The Birth Class Podcast: Recent Episodes
Lizzie Bolliger
Not your typical childbirth education. The knowledge is power approach to better birth experiences. Teaching moms how to take back their births to have the positive and powerful birth experiences they deserve. Hosted by Lizzie Bolliger, fierce birth advocate and creator of Unmedicated Academy.
Most moms write 0-1 birth jplans, but we're going to be a little extra and write 3.
I’m sharing the birth plan strategy no one’s talking about: why you need three different birth plans... one for the hospital staff, one for your partner, and one for laboring at home.
You’ll learn:
- Why icon birth plans should go in the trash and the importance of a clear and direct birth plan
How to equip your support person with the exact words, advocacy notes, and tools you’ll need when you want to tap out
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- Why to include in a “home birth plan” (even if you’re headed to the hospital) so you don’t rush in too early
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Download our birth plan at unmedicatedgirlies.com/birth-prep-class (scroll to the bottom to download all the freebies)
Join the girlies inside the birth class meant of moms wanting unmedicated hospital births at unmedicatedgirlies.com
Meet Jes, holistic hyperemesis gravidarum expert and morning sickness coach. Jes shares her own HG story, multiple hospitalizations, prescriptions, and the moment she said “there has to be a better way”, and how she reverse-engineered her HG by targeting root causes instead of masking symptoms.
In the episode, we dig into:
- HG vs “morning sickness” as a spectrum, and how feeling debilitated is a red flag.
- The uncomfortable truth about pregnancy meds like Diclectin/Zofran: when they’re a necessary bridge, what they do (and don’t) fix, and why informed consent matters.
- Jes’s functional approach, how she weaned off meds and stopped vomiting within days.
- Why minerals are foundational and how depletion can show up later in mom and baby.
- The importance of preconception prep to prevent HG and build a resilient blueprint for baby.
If you’re in the thick of HG, planning another pregnancy, or you simply want a healthier baseline before conception, this episode is for you.
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Get Jes’s mineral guide:
Connect with Jes:
@the_wellness_element on instagram and The Wellness Element podcast.
Everyone knows about the epidural, but you also need to understand the hospital’s so-called “low-intervention” option: IV narcotics.
Spoiler: they’re not as low-risk as they sound.
In this episode, I’m breaking down:
- Why hospitals are quick to offer fentanyl to unmedicated girlies
- The real pros and cons of IV narcotics
If you’re planning an unmedicated birth, you don’t want to miss this one. Listen in, then grab our free Unmedicated Birth Toolkit for tools that actually work with your body.
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Download the U|G's Toolkit:
unmedicatedgirlies.com/toolkit
Listen to episode 173: Why you haven'r heard of nitrous oxide
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/173-why-you-havent-heard-of-nitrous-oxide-and-why/id1561852103?i=1000677343607
If you’ve ever felt like “something wasn’t right” about your birth, this episode is for you. Processing what happened is the prep no one talks about—but it might just be the most important part of planning for an empowered, unmedicated birth.
Brigid went through her own traumatic birth, and now she helps moms process their experiences so they don’t carry that trauma into motherhood—or into their next birth. In this episode, she shares her story and gives us some insight in to the tools we all could use post birth.
We talk about why trauma shows up in sneaky ways (even years later), the connection between your nervous system and your ability to cope in labor, and how unprocessed trauma can spill over into motherhood.
Connect with Brigid
Website: loretowellness.com
Podcast: The Discerning Mother
Instagram: @brigid.tebaldi
From a home birth transfer and cesarean to a powerful unmedicated VBAC, Sarah’s story is pure redemption. Hear how she turned a high-risk pregnancy into a healthy, healing experience that will bring you to tears.
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Join Sarah & the other Academy Moms:
unmedicatedgirlies.com
In this brand-new Ring of Fire segment, Sarah is the first to take the birth stool and answer five rapid-fire questions about her unmedicated birth.
From her biggest “why” behind wanting an empowered birth to the one coping tool that truly carried her through labor,. You’ll hear her cravings, her mindset shifts, and the one piece of advice she wants every mama preparing for birth to know.
This short, fiery episode is your sneak peek into Sarah’s full birth story (airing in the next episode) and trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
Join Sarah and the other Academy Mom's Inside the program ⬇️
unmedicatedgirlies.com
You planned for an unmedicated birth… and it didn’t happen.
Now you’re wondering how to set yourself up for a different outcome next time. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what to do, starting before you’re even pregnant again, to heal, prepare, and build your confidence for your next birth.
Learn more about Unmedicated Academy ⬇️
unmedicatedgirlies.com
In this episode, I’m joined by the one and only Loudmouth Lisa... and trust me, you’re going to love her. Lisa Villani is a birthy business powerhouse with a bold story and even bolder mission. She shares how she went from the typical hospital experience (aka not it) to the unmedicated birth she craved so badly. A birth that cracked her wide open and changed everything.
We talk about what it really means to be empowered, in birth and business. Lisa drops some serious truth bombs about sales, helping doulas grow without burnout, and being loud (on purpose) in a system that wants women to stay quiet.
If you’re into birth, business, or both, you don’t want to miss this one.
Find Lisa on instagram @thelisavee
Download "5 Silent Killers Hiding in Your Doula Business"
🔗 thelisavee.com/killers
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Download "Done-For-You Birth Class: Earn your first $1k"
🔗 unmedicatedgirlies.com/dfy
You had your amazing unbelievable birth experience. Maybe it was at home maybe it was in the car maybe it was in the hospital. It doesn’t matter where. It was truly the most amazing transformative experience you’ve ever had. You're not ready to give birth again, but you're not ready to leave this birth bubble... here is the quickest (and easiest) way to start a birth business from home with your baby.
In this episode, I discuss...
- Being a type A girlie and owning it. Why you should plan out your month and quarter today.
- Why I see my 75 Hard "failure" as a win and how it makes me mentally tough.
- Becoming an Academy Ambassador and how you can help more moms have better births and change the world.
Download the U|G Playlist and binge the most informative episodes now.
Learn more about the Ambassador Program, then send me a DM @fiercelizzie
Here is why you need to start your birth prep now instead of waiting til next month. Four reasons to get a head start on your birth education for all moms, but especially for November, December and January moms because of the higher rate of inductions around the holidays.
In this episode you'll learn...
- The time frame it takes to get truly informed to have a boss birth your way and why that is necessary in the hospital setting.
- How your prenatal care can change in the final weeks compared to the early weeks of pregnancy where you hear "everything looks perfect, mama!"
- How to be prepared for the holiday induction.
Join the other December moms and get educated, informed, and empowered to do birth your way.
"First time mom here! What are the most surprising parts of an unmedicated birth?" From butt explosions to cervical checks gone wrong to the most amazing feeling EVER that makes natural birth addicting (and why we all keep coming back to it)... this episode has it all!
Everything you need to know about unmedicated hospital birth
Follow @theunmedicatedgirlies on Instagram
For the fourth year in a row the cesarean rate in the US has increased. And the greatest influence on if you have a vaginal birth is policy and rules put on birth. Here is what you need to know if you are planning an unmedicated VBAC (or for any mom planning for a vaginal birth!).
You'll learn:
- A little history around the fluctuations in cesarean rate, why it was so high in 2009 and again in 2023.
- The four must haves as you plan for an unmedicated VBAC to increase your chances of a vaginal birth after cesarean.
- A comparison on using intermittent auscultation versus continuous fetal monitoring for a hospital VBAC.
Get your MUST HAVES for birth
Hundreds of women have used the boss birth method to have the unmedicated birth of their dreams. First time moms, second time moms, even fifth time moms!! YOu can have a powerful birth where you feel prepared, informed, and empowered to birth YOUR WAY even in the hospital. And here are the four things you need to know to get your dream birth too.
You’ll learn…
- The most challenging part of having an unmedicated hospital birth and how the level of support can vary greatly from hospital to hospital.
- How the basic birth prep is not enough for the typical hospital birth mom, and my story of getting lucky with my first birth.
- Skip the trial and error of birth and instead prepare for your next birth to be the best it can be.
- The four steps to having a boss birth, exactly what you need to know and prepare to have an unmedicated hospital birth
In my experience hospital staff tend to be more supporting of a natural, hands off birth in the first stage of labor. They may still push for pitocin or cervical checks, but they still tend to leave you to labor on your own. And all that changes once a mom hits transition or starts to feel pushy, then even the most hans off birth may turn intervention heavy.
You'll learn:
- What it means to support physiology and how walking into the hospital disrupts natural labor.
- The stages of labor and the difference between interventions from beginning to end.
- The three things you must know to support physiology at any stage or birth.
Join the unmedicated girlies and get informed with Unmedicated Academy
Look it's not you, it's the hospital. The hospital routine medicalizes your birth and makes it really hard to support physiology. Which means it's really hard to have an unmedicated birth in the hospital. And the epidural rate proves it. The good news is, there is a way to have a hospital birth where you support physiology and you avoid unnecessary interventions.
You'll learn:
- What really happens when you go with the flow is that you hand your birth over to the hospital's routine which usually includes an induction, pitocin, epidural, amniotomy, coached pushing, etc.
- How the hospital birth looks like birth because you meet your baby, but in reality it is not a physiologic birth at all.
- Statistics on inductions and statistics when you avoid an induction too.
- How birth education can improve birth for first time moms, second time moms, hospital birth moms, and moms with a doula.
Grab the last October spot inside the Academy
Your baby & body want an unmedicated birth, even if you are scared, even if you have a low pain tolerance, even if you aren’t having a peaceful water birth in your living room. And that's because there are a ton of benefits that come with physiologic, unmedicated birth.
You'll learn...
- How a recent client ended up with an unmedicated birth even though that wasn't her goal, and no her birth wasn't fast or easy.
- The cascade of interventions vs the overflow of positive outcomes and how unmedicated birth has benefits to you and your baby.
- The reason so many moms chose natural birth over and over again, even though it's the hardest thing they have ever done.
Ready to go all in with your birth prep? Join the Academy
Enter the photo contest and show off how the unmedicated girlies do it 💃
Today's episode is inspired by the fact that I have had too many mom in my DMs concerned about their low lying placentas. A low lying placenta is totally normal at 20 weeks, so why are so many women worrying about it??
In this episode, I discuss:
- The difference between a low lying placenta and placenta previa, and what it means for your birth prep.
- The overuse of technology causing doubt in our pregnancies.
- How our maternity care system infantilizes women by giving us minimal information and making decisions for women instead of giving them options.
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Enter the photo contest and tag me @theunmedicatedgirlies and #theunmedicatedgirlies
Join Unmedicated Academy to get informed and make your own decisions.
Margot Robbie is pregnant. Will she invest in getting informed? Will she hired a doula? Will she invest in a physiologic birth at home? Celebrities have all the resources available to them, and very often they are opting for the most detached version of birth, elective cesarean or even worse, surrogacy. Join me in this rabbit hole of celebrity hospital births.
In this episode I discuss:
- How Queen Elizabeth had her power taken away during her first three births and how she demanded different for her fourth.
- The hospital is the hospital and it can and will take control if you let it, regardless of how rich, famous, and powerful a woman is outside of the hospital.
- The average rate of cesarean in the United States in 2022 is 32.1% and the World Health Organization’s statement that cesarean rates over 20% lead to worse outcomes for moms and babies.
- Los Angeles hospital, Cedars-Sinai Hospital, does not disclose their rate of cesarean and that is likely due to a higher than average rate.
- What it costs for a bougie maternity suite at Cedars-Sinai, Lenox Hill, and Mount Sinai. And did Beyonce really rent out the maternity ward for $1.3 million??
Let's get informed on postpartum hemorrhage, so you can make the best decision in the third stage of your birth. Bleeding is a completely normal part of the birth process, but how much is too much?? Hospital providers are terrified of PPH and are treating every single woman preventatively, even when she just had a physiologic birth and there is no reason to assume this stage of birth needs help as well.
In this episode I discuss:
- The current definition of PPH versus the older definition that labels a normal amount of blood loss as concerning.
- How PPH is assessed and what can cause a hemorrhage in postpartum.
- If you birth in the hospital, you will have PPH actively managed. Know the difference between active vs expectant management.
- All of your options and how to avoid PPH
Start the 5 Day Empowerment Challenge
Get informed on all the stages of hospital birth (and how to support physiology instead) inside Unmedicated Academy
Allow yourself to get obsessed with your birth. Go all in. Instead of hoping for an unmedicated birth, be committed to having your best birth. Going all in with your birth education can only help you to be more confident and more prepared for walking into the hospital to birth your way.
In this episode I discuss:
- Many hospital birth moms have births that don’t go as planned. The typical birth outcomes IS a birth that doesn’t go to plan so if you want to plan for something different, you have to do things differently.
- The difference between hoping for an unmedicated birth and being committed to an unmedicated birth. And how you can become obsessed with birth to have a more positive birth experience.
- If you want a different hospital birth, you are going to have to tell someone no. To do birth differently you are going to have to inconvenience someone at best and piss them off at worst.
Get obsessed with doing birth your way inside Unmedicated Academy.
Have you experienced the Bobbie formula shortage? This mom-founded and-led infant formula company appears to be pro mother-baby, when in fact all they are good at is marketing and making profits off of how you feed your baby. They are a multi million dollar corporation that has used predatory marketing tactics to grow a "cult like" following that has created more demand then they can keep up with.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The new age predatory Marketing tactics that Bobbie formula has pioneered and abused to get moms hooked on their product.
- Bobbie falsely claims that their organic formula is a solution to mothers' mental health struggles, and now these moms are more stressed than ever as they struggle to feed their babies.
- The new push towards combo-feeding that enables Bobbie to gain more customers as they directly compete with breastfeeding.
- One mom's story in choosing Bobbie, what she did during the shortage to feed her baby, and how Bobbie responded to her outrage.
Listen to the episode with the Radical Moms Union: Episode 114 We Crashed a Formula Marketing Meeting
Join Unmedicated Academy and get access to the BONUS breastfeeding module
There are many reasons women choose unmedicated birth. One of those reasons is that they feel more in control when they support physiology. And feeling more in control, instead of chaotic, results in a more positive birth experience.
In this episode, I discuss:
- How supporting physiology puts your body in control, not the hospital routine, not prescription drugs, and that can help you feel more in charge of your birth.
- You have more options in your birth when you stick with your unmedicated birth plan.
- When you walk into birth prepared, there is less anxiety, less fear, we can take control of our births now by doing the right birth prep.
- Full immersion into your birth prep can get you so prepared that you know what to do automatically when things like interventions, slow labor, transition, etc. come up
How are cervical checks going to affect my labor? I know something as small and simple as a cervical exam doesn’t seem like much of an interruption to the labor process, but it actually is. When we introduce pain, tension, or fear into labor it can cause labor to stall and make it harder for you to access your coping tools. And let’s flip the script, I actually would love for you to think of cervical exams as small and insignificant in actually helping labor, because there are truly no benefits to including multiple cervical checks in birth.
In this episode I discuss:
- A risk and benefit analysis of using cervical checks in labor so you can make an informed choice on if you want to include them in your birth or not.
- In home births we don’t typically see cervical exams unless the mother requests them, and how requesting a cervical exam shows some doubt in your body’s ability to birth.
- The story of a mom who dilated from 2 to 10 cm in an hour and the mom who stayed dilated to 5 cm for a whole week.
- When to expect cervical exams as part of your prenatal care and exactly when ones you can decline.
Join Unmedicated Academy to learn all about physiologic pushing!
Saying yes to an induction, or pitocin, is like saying yes to an epidural. Once you start pitocin your birth is medicalized and that includes a higher chance of wanting the epidural.
In this episode, I discuss:
- How pitocin and oxytocin are the same chemical compound but work very very differently in or bodies.
- If you had pitocin in the past and it felt like your birth was out of control, it was. Pitocin means your birth is being control outside your body.
- Starting pitocin can mean that your coping skills are less accessible which can lead to an unwanted epidural.
Download the free Birth Prep Class
Get your NORA - restock this week!
Join the Academy Moms in learning how to support the birth plan YOU want
Just like with all things birth we are talking about the risks and benefits, pros and cons of doula certification, and insurance reimbursement today. This is a must listen if you are a doula, or thinking of becoming one, or if you are a mom wanting to hire a doula.
In this episode, I discuss:
- Recent posts from Elite Doula Training on new legislatures from Texas and Ohio that are trying to control doulas and that can have a big impact on how your doula can support you.
- The motives behind certification agencies, lawmakers and hospital systems work together, and it’s not to benefit you.
- Examples of rules and regulations that doula certification programs and insurance companies put on doulas, and the parallels to how the medical system stole midwifery.
- What you can do as a doula and as a mom to opt out of doula regulations from your state or hospital.
Episodes you’ll love:
70 | Doula certifications suck
100 | Becoming a self taught doula
134 | How to find and hire a doula
133 | What doulas do for you
124 | Biased doulas for biased moms
Listen to the new business podcast for moms and follow along on instagram @micromombiz
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy for the confidence to tell your hospital no.
Thinking, hoping, and assuming your hospital is going to be supportive of your natural birth is not enough. And thankfully there is a lot that you can do to take control of the situation so that you are prepared for the worst while hoping for the best.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The two ends of the spectrum, a hospital that is 100% on board with your birth plan, no questions asked versus the most coercive and manipulative of hospitals.
- How being informed and educated on birth and your rights will change your birth experience in hospitals with varying levels of support.
- How being empowered means you do not let anyone tell you want to do, including me!
- An amazing hospital birth story of a positive induction of labor without an epidural.
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy and join our community call this week
Restock your NORA tea
Download the FREE Birth Prep Class
Yes, this is important knowledge to have and you need to understand the stages of labor on a deeper level than just centimeters dilated. Knowing the stages of labor is even more important for hospital birth moms and can help you take control of your labor in severals ways.
In this episode I discuss:
- The idea of surrender versus taking control and how that balance can change based on where you are giving birth.
- Understanding the stages of labor can help you to avoid cervical checks.
- The knowledge is power approach included knowing the stages of labor in depth and it has many benefits for the mom wanting an unmedicated birth.
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Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
The term fear mongering comes up often in the discussion of our medical system, and our maternity care is no different. Knowing what it is and isn't is helpful in being able to identify the red flags and stand up to fear mongering if it happens to you.
In this episode I discuss:
- The definition of fear mongering and what it can look like in your maternity care.
- The red flags of fear mongering and what the opposite of fear mongering, which is the informed consent process.
- Fear isn't a bad thing and can actually be helpful as you prepare for birth.
- How the knowledge is power approach can help you feel confident, even when faced with fear mongering.
Mentioned on the show:
Get NORA notifications for the upcoming restock.
Grab the replay for Home Birth in the Hospital - limited time only!
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy and work with me each week
Have you ever said, "the hospital won't let me..."? Then you need to learn more about the role of your OB, midwife, MFM or really any medical provider because they hold no power over you. Tune in to learn more about informed consent and evidence based care and how you are the actual boss of your medical care.
In this episode, I discuss:
- Informed consent is a discussion that includes getting fully informed so you can make the final decision.
- Why I think the term shared decision making actually is making the power dynamic worse for mothers.
- The three components to evidence based care.
- Birth is a physiologic event that doesn't typically need intervention.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
What is WILD pregnancy? We have one of our good friends from the Moms off the Record podcast, Kat Sigbald, sharing about her current pregnancy with baby number two. With her first birth, Kat thought she prepared the right way, from firing her provider and switching to home birth to being educated on all things natural birth, but what she learned is even home birth midwives can be captured by the system. Not wanting her next birth to be sabotaged as well, Kat did everything differently, starting before conception and by doing her own prenatal care and having a truly autonomous pregnancy.
In this episode, Kat gives all the juicy details on her wild pregnancy, including:
The scare tactics and manipulation from her home birth midwives that ultimately led her to having a 72 hour induction and failure to descend leading to an unnecessary cesarean.
Her promise to not outsource her intuition to someone bound by rules and regulations and the experts she is turning to instead.
The typical mindset and belief that more technology and more experts equals a safer birth, and the fallacy of having technology in the birth space.
The downsides of the prenatal routine and exactly what Kat will be opting out of and including in her prenatal care, including gestational diabetes screen, blood pressure monitoring, ultrasounds, gbs and fetal monitoring.
More resources for wild pregnancy:
Kat's Substack - coming soon!
Moms off the Record Podcast
Follow MOTR on IG
Anisa Woodall - Holistic fertility & nutrition
Free Birth Society Podcast
The ONE thing I wish someone had told me when I was pregnant with my first. Here I am telling it to you if you haven't heard me say it already.
In this episode I discuss:
- The 7Bs of attachment parenting and the intuitive way to parent your baby.
- In 2013, I read food blogs when I should have been finding the home birth corner on the web.
- The gaps in our prenatal care, specifically the lack of options and informed consent that come with the typical hospital prenatal.
Subscribe to Launch Your Micro Mom Business - NOW on Apple and Spotify
Grab a spot in Home Birth in the Hospital on May 23 at 6pm
Download the FREE Birth Prep Class
Get educated, informed, and empowered with Unmedicated Academy
This is an incredible birth story that you won't want to miss. Katie shares her amazing journey from finding the online birth community in pre-conception to her long, tough back labor in the hospital, completely unmedicated. Katie's favorite part of her story, was reaching down to catch her own baby. She calls it the best gift she's ever received.
In this episode, Katie shares:
- What she did to prepare for her natural hospital birth, and all the mindset work behind believe she could do it.
- Why she chose to birth in the hospital, even though she wanted a home birth.
- How preparing her husband with Unmedicated Academy helped him to trust birth too.
- All 31 hours, starting a home with losing her mucous plug, to her doula walking in to help, to leaving for the hospital to use their birth tubs, to finally catching her baby.
- The feeling of empowerment that came with her birth, and how she feels like she can do anything now.
Grab a spot inside Home Birth in the Hospital
Due in August? Enroll now in Unmedicated Academy
Why do I have a consult appointment with my oral surgeon but not my OB? Home birth midwives generally do free consults as well. Want a more home birth like hospital birth? Run your own consultation and ask the right questions to see if your provider is the right fit for what you want in your birth. And if you are currently seeing an OB or a practice with OBs do not skip this ONE question.
More questions to ask in the episode on Finding Your Unicorn OB
Grab a spot inside Home Birth in the Hospital
Ready to join Unmedicated Academy? The program is a combination of birth prep, planning and education using what I call the birth immersion protocol that will turn you into a birth expert just in time for your due date. Join the empowered moms club.
If you can't have a home birth, for whatever reason, I get it. That was me too. That is why my area of expertise is helping moms have hospital births that feels more liek home births. Why? Because moms who birth are home are more likely to feel supported, have lower risk outcomes, have fewer interventions, and they always hit their goal of an unmedicated birth. The hospital is nothing like a home birth but there are some home birth practices that we can bring in to our hospital births. In this episode I discuss five things to plan for if your goal is an unmedicated hosptial birth.Sign up for Home Birth in the HospitalUse code FIERCELIZZIE on your next Just Ingredients orderOrder NORAReady to enroll in Unmedicated Academy? This program is my signature method for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Travel back in time with me as I go line by line through the birth plan I wrote as a first time mom in 2013. Back before there was a birth side of instagram and no one was listening to podcasts (or at least, I wasn't). In the episode I discuss each request from my birth plan, the biggest mistake I made, and if I actually got what I wanted.
More episodes you'll love:
49: Using my super simple birth plan template
71: Hypnobirthing didn't work for me
105 | Home births don’t need birth plans, hospital births need more than a birth plan
116 | 3 things that will sabotage your birth plan
Ready for an advocacy based birth program where you get support from me each week from now through the day your baby is born? Join the empowered mom club
April is cesarean awareness month. Approximately 1.3 million women in the United States undergo a cesarean section every year. It is the most common surgery done in the United States. And our cesarean rates have actually gone up in recent years, meaning it's more important now than ever to understand the risks, especially of repeat cesareans, and how to avoid an unnecessary c-section.
In this episode I discuss:
- C-section being a neutral tool with risks and benefits, that is being overused. Even the World Health Organization agrees and states that cesarean rates should be 10-15% for the best overall outcomes for moms and babies.
- The most disgusting thing I saw online last week from an OB celebrating 100 c-sections performed.
- The definition, and impact of a primary cesarean. In the US, the rate of cesarean is 32.1% overall and primary cesarean rate is 22.5%
- How one hospital proves that you don't need to follow the ARRIVE trial guidelines to lower the risk of primary cesarean.
Research on reducing primary cesarean
Leapfrog Hospital Ratings
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
The Washington Post said women are spreading “misinformation” about birth control in a recent article and many women in our community were PISSED. Myself included. SO I asked my good friend Carly Hartwig on today to talk about it- the REAL reason women are not okay with hormonal birth control and why we are choosing just as effective alternatives to the IUD, nuvaring, and the pill. Carly is a holistic reproductive health practitioner and certified fertility awareness educator. In this episode we are calling out the misinformation claim, let’s get informed instead.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The illusion of empowerment that birth control has and how it is actually the opposite of what true empowerment is.
- The importance of informed consent in birth and birth control, and how if we had known the risks of birth control we would have never agreed to be on it.
- How women are gaslit in our medical system, in birth, and in this Washington Post article on birth control.
- Alternative methods of birth control are being suppressed and called “misinformation” to keep you weak, sick, and disempowered which creates a pharmaceutical and fertility client for life.
- All of your birth control options, including cycle tracking options. How the rhythm method and use of period tracking apps are less effective, and true fertility awareness is the more effective natural method and just as effective as pharmaceutical birth control when done correctly.
- Resources to get started with fertility awareness method.
Resources mentioned on the show:
Book a free consult call with Carly
Fifth Vital Sign and Taking Charge of Your Fertility on Amazon
The Business of Birth Control
Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a friend, or share to your socials and tag @unapologetucallyunemdicated and @cleanlivingwithcarly
Connect with Carly
https://www.cleanlivingwithcarly.com/
Want to work with Lizzie?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
You’ve got a medicine cabinet full of herbs and natural remedies but are you applying the same approach to your birth? You have left the mainstream version of healing your colds but are you still taking the mainstream route to birth? Let’s talk about it!
Get your medal for your unmedicated birth
In this episode I discuss:
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Why I don’t take prescription drugs or typical over the counter remedies for both my headaches and my anxiety, even though I am the perfect candidate for zoloft.
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The root cause approach to healing and how you can apply that mindset to your labor pain.
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What stood out to me when my kids and I watched a dog giving birth on youtube.
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One thing you can do to support physiology that has the biggest impact on your birth.
More episodes you’ll love:
90 | Labor pain has purpose, how feeling the pain of birth is helpful to your baby
85: Signs your induction is BS
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Just like a batch of cookies has directions to bake for 10-13 minutes, your baby has a range to bake for 37-42 weeks. Yet, hospital practices have lowered the average length of gestation because they are inducing almost everyone. What are so many moms being induced? And are you really overdue after 40 weeks?
In this episode I discuss:
-The accuracy of due dates and why it should be called a guess date instead.
-The controversy around inducing just because a mom is 40 weeks-Why women risk out of home birth at 42 weeks and can still have a low risk birth.-The reason so many women are induced.
Mentioned on the show: US birth weights drop due to rise in Cesarean births, inductions
Other episodes you’ll love:
132 | Get informed on the epidural, pros and cons of the epidural in birth
117 | If labor is more than 24 hours, 3 things to do in case labor is long
105 | Home births don’t need birth plans, hospital births need more than a birth plan
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
People pleasing shows up in birth a LOT. But this one sneaky way of people pleasing also tends to show up even in the most experienced, assertive and unapologetic birth spaces. In this episode I discuss:-People pleasing practices in the birth space are what hospitals are used to and staff may be shocked when you are assertive.-Evidence can be a useful tool in decision making but we don't need to use it to please others.-Evidence is based in the medical model and not physiology, it's not the end all be all for moms who want unmedicated, physiologic births.Other episodes you'll love:111 | Be more UNAPOLOGETIC110 | Unmedicated birth is not always empowering, natural, or orgasmic 116 | 3 things that will sabotage your birth plan
When an OB takes to the internet to say “women’s bodies are historically bad at birth” you better believe the birth community is showing up. Today we are talking about the viral #dontpagedrfran movement on Instagram, exactly what the OB said that has the birth community enraged, and the lessons you can apply to your birth.
In this episode I discuss:
-The reel from @pagnigdrfran where she said “women are historically bad at birth” and that “our bodies are trying to off us every time we are pregnant”. And how the birth community showed up with #dontpagedrfran
-Our current maternal mortality rate is telling of the United States as being bad at birth.-The perfect example of a provider and hospital saying one thing, then doing another. The typical bait and switch that many women have experienced.
-How invalidating positive home birth stories on the basis of survivors bias is hypocritical coming from the medical model.
-The importance of personality versus practice when it comes to hiring (and firing) your provider.
Other episodes you’ll love:
80 | The bait & switch birth
77 | Birth centers aren’t what they seem
34 | Finding your unicorn OB
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Episode 2 for World Doula Week. In this episode I am answering all your doula questions from finding and hiring a doula to what it’s like being a doula!
I answer the following questions:
Where do I find a doula local to me?
Questions to ask before hiring a doula.
How much do doulas cost?
How to become a doula
What does getting started with a new client look like?
Why don’t they protect physiologic birth anymore?
Do you think doulas should have babies before becoming doulas (i low key think they do)?
Did you get a doula?
Have you ever felt like you had a client/patient who was out of your skill set?
Would you/have you declined working with someone wanting a birth you didn’t agree with?Other episodes you’ll love:
70 | Doula certifications suck, with Kallie Caton
100 | Becoming a self taught doula
133 | What doulas do for you, World Doula Week pt. 1
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Welcome to World Doula Week! Did you know that doulas love to bring awareness to the benefits of doulas during WDW? If you've wondered what a doula does during your birth, or maybe what a doula doesn't do, or If you have questioned wether you need a doula or not, you are in the right place.
In this episode I discuss:
-The role of the doula and how it is different than the midwife.
-What I do with my client as their doula
-Why you still need childbirth education, even with a doula. Doulas do not replace childbirth education.
-How doulas support birth partners and the important role of dads during birth
-My surprising answer to , do I need a doula?
Other episodes you'll love:
70: Doula certifications suck, with Kallie Caton
100 | Becoming a self taught doula
124 | Biased doulas for biased moms, finding the right doula, with Sydney Taylor
Get the NEW Birth Prep Class
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
If you are having your baby in the hospital, you need to be informed about the epidural, whether your plan is to utilize it or not. In fact after this episode you may decided to definitely not use the epidural and it may be easier for you to avoid the epidural after you learn all about it. Let’s get informed on the epidural!In this episode I discuss:-Risks and benefits of the epidural, the most popular form of pain management in the hospital birth.-How the epidural is placed and the two most common ingredients, bupivacaine and fentanyl.-What to expect if you ask for an epidural, and how being partially informed while in labor is not fair to moms, nor is it true informed consent.-Alternatives to the epidural and the pros and cons to IV narcotics, nitrous oxide and unmedicated pain management toolsMore episodes you’ll love:122 | the 90% epidural rate makes natural birth in the hospital almost impossible120 | There wasn’t an epidural at this hospital, a first time mom’s planned unmedicated hospital birth, with Ariana Heisler90 | Labor pain has purpose, how feeling the pain of birth is helpful to your baby73: Deep Dive on Newborn ScreeningWant to work with me?Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom clubSubmit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
There is no quick fix, one and done, just do this and get the birth you want. But there IS one thing that is going to help you encompass all those 'tips and tricks' and that is taking radical responsibility.
In this episode I discuss:
-Taking responsibility IS radical, because the average mom walking into the hospital is asking to be told what to do.
-Why taking radical responsibility is needed, and all because of phrases like "we need to.." and "you're not allowed to"
-Four tips on taking responsibility and control of your birth
Get the Birth Prep Class straight to your inbox next week
Join Unmedicated Academy for the most empowered birth prep
More episodes you’ll love:
63: Radical Responsibility, with Rebekah Richardson
Feeling empowered vs being empowered
104 | A mindset shift to stay more accountable to your birth prep
111 | Be more UNAPOLOGETIC
Academy mom Kerissa Ransbury shares her two birth stories. Her fist where she was underprepared and ended up pushing for 6 hours versus the birth she loves to share because it was so positive. She prepared the right way and everything went exactly how she imagined, she labored at home, had zero pain, and her husband caught her baby. All in the hospital!
In this episode, Kerissa discusses:
-Her first birth started with cytotec after her waters broke. She ended up getting an epidural, which slowed things down and ended up pushing on her back for 6 hours.
-She started preparing for baby 2 as soon as she found out she was pregnant, and she went all in with books, social media and of course, Unmedicated Academy,
-Unmedicated Academy worked so well because she knew everything, being informed meant her voice was heard and respected in her prenatal care and birth.
-Staying home as long as possible, she waited til contractions were 2 minutes apart, as a way to not be coerced or be on the hospital’s timeline.
-She got her pain free birth and her husband (and daddy doula) caught her baby as she birthed upright on the side of the tub.
Other birth stories on the podcast:
120 | There wasn’t an epidural at this hospital, a first time mom’s planned unmedicated hospital birth, with Ariana Heisler
96 | Asynclitic to unmedicated, Eden shares her Irish twin birth stories, with Eden Overaker
DESCRIPTION
What if I start an induction and it doesn’t work? What if I change my mind? You have the right to stop an induction and leave the hospital. And if you want to keep that option open NEVER let them break your waters.
In this episode I cover:
-Avoiding an induction in the first place is the best way to support physiology and an unmedicated birth plan
-The difficulties of going from a medicated birth routine to an unmedicated birth.
-The options you have if you decide to stop your induction.
More episodes you’ll love:
119 | One thing you won’t get in the hospital birth, have a hands off second stage
116 | 3 things that will sabotage your birth plan
107 | Hospital discharge plan, you don’t have to stay 24 hours
No, birth is not like pooping out a watermelon. But birth is a lot like pooping in other ways. Take the squatty potty for an example, we have completely normalized and accepted an upright pooping position but not upright birth.
Are you ready to learn about REAL birth?
Unmedicated Academy will teach you how birth works and how the hospital works so you can support the birth you want even in the medicalized setting.
Want to skip cervical checks, inductions, pitocin, unnecessary drugs, pushing on your back? Yeah, you should! None of those belong in birth anyways.
Currently enrolling guess dates in June & July.
In honor of pregnancy after loss month, we have PAL (pregnancy after loss) doula Sarah Lingle. “It was probably the most emotional time of my life” Pregnancy after loss is hard, it can be full of anxiety, and it’s also a time of so much hope and joy. For many loss moms, there are more interventions in both their pregnancy and birth, wether by choice or by coercion. Sarah gives her best preparation tips for moms experiencing pregnancy after loss for them to feel informed and confident.
In this episode, Sarah shares:
-The most amazing part of her own birth story, a record breaking twin interval birth.
-Her interest in birth started after seeing the women in her family give birth at home, leading her to midwifery school, and ultimately landing on becoming a doula, where she now helps moms during pregnancy after loss.
-How her trust in birth was tested after her own loss, and how she manages her anxieties and fears with her next pregnancy and birth.
-What makes PAL (pregnancy after loss) moms different and how she supports those moms with her doula services.
-The rate of interventions are higher with pregnancy and birth after loss, both by choice and by coercion.
-How trauma resurfaces in birth, even if we didn’t realize how traumatic that previous experience was.
Sarah aims to empower and support mothers who have experienced loss, as well as those navigating subsequent pregnancies after loss. Her motivation stems from personal loneliness during loss, infertility, and PAL. Sarah understands firsthand the challenges, but she wants to assure others that they're not alone.
Sarah can be found on social media at @paldoula, on podcasts at The PAL Doula Podcast, and online at pregnancyafterlossdoula.com
Everyone wants a pain free birth, but in reality, only 1% of moms are experiencing one. Is a pain free birth possible? It is! Is it common, no. There are a few reasons you may not experience a pain free birth, some within your control, some not. And there are three things you can do to help increase your chances of experiencing a truly pain free birth.
Get on the NORA waitlist
Listen to episode #25: An Exposè On Vaccines and Pediatrics with THE Dr. Paul Thomas on Moms off the Record
In this episode I discuss:
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Only 1% of women describe their birth as pain free, and this is why I don;t love the idea of preparing for a pain free birth
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A course on pain free birth won’t get you anywhere if you are agreeing to routine interventions
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Interruptions to physiology are the biggest reason you aren’t having a pain free birth
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Three things you can do to increase your odds of achieving a pain free birth.
Other episodes you’ll love:
98 | Conquer your fear of birth
You burned the pumpkin pie (cascade of interventions)
Avoiding Induction is not enough
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Part 2 with Sydney Taylor. The conversation with Sydney continues as she shares how her birth experience led her to birthwork and becoming a homebirth midwife. We talk about being doulas who only take on clients who want unmedicated births and the benefits, to both client and doula, of showing your biases as a doula.
In this episode we discuss:
-How being a mother prepares you to be a doula more than any doula training program
-The affirmations we love to hear from dads in the birth space.
-A doula for every woman doesn’t mean doulas have to support everyone and the types of doulas we wouldn’t hire.
-Taking every birth client, even when it’s not a good fit, just because you can support them often leads to burnout, doulas leaving birth work, and bad google reviews.
-Doulas who are unapologetic about their biases will find the right clients and this is exactly how Sydney is booked out for the year.
114 | We crashed a formula marketing meeting, the Back Off Bobbie campaign, with Natasha Vargas-Cooper and Andrea Haskins
100 | Becoming a self taught doula
92 | Inclusive language is excluding your main audience, DONA and La Leche League’s inclusive language policy is erasing women, with Dr Sarah
70: Doula certifications suck, with Kallie Caton
Want to become a doula?
Download the self-taught doula guide. It's FREE
Learn more about my doula business membership
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Part 1 with Sydney Taylor. In this episode she shares about her “as pleasant as expected” hospital birth where she accidentally said yes to breaking her waters and pitocin. Tune in to see how a type A, over prepared, RN ended up achieving her unmedicated birth a first time mom with just a couple regrets.
You can watch the raw unedited version over on You Tube
In this episode, Sydney shares:
-How her experience as an RN led her doing everything right in preparing for her hospital birth.
-She arrived at the hospital at 8cm and her midwife was not there, the first thing out of the OB’s mouth was that she should get an epidural.
-That she “accidentally said yes” to breaking her waters, and receiving pitocin.
-What lengths hospital staff will go to when they want to have their way and how she was threatened with a c-section even though her birth was moving along perfectly.
Other episodes you’ll love:
120 | There wasn’t an epidural at this hospital, a first time mom’s planned unmedicated hospital birth, with Ariana Heisler
96 | Asynclitic to unmedicated, Eden shares her Irish twin birth stories, with Eden Overaker
78: A feral & fierce twin birth, with Reyna Mustard
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
The epidural is so common, that it is making it nearly impossible for moms to go unmedicated in the hospital. The true epidural rate may shock you once I break it down in this episode. If you are the average mom, planning a hospital birth, you are going to need to bring your own ingredients (aka support tools) because the natural birth is not something the hospital has experience with.
Shop the Perfect Supplements sale on 2/29 and use code LIZZIE10 to stack discounts.
In this episode I discuss:
-The very common experience of wanting an unmedicated birth and then getting an epidural right at the end because you didn’t realize you were almost done-The epidural rate as told by google and what L&D staff are saying instead
-How your birth location determines heavily what is normal in you birth
-What you can do to be sure you are supported in the birth that you want in the hospital
Other episodes you’ll love
117 | If labor is more than 24 hours, 3 things to do in case labor is long
116 | 3 things that will sabotage your birth plan
103 | Technology in birth, the worst advancements in birth
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Should I be drinking red raspberry leaf tea in pregnancy? When do I start? Yes, and likely… now! You can start sooner than you think. Let me introduce you to NORA. You are not the average mom, so lets upgrade the typical red raspberry leaf routine with a NORA routine that has the power to transform your whole birth prep routine.
Subscribe to Moms off the Records and listen to Episode 4: Debunking Infant Sleep Myths and the Truth About Bedsharing
Order NORA
The cold brewer I use
Other episodes you’ll love:
109 | alternatives to ibuprofen for immediate postpartum, holistic care for afterpains
102 | 5 things my client did to go all in
94 | Backwards planning your birth, birth planning and goal setting for the type A woman
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
You want to know how to have an unmedicated birth in the hospital, it is the perfect combination of being prepared and having the right support. Ariana prepared for her unmedicated birth with the me inside of Unmedicated Academy and the additional support of her sister. She was able to find a unicorn midwife in the hospital setting, hired a doula, and a husband that wasn’t afraid to get into the birth tub.
Listen in for Ariana's beautiful birth story, where she shares…
-How she prepared for her unmedicated birth as a first time mom
-The surprise of going into labor before her due date, having a long early labor and a faster active labor
-How she felt after consenting to a cervical check at admissions
-The labor support tools that helped the most
-A great example of a supportive midwife in the hospital who encouraged Ariana to follow her intuition
👀 More stories from the Academy Moms
96 | Asynclitic to unmedicated, Eden shares her Irish twin birth stories, with Eden Overaker
78: A feral & fierce twin birth, with Reyna Mustard
53: From ‘give me the epidural’ to firing her provider, with Tatyana Reisini
48: My first birth and what I know now
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
It's true, you will get more support in your goal to have an unmedicated and physiologic birth while you are laboring during the first stage. But all of that will change once it's time to push. This is when the doctor or midwife typically come in and want to "help." You will not get a hands of second stage of labor if you are having the standard hospital birth. If you want to have a truly physiologic second stage of labor, there are two things you can do to take control.
Learn about the stages of birth and how to be the BOSS inside Unmedicated Academy
Other episodes you may love:
Avoiding induction is not enough
77: Birth centers aren't what they seem
74: Homebirth or bust!
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
You shouldn’t be weaning if you have a full supply, and it doesn’t take lying or deceiving your child to wean either. Here I share the gentlest way to wean a toddler who has dropped all but the last bedtime feeding of the day, including the most adorable clip of my youngest demonstrating where we are at in the weaning process.
In this episode I discuss:
-What I would do if my mental health was pitted against breastfeeding.
-Two popular ways to wean that I do not agree with because they are disrespectful to our babies.
-The random way I have weaned all my kids, yes I came up with this method myself!
___
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Every mom is wishing, hoping, and praying that birth is fast and simple. But that is not always the case. Here are three things you can do, starting in early labor through, ‘oh crap, my labor is long’ to help you get through a labor longer than 24 hours.
Enter the 100k giveaway
Get the FREE Birth Prep Class
In this episode I discuss:
-The lengths of my three labors, and the mistake I made twice that made my labors longer.
-Ways to physically prep for a faster and easier labor.
-How birth is 90% mental, and one trick to easily make your labor shorter.
-Birth being like marathon and the body needing to be supported to go the long haul.
-When the epidural is the next right step and how to avoid it as long as possible with the right toolkit.
More episodes you’ll love:
98 | Conquer your fear of birth
71: Hypnobirthing didn't work for me
48: My first birth and what I know now
Next Steps..
Order your Frownies and use code LIZZIE for 10% off
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
You've heard the stories about birth plans going out the window, and maybe you've wondered, how can I create a strong plan or have a birth that doesn’t as easily get so far off track? Here are 3 things to avoid to help your birth plan stand strong so you can get the birth you want.
In this episode I discuss:
-Why you don't need to change your birth plan to "preferences"
-The priorities of the hospital that go directly against your plan for an individualized birth
-How cute templates are a waste of time and the true focus and purpose of your birth plan
-The adovcacy skills you need and how the cascade of interventions can easily sneak up on you
Listen to Episode 11 of Moms off the Record: #11: Dumb Doctor Dogma and Evidence-Based BS with Dr. Stu Fischbein of Birthing Instincts
More episodes you'll love:
105 | Home births don’t need birth plans, hospital births need more than a birth plan
102 | 5 things my client did to go all in
103 | Technology in birth, the worst advancements in birth
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Should I choose the hospital with the tub or the hospital that is closer? I am here to tell you, neither of those things matter. What is more important is how you will be treated.
In this episode I discuss:
-The hospital options for moms in Brentwood, Ca
-Which hospital in Brentwood that has a tub and which hospital I refuse to attend births at.
-What to consider when choosing your hospital birth and provider
-How to ensure you have a positive birth experience in the hospital
-The story of Caroline Malatesta and how she sued her hospital for false advertising
More episodes you'll love:
105 | Home births don’t need birth plans, hospital births need more than a birth plan
103 | Technology in birth, the worst advancements in birth
93 | Gain more confidence in your advocacy skills, practice advocating today
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
The Radical Moms Union co-founders, Natasha Vargas-Cooper and Andrea Haskins, join me for another episode where we challenge modern motherhood. In part two we cover what the Radicals Moms Union stands for, the biological norms between mother and baby and more specifically, disrupting the mainstream message of fed is best. In this episode you'll learn about Bobbie's predatory formula marketing tactics, how they exploit women for profit, and what the Rad Moms are doing about it.
Listen to part 1: 113 | Radical Moms v. Modern Motherhood, with Natasha Vargas-Cooper and Andrea Haskins
Listen to Moms off the Record, Episode 18: Dissecting the Lancet Breastfeeding Series: An exposé on the commercial milk formula industry
Follow @radical_moms_union
If you liked this episode, please share and tag @radical_moms_union and @unapologeticallyunmedicated
Subscribe on YouTube/@fiercelizzie
The Radical Moms Union co-founders, Natasha Vargas-Cooper and Andrea Haskins, join me in this two part series. In part one, we chat about how modern motherhood is represented in our society, and how much the radical moms disagree with all of it. The Radical Moms Union is all about the dyad and the attachment of the mother-baby at all costs, while society makes it easier and more acceptable for moms to be detached from their babies instead.
In this episode we discuss:
-Paris Hilton went to party city and dropped $700 to prep for her baby and how that;s not much different than buying a $1500 snoo.
-The general mom population is detached from birth and their baby in the same way Paris Hilton is.
-All of us are terrified to give birth the first time, unless they’ve taken Unmedicated Academy.
-Society isn’t pressuring moms to breastfeed or have a natural birth, it's more acceptable to be detached from motherhood.
-The daycare dilemma, choosing to put your children in daycare versus having no choice.
-The basics of the attachment styles and the large scale of “attachment issues.”
-We would have been more impressed with Hannah of Ballerina Farms if she had stayed home instead of doing the pageant.
-Empowerment and how its meaning has been butchered to describe things that are not empowering.
Enter the Season 3 Giveaway over on IG
Coming Wednesday Listen to part 2:** We crashed a formula marketing meeting, the Back Off Bobbie campaign, with Natasha Vargas-Cooper and Andrea Haskins
Mentioned on the show:
Radical Moms Union Substack
The Paris Article
Spillover Episode on Daycare
Other episodes you’ll love:
84: Buy for baby, bye for mommy, with Andrea Haskins
Feeling empowered vs being empowered
57: Breastfeeding doesn't want to ruin your mental health, with Andrea Haskins
75: Our homeschool journey
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
For many of us, it is pregnancy that prompts us to treat our bodies a little better and to vet the products we use. And honestly, if it's not safe for pregnancy or breastfeeding, it probably isn't something we should be using .. ever.
In this episode, I discuss:
-Living by the 80/20 rule and making simple swaps to make it manageable
-Two product swaps that you can win in the season 3 giveaway
-The value of finding the root cause before treating the symptoms
-The habit of cycle synching and eating balanced blood sugar meals for hormone health and lower stress
Enter the Season 3 Giveaway and win a pair of Silverettes
-
Leave a rating and review of the podcast OR share about the podcast on social media and tag me @unapolgoeticallyunmedicated
-
Follow @SilveretteUSA, @UnapolgoeticallyUnmedicated on IG
-
Comment why you love breastfeeding
BONUS: Tag friends in separate comments for extra entries
Want to order a pair of Silverettes? Use my discount code LIZZIE
Next steps...
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Unmedicated birth moms NEED to be more unapologetic, and let's be honest, women in general. When a woman tells someone she is planning an unmedicated birth, too often she is met with doubt and called crazy. Exactly why we need to swap people pleasing tendencies with being more unapologetic.
In this episode, I discuss:
-The typical experience of the unmedicated girlie who is in the minority of the general population
-How being unapologetic in little ways will help you be bolder in big ways
-Three ways to be more unapologetic
Enter the Season 3 Giveaway and win beef liver capsules or collagen from Perfect Supplements
-
Leave a rating and review of the podcast OR share about the podcast on social media and tag me @unapolgoeticallyunmedicated
-
Comment on the giveaway post 'beef liver' or 'collagen'
-
Tag friends in separate comments for extra entries
Want to order beef liver or collagen? use the code LIZZIE10 for a discount with Perfect Supplements
Next steps...
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Many unmedicated birth moms report having orgasmic birth, but not all moms share the same sentiment. Physiologic birth can be both painful AND orgasmic but there are several reasons why you may have had an unmedicated birth without that orgasm at the end.
In this episode I discuss:
-How the definition of natural birth has become a lie
-The differences and similarities between natural, physiologic, undisturbed, and unmedicated birth
-What an orgasmic birth feels like
-How orgasms and birth are similar
-What to do to support and encourage an orgasmic birth
Enter the Season 3 Giveaway and win a box of Frownies
-
Leave a rating and review of the podcast OR share about the podcast on social media and tag me @unapolgoeticallyunmedicated
-
Follow @Frownies, @UnapolgoeticallyUnmedicated on IG
-
Comment on the giveaway post your thoughts on the episode
-
Tag friends in separate comments for extra entries
Want to order Frownies? use the code LIZZIE for a discount
Next steps...
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
SEASON 3 launches February 1st
Welcome to Unapologetically Unmedicated, the podcast for moms who want to be informed, empowered, and educated for birth and beyond. We know that an empowered birth leads to an empowered motherhood, and we know that it takes going against the status quo to get there. We are standing up for our values and we are doing it unapologetically.
There is a way that you can walk into your birth and motherhood feeling confident and prepared for anything, unapologetically advocate for the things that are important to you, and have an amazing birth story that you love sharing.
I’m Lizzie Bolliger, aka Fierce Lizzie. I’m a homeschooling mom, huge birth nerd, and I am passionate about moms having birth experiences where they are the boss. I have had three hospital births, all without an epidural. And while I really wanted a home birth with my last baby, it just wasn’t a possibility. So I vowed to do that birth my way, without being bullied or coerced into routine procedures. That third birth was by far my best birth. And I am on a mission to help moms have powerful births like I did with my third, without having to do it the wrong way first two times.
This is not your typical birth education, because on this podcast you will learn about:
>>the undisturbed process of birth
>>all of your options when the medical system says otherwise
>>empowering messages to give you the confidence to take control of your birth
>>the spiciest topics that only unmedicated girlies will understand
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Join the community over at @unapologeticallyunmedicated on Instagram
Watch bonus episodes on YouTube.com/@fiercelizzie
"Are pain meds necessary postpartum? My midwife scared me into taking them last time.” This happened to me too with my second. Good news is, there is a really good unmedicated option for afterpains.
In this episode I discuss:
-The importance of being informed for healthy women who have never used the hospital system before birth.
-My experience with afterpains after my second and third babies.
-The purpose of postpartum cramps and what you can expect on your second, third, fourth baby.
-Alternatives to using ibuprofen or other over the counter pharmaceuticals.
-A link to my postpartum list on Amazon.
Mentioned on the show:
Postpartum list on Amazon
April due dates - get enrolled
Restock your NORA
Other episodes you may like:
62: Getting started with homeopathy, with Jill Giesinger
59: Physiologic changes in postpartum, with Katie Galvin
33: Setting Up a Breastfeeding Spot
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
How long do I need to stay after birth?? The typical hospital stay for an uncomplicated vaginal birth is 24-48 hours. But you don;t have to stay that long if you’d prefer to leave early. Listen in to learn exactly what you need to know if you are planning for an early hospital discharge.
More episodes you’ll love:
89 | 5 reasons to avoid pitocin in your birth, the risks of pitocin
43: 3 Things NOT to skip in birth planning
86 | Why the hospital has routines
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
I always recommend moms start their birth education around 20 weeks, it's a lot to learn. This is not a test that you can cram for the night before. But if your pregnancy flew by and you find yourself at 34 weeks pregnant in need of getting empowered, let's do it!
In this episode, I discuss:
- How to know if your mindset around birth is supportive of your unmedicated birth plan.
- Exactly what to research and learn about for the next 6 week to get truly empowered for your birth.
- The things you need to start researching, plus resources to help you DIY your birth education and fast.
Mentioned on the show:
Start your prep routine inside the Birth Prep Class
Informed Intervention Checklist in the Freebie Library
Too busy to DIY it? Get access to literally everything (+ free NORA) when you join Unmedicated Academy
Other episodes you’ll love:
89 | 5 reasons to avoid pitocin in your birth, the risks of pitocin
87: Did you really PPH? Get informed on postpartum hemorrhage
86: Why the hospital has routinesSeason 3 of the podcast launches next week! Let me know what juicy topics you want to see on the show. Leave me a voice message.
Women everywhere are talking about the Mrs World Pageant. This is the most attention this pageant has received in years all thanks to Ballerina Farms and her 8 Million followers. But is competing in a pageant at 12 days postpartum really truly empowering?
In this episode I discuss:
- The empowering vs irresponsible debate on glamorizing the early postpartum days.
- How the homestead community feels deceived by Ballerina Farms and how all Instagram homesteaders are also boss babes.
- Mom shaming does effect those who are confident and secure in their decisions and know they are doing their best.
- What is normal? Physiologies normal is different than American's normal.
Mentioned on the show:
Farm House on Boone - No Knead Bread
Farm House on Boone - Birth Video
Ballerina Farms - the photo
Start the EMPOWERED MOM CHALLENGE, 5 days of episodes and resources for you to take control of your birth now.
xo, Lizzie
If you are listening to a podcast about birth plans, then I know your birth plan is important to you. You have preferences, desires and wants for your birth that you want to effectively communicate to your care team. The best way to be sure your birth plan is an effective tool, is to understand it’s purpose and how it can be the most useful.
In this episode I discuss:
-When the birth plan was born, and why women started using them
-The difference between home birth and hospital birth that change how a birth plan would be used
-Individualized care vs. routine care
-When to bring out the birth plan and show your provider
-An example of a well informed mom having a birth plan conversation
Mentioned on the show:
Get my super simple birth plan template
The empowered birth program for hospital birth moms
xo, Lizzie
More episodes you’ll love:
49: Using my super simple birth plan template
24: How to fire your OB
21: Why you might want to fire your OB19: 3 biggest birth plan mistakes17: We want the midwifery model
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
How to turn “I should do more research before my due date to prepare for birth” to “I will be prepared for birth.” Here is how you can easily make that mindset shift and stay more accountable to your birth prep. Plus this strategy is going to make your birth prep easier and more fun too.
In this episode I discuss:
-What finally got me making bagels from scratch even though I had been thinking about making our families bread for years
-My sourdough starter (her name is Wynonna)
-How you can easily make a commitment to yourself and get your birth prep off your "need to list"
-The best way to make birth prep easily and fun
xo, Lizzie
More episodes you'll love:
95 | Your motherhood legacy, how birth education benefits your babies
How to have the birth you want
What to expect if you're expecting to fail at birth
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE
️Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Last year was the year of AI, especially in the entrepreneur world. It's all about things being faster, easier, and automated. And this has been happening with birth for years. We’ve gotten so far away from mother nature's birth that we’ve completely changed what birth looks like. And it’s not good for most mothers and babies.
In this episode I discuss:
-
Automation fails from content creators.
-
The hospital is the most advanced option for birth and it's hurting moms and babies
-
The American College of Nurse Midwives statement on technology use in birth
-
How evidence shows that more isn't better in birth, and still automation is prioritized
-
The worst applications of technology in birth that we have today
Listen to the podcast interviews mentioned in the intro:
Under the Sun Podcast - How to have an informed hospital birth with Lizzie
Down to Birth Show - The Birth of Fierce Lizzie: From Rule Follower to Autonomy Advocate
Moms off the Record -
Other episodes you may love:
Avoiding Induction is not Enough
86: Why the hospital has routines
Blame Henry Ford for your birth trauma
xo, Lizzie
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Want to have a powerful and positive birth experience? It's time to go all in. I have noticed is that the moms who start sooner, who bring the questions, who extend their learning- they are typically the most mentally and physically prepared for birth. Listen in for how a recent client of mine made big time and money investments to have an empowered pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
In this episode I discuss:
-
How to greatly influence your birth experience by choosing your birth place, provider and setting up the right support team
-
The time investment it takes to get informed and educated on all your options
-
How the mother who goes above and beyond to take care of her body is better able to withstand the intensity of late pregnancy and birth.
-
Taking postpartum healing seriously with the 5-5-5 rule
There is a way for you to have an empowered birth and pregnancy, starting now: Join the EMPOWERED MOM CHALLENGE, 5 days of episodes and resources for you to take control of your birth now.
xo, Lizzie
Next Steps...
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
I recently I heard three stories of moms waiting quite a long time for their doctors. And it just rubbed me the wrong way. Here is what an empowered mom would do and how you can use this as an opportunity to learn advocacy skills.
In this episode I discuss:
-three times moms were left to wait
-why it's important to use waiting room woes as a chance to practice advocacy skills
-what the way you respond to time conflicts reveals about your birth
-how to have more confidence in having conversations that may be confrontational
Other episodes you may like:
No bras in L&D, outfit advocacy and what to wear for birth
Choosing your birth date then losing your power
80: The bait & switch birth
Start the EMPOWERED MOM CHALLENGE, 5 days of episodes and resources for you to take control of your birth now.
xo, Lizzie
Next Steps...
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Did you know you do not need to be certified to become a doula? All it takes is a desire to support women, learning about birth, pregnancy, postpartum, and getting connected with the women in your community.
In this episode I discuss:
-
My transition from full time working teacher to self employed doula
-
How my social selling experience helped me become an entrepreneur
-
The doula certification program I started then ditched to become a self taught doula
-
Exactly what I did to become a self taught doula, it's easier than you think to be an uncertified birth worker
-
Permission to be a doula who isn't booked out or burned out.
-
How you can utilize online offers to supplement your birth worker business
Next steps...
Get the guide on becoming a self taught doula.
DM me to get a preview of Ambitious Birth Worker. (or send me an email)
Other episodes you'll love:
92 | Inclusive language is excluding your main audience
The best I can do is Zoloft
70: Doula certifications suck, with Kallie Caton
When doulas are born
I don’t want a 6 figure business
If you don’t have kids, I don’t want your business advice
The mostly free tools I use in my business
Welcome to 2024! If you are pregnant, TTC, or you are in the THICK of motherhood this year, I have tips for every stage on how to live more EMPOWERED in 2024.
In this episode I discuss:
-If your goal is to get pregnant in 2024, three things to do now to take control of trying to conceive.
-The importance of nutrition while trying to conceive and during pregnancy
-Five ways to have an empowered birth and pregnancy
-The best time to make a plan for leaving your job to become a stay at home or work at home mom
-The two most empowering things I have done as a mom
If you are a mom due in 2024, I have THE empowerment tool for you. A program that allows you to go all in, take control of your birth, and be the boss so birth isn’t just happening to you but you are the active decision maker from day 1, which is now through.. well.. through forever because an empowered birth does lead to an empowered motherhood. If you haven't yet, come enroll in Unmedicated Academy today. We have our community call this Thursday and I would love to see you there!
xo, Lizzie
Mentioned on the show:
Get the Empowerment Challenge in the Freebie Library
Check out Ambitious Birth Worker
Join the Empowered Moms inside Unmedicated Academy
Other episodes you’ll love:
95 | Your motherhood legacy, how birth education benefits your babies
How to have the birth you want
Choosing your birth date then losing your powerThe 5 Day Empowerment Challenge
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
What do most moms fear about birth? Usually fear is around the pain of birth, fear of adverse outcomes, fear of not knowing how things are going to unfold. We can conquer ALL of these fears with birth education. I know because I have experienced first hand the benefits of the knowledge is power approach to birth.
In this episode I cover:
-
Falling victim to the fear of childbirth and how it can cause you more pain in birth
-
How birth support alone doesn't get to the root of the fears
-
The difference on fear with first and second time moms
-
How our society makes birth fears worse
-
What to do to lessen birth fear and feel more confident in your birth plan
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
"I’m pregnant with twins, I was planning an unmedicated birth. Is all hope of an unmedicated birth lost?" Absolutely not, unmedicated birth is possible with twins. Here are two tips, things you should do now, to help you reach your goal of having your twins unmedicated.
In this episode I discuss:
-
The twin moms inside my birth program, there's been 6 twin moms in Unmedicated Academy
-
How positioning can effect your birth outcome with twins
-
Why it's important to find a provider who will deliver breech babies
-
What to research for cesarean birth if your goal was originally an unmedicated birth
-
The importance of nutrition for all moms, but especially important for twin moms to be consistent
-
Four things to include in your daily meals to fuel pregnancy
Mentioned on the show:
Get your beef liver and cod liver oil from Perfect Supplements and use code LIZZIE10
This is liver tincture I use daily
Grab some NORA tea
More episodes you may like
78 | A feral & fierce twin birth, with Reyna Mustard
64 | Liver Love, with Sarah Geissinger
05 | Unmedicated Vaginal Twin Birth
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Eden is a mom of two, education counselor turned doula after the birth of her first. She shares her two very different birth experiences and how she went from prepared on what to expect to even more informed, and more physically and mentally ready for her second birth. "My second birth was everything they say about unmedicated birth... it was amazing."
In this episode, we discuss:
-
Leaving your job and navigating maternity leave in education.
-
When she found out she was pregnant at 3 months postpartum.- Signs of an asynclitic baby and how to resolve asynclitism.
-
Eden's 27 hour labor versus her 6 hours labor.
-
Using intuition to listen to what your baby needs in birth.
-
What to look for when choosing a hospital midwifery group.
Mentioned on the show:
The episode on when I left my teaching job - The best I can do is a prescription for zoloft
The birth education program that got Eden informed and empowered for birth. (plus complimentary NORA)
Get the FREE Birth Prep Class
Next Steps:
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Every decision you make now, offers generational wealth for your children. Whether that is learning sourdough, having a home birth, or practicing self-advocacy. When we take the time to get informed and educated, and when we model that for our children, we make it that much easier for them as they enter into parenthood.
In this episode I discuss:
-
3 examples of generational wealth my mother passed on to me
-
The reason I want to figure out how to make sourdough
-
How my advocacy skills have grown in 10 years of motherhood
-
How your birth plan will be remembered once you are gone.
Mentioned on the show:
The Boom Clap Podcast Episode
Birth as told by Grandma Jo
More episode you may like:
93 | Gain more confidence in your advocacy skills, practice advocating today
BONUS Episode: Feeling empowered vs Being empowered
48 | My first birth and what I know now
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
This is for the planner, type A, goal setting woman. I know you are in goal setting mode for 2024 but have you ever thought of using your goal setting method for planning your birth? How to take your larger goal of "I want an unmedicated birth" and make it more specific, then backwards plan to figure out what you can do today to help you reach your birth goal.
Mentioned on the show:
Ambitious Birth Worker
Get the questions for your provider & intervention research checklist in the freebie library
NORA
A faux-unmedicated birth, feeling empowered vs being empowered
Next steps...
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Advocating means to get what you want and need and deserve. What does it take to advocate for yourself? It takes more than knowing what sentence to say. It takes practice and confidence. For most women, advocacy is not a natural skill. Listen in for 3 steps to be a better advocate for yourself.
More episodes you may love:
No bras in L&D, outfit advocacy and what to wear for birth
Feeling empowered vs being empowered
Using BRAIN with Dr Sarah
Start the EMPOWERED MOM Challenge, 5 episodes and bonus resources for you to take back your power.
Next steps...
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
DONAs inclusive language policy isn't new, but how they responded to the women speaking against the policy is new and it's contributing to the erasure of women and the mother.
In this episode, we discuss:
- DONA and LLL erasing comments and blocking women who want to be called women.
- How society tries to make women equal to men, completely ignoring our biological differences
- Inclusive language has been normalized for many years, starting in public school and health education.
- We took feminism too far, it’s okay to say girls can play with trucks but men and women ARE different.
- Fed is best is the same as saying McDonalds is better than grass fed burgers.
- Shame can teach you something if you let yourself feel uncomfortable first.
- Our society makes it almost impossible for you to be a mother and a woman.
- Certification programs are part of the system, the only way they will change if they are not making money.
Meet the guest:
Dr. Sarah is a chiropractor, birth educator & mother of three who wants you to know you have more options than you're being told. After an unnecessary c-section led her to have an unassisted birth with her 2nd son, her eyes were opened to the lack of information & informed consent being given to mothers. Because of this she created Birth Uprising, through which she shares everything you won't learn in your 7 minute OB appointments so you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family during pregnancy & birth. Dr. Sarah can be found on Instagram at @birthuprising, on the Birth Uprising Podcast, and on her website at www.birthuprising.com.
Mentioned on the show:
The Word is Woman #15 - Milli Hill’s Substack
DONA’s inclusive language policy
Thank you for 90K! Were on our way to 100K downloads already- but first a giveaway. You'll win a bag of NORA tea, the perfect addition to your birth prep. To win: leave a review on Apple Podcasts and finish step 2 over on instagram.
In this episode I share:
-
how I got started with podcasting
-
entering the 90k giveaway
-
what listening to podcasts tells me about you
-
why NORA is better than red raspberry leaf tea
Next steps:
Save your spot in the Podcast Workshop
Enter the 90k Giveaway
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy because you are a boss.
It's all too common to hear moms say they wanted a home birth but their husbands weren't on board, or their husbands felt safer in the hospital. So how do you get your partner to support your birth plan? Usually the thing they need is to get informed and educated.
In this episode I discuss:
-
resources to help your partner understand you birth goals
-
my controversial take on what to do when you and your partner don't see eye to eye on an issue surrounding birth or your baby
-
what to do if your partner is closed minded and not willing to learn
Mentioned on the show:
28: Four ways to prepare your partner for birth
Dr Stu on the Daily Show - Trusting Nature in Childbirth
Dr Stu on the Spillover Podcast
The Business of Being Born
Pregnant in America
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Send a voice message.Leave a question or testimonial for me to share on the show
My argument has always been against striving for a pain free birth and this fascinating theory supports that argument even more. Could pain have a purpose in labor? Can the physiology behind feeling pain actually be protective to our babies?
In this episode I cover:
-an on-air mindset change on the word pain
-a recap from Dr. Stu on the purpose pain serves in birth
-why a pain free birth is not a good goal
-the physiology of pain in a labor and birth
-why low risk moms should not have third trimester ultrasounds
-what ACOG says about changing due dates
Mentioned on the show:
Birthing Instincts Episode 337: Labor is not a toothache
Next Steps:
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy
Check out the Podcast Workshop & learn how to launch a podcast
You hear all the birthy moms say to avoid pitocin, but do you know why? Having a strong why behind declining pitocin will help you to be a better advocate for yourself.
In this episode I discuss:
-why pitocin is not like oxytocin
-how pitocin can ruin your birth plan
-the way our bodies run birth
-why pitocin is bad for your baby
-how pitocin can change your postpartum
Mentioned on the show:
Write a low-tox birth plan
Pitocin study
Next Steps:
Get the advocacy skills inside Unmedicated Academy
Get your questions answered in the Birth Options Workshop
Are you a birth worker or entrepreneur? Learn how to launch a podcast in 2024 and attend the workshop on December 18, 2023
No matter what level of low-tox or "crunchy" you are currently at, you can write a birth plan that avoids toxins. Is an epidural toxic? Is pitocin toxic? And what about those unmedicated interventions, are they safe?
In this episode I discuss:
-my introduction into being a crunchy mom
-what to use when you can't use bleach in pregnancy
-unmedicated birth IS low-tox and that's one reason we love it
-3 toxic interventions to decline
Mentioned on the show:
Avoiding induction is not enough
Next Steps:
Learn more about avoiding interventions with a birth prep routine and get the FREE Birth Prep Class
Join me in the FREE Birth Options Workshop to gain clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education.
Gert enrolled in Unmedicated Academy and work with Lizzie each week
I had the worst instacart experience the other day and it reminded me of exactly how when you birth in the hospital, you never know what you are going to get.
In this episode I discuss:
-two very different instacart experiences
-how every provider is different
-practice vs personality when interviewing providers
-what to do if you can't interview your provoder
Mentioned on the show:
Blame Henry Ford for your Birth Trauma
Finding the Unicorn OB
Next Steps:
Grab your FREE provider question list
Work with me inside Unmedicated Academy
Let's get informed on PPH! I specifically wanted to cover this topic because I have actually wondered if I had true PPH with my births, when all I was told was "that's a lot of blood"
In this episode I discuss:
-the definition of PPH
-how diagnosis can be inaccurate
-assessment and causes of PPH
-active vs expectant management
-your options and avoiding PPH
Mentioned on the show
Episode 58: Choosing home birth as “high risk”
Episode 39: Third stage research list
Next Steps
Check out the FREE Birth Prep Class
Work with me inside Unmedicated Academy
Email me at hello@lizziebolliger.com
Read the blog: Did I really PPH?
Recently at a birth I saw a sign in L&D that said no bras allowed. Well, I think you already know what I think about that. But my first thought may surprise you. I also cover some things to consider when packing your hospital bag in terms of clothing to pack for labor.
If you liked this episode, it would be so helpful if you shared it on social. Tag me @unapologeticallyunmedicated so I can see too!
Next Steps:
Join the FREE Birth Prep Class
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy
Send in a question for the podcast - leave a message
Someone asked me recently for an episode on how to have a home birth style birth in the hospital. And lucky for you, even if you are not planning a hospital birth- this advice still applies.
In the episode I discuss:
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the time and money investments you make in your birth
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how meal prep and planning relates to birth
-
what it looks like to take control of your birth
-
becoming the mom who has THE dreamy birth
Mentioned on the show:
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy
No, the hospital doesn't have routines in place to keep you and your baby safe. Those routines are for the hospital’s gain and in this episode I explain exactly how the hospital benefits from routines like electronic fetal monitoring, cervical checks, ultrasounds, etc.
In this episode I discuss:
- How the hospital routines make moms high risk
- The change from a 24 hour stay after birth to 48 hours
- Providers being incentivized to do more cesareans
- Efficiency, liability, and profit as the flow of birth in the hospital
Mentioned on the show:
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy
Recently I listened to a podcast on elective cesarean and why a mom may choose that for herself. Except the benefits were slim. In this episode I discuss how choosing your birth date means losing your power and how physiologic birth compares.
Mentioned on the show:
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy
You don’t want to miss this episode. Learn the signs your induction is BS, so you can be prepared and stay in control during those last few prenatal appointments.
In this episode, I discuss:
- 4 induction red flags
- How ACOG wants to induce all moms
- ARRIVE Trial secondary analysis
- Big baby and old placenta
- Trusting your intuition and knowing baby is okay
Mentioned on the show:
ACNM Statement
ARRIVE Secondary Analysis
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy
This episode is a peek at my free series on Understanding Unmedicated birth. I share a study done in 2020 that perfectly illustrates how interventions can lead to cesarean.
Listen to the full episode when you register at fiercelizzie.com/unmedicated
See the full study mentioned here.
My instagram bestie, Andrea Haskins of @instinctualmothering, joins me in this episode to talk about the most popular baby registry items and the pros and cons of each.
In this episode we discuss:
-snoo, doona, and all the "must have" baby items
-how the typical baby registry is taking support away from the mother
-"influencer mouth"
-the baby item industry keeps you buying
-how co-sleeping replaces the need for many baby tools
Mentioned in the show:
Find Andrea on IG @instinctualmothering
And in this case, burning the pumpkin pie is an analogy for the cascade of interventions. Tune into this bonus bonus mini episode for the perfect example of why it's important to support physiology of birth. What to learn more? Grab a seat in my free master class series Understanding Unmedicated- we start tomorrow.
Here is what you can expect from the series, 3 episodes from me on:
Why your baby and body want an unmedicated birth, even if you don’t
How interventions can sabotage your birth
AND exactly what your birth education needs so that you can feel confident, prepared, informed and empowered
Enroll now!
It doesn’t matter how prepared you are if you are still expecting to fail. Are you feeling positive and enthusiastic about your birth? Or are you checking the boxes to be prepared and dreading the feeling of contractions? You need to expect the best and prepare for the best given the realities of birth.
In this episode I discuss:
-preparing for a pain free birth
-expecting that you'll fail at your birth plan
-the reason many first time home birth moms transfer
-when fear creeps in
-how to be ready for the realities of birth
Birth history meets Halloween. Listen in for the absolutely horrifying fact of why the chainsaw was invented and the horrifying history of Symphysiotomy in Ireland from 1944 to 1987.
In this episode I discuss:
-the symphysiotomy procedure and why it came to be
-how cesarean phased out the practice of symphysiotomy
-how the 39 induction is somewhat similar
-accounts from women who experienced symphysiotomy without consent
Mentioned on the show:
Check out the free masterclass series on Understanding Unmedicated Birth
Why are so many babies born in September? And why are the least babies born on major holidays? In this episode I share a few reasons why that is and describe the common hospital coercion tactic of the holiday induction.
In this episode I discuss:
-why more babies are conceived in winter
-the covid baby boom
-the most popular and least popular birthdays of the year
-two reasons so few babies are born on Christmas
Mentioned on the show:
Birthday Chart
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy
Here’s what’s been happening in October and also the answer to “when do you wake up and go to bed?” And “how do you get it all done?”
Hyperemesis gravidarum is not the same as morning sickness. And HG moms everywhere want you to know the differences. In this episode, Ashley and I compare the differences in regular old morning sickness and HG. And Ashley shares her story of being a first time mom with HG and how she managed it unmedicated.
In this episode, we discuss:
-How to know if you have HG
-Ashley’s experience with exactly when HG started and how long it lasted
-What she could and couldn’t eat
-The key to managing her HG without drugs
-One thing she would have done differently
-Ashley’s tips for other HG moms
Mentioned on the show
Find Ashley on IG
@hgmoms on IG
HER Foundation
What is jaundice, how does the hospital handle it and what are your options? Jessica from @motherbabynursejessica and author of Once Baby's Here talks through all things jaundice and how you can be more empowered if jaundice interventions come up for you.
In this episode we discuss:
-understanding what juandice is
-the routine protocol and options for jaundice treatment
-questions to ask if jaundice comes up
-how to be more informed once baby is here
Mentioned on the show:
Advocacy to avoid the NICU stay
bilitool.org
Once Baby's Here
Find Jessica on IG @motherbabynursejessica
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy
Or at least we all want the benefits of it. Don't hate me for this one but I do think all moms would choose unmedicated birth if they weren't lacking the confidence in their abilities.
In this episode I discuss:
-how "give me the drugs" becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy
-that our society treats pain and discomfort
-the birth most moms know isn't truly birth
-the story of a mom who said she didn't want an unmedicated birth
Mentioned on the show:
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy
Okay, maybe not all traumatic birth can be pinned on Henry Ford. However, traumatic births that are a result of the typical cascade of interventions that we see in the hospital are absolutely due to the fact that birth has now become an assembly line production.
In this episode, I discuss:
-what motivated moving birth from home to hospital
-how prenatal care is similar to a model t assembly line
-prenatal care as a warm up to your birth
-how you can take control and break the assembly line
Mentioned on the show:
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy
5 way empowered moms take control of their birth
The bait & switch is actually illegal in the advertising world, and it should be illegal in the birth world too. Listen to learn about three different ways the bait & switch can happen so that you are more prepared!
In this episode I discuss:
-examples of the bait & switch in the real world
-what a bait & switch looks like in birth
-provider and birth center examples
-my own experience with bait & switch in the hospital
Mentioned on the show:
Frownies - use code LIZZIE to save
Episode 77: Birth centers aren't what they seem
Episode 48: My first birth and what I know now
Enroll in the Academy
Enter to win the 80K giveaway
FREE 5 Day Empowerment Challenge
Feeling empowered isn't the same as being empowered. And I can explain exactly what I meant with how my first "faux-empowered" birth went down.
In this episode I discuss:
-the definition of empowered
-how pitocin supports the hospital
-what it takes to be truly empowered
Mentioned on the show:
My first birth, listen to episode 48 for more on what I would have done differently
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy today!
I recently started rewatching Grey’s Anatomy, a series that started in 2005 based around the lives of surgeons, and in just the first few episodes, it is a great peek into the brain of an OB. Listen in as I talk about the big differences between an OB and a midwife.
Mentioned on show:
Episode 34: Finding your unicorn OB
Episode 77: Birth centers aren't always what they seem
Episode 17: We want the midwifery model
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy for an empowered and informed birth prep.
When I was pregnant with baby 3 and found out I couldn't have a homebirth, I was SO jealous of all the homebirth moms. In this episode I talk about how we can identify jealousy as a desire, analyze it to figure out what we truly want, and then take action to take control given our current situation. Mentioned on the show:Enroll in Unmedicated AcademySend me a DM with your enrollment QsFollow the podcast on IG
You are in for a treat with this truly powerful birth story. Reyna Mustard is a mom of 4 from Utah and is sharing her experience during pregnancy and birth with her third pregnancy.. Twins! Reyna shares all about her unmedicated hospital birth that she describes as truly feral.
📸 See Reyna's beautiful birth photos shot by @saltcitybirthandnewborn over on the show notes page.
Mentioned on the show:
Reyna on IG
Facebook Group: Birthing Twins Naturally
Episode 5 on twin interventions on Apple | Spotify
Let's talk about the big O. This episode is all about oxytocin and orgasm and where you should give birth.
In this episode I cover:
-How orgasm and birth are related
-The truth behind how common orgasmic birth is
-How sex is different in your home, an airbnb, and a public restroom
-What you can do to make your hospital birth more homey
Mentioned on the show:
Episode 77: Birth centers aren't what they seem
@the_birth_house OXYTOCIN reel
Grab your coffee, add some protein to it, and tune into what life is looking like right now in this bonus episode that has nothing to do with birth or business or homeschool... just Lizzie!
In this episode I talk about:
-Reading blogs back in the day
-Where I buy my eggs
-Why you should make your own whipped cream
-Staying in California when we wanted to leave
Mentioned on the show:
Perfect Supplements - use code LIZZIE10
Boom Clap Episode on Apple | Spotify
Not Just a Mom Episode on Apple | Spotify
Birth centers aren’t always what they seem. It’s common for women to choose a birth center for all the things the homebirth has to offer without being at home, but then they get a kind of typical hospital birth experience. In this episode I go over the big differences between homebirth, birth centers and the hospital in terms of what is the most supportive of physiologic birth.
In this episode I talk about:
-Why homebirth is the gold standard of birth locations, and the orgasm analogy proves it
-Some reasons why moms may chose a birth center or hospital birth, and two reason I think are BS
-The wide spectrum of birth centers and what you may experience with them
-HOw to have a more homebirth style hospital birth
Mentioned on the show:
Enroll in Unmedicated Academy
DM me your enrollments Qs
Part 2 of the homeschool series. In this episode I answer some questions from you about homeschooling. Everything from the fact that you're already homeschooling as a SAHM, to exactly how much time we spend each day/week on schooling, to the fact that my homeschool kids socialize more than they would in public school.
Here’s the questions I go over- listen in for my answers:
- How do I handle homeschooling when I can barely handle one 19 mo old and laundry?
- Do you homeschool or unschool?
- How to grow your home library when you’re a minimalist/have little space?
- How many days/hours do you do curriculum vs fun/life learning.
- Rundown of a typical day
- How many hours a day do you spend on homeschooling typically?
- Ideas for socializing?
- How to prepare kids for college if they chose that route?
- How to work full time and homeschool
- Do you have to register as a teacher?
- Can I homeschool without a co-op?
Mentioned on the show:
Nicole Pasveer - Not Just a Mom Podcast Episode
Ambitious at Home: https://www.instagram.com/ambitious.at.home/
Homeschool laws by state: https://hslda.org/legal
1000 Hours Outside Curriculum: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/curriculum
All About Reading TK Curriculum: https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-reading-pre-reading/
This is the how and why we became a homeschool family. This story is a pivotal part of my life and a big transition on so many levels- one that I am so thankful for.
In this episode I cover:
-How home schooling was never on my radar as an aspiring teacher.
-Feeling resistance when I would drop Millie off at Kindergarten
-Having a mental breakdown after going back to work full time as a mom of two
-How leaving my job and moving finally gave me the permission to do what I wanted
-The homeschooling success we saw right away
See the show notes: fiercelizzie.com/podcast/75
Mentioned on the show:
The zoloft episode - spotify | apple
The Academy is enrolling now - empowered birth prep
Not only do empowered moms know their rights, they do not allow anyone to take their power of authority away from them. Being a powerful woman outside of the birth space is different than being the boss inside the birth space, as evidenced by the celebrity examples in the episode. The first step to being the boss is knowing your birth rights, and then step two, speaking up for them.
Mentioned on the show:
Enroll in the Academy for a birth education that includes birth rights
Get the resources for the challenge
Next Steps...
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
There are TWO things you need to learn:
1️⃣HOW PHYSIOLOGIC BIRTH WORKS
2️⃣AND How the hospital does birth.
Unfortunately they are not the same. And this was true 10 years ago when I had my first baby, it was true 5 years before that when the business of being born came out, and IT'S TRUE TODAY. And unfortunately we are getting further and further from how birth is meant to be. Empowered moms know this and know how to support the birth they want.
Mentioned on the show:
Get the resources for the challenge
Next steps...
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Here is your permission to NOT HAVE TO ASK FOR PERMISSION. Empowered moms know the routine prenatal care, ask for their legally protected options and alternatives, and they are MORE in control of their birth because they started taking ownership during their prenatal care.
Mentioned on the show:
Get the Empowered Resources
Next steps...
Have questions?
Birth Options Workshop: Get clarity on your next step, whether that is choosing a provider, deciding on a birth place or where to start with birth education. RSVP now.
Ready to start your birth prep?
Birth Prep Class: This 30 minute class will teach you what you can do now to help prepare your mind and body for an unmedicated birth. It's FREE ️
Want to work with me?
Unmedicated Academy: The signature program for moms who want to be the boss of their unmedicated birth and be educated, informed and empowered. We will chat each week and you'll be blown away by how much support is inside. Join the empowered mom club
Submit a question or testimonial for the show: Leave me a voice message
Empowered Moms take control of their birth by nourishing their bodies in pregnancy. In order for our bodies to work the way they were designed in birth we need to take care of our bodies. Taking control of your nutrition and knowing what holistic approaches exists for staying low risk is a really impactful way to take control of your birth because the more low risk you are- the more untouchable your birth is.
Mentioned on the show:
Register for the event - 5 ways empowered moms take control of their birth
Or DM me the word DAY 2 for the resources that belong with this episode
Liver Love - Episode 64 on Apple | Spotify
The Retrievals podcast on Apple
Unmedicated Academy - DM me your enrollment questions
What do you do before choosing someone to reno your kitchen? Or cut your hair? You look at the results they have gotten for other clients! We should not be putting more research into our hair than our births- okay! Hair grows back, you are only giving birth a handful of times. You have EVERY right to be selective. Why wouldn’t we be??
Empowered Moms interview their provider to find one that is in line with their values and wants for birth.
Register for the event - 5 ways empowered moms take control of their birth
Recently I got a message that asked what I thought about a post that said “an unmedicated hospital birth is hardly similar to a home birth” And you know I am always saying you can have a home birth style hospital birth. So let's dig into this! I share how I think you can have similarities between home birth and some unmedicated hospital birth, and the biggest thing you cannot replicate from a home birth.
Enroll in my FREE class on how to take control of your birth
Check out Unmedicated Academy
See the show notes: fiercelizzie.com/podcast/74
If you have had a baby in the last 15 years, you most likely did a newborn screening. This is where they prick the baby’s heel, collect a few drops on a screening card and send it off to the lab to test for 30+ different genetic disorders and conditions. And of course, it’s just not as simple as that.. So let's get informed!
The first tip when you are trying to conceive (TTC) is lower your toxin load and address drainage pathways. Kimberly Sanderson, a holistic wellness coach, addresses these two TTC tips, explains what she wishes she knew before having babies, and explains the idea around regenerative health practice- very in alignment with the unapologetically unmedicated mamas!
See the show notes:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/72
Find Kimberly on IG @healthyhappymama75
This isn’t the first time. I hear business advice often from books, podcasts, trainings etc. and never, not EVER has one of the experts giving me advice has been a stay at home mom who homeschools and breastfeeds and isn't already making 6 figures. A little rant on being a mom in business and where you can get the mom and business advice instead.
Check out the other Business Bonus Episodes:
-When Doulas are Born + Digital Products
-I don't want a 6 figure business
-70: Doula certifications suck, with Kallie Caton
-How I built biz on mostly free platforms
DM me your Qs at @ambitiousbirthworker
The only prep I did for my birth with my first was hypnobirthing, and while I got my unmedicated birth (on pit not less) I felt very very very unprepared for it. In this episode I go over three problems with my birth prep and what you can do instead.
Mentioned on the Show:
Get Informed on Your Own eBook
Unmedicated Academy is enrolling now!
See the show notes for more!
Birth Biz Bonus Episode 3: The mostly free tools I use in my business
When I launched my CBE course it had been over 2 years since I had worked full time- so I had to be a little scrappy. In this episode I go over the free and paid tools I used in my business when I first launched and the ones I use now.
Save your spot in the workshop - TCC Your Online Birth Business
Even if you are not a doula, you do not want to miss this episode! Kallie, a birth keeper and traditional doula in South Florida, and I chat about how we are both self taught doulas after experiencing training that taught us next to nothing about being a doula. Listen in for reasons that doula certification is BS and how you can become a self taught doula.
Find Kallie on Instagram
Mentioned on the Show:
TCC your Online Birth Business
Unmedicated Academy is enrolling now!
See the show notes for more!
Birth Biz Bonus Episode 2: I don't want a 6 figure business
Would I enjoy making 10k months? Yes, I’d enjoy that revenue. Would I enjoy the upkeep of a business that brings in $10k a month- probably not. In this episode I talk about why what I value in life plays a big role in how I run my business, plus 3 questions to ask yourself when laying out your business strategy.
Save your spot in the workshop - TCC Your Online Birth Business
This episode came from a listener question - what do I do if my birth place is far? In this episode I go over things to consider and when to leave for the hospital if you are 30 minutes, an hour or more than an hour away.
Unmedicated Academy - enrolling now
Ep 34 Finding the unicorn provider & download the question list
Ep 21 Why you might fire your provider
https://www.fiercelizzie.com/podcast/69
Birth Biz Bonus Episode 1: When doulas are born + Launching a digital product
When doulas are born they have babies, and that makes doulaing hard to do! In this bonus episode I share several reasons why moms feel called to become doulas, my own experience with being a working mom and transitioning into birth work, and different type of digital offers that you can launch as a birth worker.
Learn more about Ambitious Birth Worker
Waitlist enrollment is open now - we start July 10th!
Choosing not to suffer starts in pregnancy and it starts with trust and taking back our power. Elizabeth Presta, a birth doula, prenatal coach and podcast host, shares about her two births and the difference in suffering, surrendering, and going with the flow. Tune in to Elizabeth's episode for more on what surrender is and is not, plus an exciting announcement.
Grab the free resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Elizabeth on IG @esandoz
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @esandoz & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
Have you ever vowed to be better with your money? Well, what does that even mean? Hear from Krista, the founder of Money Mindful Moms which supports moms who want to reach their financial goals without sacrificing important family experiences. Krista shares 3 money mindset shifts for moms and what it takes to master your money.
Grab the free resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Krista on IG @moneymindfulmoms
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @moneymindfulmoms & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
During pregnancy birth and postpartum you WILL be faced with a lot of choices- regardless of where you birth. Dr Sarah, a chiropractor, birth educator and mom of 3, shares about using your BRAIN when making decisions in your birth (or any time!), gives you permission to say no and to change your mind, so you can have more empowered and informed experience.
Grab the free resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Dr Sarah on IG @birthuprising
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @birthuprising & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
Why are minerals such a big deal? They are the foundation for every cellular process and function within your body. Rebalancing minerals during and after pregnancy is essential because pregnancy depletes our minerals by 10%. Katie, a functional practitioner who specializes in prenatal and postpartum health, shares about the macro-minerals and how they can affect your physical and mental health as a mom.
Grab the free resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Katie on IG @katengalvin
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @katengalvin & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
The liver is one of the hardest working organs that we have- are you lovin’ on your liver?
Learn about what the liver does and how it impacts women’s hormones, iron levels, thyroid health and many other aspects of how we are feeling day to day. Sarah is a holistic lifestyle coach focused on teaching women with hypothyroidism and in this episode she shares simple, daily ways you can support the liver.
Grab the free resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Sarah on IG @natural.thyroid.fix
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @natural.thyroid.fix & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
Taking radical responsibility may be a bit trending, but what does it actually mean to take radical responsibility? Rebekah, a mama, home birth + VBAC advocate and lover of all things holistic motherhood, shares 5 steps in building a solid foundation of knowing your options, trusting your gut, and unapologetically being the final authority.
Grab the free resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Rebekah on IG @radicallyrebekah
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @radicallyrebekah & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
Tune in for a super quick overview on the basics of homeopathy where Jill, a professional homeopath & homeopathy educator, talks through the most asked questions on homeopathy. What is homeopathy? How safe is it in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and babies? What can you use homeopathy for? Which potency and dosage is the right choice? Plus Jill shares her top 3 remedies that you might want to add to cart ASAP.
Grab the free resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Jill on IG @herhomeopathy
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @herhomeopathy & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
Many of us are stepping into motherhood in a way we’ve never experienced before as we learn and strive to parent in a conscious way, heal our nervous systems, all while also wearing the hat of mom entrepreneur. Melissa gives some beautiful encouragement to balancing it all, plus an energetic healing in holding the capacity.
Grab the free resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Melissa on IG @the.atlanta.postpartum.doula
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @the.atlanta.pospartum.doula & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
Taking a closer look at the definition of trauma and the more commonly used term birth trauma. Listen to this bonus episode sparked by a question from a listener, "why did you say that birth is always traumatic for the body? Extremely intense, physically overwhelming, emotionally overwhelming, yes all of those things, but it doesn't have to be traumatic in any way"
Would love to hear your thoughts on this too, share them with me @unapologeticallyunmedicated
The Mom2Mom Series continues tomorrow! Learn more about the guests here.
Lindsay Williams, a pediatric occupational therapist, is back to talk about why you might want to ditch baby containers - think the mamaroo. There’s a lot more than that too. Baby containers are on almost every moms baby registry, but at what cost? Dive in to the episode to understand these tools, know the alternative to baby containers and be more intentional with how you use them.
Grab the free resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Lindsay on IG @roottoraise
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @roottoraise & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
Research shows it can take 5-7 years to balance after having a baby, in this episode Katie, a functional practitioner who specializes in prenatal and postpartum health, shares about nutrient depletion, nervous system changes, digestion changes, hormonal changes, and how this can affect your physical and mental health in postpartum.
Grab the free resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Katie on IG @katengalvin
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @katengalvin & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
Allie, one of our favorite former nurses turned holistic health mentor, is sharing about her three homebirths and how to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. She hemorrhaged with her first and made an informed decision to transfer, she hemorrhaged with her second and made an informed decision to treat it at home, and with her third she was able to prevent postpartum hemorrhage with the holistic remedies she shares.
Grab the resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Allie on IG @almost.holistic.allie
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @almost.holistic.allie & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
One common and often widely supported reason moms quit breastfeeding is for the sake of their mental health. However, this isn't always the solution to the problem at hand of needing support and the all consuming task of feeding an infant can still be a big challenge. Lactation counselor Andrea Haskins gives a refreshing take on how breastfeeding is meant to benefit mental health.
Grab the resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Andrea on IG @instinctualmothering
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @instinctualmothering & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
Self-regulation for co-regulation. Lindsay discusses the importance of regulation in ourselves, the power of the question “how am I feeling?” and she shares that the way our children learn to self regulate is by borrowing our nervous system.
Grab the free resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Lindsay on IG @roottoraise
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @roottoraise & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
Not mothering by default and unsubscribing to the status quo. Instead give yourself time to make the best decisions in your motherhood based on what you think is right and not just because society thinks you should. Nicole Pasveer discusses more about how to mother intentionally, why this is important for both us and our babies and 6 amazing tips for mothering with more intention.
Grab the resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Find Nicole on IG @nicolepasveer
Liked the episode? Share and tag us both! @nicolepasveer & @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
Sharing the story of my Grandma Jo’s planned unassisted home birth in the 70’s, and how that trickled down to me being your unmedicated birth bestie.
Grab the free resources & meet the Mom 2 Mom Special speakers:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/mom2mom
Liked the episode? Share and tag me! @unapologeticallyunmedicated
And if you have a minute, rate and review the show.
Thanks for listening in!
Tatyana’s birth experience as a first time mom who fired her first provider, who was terrified to get to the hospital too early, who asked for the epidural and had her baby unmedicated.
Show notes: fiercelizzie.com/podcast/53
Learn about the Academy
The Parenting Bundle
Don't forget to tune into the Mom to Mom Mother's Day Special on the podcast - starting May 14th
I have so much to do and I have come to the realization that I can not do it all all the time. So here are six ways I have intentionally made a super simple (and free) change in my routine to get things done more effectively while cutting back on my overwhelm.
Show notes: fiercelizzie.com/podcast/52
This iconic blanket has adorned hospital born babies for decades. Your children, you, your parents and grandparents have likely all been wrapped up in this pink and blue stripe receiving blanket called the Kuddle Up.
Show notes: fiercelizzie.com/podcast/51
Academy Enrollment is open NOW
Share your Kuddle Up photos and tag @fiercelizzie on IG
Jessica from @motherbabynursejessica and author of Once Baby is Here, shares her experience with advocacy when her 50 hour birth center birth sent her to the hospital and how she held her power and made the best decision for her baby.Show notes: fiercelizzie.com/podcast/50Once Baby Comes - buy the book on AmazonFind Jessica (@motherbabynursejessica) on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Download your template & tune in as I walk through the exact template I created for my third unmedicated hospital birth. We will cover best practice tips for writing a birth plan and a look at how I organize mine with advocacy advice along the way.
See the show notes:
fiercelizzie.com/podcast/48
Grab your template:
fiercelizzie.com/freebies
Let’s rewind back to 2013. I was 25 years old and pregnant with my first baby. Let’s take a look at 3 things that happened in my first birth (waters breaking, meconium, being stuck at 7cm) and what I would do differently knowing what I know now.
Episode on building a strong sac: fiercelizzie.com/podcast/32
We are going to use our five senses to prepare for birth. The goal of this practice is to anchor one thing from each sense to how you want to feel in labor. This is really important because in labor our minds and bodies tend to turn to fear, doubt, tension and needing to be saved. Tune into the episode for tons of examples and how to incorporate this into your birth prep routine.
A sync-week episode on what I am doing now to actually take a break this "winter" and the new cycle syncing hack that is working for me.
See the show notes: fiercelizzie.com/podcast/46
I see this all the time, moms at 38 weeks reaching out in my DMs because they need advice on an intervention they weren't expecting. Better to be over prepared than underprepared in this case. So let's avoid that 38 week reach out and get informed instead!
See the show notes & links: fiercelizzie.com/podcast/45
Twilight Sleep or "Dammerschlaf" started in early 20th century Germany, with Dr Kronig And Dr. Guass. Twilight sleep is unique in that it used a combination of scopolamine and morphine to give women pain relief and also put them into a foggy state resulting in having zero memory of birth. Twilight sleep sparked the first wave of feminism in birth where women changed maternity care in the US.
See the show notes (and photos!): fiercelizzie.com/podcast/44
The Academy is enrolling NOW: fiercelizzie.com/academy
Tell me what you thought and send me a DM: instagram.com/fiercelizzie
You know how important your birth plan is, but so are these three things! Get out your pen and take down notes for this one, we are covering the plan you need to make for BEFORE you get to the hospital, and planning tips for the two areas most unmedicated birth plans fail.
See the show notes: fiercelizzie.com/podcast/43
Mentioned on the show:
- Grab your free Early Labor Game Plan and check out the other freebies added soon!
- FREE masterclass on having a faster birth
- More help with birth planning? Episode on Cervical Checks, Episode on Partner Support
- Check the episode directory by topic
New name who dis? A look into what is new with the podcast for Season 2. And also some life updates and why the podcast is kicking off a month later than planned. See the show notes at fiercelizzie.com/podcast/42.
Ready to start your advocacy based birth course? fiercelizzie.com/academy
Come say hi on Instagram instagram.com/unapologeticallyunmedicated
Okay, so you've heard that moms are eating their placentas in postpartum but you have no clue where to start? Tune in to this episode with our resident Placenta Specialist, Tessa Lowe of Grace of Life Doula to learn about your options for consuming your placenta and the amazing unique services Tessa offers. If you can't find a local provider to process your placenta, you are going to want to listen to this episode for a solution!
Find Tessa on Instagram @graceoflifedoula to learn more about her services.
See the Show Notes: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/podcast/39
As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost!
Join the VIP MOMs and get birth tips each week: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/vipmom
Learn More About Unmedicated Academy, my full birth course for the mom who wants a powerful and positive hospital birth experience: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/unmedicatedacademy
Sometimes when we share our goal of an unmedicated birth its met with such negativity, so much so, that moms will keep that info tight lipped to avoid the unsupportive comments. Maybe you have heard them already too? "Oh just wait and see." Or, "you'll change your mind when labor starts." Making you start to doubt your ability to birth, or even pushing the typical interventions trying to make you change your birth plan. Weather this is coming from a mom friend, your mom, a provider or your partner- listen in for some ways to combat these negative comments.
See the show notes and links: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/podcast/40
As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost! Lastly, come say ‘hey’! at: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/
Join the VIP MOMs and get birth tips each week: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/vipmom
Learn More About Unmedicated Academy, my full birth course for the mom who wants a powerful and positive hospital birth experience: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/unmedicatedacademy
In this episode we are covering the definition of postpartum hemorrhage, plus some evidence and stats on PPH with and without pitocin. The biggest reason that providers intervene in the third stage is to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, but we know that active management of the third stage isn't physiological and so it shouldn't be the routine! I also share a list of third stage topics that are a must to research for you to feel prepared and informed before walking into the hospital.
See the Show Notes: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/podcast/39
As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost! Lastly, come say ‘hey’! at: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/
Join the VIP MOMs and get birth tips each week: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/vipmom
Learn More About Unmedicated Academy, my full birth course for the mom who wants a powerful and positive hospital birth experience: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/unmedicatedacademy
You are 40 weeks, or maybe even less than that, and your provider mentions a membrane sweep. But like WTF is that? What is a membrane sweep? Why do we do it? How effective is it? What are the risks? And what is the membrane sweeps place in the unmedicated and physiological birth? In this episode I cover all the membrane sweep basics plus the reason why you need to know your stance on the membrane sweep before your provider brings it up.
See the Show Notes: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/podcast/38
As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost! Lastly, come say ‘hey’! at: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/
Join the VIP MOMs and get birth tips each week: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/vipmom
Learn More About Unmedicated Academy, my full birth course for the mom who wants a powerful and positive hospital birth experience: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/unmedicatedacademy
Moms all around the world need more support. And Be Her Village is here to help. Be Her Village has put almost $30K straight into the pockets of parents to be able to purchase prenatal, birth and postpartum support and education. Tune into this conversation with Kaitlin McGreyes, founder of Be Her Village, an online gift registry to get you the funds you need for the support you want and deserve.
Create your FREE support registry here: behervillage.com (You can add Unmedicated Academy!)
See the Show Notes: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/podcast/37
As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost! Lastly, come say ‘hey’! at: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/
Join the VIP MOMs and get birth tips each week: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/vipmom
Learn More About Unmedicated Academy, my full birth course for the mom who wants a powerful and positive hospital birth experience: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/unmedicatedacademy
This week is another Q&A episode. AND you'll get a sneak peek of the support inside of Unmedicated Academy. This Q&A comes directly from our Birthy Talk this week inside of the academy. When you join Unmedicated Academy you get so much more than just a birth course, you have support from me along the whole way with weekly Q&As and more inside of our exclusive community.
The Questions: Cord Blood Banking, Hip Pain & Smart Rest, Better Formula Options, Perineal Massage, Crib Mattress, & Newborn Parenting
See the Show Notes: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/podcast/35
As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost! Lastly, come say ‘hey’! at: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/
Learn More About Unmedicated Academy, my full birth course for the mom who wants a powerful and positive hospital birth experience: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/unmedicatedacademy
Get into my FREE Birth Prep Class Today! https://www.fiercelizzie.com/birthprepclass
This episode is for the mom who has already done the research on the risk/benefits of gestational diabetes, the glucose tolerance test, the glucola drink… and you’ve decided you want an alternative to the routine glucose tolerance test. Tune in for alternatives to the drink AND testing alternatives, plus how to bring it up with your provider.
See the Show Notes: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/podcast/35
Enter to win The Fresh Test over on my IG page. https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/
Join the VIP MOMs and get birth tips each week: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/vipmom
Learn More About Unmedicated Academy, my full birth course for the mom who wants a powerful and positive hospital birth experience: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/unmedicatedacademy
All care providers do not practice the same, so it’s important for you to find a provider that you feel comfortable with. That means you need to go in and get your questions answered. You have every right to make sure it is a good fit, and to find a provider who will be best aligned with your birth goals and priorities. Listen in for some insight on what questions to ask. And go download your question list at https://www.lizziebolliger.com/unicorn
See the Show Notes: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/podcast/34
As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost! Lastly, come say ‘hey’! at: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/
Join the VIP MOMs and get birth tips each week: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/vipmom
Learn More About Unmedicated Academy, my full birth course for the mom who wants a powerful and positive hospital birth experience: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/unmedicatedacademy
Let’s talk about a breastfeeding station and setting up a basket of supplies to make your postpartum life easier. It’s important because you will be breastfeeding a lot and your whole day, for months, will revolve around feeding this baby. So we need to make it as simple and convenient as possible. Here is what you need at your breastfeeding spot.
See the Show Notes: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/podcast/33
Shop Silverettes and use the code LIZZIE for 10% off: https://silveretteusa.com/usa/ Start the Getting Started with Breastfeeding Class: https://lizziebolliger.thrivecart.com/getting-started-with-breastfeeding/ As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost! Lastly, come say ‘hey’! at: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/ Join the VIP MOMs: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/vipmom Learn More About Unmedicated Academy, my full birth course for the mom who wants a powerful and positive hospital birth experience: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/unmedicatedacademy
The rupture of membranes is a completely normal physiological event. And it's also an event we preferred happens in later active labor.This is especially true for the unmedicated birth. In this episode I touch on why it's important to build a strong sac and exactly what you need to focus on with your nutrition and supplements to help prevent a premature rupture of membranes.
See the Show Notes: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/podcast/32
Download the DIY Research Checklist: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/diychecklist
As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost! Lastly, come say ‘hey’! at: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/
Join the VIP MOMs: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/vipmom
Learn More About Unmedicated Academy, my full birth course for the mom who wants a powerful and positive hospital birth experience: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/unmedicatedacademy
A Q&A episode where we talk about unmedicated twin birth, caring for perineum lacerations, how to find a doula, coffee mugs, induction for low fluids, advice for the first time mom, and Pitocin and the third stage. See the Show Notes: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/podcast/31 As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost! Lastly, come say ‘hey’! at: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/ Join the VIP MOMs: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/vipmom Learn More About Unmedicated Academy: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/unmedicatedacademy Grab a seat inside the FREE Birth Prep Class: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/birthprepclass
Why the term "contraction" is a bit of a misnomer and how you can use both side of the contraction to have a better unmedicated birth experience. Plus hear real moms describe how contractions felt to them.
See the Show Notes: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/podcast/30 As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost! Lastly, come say ‘hey’! at: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/ Join the VIP MOMs: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/vipmom Learn More About Unmedicated Academy: https://www.fiercelizzie.com/unmedicatedacademy
I know you want a powerful and positive birth experience, and that your goal is to go unmedicated in the hospital setting, usually easier said than done because the hospital isn’t always set up to support us unmedicated moms. So I am sharing my two biggest birth tips for going unmedicated in the hospital. Plus- why the 5-1-1 rule doesn't apply to you AND why you need to start thinking about your sac of waters now.
Check out the show notes: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/podcast/29
As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost! Lastly, come say ‘hey’! at: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/
Join the VIP MOMs: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/vipmom
Learn More About Unmedicated Academy: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/unmedicatedacademy
We are DONE with clueless dads and partners in the birthing space. It is just as much their birth experience as it is yours and they deserve to be educated and empowered also. Not to mention it is more likely that you will have a positive experience if they are ready to be a rockstar birth partner. Turn into this episode for for tips on getting your partner prepared for your unmedicated hospital birth.
See the Show Notes: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/podcast/28
As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost! Lastly, come say ‘hey’! at: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/
Join the VIP MOMs: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/vipmom
Learn More About Unmedicated Academy: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/unmedicatedacademy
The amniotic sac, also called "membranes" or the "bag of waters," contains amniotic fluid that serves as a cushion and a layer of protection for your baby. Obviously the waters come out with the baby, so let's talk about the different ways this happens. Talking what about the differences between spontaneous ruptured membranes, artificial rupture of membranes, and encaul births.
See the Show Notes: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/podcast/27
As always, thank you so much for tuning in to The Birth Class Podcast! Let me know how you liked the podcast and if this episode was helpful to you, make sure to screenshot this episode and tag me (@fiercelizzie) so I can repost! Lastly, come say ‘hey’! at: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/
Join the VIP MOMs: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/vipmom
Learn More About Unmedicated Academy: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/unmedicatedacademy
If we think about birth hundreds of years ago, it was at home and the experienced women of the family, or the village, and the traditional midwife supported women in labor. But where have all the wise women gone? And who can you count on to give you the support that a wise woman would? In this episode will take a very brief look at the history of midwifery, how the modern woman lacks support in the hospital model of care, and where you can find a wise woman.
The Black Friday Sale: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/blackfriday
1:1 Support for the Childbearing Year & Virtual Birth Support: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/1on1
Midwives vs OB Stats: https://www.statista.com/chart/23559/midwives-per-capita/
This one is for the mamas who like a little more woo with their birth. I'm gonna go over to very specific things that I manifested with my last two births. Plus how you can use visualization to help prepare for your birth.
Want to schedule a Birth Plan Audit? Email me at lizziebolliger@gmail.com Or wait until the Black Friday Birth Support promo to grab one at a discount! Sign up for black Friday deals here: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/blackfriday
Let's connect on Instagram! @fiercelizzie
In episode 21 we covered some examples of why you might want to fire your OB. And I’m sorry sis if you’re surprised that maybe you have a fireable OB. Most of us do. The violation of our basic rights has become so routine. But the good news is that you don’t have to sit down and take it. Let’s talk about different ways and different situations where you may fire your OB and then also what to do if you can’t fire your OB.
How to report mistreatment in childbirth: https://birthmonopoly.com/how-to-file-a-complaint-for-mistreatment-in-birth-or-obstetric-violence/
Questions to ask your provider: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/unicorn
Birth Support for Black Friday: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/blackfriday
Connect & Share on instagram @fiercelizzie
We've all heard it, first time moms should expect super long labors. But recently I heard from lots of moms who had precipitious births, under 5 hours, even as first time moms! And it got me thinking. Why is there such a wide range of normal in the lengths of labor? Why does it seem like more moms have long labors than short? I do not believe that the one thing our species depends on for survival should make us say "I never want to do that again." Listen in for some reasons why modern life has our labors longer and also three things you can do to help!
Get on the Black Friday email list so you don't miss our on the promos! https://www.lizziebolliger.com/blackfriday
Check out all the resources on positioning at https://www.spinningbabies.com/
Start Prenatal Barre Blend now! https://www.teambeachbody.com/
Connect with me on Instagram @fiercelizzie
OK, so it feels like glass shards coming are coming through your nipple instead of milk? Sounds like thrush. Let's talk about some unmedicated ways that you can treat thrush at home, and preferably at the first sign. In this episode I'm sharing about my chronic thrush infections, what has worked the best in treating thrush wants symptoms start, and a couple of things you can do you to prevent thrush before it even starts.
This episode is sponsored by Silverettes! Use code LIZZIE to get 10% https://silveretteusa.com/
Enroll in my breastfeeding class for November 6th here: https://getting-started-with-breastfeeding.teachery.co/breastfeeding-payment
Or get on the list for future classes here: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/breastfeeding
Order grapefruit seed extract on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GQvEtA
Let's connect on IG! @fiercelizzie
Did you know you can fire your OB? Or any medical provider for that matter, and you can do that at any point in your pregnancy. I want to give you a few general reasons that you may want to fire your provider, plus examples of mistreatment in maternity care. We will cover how to fire your OB and what to do if you can't in a later episode.
Grab the questions list to find your unicorn OB: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/unicorn
Get weekly updates from me and join my VIP MOM list: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/vipmom
The last episode of our cervical check mini series is on cervical checks during labor. Most moms who want to decline cervical checks are pretty confident in declining in labor for obvious reasons such as being uncomfortable and not wanting their labor flow interrupted. We cover those reasons and more, plus why you might not want to know when you hit 10cm.
Catch the previous cervical check topics in episode 15, 16 & 18.
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Get on my email list to stay connected: lizziebolliger.com/vipmom
Writing a birth plan? Besides the mistake of NOT writing a birth plan, here are 3 big mistakes I see often with the average birth plan routine.
Ready to start researching? Grab my Intervention Research Checklist.
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I know you have probably been told that you have to have a cervical check before you can be admitted to the hospital. And honestly that’s a lie. If you don’t want someone in your vagina you can say no. In this episode I go over why the cervical check at admissions doesn't mean much and what some alternatives are.
This is part of a mini series where we will dig a little deeper into different situations and the different reasons to decline cervical checks that apply during the typical times your provider is performing them, in late pregnancy, at admission, during labor.
Subscribe to The Birth Class Podcast so you don't miss out, and please share this episode with a friend! Or share it on instagram and tag me @fierelizzie.
Get on my VIP MOM list so you don't miss out on the Black Friday specials: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/vipmom
Need birth support ASAP? head over to https://www.lizziebolliger.com/links
I want a home birth style birth in the hospital and that’s not too much to ask. I couldn’t have the home birth I wanted but that wasn’t going to stop me from asking for what I wanted from the midwifery model to happen in my hospital birth. Tune in for a few things that always happen in the midwifery model that shouldn’t be too much to ask in your hospital birth.
FREE Intervention Research Checklist: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/diychecklist
Check out the Informed Intervention Workshop: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/IIW
Sign up for my VIP MOM newsletter: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/vipmom
Part 2 of the cervical check mini-series. In this episode I am talking about reasons you may not want a cervical check at this time in late pregnancy and how these checks specifically are not part of physiological birth. Also how the experience can differ when you have a supportive and a less than supportive provider. PART 1 Ep 15: Reasons to Decline a Cervical Check
FREE Intervention Research Checklist: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/diychecklist
Check out the Informed Intervention Workshop: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/IIW
Sign up for my VIP MOM newsletter: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/vipmom
The cervical check, by far the intervention I get the most questions/shock about.In this episode I cover the general reasons that a mom may want to decline a cervical check, including the evidence based one and one that is equally important as the evidence. This is part of a mini series where we will dig a little deeper into different situations and the different reasons to decline cervical checks that apply during the typical times your provider is performing them, in late pregnancy, at admission, during labor.
Subscribe to The Birth Class Podcast so you don't miss out, and please share this episode with a friend! Or share it on instagram and tag me @fierelizzie.
reference article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9396886/
FREE Intervention Research Checklist: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/diychecklist
How and why pitocin was suggested to me at each of my hospital births, and how I handled it.
Get updates from me on my email list: lizziebolliger.com/vipmom
Learn more about my birth course, Unmedicated Academy: lizziebolliger.com/unmedicatedacademy
In this episode I am sharing WHY your body wants you to have an unmedicated birth. I discuss the 3 big categories of benefits: maternal satisfaction, less risks/side effects, and biology boosts.
Learn more about Unmedicated Academy: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/unmedicatedacademy
Save a seat to the masterclass: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/masterclass
Follow me on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/fiercelizzie
The six things you should do to avoid the cascade of interventions. Walking into the hospital is the first intervention of a physiological birth, so if you’re having a hospital birth, especially if you want low to no interventions, make sure you do these 6 things!
Find your unicorn OB: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/unicorn
Informed Intervention Workshop: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/IIW
Find out more about Unmedicated Academy: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/unmedicatedacademy
Work with me: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/virtual-support
Get updates from me! https://www.lizziebolliger.com/vipmom
More Freebies and resources: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/links
My 4 rules of labor positioning, plus why you should stay out of the hospital bed.
Find out more about Unmedicated Academy: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/unmedicatedacademy
Work with me: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/virtual-support
Get updates from me! https://www.lizziebolliger.com/vipmom
More Freebies and resources: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/links
All about the cascade of interventions and 3 tips for avoiding it.
Find out more about Unmedicated Academy: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/unmedicatedacademy
Work with me: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/virtual-support
Get updates from me! https://tremendous-designer-9463.ck.page/572d6fc55b
More FREEBIES and resources: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/links
Episode 09: What is evidence based care? Why is it important?
In this episode I cover: What is evidence based care? Why do you need to advocate for it? One thing hospitals do routinely that goes against the evidence. How can you be more informed?
_____ VIP MOMS list: https://tremendous-designer-9463.ck.page/572d6fc55b Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/ Grab your free labor tools: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/links Get on the waitlist for my birth course: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/waitlist Show Notes: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/blog/episode09
What is physiological birth? Why is it important? What practices support physiological birth? show notes: lizziebolliger.com/blog/episode08
So you want a low to no intervention birth in the hospital? I am leaving you with 5 super simple ways to support your goal of going unmedicated.
Mentioned on the show:
Grab your provider questions here: https://fiercelizzie.com/unicorn
Check your hospitals stats here: https://ratings.leapfroggroup.org/
Learn more about Unmedicated Academy: https://fiercelizzie.com/unmedicatedacademy
Birth Prep Class here: https://fiercelizzie.com/birthprepclass
I basically want a homebirth in the hospital. And honestly, it’s not too much to ask. This episode is inspired by a post I did recently where I said I basically want a homebirth style birth but in the hospital setting. And how that isn’t a lot to ask. And whew, did you moms agree! I am going over my thoughts on some of the most common comments on that post. The post that inspired this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/CO3ifaTA8kz/ Click to read the caption! And give it a share if it resonates with you!
My unmedicated childbirth course: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/childbirth-education
FREE Labor Prep Bundle here: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/laborprep
What you need to know about vaginal twin births and going unmedicated in the hospital. Things to consider and what to talk over with your provider.
Links:
Vaginal Breech Twin Birth Podcast: https://birthful.com/twin-physiologic-breech-birth-story-2/
Unmedicated Twin Birth Podcast: https://thebirthhour.com/unmedicated-twin-hospital-birth-story/
Mo Mo Vaginal Birth: https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/safely-delivering-monoamniotic-monochorionic-twins
The Unmedicated Hospital Birth Course: www.lizziebolliger.com/childbirth-education
FREEBIE Preparing for the Unmedicated Hospital Birth: www.lizziebolliger.com/laborprep
What exactly is Nursemaid's elbow? My retelling of our experience with it yesterday, how it was different than what google told me and a little rant on mother’s intuition.
Show notes here: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/blog/Episode04
Yay my first postpartum period is back, said no mom ever. Before 6 months anyways... I do know some moms ready to have the next baby and still waiting on that postpartum period at 12+ months postpartum!
Links in show notes: www.LizzieBolliger.com/podcast/Episode03
Talking about postpartum supplies, what you need and different options for everything, plus my favorite brands of a few things. I go over supplies for perineal care, breasting, and momma care. This is actually an excerpt from my course Planning for Postpartum Bliss, you can access more at LizzieBolliger.com/postpartumbliss
A look back into my voice memos from December 2019 when I first had that desire, want, idea to create a podcast. I'm still really sporadic and mostly inactive with my blog, and I still love talking, and I still cannot get the you tube thing down either. I do have a lot to share, so let's start a podcast. Let me know in the comments what kind of content you want to see. 2019 Lizzie wanted to share postpartum stories, so who is ready to share?
Blog Post about my PMAD experience: https://www.lizziebolliger.com/blog/my-symptoms-of-pmad-and-taking-leave-from-work
YouTube video about my PMAD experience: https://youtu.be/HOwLBwktEig
Find me elsewhere...
The BLOG // https://www.lizziebolliger.com/blog
INSTAGRAM // https://www.instagram.com/fiercelizzie/
YOUTUBE // https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2jkkHyAE8MDedqTcHQddig