Arrivals: A Birth Story Podcast

Епизоди

• 
  Part II: A dreamy home birth, an AirBnB birth, Isoimmunization, and posterior baby challenges 24.07.2026 1ч 3мин

  In the conclusion of this two-part episode, Merelise is joined by mom, actress, podcast host and founder, Teresa Palmer, who shares her fourth and fifth birth stories. Teresa recounts her surprisingly difficult fourth birth at home and what she learned from it. They discuss Teresa's favorite labor coping mechanisms, including one unexpected but very effective tool. Teresa also shares that, due to her rare Isoimmunization condition in pregnancy, she decided to pursue IVF but then became unexpectedly pregnant naturally with her fifth baby. After a rocky start to labor, her fifth birth was the most gorgeous, dreamy, calm, spiritual home birth experience, surrounded by her family and birth team.Teresa's stories are a beautiful example that every birth is different and you can learn something from every one, even your fifth.Resource Links: This episode is brought to you by Mère. Learn more at Mere-foreverychapter.comFollow Teresa on InstagramFollow The Mother Daze on InstagramIna May Gaskin’s Spiritual MidwiferyThe Miles Circuit Spinning BabiesThe Birth SlingFollow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. 
• 
  Part I: A home birth transfer, a 72 hour labor, breath work, and birthing with your sisterhood 23.07.2026 57мин

  In Part I of a two part series, Merelise Wilson sits down with mother, actress, podcast host and founder, Teresa Palmer, for a powerful conversation about birth, motherhood, and the lessons that come from trusting your intuition. Teresa shares the stories of her first three births, from her first challenging, three-day-long home birth transfer to the beautifully redemptive second and third birth center births. Along the way, they discuss how birth stories changed Teresa's own approach to motherhood, the challenges of her Isoimmunization pregnancies, informed birth, manifestation, fear clearing, the practical coping tools Teresa relies on during labor, the role of manifestation and intention in her life and motherhood, how she breathes her babies into the world with “horse lips” and “puppy pants”, and the magic of birthing alongside your sisterhood.Teresa’s stories are a reminder that birth is never just one thing — it can be hard, ecstatic, intense, healing, and deeply transformative all at once. Her experience shows that preparation matters, but flexibility matters just as much.Resource Links: This episode is brought to you by Mère. Learn more at Mere-foreverychapter.comFollow Teresa on InstagramFollow The Mother Daze on InstagramIna May Gaskin’s Spiritual MidwiferyThe Miles Circuit Spinning BabiesThe Birth SlingFollow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. 
• 
  Vaginal twin delivery, four under three, an unexpected C-section, and an OBGYN mom 16.07.2026 1ч 5мин

  Join Merelise as she interviews her friend Jessica O'Connor, an OB specializing in fertility, to explore her journey through a twin pregnancy, two subsequent singleton births, and balancing a medical career with motherhood. Jessica’s motherhood journey started out with a bang when she found out she was pregnant with twins during her reproductive endocrinology fellowship. She decided early on she wanted to attempt a vaginal twin delivery if possible.After a wonderful pregnancy where she carried her twin boys for 37+2 weeks, she went into labor spontaneously. During labor she experienced some scary complications due to baby B’s heart rate decelerating for an extended period, but she ultimately welcomed two boys into the world vaginally. Throughout her first birth story, Jessica and Merelise discuss the different types of multiple pregnancies possible, what boxes she wanted to check in order to attempt a twin vaginal delivery, and the realities of breastfeeding and sleep training twins, while also completing her oral board exams.When her twins were a little less than a year old, Jessica and her husband decided they wanted to conceive again, in order to time a second maternity leave with her fellowship. That meant they would have three kids under three but they felt prepared and excited for the possibility! Despite having gestational diabetes and being pregnant during COVID, her second pregnancy, her only girl, was relatively uneventful and her second birth was a beautiful, successful induction at 38 weeks. The only surprise was an almost 9 pound baby! During her third pregnancy, she had gestational diabetes again and her baby was measuring very large. Her care team wanted her to opt for a scheduled C-section, but Jessica wanted to try for a vaginal birth, knowing she’d already had three, successfully. She went into labor naturally and despite pretty quickly getting to 10 cm, her baby wouldn’t descend into the birth canal and every time she pushed, her baby’s heart rate would decelerate. Knowing that he was likely very large, wasn’t descending into the birth canal, and was having heart decelerations, they decided to deliver via C-section given the high likelihood of shoulder dystocia. Her almost 10 pound baby boy was born shortly thereafter! Merelise & Jessica discuss that, after two vaginal deliveries, recovering from a C-section was challenging for Jessica, and made worse by the fact that she had a small bowel obstruction one week postpartum, a complication from her abdominal surgery. Ultimately, Jessica acknowledged that, no matter how many babies you have, every one is unique and every birth is unpredictable, as evidenced by her four children’s stories.Resource Links:This episode is brought to you by Mère. Learn more at Mere-foreverychapter.comWant to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. 
• 
  Replay: An ideal vaginal birth with a singleton, followed by a C-section birth with twins 09.07.2026 46мин

  Join Merelise and her guest, Karen Robbins, who shares the birth stories of her three girls, one singleton and one set of twins. They discuss Karen’s first birth, a vaginal delivery and what she described as an ideal birth, and then her second birth, which was a planned C-section with her twins, and the difficult recovery that followed. They also chat about what it’s like having a spouse in the medical field, Karen’s theory on how she got pregnant with twins, the beauty of the multiple-mom community, and so much more. Resource Links: Follow Karen on Instagram Want to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramTrigger warning: This episode contains mention of a stillbirth. Disclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. 
• 
  Positive birth, a fourth degree tear, epidural limbo, surprise genders, and advocating for your body 02.07.2026 1ч 9мин

  This week, Merelise is joined by her friend, Whitney Byerly, who shares her three beautiful birth stories. They also chat about drive through pregnancy appointments during COVID, placenta encapsulation, epidural limbo, and savoring those few, truly life changing moments we’re given. Whitney’s first birth was a vaginal delivery in a hospital with no epidural. And while she felt at the time that it was perfect, she found out shortly after her baby girl was born that she had suffered a fourth degree tear during delivery and would require surgery to repair the damage. When she became pregnant again, her doctors urged her to plan for a C section, but Whitney felt in her heart that she could deliver her baby vaginally again. So, she found a new OB practice that supported her vision, started pelvic floor therapy, and did everything she could to optimize her chances of delivery vaginally without tearing again.After careful preparation and consideration, she decided to get an epidural during delivery with her second and third baby. This gave her more control over pushing, and allowed her to slowly bring her second and third babies into the world, without a single tear to her perineum. Resource Links:This episode is brought to you by Mère. Learn more at Mere-foreverychapter.comWant to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  The dance of labor, separation trauma, hypnobirthing and the beauty of a postpartum doula 25.06.2026 1ч 10мин

  This week, Merelise is joined by mom, actress and postpartum doula, Sarah Morris Brower. Sarah opens up about postpartum healing, the vital role of postpartum doulas, and how birth trauma can linger even in seemingly healthy deliveries.Sarah’s first birth was unmedicated, in hospital, but her son ended up spending time in the NICU due to meconium aspiration. From the shock of an unexpected NICU stay to the emotional rollercoaster of separation and reunion, she unpacks the internal turmoil and healing process when birth doesn’t go as expected. With her second child, she was induced due to low amniotic fluid. After more than 24 hours of labor, she decided to get an epidural and shortly thereafter, safely welcomed her daughter into the world. Most importantly, she was able to go home with her in her arms. They also discuss the pivotal role of a postpartum doula and why supporting postpartum care is just as vital as the birth itself, why second births can be so different from firsts, the power of informed choices, releasing expectations, and so much more. Resource Links:Follow Sarah on InstagramWant to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  Soft birth, prenatal depression, and revolutionizing maternal health care 18.06.2026 42мин

  Trigger Warning: This episode discusses pregnancy loss. In this week’s episode, Nicole Connell, mama and founder of Mère, shares her raw journey through challenging pregnancies, prenatal depression, pregnancy loss and unplanned pregnancy, all while building a revolutionary healthcare platform designed specifically for moms at every chapter of their motherhood story. They also discuss the intense toll of sleep deprivation, intrusive thoughts and how hard it is to recognize your own depression and anxiety symptoms. Nicole breaks down how Mère is transforming maternal healthcare by providing holistic, collaborative support from preconception through menopause. We learn about the gaps in traditional care, the power of integrated team models, and how a dedicated, accessible space can reduce the overwhelming mental load moms carry. Nicole reveals the practical ways she’s making healthcare more compassionate and continuous—and why this matters more than ever in today’s system.Resource Links: Learn more about MereFollow Mere on InstagramFollow Nicole on InstagramWant to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  11 pound babies, shoulder dystocia, cervical swelling, trusting your body, and joyful birth 11.06.2026 1ч 33мин

  Trigger warning: this episode discusses pregnancy loss. This week, Merelise is joined by mom, actress, podcast host, author and so much more, Sarah Wright Olsen. Sarah reflects on her four kids’ birth stories, the transformative power of birth, surrendering, delivering big babies, grieving while pregnant, mourning pregnancy loss, and so much more. They discuss the importance of addressing fears and feelings prior to going into labor (because it all comes up in birth!), surrounding yourself with a supportive team, and trusting what your body is capable of. Spoiler alert: Sarah’s body is capable of delivering two 10 pound babies and two 11 pound babies, vaginally, without tearing! Sarah’s episode is a beautiful testament to what a woman’s body can accomplish when given the time and space to do what it’s made to do. Resource Links:Follow Sarah on Instagram Follow The Mother Daze on Instagram Learn more about Dr. BerlinIna May’s Guide to Childbirth The Business of Being Born Ana Paula Markel Doula ServicesWant to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  Two hospital births, a home birth, PROM, becoming a doula and the importance of choosing a care team 04.06.2026 1ч 5мин

  Merelise is joined this week by Ann Morris, a mama, doula and childbirth educator. Ann shares her three birth stories, which include two unmedicated hospital births and one home birth.Ann’s stories are all wildly different - between the three, she experienced an ambulance ride, a calm home birth, pre-rupturing of the membranes (PROM), a surprise gender mix up, an almost car-birth, and a last minute pivot to a closer hospital while she was in labor. They discuss that, while you clearly can’t plan birth, you can plan FOR birth, including the importance of being picky when it comes to choosing your care team and spending some time exploring your own feelings about birth, good, bad or otherwise. They also talk about Ann’s journey to becoming a doula and the amazing role doulas play in pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Resource Links:Follow Ann Morris on InstagramLearn more about Ann Morris’s doula services Want to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  Replay: An emergency C-section, a miraculous birth, maternal mental health, and naming babies 01.06.2026 37мин

  This week, Merelise is joined by model and mom, Baskin Champion McFarland, who shares the miraculous story of her son’s birth via emergency C-section.Baskin talks about the life-changing moment she decided to trust her intuition and go to the hospital when she felt like her baby had stopped moving in utero, the extremely fast decision to perform an emergency C-section (her husband almost didn’t make it!), and the miracle of her son’s birth. They also discuss the dense cloud that is postpartum depression, intrusive thoughts, the healing power of Zoloft, the importance of a supportive community postpartum, choosing unique baby names, and so much more. This is a beautiful, transparent conversation that you don't want to miss!Resource Links: Follow Baskin on Instagram Moms On Call Want to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. 
• 
  A breech baby, a crash C-section, fourth trimester guilt, and finding your village 21.05.2026 1ч 7мин

  Merelise is joined this week by Shannon Howell for a conversation on all "the things they don't tell you" about birth, seasons of life, fourth trimester guilt, and so much more. Shannon’s first birth story began unexpectedly when she went into labor at 35 weeks while staying at an Airbnb as her husband was out with friends. After the initial disbelief that her water had actually broken that early, the two made their way to the hospital, where she went on to have a smooth vaginal delivery.But for Shannon, the harder part came after her son was born. She opens up about the guilt and disappointment she felt when she wasn’t instantly overwhelmed with love the moment he was placed on her chest. A kind stranger later offered her a perspective that stayed with her: you don’t have to love every season of parenthood equally. Some stages are harder than others, and everyone has a different favorite season.During her second pregnancy, Shannon’s daughter remained breech the entire time. After trying every possible method to encourage her to turn, Shannon reluctantly scheduled an ECV — but before the procedure could happen, she unexpectedly went into labor again at 34 weeks.What followed was a terrifying experience. Shannon and her husband rushed to the hospital as her labor progressed rapidly, but despite repeatedly telling staff that the baby was breech, she was left laboring for over an hour without meaningful attention or care. When she finally begged a nurse to check her, they discovered her daughter’s feet were already emerging. Shannon was rushed into an emergency crash C-section and placed under anesthesia so her daughter could be delivered safely.In the aftermath of her daughter’s birth, Shannon faced both physical and emotional challenges as she worked through the trauma of the experience. In this episode, she shares what healing has looked like for her and the ways she’s learned to move forward.Ultimately, Shannon reflects on the importance of having a village during postpartum — whether that’s family, friends, or the family you choose.Want to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  Navigating deep grief with a newborn, a 52 hour induction, and finding love again after loss 14.05.2026 1ч 30мин

  This episode is a candid, deeply emotional look into the realities of motherhood, trauma, and hope. Listener discretion advised for sensitive content involving grief and loss of a spouse. In this episode of the Arrivals podcast, Merelise is joined by Julie Moran, aka Spilled Milk Mamma, who shares her perspective on the profound experiences of birth, motherhood and unthinkable loss. Julie tells Merelise about her emotional journey through multiple pregnancies, the unexpected loss of her husband shortly after the birth of their second child, and the unique challenges of each of her three kids’ births. During Julie’s first pregnancy she opted for an induction that resulted in a 52 hour labor before finally meeting her daughter. After more than two days of laboring, they discovered she had scar tissue from a previous IUD that was blocking her cervix from dilating and causing her labor to uniquely stall with full contractions but no dilation. Fast forward 21 months after her daughter was born and Julie found herself back in the delivery room preparing to give birth to her son. After a beautiful and straightforward birth, Julie truly felt like she had everything she ever wanted in the world. Tragically, just three weeks later, her world was turned upside when her husband died in a car accident. The next two years were spent in a haze of grief, while she attempted to navigate becoming a widow and single mom of two. But Julie’s story has a happy ending - a few years after her husband passed away, a man came into her and her kids’ lives that would bring security, happiness, strength and so much more to their family, including a third baby and birth experience for Julie.Throughout this episode, Julie and Merelise discuss the unique and isolating experience of becoming a parent during COVID, post-eclampsia, the importance of feeling the sun on your face every day, deep grief, finding love after loss, supporting children who are grieving, signs from the other side, and so much more. Their conversation delves into the complexities of grief, resilience, and the healing power of community and new beginnings.Resource Links: Follow Julie on Instagram Want to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  Two birth center births, precipitous labor, and optimizing your birth experience 07.05.2026 46мин

  This week, Merelise is joined by Kait Swafford, who shares her two amazing birth experiences at the Atlanta Birth Center. From the moment she became pregnant with her first, Kait knew she wanted a low intervention birth outside of a traditional hospital environment. When she heard about the option of the Atlanta Birth Center, she felt like it was the perfect “in between” solution for someone who wasn’t sure about home birth but didn’t want to be in a hospital for her birth. After being sent home at the start of her first birth, labor symptoms, including frequent vomiting, ramped up quickly. They decided to make the drive back to the birth center, where she settled in to labor with her husband as her doula. Two and a half long hours of pushing later, her first daughter was born. With her second, it was an easy decision for her to plan on delivering at the Birth Center again, and after a long first labor, she assumed it would be similar with her second. But of course, things rarely go as expected with birth! After an extremely precipitous labor and barely making it to the Birth Center, her second daughter was born after a few quick pushes.   Resource Links: Learn more about Atlanta Birth CenterLearn more about the Bradley MethodLearn more about the Miles Circuit Want to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  A bicornuate uterus, uterine irritability, and navigating pregnancy after fetal loss 30.04.2026 1ч 32мин

  Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of fetal loss and miscarriage. Merelise’s guest this week is Carolyn Donaldson, who shares her experience with a rare condition called a bicornuate uterus. In this heartbreaking but also hope-filled episode, Merelise and Carolyn dive deep into pregnancy trauma, loss, and PTSD, but also the incredible ability of a mother’s heart to heal and hold onto hope.  If you’re navigating loss and wondering what’s next, or maybe even looking for a sign that everything will be ok, this episode is for you. Prior to her first child’s birth, Carolyn had no idea that she had a very unique congenital abnormality, called a bicornuate uterus. Complications from her unknown condition led to a very difficult pregnancy and early delivery via C-section, during which her unique uterus was discovered. Thankfully, even though her son was born at 34 weeks, he was very healthy, and Carolyn and her doctor didn’t have too many concerns about what her condition would mean for any subsequent pregnancies. Devastatingly, her second and third pregnancies resulted in losses. During her third pregnancy, they were shocked to find out at 20 weeks that her son had passed in the womb and needed to be immediately delivered. Carolyn then went through the unthinkable experience of birthing her son, knowing she wouldn’t be bringing him home. They ultimately discovered that her son’s placenta was implanted on the “septum” of her bicornuate uterus, which contains tissue that isn’t conducive to a healthy pregnancy. Blessedly, they were able to correct the septum in her uterus via surgery to avoid the same complication in future pregnancies. Her fourth pregnancy was physically uneventful but marked by PTSD and extreme mental exhaustion. She delivered a healthy baby girl via C-section at 38 weeks and thought she was “done”...until she wasn’t! Her fifth pregnancy was a beautifully redemptive experience, free from so much of the physical and mental pain she experienced in her prior pregnancies, and her second daughter was delivered peacefully via planned C-section at 39 weeks. Resource Links: Learn more about Spinning Babies Want to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  A successful VBAC, an Aussie birth perspective, obstructed labor, and episiotomy complications 23.04.2026 1ч 48мин

  This week, Merelise is joined by her friend, fellow podcast host and Australian “twin”, Clare Hambridge. Clare shares the birth stories of her son and daughter and in particular, how her experience as an emergency nurse really colored her perspective on pregnancy and birth. During Clare’s first birth she experienced cervical swelling likely due to her baby being in a “stargazer” position. This swelling resulted in an obstructed labor diagnosis and ultimately led to a decision to move to a C-section. Even though a C-section wasn’t what she hoped for, Clare had the foresight to prepare her C-section preferences just in case, and that prep resulted in her still being able to have a peaceful and personalized birth experience. When she became pregnant with her second baby, she knew immediately that she wanted to have a VBAC and so she found a provider aligned with her goal and excited to support her vision for her second birth. After a few hiccups, Clare had her beautiful VBAC, thanks to her own advocacy, as well as a supportive and skilled team, dedicated to helping her through the process. Throughout the episode, Clare weaves in education around the differences in the Australian midwifery-led model vs the US obstetric-led model of birth. They also chat about fainting husbands, posterior babies, hypo-birthing, intrusive thoughts, perineal massage, big baby worries, and so much more. This episode is PACKED full of so much birthing-goodness! Resource Links: Follow Love Patty Podcast on InstagramLearn more about HypnobirthingWant to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  Finding purpose after tragedy and the fight to end the maternal mortality crisis 16.04.2026 1ч 9мин

  This week’s episode is a heavy one. But this podcast was created to be a space for every type of birth story: the miraculous, the devastating, and everything in between.Merelise is joined by the indelible Charles Johnson, dad of two and CEO of 4Kira4Moms. Charles shares with me the beautiful birth stories of his two sons, as well as the tragic story of how his late wife, Kira, lost her life after a routine C-section 10 years ago. As we celebrate Black Maternal Health Week, I could think of no better way to honor and bring awareness to that cause than to share Kira’s story.I talk a lot about how birth shouldn’t be scary, but the fact of the matter is: the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed nation. What’s more, Black and Brown women are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from birth-related complications.  The equally hopeful and heartbreaking news is that 80% of all maternal deaths are preventable. Thanks to the work of people like Charles and others advocating for change, we know there are tangible things we can do to improve those statistics.Ending the maternal mortality crisis starts with education. As Charles and Merelise both often say, knowledge is power. Let listening to this episode be your first step into that power. Choose to be informed, not afraid. Resource Links: Learn more about 4Kira4MomsFollow 4Kira4Moms on InstagramFollow Charles on InstagramLearn more about the Momnibus act Want to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  Replay: Gestational diabetes, precipitous labor and the power of saying no 09.04.2026 1ч

  Join Merelise and her guest, Alexi, this week, as they discuss Alexi’s three vaginal births in the hospital. This episode has it all - one birth with an epidural and two without, two known genders and one surprise, two babies with gestational diabetes and one without…the list goes on and on for Alexi’s three very different births! They also discuss the choice to decline medical advice when you feel it won’t benefit you or your baby, pushing when you’re ready vs when someone tells you to, how anxiety is the enemy of labor, when sometimes you just need your own mom when you’re having a baby, funny moments brought to you by Costco faux-Uggs, Heaven-sent midwives and nurses, a baby Swiftie, and so much more. This episode has laughter, tears and everything in between - just like birth!Content warning: this episode briefly discusses miscarriage. Want to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  NICU life with triplets, appreciating your scars, PTSD, and supporting friends in hard times 03.04.2026 45мин

  Join Merelise and triplet mom, Mindy Zeh, for Part II of their conversation. Make sure to listen to the end for a special guest (x3) appearance!Part I ended with the triplets being born via C-section after Mindy was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome. In Part II, they pick up with Mindy describing the ins and outs of what daily life looked like with multiple babies in the NICU. Mindy talks about the unique challenge of her heart being split in three places at once, either because the babies were on different NICU floors or because they came home at staggered times. She shares the complicated feelings of being so excited for her babies to come home but also being so scared to leave the safety of the NICU care team, the challenge of bonding with babies with health issues, learning how to be a mom to three babies at once, and so much more, and to remember that milestones do not define outcomes.They talk about how to support friends going through difficult times, how moms feel the need to be strong all the time, what advice Mindy would give to moms expecting multiples, and the importance of appreciating your scars, both physical and emotional. They end their conversation reflecting on the complexity of motherhood, in all its beautiful, hard, glory. "Every now and then, run your fingers across the scar. Remind yourself how far you've come." Alysia QuinnResource Links: Follow Mindy on InstagramWant to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  Triplets, HELLP Syndrome, framily, and controlling the control-ables 02.04.2026 1ч 14мин

  Join Merelise and her dear friend and triplet mom, Mindy Zeh, for Part I of their conversation where they discuss navigating pregnancy with multiples and all the excitement, curiosity, and challenges that come with it. Mindy shares every step of her journey as a mom, from the shock of finding out she was pregnant, to the bigger shock of learning it was triplets, to delivering three healthy babies at 32 weeks, and everything in between. They laugh as they recall how Mindy shared the news with Merelise and remember all the amazement and curiosity that accompanied Mindy’s unique pregnancy. Mindy talks about the very real roller coaster of emotions that were ever-present during her high risk pregnancy, the challenge of living with co-existing joy and anxiety, the physical struggles of a triplet pregnancy, what she learned about herself and “controlling the control-ables” in an out of control reality. This is just Part I…tune in for Part II to hear about Mindy’s experience as NICU mom, what it was like to not bring all of her babies home at once, and everything she wishes people had told her about NICU and multiple life! Resource Links: Follow Mindy on InstagramWant to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
• 
  Low intervention hospital birth, the power of pelvic floor PT & the importance of birth “prehab” 26.03.2026 1ч 3мин

  Merelise is joined this week by Dr. Amy Meehan, who is a mom, entrepreneur and physical therapist specializing in women’s health, with an emphasis on pelvic floor conditions and orthopedic care. Amy shares her three very different birth experiences and how each has taught her something unique. Her first birth and postpartum experience was marked by uncertainty and a lack of support. That experience unlocked a passion in her to fill a gap in women’s health and ultimately led her to create Revelle Physical Therapy when her first was still a baby. Her second birth was more positive and she was able to utilize everything she was now teaching her patients about how to optimize birth. Her third baby was born 8 years after her second and for this final baby, she decided to forgo a traditional OB practice and utilize a concierge midwife practice where she could ensure more continuity of care from her providers. For her third birth, she had an unmediated birth in a hospital where she felt fully in control and powerful in her knowledge of what was happening to her body. They also discuss the importance of education, preparation, and support for women during pregnancy and postpartum, the Gate Control Theory, being able to pick your own vulva out of a line up, getting through one more contraction, and so much more. Amy shares insights on pelvic floor health, the significance of “prehab”, the common challenges women face after giving birth, and more. This episode is chalk-full of wisdom and tips to optimize your health not only as a birthing person, but as a woman in general! Resource Links: Revelle Physical TherapyFollow Revelle on InstagramFollow Dr. Amy on InstagramWant to be a guest on Arrivals? Contact Merelise here!Follow Arrivals on InstagramFollow Merelise on InstagramDisclaimer: This podcast contains general information and discussions around health and related subjects. This information and the other content provided in this podcast and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is this information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.