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.

Epidurals are one of the most common ways people manage pain in labour, but they’re also one of the most debated. Are they safe? Do they slow labour? Will you still be able to push? In this episode, we take a deep dive into both the science and the lived experience of epidurals. We’ll walk you through how they work, what the procedure looks like, and what the latest research says about their impact on birth outcomes.

From myths about paralysis to questions about birth experience, we’re separating fact from fiction so you can feel informed, not fearful. Whether you’re planning your first birth, supporting someone through theirs, or just curious about the role of epidurals in modern obstetrics, this episode is your comprehensive guide.

Why is it still so hard for women to get permanent birth control? Across TikTok, Reddit, and even news stories, young people are sharing their frustration at being turned away by providers when they ask for sterilization. At the same time, a growing movement is pushing for elective salpingectomy- the complete removal of the fallopian tubes- as the gold-standard surgical option for contraception.

In this episode, we dig into what salpingectomy actually involves, why many gynecologists now recommend it over traditional “tube tying,” and the evidence behind its effectiveness, safety, and recovery. We also explore the added benefit that’s changing the conversation entirely: the potential to lower the risk of ovarian cancer.

If you’ve ever wondered why doctors hesitate, what the research really says, or whether permanent contraception could be right for you, this episode is a deep dive into autonomy, evidence, and the future of surgical birth control.

Flat on your back isn’t the only way to give birth- but it’s the one most people expect. So how did that position become the standard, and what happens when you try something different?

In this episode, we unpack the history behind why “back-only” became the norm, what the evidence actually shows about different pushing positions, and how things like gravity and mobility can make a big difference. We also talk about what this means for tearing, comfort, and feeling in control of your birth.

If you’re preparing for labour- or just curious about how we got here- you’ll come away with a new perspective on what it really means to have options when it comes to pushing.

Why are we still so obsessed with “baby weight”?

In this episode, we break down the science and the societal pressure behind pregnancy weight gain and postpartum weight loss. From weekly weigh-ins at prenatal visits to the unrealistic timelines for “bouncing back” after birth, we’re asking: what’s the evidence, and what’s just expectation?

Dr. Meghan and Nurse Sydney unpack why pre-pregnancy BMI is actually a much stronger predictor of outcomes than weight gain alone, what the guidelines really say, and how postpartum bodies became a cultural battleground. We also explore the emotional toll of treating recovery like a weight loss program, and what it means to shift the conversation toward healing instead of shrinking. If the scale has ever felt heavier than just a number, let’s unpack it together.

Why the real goal is support in breastfeeding- not shame.

World Breastfeeding Awareness Week kicks off August 1st, and we’re getting in early with the equally messy and miraculous truth about postpartum feeding.

From leaky boobs to latch stress, nipple shields to formula shame- and yes, whether or not you can have that glass of wine- we’re breaking down the biology, busting the myths, and asking why everyone from your barista to your great-aunt thinks they get a say in how you feed your baby.

Meghan shares what the research actually says (and what it doesn’t), Sydney brings the real talk from the bedside, and together we unpack things like DMER (yes, that sudden wave of dread is real), low supply anxiety, and why combo feeding is not a dirty word.

If you've ever cried while washing pump parts, cursed a clogged duct, or just wanted someone to say “you’re doing great,” this episode is for you.