginal birth, listen in! You are capable of making these decisions for yourself. You do not have to be bullied or coerced into believing your body is not capable of growing your baby and knowing how to birth it. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth Course My Essen…
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How Having a Birth Doula Lowers Your Risk for Intervention
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Whether you want to birth your baby at home, at a midwife center or in the hospital, hiring a birth doula might be the best option for you. Not only do they come with a wealth of knowledge, but having one present has been proven to give you better labor outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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Top 5 Reasons Moms Stop Breastfeeding Early
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New mothers go into breastfeeding with the best intentions. Unfortunately, many run into issues that make breastfeeding difficult or impossible. By six months, three in four babies are fed infant formula. Many researchers have examined why mothers supplement with formula or wean their children before age one to address the low rates of exclusive br…
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Ep.8 Diaper Duty Decoded: A Dad's Guide to Changing Blowouts
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Click "HERE" to Comment on show Ever wondered how to survive a diaper blowout without losing your sanity? Prepare to master the art of diaper duty with our latest episode of Instructions Not Included! From the basics of setting up a changing station to the nitty-gritty details of handling those epic messes, we'll arm you with the knowledge you need…
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Unmedicated Birth Story: Journey from a Traumatic Birth to a Healing Unmedicated Birth with Erika Bielska
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Today's birth story is a little bit different. Erika shares two very different birth experiences. She shares the trauma she experienced and had to process from her first birth, and how redemptive her next birth was. She does an excellent job of pointing out what did not go how she hoped and what needed to change for her next experience. Her stories…
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Choosing Your Health Care Provider: OB/GYNs
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Thinking about adding an OB/GYN to your team of health care providers? What type of prenatal care can you expect to receive with an OB/GYN? What exactly is their role during the labor and delivery process? And how can you find an OB/GYN that best fits your goals outlined in your birth plan? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho…
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The Key to Maintaining and Increasing Milk Supply
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Milk supply is the number one reason mothers quit breastfeeding early or supplement with infant formula. The first line of defense for maintaining or increasing supply is establishing breastfeeding early and frequently breastfeeding or pumping. For many mothers, this is easier said than done. Get tips on what you can do to establish breastfeeding i…
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Ep.7 The First Few Days: Dads' Guide to Newborn Survival (Sleep Deprivation, Feeding Routines, Skin-To-Skin Bonding)
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Click "HERE" to Comment on show Struggling with sleepless nights and endless diaper changes? Discover proven strategies to conquer the chaos of the early days of newborn parenthood. We'll walk you through the essentials—from the magic of power naps and the importance of teamwork in night shifts to creating a sleep-conducive environment. Plus, get e…
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What Your Labor & Delivery Nurses Want You to Know with Nurse Sydney
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We love hearing from medical professionals about their perspective during birth, especially from our Labor & Delivery Nurses! Our guest this week is Nurse Sydney, a L&D nurse in Toronto who shares educational and entertaining content about pregnancy, delivery, postpartum, and newborn care. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth Course My Essential Bir…
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You just confirmed you are pregnant and now your doctor is talking about prenatal nutrition. You remember hearing pregnant women are supposed to avoid sushi, deli meat and alcohol but is that it? Today we are diving deep into the dos and don’ts of prenatal nutrition and talking about those pregnancy cravings you have heard so much about! Learn more…
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Guide to Breast Changes During Pregnancy and Lactation
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During the nine months of pregnancy, your body undergoes more changes than at any other time in your life. Your breasts, in particular, will experience significant transformations from the moment you conceive through the breastfeeding period. These changes include noticeable differences in appearance and sensitivity, as well as internal changes to …
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Ep.6 Gearing Up for Grandparenthood: Navigating Expectations and Support Roles
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Click "HERE" to Comment on show Becoming a grandparent is an exciting chapter, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and expectations. In this episode of Instructions Not Included, we discuss the importance of navigating relationships between new parents and their parents, especially during the early days of parenthood. Host Claude offer…
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7 of the Most Common Interventions During Labor and Birth
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If youre going to be giving birth in a hospital setting, this episode is for you! You’ll want to know about the 7 most common interventions that you may come home against in your birth experience. We’ll also talk about how to avoid these interventions if possible and when they may be necessary. Links Mentioned: My Essential Birth Course My Essentia…
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Episiotomies, Tearing and Perineal Massage
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If you're planning a vaginal birth, you'll want to minimize the amount of injury caused by the birth of your baby. Episiotomies, tearing and perineal massage are all options that can create more room for your baby to pass through the birth canal. When is each option typically used and how effective are they? What is the recovery process like for ep…
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Evidence-Based Methods to Prevent and Relieve Back Pain
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Many physical changes during pregnancy can impact your back and cause pain or discomfort. Back pain during pregnancy is almost always lower back pain within three categories: lumbar spine pain, posterior pelvic pain, or a combination of these two. The prevalence of back pain in pregnant women is estimated to be 50% in the first trimester, 40-70% in…
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Ep.5 Building the Nest: Essential Gear for New Dads
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Click "HERE" to Comment on show Ever wondered why parenting doesn't come with a manual? Join us on Instructions Not Included as we unravel the essentials every new dad needs to know. From mastering diaper duty and feeding strategies to the secrets of a perfect swaddle, this episode promises to equip you with practical tips and must-have baby gear t…
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