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Showing episodes and shows of
Vanessa Merten
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Pregnancy Podcast
The CDC Changes Its Stance on the COVID-19 Vaccine
Organizations like the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists play a significant role in shaping the recommendations your doctor or midwife gives you during pregnancy. When the CDC updates its guidance, it influences clinical care, insurance coverage, and how providers counsel patients. In this episode, we explore the recent decision to no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for children and pregnant women. Learn what this means for your prenatal care and how you can navigate this update with your provider. Thank you to our sponsor Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the act...
2025-05-28
18 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Third Trimester Overview: Preparing for Birth and the Final Stretch
Week 28 until your baby’s birth, around 40 weeks, is the final stretch before you meet your baby. In this episode, learn everything you need to know to navigate the last months of pregnancy confidently. Your baby is undergoing critical developmental changes to prepare for life outside the womb. Meanwhile, your growing belly and added weight can bring new symptoms and physical challenges. You may feel a mix of excitement and impatience as you get closer to your due date. We will cover what to expect at your third-trimester prenatal appointments, the key to-do items to focus on, and how your pa...
2025-05-18
56 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: How Pregnancy Affects Your Oral Health
Pregnancy can bring unexpected changes to your mouth, including swollen or bleeding gums, increased sensitivity, and shifts in your oral microbiome. This episode examines how hormones, changes in the immune system, and daily habits affect your oral health during pregnancy. Learn why symptoms like bleeding gums are common, what you can do to prevent gum disease, and why dental care is both safe and essential while you are expecting. Whether you are currently experiencing symptoms or just want to stay ahead of potential issues, this episode will help you understand how to care for your teeth and gums throughout pregnancy. Th...
2025-05-14
17 min
Pregnancy Podcast
First Trimester Overview: Adjusting to Pregnancy and Early Changes
The first trimester is the most significant adjustment period of your pregnancy. This episode covers everything you need to know to navigate the first trimester confidently. Learn how your baby is growing and developing vital organs and structures. Hear about common physical and emotional symptoms in the first trimester. Find out what you can expect at your upcoming prenatal appointments and key to-do items you should tackle this trimester. Plus, get tips on your partner’s role and how they can best support you in the first 12 weeks. Thank you to our sponsors Zahler goes above and beyond to use high...
2025-05-04
46 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: Can I Color My Hair While Pregnant?
Explore the research on hair dye exposure during pregnancy and get a breakdown of what the evidence really says about risks to your baby. From chemical ingredients to timing, we’ll walk through ways you can minimize exposure and still keep up a self-care routine that helps you feel confident and like yourself. Get tips on how to talk to your stylist and what options might reduce risks and exposure. Whether coloring your hair is part of your regular routine or something you are considering, this episode will help you make an informed decision that balances safety and self-care. Thank you...
2025-03-26
17 min
Pregnancy Podcast
The Evidence on Nutrition and Trending Diets During Pregnancy
Whatever your long-term health or weight goals, your top priority during pregnancy is keeping yourself and your baby healthy. Nutrition plays a key role, but with so many diets and opinions, it can be overwhelming to know what’s best. While research provides insights, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to diet during pregnancy. This episode explores the evidence on trending diets, whether they are safe to continue or start while pregnant, and their potential risks and benefits. Learn more about caloric restriction, low glycemic, keto, plant-based, carnivore, paleo, low fat, the Louwen diet, and intermittent fasting to make informed choices ab...
2025-03-16
45 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: What Actually Works to Prevent Tearing During Birth?
During the second (pushing) stage of labor, your perineum stretches as your baby is born. More than half of first-time mothers experience some degree of tearing during vaginal birth. The good news is that you can educate yourself so you understand both how to prevent tearing and how to promote healing if it happens. Find out what evidence-based strategies can reduce your risk of tearing. This episode examines the research on everything from perineal massage to breathing techniques and labor positions. To cover all aspects of this possibility, learn what to expect if you do experience a tear, along with...
2025-03-12
26 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Optimizing Your Birth Environment for a Better Labor Experience
Oxytocin is the key hormone that drives labor, and the fewer stress hormones released during birth, the better your labor can progress. Creating a calm, safe, and supportive birth environment can help optimize oxytocin production and make labor more efficient and comfortable. No matter where you plan to give birth—at home, in a birth center, or a hospital—you can make adjustments to your surroundings to create a space that supports you. In this episode, we explore the evidence on how your environment influences labor and birth. Learn practical tips to optimize your birth space, helping you feel more rela...
2025-03-02
39 min
Pregnancy Podcast
10 Steps to Craft Your Birth Plan
A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences for labor and what happens directly following the birth of your baby. A birth plan is much more than a piece of paper you hand to your care provider. It is the process you go through to prepare for your desired birth experience. This process will lay the foundation for preparing you for the scenario in which everything goes exactly as planned and what should happen if things do not go as planned. The value of a birth plan has a lot more to do with the process of creating...
2024-04-28
36 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Pros and Cons of Erythromycin Eye Ointment for Your Newborn
Administering erythromycin eye ointment to newborns is a standard procedure in the United States to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum. Ophthalmia neonatorum is a newborn eye infection that affects 1-2% of newborns in the United States. This infection can be caused by sexually transmitted infections, viruses, and bacteria. As with any intervention, there are pros and cons to consider. This episode examines the evidence on the efficacy and safety of erythromycin eye ointment so you can make an informed choice for your baby. Thank you to our sponsors Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of...
2024-04-21
21 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Benefits and Risks of Vitamin K for Newborns
Newborns naturally have low levels of vitamin K at birth. The danger of low vitamin K levels is the risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding. This is a rare but severe complication. You can decrease the risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding by giving your baby a vitamin K shot shortly after birth. Administering vitamin K to newborns is standard in the United States and many other countries. As with any intervention, there are pros and cons to consider. This episode examines the evidence on the efficacy and safety of the vitamin K shot so you can make an informed c...
2024-04-14
25 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Options To Make a Cesarean More Mom- And Baby-Friendly
In the United States, one in three babies is born via cesarean. Every expecting mother should be knowledgeable about cesarean birth, even if that is not your primary birth plan. As cesarean births have become more common, options have expanded to make the procedure more mom- and baby-friendly. In recent years, the idea of a gentle cesarean has emerged. This is also called a family-centered cesarean, family-centered birth, or natural cesarean. A gentle cesarean involves adjustments that make the surgical procedure more mom- and baby-friendly and has many evidence-backed benefits. Thank you to our sponsors Zahler goes above and beyond to...
2024-04-07
30 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Strength Training and Lifting Weights During Pregnancy
Research has firmly established that strength and resistance training benefits physical and mental health. Lifting weights may be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about strength training. This can include resistance bands, kettlebells, and body-weight exercises like pushups, pull-ups, or squats. Even activities like plyometrics and yoga can be considered strength training. Although there is a lot of research on exercise during pregnancy, there are limited studies on strength training. ACOG attributes the lack of literature to resistance training not being considered a safe activity in early guidelines for exercise during pregnancy. This was due to potential...
2024-02-25
24 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Cardio Exercise During Pregnancy (Running, Walking, Swimming, and more)
Cardio is any workout in which you elevate your heart rate. Many exercises fall under the umbrella of cardio. This includes walking, hiking, running, biking, rowing or elliptical machines, dancing, playing sports, or HIIT (high-intensity interval training). Activities like jumping jacks, burpees, and jumping rope are also cardio workouts. A large body of evidence supports cardiovascular exercise for nearly all aspects of your health. Cardio allows you to improve the health of your cardiovascular and respiratory systems while building muscle and burning calories. As with any exercise during pregnancy, physical changes can require you to modify your cardio to ensure...
2024-02-18
36 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Fourth Trimester Planning Ahead
The most significant adjustment period is the first three months after your baby is born. In reality, recovering from birth takes longer for many new parents. You are healing and navigating how to care for yourself and a tiny human. This is a big transition from pregnancy and an even more significant transition from pre-pregnancy. Your baby is transitioning from being inside your belly to being out in the world, which is a huge adjustment. Planning will be key in setting you up for an ideal postpartum period. Learn how to plan for your postpartum period to be as comfortable...
2024-02-04
46 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Five Essential Questions to Navigate Procedures & Interventions
You will have many opportunities to opt in or out of interventions in your pregnancy, birth, or with your newborn. You always have options when it comes to your prenatal care and birth as long as you know what your options are. In a perfect world, every procedure comes with informed consent, and you have all the information you need to make an informed decision confidently. In the real world, constraints like limited appointment time make proper informed consent a challenge. There are five simple questions you can ask. When used together, these are one of the most versatile tools...
2023-07-23
24 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Navigate Your Prenatal Care with Confidence
Your doctor or midwife is your trusted partner and has the education and experience to guide you through all the intricacies of pregnancy and birth. You can expect to have somewhere around 14 appointments throughout your entire pregnancy. The limited time you spend with your doctor or midwife will shape the tests you take, the procedures your care provider performs, and your preparation for birth. It is essential to know that you are in complete control over what happens and what procedures your doctor or midwife performs throughout your prenatal care. Learn what to expect throughout your care and at each...
2023-07-16
35 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Ensuring Optimal Vitamin D Levels for You and Your Baby
Vitamin D is sometimes referred to as a hormone because the activated forms are hormones. You utilize this essential vitamin in nearly all parts of your body. Vitamin D is crucial for absorbing other nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphate, and zinc. Vitamin D also regulates immune function, cell growth, neuromuscular function and affects thousands of genes. Your baby relies on you to supply adequate vitamin D to support their growth and development during pregnancy. Despite the importance of vitamin D, data shows that most pregnant mothers do not get enough vitamin D. Deficiency is associated with elevated risks for...
2023-07-09
36 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Benefits of Water During Pregnancy (Pools, Hot Tubs, Baths, and Float Tanks)
If you enjoy the water, you don’t have to give it up when you are pregnant. Enjoying the water can be a great workout, relaxing, and even therapeutic. Along with the benefits, there are also risks you need to be mindful of to keep you and your baby safe. This episode examines the evidence on the benefits and risks of enjoying the water during pregnancy including swimming, pools, hot tubs, baths, and float spas. Thank you to our sponsors Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. S...
2023-07-02
25 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Inducing Labor
In a perfect world everything works like it is supposed to, your body is ready, your baby is fully mature and ready to make their entrance into the world, and you naturally go into labor. As you probably know, everything doesn’t always go the way we plan and many women end up getting an induction to jump start labor. The key is knowing when an induction may be medically necessary, and when it may be better to wait it out. There are many reasons your doctor or midwife may suggest an induction and this episode really dives deep into...
2020-08-02
44 min
Pregnancy Podcast
The Evidence on Eating and Drinking During Labor
For a long time, it has been a common rule in hospitals that you could not eat or drink during labor. The main reason women were initially discouraged from eating during labor is not as relevant now, and a lot of research does not support policies limiting food or drinks during labor. In the past few years, this rule has improved to allow drinking clear liquids, but not every doctor is on board with eating during labor. In contrast, women who give birth at a birth center or home are encouraged to eat and drink during labor. This article...
2020-07-26
26 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Electronic Fetal Monitoring
During your labor and birth, your doctor or midwife will be monitoring your baby's heart rate to assess their well-being during labor and birth. The goal of using electronic fetal monitoring is to recognize babies who are short on oxygen and identify what the underlying cause is to correct it. Monitoring heart rate can also alert a doctor or midwife in the event an emergency arises in which a baby needs to be born immediately via cesarean section or through an assisted birth. Electronic fetal monitoring may sound uninteresting, but it can have a significant impact on your labor and b...
2020-07-19
28 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Herpes Simplex Virus & Pregnancy
There are over 100 herpesviruses, and of those 8 affect humans. The two that are most common are the herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2. HSV-1 and HSV-2 are common skin conditions. If you have HSV-1 or HSV-2, you should not be ashamed or embarrassed. The truth is that this virus affects a considerable portion of the population, and one in five women. Neonatal herpes is a serious condition that can have detrimental effects. The good news is that transmission rates during pregnancy and birth are low. Learn about how the herpes simplex virus can affect you and your baby during...
2020-07-12
22 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Prioritizing What is Important
Prioritizing what is important is focusing your attention on the bigger things and spending less energy on the smaller things. Whether something is big or important is completely subjective. You have to decide what is important to you and your partner. Prioritizing what is important will keep you out of feeling overwhelmed. It is easy to burn yourself out trying to learn about every aspect of pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Learn how to decide what is important and get tips to keep from getting sidetracked and overwhelmed with too many decisions. You can read the f...
2020-07-05
23 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Autonomy
Autonomy may not be the first thing you think about when you think of pregnancy or birth. Taking agency and ownership of your body can have a profound impact on your confidence and your satisfaction with your pregnancy and birth experience. This episode explores autonomy as it relates to many aspects of your pregnancy and parenting journey. We cover working with your care provider and participating in the discussion. How autonomy can help you navigate current restrictive policies due to COVID-19. Plus, the value in trusting your intuition. Thank you to Deb Flashenberg for sharing so...
2020-06-28
32 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Precipitous Labor and Birth
You have a vision of what you imagine your labor going like. There is always the possibility that your birth does not go as planned due to circumstances out of your control. It can cause anxiety for your birth to go another route you were not expecting. One possibility is precipitous labor and birth. This is when your baby is born within three hours of your labor starting. You can think of this episode as some emergency planning just in case you end up with very short and fast labor and birth. Learn about precipitous labor, get some tips...
2020-06-21
19 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Prodromal Labor
You spend nine months preparing for your labor and birth, and suddenly it is here, and you are having contractions. Are you sure this is it? It could be prodromal labor. It can be tricky to tell the difference between prodromal labor and actual labor because contractions can have a somewhat regular pattern. They can start and stop at about the same time each day, and this can last for days or weeks before your labor starts. Learn about prodromal labor, how you can cope with it, and how to know when it is a fire drill or the...
2020-06-14
20 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Birth Changes for the Foreseeable Future
COVID-19 has caused a lot of changes to birth plans over the past few months and we can expect many of these changes to last for the foreseeable future. In this episode, I talk with Heather Delaney, of Maryland State Doulas, about how you can prepare, and what to expect if you are pregnant now. Heather is a wealth of information about how hospitals, birth centers, and home birth midwives are navigating this new environment. Learn what questions you should be asking your doctor or midwife, what to expect when you arrive at your birth venue, and what you...
2020-06-07
1h 00
Pregnancy Podcast
Natural and Artificial Sweeteners
Pregnancy tends to be a time when you examine your diet and make healthy changes. For many expecting mothers, this means cutting back on sugar, which often means increasing the use of sugar substitutes. Throughout evolution, humans have learned to tie sweetness to calorie-rich foods. Now we have access to alternatives that taste very sweet but have zero nutritional value and no calories. Plus, in recent years concerns have been raised over the safety of artificial sweeteners, especially during pregnancy. This episode examines the evidence on natural and artificial sweeteners and their safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
2020-05-24
27 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Sugar
Sugar is a broad term for a lot of different molecules that make foods and drinks sweet. Today, sugar is in just about every food and drink we consume. How your body processes different types of sugar varies. Plus, during pregnancy, there are changes to the way your body reacts to and processes glucose. This article explains walks you from understanding sugar and its effects on you and your baby to monitoring your sugar intake and keeping your consumption within recommended levels. You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by c...
2020-05-17
27 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Prenatal Testing Basics
Your pregnancy journey starts with a positive pregnancy test. That is the first of many tests offered throughout your prenatal care. Some tests diagnose conditions you may have during pregnancy. Others look for genetic abnormalities in your baby. Some tests, like a Group B Strep test, may impact your birth. Tests are useful tools, but they can also create anxiety and stress during your pregnancy. Learn the basics of testing, so you have a better idea of how to make an informed choice when opting into any type of prenatal test. You can read the f...
2020-05-10
17 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Gardening Safety & the Evidence on the Benefits of House Plants
Humans have a long history and connection to nature and the outdoors. That has changed significantly over the years, and today we spend close to 90% of our time indoors. Gardening is an activity you can enjoy that gets your outside and in nature, right in your backyard. While gardening has many benefits, when you are pregnant, there are also a few risks. Learn how to mitigate the risks to you and your baby while gardening. If you don't have a garden or yard, you can still enjoy plants inside your home. As a bonus, plants are supposed to improve...
2020-05-03
28 min
Pregnancy Podcast
COVID-19 and Breastfeeding
COVID-19 can bring new challenges to breastfeeding. Don’t panic, plan. Get the evidence and guidelines on how COVID-19 can affect breastfeeding, and what precautions you should be taking to protect yourself and your baby. The COVID-19 pandemic is an ever-evolving situation, and this episode is the most recent info and data available as of April 25, 2020. You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here. For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.
2020-04-26
20 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Swelling & Edema
The technical term for swelling during pregnancy is edema. This happens in about 80% of all pregnancies. While swelling in your legs and feet is common and usually not an issue, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition, like preeclampsia. Learn why swelling happens, how to prevent and treat it, and when you should call your doctor or midwife. You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here. For more evidence-based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.
2020-04-19
18 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Trying to Conceive During the Coronavirus Pandemic
In this episode, we are talking about the coronavirus and trying to conceive. Of all the questions I have received on COVID-19, I get the most from people asking if this is not the ideal time to try and get pregnant. Deciding when to have a baby is a very personal decision with a lot of factors. This article includes some considerations when deciding if now is the right time to try and conceive. This is an ever-evolving situation, and this episode is the most recent info and data available as of April 12th, 2020. You c...
2020-04-12
15 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Drinks to Be Cautious About During Pregnancy
You know that your drink of choice during pregnancy should be water. Learn the importance of staying hydrated during your pregnancy, and how much water you should drink every day. In reality, you get the fluids you need from your diet and all the beverages you consume throughout the day. This episode dives deeper than merely telling you to avoid coffee and alcohol. Learn about the risks and safety of popular beverages, including soda, juice, tea, and kombucha. You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here. ...
2020-04-05
30 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Coronavirus Update - Limiting Your Risks
More research has been released in the last week about SARS-CoV-2 and pregnancy and birth. This article is focused on the new evidence that is out and how you can protect yourself and your baby. Get tips on how to stay healthy and support your immune system. Learn what the experts are saying about how to keep your home safe and what you should be doing when you get groceries or takeout. This is an ever-evolving situation and this episode is the most recent info and data available as of March 29th, 2020. You can read t...
2020-03-29
36 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Coronavirus Update - Changes to Your Prenatal Care & Birth Plan
A lot has happened over the last week since we first discussed the coronavirus on the podcast. Hear the updates on how this pandemic can affect you during pregnancy, whether or not you get exposed to this virus. You will see changes to your access to prenatal care and changes in your birth plan as a result of this pandemic. This is an ever-evolving situation and this episode is the most recent info and data available as of March 22nd, 2020. You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here.
2020-03-22
31 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Coronavirus and Pregnancy
A big challenge of covering the topic of the coronavirus is to find a balance among taking precautions, getting accurate information, being safe and prepared, and not inducing hysteria and fear. That has been part of the reason I have waited to cover this in an episode. I am very cautious about my sources of information, as you should be. There is a lot of alarming information about the coronavirus and there are a lot of unknowns. This is my attempt to synthesize all of the data and information I have been taking in, along with professional guidelines, and...
2020-03-15
45 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Foods to be Cautious About During Pregnancy
It is easy to pull up a list online of foods to avoid during pregnancy. It may not be so easy to cut these items out of your diet. Especially if there is something on this list that you consume regularly, or really enjoy. It is not enough information for me to know I should avoid something. I want to know why I should avoid it. The truth is that during pregnancy you will eat something, likely more than once, on the do not eat list. I want to arm you with knowledge about the foods you are eating...
2020-03-08
31 min
Pregnancy Podcast
How Blue Light Affects Your Pregnancy
Ages ago our last daily exposure to blue light came with the sunset. After dark, the light we were exposed to was mainly from campfires that contain mostly red light. Today, we are constantly exposed to artificial light that contains blue light that impacts our sleep, circadian rhythms, and hormone production. There is a lot of evidence on how blue light can affect fertility in both men and women, how it can affect your sleep, your hormone production during pregnancy, and even your breastmilk and your baby’s circadian rhythms. This episode features Andy Mant, who is well versed in...
2020-03-01
51 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Your Due Date
One of the first things you do when you find out you are pregnant determine your due date. This date rules everything about your pregnancy from your prenatal care to the timing of your baby shower. This is also the most common question you will get from friends, family, and strangers. As you get close to your due date there can be a lot of anxiety, especially if your due date comes and goes and you are still pregnant. This date is an estimate of when your baby will arrive, it is not an exact science, and it is...
2020-02-23
27 min
Pregnancy Podcast
The Truth About Pooping During Labor
Whatever you want to call it, everyone goes #2, poops, or has a bowel movement. Spoiler alert, yes, it is true that this could happen during labor. Let me spare you having to Google this and sift through message boards of expecting moms horrified at this thought. This is the truth about pooping during labor. This episode discusses the possibility of pooping during labor, if it happens to everyone, and whether you can avoid it. You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here. For more ev...
2020-02-16
19 min
Pregnancy Podcast
The Evidence on Vaginal Exams Before and During Labor
In the last month of your pregnancy, you will be seeing your doctor or midwife weekly. Vaginal exams take place during your pregnancy in the last few weeks leading up to your birth and during your labor. The question is, are they really necessary and will you benefit from the results? Vaginal exams have become a routine, but questions about what the results show, the risks involved, and the psychological effects of the results have some expecting moms questioning whether they want to opt into these procedures. Learn what is involved during a vaginal exam, how the results are...
2020-02-09
33 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Choosing (or Changing) Your Doctor or Midwife
Your care provider is the cornerstone of your prenatal care and birth experience. This is your expert resource that you will be working with throughout your pregnancy to make some very important decisions and you need to be comfortable with and trust your care provider. That is more important than their qualifications, where they went to school, and how many babies they have delivered. You need to see them as an integral member of your team, and most importantly you need to trust them and be comfortable with them. This article breaks down some considerations for choosing the right...
2020-02-02
36 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Sleeping Positions During Pregnancy
You will spend about one third of your life sleeping. Sleep is so vital to your health and the health of your baby. Especially early and later in your pregnancy when you are more prone to fatigue, you will be spending a lot of hours sleeping. The big question is whether there is an ideal position to be sleeping in. In recent years there have been studies making headlines that sleeping on your back is dangerous for you and your baby. This has led to many expecting mothers waking up on their backs and panicking. I want to keep...
2020-01-26
30 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Perineal Massage to Prevent Tearing
Your perineum is the area between your vaginal opening and your rectum. This area stretches during birth and it is possible to have a tear. If you have an episiotomy, this is the area that is cut during the birth of your baby. Perineal massage is an exercise done by you in the weeks leading up to birth to prevent tearing. The theory behind perineal massage is that by stretching this area leading up to your birth will allow it to stretch more easily, and without tearing when your baby is crowning. There have been studies on perineal massage...
2020-01-19
17 min
Pregnancy Podcast
When to Announce Your Pregnancy
There are a lot of questions about when to announce your pregnancy. Some expecting parents are comfortable telling everyone as soon as they have a positive test. Others prefer to wait until they are further along in their pregnancy. Some of the factors that can influence this are how private you are with sharing information, the particulars of your pregnancy, and your specific work situation. Learn why some parents choose to wait for certain milestones and the pros and cons of announcing early and later on. The right timing of when to announce your pregnancy will be different for...
2020-01-12
27 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Self-Care
Self-care may seem like a random topic to be tackling but if there is any time during your life in which self-care is crucial, it is during your pregnancy. In the nine months, you are pregnant your body is going through more changes than it ever will in such a short time frame. Your life is changing in a major way. No one will make caring for you a priority like you can. This is the perfect time in your life to make self-care a priority for two main reasons. First, you have more free time now than you...
2020-01-05
27 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Timing of Skin-to-Skin Contact & Delayed Cord Clamping
Picture the moment your baby is born. The umbilical cord is still connected on one end to your baby, and on the other end to your placenta, which is still attached to your uterine wall. Essentially, your baby is limited in how far they can go from your vagina because they are tethered by the umbilical cord. You want to delay clamping of the cord, but, you want to get skin-to-skin right away. This episode breaks down the logistics and timing of how immediate skin-to-skin contact and delayed cord clamping can work together. You can r...
2019-12-22
18 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Traveling During Pregnancy
Traveling can be a big part of our lives from taking a trip for work, visiting family, or taking vacations. With a few exceptions traveling during pregnancy is no different than traveling when you are not expecting. The key is planning ahead. Whether you are hopping in a car for a road trip, getting on a train, or flying to another country this episode goes through some tips to stay healthy and be as comfortable as possible while traveling when you are expecting. You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode b...
2019-12-15
24 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Will Eating Dates Help Your Labor?
Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree. They are a small oval fruit, about one to three inches long, or three to seven centimeters, and they have a pit in the middle of them. Dates are high in sugar and contain nutrients like fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B6. Dates are rumored to naturally induce labor and make for a shorter labor. Sounds pretty great right? Thankfully there are several studies available to examine these claims and evaluate the evidence for eating dates late in your pregnancy. This episode breaks down the claims that dates will he...
2019-12-08
18 min
Pregnancy Podcast
When You and Your Partner Disagree
There is an infinite number of decisions you and your partner have to make. Some examples are what prenatal tests to take, how to decorate the nursery, what to name your baby, who should be at the birth, and what procedures are done to your baby after they are born. It is a never-ending list, and even after all of these decisions are made the two of you are going to constantly make decisions throughout your child’s life. Some decisions are more trivial than others, but even working on coming to an agreement you are both comfortable with on...
2019-12-01
20 min
Pregnancy Podcast
110: When You and Your Partner Disagree
There are an infinite number of decisions you and your partner have to make like prenatal testing, how to decorate the nursery, what to name your baby, who should be at the birth, and what procedures are done to your baby after they are born. It is a never-ending list, and even after all of these decisions are made the two of you are going to constantly making decisions throughout your child’s life. Some decisions are more trivial than others, but even working on coming to an agreement you are both comfortable with on little things can help yo...
2019-11-30
18 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Centering Pregnancy & Group Prenatal Care
The traditional model of medical care faces increasing challenges. Factors like increasing health care costs, limitations of provider availability, issues like dissatisfaction with wait times, and the minimal opportunity for education and support associated with the individual care model have given rise to interest in alternative models of prenatal care. Centering started in the 90s when nurse-midwife Sharon Rising started bringing expecting mothers together for group prenatal appointments. Put in the simplest terms, Centering Pregnancy means that your prenatal care is in a group setting. This episode dives into the research on how this model of group care can...
2019-11-24
21 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Using Your BRAIN – 5 Questions You Should Be Asking
This episode we are talking about using your brain. In this case we are talking about your brain as being an acronym for some good questions you can run through when deciding if any intervention or procedure is right for you during pregnancy, birth, or with your newborn. You will come across a lot of opportunities to opt-in or out of interventions during your pregnancy or birth, or even with your newborn baby. In a perfect world, every procedure comes along with informed consent and you have all of the information you need to make an educated decision you...
2019-11-17
18 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Health Insurance
In the United States, the average cost of a vaginal birth is over $9,000 and the average cost for a cesarean section is almost $13,000. Health insurance is important because it will help to cover some of these costs and minimize the amount you will need to spend on medical bills. The first step is to find the right insurance coverage for pregnancy and birth. This episode is going to get you off on the right foot to minimizing your costs and making sure you are covered. You should know how your insurance works so you aren't surprised by medical bills a...
2019-11-10
30 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: Unsolicited Advice
People give advice because they want to help. They think they have some information that you need to hear. It doesn't matter if they are educated about pregnancy or birth. Everyone has an opinion or advice and a lot of people feel compelled to share it with you. Even when you do not ask for it. People who give unsolicited advice are coming from a good place. It would be great if you could just speak your mind and tell people that you are not interested in their opinions. We also have relationships we want to uphold and feelings...
2019-10-27
15 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Ultrasounds
You can expect to have at least one, or likely multiple ultrasounds during your pregnancy. This technology does more than give you a sonogram picture for your baby book. The information from an ultrasound can confirm your baby is healthy and diagnose potential issues. While these exams can be helpful when medically indicated, many expecting mothers may be getting additional ultrasounds that are unnecessary. There are a lot of studies on ultrasounds and this episode breaks down the evidence on ultrasounds in each trimester and the research on their safety. This episode is a must-listen if you are considering...
2019-10-20
34 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Colds & Flu During Pregnancy
Being sick is never fun, but especially not when you are pregnant. There are some additional challenges to the common cold during pregnancy. You are more susceptible to getting sick when you are pregnant because your immune system is lower. You may take longer to recover from being ill and to get over a cold. Pregnancy limits what types of medications you can safely take. It is so important to take care of your health when you are expecting. Unfortunately, even when you do take good care of your health, it is possible to catch a cold. Find out...
2019-10-13
30 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Tdap Vaccine During Pregnancy
A vaccine is created by taking a weakened or killed form of a disease causing micro-organism that causes your body to produce antibodies. This provides immunity without actually inducing the disease. Vaccines are a very controversial topic. This episode is an introduction to what vaccines are and gets into specifics on the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy. In addition to different types of vaccines, there are many ingredients that can be included in vaccines. These ingredients serve a particular function like increasing your immune response or as a byproduct of the processing. Tdap is one of two vaccines recommended during...
2019-10-06
36 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Flu Vaccine During Pregnancy
Flu is short for influenza, which is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. In healthy adults the flu normally isn’t serious and symptoms usually subside in about a week. When you are pregnant, the inflammatory response your body has to the flu during pregnancy puts you at a higher risk for some complications. It is recommended that pregnant women get the flu vaccine during their pregnancy to protect them and give passive immunity to their baby. There are many flu vaccines available and it can be a challenge to weigh the risks and benefits to decide whet...
2019-09-29
37 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Alcohol During Pregnancy
Alcohol is one of the very first things to go once you see that positive pregnancy test. Trying to figure out guidelines for alcohol and pregnancy can be so confusing. Can you drink any alcohol during your pregnancy? Does it affect your baby? How much is okay? These are questions you may have asked your doctor or midwife and you usually get one of two answers. You hear, absolutely no alcohol, in any quantity, or, it’s okay to enjoy a glass of wine from time to time with a meal. You already know that drinking high amounts of al...
2019-09-22
27 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Caffeine During Pregnancy
Caffeine is considered a psychoactive drug, meaning that it changes brain function and results in alterations in perception, mood, or consciousness. It is the most widely consumed drug in the world and is most commonly found in coffee, tea, and chocolate. Caffeine is one of the very first things to be cautious with once you see that positive pregnancy test. Trying to figure out whether you can have caffeine when you are pregnant can be confusing. Understanding how caffeine effects your body, and how it is processed will be help you to determine whether you are comfortable enjoying some caff...
2019-09-15
21 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Cord Blood Banking
Cord blood banking is definitely a confusing topic and this episode summarizes the information you need to understand cord blood banking and make an informed. Learn how cord blood stem cells are used, what conditions they treat, and how it is stored at a cord blood bank. When considering all of the pros and cons of cord blood banking, perhaps the biggest consideration is how it fits in with delayed cord clamping. This episode breaks down the evidence on cord blood banking so you can decide if it is right for you and your baby. Y...
2019-08-25
27 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Belly Binding & Postpartum Girdles
There are a lot of products you can wear postpartum that are marketed as a way to return to your pre-pregnancy body faster with claims that they promote healing and weight loss. This ranges from Bengkung belly binding to mass produced garments that go by a lot of different names like pregnancy shape wear, belly wraps, belly binders, postpartum girdles, or support belts. Brands vary and there are a lot of different styles, but overall the idea behind all of these is the same. The big question is, do they really work? This episode digs into all of the m...
2019-08-18
28 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Running and Walking During Pregnancy
Running and walking are excellent modes of exercise when you are pregnant. Both will benefit you and your baby and lower your risk for some adverse pregnancy outcomes, like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Like any exercise, running and walking are not without risks. When you are pregnant a lot of changes happen in your body that will impact your ability to exercise. Thankfully there are some simple tips and guidelines to make sure your workout is pregnancy safe. You can read the full article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here. ...
2019-08-11
26 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Heat Exposure During Pregnancy
Exposure to heat in hot weather and activities like working out can cause your body temperature to go up. Your normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37 degrees Celsius. Hyperthermia occurs when you have a high temperature (102 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38.9 degrees Celsius) for an extended period of time without an actual fever. When you are expecting there is concern of an elevated core temperature causing neural tube defects, spontaneous abortion, and other abnormalities. There are cautions you should take when practicing Bikram yoga, going in a hot tub or sauna, and even taking a hot bath. Learn about heat...
2019-08-04
17 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Weaning Your Child from Breastfeeding
There is not a huge amount of research on quitting breastfeeding. Research is more focused on keeping mothers breastfeeding. This makes sense, but it isn’t a lot of help when you are ready to wean and have limited evidence of how to do it. 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. This episode aims to take the anxiety out of weaning. Get actionable tips on ho...
2019-07-28
26 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Breastfeeding, Troubleshooting Your Baby
Newborns are hard wired to breastfeed and are born with instincts to help them latch on right after birth. But that doesn’t mean it always goes perfectly right from the start. Many new moms expect breastfeeding to come naturally without many issues. In reality, breastfeeding can take practice and patience as you and our baby navigate breastfeeding for the first time. There are a lot of issues that can come up during breastfeeding in the first few days, and even months down the road. The more you know about the small speed bumps you could run into the mo...
2019-07-07
22 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Breastfeeding, Troubleshooting Your Breasts
Many women expect breastfeeding to come naturally without many issues. In reality, breastfeeding can take practice and patience as you and our baby navigate breastfeeding for the first time. There are a lot of issues that can come up during breastfeeding in the first few days, and even months down the road. The more you know about the small speed bumps you could run into the more likely you are to be able to get over those and correct small issues before they become big problems. This episode is focused on troubleshooting issues that could show up in your...
2019-06-30
25 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Pumping Breastmilk
Pumping is a great way to provide breast milk to your baby when you cannot be there to breastfeed. This could be so you can run errands for a couple hours, enjoy a night out with friends. This is a must if you are returning to work. Breast milk is often referred to as liquid gold. It is so valuable and amazing that it cannot be reproduced in a lab and only you can make it. Your milk is perfectly formulated for your baby. Hooking your boobs up to a machine to pump milk is pretty strange. But, the...
2019-06-23
33 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Breastfeeding Basics
Hear about the fundamental things you need to know before your baby is born and what to expect when they arrive and start breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is so important and one of the best things you can do for your baby. There is no formula that comes close to mimicking breastmilk. Your milk contains every vitamin, mineral, and nutritional element your baby needs, and your milk is customized just for your baby. Babies who are breastfed are at a lower risk for ear infections, intestinal upsets, respiratory problems, allergies, dental problems, and their immune system will be stronger. Breastfeeding produces pro...
2019-06-16
24 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: Are Microwaves Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
Is it safe to use a microwave oven when you are pregnant? Learn about the safety of microwaves and how to minimize the risks for you and your baby. You can read the article and resources that accompany this episode by clicking here. For more evidence based information visit the Pregnancy Podcast Website.
2019-06-09
14 min
Pregnancy Podcast
156: Optimal Fetal Positioning & Spinning Babies
Your baby’s position in the womb can have a big impact on your labor and their birth. What if you can do some things during your pregnancy to help your baby get in an optimal position before you go into labor? There are a couple of practices that aim to do just that. Optimal Fetal Positioning and Spinning Babies are two practices that give you positions, movements, and exercises to take care of your body and give your baby the environment they need to move into the best possible position for an easier birth. The big question is, ar...
2019-06-02
23 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Episode 155: Baby Position
Your baby’s position in the womb seems simple on the surface. You want your baby head down in the third trimester and you are good to go, right? It is a bit more complex than that, and while baby position can be confusing, this episode simplifies how to understand your baby’s position. After listening to this episode, you will know what it means when your doctor or midwife says your baby is LOA. More importantly, you will know exactly what your baby’s position means for you and your baby in birth. Show Notes...
2019-05-26
26 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: Safe Cleaning Products
Cleaning products can contain harmful chemicals and your pregnancy is an excellent time to get safer products in your home. Any chemicals you are exposed to when you are pregnant potentially exposes your baby to them. There are no current regulations requiring manufacturers to fully list all of their ingredients. Generic terms like “fragrance” can mask all kinds of compounds, some of which have been linked to serious health impacts. Learn what chemicals you should be avoiding, how to shop for safe cleaning products, and tips for safer cleaning during your pregnancy. Show Notes: http://pregn...
2019-05-12
24 min
Pregnancy Podcast
154: Delayed Cord Clamping
Your baby’s umbilical cord is their lifeline. The reason for this, is that it is constantly delivering oxygen and nutrients, and removing carbon dioxide and waste. Plus, your placenta acts as a reservoir of blood and after birth there is a transfer of blood from the placenta, through the cord, to your baby. This is true regardless of whether you are having a vaginal or cesarean birth, or if your baby is born at term or prematurely. This placental transfusion of blood, also contains immunoglobulins and stem cells, and this transfer is stopped as soon as the umbilical co...
2019-05-05
24 min
Pregnancy Podcast
153: Third Stage of Labor (Updated)
The third stage of labor starts after your baby is born and ends with birthing the placenta. Even after your beautiful baby is born your uterus will continue to contract. These contractions are generally more mild than the contractions you experience during birth. As your uterus begins to contract and shrink, your placenta will detach from your uterine wall. The blood vessels are then closed off, and the placenta is pushed out. You have a lot of options as to what interventions are employed during this stage and whether your care provider uses active or expectant management. This includes...
2019-04-28
25 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: Postpartum Hemorrhage, Bleeding, and the Return of Your Period
Postpartum hemorrhage is the number one cause of maternal mortality worldwide. The rate of postpartum hemorrhage is between 1-5% of pregnancies, and is most common in the first 24 hours following birth. This episode dives into the risk factors and causes of postpartum hemorrhage, how it is diagnosed and treated, and the warning signs you should look out for. Find out what to expect about bleeding, technically called lochia, in the weeks after our baby born and what you should know about your menstrual cycle and period returning after birth. Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/postpartumbleeding/
2019-04-21
22 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: Informed Consent
Informed consent is a basic component of communication between medical professionals and patients. True informed consent means you fully understand the procedure, intervention, or treatment, that you are aware of all of the risks and benefits, and you have the choice to opt in or opt out. The guidelines for this are defined by organizations like the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Even though it is a basic tenant of medical care, it isn’t always practiced ideally. There are challenges involved with the time and attention needed to give you true informed co...
2019-04-14
23 min
Pregnancy Podcast
152: How Pregnancy Changes Your Feet
Did you know that your feet can go up a shoe size during your pregnancy? This is just one of many issues that can affect your feet when you are pregnant. The good news is that there are things you can do to get some relief if you are dealing with any foot issues. The even better news is that there are very simple things you can do to prevent these issues from happening in the first place. Physical changes, like gaining weight, and hormonal changes, like the release of relaxin, can lead to issues ranging from mild discomfort...
2019-04-07
21 min
Pregnancy Podcast
151: Five Rules for New Parents
There is so much focus on pregnancy and birth that many new parents find themselves lost once their baby is born. Most parents prepare to take care of a baby by learning how to change a diaper or how to swaddle, but what about how to take care of yourself? These five rules will help you thrive in your new role and keep you in a positive space so you can take excellent care of your little one. Show Notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com/episode151/. Thank you to Zahler for their support of...
2019-03-24
28 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: What is the Ideal Spacing In Between Kids?
If you are planning on having more than one child there is no magic time frame that you should wait in between pregnancies and there is no right answer that fits everyone. There is research available on the risks and benefits of waiting a certain period of time in between pregnancies. Plus, organizations like the World Health Organization and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have recommendations for minimum time frames in between a birth and getting pregnant again. This episode breaks down the evidence on spacing in between your pregnancies and some considerations for you to think...
2019-03-17
21 min
Pregnancy Podcast
150: Body Image During Pregnancy & After Baby
Body image during pregnancy and after having a baby is not something that just affects someone who was previously anorexic or struggled with their weight. Body image applies to anyone who is pregnant. I have yet to meet anyone who was confident about all of the physical changes going on during pregnancy. That doesn’t mean those people do not exist, but that definitely isn’t the majority. The many physical and emotional changes that come with carrying a baby puts your body through a major transformation. These changes are necessary to have a healthy baby. It is impossible to c...
2019-03-10
35 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: What is Pasmo and How Can You Avoid It?
Pasmo is a Spanish word that doesn’t have an English equivalent. It describes the reversal of labor once it has started. During labor and birth oxytocin, the love hormone, is the driving force of your contractions. Other hormones, like beta-endorphins and catecholamines counteract oxytocin to slow down labor. When this works like it is supposed to this balancing act keeps your labor at a pace where you are able to experience the positive effects and relief from beta-endorphins and at a pace where your body can handle the stress. In cases where levels of these stress hormones are to...
2019-03-03
14 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Get the Your Birth Plan Book for FREE + Over $1,200 in Giveaways!
The Pregnancy Podcast has teamed up with Zahler for the month of March to get you a free copy of the Your Birth Plan book, and be entered to win two amazing prizes; a nine month supply of the Zahler +DHA prenatal vitamin, and a Bugaboo stroller. To get your free book and be entered to win one of the prizes all you have to do is leave a review for the vitamin on Amazon mentioning the Pregnancy Podcast and send a screenshot to me vanessa@pregnancypodcast.com. Plus you can sa...
2019-03-01
04 min
Pregnancy Podcast
149: Preparing Your Partner for Birth
Back in the 1950s dads spent labor in hospital waiting rooms, called “stork clubs”, until a nurse came in to let them know the were a father. By the 1980s most dads were present for the births of their babies. Today, dads and partners are not just present, they are active participants from planning during pregnancy to catching their babies in the deliver room. The challenge in preparing your partner for birth is understanding what role they play or knowing what they should be doing while mom-to-be is in labor. Get the dos and don’ts to guide your partne...
2019-02-24
27 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: Cell Free DNA & NIPT (Non Invasive Prenatal Test)
You have several options during your pregnancy when it comes to testing for chromosome abnormalities in your baby. The most common non-invasive screening tests are the first trimester screen and quad screen and these have been offered to all pregnant women for many years. With better technology comes more options for testing, especially when it comes to examining DNA. The cfDNA (cell free DNA) test, which became available in 2011, is named for the fragments of your baby’s DNA that are freely floating in your blood stream. This simple blood test from you can test for many more chromosome ab...
2019-02-17
27 min
Pregnancy Podcast
148: Finding Out Your Baby’s Sex
Your baby’s sex is determined at conception. They will get an X chromosome from the egg and either an X or Y from the sperm. XX is genetically female and XY is genetically male. There was a time when the only way to find out if you were having a boy or a girl was at birth. Today there are lots of options to find out the sex of your baby. These options vary in their safety, the length of time to get results, and how accurate the results are. For most expecting parents finding out whether you ar...
2019-01-27
22 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: Waiting for Your First Prenatal Appointment
Your first prenatal appointment usually isn’t until you are eight weeks pregnant. For many expecting moms there are weeks between a positive home pregnancy test and a visit to a midwife or an OBGYN. These weeks can feel like an eternity, and leave you with anxiety about your pregnancy, worrying about the health of your baby, and a lot of questions about what you should be doing now that you are pregnant. This episode answers a questions about what to do when you are waiting for your first prenatal appointment. Show notes: http://pregnancypodcast.com...
2019-01-13
11 min
Pregnancy Podcast
147: Maternity Leave
Maternity leave is the name for taking time off from work after you have a baby. The amount of time that your maternity leave lasts varies a lot depending on what country you live in, the company you work for, and your personal financial situation. Paternity leave is the counter part of maternity leave for dads and partners. It can be a challenge to understand what is covered by your employer, to navigate federal or state programs, and prepare financially for your family. Planning for maternity leave is a big project and this episode breaks it down into manageable...
2018-12-23
29 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: Weight Gain During Pregnancy
Weight is one of the things your doctor or midwife will monitor throughout your pregnancy as a metric of your health during pregnancy. Excessive weight gain or not gaining enough weight during pregnancy is associated with low and high birth weights for newborns, preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, cesarean birth, and postpartum hemorrhage. Your risk for these complications is lower if you gain a healthy amount of weight during your pregnancy. Learn about the guidelines for weight gain during pregnancy, how those translate to the pregnant population in reality, and what you should be focused on to gain a...
2018-12-16
13 min
Pregnancy Podcast
146: Placenta Encapsulation
Consumption of placenta by a mother after birth has been a taboo subject, but it has been gaining popularity in recent years. The thought of eating your placenta might gross you out at first but once you hear about some of the amazing benefits women claim it has you might be willing to consider it. This is not another pregnancy podcast solely focused on the all of the wonderful things placenta encapsulation does. This episode really dives into the possible benefits and risks of this practice, examines the scientific evidence available to back up the claims, and addresses your...
2018-12-09
34 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Q&A: Baby Names
Choosing a name for your baby is a big item on your to do list. While you can wait until after you baby is born to pick a name, many parents prefer to have a name chosen early on. This is a topic that is very opinionated by a lot of people, especially well-meaning friends and family who will undoubtedly have opinions about what to name your baby. This episode responds to a listener who is struggling to come up with the right name and offers ideas, considerations, and the one rule to follow when choosing the perfect baby...
2018-12-02
14 min
Pregnancy Podcast
145: Prenatal Vitamin
It is so important to make sure you have all of the vitamins and nutrients you need during pregnancy for you for your growing baby. While you should be eating a healthy diet, it is difficult to make sure you are getting all of the optimal vitamins and minerals from your diet alone, and you should be supplementing with a prenatal vitamin. A prenatal vitamin differs from a multi-vitamin because it has specific nutrients you and your baby need during pregnancy. This episode features Kenn Israel who is a formulator and an expert resource on prenatal vitamins. He brings...
2018-11-25
35 min
Your Parenting Mojo - Respectful, research-based parenting ideas to help kids thrive
013: Vanessa Merten of the Pregnancy Podcast
Are you pregnant? Thinking about getting pregnant? Do you love Your Parenting Mojo and wish there was a show that could help you to understand how scientific research can help you make decisions about your pregnancy? Well, there is! In this episode we chat with Vanessa Merten, who hosts The Pregnancy Podcast. She uses scientific research to examine – sometimes controversial – issues from all sides to help you decide what’s best for you. And best of all, she goes beyond looking at individual issues to really synthesizing the outcomes of the research in a way that will make your decision-making much more...
2016-11-21
21 min
Dearest Doula with Nathalie Saenz
Ep. 85: ‘Pregnancy Podcast’ Featuring Vanessa Merten
Ep. 85: ‘Pregnancy Podcast’ Featuring Vanessa Merten In this latest Dearest Doula podcast episode, we are joined by fellow podcaster and birth awareness advocate Vanessa Merten! Vanessa is the creator and host of The ‘Pregnancy Podcast’, a free online resource for expectant parents and birth workers alike. Listen in to today’s podcast to get an inside scoop on this great show! For links to the resources Vanessa outlined, be sure to visit our 'show notes' page at: www.dearestdoula.com/pregnancypodcast Have you connected with 'Dearest Doula' on social media? Don't wait, do i...
2016-03-14
18 min
Dearest Doula with Nathalie Saenz
Ep. 85: ‘Pregnancy Podcast’ Featuring Vanessa Merten
Ep. 85: ‘Pregnancy Podcast’ Featuring Vanessa Merten In this latest Dearest Doula podcast episode, we are joined by fellow podcaster and birth awareness advocate Vanessa Merten! Vanessa is the creator and host of The ‘Pregnancy Podcast’, a free online resource for expectant parents and birth workers alike. Listen in to today’s podcast to get an inside scoop on this great show! For links to the resources Vanessa outlined, be sure to visit our 'show notes' page at: www.dearestdoula.com/pregnancypodcast Have you connected with 'Dearest Doula' on social media? Don't wait, do i...
2016-03-14
18 min
Pregnancy Podcast
Introduction to the Pregnancy Podcast
In this short episode you get a quick rundown of everything you can expect from Vanessa Merten and the Pregnancy Podcast. The Pregnancy Podcast is 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. Important Links Pregnancy Podcast Website Become a Premium Member Your Birth Plan Book 40 Weeks Podcast
2015-09-26
05 min