Are you planning to give birth unmedicated and wondering what your options are for coping with labor contractions? Or are you planning on using an epidural but wanting to be prepared for whatever happens? Then this episode is for you. Learn about the five categories of coping methods and what else you can do to make labor just a little easier for yourself.

Rachel’s story: https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/epidural/my-epidural-didnt-work-heres-what-i-wish-i-knew/

Video about cardinal movements through pelvis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kM35XMMiPk

HypnoBirthing website: https://hypnobirthing.com/

My article comparing HypnoBirthing, Lamaze, and The Bradley Method: https://givebirthgivelife.com/choosing-childbirth-class-comparison/

Video example of a guided relaxation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyy0ra2WcQQ

Video example of a progressive relaxation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1h-zizAGsc

You probably know lots of women who have given birth by c-section. So why is it so often talked about like a bad thing? Well, it's more complicated than "good" and "bad, " but there are reasons you want to avoid a c-section. This is your guide to understanding the risks of c-sections and how to decrease your chances of having one.

My blog post where I talk about The Farm Midwifery Center: https://givebirthgivelife.com/are-home-births-safe/

For other references and links, see my blog post at https://givebirthgivelife.com/c-sections/

When you get pregnant, you may not be thinking about your abs, but maybe you should. Diastasis recti sounds fancy but all it means is an ab gap that, in this case, was caused by pressure from your growing uterus. But just because your abs get separated doesn't mean there's nothing you can do about it. Actually, you can proactively minimize your chance of diastasis recti while pregnant and you can heal it postpartum. This is your guide on how to do just that.

My favorite pregnancy and postpartum workouts (blog post): https://givebirthgivelife.com/exercising-during-pregnancy-favorites/

Video about twisting, breathing, and more: 6 Mistakes Causing Diastasis Recti During Pregnancy! (HOW TO PREVENT DIASTASIS RECTI)

Pregnancy belly band: https://amzn.to/46np0Y9

Expert-approved ab exercises article: https://www.thebump.com/a/safe-pregnancy-ab-workouts#1

How to know if you have diastasis recti: How To Check Abdominal Separation

Postpartum belly binder: https://amzn.to/46waRra

For other references and links, see my blog post at https://givebirthgivelife.com/diastasis-recti/

Labor isn't easy, but having a support person with you through it all can make it easier. From easing your physical discomfort to shortening the duration of your labor, a continuous labor support person provides benefits you're not going to want to miss out on.

My blog post about doulas: What is a Doula?

Learn about the Bradley Method: bradleybirth.com

For other references and links, see my blog post at https://givebirthgivelife.com/why-you-need-a-labor-support-person/

Taking a childbirth class is a great idea if you'll soon be giving birth for the first time. But which should you take? In this article you'll learn about the similarities and differences between the three most popular childbirth classes in the US – The Bradley Method, Lamaze, and HypnoBirthing. (Plus, read my recommendation about which I think is best.) 

Dr. Bradley’s Book (Husband-Coached Childbirth): https://amzn.to/3FnLM67

The Cascade of Interventions (blog post): https://givebirthgivelife.com/cascade-of-interventions

For other references and links, see my blog post at https://givebirthgivelife.com/choosing-childbirth-class-comparison/

Do you want to keep exercising during pregnancy but can't find any workouts you actually like? Friend, I've got your back. Here are my top 4 favorite sources for online pregnancy (and postpartum) workouts.

Faves: 

Pregnancy and Postpartum TV - 30 Min Pregnancy Yoga Routine To Feel AMAZING & Prepare Your Body

GlowBodyPT - 30 Minute HOT PRENATAL CARDIO WORKOUT (Best for 2nd Trimester and 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy) Barre3 - https://barre3.com/https://barre3.com/

For other references and links, see my blog post at https://givebirthgivelife.com/exercising-during-pregnancy-favorites

Five specific exercises can help you prepare for labor and they only take a few minutes every day to do. Read on to learn about the benefits they provide and how to do each one.

For links and other references, see my blog post at https://givebirthgivelife.com/5-exercises-to-prepare-your-body-for-labor/

If you've had a c-section in the past, you're probably wondering what you need to know about VBAC – vaginal birth after cesarean. Well, I've got the answers you've been looking for. Here is everything you need to know about VBAC, including the benefits, risks, how to increase your chances of success, and a word of encouragement from a fellow c-section mama.

My article about c-sections: https://givebirthgivelife.com/c-sections/

For other references and links, see my blog post at https://givebirthgivelife.com/vbac/