Lo & Behold | Pregnancy, Birth, Motherhood

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Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy and Birth: Myths, Risks, Inductions, and Birth Choices with Sara Alayev, RN
In this episode, we’re deep diving into the world of gestational diabetes (GDM) - what it is, how it shows up in pregnancy, and what you can actually do when you get that diagnosis. I brought on the amazing Sara Alayev, a high-risk OB and L&D nurse (and mama of two!), who’s made it her mission to help moms feel seen, heard, and totally equipped to handle GDM. We’re talking real-life stories, practical tips, and all the reassurance you need to walk into your birth like a boss - even if GDM is part of your story.Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a friend, or just want to be prepared, this episode is packed with clarity, compassion, and a whole lot of “you’ve got this.” Let’s get into it!Helpful Timestamps01:23 Today’s Topic: Gestational Diabetes02:10 Meet Sara Alayev, MSN, RN05:52 What is Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM)?08:39 GDM Screening: When, How, and Your Options16:24 Early Screening & Risk Factors22:41 What Happens After a GDM Diagnosis?26:41 Diet, Nutrition, and Medications31:41 Induction Conversations & Birth Planning42:19 Postpartum: What to Expect for You and Baby48:17 Resources, Support, and Final ThoughtsMore from Sara Alayev, MSN, RN:Find Sara on Instagram: @gestational.diabetes.nurseCheckout the GDM Nurse MembershipMore from this episode:Read the Blog: What is Colostrum + Should You Collect it Before Birth?Read the Blog: Birth Prep: How-To Guide for Colostrum CollectionACOG Article: Gestational DiabetesACOG Article: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)Visit www.thelabormama.com/birth and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!About your host:Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and
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Unplanned 2nd Cesarean After Unmedicated Labor and Hours of Pushing During TOLAC | Episode 15
Today I’m honored to be joined by Priscilla, a former student, who shares her profound journey through her second pregnancy and her plans for a VBAC after having a C-section with her first child. Priscilla opens up about the myriad of emotions in motherhood, the physical and mental challenges of labor, and the ultimate joy and disappointment that sometimes come hand in hand. She discusses her experience of going past the 42-week mark, the intense labor process, and her eventual cesarean, emphasizing the importance of trusting your body and embracing the imperfections in the birth process. Priscilla’s story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of birth and the strength of maternal instincts, making this episode a must-listen for moms navigating the messy middle of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood.What’s inside this episode:Priscilla’s planned VBAC journey that resulted in her second cesarean birth.Advocating for herself in the medical system.Trusting her body and intuition.Helpful Timestamps:01:24 Introducing Priscilla's Birth Story03:56 Priscilla's First Pregnancy and Birth Experience10:24 Second Pregnancy: Goals and Preparations for VBAC13:34 Approaching the Due Date and Facing Induction Pressure19:47 Labor Begins: The Journey to the Hospital27:51 Arrival at the Hospital29:39 Labor and Delivery Room30:23 Challenges During Labor36:32 Decision for Cesarean38:58 Cesarean Experience43:42 Postpartum Reflections53:18 Conclusion and ResourcesMore from this episode:Hypnobirthing app The Hypnobirthing PodcastCalm Birth BookVisit www.thelabormama.com/birth and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!About your host:Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen! A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going!...
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A Candid Convo on Doulas, the Right Fit, and How Social Media Impacts Doula Perceptions with Sarah Osborne, CD(DONA) | Episode 14
Today we’re talking about the invaluable role of doulas in enhancing birth outcomes with veteran doula Sarah Osborne, also known as the Expert Doula, who has supported over 900 births in her 17-year career. She is also a birth photographer, childbirth educator, and doula mentor. We discuss the critical support doulas provide, from labor coaching to navigating medical systems, and how they help foster informed decision-making. Whether you're expecting a baby, considering a doula, or interested in the birth world, this conversation sheds light on the profound impact of doula support.What’s inside this episode:The significant role doulas play in improving birth outcomes.Insights into Sarah’s work as a doula.The importance of finding the right doula for you, and how to navigate hiring one.Tackling misconceptions about doulas in the birth community.Helpful Timestamps:01:23 The Impact of Doulas on Birth Outcomes01:57 Interview with Sarah Osborne: A Veteran Doula04:17 Understanding the Role of a Doula11:26 Prenatal and Birth Support from Doulas14:26 Choosing the Right Doula for Your Birth17:12 Navigating Birth Philosophies and Doula Support22:41 Addressing Doula Training and Systemic Challenges24:46 Navigating Relationships with Medical Staff28:14 The Role of Social Media in Doula and Medical Staff Dynamics34:45 The Importance of Honest Communication43:39 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationMore from Sarah Osborne:Follow her on Instagram @the.expert.doula @thebirthcollectivepnwVisit TheExpertDoula.com TheBirthCollectivePnW.com More from this episode:Visit www.thelabormama.com/birth and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!About your host:Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to...
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Labor Nurse’s Second, Unmedicated, Fast Birth with D-MER and PPA During Postpartum | Episode 13
In this heartfelt episode, I walk you through the emotional and transformative journey of my second birth story. This baby arrived during one of the most challenging periods of my life, marked by profound grief over the recent loss of my mom and the overwhelming responsibility of parenthood. I recount the unexpected news of my pregnancy, the complexities of balancing grief and new life as a girl mom of two under two, and the emotional roller-coaster of my labor and delivery. What’s inside this episode:You'll hear about my struggle with postpartum anxiety.My second experience with dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER).How the support from my husband and community made a significant difference in this phase of my life.Despite all the challenges, this birth story is a testament to resilience, unexpected joy, and the ultimate redemption found in bringing new life into the world.Helpful Timestamps: 01:56 Reflecting on the First Birth and Grief04:45 Unexpected Pregnancy08:14 Navigating Early Pregnancy Challenges10:14 Preparing for Labor12:19 Labor Begins15:41 Rushing to the Hospital19:05 Arrival and Admission23:08 Active Labor and Support24:13 Confidence and Trust in Labor24:39 Emotional Signposts of Transition27:33 My Second Birth31:47 Immediate Postpartum Reflections37:51 Breastfeeding and Postpartum Challenges40:30 Postpartum Anxiety and Health Concerns46:28 Reflections on Motherhood and RedemptionMore from this episode:Visit www.thelabormama.com/birth and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!Read the Blog: My Second Birth STory: a precipitous, unmedicated hospital birthListen to episode 4: Are You Sad When You Breastfeed? You Might Have D-MERListen to episode 10: The Emotional Signposts of Labor (an Episode for Every Birth Partner to Hear)About your host:Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo &...
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Tongue Ties and Breastfeeding: Myths, Signs, and Support with Lisa Paladino CNM, IBCLC | Episode 12
Today I’m delighted to bring on Lisa Paladino, CNM, IBCLC, who is an expert in the complexities of tongue ties in breastfeeding infants. Lisa, an internationally recognized lactation consultant and certified nurse midwife, shares her extensive experience and knowledge to help parents understand the functional aspects of tongue ties. Besides guiding hundreds of parents through pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, Lisa is an author, lecturer, and advocate for tongue tie education and women's health issues.What’s inside this episode:The holistic approach to breastfeeding issues. The importance of early lactation support.Impact of tongue ties on both mothers and babies. Practical strategies for parents and the crucial role of instinct and education in making informed decisions. This episode is filled with valuable insights and resources for anyone navigating the journey of breastfeeding and tongue ties.Helpful Timestamps:01:23 Surprising Divisiveness in Motherhood Topics01:53 Guest Introduction: Lisa Paladino03:46 Lisa's Journey to Becoming a Tongue Tie Expert08:44 Understanding Tongue Ties and Their Treatments10:48 The Importance of Functional Diagnosis21:42 Prenatal Preparation for Breastfeeding28:43 Understanding Tongue Tie Diagnosis29:27 Signs and Symptoms of Tongue Tie30:51 Personal Experiences with Tongue Tie32:58 Challenges and Solutions in Breastfeeding36:55 The Genetic Component of Tongue Tie40:00 Historical and Societal Perspectives on Tongue Tie45:16 The Importance of Maternal Comfort48:25 Resources and Support for Parents50:21 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMore from Lisa Paladino: TongueTieExperts.net Grab the Tongue Tie for Parents EbookListen to the Tongue Tie Experts PodcastJoin the Breastfeeding Tongue Tied Babies FaceBook GroupMore from this episode:Visit www.thelabormama.com/breastfeeding and use code MAMA25 at checkout for 25% off!About your host:Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list
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About Lo & Behold | Pregnancy, Birth, Motherhood

What if your best motherhood choices aren’t my best motherhood choices? Each week on Lo & Behold, we’re leaning into that real, messy, necessary question as we navigate all the choices you’ll find yourself making in pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, and modern motherhood. Hosted by Lo Mansfield — former labor and postpartum nurse, certified lactation counselor, mom and RN behind The Labor Mama, and real life mama of four — this show is your judgment-free space to explore all the options in front of you. Whether you’re navigating a birth plan, wondering about labor induction methods, worried about breastfeeding challenges, or figuring out how to advocate for yourself or your littles, you’re not alone here. On Lo & Behold, we’re cutting through the noise of the motherhood space and ditching the black-and-white takes. Each episode, Lo brings her years of experience in maternity care, lactation support, and real-life motherhood straight to your earbuds — through candid insights from her own successes and mistakes, expert interviews, and other real mom and dad story shares you’ll actually relate to. Each week, you’ll find relatable, honest stories and reflections that help you make intuition-led, evidence-informed decisions in your own birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, and motherhood stories — with zero shame and zero slant. Because your best story is the one that feels right to you — and no one else gets to tell you what that is. If you’re craving confidence, clarity, friendship, and a space that says “you get to choose” and “I trust you,” this podcast is for you. Whether you’re pregnant with your first baby, planning a hospital birth, or knee-deep in the chaos of raising toddlers and raising babies, grab your coffee, your electrolytes, or your raspberry leaf tea, hit play, and let’s chase down your best story — together.

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