Shows
Birth with Liv#027 | Your Guide to a Safer Birth with Attorney & Author Gina MundyIf you’re currently expecting or preparing for pregnancy, this episode is a must-listen! I sit down with Gina Mundy and get the inside perspective on what goes wrong during birth, and how to keep that from happening to you.Gina is a childbirth attorney with over two decades of experience. Throughout her career, she has analyzed the mistakes that are made during labor and delivery. She took all the lessons she has learned and put them in an accessible and easy to understand format by writing the book "A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth". Her go...2024-11-1352 min
Birthful[Birth Stories] Creating a Beautiful Birth Experience Despite 5 Days of Interventions, with Olivia StyonsCan a chaotic labor with a myriad of interventions for preeclampsia and several failed epidurals be a positive experience? Olivia Styons shares with Adriana the hard pivots she and her team had to make and how crucial it was for her to speak up for her needs - from getting a shower to holding her premature baby for a few minutes - to resiliently turn a 5-day induction into a beautiful experience. Sponsor offers - TIME SENSITIVE! NEEDED - Get 20% off at ThisIsNeeded.com with code BIRTHFULGet the most out of th...2024-10-2352 min
Birth with Liv#026 | How to Better Prepare for Birth & Postpartum with Kristin RevereIn this episode I talk all things birth with Kristin Revere, CEO of Gold Coast Doulas and co-host of the Ask the Doulas podcast. We delve into the importance of preparing for childbirth and the postpartum period with the same excitement and consideration as other life events like weddings. Kristin shares insights from her book 'Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby', emphasizing the value of knowing what’s important to you and using that knowledge to guide selecting your dream team. We both share personal experiences with preeclampsia and NICU stays, and discuss the unpredictable nature of...2024-10-1654 min
Birth with Liv#025 | Stephanie's Journey to Motherhood: How She Overcame the Loss of a Twin, Domestic and Obstetric Violence, Trauma, and Advocated for Herself and Her BabyIn this powerful episode I have the pleasure of introducing you to a mother who is close to my heart. Stephanie and I were pregnant at the same time and her daughter was born one day after mine. Her pregnancy and birth was fraught with trauma, and yet she still found profound moments of joy, and says motherhood is the most natural thing she has done. From mourning the loss of a twin, surviving domestic abuse and dealing with a months long custody battle, and overcoming an emergency C-Section, Stephanie shows up every single day doing what...2024-10-021h 02
Birth with Liv#024 | My OBGYN was a Monster in a White Coat: My Experience with the Sociopath and Convicted Felon Dr. Javaid PerwaizPart true crime, part birth podcast, we cover the unbelievable story of my longtime OBGYN, Dr. Javaid Perwaiz, and how I escaped him weeks before he was arrested by the FBI. As the episode unfolds, you’ll hear the dark details of his evil, decades long crime against women.Listen now to hear the red flags the healthcare system missed over the years, my experience, and what led to his sentence of 59 years in prison. This story reinforces the importance of finding a care provider you trust, obtaining informed choice, and bodily autonomy. Resources Mentioned2024-09-1840 min
Birth with Liv#023 | From Traumatic Hospital Birth to Triumphant Home Birth VBAC: Casey's Two Birth StoriesIn this episode I have the pleasure of introducing you to Casey, a wife and mom of two girls, as she shares her raw and compelling birth stories. From an unexpectedly challenging first birth with pre-eclampsia leading to a C-section, to a triumphant second birth at home, Casey sheds light on the highs and lows of her journey.She highlights how childbirth education, physical and mental preparation, and a supportive birth team were key components to achieving her VBAC. Her story is sure to inspire and I can't wait for you to listen! Resources Mentioned2024-09-041h 07
Birth with Liv#022 | Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids: Nervous System Co-regulation Tools to Help You Navigate Big Feelings and Parent from a State of Calm with Heather DalyIn this episode I have the pleasure of interviewing Heather Daly, a holistic occupational therapist and nervous system coach. Heather specializes in mindfulness and emotional regulation, and helps families become nervous system-informed for thriving child development and household harmony.Our conversation explores the significance of the nervous system, and delves into practical tools for stress relief and co-regulation. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your own body's signals and learn effective techniques for maintaining a state of calm. This episode is a must-listen for mothers seeking to improve their emotional well-being while fostering a pea...2024-08-2153 min
Birth with Liv#021 | Jessica N. Solis on Birth, Babies, and Business: Her Story of Navigating Life from Teen Mom, to Mom of 4 with a 13-Year Age Gap, and Successful EntrepreneurIn this episode I have the pleasure of interviewing fellow mom and podcaster, Jessica N. Solis of A Purposeful Brand. Jessica shares her unique experience of becoming a mom at 19 and the differences in parenting her second set of children, who arrived more than a decade later. With an honest and inspiring discussion, Jessica dives into her 4 birth experiences, and her personal journey of moving across the country, building a business with babies at home, and how faith and community have played a crucial role in her life. The episode underlines the importance of support systems, resilience, and faith...2024-08-0751 min
Birth with Liv#020 | When Birth Doesn't Go to Plan: How to Prepare for the Unexpected, Process Your Experience, and Heal From Disappointment & TraumaAfter a month long hiatus I'm back and talking about the tender topic of when birth doesn't go to plan. The one universal truth in birth is that it is unpredictable! If you've listened to my birth story in episode #002, you know my own birth story was filled with twists and turns. While I consider my birth a positive, beautiful experience, I did have my own feelings of disappointment, sadness, and jealousy to process. In this episode I discuss the importance of birth prep, how to use visualization as a tool, reframing your thoughts, and...2024-07-2417 min
Birth with Liv#019 | Quick Podcast Update + My Favorite Books on Fertility, Pregnancy, and MotherhoodA quick update on the episode structure of the podcast and my top book recommendations for all things fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood!Books MentionedTaking Charge of Your Fertility Real Food for Pregnancy Real Food for Fertility Expecting Better and Cribsheet Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth Be a Guest on the ShowGuest Application Connect with me Instagram Email TikTok 2024-06-1914 min
Birth with Liv#018 | How to Create Your Village: Brooke Shapiro on Navigating Postpartum, Returning to Work, and Building CommunityIn this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Brooke Shapiro - a mom of two, founder, 15+ year marketing professional, and ice cream connoisseur. We discuss Brooke's personal experiences with pregnancy, birth, and the lack of support she received as a new mother…like her boss denying her promotion and calling maternity leave “vacation”, and her dad asking her to pick up Chipotle for him a few hours after giving birth. Where was the village we always hear about?!Determined to learn, overcome, and share resources with others, these experiences led Brooke to launch an Employee Resource Group for...2024-06-1256 min
Birth with Liv#017 | 10 Things I No Longer Waste Energy Worrying About Now That I’m a Mom and What I Care About InsteadIn this episode I open up about my personal journey through my 1.5 years of motherhood and share 10 things I no longer waste mental energy on now that I'm a mom.From letting go of vanity and embracing inward character to prioritizing a cozy and functional home over a Pinterest worthy aesthetic, I highlights the mental shifts I've made since becoming a mother. I hope these insights are relatable and encourage you to prioritize your own well-being and happiness in motherhood, and let go of societal expectations and pressures.Be a Guest...2024-06-0527 min
Birth with Liv#016 | How to Prioritize Rest in Motherhood: The 7 Different Types of Rest You Need in Your LifeIn this candid episode I share the importance of prioritizing rest and how I'm doing that during a busy season of life. I introduce the concept of seven different types of rest and practical ways to incorporate each type into daily routines. I hope this encourages you to make time and space to prioritize your well-being and find restorative activities that leave you feeling recharged, Resources Mentionedhttps://ideas.ted.com/the-7-types-of-rest-that-every-person-needs/Be a Guest on the Showhttps://forms.gle/8Fjw8xcDSQsqitMdAConnect...2024-05-2218 min
Birth with Liv#015 | Lactation Conversation with IBCLC Mara Lubic: Breastfeeding Support, Pumping, Tethered Oral Tissues and More!Breastfeeding can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for many women, but you don't have to go it alone! It is important for new and expecting mothers to know that support and resources are available to them. In this episode I share my conversation with the woman who had the biggest impact on my breastfeeding success. Mara Lubic is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and the owner of Mountain Lactation Services. With over twelve years of experience, Mara has helped numerous women, myself included, with breastfeeding, pumping, and lactation support.She shares her p...2024-05-1542 min
Birth with Liv#014 | Ashley's Peace-Filled Unmedicated Hospital Births After Years of Unexplained Infertility: First Baby and Twin Birth Stories!In this episode I have the pleasure of interviewing my friend and real life birth hero, Ashley Pope!Ashley's journey to motherhood was filled with ups and downs, but through it all, she has learned valuable lessons about love, faith, and resilience. From struggling with unexplained infertility to now having 3 beautiful children, Ashley shares all the details of her unmedicated births and highlights the importance of preparing mentally and emotionally for childbirth. Ashley's story is a testament to the power of prayer and community, and how putting in the work to gain knowledge and peace c...2024-05-081h 00
Birth with Liv#013 | 10 Practical Ways to Support New Mothers: What Women REALLY Need PostpartumSupporting new moms goes way beyond snuggling their newborn.
The days and weeks postpartum can be overwhelming for new parents, and knowing how to show up for them can be challenging. In this episode, I share ten practical ways to support new moms. From bringing food and offering help with older children and pets to providing household assistance and running errands, there are numerous ways to make a positive impact.
These actions, big or small, can make a significant difference and show new moms that they are not alone in their journey.
Be a G...2024-05-0123 min
Birth with Liv#012 | How One L&D Nurse Changed My Birth: The Power of Informed Choice and Compassionate CareJoin me today as I discuss the major impact nurses have on a woman's birth. I share my own experience and the profound difference a compassionate L&D nurse made compared to a cringe-worthy encounter with a postpartum nurse.
I introduce you to the concepts of informed consent and informed choice, and reflect on how my nurse’s thorough explanations and respect for my autonomy empowered me to make informed decisions during my own birth.
This episode serves as a tribute to the nurses who are doing the work to support women and a call to a...2024-04-2416 min
Birth with Liv#011 | What You Should Know About Pumping Breastmilk: 15 Insights From an Exclusively Pumping MomIn this episode of the 'Birth with Liv' podcast, I share my breastfeeding journey and personal experience with exclusive pumping for 15 months. Initially, I had little knowledge about pumping, but quickly learned the importance of proper sizing for pump flanges, investing in replacement parts, and all the tips and tricks to make pumping a success for 15 months.
I hope you enjoy hearing my experience and take away something of value from my 15 tips. I highly recommend seeking support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant if you are experiencing challenges.
You are doing a great jo...2024-04-1735 min
Birth with Liv#010 | How Addressing the Pelvic Floor Can Support Your Birth, Optimize Postpartum Recovery, and Help You Reclaim Function: An Interview with Dr. Megan JonesDid you know pelvic pain, pressure, and incontinence are not normal…even having a baby?
In this episode, I interview Dr. Megan Jones, a physical therapist specialized in pelvic floor health. Megan explains the importance of pelvic floor function and how it impacts overall physical health. She also debunks common misconceptions and provides hope to those experiencing symptoms such as pain, incontinence, or pressure that it’s not too late to get help.
Her practical tips and holistic approach will leave you feeling confident in your body’s ability to reclaim function postpartum.
Megan shar...2024-04-1054 min
Birth with Liv#009 | The Role of a Doula: Interview with Ana De La Paz Martinez on the Importance of Educating, Empowering, and Supporting Families Through Pregnancy, Birth, and PostpartumThe episode features a special guest interview with my doula and friend, Ana De La Paz Martinez. Ana shares her experiences and insights into the role of a doula, highlighting the benefits of doula support and addressing common misconceptions and stereotypes. We discuss the importance of having a supportive and knowledgeable presence during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and I share my personal experience with having Ana as my doula.
Ana explains the differences between medical providers and doulas and shares that doulas offer physical and emotional support, help with birth plans, provide education and advocacy, and assist w...2024-04-0352 min
Birth with Liv#008 | When Motherhood Feels Hard: A Pep Talk for the Tough DaysHave you ever felt overwhelmed in motherhood? Yea, me too!
In today's episode, I’m giving you the same talk I gave myself when motherhood felt heavy. Download this episode so you can come back and listen again when the days of raising tiny humans feel long and hard. Remember, difficult days do not define your worth as a parent. You’re not alone, there is hope, and you will get through this tough time.
Resources & Mentions
Abbie's Blog: https://misformama.net/
Need extra support? Call or text the National Maternal Mental...2024-03-2711 min
Birth with Liv#007 | March Q&A: Having More Kids, How to Overcome Fear of Birth, C-Section, VBAC, and More!Answering your questions! This week we dive into listener questions from the Birth With Liv Instagram page. Listen in for everything from personal questions, to how to overcome fear of birth, medical indications for a C-Section, and VBAC.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram so you don't miss our next Q&A!
Links from the show:
VBAC Facts Website
https://vbacfacts.com/2021/12/15/vaginal-birth-after-two-cesareans-vba2c-evidence/
https://vbacfacts.com/2022/08/03/13-myths-about-vaginal-birth-after-cesarean/
Study Mentioned
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10277578/#:~:text=Trial%20of%20labor%20after%20cesa...2024-03-2032 min
Birth with Liv#006 | Postpartum Real Talk: Things I Wish I Knew About Life After Birth (Part Two)Are you ready to hear the unspoken realities of the postpartum period? Join me for the final episode in a two-part series on postpartum. In this episode I share numbers 6-10 of things I wish I had known before giving birth. Subscribe to the show and make sure to check out episode #5 for part one!
My hope is by talking about these formerly "taboo" postpartum topics, we can shed light on the experiences women go through in their entrance to motherhood. When we are equipped with knowledge and prepared for what may come after birth, we can t...2024-03-1319 min
Birth with Liv#005 | Postpartum Real Talk: Things I Wish I Knew About Life After Birth (Part One)Join me for an eye-opening episode where I get candid about the often unspoken realities of the postpartum period. In part one of this two-part series, I share five things I wishes I had known before giving birth. Subscribe to the show and come back next week for part two, so you can be better prepared for your own postpartum experience.
Motherhood is not for the faint of heart. Today we cover everything from hormones, emotions, and the not-so-glamourous side of postpartum. My hope is by talking about these formerly "taboo" topics, we can shed light on...2024-03-0626 min
Birth with Liv#004 | The Benefits of Childbirth Education & What to Look for When Choosing a ClassBirth education is essential for an empowered birth experience, even in the midst of the unexpected. This episode highlights the importance of knowledge and preparation for birth and discusses the many benefits of taking a childbirth education class.
Childbirth education has been shown to reduce maternal stress, improves self-efficacy, lowers the cesarean birth rate, and decreases the use of epidural anesthesia. It equips parents with practical strategies, allows for better communication with healthcare providers, and fosters a stronger connection between partners.
Comprehensive childbirth education covers topics such as the physiology of labor and birth, coping s...2024-02-2824 min
Birth with Liv#003 | Preeclampsia: What You Should Know About the Signs & Symptoms, Maternal & Fetal Complications, Risk Factors, Treatment, and PreventionPreeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that often presents with little to no symptoms, making it difficult to detect.
In this episode of the Birth with Liv podcast, I give you a deep dive into the world of preeclampsia, discussing its suspected causes, signs & symptoms, and treatment options. I emphasize the importance of early and regular prenatal care, as preeclampsia can be detected during routine check-ups through blood pressure and urine tests.
While there is no known way to prevent preeclampsia, I share insights into potential prevention measures and aim to raise awareness about...2024-02-2134 min
Birth with Liv#002 | My Positive 34 Week Birth Story: Overcoming Severe Preeclampsia, Multiple Induction Methods, and Failed EpiduralsIn this episode I share my personal birth story, from deciding I'm ready to be a mom to my unexpected 34 week birth. I recount the joys and challenges faced, and the lessons learned about trust and resilience. Despite my birth plan going out the window, my experience was still beautiful and I contribute that to being informed about the physiology of birth, and also the common interventions.
Inspired by my own journey, I'm now studying to become a certified childbirth educator and am dedicated to providing education, support, and genuine conversations to parents.
Whether you're...2024-02-1444 min
Birth with Liv#001 | From Never Changing a Diaper to Childbirth Educator & Podcaster: My Journey & What You Can Expect on the ShowIf you're wondering "who is Liv and why should I listen to her?", press play to find out!
Welcome to Birth with Liv, a podcast designed to be your go-to resource on all things pregnancy, birth, and motherhood.
In this first episode I share my personal journey into the birth world. From reading books and listening to podcasts long before getting pregant, to unexpectedly giving birth at 34 weeks, I discuss how I've become inspired to help other women better prepare for birth and postpartum. I'm studying to become a certified childbirth educator, and aim to p...2024-02-1420 min
Birth with LivTrailer: Welcome to Birth with Liv!Are you overwhelmed by conflicting opinions on pregnancy and childbirth?
Are you desperate to find a reliable source to help you make informed choices that are right for you and your unique situation?
If so, you’re in the right place!
Welcome to Birth with Liv, the podcast designed to be your go-to guide for all things pregnancy, birth, and motherhood.
I'm your host, Olivia Styons. I'm a wife, mom, and Learning & Development Professional.
After having my daughter unexpectedly at 34 weeks, and watching my seemingly perfect birth plan go out...2024-02-0702 min