Beth Connors Certified Nurse Midwife public
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Join me, Your Birth Bestie, a certified nurse midwife, birth doula, childbirth educator, and mom of 3 girls, as I share practical tips, personal stories, and honest advice to help you have an informed and empowering birth experience. From baby bump to delivery room, coping techniques to birth plans, I’ve got you covered. Tune in for expert insights and trusted support through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
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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 ru…
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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 be…
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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 wi…
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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… Unde…
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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 i…
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Celebrating ONE YEAR of Your Birth Bestie Podcast! My goal has been for pregnant women to feel heard, supported, comforted, and also challenged by some of the decisions you may have to make during pregnancy and childbirth. I also want pregnant moms to have the information from all sides, so they can make the choice best for their family. I love sha…
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In today’s episode, we’re joined by Jess Hull, the founder of MotherMe.io, who shares insights into managing stress and relationships during the transition into postpartum with a new baby. We talk about: The neurological shifts during and after pregnancy and their impact on stress and relationships… Common stressors couples face when bringing home …
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Are you planning for your maternity leave and unsure if you should take off time before the baby is born or wait to go into labor? Are you budgeting simultaneously to see how much time you financially are able to take off and looking for tips on making a baby budget? Tune in to this episode where we’ll cover… How to determine when to start your mat…
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Are you questioning how much weight to gain during pregnancy? Or maybe you know the what the recommended amount of weight gain is in pregnancy, but you’re either under or over that. What does that even mean for you and your baby, for your pregnancy?! In this episode, we talk about: Weight gain recommendations in pregnancy based on BMI, as outlined …
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Are you nervous about labor pain and what to learn more about epidurals? Or maybe you’re really wanting to give birth unmedicated, but someone tells you, “You don’t get a trophy for natural birth…” and now you’re questioning it. In this episode, we’ll talk all about epidurals and their impact on childbirth including: What an epidural is and what to…
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Are you wondering what routine blood tests in pregnancy are usually done, why they are standardized, and what choices you have around these routine tests? Tune in to explore the significance of these tests as a snapshot of your health in pregnancy, helping to detect any issues early on and be sure you and your baby are healthy! In this episode the …
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Have you ever questioned how much control you will have of your hospital birth? I wish you didn’t have to worry about this, but being your best advocate is so important. Having a support person and/or doula is also so beneficial to having your best birth experience! In this episode, I talk with Deja Ramos, aka Doula Deja, and dive into the most imp…
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If you’re ready to answer some of the most asked questions of the mid-second trimester to help you feel confident in your body during pregnancy and informed when making decisions for your baby before they are even born, then this episode is for you! The 3 questions answered in this episode are: When should I expect to start feeling my baby? What do…
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Are you wondering what to expect during your anatomy ultrasound and how to prepare for this exciting, but often nerve-wracking appointment? In this episode, we’ll dive into: What is an anatomy ultrasound and what information it can tell us about baby… Learn more about the procedure, measurements taken, and what your sonographer is actually allowed …
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Are you thinking about how your life, your relationships, or your kids are going to change when bringing your new baby home? In this episode we will discuss: The unpredictable joy and exhaustion of life changes when having a baby… Concerns about sibling adjustments and managing time between kids… Financial planning and one of my favorite baby items…
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Are you wondering about your options for prenatal genetic testing and what information they will actually give you? In this episode we talk about… Understanding genetic screening versus diagnostic tests… When and why genetic tests are recommended… Types of tests including NIPT, first trimester screen, quad screen, and more… Factors that influence t…
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Are you preparing for your first prenatal appointment and wondering what to expect? There can be mixed emotions of excitement and uncertainty as you’re waiting for your scheduled appointment, but sharing some inside information hopefully helps you as you wait! What to expect in this episode: When your first prenatal visit is scheduled and what to d…
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Are you having a baby shower and stuck deciding what to add to your baby registry? Join me as I share insights on streamlining your list, avoiding unnecessary items, and focusing on what truly matters. In this episode we'll dive into: Prioritizing the essential items to reduce overwhelm, expenses, and time researching... How to align with the minim…
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Are you wondering how to stop your pregnancy nausea or at least make it more tolerable? The first trimester can feel like forever when it’s a constant battle between nausea and food eversions, so let’s talk about it! In this episode, we’ll dive into: What causes nausea in pregnancy and how long will it last… Is it bad if I don’t feel nauseous? Is m…
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Before you even have your first prenatal appointment, the most critical period of a baby’s development in utero is already over. Yes, by 12 weeks! Today, we explore the critical first 12 weeks of pregnancy and address common concerns before your first prenatal visit. Here's what you can expect in this episode: Why early support matters, common ques…
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Wondering if you need to schedule a dating ultrasound during pregnancy? And if you do schedule one, how accurate is the information from the test? The first trimester ultrasound is extremely common, but not always necessary. There are alternative ways to predict gestational age of your baby and assess your preganancy progress. In this episode, we d…
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Are you newly pregnant and wondering, when is it “safe” to announce your pregnancy to family and friends? If you’re not sure if you’re ready to make a pregnancy announcement yet, or considering when to let your friends and family in on the secret, this episode will help you decide! Today, we are uncovering the significance of deciding when to annou…
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If you're newly pregnant, you're probably wondering what steps you should take next! How do you find a good provider? And why the heck is every online due date calculator a little different? In this episode, I talk about what to do after you get that positive pregnancy test including choosing your provider, scheduling your first appointment and pos…
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Have you found yourself staring at a pregnancy test, wondering about the right time to take it and what those results really mean? You’re definitely not alone! What to Expect in This Episode: Learn about the most accurate time to take a pregnancy test and why you don’t have to wait to miss your period… Discover budget-friendly and reliable pregnanc…
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Are you wanting to become pregnant as soon as possible, but not sure where to start? Tune in to start your journey to conception and figure out what your next steps are for a positive pregnancy test. In this episode, we’ll talk about: How to increase your chances of becoming pregnant each month… Tips to prepare your body for pregnancy and rid your …
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Would you love a natural birth, to protect your pelvic floor during pregnancy and labor, and streamline your postpartum recovery? You don’t want to miss this interview with Dr. Jess Dufault, a pelvic floor physical therapist specializing in birth preparation, reducing interventions, and supporting postpartum recovery. In this episode we chat about:…
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How does a calm, unrushed hospital birth sound? Let’s talk about common issues faced by pregnant moms having babies in the hospital, the impact of interventions during birth, and the importance of informed decision-making. We’ll uncover 10 essential tips to help you take control of your hospital labor and create the best birth experience! Included …
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Are you confused about what the difference between a doula and a midwife is? You’re definitely not alone. I am a certified nurse midwife, doula, and childbirth educator and get asked all the time what my role actually is, where can I see clients, and why would someone want to have a midwife, doula, both, or neither at their birth! To find out the d…
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Preparing for labor and delivery is important, but don't forget about postpartum too! You can actually feel calm and prepared, and enjoy this time with your new baby! This week I interviewed Marissa Bergman, a nurse and birth/postpartum educator who is preparing for her third postpartum journey at 35 weeks! In this episode we discuss that: Postpart…
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Day 5 of this 5-day series on overcoming hospital birth fears! You're not alone in having doubts, worries, or anxiety while anticipating how your labor and birth will go, so let's figure out how to ease these feelings and have a positive hospital birth! >>GIVEAWAY!!<< Enter for the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card EVERY day this week! Review th…
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Day 4 of this 5-day series on overcoming hospital birth fears! You're not alone in having doubts, worries, or anxiety while anticipating how your labor and birth will go, so let's figure out how to ease these feelings and have a positive hospital birth! >>GIVEAWAY!!<< Enter for the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card EVERY day this week! Review th…
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Day 3 of this 5-day series on overcoming hospital birth fears! You're not alone in having doubts, worries, or anxiety while anticipating how your labor and birth will go, so let's figure out how to ease these feelings and have a positive hospital birth! >>GIVEAWAY!!<< Enter for the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card EVERY day this week! Review th…
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Day 2 of this 5-day series on overcoming hospital birth fears! You're not alone in having doubts, worries, or anxiety while anticipating how your labor and birth will go, so let's figure out how to ease these feelings and have a positive hospital birth! >>GIVEAWAY!!<< Enter for the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card EVERY day this week! Review th…
  continue reading
 
Day 1 of this 5-day series on overcoming hospital birth fears! You're not alone in having doubts, worries, or anxiety while anticipating how your labor and birth will go, so let's figure out how to ease these feelings and have a positive hospital birth! >>GIVEAWAY!!<< Enter for the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card EVERY day this week! Review th…
  continue reading
 
Do you feel nervous or anxious for your upcoming hospital birth? I think it’s safe to say every pregnant woman has been there too. The unknowns of when labor will start, exactly how delivery will go, and the transition to postpartum are so familiar. In this episode, we’re diving into the common, yet often unspoken, topic of anxiety during pregnancy…
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Are you hesitant about agreeing to medical intervention during your hospital birth? If you’re planning a hospital birth and feel like you have to choose between having the birth you want but you or your baby will be at risk, or having the birth your provider insists, but all your birth goals are tossed to the side... Tune in to this episode, where …
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Are you a pregnant mom planning your hospital birth and wondering how to confidently navigate the unpredictable journey of childbirth? You are not alone! I love a fun gender reveal at birth, but nobody wants unwelcomed surprises when it comes to their birth experience. What to expect in this episode: Reassurance that embracing the unknown is part o…
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Tune in to uncover the untold choices during hospital births your doctor won't reveal but "Your Birth Bestie" will spill the beans on! In this episode we’ll talk about: Questioning inductions and decreasing the high rate of unnecessary intervention… Exploring pain coping methods and finding a birth team to support your goals… How important waiting …
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It’s time to set the record straight, reveal common birth myths and empower pregnant moms, like you, to make informed choices for your birth. Let’s uncover the truth! What to expect in this episode: We’ll debunk the myth of the ‘all-natural’ ideal and empahsize the importance of informed decision-making… How comparing your birth experience to ideal…
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Did you recently get a positive pregnancy test and anxiously awaiting your first appointment?! Congratulations! You might suddenly be hit with a whirlwind of excitement, questions, and maybe even feeling nervous. Don’t worry though, I’m here to guide you on this journey to feeling confident and well-prepared as you plan for your first prenatal visi…
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Have you ever struggled with anxiety or depression or are worried about what if you do develop a mental health disorder during pregnancy or postpartum? You are not alone, mama! Today, I'm joined by Bailey Huffman from Moms Mental Health Initiative, established by two moms who faced postpartum depression and anxiety challenges, recognizing the scarc…
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Do you have your gestational diabetes screening coming up? (Usually around 24-28 weeks!) In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why you should even care about if you have gestational diabetes… What to anticipate your doctor will recommend for testing and how to choose if it’s right for you… Tips to make the glucose test tolerable if you choose it… (rem…
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Of course you want labor to go as smoothly as possible... So let's dive into my top recommended positions for labor and delivery, how to effectively push despite what your nurse may recommend, and tips to reduce perineal tearing! Labor positions matter! Discover how certain positions can help manage contractions, encourage baby's descent, and make …
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Are you a pregnant mom wanting to make informed choices for your hospital birth, including GBS testing and treatment options? Tune in to this episode, as I explore… What GBS is, why it's tested for during pregnancy, and how it can impact you and your baby's health during labor. How to make informed choices about GBS testing and treatment options. T…
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With a million birth courses and resources out there, how the heck do you choose the right one? In this episode I’ll answer the common questions: Do I have to take a childbirth class… Or are they only for parent’s planning a natural childbirth? What should I absolutely make sure the course includes? How do I go about deciding which one is best for …
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It doesn't take convincing to agree that an autonomous birth is the best kind of birth, right?! This isn’t dependent on any specific style of giving birth though. You DO NOT need to have a home birth to have an autonomous birth. You can have an autonomous birth in any setting, with any care provider. It could be any type of birth from a waterbirth …
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Are you feeling overwhelmed and unsure when deciding what hospital to have your baby at? Don’t worry, you’ll leave this episode feeling so much more prepared with actionable steps, so you can check this off your pregnancy to-do list! Choosing the right hospital for your baby's birth is a crucial decision, and it can greatly impact your birth experi…
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Is your support person terrified of birth or has no clue how to be involved? It’s so important for partners to grow their confidence to support laboring mothers, understand that this is mom’s birth, and show them why it’s important to follow her lead and trust her decisions. Whether you’re the support person, or mom looking for resources to give yo…
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Once you check off making your birth plan, you still have to figure out how to advocate for what you want! Feeling confident and informed enough to communicate your needs to your partner, provider, and healthcare team will determine how you feel about your birth. I want you to know your birth rights and be in control every step of the way. And to d…
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Time for a Q&A!! We’ll talk about many standard hospital practices that are so commonly accepted, that it may seem like they’re required, but they’re not! In this episode, I'll answer: Do I have to get an IV during labor? Is Pitocin after my baby is born required? If my water doesn't break, will my doctor have to break it at the hospital? My provid…
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