Trish welcomes Lauren Murdock, RN, IBLCLC, and founder of Labor Lauren, a platform dedicated to empowering women for peaceful, powerful, faith-centered births. Lauren shares her unexpected path into nursing, from caring for her grandmother in hospice at age 16, to challenges she faced including passing out during labor and delivery clinicals, and how she overcame them. Lauren also touches on her passion for incorporating faith into childbirth, advocating for herself and her patients, and educating others on the importance of preparation for labor. Trish and Lauren also debunk labor pain myths and share practical advocacy tips for expectant moms.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

What’s inside this episode:

• Lauren's Journey into Nursing: From hospice care for her grandmother to battling fears in labor and delivery clinicals, Lauren's story is a testament to divine calling and perseverance.
• Faith in Birth: Lauren discusses incorporating scripture and breath prayers to foster peace and self-control during labor.
• Misconceptions About Labor Pain: Why preparation is essential even if planning an epidural, and the pitfalls of "pain-free birth" promises - pain is real, but manageable with tools and mindset.
• Advocacy in the Hospital: Using the BRAIN acronym (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing) to make informed decisions, plus tips for partners to support and read the room.
• Hospital Progress and Education: Challenges in supportive care, the value of doulas, and Lauren's work on a home-like birth room in her hospital.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:39 Lauren's Journey to Nursing
• 01:30 Experiences in Hospice and Oncology
• 04:26 Transition to Labor and Delivery
• 08:15 Teaching and Spiritual Birth Support
• 11:33 Common Misconceptions About Labor Pain
• 13:47 Debunking the Myth of Pain-Free Birth
• 14:48 Managing Pain and Control During Labor
• 18:48 The Role of Hormones in Labor
• 19:04 Advocating for Yourself in the Hospital
• 22:38 Hospital Support for Educated Women
• 24:58 Challenges with Traditional Providers
• 27:11 Conclusion and Where to Find More Information

More from Labor Lauren:

LaborLauren.com

Follow her on Instagram @labor.lauren

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more...

Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with your birth bestie, Trish. In this episode, Trish unpacks what it's like being 35 weeks pregnant. From what’s happening with your baby, like gaining fat and practicing breathing, to what you might experience, such as pelvic pressure and Braxton Hicks contractions, we've got it all covered. Plus, learn what to expect at your 35-week prenatal visit, including the Group B Strep (GBS) test, and why you should be prepared for it. Trish also reminds you of the importance of preparing your mind, home, and team as you get closer to meeting your baby.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:58 You’re 35 Weeks Pregnant
• 02:21 Baby's Development at 35 Weeks
• 04:42 Common Symptoms and What to Expect
• 06:33 Doctor's Visit and GBS Testing
• 08:27 Mindset and Preparation Tips
• 09:43 35 Week Checklist and Final Encouragement

More from this episode:

Don't forget to check out the free workshop for more tips on having a faster, smoother birth: labornursemama.com/faster

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

In this heartfelt episode, Trish opens up about the often-unspoken topic of loneliness during pregnancy. Drawing from her personal experiences and those of her community, Trish shares emotional insights and practical tips to help mamas feel supported during this transformative time.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

What’s inside this episode:

• The Reality of Loneliness During Pregnancy: Trish discusses how pregnancy can amplify feelings of isolation, whether due to physical distance from family, lack of support from a partner, or shifting relationships with friends.
• Personal Stories: Reflecting on her own pregnancy journeys, through an abusive relationship and pregnancies far from family, Trish connects with listeners who feel alone.
• Types of Loneliness: From hormonal changes and shifting identities to comparison on social media, Trish explores why pregnancy can feel isolating.
• Practical Tips:
• Build a support system through communities like Calm Mama Society.
• Seek a therapist or doula for professional support.
• Lean into friendships or find a mentor figure.
• Journal to process emotions and create self-care rituals like prenatal yoga or EFT tapping.

More from this episode:

Mama, you do not have to be alone! Join Calm Mama Society for support and community.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:52 An Emotional Episode Begins
• 01:43 Discussing Loneliness During Pregnancy
• 02:48 Personal Story and Support Systems
• 05:35 Types of Loneliness During Pregnancy
• 09:46 Addressing Relationship Challenges
• 12:42 Support for Single Moms
• 17:03 Practical Tips to Combat Loneliness
• 19:41 Conclusion and Encouragement

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services