Birth plans have become a staple of modern maternity care. You can find endless templates online and TikToks debating what should (or shouldn’t) go on them. But what’s the real purpose of a birth plan, and do they actually make a difference in your experience?

In this episode of The Push Podcast, Sydney and Meghan unpack the history of birth plans, how they’re used in hospitals today, and what the research says about their impact on outcomes. We talk through what birth plans can do well—like helping you communicate your preferences, and where they can sometimes fall short, especially if expectations don’t match real-world circumstances.

If you’re pregnant and considering writing one, or supporting someone who is, this conversation will help you think about birth plans in a practical way: not as a guarantee, but as a tool to spark conversations, clarify your values, and prepare for the unexpected.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 10 people with ovaries, but if you’ve ever Googled it or scrolled #PCOS on TikTok, you know the information out there is confusing at best. Is it really all about having cysts? Do you need to cut carbs forever? Can supplements “cure” it?

In this episode, we break down what PCOS actually is- the hormones that get out of balance, the common symptoms (from irregular cycles to acne and hair changes), and why diagnosis isn’t as straightforward as people think. We’ll talk about fertility, long-term health considerations, and what treatments really work.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, suspect you might have it, or just want to understand it better, this episode cuts through the confusion and gives you clear, practical information without the diet-culture spin.

When our Beyond “Breast is Best” episode came out, one part of the conversation sparked a flood of questions: substance use while breastfeeding. From alcohol and cannabis to caffeine and smoking, the comments section lit up with “Is this safe?,” “What about just once in a while?,” and “Does it really get into breastmilk?”

In this follow-up episode, we’re digging into those questions head-on. We’ll walk through what the science actually says, where the myths come from, and what’s still uncertain. As always, our goal is to give you clear, evidence-based answers so you can make choices that feel right for you and your baby.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you need to pump and dump after a glass of wine, if your morning coffee matters, or how cannabis or smoking can affect milk, this episode is for you.