Mini Van Mini #6

You didn't try to make your baby to grow, you simply trusted that all of their organs would develop week by week. While there's much we can do to prepare, we discuss whether it's necessary to banish all fear in regard to birth. 

Jen & Alise are back to being your friends again and giving you all the information you need to know to give birth. You can’t will your cervix into a juicy pear or into a dilated cervix and they will tell you why. This week they are giving you tons of information on how to navigate labor and how to remember how amazing you are no matter how you give birth. Figure out what birth options are the right options for you and how to own your badassary with birth.

How to survive the holidays while pregnantFind comfortable clothes for holiday parties. - can rewear in labor!Fun mocktails (especially if you aren’t sharing your pregnancy yet)https://coleycooks.com/cran-clem/https://www.pinterest.com/pin/152066924904030011/feedback/?invite_code=93125df76bc445d0bfe9291eecfef857&sender_id=2880898448Comfortable shoesCall it an early nightPick and choose your eventsSkip soft cheeses and deli meats especially when eating outHave some great excuses on hand for getting out of events you want to missRudolph ate my car keysJust waiting on UPSI have a date with my fuzzy blanketI’m currently dreaming of a white christmasWhat to say if your water breaks at a holiday party?-"No, I'm not having baby Jesus!"-"Looks like Santa is bringing me something today. At least it’s not coming out the chimney"-"I guess that sleigh ride really helped move things along!"Holiday wish list-pregnancy/nursing pajamas-birth gown-birth ball- water bottle with straw- crock pot/instant pot-labor socks- dry shampoo- birth bag-lavendar pillow-scarves-jewelryHoliday play list-Baby it’s cold outside-Merry Christmas Baby- Christina Aguilera

In a world full of "Breast is Best" we are constantly surrounded by stories of breastfeeding struggles and challenges. Candice of Goldilacts joins Jen and Alise this week to bring balance and inspiration to those feeling defeated before even starting. She's full of great ideas on ways to prepare before baby arrives and on ways to navigate breastfeeding through the ups and downs. Be sure to listen in and to check out Goldilacts at www.goldilacts.com.

This week we're talking about:That car ride could be pretty challenging. If it’s not, you’re probably going to soonDrop and roll or park and waddle? We're discussing the benefits of walking together into the hospital or dropping the laboring person at the front door and parking the car.If you brought a weekend worth of luggage, leave some of it in the car and come back later. You can strategically pack a bag with snacks, water bottle, clothes for birth, comfort items. Leave carseat and baby stuff in the carTriage: most hospitals have one. What does it’ look like? You’ll find that unless you’re pushing, time may feel like it’s standing still. You’re probably in a bigger hurry than the staff and that’s ok. Triage goals: vitals (BP, temp, pulse), listen to baby, vaginal exam. LOTS of questions from medical personnel.Walk of shame or that’s ok, you can’t know everything! Hooray, you’re admitted! The golden ticket. Wardrobe change maybe. Wanna wear a hospital gown or just stay in what you have been wearing. Listen to the baby longer.IV port started. Fluids through the IV optional.More questions.Possible change in labor pattern. That’s totally normal.Once the intake is complete, turn off lights and make the space comfy. Finding a new rhythm, changing positions. TIme for pain medication? Get that fluid in 

Make new friends but keep the old

Unapologetically unedited musings from the minivan. This week: expectations.

Wondering how you’ll ever survive adding a second? This week Jen and Alise are covering everything from common worries to life hacks to get you through. We’ve packed this episode full of confidence building and tried and true tips to help you not just survive, but thrive when your second (or third, or fourth...) arrives.

We are talking about sex in pregnancy in the minivan today. We promise to not get too graphic but enough to make us blush.

On television, the baby comes up to mom, the soft sounds of the harp comes from the background and mom expresses how her life is now complete. This week Jen and Alise discuss what those moments after birth really look like. Sometimes they are filled with tears, sometimes with exhaustion, laughter or a mix of many emotions. Like all things birth, it rarely looks like television. They are normalizing the variety of feelings and experiences you might have after birth and explaining what to expect around you.