This week, I’m joined by my friend Malloree, who once dilated from a 5 to a 10 in just 15 minutes, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Her 3 birth experiences include a one-push wonder baby, Group B Strep (GBS) for all 3 births, and a failed epidural that resulted in a multi-day-long allergic reaction. She has also run the gamut of postpartum mental health experiences, from postpartum depression with her first, to rage with her second, and anxiety with her third.

In this episode:

• Leaking amniotic fluid at 37 weeks
• Healing from a 2nd degree tear while having a UTI
• Positive breastfeeding experiences
• An anatomy scan false alarm
• Responding to postpartum mental health warning signs

Malloree is a great reminder that no two postpartum experiences are alike and that often the best way to take care of your kids is to first take care of yourself!

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Meet Malloree

00:06:26 - 1st Pregnancy: Positive Pregnancy + Extreme Tiredness

00:09:13 - 1st Labor: Leaking Amniotic Fluid, 2nd Degree Tear, & A Big Baby

00:14:54 - 1st Postpartum: Undetected Postpartum Depression + Breastfeeding Wins

00:19:31 - 2nd Pregnancy: Slower Fertility + New Nausea

00:34:14 - 2nd Labor: Scheduled Induction, Quick Dilation, Out in 1 Push!

00:39:06 - 2nd Postpartum: Postpartum Rage, Medication + Therapy

00:59:55 - Miscarriage

01:00:24 - 3rd Pregnancy: Innocuous Calcium Deposit + 3rd Trimester Anxiety

01:07:24 - 3rd Labor: Failed Epidural & Allergic Reactions

01:13:23 - 3rd Postpartum: Postpartum Anxiety, Medication + Therapy

01:22:02 - 4th Pregnancy: Just the Beginning!

This week, I am joined by my friend Hannah, who went from not knowing how an epidural worked to delivering her third without her husband while he was at military training! Her experiences include (but aren’t limited to) pre-eclampsia, severe postpartum depression, the emotional impact of 2 miscarriages, and joyfully welcoming their son with Down syndrome.

In this episode:

• 38 hours of labor (!!) followed by a month-long NICU stay
• The emotional whiplash of pregnancy closing following loss
• Learning the difference between “baby blues” and postpartum depression
• Choosing an amniocentesis to confirm genetic testing
• Being welcomed into the tight-knit Down syndrome community

Hannah’s story stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of moms everywhere. This is your reminder that brighter days are ahead, even if you feel at the end of your rope.

Trigger Warning: Discussion of suicidal ideation (24:55 to 25:13 & 1:02:18)

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Chapters:

4:47 - Meet Hannah

10:57 - 1st Child: Pre-eclampsia, NICU, Colic, & Unrecognized PPD

16:30 - 1st Miscarriage

19:00 - 2nd Child: Easy Pregnancy, Positive Birth, & Recognized PPD

26:10 - 2nd Miscarriage

30:16 - 3rd Child: Amniocentesis, Down Syndrome Diagnosis, Emergency C-Section, & Positive Postpartum

1:04:00 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

This week, I am joined by my sister-friend, Jorden, who is my incredible sister-in-law, who is due just 2 days after I am! She has had 3 previous birth experiences that included 3 pitocin inductions, adjusting to breastfeeding, and the exhilarating experience of pushing one of her babies out in 2 pushes!

In this episode:

• Positive pregnancy experiences
• The anticipation of a scheduled induction
• A small meconium scare
• The impact of a great support team
• Utilizing a different doctor with each birth

Jorden is on my personal Mount Rushmore of amazing mothers, so I am so excited for y’all to be empowered and inspired by her stories!

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Building your extra supply with a Haakaa Manual Breast Pump

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Jorden

11:57 - 1st Pregnancy: Long Distance 1st Trimester, Light Nausea, & Finding a Doctor with Medicaid

25:27 - 1st Labor: Going Over Due Date, Internal Fetal Monitoring, & Drop in Blood Pressure

47:06 - 1st Postpartum: Exhausting Introduction Into Motherhood & Adjusting to Breastfeeding

1:07:49 - 2nd Pregnancy: Staying Active & Feeling Less Nausea

1:14:29 - 2nd Labor: Strong Pitocin Induction, 2 Pushes, & No Tearing

1:21:18 - 2nd Postpartum: Quick Recovery & Amazing Community Support

1:29:22 - 3rd Pregnancy: Surprise Gender & Switching Doctors in 3rd Trimester

1:35:10 - 3rd Delivery: Strong Birth Support Team & Scheduled Induction

1:41:20 - 4th Pregnancy: Surprise Baby, Positive 1st Trimester, Second Round of Cousin Twins

1:48:13 - To My Pre-Mom Self…