Lo & Behold | Pregnancy, Birth, Motherhood

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%Hello, hello, friends! In this heartfelt episode of Lo & Behold, I sit down with Hannah, one of my amazing birth course students and a military mama who's navigated some seriously wild twists on her path to motherhood. She opens up about her fertility journey - think IVF rollercoasters, repeated early miscarriages after Clomid and methotrexate, and the emotional gut-punch of late implantations that just didn't stick. Then, we dive into her two birth stories: the first a grueling multi-day induction at a military hospital, marked by intense cramping from Cytotec and a Cook's catheter, a traumatic scalp stimulation, and finally welcoming her son after an hour-and-a-half of pushing (with some accidental lat workouts thrown in!). We touch on her raw postpartum struggles too - bonding challenges, mastitis, high lipase milk, and granulation tissue. It's real, it's messy, and it's a reminder that there's no "best" way through any of this.Fast-forward to baby number two, and Hannah's second induction is like night and day - empowered choices at a civilian hospital, gentle providers who actually listened, a quick progression with Pitocin and water breaking leading to fetal ejection reflex, and a smoother postpartum with better breastfeeding prep and therapy healing those first-birth scars. I love how Hannah pulls wisdom from her first experience, leaning into education and advocating like a boss.Helpful Timestamps:01:24 Birth Story Day: Meet Hannah02:04 Hannah's Journey to Pregnancy08:14 IVF and Pregnancy Success10:46 Labor and Delivery Challenges24:09 Her First Birth Experience: A Quiet Arrival25:41 Postpartum Challenges: Breastfeeding Struggles26:34 Hospital Stay and Recovery29:40 Second Pregnancy and IVF Journey31:04 A Better Birth Experience40:08 Postpartum Reflections and Future Plans44:48 Resources and RecommendationsAbout 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 Services

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%Today we’re discussing early pregnancy insights and genetic testing with Dr. Dallas Reed, Chief of Genetics and an OB-GYN at Tufts Medical Center. She is also a medical advisor for SneakPeak, an over-the-counter, at-home early gender test with over 99% accuracy at 6 weeks of pregnancy. Dr. Reed breaks down various genetic tests like NIPT, Sneak Peek, and Carrier Screening, explaining their purposes and how they can help expecting parents make informed decisions. This conversation also touches on common pregnancy myths and their lack of scientific backing. Whether you're a planner or prefer fewer details, this episode provides clarity and reassurance for a smoother pregnancy journey.Helpful Timestamps:02:26 Welcoming Dr. Dallas Reed02:30 Early Pregnancy: Navigating the Unknown07:21 Understanding Genetic Testing16:22 NIPT and Other Screening Tests27:18 Navigating Prenatal Screenings30:55 Empowering Parents with Knowledge34:15 The Value of Genetic Testing41:58 Fun Pregnancy Myths and Realities48:06 Resources and Final ThoughtsMore from today’s guest:Visit SneakPeak.com  and use promo code: LoBehold20knowmoresooner.com Myriad.com About 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 | FACEBOOK DisclaimerOpinions 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 Services

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%Today I’m welcoming my friend, Betsy, to share her incredible journey through the highs and lows of motherhood. From navigating four pregnancies, including challenging miscarriages and serene home births, to facing her son's childhood cancer diagnosis, Betsy's story is one of resilience, identity, and the ever-evolving experience of being a mother. Betsy reflects on her shifting perspectives between holistic and western medicine, the importance of community, and the nuanced beauty of holding space for change. Dive into this conversation for rich insights, relatable struggles, and a celebration of the messy, unpredictable path of motherhood.Helpful Timestamps:01:39 Introducing Betsy: A Real-Life Friend02:31 Navigating Miscarriage and Loss06:04 Betsy's First Birth Experience14:45 Second Pregnancy and Home Birth20:35 Unexpected Challenges: GTD Diagnosis25:54 Transition to Hospital Birth32:48 Unexpected Hospital Experience37:51 Naming the Baby41:45 Leukemia Diagnosis43:14 Adapting to New Realities46:01 Reflections on Motherhood and IdentityMore from Betsy Larrabee:Visit her blog www.theheavywait.comAbout 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 | FACEBOOK DisclaimerOpinions 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 Services

Join The Breastfeeding Blueprint: www.labormama.com/breastfeeding & use the code PODCAST to save 20%I sat down with Bethany (aka The Oversupply Mama), a CLC, NICU mama, autism mama, and someone who has lived both the exclusive-pumping trenches and a redemptive nursing journey. We get real about what oversupply actually feels like when it’s your reality and how to manage an abundant supply without experiencing recurrent mastitis.What’s inside this episode:Oversupply isn’t just “extra milk in the freezer” — it can mean daily clogs, mastitis scares, hours spent labeling milk bags, and legit stress. Your struggle is valid, even if someone else would “kill to have your problem.”Pumping done thoughtfully can actually extend your breastfeeding journey (yes, even if you nurse at the breast most of the time).You can absolutely nurse + pump + bottle-feed and still hit your “exclusive breastfeeding” goals.How to gently drop pumps or reduce supply (slow is the name of the game, friends).Why weaning (even just dropping one pump session) is emotional — hormones are wild, and it’s okay to both celebrate and grieve at the same time.If you’re an exclusive pumper, or just curious about the “other side” of the supply conversation, this episode will make you feel so seen. And if you’ve ever thought, “Wait… I can keep my oversupply and actually enjoy it?” — Bethany’s got you.Helpful Timestamps:02:17 Meet Bethany: The Oversupply Mama04:03 Navigating Pumping and Nursing06:29 Understanding Oversupply and Pumping18:09 Practical Tips for Managing Oversupply22:54 Steps to Reduce Oversupply27:23 The Emotional Impact of Weaning29:35 Gradual Weaning Strategies31:38 Adapting to Changes and Seeking Help35:19 The Joy and Challenges of Pumping41:57 Final Thoughts and ResourcesMore from Bethany The Oversupply Mama:Follow her on Instagram: @theoversupplymama & TikTok: @theoversupplymamaVisit theoversupplymama.com Grab the No More Mastitis Weaning CourseAbout 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 | FACEBOOK DisclaimerOpinions 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 Services

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%In this refreshing, judgment-free conversation, I sit down with Andrea de la Torre, a sleep consultant of 8+ years, mom of 3, author, and the calm voice behind Baby Sleep Answers.She ditches the “one right way” for baby sleep and dives into what actually helps babies (and exhausted parents) sleep better.What’s inside this episode:Every baby is different →Temperament, birth order, reflux, gut health, and even prenatal experiences all shape how a child sleeps. What worked for baby #1 might flop with baby #2.Sleep science + knowing your baby = magic combo:Understand wake windows (as flexible guidelines, not rigid rules), circadian rhythm, and adenosine buildup - then tweak everything to fit YOUR child’s personality and sleep needs.High vs. low sleep needs is real:Some babies genuinely need 14–15 hours total; others thrive on 10–11. Well-rested (not over-napped) begets better nights:Sometimes you HAVE to wake a sleeping baby to protect nighttime sleep.Overtired ≠ just “really tired”:Pushing past a baby’s wake window triggers cortisol and adrenaline, making sleep harder. Some babies are super sensitive to this; others roll with it.Don’t keep baby awake to “tire them out”:Stimulation is great (outdoor time, talking, baby massage), but exceeding wake windows backfires.Take what works, leave the rest:No one method works for every baby.Sleep affects the whole family:Partners who split nights (or at least talk specifics before baby arrives) see faster progress - and less resentment. Helpful Timestamps:01:23 Diving into Baby Sleep Challenges07:21 Understanding Baby Temperaments and Sleep15:43 Navigating Social Media and Sleep Advice25:57 Understanding Your Child's Temperament and Sleep29:27 Waking a Sleeping Baby: When and Why32:46 Balancing Activity and Rest for Better Sleep41:00 The Role of Parental Communication in Baby's Sleep47:27 Resources and Final ThoughtsMore from Andrea de la Torre:Visitbabysleepanswers.com Baby Sleep CoursesInstagram:@babysleep.answersAbout 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 | FACEBOOK DisclaimerOpinions 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 Services