The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse Mama

• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 18-20: Anatomy Scan & The Truth About Bonding | 176

  Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with your birth bestie, Trish. If you’re in weeks 18 to 20 of your pregnancy, this one’s for you! We’re diving into the magic (and realness) of this stage, the big anatomy scan, and the emotional rollercoaster of bonding. Trish is here with her no-sugarcoating, cheerleader vibe to unpack what’s happening with your body, your baby, and your heart.Your little bean is growing fast, flipping and fluttering, and you’re probably feeling that bump pop! From the 20-week anatomy scan details to navigating those “am I supposed to feel bonded yet?” moments, Trish breaks it all down. Whether you’re buzzing with excitement or wrestling with anxiety, your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone. Let’s unpack this stage together!What’s Inside This Episode:Baby’s Big Glow-Up: Your baby’s now the size of a sweet potato or mango (6–6.5 inches, 9–11 ounces!), with taste buds, working ears, and somersaults galore. Plus, their heartbeat’s loud enough for a stethoscope!20-Week Anatomy Scan Lowdown: Trish dives into what this long, detailed ultrasound checks: brain, heart, spine, limbs, placenta, and more. Learn what to expect, how to prep, and why unclear images aren’t an instant red flag.Finding Out Baby’s Sex (Maybe): This scan might reveal if you’re having a boy or girl, but as Trish’s story with baby #6 shows, it’s not always a sure thing!Bonding with Your Baby: Feeling super connected or a bit detached? Both are normal. Trish shares tips like daily affirmations, journaling, and visualizing those first snuggles to nurture your bond - no pressure, just love.Action Steps for You: Schedule your anatomy scan, prep questions for your provider, jot down your feelings, and ask about placenta placement or cervical length if you’ve had complications.Mindset Matters: Trish reminds you to trust your gut, ask questions, and embrace this transition. You’re growing a human and a new version of yourself!“You’re half way there mama and I’m so freaking proud of you!” - TrishMore from this episode:Listen to episode 150: Navigating Your 20-Week Anatomy Scan with Confidence | 150The Latest from Pregnancy Unpacked:Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 16-18: Baby Bumps, Tests, & Trusting Yourself | 174Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 14-16: Building Your Birth Team & Trusting Your Gut | 172Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 12-14: Hello Second Trimester, Now What? | 170Helpful Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to Pregnancy Unpacked00:59 Weeks 18-20 of Your Pregnancy01:31 Baby's Development at 18-20 Weeks04:15 The Anatomy Scan Explained09:33 Mindset and Bonding Tips10:58 Action Steps and Final ThoughtsResources: 🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!First Trimester Prep Pack

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• In Control of Birth: LeeAnn’s Calm, Confident First-Time Birth Experience | 175

  Trish welcomes her sweet birth student, LeeAnn, a first-time mom and a student of the 'Calm Labor Confident Birth' course. LeeAnn shares her breathtaking birth story, which started with a surprise in triage and ended with the unmedicated birth she always dreamed of. She walked us through her mindset shifts during pregnancy, the tools from the course, as well as the labor bat signal, that kept her calm and at ease, especially during those last weeks of pregnancy, and what it was like to have a fast, unmedicated first birth. She also gets into her postpartum experiences and offers real, valuable advice to other first-time moms. Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cmsLeave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!“ I felt comfortable and I think there's so much out there nowadays about like, “Here's what you should do, Here's what you should not do” - and it's also contradictory. Your courses were very much like, “Here are your options, “ and you were very open about, if you want to go natural, if you want to do medicated - you gave all the options. And I felt like that made me feel empowered to speak for what I wanted. “-LeeAnnTune in to hear how LeeAnn took control of her birth journey and emerged empowered, confident, and in control as a first-time mama.More from LeeAnn:Follow her on IG: @leeannypants01:25 LeeAnn's Pregnancy Journey02:11 Finding Support and Empowerment03:26 Navigating Pregnancy Fears and Guilt04:56 The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course09:10 The Labor Bat Signal Experience12:08 LeeAnn's Labor and Delivery14:07 Unexpected Early Labor Signs14:23 Intensifying Contractions and Hospital Arrival15:24 Hospital Triage and Cervix Check16:15 Rapid Progression to Delivery18:54 Empowering Birth Experience20:14 Postpartum Challenges and Support22:01 Advice for New MothersResources: First Trimester Secret Podcast🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!Connect w/ Trish: On InstagramOn FacebookOn YouTubeOn Pinterest On TikTokFor 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 ServicesNext Steps with LNM:If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!If you are ready to dive into a birth class and

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• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 16-18: Baby Bumps, Tests, & Trusting Yourself | 174

  Hey Mama, welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked! Trish is taking you through the transformative journey of pregnancy weeks 16-18. Your baby is growing, now about the size of an avocado or a dill pickle, with developing lashes, eyebrows, and fingernails. Trish discusses common tests such as the quad screen, and what to expect during your ultrasound scans. She shares some stories about gender surprises and emphasizes the importance of asking questions and trusting your intuition. For those still grappling with morning sickness, Trish offers supportive tools and lifestyle tips to ease the discomfort. This episode is packed with straight talk, some science, and lots of support to help you navigate your pregnancy journey with confidence. Remember, you are amazing mama, and you've got this! Tune in every Wednesday for more pregnancy unpacked. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and drop questions in the comments!Helpful Timestamps01:00 Weeks 16-18: Baby Development02:32 Understanding Prenatal Testing04:10 Ultrasound Scans and Gender Reveals05:47 Dealing with Concerning News09:34 Morning Sickness and Nausea Relief11:00 Advocacy and IntuitionMore from this episode:Listen to Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 14-16: Building Your Birth Team & Trusting Your GutListen to Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 12-14: Hello Second Trimester, Now What?Grab the Second Trimester Prep PackResources: First Trimester Secret Podcast🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!Connect w/ Trish: On InstagramOn FacebookOn YouTubeOn Pinterest On TikTokFor 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 ServicesNext Steps with LNM:If you are ready to invest in your pregnancy & postpartum journey, you are in the right place. I would love to take your hand and support you in your virtual labor room!If you are ready to dive into a birth class and have your best and most powerful birth story, then Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab is your next step.If you have a scheduled cesarean,

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• 8 Things Your Partner Should Do in the First Trimester (That Actually Matter) | 173

  Hey mama and partners! Tune in to this empowering episode where we get into how partners can genuinely shape the pregnancy journey right from the first trimester. 8 essential things your partner should do in the first trimester, that actually matter: 1. Learn about her hormones2. Plan the birth with her3. Protect her energy4. Track in the pregnancy apps5. Take care of her6. Emotional check-ins7. Get educated with her8. Begin postpartum planning nowTrish gives you essential tips outlining eight ways for partners to step up and support their pregnant mamas. Don't miss out on all of Trish’s tips—subscribe and leave a review!Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cmsLeave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!00:00 The Importance of Partner Support in the First Trimester00:50 Understanding Hormones: The Foundation of Support02:15 Planning the Birth Together03:22 Protecting Her Energy and Setting Boundaries04:23 Tracking Pregnancy Milestones05:14 Taking Care of Her: Emotional and Physical Support06:13 Emotional Check-ins: Building a Strong Connection06:59 Getting Educated Together08:28 Postpartum Planning: Preparing for the Fourth TrimesterMore from this episode:Listen to Pregnancy Unpacked: Am I Pregnant? What to Know Before You See Two Pink LinesListen to Pregnancy Unpacked: Weeks 6-8: You, Baby, & Pregnancy HormonesListen to 8 Essential Things to Do During Your First TrimesterGo to labornursemama.com/calm for the Full Birth Class Go to labornursemama.com/guide for the Calm Labor Birth PodGrab the First Trimester Prep PackResources: First Trimester Secret Podcast🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!Connect w/ Trish: On InstagramOn FacebookOn YouTubeOn Pinterest On TikTokFor more pregnancy...

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• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 14-16: Building Your Birth Team & Trusting Your Gut | 172

  Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked, where Trish is guiding you through the transformative weeks of 14 to 16 of pregnancy. Learn how to build a supportive birth team, why trusting your gut is crucial, and the significant physical and emotional changes happening right now.This is where you stop hoping, and start preparing. Your action steps for weeks 14-16 are to start a birth team vision list! Remember, you are the leader of your birth team. Your dream birth team could consist of:Your ProviderA DoulaPelvic floor Physical TherapistWebster Certified Chiropractor Birth Class EducatorJoin the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cmsLeave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!Your team will shape your labor more than your birth plan ever could.Ask yourself these questions to know who’s right for your birth team:Do you fell calm in their presence? Do you feel safe asking questions? Do you trust them with your vulnerability? If any of these questions leave you leaning “no”- then they’re not the right fit for you. Your body is amazing, your voice is important, and your birth deserves thoughtful prep. Tune in every Wednesday for more Pregnancy Unpacked!More from Pregnancy Unpacked:Go to labornursemama.com/calm for the Full Birth Class Go to labornursemama.com/guide for the Calm Labor Birth PodGrab the Second Trimester Prep PackHelpful Timestamps00:59 The Moment Everything Clicks01:28 Unpacking Weeks 14 to 1601:41 Building Your Birth Team01:50 Understanding Your Baby's Development03:44 Choosing the Right Provider05:14 The Role of a Doula06:14 Additional Support Team Members06:55 The Importance of Birth Education08:40 Action Steps for Weeks 14 to 16Resources: First Trimester Secret Podcast🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!Connect w/ Trish: On InstagramOn FacebookOn YouTubeOn Pinterest On TikTokFor more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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