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.

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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

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💻 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.

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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.

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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

Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with Trish, your favorite labor nurse and birth coach. If you're at 34 weeks, we're getting super close! Trish is getting into the significance of week 34: recognizing preterm labor signs, what essentials you need to pack in your hospital bag, and how your baby's development (now the size of a butternut squash!) this week is crucial for lung development and overall growth.

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

She also talks about your body’s changes, from feeling intense shortness of breath to experiencing stronger Braxton Hicks contractions. Remember to trust your body, stay hydrated, and prepare confidently for the upcoming weeks. Until next week, trust your instincts and keep rocking this journey!

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Pregnancy Unpacked
• 00:57 Welcome Back and Week 34 Overview
• 01:57 Baby's Development at 34 Weeks
• 03:11 Mama's Changes and Symptoms
• 04:47 Preterm Labor Signs and What to Do
• 06:23 Packing Your Hospital Bag
• 08:42 Preparing for Birth and Postpartum
• 10:56 Final Thoughts and Next Week's Preview

More from Pregnancy Unpacked:

• Pregnancy Unpacked Week 33: What to Expect & Third Trimester Tips | 190
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 31–32: Baby Growth, Body Changes + What to Prepare Next | 188
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 29–30: VBAC Birth Story, Baby Growth + Third Trimester | 186

More from this episode:

• Third Trimester Prep Pack

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

Hey mama! This is a must-listen if you've ever looked in the mirror during pregnancy or postpartum and thought, 'I don't look like me anymore.' Whether you're navigating swollen ankles, unpredictable energy, or the mental load that comes with pregnancy, this conversation is your reminder that you don't have to sacrifice strength, identity, or confidence. I'm sitting down with Nicole Scheitlin, a mom of three and the powerhouse behind Strong Mama Wellness to bust some pregnancy fitness myths.

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Nicole is a 12-year exercise physiologist and certified pre and postnatal fitness specialist. We're talking about what it really looks like to stay active during pregnancy and busting a LOT of myths. We dive deep into myths like not lifting weights above 25 pounds, keeping your heart rate below 140 bpm, and more. Nicole provides practical advice on safely exercising without confusion or fear, emphasizing a personalized approach. Don't miss this episode if you're currently expecting, trying to conceive, or just trying to feel like yourself again after baby.

Connect with Nicole Scheitlin:

Visit her website www.strongmamawellnessco.com

Follow her on Instagram: @strongmamawellness

Grab her FREE Pregnancy Exercises to Modify by Trimester Guide

Helpful Timestamps

01:34 Meet Nicole Scheitlin: Fitness Expert and Mom

02:09 Nicole's Journey into Pregnancy Fitness

05:31 Busting Pregnancy Fitness Myths

15:40 The Importance of Core Work During Pregnancy

21:11 Supporting Your Body Through Pregnancy

22:49 Advice for Expecting Moms

26:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:

Calm Labor Confident Birth Pod

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

First Trimester Prep Pack

Second Trimester Prep Pack

Third Trimester Prep Pack

Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On Facebook

On YouTube

On Pinterest

On TikTok

For more pregnancy

Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked! In this week's episode, we celebrate crossing 32 weeks - a major milestone. Dive deep into what's happening in Week 33 as Trish unpacks your little one's brain development, increasing weight and length, and the importance of surfactant for lung maturation.

Learn how to support your partner with practical and emotional tasks, recognize signs of preeclampsia, and set essential boundaries with family and friends as the countdown begins. Plus, get a sneak peek into the action items for this week, preparing your nursery, and finalizing your birth plan. Tune in to feel supported, informed, and ready for the incredible journey ahead!

What’s inside this episode:

• What’s happening with baby at 33 weeks - key development milestones.
• The physical and emotional changes happening with you.
• Your action items for week 33 of pregnancy.
• Partner support tips.
• Doctor’s appointments & what to expect.
• How to set boundaries.
• Reg flags to watch for.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:58 33 Weeks Pregnant: Key Milestones
• 02:26 Baby's Size and Development
• 04:00 Essential Steps for Week 33
• 09:14 What's Happening with Your Body
• 13:19 Partner's Role and Support
• 15:23 Doctor's Appointments and What to Expect
• 18:28 Setting Boundaries and Final Preparations
• 20:50 Action Items for the Week
• 21:56 Red Flags and When to Call the Doctor
• 22:34 Connect and Share Your Journey
• 23:01 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Read the Blog: The Golden Hour After Birth
• Read the Blog: Delayed Baths For Newborns: The Benefits According To Studies
• Read the Blog: Here's What You Need to Know About GBS (Group B Strep) and Pregnancy
• Amazon Shop for All Things Pregnancy & Postpartum

More from Pregnancy Unpacked:

• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 31–32: Baby Growth, Body Changes + What to Prepare Next | 188
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 29–30: VBAC Birth Story, Baby Growth + Third Trimester Prep | 186
• Pregnancy Unpacked Weeks 26-28: Hello Third Trimester | 184

Resources:

Calm Labor Confident Birth Pod

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

First Trimester Prep Pack

Second Trimester Prep Pack

Third Trimester Prep...

Trish dives into the topic of membrane sweeps. She breaks down everything you need to know about this optional procedure to help you make informed decisions for your birth.

Trish explains what a membrane sweep is (also known as a stretch and sweep), how it works, tips to make it more comfortable, and why it might be considered to encourage labor naturally. She emphasizes that membrane sweeps are entirely your choice - your body, your birth, your decision. Trish shares when a membrane sweep is most effective (hint: wait until at least 40 weeks!), the importance of slight cervical dilation for the procedure, and why dilation alone isn’t the whole story when it comes to labor readiness. She also encourages combining a membrane sweep with various natural labor preparation techniques.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

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

More from this episode:

Join Calm Labor Confident Birth or The VBAC Lab

Grab the Induction Workshop: available for those preparing for an induced birth.

Read the Blog: Read this Easy to Understand Guide Before Your Membrane Sweep: Everything You need To Know

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:54 Understanding Membrane Sweeps
• 01:26 How Membrane Sweeps Work
• 02:39 When to Consider a Membrane Sweep
• 03:43 Preparing for a Membrane Sweep
• 04:28 Making Membrane Sweeps More Comfortable
• 06:44 Post-Sweep Expectations and Tips
• 08:37 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
• 09:15 Join the Community and Stay Connected

Resources:

Calm Labor Confident Birth Pod

🎙 FREE Birth Workshop: 3 Secrets to a Confident Birth! 🎙

Want to feel prepared and in control? Watch my free workshop now!

First Trimester Prep Pack

Second Trimester Prep Pack

Third Trimester Prep Pack

Listen to the Pregnancy Unpacked Series!

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On Facebook

On YouTube

On Pinterest

On TikTok

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience...

Hey mama! Welcome back to Pregnancy Unpacked with Trish, your go-to labor nurse and birth bestie. In this episode, we’re diving into weeks 31 and 32 - when things start feeling super real! We’ll cover your baby’s incredible growth, the changes you’re noticing in your body, and how to prep for the final stretch. From managing shortness of breath and wild dreams to monitoring fetal movement and planning for birth, Trish delivers practical tips and empowering vibes to keep you confident. You’re magical, powerful, and totally got this!

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

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

• Size & Growth: Your baby is about the size of a coconut - 16-17 inches long and 3.5-4 pounds.
• Development: Major brain and nervous system growth, eyes opening and tracking light, and bones hardening (with a soft skull for birth). Baby’s practicing breathing and swallowing amniotic fluid, which they recycle to maintain fluid levels.
• Brown Fat: They’re building brown fat for temperature regulation - key for skin-to-skin after birth. Check Trish’s blog post on skin-to-skin for more!
• Fetal Movement: You’re likely noticing a pattern. Keep track, as movement is a key sign of baby’s oxygen levels. Grab Trish’s Free Third Trimester Prep Pack for a fetal movement count sheet.

• Shortness of Breath: Your growing uterus is crowding your lungs. Try yoga, stretching, swimming, or hands-and-knees positions to ease it.
• Swelling: Gradual swelling in ankles, feet, or hands is normal, but sudden swelling means you should call your provider.
• Aches & Pains: Expect more back and hip discomfort, plus Braxton Hicks contractions.
• Vivid Dreams & Insomnia: Hormones and discomfort can spark bizarre dreams and sleepless nights. Trish loves the Momcozy Pregnancy Pillow for comfort.
• Clumsiness: Your shifting center of gravity may make you wobbly - be cautious!
• Emotional Swings: From excitement to overwhelm, it’s all normal. Give yourself grace - you’re building a human!

• Provider Checkups: You’re likely seeing your provider every two weeks for fundal height, heartbeat checks, and symptom discussions.
• Ask These Questions:
• How will baby’s growth be monitored?
• What are the hospital’s labor and delivery policies?
• Who will attend my birth?
• Pro Tip: Jot down questions in your phone to remember them at appointments. If your provider seems rushed, politely ask for time to talk.

• Hospital Bag: Start thinking about what to pack.
• Birth Preferences: Review them with your partner. Education is key for a solid...