Lo & Behold | Pregnancy, Birth, Motherhood

Episoade

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  You’re Scared of Birth – Now What? Understanding Birth Fear & How to Work Through It | Episode 65 17.08.2026 27min

  Hey friends! Today I wanted to sit down and talk about something I know so many of you are wrestling with - the connection between fear and your labor. If you've ever seen those posts online that say things like "labor isn't painful, you're just scared," I want to meet you in that confusion, because I've felt it too, even with everything I know. I'm breaking down the actual physiology behind the fear-tension-pain cycle - what's really happening in your body when anxiety creeps in before or during labor, and why it's not as simple as those posts make it sound.Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%But this isn't just the science - I wanted this episode to feel really practical. I'm walking you through exactly what to do with the fears you already have: how to turn them into a plan instead of letting them grow in the dark, why separating "possible" from "probable" is such a game-changer for your mindset, and how trusting your body's design (and your own breath!) can completely shift how you move through birth. My hope is you walk away from this one not trying to eliminate every fear before labor starts, but knowing exactly what to do with the ones you've got.More from this episode:Listen to episode 07: Is Pain Free Birth Real, Should You Want it, and Can You Do It? Helpful Timestamps:00:00 Understanding Birth Fears05:25 Fear Tension Pain Cycle08:41 How Fear Affects Labor10:30 Turn Fears Into Plans13:49 Possible Versus Probable16:52 Your Body Can Do This18:32 Practical Tools20:30 Reframes And BreathingAbout your host:Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen! A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  Fast, Unmedicated Third Birth Story with Baby Born in Ambulance with Gestational Diabetes Nurse | Episode 64 10.08.2026 51min

  You guys, I have been dying to share this one with you. Sara - our gestational diabetes nurse from episode 16 - is back, and this time she's telling me her third birth story, which might be one of the wildest I've ever heard. This mama had two calm, controlled, epidural-at-the-right-moment hospital births under her belt, and she was so sure baby number three would follow the same script that she scheduled a wax, a mani-pedi, and acupuncture on what turned out to be the day she went into labor. Less than two hours after her water broke, she was pushing in the back of an ambulance, surrounded by four volunteer EMTs, delivering completely unmedicated - something she never planned for.Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%What gets me about this story isn't just the chaos - it's what it says about how unpredictable birth really is, even for someone who lives and breathes labor and delivery for a living. Sara spent the whole ambulance ride in denial, convinced she couldn't possibly be that far along. This episode is such a beautiful reminder that no amount of professional expertise or birth-plan certainty can fully prepare you for what your body decides to do, and that having an educated, attentive support system isn't optional - it's everything.More from Sara Alayev, MSN, RN:Find Sara on Instagram:@gestational.diabetes.nurseCheckout the GDM Nurse MembershipHelpful Timestamps:00:00 Sara’s Birth Story05:07 Births One and Two09:30 Planning Baby Three12:44 Labor Begins22:38 EMTs Arrive Fast25:25 Crowning in Ambulance28:40 Baby Out and Warming33:34 Hospital Arrival41:07 Epidural Takeaways43:21 Processing Fast Birth45:58 Education and Coping Tools49:12 Where to Find SaraAbout your host:Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen! A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  Baby Sleep: Truths, Myths & Figuring Out What Works (with That Sleep Doc) | Episode 63 03.08.2026 48min

  This week I'm joined by Dr. Sujay Kansagra - you probably know him as That Sleep Doc, where he's built a following of 700K+ across social media. He's a professor at Duke and director of their Pediatric Neurology Sleep Medicine Program, he's authored five books (including My Child Won't Sleep), and he even invented a smart crib mattress along the way. His expertise spans sleep disorders across every age, from infants through adults, and he brought all of that knowledge into this conversation with total ease and zero judgment.Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%Here's what we got into:How to spot credible sleep info online- what to look for (and watch out for) in a space with no real regulationLate-pregnancy sleep struggles- what's actually going on (iron, sleep apnea, caffeine metabolism) and when to loop in your OBGYNThe 0–6 week newborn phase- why it's normal for this stretch to feel like chaos, and the small routines that can helpSafe sleep, realistically- what to do when your baby won't sleep anywhere but on you, and the safest way to handle those exhausted middle-of-the-night momentsSleep myths, rapid-fire- "sleep begets sleep," "never wake a sleeping baby," "wake windows," "nursing to sleep is a crutch," and what the actual sleep science says about eachWhat "sleeping through the night" really means- (hint: there's no official definition, and the number you're picturing is made up)If you've ever felt like everyone else has figured out sleep and you're just surviving - this one's your permission slip to relax the rules a little.More from Dr. Sujay Kansagra:Check out the Lullabee Smart Crib MattressGrab his book: My Child Won’t SleepFollow @ThatSleep Doc on Instagram, TikTok, FaceBook, & YouTubeCheckout Dr. Jade WuMore from this episode:Listen to episode 54: What I Wish I Knew About Baby Sleep Before they Were Born (from a mom of 4)Helpful Timestamps:00:00 Baby Sleep with That Sleep Doc09:49 Pregnancy Sleep Troubleshooting13:40 Zero to Six Weeks Normal15:11 Early Routines and Tools19:39 Safe Sleep Versus Reality27:20 Sleep Begets Sleep29:37 Wake a Sleeping Baby31:40 Sleep Drive and Caffeine33:19 Wake Windows and Cues42:51 Define Sleeping Through the NightAbout your host:Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen! A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  11 Insider Tips for an Unmedicated Hospital Birth — from a Labor Nurse & Mom Who Has Done It 4x | Episode 62 27.07.2026 38min

  Okay, if you're hoping for an unmedicated hospital birth, this one's for you. I'm pulling back the curtain and giving you my 11 insider tips - the real, practical stuff I've learned both as a labor nurse and from having four unmedicated hospital births myself. We're talking about everything from how to build the right care team before you even go into labor, to why knowledge really is power when it comes to navigating a system that isn't always designed with unmedicated birth in mind, to the mental game that I think matters more than almost anything else. I get into physical prep, staying home as long as you safely can, having someone who can speak up for you when you can't speak for yourself, and so much more. These tips are about giving you the confidence, the knowledge, and the team you need to go after the birth you're hoping for.Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%Mentioned in this episode:Listen to episode 10: The Emotional Signposts of Labor (an Episode for Every Birth Partner to Hear)Listen to my birth story’s:Episode 01,Episode 13, &Episode 40Listen to episode 37: Is it Real Labor: Braxton Hicks Contractions, False Labor & Prodromal LaborListen to episode 38: You're Contracting! When Do You Go to the Hospital?Listen to episode 50: Birth Plans vs. Birth Vibes: Real-Life Tips for Hospital Birth That Feels Good with Jen HamiltonHelpful Timestamps:00:00 11 Tips for an Unmedicated Birth07:24 Tip 1 Choosing Your Care Team10:46 Tip 2 Know All the Paths12:50 Tip 3 Get Physical15:31 Tip 4 Mental Strength17:59 Tip 5 Stay Home Longer21:17 Tip 6 Choose Your Advocate23:12 Tip 7 Expect Interruptions26:00 Tip 8 Understand Labor Stages28:04 Tip 9 Comfort Toolbox30:50 Tip 10 Keep Moving32:57 Tip 11 Know How to ChillAbout your host:Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen! A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  All Things Pumping: Flange Sizes, Freezer Stash & Feeding Plans with One With the Pump | Episode 61 20.07.2026 48min

  I sat down with Tamari Jacob, Certified Lactation Counselor, mom of 4, and founder of One With the Pump. After going through her own difficult, exclusive pumping journey - twice - Tamari realized just how massive the gap was in resources, education, and support for moms who need to pump, so she set out to fill it herself. We get into what a real "feeding plan" should actually look like in those first crucial hours and days - not just "I want to breastfeed," but what that actually means in practice: emptying every two to three hours, when to try hand expression versus pumping, and why triple feeding should never be a long-term plan. We also get into pump education 101 - the difference between a primary and secondary pump, why "hospital-grade" on a wearable pump ad is basically a marketing myth, and why flange sizing matters way more than most moms realize.Join The Breastfeeding Blueprint: www.thelabormama.com/breastfeeding & use the code PODCAST to save 20%What I loved most about this one is how Tamari balances hard data with so much grace for moms. We talked about the pressure of social media - how a stranger's 90-ounce freezer stash isn't the benchmark, and how making 25-30 ounces a day is genuinely something to be proud of. Whether you're exclusively pumping, combo feeding, or just trying to figure out what pump to register for, Tamari's whole philosophy comes down to one thing: your goal is her goal, and there's no one "right" way to feed your baby.More from Tamari Jacob, CLC:JoinThe Ultimate Pumping Course™and use code ‘BEHOLD’ for 15% off!Follow Tamari onInstagram,TikTok, andYouTube: @onewiththepumpOneWiththePump.comWatch her YouTube video:Understanding Your Breast Pump Parts - What You Need to Know!Mentioned in this episode:Episode 57: Which Breast Pump Should You Get? Let's Break Them All DownEpisode 53: The Truth About Low Milk Supply: What Everyone Needs to Know Before Baby is BornEpisode 28: Oversupply, Exclusive Pumping & Neurodivergent Lactation with The Oversupply MamaHelpful Timestamps:00:00 Exclusive Pumping03:52 Tamari’s Journey to Exclusive Pumping11:19 Building a Feeding Plan17:40 Options When Nursing Isn't Working21:44 Pumping Myths28:43 Primary vs Wearable Pumps33:41 Social Media Supply Myths38:29 Supplements and Freezer Stash42:40 Triple Feeding Reality44:13 Pumping ResourcesAbout your host:Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen! A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:TBB 20% off ad link
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  Induction Part 2: Induction Methods – Foley Bulbs, Pitocin, AROM, & More | Episode 60 13.07.2026 36min

  In part two of our induction series, I'm walking you through the entire toolbox - because induction is so much more than "just Pitocin." We start with the more natural methods like membrane sweeps, nipple stimulation, and AROM (breaking your bag of waters), then move into mechanical cervical dilators like the Foley bulb, Cook catheter, and the lesser-used Laminaria and Dilapan rods. From there we get into cervical ripening medications - Cytotec and Cervidil - and finally Pitocin itself, including how it differs from your body's natural oxytocin and what that titration process actually looks like in the hospital. My goal here is for you to understand what each tool is actually doing: is it ripening your cervix, or is it creating contractions? Once you know that, you can ask way better questions in your own birth.Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%The biggest takeaway I want you to walk away with is that induction is almost never just one step - it's usually a sequence, tools layered together based on how your body responds. There's no single "right" combination, and every pathway looks a little different depending on where you're starting from. What matters most is that you understand each tool being offered, know that informed consent is ongoing (you can always ask questions or say no), and that you feel confident walking into your own induction or augmentation conversation. If you want the full deep dive - including all the evidence behind these tools - that lives inside the induction module of Your Body Your Birth.Mentioned in this episode:Listen to episode 59:Induction Part 1: What You Need to Know Before We Talk About How it's DoneListen to episode 47:Should You Say Yes to a Membrane Sweep: Pros, Cons, and Things to KnowListen to episode 46:Induction Myths & Truths and Why He Chose to Be an OBGYN with Dr. Ahan HunterJoinYour Body Your Birthcourse & use the code PODCAST to save 20%!Helpful Timestamps:00:00 Induction Tools and Methods05:12 Natural Induction Methods07:51 Membrane Sweeps Basics09:32 Nipple Stimulation10:27 Breaking the Water - AROM12:53 Foley Bulb and Cook Catheter17:29 Laminaria and Dilapan20:23 Cytotec and Cervidil25:39 Pitocin Explained32:37 Putting It All TogetherAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  Induction Part 1: What You Need to Know Before We Talk About How it’s Done | Episode 59 06.07.2026 23min

  Induction might be one of the most misunderstood - and most talked about - topics in the birth world, so I wanted to slow down and give it the space it deserves. In this episode, I'm laying the foundation before we ever get into specific methods (that's coming in part two!). I break down the real difference between induction and augmentation - induction is when labor hasn't started yet and we're trying to kickstart it, while augmentation is about moving things along once labor is already underway. I also get into the different reasons induction might come up for you, whether it's medically necessary, elective, or somewhere in that gray area in between, and why understanding this matters even if you're someone who says you'd never choose to be induced. With roughly half of births in the US involving a Pitocin conversation in some form, this is information almost all of us need.I also want you walking away from this episode knowing about your Bishop score, because it's a huge piece of how these decisions get made. I explain the five components that make up this score - dilation, effacement, station, cervical position, and cervical consistency - and what it means for your cervix to be favorable versus unfavorable for induction. My goal here isn't to tell you whether you should be induced; that's a deeply personal conversation between you and your provider. Instead, I want you to leave this episode feeling smart and prepared, with the language and framework you need to ask good questions, understand what's being suggested to you, and advocate for yourself, whether that's during an induction or if augmentation comes up mid-labor. Once you've got this groundwork down, come back for part two, where we'll dive into the actual induction methods themselves.More from this episode:Listen to episode 21: What's the Big Deal About Cervical Exams & Should You Say Yes or No?Helpful Timestamps:00:00 Why Induction Matters04:32 Induction vs Augmentation12:48 Bishop Score Explained14:16 Cervix Ripeness Basics17:35 Bishop Score Ranges20:52 Questions to Ask Next21:45 Part Two Preview22:22 Closing and DisclaimerAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  Postpartum Recovery: Hair Loss, Nutrient Depletion & Exhaustion After Baby with Lily Nichols | Episode 58 29.06.2026 50min

  I'm so excited to welcome back Lily Nichols - registered dietician, certified diabetes educator, and honestly one of my favorite people to talk about nutrition with. We're diving deep into postpartum recovery, and specifically the things I don't think we talk about enough like the fact that your protein needs after baby are actually higher than a female athlete's, that a standard "extra 500 calories a day" while breastfeeding is probably not cutting it, and which supplements are actually worth your time versus what is just really smart marketing targeted at exhausted moms scrolling Amazon at 2am.We also get into the postpartum hair loss conversation that I have been wanting to have for a while now - because I found Lily's blog on this topic years ago and thought, this is the education everyone needs. We break down why it happens, why it's actually normal and expected, when you should and shouldn't be concerned, and why that hair growth supplement you're eyeing probably isn't doing what you think it is. If you're in the thick of postpartum recovery, or preparing for it, or even just a year or two out and still trying to feel like yourself again - this one is for you.More from Lily Nichols, RDN:Listen to episode 19: Why Choline Matters in Your Pregnancy and Postpartum (and how to get enough) with Lily Nichols, RDNVisitlilynicholsrdn.comCheck out her books:https://lilynicholsrdn.com/books/Follow her on Instagram:@lilynicholsrdnHelpful Timestamps:00:00 Postpartum Recovery01:49 Meet Lily Nichols04:20 Which Book To Read09:56 Higher Nutritional Needs After Birth13:24 Warming Foods Tradition17:17 Prenatals And Add Ons20:57 Testing And Repletion26:42 Postpartum Hair Loss35:27 Marketing Myths And Supplements38:25 HTMA Testing Explained46:34 Postpartum ResourcesAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  Which Breast Pump Should You Get? Let’s Break Them All Down | Episode 57 22.06.2026 30min

  I'm breaking down breast pumps in the most practical, no-fluff way I can, because I think this is one of the most confusing topics in the whole postpartum conversation, and you deserve to actually feel informed. We're talking about the two big categories of pumps - manual and electric - and then we're going deep on all the different types of electric pumps, from your classic double electric to hospital-grade pumps, portables, and wearables.Whether you're a first-time mom who doesn't even know where to start, someone heading back to work who needs to pump multiple times a day, or you're planning to exclusively pump - I want this episode to be the foundation that makes every other pumping conversation make sense. We also get into how to actually choose the right pump for your situation, what your insurance likely covers, when a wearable might not be your best friend, and what to do with your pump before baby even arrives. Because I promise you - the most expensive pump is not always the best pump, and what worked for your best friend might not be what works for you.Mentioned in this episode:Listen to episode #28: Oversupply, Exclusive Pumping & Neurodivergent Lactation with The Oversupply MamaListen to episode #53: The Truth About Low Milk Supply: What Everyone Needs to Know Before Baby is BornHelpful Timestamps:00:00 Which Pump Should You Get?04:14 Manual Pumps Explained06:33 Electric Pumps Basics08:17 Single vs Double Electric Pumps10:49 Hospital-Grade Pumps13:58 Portable vs Wearable Pumps17:06 Wearable Tradeoffs20:27 Choosing Your Pump24:07 Prep and Flange Fit26:36 Reuse and Replace PartsAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:TBB 20% off ad link
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  11 Things to Know Before You Go Into Labor (That No One Tells You) | Episode 56 15.06.2026 34min

  I’m giving you 11 quick and essential things I really wish every mama knew before heading to the hospital - whether it's your first baby or your fourth. We're pulling back the curtain on the real-life stuff that doesn't exactly make it into the textbooks, and honestly? That's my favorite kind of episode. From the moment you pull into that parking lot to the moment you're trying to catch a nap postpartum with a revolving door of hospital staff, there are just so many things that can catch you off guard if no one ever tells you about them. And that's exactly what I'm here for.We're covering all of it:The check-in process and how to make it less clunkyWhy you might get sent home (and why that's okay!)When to actually sound the alarm with family and friendsWhy things justtake timeat a hospitalWhether there will even be a room waiting for youThe two-bag strategy I love for your hospital bagWhy you should stay home longer than you thinkWhat your birth partner is and isn't allowed to doHow long you'll actually be there postpartumWhy that car seat needs to be installednowHow to actually get some rest when it feels nearly impossibleMy goal is always the same - to make the unfamiliar familiar so that when any of this shows up for you, you're saying "oh yeah, I knew this might happen" instead of feeling thrown off. Let's get into it!Mentioned in this episode:Grab my Free Third Trimester Prep PackListen to episode 01: Labor Nurse's First Unmedicated Hospital Birth with MidwivesListen to episode 37: Is it Real Labor: Braxton Hicks Contractions, False Labor & Prodromal LaborListen to episode 38: You're Contracting! When Do You Go to the Hospital?Listen to episode 44: What Happens in OB Triage & Will They Send You Home?Helpful Timestamps:00:00 11 Things to Know Before Labor03:04 Check In Can Feel Clunky05:46 OB Triage And Getting Sent Home10:49 Hold Off On Telling Everyone12:42 Everything Takes Longer in the Hospital17:21 Pack Two Hospital Bags20:49 Stay Home Longer23:51 Partner Can Step Out25:11 Postpartum Stays28:05 Car Seat Before Labor30:03 Rest And Cluster CareAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  Plus Size Pregnancy & Birth Truths & Myths with Jen McLellan | Episode 55 08.06.2026 52min

  I'm sitting down with Jen McLellan - published author, founder of Plus Size Birth, certified childbirth educator, TED Talk speaker, and host of the Plus Mommy Podcast - for a conversation I truly believe every single person needs to hear, regardless of the body they're in. We're diving deep into plus size pregnancy & birth, and Jen is bringing the evidence, the empowerment, and the honesty that so many people in larger bodies have been desperately searching for. We talk about the very real (and very frustrating) assumptions and misconceptions that follow plus size pregnancy & birth - from automatic high-risk labels to the way relative risk gets weaponized in provider conversations - and how to flip that script so you feel informed and empowered rather than defeated before you even get started.We also get into the practical stuff: how to find a size-friendly care team, what to look for when you walk into a facility, and one of my favorite questions Jen drops in this episode that I think every pregnant woman should be asking their provider: "Do you have any specific guidelines or protocols specifically for my BMI?" Because knowing what your provider already assumes about your pregnancy before anything has even happened? That is gold. Jen also walks us through what to expect during labor, from monitoring challenges to bringing your own belly band, and why so much of what happens in the birth space is about the equipment - not you. This one is full of mic-drop moments, and I'm so grateful Jen trusted me with this conversation.More from Jen & Plus Size Birth:Visitplussizebirth.com& use the code ‘BEHOLD’ for 25% off any ofPlus Size Birth’s offers!Follow Jen on Instagram@plussizebirthMy Plus Size Pregnancy GuideRead her blog on advocacy with your providerRead her blog on finding a size-friendly providerHelpful Timestamps:00:00 Plus Size Pregnancy & Birth05:55 Why Plus Size Birth08:16 Creating Missing Resources17:12 Risk Myths and Numbers24:15 Finding Size Friendly Care28:58 BMI Protocol Questions30:56 Spotting Red Flags33:27 Labor Prep Essentials37:15 Postpartum Gear Tips47:20 Plus Size Birth Resources and DiscountsAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  What I Wish I Knew About Baby Sleep Before They Were Born (from a mom of 4) | Episode 54 01.06.2026 42min

  When it comes to baby sleep, I'm not coming at you as an expert - I'm coming at you as a mom of four who has been in the trenches and figured some things out the hard way. The biggest thing I want you to take away is this idea of anchors - rhythms and routines you can float around and return to, not rigid schedules that are going to stress you out when life doesn't cooperate. For me, those anchors looked like paying attention to sleep cues, thinking about total sleep needs in a 24-hour period, swaddling in those early weeks, and helping babies work through that day-night confusion.Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%I also really want you to hear about Safe Sleep Seven, because whether you plan to bed-share or not, the reality is most of us are going to fall asleep with our babies at some point - and knowing how to do that as safely as possible is something that honestly should be part of every hospital discharge conversation but isn't.Mentioned in this episode:Safe Co Sleeping: The Safe Sleep SevenHelpful Timestamps:00:00 What You Need to Know About Baby Sleep01:42 Why Baby Sleep is a Spicy Topic06:53 Anchors Not Rules09:15 Follow Your Gut10:34 Safe Sleep Seven16:19 Newborn Rhythm Basics18:49 Foundations for Better Sleep27:40 Wake Windows and Cues31:11 Common Sleep MythsAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  The Truth About Low Milk Supply: What Everyone Needs to Know Before Baby is Born with Kaia Lacey, CLC | Episode 53 25.05.2026 51min

  Low milk supply is one of those topics that doesn't get nearly enough attention. I sat down with Kaia Lacy - IBCLC, mom of three, partner to the Low Milk Supply Foundation, and the voice behind Low Supply Mom - to have the conversation I wish more people had access to before they had their babies. She’s breaking down the difference between primary and secondary low milk supply, what actually causes each, and why that overly simplified "it's just supply and demand" advice can do more harm than good for so many families. Spoiler: up to 10-15% of breastfeeding moms may have low supply due to underlying causes like thyroid dysfunction, insulin resistance, or insufficient glandular tissue - and that old 3-5% stat? Turns out it was never even scientifically confirmed.Join The Breastfeeding Blueprint: www.thelabormama.com/breastfeeding & use the code PODCAST to save 20%We also get into the science of why supply can drop - think prolactin receptors, the feedback inhibitor of lactation, and what's actually happening at a cellular level when things aren't working - without making your head spin. Whether you're pregnant with your first baby, navigating low supply right now, or heading into a subsequent pregnancy after a tough breastfeeding experience, Kaia's message is clear: this is not about effort, and you are not broken. This episode is equal parts education and permission slip, and I could not be more glad to have gotten this conversation in front of you.More from Kaia Lacy:Visit www.lowsupplymom.comFollow her on Instagram @lowsupplymomMentioned in this episode:Listen to episode 48: Low Milk Supply & Breast Hypoplasia: Emily's Birth Story & Breastfeeding ChallengesHelpful Timestamps:00:00 How Common Is Low Supply?08:30 Primary vs Secondary Low Supply Explained12:42 Primary Causes16:03 Secondary Causes18:54 Prolactin Receptors and FIL Science28:26 Why Supply and Demand Falls Short37:21 Primary Low Supply Validation40:31 IGT Signs and Red Flags46:50 Support Options and Resources for Low SupplyAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:TBB 20% off ad link
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  Two Positive, Epidural-Free, Fast Hospital Births when GBS Positive: Alex Neva | Episode 52 18.05.2026 49min

  Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%I'm sitting down with Alex, a pediatric physical therapist and mom of two under two, to hear her two positive, unmedicated hospital birth stories! Alex shares everything from how she and her husband prepared for their first unmedicated birth, why knowing your "why" is so crucial going in, and how early, open communication with your partner and provider made all the difference. Her first birth? Absolutely magical. Her second? She was shopping at Walmart when her water broke and basically refused to leave. Classic denial, and I am here for it.But beyond the laughs, what I love most about Alex's stories is the depth of reflection she brings to both experiences. She talks about how an unmedicated birth does not mean a "no pain support" birth, the unique challenge of a fast labor, why she wished she'd had a doula the second time around, and how she's learning to hold her second birth with the same positive language as her first - even though it looked completely different. If you've ever wondered whether you can have a truly positive birth experience more than once, or if you're prepping for an unmedicated birth and want to feel seen and encouraged, this episode is for you.Resources from this episode:Your Body, Your BirthThe Breastfeeding BlueprintHelpful Timestamps:00:00 Alex’s Birth Stories03:48 Planning for Unmedicated Birth06:31 Support Options and Partner Prep10:07 Early Labor Denial at 37 Weeks14:31 Hospital Arrival and Toilet Labor20:17 Second Birth Prep and Tough Decisions24:56 Why Prepare Again28:58 Water Breaks at Walmart32:06 Triage Denial and Pressure35:51 GBS Antibiotics Dilemma37:05 Three Hour Birth43:26 Postpartum GBS Anxiety45:03 Favorite ResourcesAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  Back Labor: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What You Can Do About It | Episode 51 11.05.2026 32min

  Back labor is SO real, and if you've ever heard someone say "back labor was horrible" - yeah, that tracks. But here's what I don't want is for you to spiral into fear about it, because knowledge is everything, and today we are getting into all of it. We're talking about what back labor actually is, why it happens (spoiler: it usually comes down to your baby's positioning), and most importantly - what you can actually do about it, both before labor starts and while you're in it. Because feeling prepared? That's the whole point of everything I do.The big thing I want you to walk away with is this: back labor doesn't mean something is going wrong, it doesn't mean you failed, and it does not mean you can't do this. There are real, tangible tools and strategies that can help you manage it and even help your baby rotate into a better position. We are going to talk about all of them today.In this episode, I'm answering:What exactly IS back labor, and how is it different from typical labor?Why does baby's position cause back labor - and what is a "sunny side up" baby?What can I doright nowduring pregnancy to encourage a better baby position?What actually helps during labor when back labor hits?Does having back labor mean I did something wrong?Helpful Timestamps:00:00 Back Labor04:21 What Back Labor Is06:44 What Causes Back Labor10:33 How It Feels & Challenges15:05 Prenatal Positioning Prep17:13 Optimal Fetal Positioning21:17 Positions to Relieve Back Labor29:28 MindsetAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  Birth Plans vs. Birth Vibes: Real-Life Tips for a Hospital Birth That Feels Good with Jen Hamilton | Episode 50 04.05.2026 59min

  In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with the one and only Jen Hamilton - labor and delivery nurse, viral content creator, and now author of Birth Vibes. She’s the recipient of the 2026 President’s Award from the American Nurses Association, and continues to use her platform to educate, uplift, and humanize the realities of nursing, patient care, and mental health. With over a decade of bedside experience and a massive online community, Jen is known for blending clinical expertise with real-life honesty, humor, and so much heart. And truly, that’s exactly what you’re getting in this conversation. We talk about her unexpected journey from ER nurse to L&D, how she built a platform that resonates with millions, and what it’s been like stepping into the world of writing and storytelling through her new book.From there, we dive into some of the most important conversations happening in birth right now - things like informed consent, patient autonomy, and what it actually looks like to feel supported (not just “checked off”) during your birth experience. Jen shares how she advocates for her patients in real-time, how to navigate decision-making in labor without fear, and why understanding your “birth vibes” matters just as much - if not more - than having a perfectly written birth plan. We also get into practical scenarios, pain management, and how to approach your birth feeling informed, empowered, and truly seen.More from Jen Hamilton:Pre-order her book: Birth VibesFollow Jen on Instagram, TikTok, & YouTube @_jen_hamilton_Helpful Timestamps:00:00 Welcome Jen Hamilton06:59 From ER to Labor and Delivery16:23 Autonomy and Informed Choice19:54 Advocacy With Providers28:55 Why Refusing Care Triggers Pushback36:32 Promises and Transparency38:39 Birth Plan Values46:04 Saving Coping Batons49:26 AWHONN Staffing Advocacy53:27 Birth Vibes FrameworkAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  Birth Prep, Labor, & The Things We Got Right (and Wrong): Q & A with Lo x Kelvin | Episode 49 27.04.2026 48min

  Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%In this special Q&A episode, I’m joined by a very requested guest - my husband, Kelvin! We’re talking all about birth partner prep, postpartum prep, parenting, and what it’s really looked like for us to navigate birth prep for four babies, marriage, and family life together. We share how we prepared for our first birth, why taking a birth class together was so valuable, what Kelvin thought about unmedicated birth, and how he learned to step into the birth partner role with confidence. We also talk through practical ways partners can show up during labor, why flexibility matters so much, and how preparing together can completely change the birth experience.We also get honest about postpartum life, bringing home your first baby, learning how to communicate in a new season, and figuring out roles as your family grows. Kelvin shares his perspective on fatherhood, what he’s loved most about becoming a dad, and some of the harder parts of parenting in the trenches right now. This episode is full of laughter, real talk, and encouragement for couples who want to feel more connected, more prepared, and more confident heading into birth and beyond.More from this episode:Listen to Episode 10: The Emotional Signposts of Labor (an Episode for Every Birth Partner to Hear)Grab the book: Go the F to SleepHelpful Timestamps:00:00 Q & A with Kelvin07:48 Birth Prep Questions Begin08:14 Early Birth Preferences12:20 Unmedicated Plan and No Doula15:51 Dad's Role in the Room18:06 Boundaries and Showing Up27:17 Labor Roles That Help33:53 Postpartum Expectations39:22 Would You Change Anything41:23 Gaining Confidence With Each Birth43:20 Dad LifeAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  Low Milk Supply & Breast Hypoplasia: Emily’s Birth Story & Breastfeeding Challenges | Episode 48 20.04.2026 51min

  In this episode, I’m sitting down with Emily to walk through a birth & breastfeeding story that truly took some unexpected turns - from a super fast-moving labor that started out feeling empowering and intense, to a shift in momentum that led to more interventions than she had planned. She shares what it was like navigating that experience in real time, including the emotional and physical challenges of labor stalling, making decisions around pain management, and ultimately bringing her baby girl into the world after a 24 hour labor and unpredictable journey. But where this conversation really deepens is in the postpartum period.Emily opens up about her breastfeeding journey and the confusion, frustration, and heartbreak she experienced when things weren’t working the way she expected. After 8 weeks of trying everything and not getting clear answers, she was eventually diagnosed with breast hypoplasia, also known as insufficient glandular tissue (IGT), a primary cause of low milk supply that’s not often talked about. We discuss the gaps in education and support around low supply, the emotional weight of feeding struggles, and what it looks like to redefine your expectations while still maintaining a meaningful breastfeeding relationship.More from Emily Shapiro:Connect with Emily on IG: @n.ight.garden or you can email her at emilyshapiro1@gmail.comHer birth + breastfeeding resources include:The Breastfeeding Blueprint course by The Labor MamaWhapio Diane BartlettHelpful Timestamps:00:00 Low Milk Supply01:46 Welcome Emily Shapiro04:25 Birth Plan and Hospital Reality09:56 Arriving at 7 Centimeters12:45 Water Tub Relief and Transition14:59 Labor Stalls & Making Decisions25:49 Postpartum: Low Supply Challenges32:45 Breast Hypoplasia Diagnosis Explained44:51 Takeaways on Low Supply47:04 Resources and Where to ConnectAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:TBB 20% off ad link
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  Should You Say Yes to a Membrane Sweep: Pros, Cons, and Things to Know with Lo Mansfield | Episode 47 13.04.2026 30min

  Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%I wanted to sit down and just give you the real, practical, no-fluff breakdown of membrane sweeping at the end of pregnancy - because this is one of those topics that comes up constantly when you’re 38, 39, 40 weeks and just ready to meet your baby. In this episode, I walk you through exactly what a membrane sweep is (and how it’s tied to a cervical exam), what it actually feels like, and what it’s trying to do - basically, give your body a gentle nudge by releasing prostaglandins to maybe kickstart labor. I’m really clear about this: it’s still a medical intervention, even if it’s on the more “natural” end of the induction spectrum. And consent matters - big time. You can absolutely say yes to an exam and no to a sweep, and those should never be bundled together without your full understanding.From there, I get into the nuance that people often skip - like the fact that sweeps can increase your chances of going into labor sooner, but they’re far from a magic button. Sometimes nothing happens. Sometimes it takes multiple sweeps. Sometimes “success” just means you avoided a formal induction days later - not that you went into labor that night. I also talk through the real pros (possibly avoiding medical induction) and the very real cons (discomfort, cramping, frustration, and rare risks like infection or accidentally breaking your water). And ultimately, my whole message is this: this isn’t about whether a membrane sweep is “good” or “bad.” It’s about whether it’s the right choice for you, your body, your baby’s position, and your circumstances. Your body isn’t broken if it doesn’t work - and if it does work, it’s probably because your body was already getting ready. This is just a tool, and you get to decide if and when to use it.More from this episode:Listen to Episode #21: What's the Big Deal About Cervical Exams & Should You Say Yes or No?Helpful Timestamps:00:00 Membrane Sweeps04:29 What a Membrane Sweep Is09:51 What It Feels Like14:38 Evidence Behind Membrane Sweeps20:08 Risks and Downsides23:12 Baby Position Considerations24:59 Who Should Skip Sweeps25:43 Making the Decision27:45 Key TakeawaysAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link
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  Induction Myths & Truths and Why He Chose to Be an OBGYN with Dr. Ahan Hunter | Episode 46 06.04.2026 51min

  Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%I am so excited to share this episode with you because we finally have our very first male guest on the podcast - Dr. Ahan Hunter, an OB/GYN from Virginia! We kicked things off by chatting about what it’s like being a man in a super female-dominated field, how he fell in love with birth during med school, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) pushback he sometimes faces. But the real heart of this conversation is all things induction — why there’s this weird “evil induction” stigma out there, and how we can swing the pendulum back to the middle where informed choice lives.We broke down the difference between induction and augmentation, talked through real reasons people get induced (high blood pressure, diabetes, big baby concerns, going past your due date, or even just being totally done being pregnant after 39 weeks), and dug into the data versus the guilt we sometimes feel about our choices. Dr. Hunter shared his honest take on the Arrive trial, C-section risks, baby size estimates, and how monitoring can give you options if you want to wait a little longer. The whole conversation felt like the supportive, judgment-free chat I wish every pregnant person could have with their provider. If you’ve ever felt torn about inductions or just want to feel empowered to ask better questions, this one’s for you!More from Dr. Ahan Hunter:Follow Dr. Hunter on TikTok, Instagram, FaceBook & YouTube @drahanhunterHelpful Timestamps:00:00 Induction Stigma & Myths03:34 Welcome Dr. Ahan Hunter05:57 Male Provider Trust09:22 Finding the Right Fit15:00 Induction Pendulum Shift18:00 Induction Vs Augmentation21:13 Reasons To Induce27:23 Big Baby Size Debate31:24 Advocating for Your Choices34:01 Arrive Trial Explained38:09 C-Section Risk Talk47:03 Choosing Your ProviderAbout your host:🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOKDisclaimerOpinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast ServicesMentioned in this episode:YBYB 20% off ad link