More Stories About Birth: Episode #195
True Birth
In this episode of True Birth, we share more birth stories. As always, stories are honest, nuanced, and deeply human. Some are empowering, some are complicated, some are unexpected, and all of them are real. Birth is often spoken about in extremes. Perfect or traumatic. Natural or medical. Success or failure. But lived experience is far more layered than that. These stories remind us that birth unfolds within bodies, families, systems, and moments we can’t always predict and that meaning is often found in how supported, informed, and heard someone feels along the way. If you are...
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The Partner's Role in Labor & Delivery: Episode #194
True Birth
In this episode of True Birth, we explore the powerful and often underestimated role partners play in childbirth. Birth is not something that happens only to the person giving birth. It is a shared experience, and the presence, preparation, and emotional steadiness of a partner can profoundly shape how labor unfolds. This conversation is about moving beyond the idea of the partner as a passive observer and into a role that is grounded, supportive, and intentionally engaged. We talk about what partners actually do during labor and birth, from providing physical comfort and emotional reassurance...
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Curve Balls in Pregnancy: When the Unexpected Happens. Episode # 193
True Birth
When pregnancy takes an unexpected turn, it can feel disorienting and deeply personal. In this episode, we talk about the curve balls no one plans for: pregnancy loss, placenta previa, emergency cesarean birth, and how to move through them with clarity, compassion, and support. This is a conversation about honoring grief without losing hope, finding steadiness in uncertainty, and reclaiming a sense of agency even when plans change. If your pregnancy story didn’t follow the script you imagined, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone, that your experience matters, and that there is...
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Baby Aspirin in Pregnancy: Episode #192
True Birth
Low-dose aspirin, often called baby aspirin, is one of the most commonly recommended medications in pregnancy today. But despite how frequently it’s prescribed, many patients still ask the same questions: Why do I need it? Is it safe? When should I start or stop? And who actually benefits? In this episode, we take a clear, evidence-based look at baby aspirin in pregnancy—cutting through myths, confusion, and mixed messaging. In this episode, we cover: What “baby aspirin” actually is (dose, formulation, and how it works) Why it’s recommended in pregnancy, especially for...
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Tylenol in Pregnancy: What you Really need to know. Episode #191
True Birth
In this episode, we tackle one of the most common questions in pregnancy of late: Is Tylenol safe? It’s the medication nearly every pregnant person reaches for at some point, yet the internet is full of conflicting headlines and confusing studies. We break down what the data actually shows, when Tylenol is appropriate, and how to use it safely. What We Cover • Why Tylenol (acetaminophen) is considered one of the first-lines in pregnancy We explain decades of clinical use, major guideline recommendations, and why it remains the preferred option for fever and pain relief. • What the...
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Listener Mail: You Wrote in and We're Talking About it
True Birth
You wrote in, and we listened! In this special listener mail episode, we’re answering your questions,reading your stories, and diving into what’s been on your minds. From real-life experiences to the big “what ifs,” we’re here to talk, laugh, and think it through together. Got something you want to share or ask? Keep it coming — we love hearing from you. Email us or send a voice memo, and you might just hear it on the next episode. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be featured in our next episode! For additional resources and information, be sure...
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The VBAC Playbook: Episode 189
True Birth
This show is about the VBAC Playbook—your complete guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. We bring together everything you need to know in one place: all of our experience, the risks and benefits, the latest evidence, and the practical steps to prepare. Whether you’re weighing your options, looking for reassurance, or wanting to feel fully informed before talking with your provider, this playbook equips you with clear, comprehensive, and empowering information to help you make the best decision for your birth. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe—your questions could be...
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When to Seek Out a Second Opinion in Pregnancy: Episode #188
True Birth
Pregnancy and childbirth are filled with important decisions, and sometimes the advice you receive from your OB/GYN or midwife can feel overwhelming—or incomplete. In this episode of True Birth, we take an honest look at when and why you might consider seeking a second opinion during pregnancy or for birth planning. A second opinion is not about questioning your provider’s expertise—it’s about ensuring you have the full picture before making decisions that impact your health and your baby’s well-being. We discuss situations where a second opinion can be especially valuable: when...
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From Nicotine to Ibogaine: How Substances Shape Pregnancy Outcomes: Episode #187
True Birth
In this episode of True Birth, we take on one of the most fraught subjects in pregnancy care: substance use. Their conversation goes beyond the obvious admonition that “drugs are bad in pregnancy” to explore the nuance — what counts as a teratogen, which substances alter fetal development directly, and which compromise pregnancy through vascular, placental, or behavioral pathways. The discussion begins with tobacco, a substance that does not cause specific birth defects but exerts powerful vascular effects that restrict blood flow to the placenta, increasing the risks of low birth...
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Two Days, Two Docs: Stories from the Delivery Room: Episode #186
True Birth
Two Days, Two Docs: Stories from the Delivery Room takes you inside an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at 48 hours in Labor & Delivery through the eyes of two physicians: Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak and Dr. Apig Mosses from Maternal Resources. From the adrenaline of middle-of-the-night emergencies to the quiet, awe-filled moments of new life, these stories capture the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re a fellow clinician, an expectant parent, or simply curious about what really happens beyond those hospital doors, you’ll hear the human side of medicine—raw, real, and...
info_outlineExercise during pregnancy is highly beneficial for both the mother and baby, promoting cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of gestational diabetes, improving mood, and aiding in better sleep. Moderate-intensity activities like walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, and strength training can help maintain fitness while reducing discomforts such as back pain and swelling.
Regular movement also supports endurance and flexibility, which can be helpful during labor and delivery. However, it’s essential to listen to the body, stay hydrated, and avoid high-impact or risky activities. Consulting a healthcare provider before starting or modifying an exercise routine ensures safety, especially for those with high-risk pregnancies. Tune in to what Dr. Yaakov Abdelhak and midwife Mallon have to say.
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Thank you for being part of our community, and until next time, let's continue to support, uplift, and celebrate the incredible journey of working moms and parenthood. Together, we can create a more equitable and nurturing world for all.
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