Preggie Pals: Your Pregnancy, Your Way

Most women have been told not to eat anything while in labor, but why? What are the risks to both you and your baby. How do current guidelines vary for vaginal versus cesarean births? Today we'll discuss why most medical providers restrict what you can eat and drink prior to the birth of your baby, and you'll learn more about a new study indicating a light meal during labor can actually be helpful for low risk pregnancies.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're mid-pregnancy and you need to change your medical care provider. Eeek! There are a million reasons why. Perhaps your insurance changed, you moved or you're simply unhappy with your current OB/GYN or Midwife. So, what happens next? How do you tactfully "break-up" with your current provider and how do you (quickly) find someone new who can help you? What about transferring medical records and billing? Our heads are spinning just thinking about it!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're pregnant and you're planning to breastfeed your baby. But, if you've never breastfed before, how will you know what to do? Should you take a breastfeeding class? How about visiting a breastfeeding support group? What can you expect to happen during those first few days after your baby is born? And what can you do in advance to prepare for any unexpected breastfeeding challenges?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to caring for an amazing newborn baby, your postpartum period will almost certainly bring more stress and challenges than you anticipated. Preparing a postpartum plan can help make this transition into parenthood a bit smoother. So, what should you consider when creating your postpartum plan? When should you create it, and who should be part of the process? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Planning your baby registry can seem a bit overwhelming. If you're planning to breastfeed your baby, you may still want to add baby bottles to your list. How do you know what bottle is best for your baby? What should you know about the bottle size, style and the type of nipple? And what about all those baby bottle accessories? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've just peed on the stick and it's positive. Now what? Most care providers will schedule your first prenatal appointment at the eight week mark. So, what are you supposed to do in the meantime? We're answering some of the main questions you'll have during this time, especially if this is your first baby.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've heard of contractions during labor and delivery, but what about back labor? What exactly is back labor, what does it feel like and what causes it to happen? Plus, we've got tips on how to prevent it and methods to naturally manage it.

It's always a good idea to tour your hospital before you deliver your baby. Who typically gives these tours and what important information can you learn to improve your overall childbirth experience? Plus, learn how touring a hospital can benefit you if you're planning to deliver at home or at a birth center.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are many reasons you may need to have a fetal non-stress test, or NST, during your pregnancy. Perhaps your baby isn't moving as much as before or perhaps you have a high risk pregnancy. So, how are these tests performed, and are there any risks to mom and baby? Also, what typically happens if the results are abnormal?Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're planning to breastfeed your baby once he arrives. But what happens if your breastfeeding experience doesn't happen as perfectly as you planned? How can a board-certified lactation consultant help you on your journey? What services does a lactation consultant typically provide? What are some of the benefits in adding one to your team of health care providers? Plus, how to find a lactation consultant who best fits you and your breastfeeding needs.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bini Birth explores many different methods of childbirth, approaching birth as an individual process that each woman explores in her own way. Today we'll hear from creator Ana Paula Markel. What are the main principles behind this practice? What are the most effective ways to learn its principles? And what should you expect if you take a class? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you're pregnant, you can easily become a breeding ground for bacterial infections. Today we're discussion some of the most common infections such as yeast infections, urinary tract infections, bacterial vaginosis and Group B Strep. How are these infections diagnosed and treated in pregnancy? Our panelists share their personal experience!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you first find out you're pregnant, you probably aren't thinking much about your cervix. But this tiny organ is already preparing for your baby. It softens, lengthens, elongates, dilates, thins, and does all sorts of interesting things right up to the moment your baby is born. Learn more about what causes these changes and what it means for your labor and delivery experience! Plus, learn about special way for you to participate in #GivingTuesday by helping other families having clean drinking water and sanitation services!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've just completed your second trimester, arguably the most comfortable and relaxing one. So, what should you expect during the third trimester? What developmental changes is your baby experiencing? How will your baby's movements change during this time? When do they stop flipping around and stay in their birthing position? Plus, what to expect when your baby starts to drop.

Thinking about adding an OB/GYN to your team of health care providers? What type of prenatal care can you expect to receive with an OB/GYN? What exactly is their role during the labor and delivery process? And how can you find an OB/GYN that best fits your goals outlined in your birth plan?