Hey, mamas! Trish is unpacking week 40 of pregnancy. We’re diving into the final stretch - where your body’s prepping, your baby’s ready, and the world’s asking, “Is the baby here yet?” Spoiler: Your due date is not an eviction notice! Let’s talk about what’s happening, how to stay sane, and why you’re a rockstar for making it this far.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• Body Prep 101: Your cervix is softening, Braxton Hicks are ramping up, and pelvic pressure is real - here’s what’s normal and why it’s all part of the prep for your little one.
• Baby Update: Your baby’s full-term, lungs are ready, and those movements? Still crucial to monitor. I’ll tell you when to call your care team.
• Doctor Visit Lowdown: What to expect at your 40-week appointment, including optional cervical checks, membrane sweeps, and questions to ask if induction comes up.
• Mental Game Plan: Three mindset shifts to keep the anxiety at bay when your due date passes, plus how to set boundaries with those relentless “Is the baby here?” texts.
• Practical Tips: From gentle hip circles and hydration to naps and boundary-setting, I’ve got you covered with ways to feel good physically and emotionally.
• Pro Boundary Move: Assign a “news sharer” to handle updates and keep your sanity - diapers and dinner, not questions, people!

Subscribe, leave a review, and let’s celebrate this journey together. You’re incredible, and I’m cheering you on!

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

More from this episode:

• Read this Easy to Understand Guide Before Your Membrane Sweep: Everything You need To Know
• Listen to Membrane Sweeps – What You Need to Know and How to Handle Them | 189

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:56 What's Happening at 40 Weeks
• 01:16 Understanding Your Body's Changes
• 02:52 Practical Tips for Physical Comfort
• 04:06 Your Baby's Development at 40 Weeks
• 05:51 Navigating Doctor Visits
• 09:32 Managing the Mental Load
• 11:20 Setting Boundaries and Final Preparations
• 12:46 Closing Thoughts and Celebrations

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🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

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Today Trish is welcoming Sarah Ebrahimi to share her birth story as a first time mama, and a Calm Labor Confident Birth student who is only seven weeks postpartum. Sarah shares her unique journey through fertility challenges, pregnancy, and an incredible unmedicated birth experience. She discusses how holistic practices, mental preparation, and Trish's course empowered her to handle labor with confidence and joy. Sarah emphasizes the importance of mindset, informed decision-making, and self-advocacy in creating a fulfilling birth experience. From navigating early labor to delivering her baby naturally, Sarah's story is a testament to the power of preparation and the beauty of childbirth.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

More from this episode:

Listen to Vaginal Tearing during Birth: Real and Gritty | 152

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:53 Sarah's Background and Journey to Motherhood
• 02:12 Discovering Calm Labor Confident Birth
• 03:20 Holistic Health and Fertility Journey
• 04:42 Mindset and Preparation for Birth
• 06:50 Advocating for Your Birth Plan
• 13:25 Choosing the Right Provider
• 18:26 Leading Up to Labor
• 20:59 Breath Work and Labor Tools
• 21:57 Shower vs. Tub Experience
• 23:47 Delivery Details and Midwife Support
• 25:24 Pushing and Birth Experience
• 30:51 Postpartum Journey and Recovery
• 33:09 Mindset and Final Reflections

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked. This week, we celebrate reaching full term at 39 weeks! Trish shares the three important yet rarely discussed developments happening with your baby right now, from their rapidly growing brain to the formation of tear ducts and the invaluable antibodies they're getting. We'll also tackle those intense mounting pressures, the truth about cervical checks, and the reality of the Arrive trial and membrane sweeps. Remember, you've got choices, and everything you need to feel powerful and prepared is within reach. Let’s make sure you're not just waiting for labor but preparing to be the queen of the room.

Hit subscribe, leave a review, and join me next Wednesday for week 40, where we’ll tackle everyone’s opinions about your timeline. You’re magical, mama - keep shining!

Make sure to leave a review on the podcast BY THIS FRIDAY 9/10, email info@labornursemama.com a screenshot of your review & username, and you’ll be entered into a raffle for a $200 amazon gift card!

More from this episode:

Read the Blog: The Signs That You are in Real Labor and Not false?

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:55 Reaching Full Term: Week 39
• 01:25 Baby's Development at Full Term
• 03:31 Understanding Labor Signs and Induction
• 04:50 Prenatal Visits and Cervical Checks
• 06:18 Preparing for Labor and Delivery
• 06:54 Membrane Sweeps and Final Preparations
• 08:13 Empowerment and Self-Care
• 08:45 Conclusion and Next Steps

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Join Trish as she reveals seven essential first trimester secrets that can transform your birth experience. From early birth planning and provider interviews to preparing your body and support system, these strategies are designed to empower you and give you the birth of your dreams. Trish shares real-life success stories, practical tips, and her unique insights to ensure you're not just surviving but thriving throughout pregnancy and into postpartum. Plus, don’t miss out on the special giveaway in celebration of the 200th episode!

Make sure to leave a review on the podcast THIS WEEK, email info@labornursemama.com your review with your username, and you’ll be entered into a raffle for a $200 amazon gift card!

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:34 The Power of First Trimester Choices
• 03:38 Secret #1
• 05:52 Secret #2
• 08:27 Secret #3
• 11:10 Secret #4
• 13:56 Secret #5
• 16:58 Secret #6
• 18:56 Secret #7
• 21:15 Conclusion: Empower Your Birth Experience

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Hey Mama! In this episode of Pregnancy Unpacked, Trish gets into the final stretch of pregnancy with honest, empowering advice. She addresses the annoyances of constant questions about your due date, celebrates your body's power, and shares practical tips on labor preparation, prenatal visits, and emotional well-being. Whether you're feeling the pressure (literally and figuratively) or just need a boost of confidence, this episode reminds you that you're right on time - and your baby is almost here!

Key Takeaways

• Baby's Growth: Your little one is about the size of a mini watermelon (19.5 inches, ~6.8 pounds), building fat stores, shedding vernix, and maturing their brain and lungs.
• Labor Prep Tips: Prioritize gentle movement like walking, stretching, and birth ball exercises to "grease the gears" for birth.
• Prenatal Insights: Cervical checks are optional and don't predict labor; discuss Group B Strep results thoughtfully; consider membrane sweeps carefully.
• Signs of Labor: Watch for regular contractions (stronger, longer, closer), back pain, bloody show, or your mama intuition.

More from this episode:

• Read the blog: Here's What You Need to Know About GBS (Group B Strep) and
• Read the blog: Got a Big Baby on Board? What You Need to Know
• Calm Labor Confident Birth Bundle at learn.labornursemama.com/calm for just $297.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:59 Welcome to Week 38 of Pregnancy
• 02:27 Embracing the Final Weeks
• 02:51 Baby's Development at 38 Weeks
• 03:28 Baby Weight Myths
• 05:05 Labor Prep Essentials
• 05:57 Prenatal Visits and Cervical Checks
• 07:15 Group B Strep Results: Handling positive results without fear
• 08:22 Membrane Sweeps
• 08:40 Signs of Labor to Watch For
• 09:36 Navigating Emotional Challenges
• 10:18 Positive Birth Affirmations

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Trish welcomes Jennifer to share her story, a member of the VBAC lab, Calm Mama Society, and a proud mom of two. Jennifer shares her inspiring journey from having a C-section with her first baby to achieving a successful VBAC with her second. She shares her experiences with chiropractic care, pelvic floor therapy, and the invaluable support from the VBAC lab & community that taught her to follow her intuition and advocate for herself.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

Jennifer opens up about the emotional challenges of transitioning from one child to two, including feelings of guilt, resentment, and the struggle to find 'me time’. She highlights the importance of support, education, and trusting one’s intuition throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period. Don't miss this powerful story of resilience, self-advocacy, and the strength of a mother's love.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:19 Jennifer's First Birth Experience
• 03:02 Discovering the VBAC Lab
• 04:22 Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Care
• 07:14 Navigating Pregnancy Challenges
• 10:52 VBAC Lab Community Support
• 12:17 Facing Medical Misdiagnosis
• 16:19 Empowerment and Autonomy in Birth Decisions
• 21:31 Challenges of Baby Number Two
• 22:54 Adjusting to New Family Dynamics
• 27:34 Breastfeeding Struggles and Solutions
• 34:27 Community Support and Resources

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Trish, your birth bestie, gets into what to expect at 37 weeks of pregnancy. From baby movements and their importance, to what happens during your 37-week prenatal appointment, Trish covers it all. She offers in-depth advice on navigating the final weeks of pregnancy, including checking off essential items like your hospital bag and car seat, finalizing your postpartum support, and understanding the significance of baby's movements. Trish emphasizes the importance of self-care and emotional well-being, equipping you with practical tips and encouraging words as you approach the big day. Tune in for a friendly, no-nonsense guide through your 37th week of pregnancy - you're almost there, mama!

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

More from this episode:

• Third Trimester Prep Pack
• Haakaa Colostrum Collector Kit
• Read the blog: Here's What You Need to Know About GBS (Group B Strep) and Pregnancy

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:57 37 Weeks Pregnancy
• 02:02 Baby's Development at 37 Weeks
• 05:01 Prenatal Appointments and Preparations
• 08:09 Common Symptoms and Self-Care Tips
• 11:30 37 Week Checklist
• 12:34 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Trish discusses the essential topic of Pitocin - a common intervention used in labor and delivery. She breaks down what Pitocin is, why it's used, and the critical choices you have around its application. She covers its role in induction, augmentation, and postpartum hemorrhage prevention. Remember, this is all about empowering you with knowledge so you can confidently make informed decisions during your birth experience. You're the queen of your birth room, and Trish is here to ensure you feel educated and powerful. Grab your raspberry leaf tea, hit subscribe, and let's get into it!

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

More from this episode:

Get the Mini Induction Class: labornursemama.com/induction

Listen to: Third Stage of Labor: What You Need to Know | 37 on Spotify or Apple

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:56 Understanding Pitocin: What It Is and Why It's Used
• 02:40 The Prevalence and Misuse of Pitocin
• 03:53 Pitocin for Induction: What You Need to Know
• 07:03 Pitocin for Augmentation: Making Informed Decisions
• 08:59 Pitocin Post-Delivery: Preventing Hemorrhage
• 10:19 Empowering Your Birth Experience
• 11:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services