M.O.M. Files - Moments of Motherhood | Podcast for moms

What do you actually need in your hospital bag? We’re back with Season 3! In today’s episode, Aleea and Hav get real about preparing for labor—both physically and mentally. They share what they packed, what they actually used, and what they’d skip next time.From comfort items and snacks to prioritizing what truly matters, this conversation leans into practicality over perfection. They also touch on nutrition (like dates and raspberry leaf tea) and how things like hospital tours and birth classes can help ease anxiety leading up to labor.Tune in for an honest, down-to-earth take on preparing for the hospital—so you can feel more supported, confident, and ready for what’s ahead.RESOURCESBirth plan episode: https://bit.ly/MOMFilesEp25⁠Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth Book⁠The date study and the effects on labor: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12045585/Huckleberry app: https://huckleberrycare.com/CONNECT WITH USFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreativeNeed podcast support? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and personal experience purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to you.CHAPTERS00:00 Preparing for labor02:52 How to prepare mentally and physically for labor06:09 Are hospital tours and birth classes worth it09:09 Partner support during labor11:58 Dates, raspberry leaf tea, and natural labor prep14:58 What to pack in your hospital bag, realistically19:57 Preparing for your hospital stay postpartum22:31 Comfort essentials you will actually use in labor25:25 Postpartum recovery what to expect and prepare29:20 Birth plans boundaries and managing visitors30:27 Tracking feeds and newborn care without overwhelm

Are you nervous about speaking up for yourself with doctors during pregnancy or birth? In the Season 2 finale, Hav and Aleea talk about why self-advocacy matters during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.They share practical ways to communicate with healthcare providers, prepare for labor conversations, and create birth wishes that reflect what matters most to you—while still leaving room for flexibility.Listen in for a reminder that your voice matters, and you deserve to feel confident advocating for yourself and your baby in healthcare.RESOURCESDoctor RankinsHer Podcast: https://drnicolerankins.com/podcast/Her free birth guides and her websiteIna May’s Guide to Childbirth BookMaternal Mortality Rate StatsMaternal Mortality Rates in the US by RaceMaternal Mortality Rates in the US compared to other developed countriesCONNECT WITH USFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreativeNeed podcast support? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and personal experience purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to you.CHAPTERS00:00 Why self-advocacy matters in pregnancy and birth08:17 Preparing for prenatal appointments and birth wishes17:47 Understanding your labor induction options20:50 Why advocating early in pregnancy matters21:46 Finding the right support during labor25:30 Creating a realistic birth plan29:02 Handling complications and tough birth decisions32:36 Looking back on the birth experience36:18 Maternal health disparities and being heard

Are you pregnant and suddenly realizing there are a lot of body changes no one warned you about? In this episode, Aleea and Hav get real about the TMI side of pregnancy — from discharge and body image shifts to pelvic pain, swelling, and other unexpected symptoms.They share personal stories, practical tips, and reassurance for navigating these changes with a little more confidence (and a lot less shame).Listen for a reminder that you’re not alone while experiencing this!RESOURCESDiastasis RectiFit Mama in 30 FREE Diastasis Recti Healing Program that Aleea mentioned and uses: https://members.fitmamain30.com/offers/uADLxd7L/checkoutAn episode discussing it from The Messy Mom Podcast.Pelvic Floor SupportLearn more about the pelvic floor and what recovery can look like from a pelvic floor specialist in this episode of the Messy Mom Podcast.CONNECT WITH USFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreativeNeed podcast support? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAPTERS00:00 Pregnancy body changes no one warned you about04:00 Body image shifts and pregnancy weight gain08:43 Pelvic pain, swelling, and weird pregnancy symptoms14:17 When pregnancy changes how you see yourself17:04 Adjusting to your changing pregnant body21:56 Pregnancy insomnia and intense dreams27:35 Relief for common pregnancy aches and pains32:20 Self-care and support during pregnancy

Do you feel guilty for not enjoying pregnancy? Today, Hav and Aleea explore why so many women feel pressure to love every moment of pregnancy—and the guilt that can show up when you don’t.They discuss navigating physical challenges, honoring your limits, and leaning on support systems during a season that can feel both beautiful and incredibly hard. Most importantly, they remind you that having complicated or conflicting feelings about pregnancy is completely normal—and it says nothing about the kind of parent you’ll be.Listen in for encouragement to adjust expectations, caring for yourself, and finding small moments of joy in the middle of it all.CONNECT WITH USFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreativeNeed podcast support? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAPTERS00:00 Why pregnancy isn’t always magical — and why that’s okay01:55 Feeling guilty for not loving pregnancy like everyone says you should04:56 The uncomfortable truth about pregnancy symptoms and mental load07:34 Why every pregnancy feels completely different10:26 Looking for small moments of joy13:25 Why support and self-care matter more than ever during pregnancy16:13 Letting go of expectations and honoring your own pregnancy experience

Are you feeling anxious about finding out your baby’s gender? Or maybe you’re surprised by your reaction after finding out. In this chat, Aleea and Hav explore the often unspoken reality of gender disappointment.They unpack the mix of expectations, fear, grief, and guilt that can surface — and why those emotions don’t make you ungrateful or a bad mom. Together, they talk about how to process those feelings, how to move through them with compassion, and how to support someone else who might be quietly carrying the same weight.Listen in if this is something you’ve felt (or are afraid you might).RESOURCESAleea mentioned prenatal depression at the end, here are some additional resources if you’d like to learn more:Prenatal DepressionThe Messy Mom Podcast episode on this topicCONNECT WITH USFollow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @goldengoosecreativeNeed podcast support? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our services!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us a message!⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAPTERS00:00 What gender disappointment really feels like13:07 Managing big emotions and unmet expectations23:35 Finding support and moving forward without shame