Entering Motherhood: Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Support

181. The Best Methods for Inducing Labor: Medical vs. Non-Medical Options

In this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, host Sarah Marie Bilger, discusses labor inductions. She covers both medical and non-medical methods, offering insights and tips to help expectant mothers make informed decisions. Sarah emphasizes understanding one's body, the importance of patience, and the need for open conversations with healthcare providers. She also shares strategies to avoid unnecessary inductions and highlights the significance of trusting one's instincts during labor. The episode aims to empower mothers with knowledge and confidence as they navigate their childbirth journey.

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180. From Fears about Childbirth to Feelings of Empowerment with Suzzie Vehrs

In this episode of Entering Motherhood, Sarah Marie converses with Suzzie Vehrs, a doula and childbirth educator. Suzzie shares her contrasting birthing experiences: an emergency cesarean section for her first daughter and an empowering natural birth for her second. The discussion emphasizes the importance of informed consent, effective communication with healthcare providers, and the supportive role of doulas. Suzzie highlights the significance of creating a birth plan, advocating for oneself, and preparing mentally and emotionally for labor. The episode underscores the transformative journey of motherhood and the empowerment that comes from being well-informed and supported. Click here for full show notes.

179. Managing Blood Pressure Throughout Your Pregnancy

In this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, host Sarah Marie Bilger, a wife, mother of two, and doula, discusses the critical topic of blood pressure during pregnancy. She explains the importance of monitoring blood pressure, detailing the differences between low and high blood pressure and their potential impacts on both mother and baby. Sarah offers insights into managing blood pressure through lifestyle choices and emphasizes the significance of regular monitoring. She also addresses the potential need for labor induction in cases of high blood pressure, aiming to empower and inform expecting mothers with holistic and evidence-based practices. Click here for full show notes.

178. Self-Awareness, Personal Authority, and Evaluating Maternal Dreams with Jungian Analyst Lisa Marchiano

In this episode of Entering Motherhood, we chat with Lisa Marchiano, a Jungian analyst, author, and podcaster, to explore the psychological dimensions of motherhood. Lisa shares insights from her books, "Motherhood: Facing and Finding Yourself" and "The Vital Spark: Reclaim Your Outlaw Energies and Find Your Feminine Fire." The discussion covers key Jungian concepts like individuation, dreams, and maternal anger. Lisa emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and reclaiming personal authority in motherhood. The episode highlights the transformative nature of motherhood, encouraging listeners to embrace their journey with compassion and self-discovery. Click here for full show notes.

177. Understanding GBS Testing During Pregnancy: What Every Expectant Parent Needs to Know

In this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, host Sarah Marie discusses Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and its impact on pregnancy, labor, and birth. She covers the testing process, treatment options, and considerations for both positive and negative results. Drawing from her own personal experiences, Sarah Marie provides insights and practical advice, emphasizing informed decision-making and open communication with healthcare providers. She also shares tips for reducing the risk of a positive GBS test and discusses its implications for different types of birth plans. The episode aims to empower and inform women on their motherhood journey. Click here for full show notes.

176. A Childbirth Attorney's Insights on Preventing Birth Complications with Gina Mundy

In this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, host Sarah Marie Bilger interviews Gina Mundy, a childbirth attorney and author. Gina shares her journey into the specialized field of childbirth law, driven by her desire to ensure safer childbirth experiences. She discusses common issues in childbirth, such as the use of Pitocin, and emphasizes the importance of having a designated baby advocate during labor. Gina also highlights the role of doulas and the significance of making informed decisions. She talks about her book, "A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth: Expecting the Best: Using the Power of Knowledge to Help You Deliver a Healthy Baby," which aims to help parents prevent childbirth complications. Check out the full show notes here.

175. How Can Motherhood Inspire a Career Transition?

In this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, host Sarah Marie Bilger shares her personal journey of transitioning from a career as a mechanical engineer to becoming a full-time doula. She discusses how motherhood shifted her priorities and led her to pursue her passion for supporting mothers through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Sarah reflects on the challenges and fulfillment of her new career, emphasizing the importance of aligning with one's values and passions. She also shares insights on balancing professional and family life, encouraging listeners to pursue their dreams and find joy in their chosen paths.

174. Enhancing Your Breastfeeding Experience and Boosting Your Milk Supply with Daniela Procopio

Hey there, beautiful souls! In this episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast, our host Sarah Marie Bilger sits down with Daniela Procopio, the creative mind behind Solma, a ready-to-drink lactation support beverage. Daniela opens up about her own journey into motherhood, sharing the ups and downs she faced with breastfeeding and the struggle to find postpartum support. These heartfelt experiences inspired her to craft Solma, packed with all the good stuff to boost milk production. Their chat is all about the magic of community and support for new mamas, offering some heartfelt advice to first-time moms and highlighting the importance of finding your tribe, even if it's in the digital world. So grab a cozy drink, maybe even a Solma, settle in, and join us for this warm and welcoming conversation! Click here for the full show notes.

173. Doula Lifestyle - Behind the Scenes of a Birth and Postpartum Doula

In this episode, host Sarah Marie Bilger goes behind the scenes of what it’s like to be a doula. From what a doula is, to what a doula does and how doulas navigate being on call and structuring out their schedule. We dive deep and still have so much to share. If you liked this episode and want more questions answered reach out and let us know what behind the scene questions you have on doula life. More episodes to come that are packed with birth and postpartum knowledge to help you confidently navigate motherhood and know all your options. Click here for full show notes. 

172. Breaking Generational Cycles of Body Shaming and Negative Self-Image with Susie Taaffe

In this podcast episode, Susie Taaffe, CEO and founder of Skanties, an anti-shapewear brand, joins the host to discuss motherhood, body image, and self-acceptance. Susie shares her personal experiences as a single mom of three, the challenges of parenting, and the importance of gratitude even during tough times. She emphasizes the value of seeking help and the significance of capturing memories through videos. Susie also talks about her journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, aiming to empower women to love their bodies and reject societal pressures. The conversation covers the impact of our attitudes on children, breaking cycles of negativity, and the joy of sharing creativity. Susie is currently planning to relocate to the US to expand her business and provide her daughter with better opportunities in dramatic arts. Click here for full show notes here.