169: Pregnant on Active Duty: Army Reality Checks, Leave Perks & Why Timing Matters

On the MamasteFit Podcast, Gina (perinatal fitness trainer/birth doula) and Roxanne (certified nurse midwife) interview Kendra, an ICU nurse and mom of three, as she shares two epidural births and her third hospital birth—unmedicated—with doula support. She reflects on initially skipping childbirth prep, feeling disconnected while pushing with a strong epidural, and later attempting an unmedicated induction during COVID that ended in an epidural after she yelled the safe word (only to be fully dilated right after). Between babies, Kendra describes an early pregnancy loss with little support, then fertility testing and Clomid before conceiving baby #3. Kendra switched to a midwife-friendly hospital, used pelvic floor prep, a TENS unit, music “DJ” duties for her partner, minimal cervical checks, and achieved her goal of delivering without an epidural, followed by solid postpartum care and breastfeeding.00:00 Podcast Introduction01:42 Kendra Background Prep04:30 First Birth Epidural06:42 Reflecting Informed Consent07:53 Second Birth Unmedicated Goal11:57 Induction Tapping Out15:03 Miscarriage Care Gaps18:59 Fertility Workup Clomid23:20 Pregnancy After Loss25:34 Doula Course Prep33:11 Switching To Midwives35:40 Birth Plan Details36:41 Pregnancy Ups and Downs39:20 Early Labor at Home45:11 Heading to the Hospital46:45 Admitted and Settling In50:22 Transition and Coping56:01 Pushing and Surprise Girl59:26 Golden Hour and Aftercare01:01:48 Postpartum Recovery01:05:11 Advice and Wrap Up————🎉 Grab Your Copy of Training for Two → https://amzn.to/3VOTdwHYour go-to guide for prenatal fitness, birth prep, and postpartum recovery.👇 Start Preparing for Birth Today📥 Download our free Birth Prep Circuit Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit📥 Grab our free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Learn how to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor to support a smoother labor and pushing phase.💻 Explore Our Online Programs:Whether you're pregnant or postpartum—we’ve got you covered with expert-led fitness and education:🏋🏻‍♀️ Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Programs🎓 Childbirth + Postpartum Education Courses→ https://mamastefit.com🤱 Just Had a Baby?📥 Grab our free Postpartum Core Workouts → https://mamastefit.kit.com/coreStart reconnecting with your core and feeling strong again—safely and confidently.———📲 Follow Us on Instagram for Daily Tips + BTShttps://instagram.com/mamastefit———✨ Shop Our Favorites:⚡️ Electrolytes we love → https://drinklmnt.com/mamaste🌿 Supplements we trust – 20% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://thisisneeded.com/ginaandroxanne👖 Maternity clothing we actually wear – 10% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://rstr.co/lovesteady/3500—— 

Certified nurse-midwife and labor nurse Roxanne explains what a TENS unit (transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation) is, how it may reduce pain via gate control theory and endogenous opioid release, and why starting it earlier in labor may help more. She reviews evidence showing TENS can substantially reduce reported labor pain, allow mobility, and may shorten labor compared with epidurals, while avoiding common IV pain medication side effects like nausea and drowsiness. She also covers use in pregnancy for musculoskeletal pain (avoid abdomen and neck), and postpartum use including on the belly for uterine cramps and for C-section recovery (pads above/below incision associated with lower pain scores, faster bowel function return, and improved recovery). The video demonstrates pad placement, intensity “boost” during contractions, water safety cautions, and what to look for when buying (battery power, adjustable intensity, four leads, one-hand control), comparing budget Amazon units with Babycare OB TENS, Elle TENS+, and Elle TENS 2 features.BabyCare TENS: 10MAMASTEFIT For 10% off:https://tensforlabor.com/mamastefit🎉 Grab Your Copy of Training for Two → https://amzn.to/3VOTdwHYour go-to guide for prenatal fitness, birth prep, and postpartum recovery.👇 Start Preparing for Birth Today📥 Download our free Birth Prep Circuit Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit📥 Grab our free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Learn how to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor to support a smoother labor and pushing phase.💻 Explore Our Online Programs:Whether you're pregnant or postpartum—we’ve got you covered with expert-led fitness and education:🏋🏻‍♀️ Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Programs🎓 Childbirth + Postpartum Education Courses→ https://mamastefit.com🤱 Just Had a Baby?📥 Grab our free Postpartum Core Workouts → https://mamastefit.kit.com/coreStart reconnecting with your core and feeling strong again—safely and confidently.———📲 Follow Us on Instagram for Daily Tips + BTShttps://instagram.com/mamastefit———✨ Shop Our Favorites:⚡️ Electrolytes we love → https://drinklmnt.com/mamaste🌿 Supplements we trust – 20% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://thisisneeded.com/ginaandroxanne👖 Maternity clothing we actually wear – 10% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://rstr.co/lovesteady/3500

Gina (perinatal fitness trainer/birth doula) and Roxanne (certified nurse midwife) share their experiences being pregnant while active duty Army - noting it’s been about 10 years and policies may have changed! They explain their Army roles—Gina as an MP officer and cultural support team leader attached to all-male special operations units (plus airborne/jump master), and Roxanne as an Army nurse who moved into labor and delivery—then discuss how job demands affect when it’s realistic to plan pregnancy, how pregnancy can pull soldiers from key/physical roles, and how dual-military parenting adds major logistics and career pressure. They cover benefits like GI Bill, TRICARE, pensions, and improved parental leave (now 18 weeks for the birthing person and 12 weeks parental leave), plus practical issues like pumping, bottle refusal, and advocating for lactation spaces. They emphasize intentional pregnancy/postpartum fitness to support recovery and readiness, and point listeners to MamasteFit programs and a military discount.Birth Stories with Active Duty Service Members:Danielle’s Birth Story: Unmedicated Hospital Birth/Home Birth → Scheduled C-Section for Placenta Previa: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3g79heXnt3TnI52HaAuaiV?si=8E41bjdVSbWJhanYl8AzOgAshley’s Birth Story: Pandemic Challenges + Unexpected Precipitous Labor: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2YCe4UiCsjPjILQ4Rnxzdm?si=YW7UO4PxT8uyP2vVfSYS4QAlyssa’s Birth Story: Unmedicated Hospital Induction & Postpartum Complications: https://mamastefit.com/alyssas-birth-story-unmedicated-hospital-induction-postpartum-complications/00:00 Welcome and Disclaimer00:46 Meet the Hosts04:07 Gina Army Officer Role09:03 West Point Mixups12:38 Back to Army Pregnancy Timing13:12 Cultural Support Team Missions20:40 Airborne Jumpmaster Stories25:08 Roxanne Army Nurse Life28:31 Labor and Delivery Specialty30:02 Leave and Garrison Differences32:24 Planning Life Events34:19 Pregnancy Work Profiles38:18 Career Timing Reality45:01 Dual Military Challenges50:40 Military Benefits Breakdown55:20 Leave Policies Explained01:00:40 Breastfeeding Logistics01:05:01 PT Tests and P3T01:08:51 Fitness and Readiness01:12:59 Wrap Up and Programs————🎉 Grab Your Copy of Training for Two → https://amzn.to/3VOTdwHYour go-to guide for prenatal fitness, birth prep, and postpartum recovery.👇 Start Preparing for Birth Today📥 Download our free Birth Prep Circuit Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit📥 Grab our free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Learn how to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor to support a smoother labor and pushing phase.💻 Explore Our Online Programs:Whether you're pregnant or postpartum—we’ve got you covered with expert-led fitness and education:🏋🏻‍♀️ Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Programs🎓 Childbirth + Postpartum Education Courses→ https://mamastefit.com🤱 Just Had a Baby?📥 Grab our free Postpartum Core Workouts → https://mamastefit.kit.com/coreStart reconnecting with your core and feeling strong again—safely and confidently.———📲 Follow Us on Instagram for Daily Tips + BTShttps://instagram.com/mamastefit———✨ Shop Our Favorites:⚡️ Electrolytes we love → https://drinklmnt.com/mamaste🌿 Supplements we trust – 20% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://thisisneeded.com/ginaandroxanne👖 Maternity clothing we actually wear – 10% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://rstr.co/lovesteady/3500—— 

Certified nurse midwife Roxanne explains that increased watery, slippery vaginal discharge in pregnancy (leukorrhea) is usually normal, driven by estrogen and progesterone, and helps protect against infection and form the mucus plug. She outlines red flags and common end-of-pregnancy confusion: discharge is typically clear-to-milky with little odor, while amniotic fluid is often clear/pink-tinged, has a distinct sweet/musty smell, and can soak a pad; providers can confirm with tests (ferning, nitrazine, protein testing). She reviews yeast (thick, white “cottage cheese,” irritation, painful sex, possible cramping) treated with antifungal cream, and bacterial vaginosis (thin/gray, fishy odor, linked with preterm labor) often treated with antibiotics. She also covers STI-related discharge (e.g., frothy yellow-green trichomonas) and prevention tips like probiotics/fermented foods, hydration, stable blood sugars, breathable cotton underwear, avoiding scented soaps and douching, and discussing other remedies with a provider.————🎉 Grab Your Copy of Training for Two → https://amzn.to/3VOTdwHYour go-to guide for prenatal fitness, birth prep, and postpartum recovery.👇 Start Preparing for Birth Today📥 Download our free Birth Prep Circuit Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit📥 Grab our free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Learn how to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor to support a smoother labor and pushing phase.💻 Explore Our Online Programs:Whether you're pregnant or postpartum—we’ve got you covered with expert-led fitness and education:🏋🏻‍♀️ Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Programs🎓 Childbirth + Postpartum Education Courses→ https://mamastefit.com🤱 Just Had a Baby?📥 Grab our free Postpartum Core Workouts → https://mamastefit.kit.com/coreStart reconnecting with your core and feeling strong again—safely and confidently.———📲 Follow Us on Instagram for Daily Tips + BTShttps://instagram.com/mamastefit———✨ Shop Our Favorites:⚡️ Electrolytes we love → https://drinklmnt.com/mamaste🌿 Supplements we trust – 20% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://thisisneeded.com/ginaandroxanne👖 Maternity clothing we actually wear – 10% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://rstr.co/lovesteady/3500

Roxanne (certified nurse midwife) interviews one of their childbirth educators, Farrah (a nurse and doula), about two very different births after years of infertility, PCOS, and thyroid issues. Her first pregnancy was a surprise during COVID; ending in delivering an OP baby after extended labor, internal maneuvers, a deep second-degree tear, and bleeding linked to an overfull bladder. Her second birth was a rapid, intense labor with Miles Circuit attempts, shower transition, 911 call, and an unplanned home bathroom delivery on all fours before EMS transport!00:00 Welcome to MamasteFit00:21 Meet the Hosts01:09 Introducing Farrah01:48 Infertility and PCOS Journey03:59 Surprise Pregnancy Discovery06:49 Finding Perinatal Fitness Passion08:26 Pregnancy Prep and CrossFit09:25 Husband Away for Fellowship10:24 Labor Begins at Home15:35 Active Labor Water and Vomiting18:18 Hospital Arrival at Seven Centimeters20:27 Long OP Labor and Maneuvers28:48 Birth Hemorrhage and Recovery31:57 Tear Repair Explained34:35 Tongue Tie and Feeding Struggles38:29 Transition to Baby Two Story38:59 Prenatal Struggles39:47 Finding the Right Doula42:12 Early Labor Signs46:01 Miles Circuit Chaos48:50 Shower Spiral Calls51:25 Dad Steps In55:02 911 and Bathroom Birth01:00:01 Placenta Wait Hospital Transfer01:03:36 Feeding and Allergy Journey01:06:44 Baby Three Plans Wrap Up01:08:39 Podcast Outro and Offers————🎉 Grab Your Copy of Training for Two → https://amzn.to/3VOTdwHYour go-to guide for prenatal fitness, birth prep, and postpartum recovery.👇 Start Preparing for Birth Today📥 Download our free Birth Prep Circuit Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit📥 Grab our free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Learn how to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor to support a smoother labor and pushing phase.💻 Explore Our Online Programs:Whether you're pregnant or postpartum—we’ve got you covered with expert-led fitness and education:🏋🏻‍♀️ Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Programs🎓 Childbirth + Postpartum Education Courses→ https://mamastefit.com🤱 Just Had a Baby?📥 Grab our free Postpartum Core Workouts → https://mamastefit.kit.com/coreStart reconnecting with your core and feeling strong again—safely and confidently.———📲 Follow Us on Instagram for Daily Tips + BTShttps://instagram.com/mamastefit———✨ Shop Our Favorites:⚡️ Electrolytes we love → https://drinklmnt.com/mamaste🌿 Supplements we trust – 20% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://thisisneeded.com/ginaandroxanne👖 Maternity clothing we actually wear – 10% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://rstr.co/lovesteady/3500—— 

Gina (perinatal fitness trainer and doula) and Roxanne (certified nurse midwife) define “unmedicated birth” for this episode as giving birth without an epidural, and explain why some people choose it. They cover potential benefits like easier position changes, fewer issues if an epidural doesn’t work as expected, and physiologic/hormonal effects. They address concerns about epidural medications (including fentanyl use in some hospitals) and emphasize there’s no morality in epidural vs. no epidural. Practical tips include choosing a supportive birth setting/team, touring hospitals, asking about monitoring options, tubs/showers, nitrous, and using comfort tools and mental skills—especially in transition—while remembering it’s always okay to change your mind!Our video on hypnobirthing: https://youtu.be/QuCa5xRQCX0Our Relaxation sequence:  https://youtube.com/shorts/gDOt2rkmmds?feature=share00:00 Welcome and Episode Focus01:08 Defining Unmedicated Birth02:09 Why Skip the Epidural02:53 Personal Birth Stories09:31 Movement and Comfort Benefits14:54 Hormones and Baby Transition18:01 Epidural Medication Concerns20:33 Setting Up for Success21:36 Choosing Place and Provider24:09 Transition or Truly Done32:58 When Coping Breaks Down36:51 Resetting Environment and Support37:57 Toilet And Transition38:33 Comfort Tools Practice41:31 Hospital Support Clues45:33 Tours And Staff Culture49:46 Doulas And Backup Plans53:05 Environment Shapes Pain57:59 Mental Skills For Labor01:02:25 Labor Cave Setup01:07:09 Epidural Without Shame01:09:37 Wrap Up And Resources————🎉 Grab Your Copy of Training for Two → https://amzn.to/3VOTdwHYour go-to guide for prenatal fitness, birth prep, and postpartum recovery.👇 Start Preparing for Birth Today📥 Download our free Birth Prep Circuit Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit📥 Grab our free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Learn how to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor to support a smoother labor and pushing phase.💻 Explore Our Online Programs:Whether you're pregnant or postpartum—we’ve got you covered with expert-led fitness and education:🏋🏻‍♀️ Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Programs🎓 Childbirth + Postpartum Education Courses→ https://mamastefit.com🤱 Just Had a Baby?📥 Grab our free Postpartum Core Workouts → https://mamastefit.kit.com/coreStart reconnecting with your core and feeling strong again—safely and confidently.———📲 Follow Us on Instagram for Daily Tips + BTShttps://instagram.com/mamastefit———✨ Shop Our Favorites:⚡️ Electrolytes we love → https://drinklmnt.com/mamaste🌿 Supplements we trust – 20% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://thisisneeded.com/ginaandroxanne👖 Maternity clothing we actually wear – 10% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://rstr.co/lovesteady/3500—— 

Roxanne, a certified nurse midwife, breaks down pregnancy (and postpartum) constipation—aka a “traffic jam” of poop that gets harder the longer it sits because your body absorbs the water (think Play-Doh left out overnight). She explains common causes: progesterone slowing GI motility, the growing uterus and posture changes creating compression, supplements (especially iron), and often-overlooked pelvic floor tension—particularly in the posterior pelvic floor near the rectum. Key tips include: don’t strain (hello hemorrhoids and fissures), use better toilet positioning (Squatty Potty/feet elevated, hips <90°), and use breathing (inhale to relax/bulge, exhale to bear down without holding your breath). She also recommends movement, hydration (about 80–100 oz/day), fiber, magnesium, and if needed stool softeners/laxatives (e.g., Colace, Mag 07, MiraLAX) with provider guidance.Our Fav Squatty Potty: https://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=632964&u=2610443&m=5464700:00 Pregnancy Constipation Intro00:43 What Constipation Means02:03 Why Pregnancy Causes It03:55 Pelvic Floor Connection06:34 No Straining Basics07:14 Toilet Posture Tips08:13 Breathing to Poop09:16 Movement Hydration Fiber10:49 Magnesium Softeners Laxatives12:21 Release Posterior Pelvic Floor18:57 Prevent Labor Postpartum Issues19:54 Wrap Up Resources————🎉 Grab Your Copy of Training for Two → https://amzn.to/3VOTdwHYour go-to guide for prenatal fitness, birth prep, and postpartum recovery.👇 Start Preparing for Birth Today📥 Download our free Birth Prep Circuit Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit📥 Grab our free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Learn how to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor to support a smoother labor and pushing phase.💻 Explore Our Online Programs:Whether you're pregnant or postpartum—we’ve got you covered with expert-led fitness and education:🏋🏻‍♀️ Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Programs🎓 Childbirth + Postpartum Education Courses→ https://mamastefit.com🤱 Just Had a Baby?📥 Grab our free Postpartum Core Workouts → https://mamastefit.kit.com/coreStart reconnecting with your core and feeling strong again—safely and confidently.———📲 Follow Us on Instagram for Daily Tips + BTShttps://instagram.com/mamastefit———✨ Shop Our Favorites:⚡️ Electrolytes we love → https://drinklmnt.com/mamaste🌿 Supplements we trust – 20% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://thisisneeded.com/ginaandroxanne👖 Maternity clothing we actually wear – 10% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://rstr.co/lovesteady/3500—— 

Gina (perinatal fitness trainer and doula) and Roxanne (certified nurse midwife) recap Roxanne’s first postpartum 10K at 4–5 months postpartum in Asheville—advertised as flat but full of hills! Roxanne explains the run/walk method and how she managed mild pelvic floor heaviness later that day, but felt fine the next day, with no leaking or other prolapse symptoms! They discuss run/walk/run method coined by Jeff Galloway) as a way to make racing more accessible, plus running-form strategies to reduce pelvic floor symptoms. They outline upcoming races and Gina’s planned 100-miler, then share practical training tips for busy parents.00:00 Podcast Kickoff01:17 Roxanne’s First 10K02:07 Course Surprises03:38 Race Strategy Recap05:25 Run Walk Run Explained09:11 Pelvic Floor Check In14:32 Form Tips for Prolapse16:58 Recovery and Next Races19:53 Strength Training for Runners23:32 Gina’s Racing Comeback27:30 Dopey and Beyond Plans28:59 100 Mile Ultra Dream31:25 Training Time Reality31:39 Parent Training Reality32:59 Gym Access and Childcare34:13 Home Gym Essentials37:18 Treadmill Running Setup40:13 Outdoor Running Safety44:34 Healthspan Motivation46:17 Scheduling Workouts53:21 Short Workouts and Kids56:09 Follow a Workout Plan01:03:17 Wrap Up and Next Steps————🎉 Grab Your Copy of Training for Two → https://amzn.to/3VOTdwHYour go-to guide for prenatal fitness, birth prep, and postpartum recovery.👇 Start Preparing for Birth Today📥 Download our free Birth Prep Circuit Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit📥 Grab our free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Learn how to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor to support a smoother labor and pushing phase.💻 Explore Our Online Programs:Whether you're pregnant or postpartum—we’ve got you covered with expert-led fitness and education:🏋🏻‍♀️ Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Programs🎓 Childbirth + Postpartum Education Courses→ https://mamastefit.com🤱 Just Had a Baby?📥 Grab our free Postpartum Core Workouts → https://mamastefit.kit.com/coreStart reconnecting with your core and feeling strong again—safely and confidently.———📲 Follow Us on Instagram for Daily Tips + BTShttps://instagram.com/mamastefit———✨ Shop Our Favorites:⚡️ Electrolytes we love → https://drinklmnt.com/mamaste🌿 Supplements we trust – 20% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://thisisneeded.com/ginaandroxanne👖 Maternity clothing we actually wear – 10% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://rstr.co/lovesteady/3500—— 

Certified Nurse Midwife Roxanne explains the third stage of labor—the time from baby’s birth to placenta delivery. How long does it last for most people, and why it matters for postpartum hemorrhage and potentially breastfeeding. Roxanne describes how oxytocin-driven uterine contractions help the placenta separate and the signs of separation and compares expectant/physiologic management (waiting and monitoring) with active management (Pitocin IM/IV and sometimes gentle cord traction) to reduce hemorrhage risk. As always, the emphasis is on individualized, informed, risk-based decision-making! ————🎉 Grab Your Copy of Training for Two → https://amzn.to/3VOTdwHYour go-to guide for prenatal fitness, birth prep, and postpartum recovery.👇 Start Preparing for Birth Today📥 Download our free Birth Prep Circuit Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit📥 Grab our free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Learn how to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor to support a smoother labor and pushing phase.💻 Explore Our Online Programs:Whether you're pregnant or postpartum—we’ve got you covered with expert-led fitness and education:🏋🏻‍♀️ Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Programs🎓 Childbirth + Postpartum Education Courses→ https://mamastefit.com🤱 Just Had a Baby?📥 Grab our free Postpartum Core Workouts → https://mamastefit.kit.com/coreStart reconnecting with your core and feeling strong again—safely and confidently.———📲 Follow Us on Instagram for Daily Tips + BTShttps://instagram.com/mamastefit———✨ Shop Our Favorites:⚡️ Electrolytes we love → https://drinklmnt.com/mamaste🌿 Supplements we trust – 20% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://thisisneeded.com/ginaandroxanne👖 Maternity clothing we actually wear – 10% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://rstr.co/lovesteady/3500—— 

On the MamasteFit Podcast, perinatal fitness trainer and doula Gina and certified nurse midwife Roxanne interview Brooke about the birth of her second child, Scarlet. After a 48-hour first labor that included Pitocin and an epidural, Brooke (a physical therapist) prepared intensely for an unmedicated hospital birth: reading Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, listening to MamasteFit, taking our childbirth course, and trying multiple comfort tools. Past her due date, labor ramped up quickly and she discovered the hypnobirthing tools she had thought would save the day just weren’t her thing! Thanks to preparing a variety of comfort measure, Brooke discovered low moans/vocalization, swaying, and asymmetrical positions helped most! She arrived fully dilated, and experienced a birth that left her feeling super empowered! Her key advice: prepare, educate, and bring backup coping methods.00:00 Welcome 01:04 Brooke Joins the Show01:22 First Birth Lessons03:17 Planning Unmedicated Birth04:45 Books and Coping Tools06:25 Courses and Hypnobirthing08:28 Late Pregnancy Labor Prep09:45 Early Labor Begins15:51 Active Labor at Home21:52 Vocalization Breakthrough23:03 Hospital Arrival and Triage25:54 Fully Dilated Surprise30:11 Pushing Positions and Water Break32:58 Crowning and Shoulder Delivery35:21 Birth and Immediate Afterglow38:59 Postpartum Recovery and Two Kids41:07 Advice to Prepare and Adapt44:06 Wrap Up and Listener Takeaways————🎉 Grab Your Copy of Training for Two → https://amzn.to/3VOTdwHYour go-to guide for prenatal fitness, birth prep, and postpartum recovery.👇 Start Preparing for Birth Today📥 Download our free Birth Prep Circuit Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit📥 Grab our free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Learn how to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor to support a smoother labor and pushing phase.💻 Explore Our Online Programs:Whether you're pregnant or postpartum—we’ve got you covered with expert-led fitness and education:🏋🏻‍♀️ Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Programs🎓 Childbirth + Postpartum Education Courses→ https://mamastefit.com🤱 Just Had a Baby?📥 Grab our free Postpartum Core Workouts → https://mamastefit.kit.com/coreStart reconnecting with your core and feeling strong again—safely and confidently.———📲 Follow Us on Instagram for Daily Tips + BTShttps://instagram.com/mamastefit———✨ Shop Our Favorites:⚡️ Electrolytes we love → https://drinklmnt.com/mamaste🌿 Supplements we trust – 20% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://thisisneeded.com/ginaandroxanne👖 Maternity clothing we actually wear – 10% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://rstr.co/lovesteady/3500——