Entering Motherhood: Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum Support

184. Is Mommy Wine Culture Hurting Us More Than Helping? with Celeste Yvonne

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Entering Motherhood! In this episode, host Sarah Marie Bilger sits down with Celeste Yvonne, a mom, author, and advocate for sobriety, especially within the context of motherhood. They delve into Celeste's journey towards sobriety and discuss the pervasive "mommy wine culture" that has become so normalized in today's society.

Celeste shares her personal experiences, including the challenges she faced and the pivotal moments that led her to quit drinking. They talk about the societal pressures and stigmas surrounding alcohol use among mothers and emphasize the importance of creating inclusive environments that respect individual choices regarding alcohol.

Sarah and Celeste also explore the impact of alcohol on new mothers, the benefits of sobriety, and offer practical advice for those who might be struggling with similar issues. Tune in to learn about healthier coping mechanisms and how to support mothers in making empowered choices for themselves and their families.

Don't miss this heartfelt and informative episode that aims to change the conversation around alcohol and motherhood. Let's doula this and navigate the transition of entering motherhood together!

Full show notes: click here

183. Dilation and Effacement: How Your Body Prepares for Birth

Welcome to another episode of the Entering Motherhood podcast hosted by Sarah Marie Bilger. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating and crucial aspects of labor: cervical dilation and effacement. Learn about the process, understand what to expect, and discover tips to help your body progress naturally.

Sarah explains the significance of dilation and effacement, how they are measured, and the factors that can influence their progress. Whether you're a first-time mom or have given birth before, this episode provides valuable insights to help you feel more prepared and confident as you approach labor.

Join us to learn about the natural progression of labor, the importance of trusting your body, and the various interventions that might be suggested if labor stalls. This episode is packed with information to empower you on your unique motherhood journey. Tune in and let's navigate this together! Click here to see full show notes.

182. Postpartum Psychosis, Healing, and Finding Strength in Motherhood with Victoria Greene

In this episode, we delve deep into the impactful and heartfelt story of Victoria Greene, a local mom who bravely shares her experience with postpartum psychosis.

Victoria opens up about the challenges she faced, from the initial manic episodes to her journey through the healthcare system, and the eventual diagnosis of postpartum bipolar. She recounts the emotional highs and lows, the struggle for proper medical support, and the strength it took to navigate this difficult period.

Join us as Victoria describes her journey, the importance of seeking help, and the power of community support. Her story is a testament to resilience and the importance of mental health awareness in motherhood. Whether you're a mom, a supporter, or someone interested in maternal mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Tune in to learn from Victoria's experience and discover the importance of reaching out for help and the strength that lies within each of our stories. Click here for the full show notes.

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.