The Labor Line

Impassable Kidney Stone + 2-Day Induction | Tessa’s Birth Stories (PART 2)

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0600

This week, we are AGAIN joined by my friend Tessa, a mom of five! In this episode, we are wrapping up her story by walking through her last 2 birth experiences.

While pregnant with her fourth child, Tessa developed a kidney stone so large that she was unable to pass it!! She had to wear a urostomy bag to drain her kidneys until she was 6 weeks postpartum. This physically complex pregnancy caused her to transfer her care from her home midwife to a hospital, where she eventually had a successful, epidural-less induction at 39 weeks.

Following this difficult experience, Tessa was motivated to finish out her childbearing journey on a high note. Thankfully, her last pregnancy went smoothly, and she was able to have yet another redemptive birth at home, surrounded by her four other children.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Podcast Announcement

00:11:36 - 4th Child: Kidney Stone Complications + Epidural-less Induction

01:11:22 - 5th Child: Calm Pregnancy + Redemptive Home Birth

Disconnected Induction + Redemptive Home Births | Tessa’s Birth Stories (PART 1)

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0600

This week I’m joined by my friend Tessa, a mom of five! In this episode, we walk through her first three birth stories, and next week she’ll be back to share the final two.

Tessa’s journey started on what she calls a medical conveyor belt, where she didn’t feel like she had much say in her own birth experience. Fortunately, for her next two babies, she was able to connect with a wonderful community of moms, birth educators, and midwives who empowered her with the tools she needed to have two redepemtive home births.

I can’t wait for you to see how each one of Tessa’s five babies gave her the opportunity to grow. It is seriously inspiring to see how she embraced each new challenge and became a more intentional, empowered version of herself with each birth.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Meet Tessa

00:13:30 - Miscarriage

00:15:31 - 1st Child: Induction, Group B Strep, Epidural Delivery, & Breastfeeding Struggles

00:47:30 - 2nd Child: Empowering Community, Positive Home Birth, & Positive Breastfeeding

01:23:17 - 3rd Child: Physically Taxing Pregnancy, Diastasis Recti, & Emotional Home Birth

Postpartum Anxiety + Choosing to Trust | Natasha’s Birth Story

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

This week I’m joined by my friend Natasha, who had to overcome some fears about labor and motherhood before she felt ready to become a parent. After a positive pregnancy and a long labor that included forceps after 4 hours of pushing (!!), she once again had to learn to trust herself and God to manage her postpartum anxiety.

Although her mental health has continued to play a role in her experience, Natasha is a huge advocate for adding positivity and hope to the conversation surrounding childbirth and motherhood. Her episode offers such a wonderfully balanced and uplifting perspective to anyone who has ever wondered, “Can I really do this?”

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Meet Natasha

00:11:56 - Pregnancy: Positive Pregnancy After Overcoming Fear

00:35:53 - Labor: Epidural, 4 Hours of Pushing, + Forceps Delivery

00:46:03 - Postpartum: Mental Health Struggles & Finding Joy in Her Son

01:22:29 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

Standing Birth + Catching Her Own Baby | Summer’s Birth Story

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

This week I’m joined by my friend Summer, who gave birth standing up and caught her own baby! Summer takes us through how she prepared for her positive, unmedicated hospital birth, both physically and spiritually. She also gets real about the pain of back labor and how that affected some of her coping mechanisms, as well as the unexpected curve balls of postpartum, including recovering from a tear, postpartum depression, and a migraine that lasted 3 months!

Despite the bumps, Summer seriously has the best energy towards birth and motherhood as a whole. I’m so grateful for the positive perspective she brought to the podcast this week!

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Meet Summer

00:08:30 - Pregnancy: Prepping for Birth & Being Past Due

00:51:42 - Labor: Back Labor, Getting Vocal, & Catching Her Baby

01:13:49 - Postpartum: Learning the Purpose of Resting + Long-Lasting Migraine

01:23:43 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

Epidural-less Inductions + A Kidney Stone | Allie’s Birth Stories

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

This week I’m joined by my friend Allie, who endured passing a kidney stone while in her 3rd trimester!! Truly chilling stuff. But, beyond that, Allie shares her experience with high blood pressure near the end of both of her pregnancies that ultimately resulted in two positive, epidural-less inductions that she takes us through beat-by-beat. She also opens up about the difficulty of having a baby who refused to sleep through the night for a whole year and how that impacted her postpartum mental health. Her postpartum experience was then transformed through a few new friendships that serve as a beautiful reminder of the power of community.

Allie’s story is truly uplifting and downright hilarious in many instances. If you’re looking for a motherhood pick-me-up, this episode is for you!

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Meet Allie

00:10:18 - 1st Pregnancy: Inconsistent Periods, 5 Months of Trying, & High Blood Pressure Readings

00:14:57 - 1st Labor: Cervidil Induction at 37 Weeks, Unexpected Transition, & Unmedicated Delivery

00:32:58 - 1st Postpartum: Lack of Sleep, PPA, & Making New Mom Friends

00:48:35 - 2nd Pregnancy: Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction, Staying Active, & Passing a Kidney Stone

01:01:25 - 2nd Labor: Cytotec Induction at 39 Weeks, Rapid Dilation, & Planned Unmedicated Delivery

01:19:41 - 2nd Postpartum: Positive Sleep Training & Supportive Community

01:30:57 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

2nd Trimester Recap!!

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Today I am joined by me, myself, and I as I recap my 2nd trimester experiences. Y’all sent in questions to guide today’s conversation, and I loved the opportunity to look back on a truly transformative time. We talk about all things cravings, left-field symptoms, baby showers, nursery prep, and where I’m at with my birth plan. It’s such a privilege to deep dive into my journey through motherhood with y’all! Thanks for being here 🩷

Breech Baby + Positive C-Section | Emma’s Birth Story

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week, I’m joined by my friend Emma, who prepared for an unmedicated birth that actually didn’t come to fruition because her baby was breech. After trying everything in the Spinning Babies handbook, she decided to pivot and use the very same mental coping techniques that she had learned for her natural birth to prepare for an ultimately positive C-section birth.

She shares beautiful memories of the love she felt the first time she saw her son, the joy of skin-to-skin, and the bonding experiences her little family shared together afterwards. Even with a spinal block headache and a painful start to breastfeeding, she was able to stay grounded in her postpartum experience by remembering that things can be difficult and sweet at the same time, but that with motherhood, it always comes out worth it in the end.

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Emma

07:59 - Pregnancy: Positive Pregnancy, Natural Labor Prep, & Failed ECV

20:51 - Labor: Leaking Water, Working Through Early Labor, & Peaceful C-Section

29:09 - Postpartum: Skin-to-Skin, Instant Love, & Breastfeeding Challenges

52:02 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

Broken Pubic Bone + Failed Epidurals | Lauren’s Birth Stories

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week, I’m joined by my friend Lauren, whose epidural worked a little too well to the point that she broke her pubic bone without even realizing it! In this episode, Lauren walks us through her 3 pitocin & cervidil inductions and 2 failed inductions. She also experienced preeclampsia with all 3 of her pregnancies, but gradually learned how to manage her symptoms and advocate for proper care.

Even though there were some bumps along the way, Lauren’s stories have so many beautiful highs, like when she was able to catch her own baby during delivery or when she had a bonding moment with her daughter that reminded her that they were chosen for one another.

This episode is like a breath of fresh air. So if you’re looking for an uplifting conversation about all things motherhood, this one’s for you!

Trigger Warning: Mention of infant death (40:25 to 40:39)

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Meet Lauren

00:09:05 - 1st Pregnancy: Conflicting Advice & Late Preeclampsia Diagnosis

00:16:29 - 1st Labor: Powerful Epidrual + Broken Pubic Bone

00:18:33 - 1st Postpartum: Postpartum Anxiety & Emotional Breastfeeding Struggles

00:29:04 - Miscarriage

00:30:52 - 2nd Pregnancy: Processing Pregnancy After Loss

00:35:19 - 2nd Labor: Failed Epidural, Advocating for Herself, & Catching Her Own Baby

00:41:43 - 2nd Postpartum: Residual Empowerment From Birth + Self Compassion in Breastfeeding

00:55:14 - 3rd Pregnancy: Phantom Pregnancies & Managing Preeclampsia

00:59:17 - 3rd Labor: Embracing an Unplanned, Unmedicated Birth

01:02:19 - 3rd Postpartum: Gaining Confidence & Finding Peace in Breastfeeding

01:19:07 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

Severe Preeclampsia + Hyperemesis Gravidarum | Rachel’s Birth Stories

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week, I’m joined by my sister-friend, Rachel, who is the third and final of my sisters-in-laws to share her story with us! Rachel went through quite the journey to bring her two daughters into the world. Starting with endometriosis-related fertility struggles, followed by hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and severe preeclampsia that led to one daughter being born at 30 weeks and the other at 33 weeks. We discuss extended NICU stays, the long-term effects of being a micropremie, and how Rachel learned to stand up for her family through it all.

This week’s discussion is a bit heavier, but it is a reminder of the power of a mother’s intuition and the strength that comes when fighting for your children.

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Trigger Warning: Discussion of miscarriage and traumatic birth throughout

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Meet Rachel

00:19:50 - 1st Pregnancy: PCOS + Clomid, HG, & Bed Rest at 29 Weeks

00:52:33 - 1st Delivery: Preeclampsia & Life Saving Measures

01:01:58 - 1st Postpartum: 2 Month NICU Stay & Learning to be Assertive

01:15:46 - 2nd Pregnancy: Secondary Infertility, Subchorionic Hematoma, & Feeding Tubes

01:32:42 - 2nd Delivery: Failed Stress Tests, Redemptive C-Section, & OR Skin-to-Skin

01:40:12 - 2nd Postpartum: COVID in the NICU & Coping with Postpartum OCD

01:55:42 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

Doula Support + Unmedicated Hospital Birth | Kyla’s Birth Story

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week I’m joined by my new friend Kyla, who learned how to differentiate between what was in her control and what wasn’t early on in her motherhood journey. This distinction helped her achieve a positive, unmedicated hospital birth with the help of a doula, even through 12 hours of labor, 2 hours of pushing, and an episiotomy!

Kyla truly loved her birth experience and just being a mom overall, so this episode is perfect if you’re looking for some positive motherhood vibes!

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Trigger Warning: Mention of infant death (01:00:05 to 01:00:30)

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Meet Kyla

00:12:38 - Pregnancy: Delayed Conception & Channeling Energy into Birth Prep

00:23:12 - Labor: Positive Unmedicated Hospital Birth + Doula Assistance

00:59:21 - Postparum: Immediate Adrenaline High, Breastfeeding Woes, & Loving Motherhood

01:08:36 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

Positive Home Births + Overcoming Anxiety | Ashley’s Birth Stories (PART 2)

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week, we are joined AGAIN by my friend Ashley, who is a mom to six kids! In this episode, we are wrapping up her story by walking through her last three birth experiences. Ashley shares how the precipitous, unmedicated delivery of her third baby (which we ended on last week) brought a lot of anxiety into the medicated delivery of her fourth. She also remarks on how different it felt going back to an epidural birth after having experienced an unmedicated birth. This ultimately influenced her to decide to have unmedicated home births with her fifth and sixth babies! It is amazing to hear how much more empowered and excited Ashley felt with her last two births in contrast with some of her other experiences.

It is seriously special to see how all six of her experiences come together to create a beautiful journey through motherhood. Ashley’s stories are truly a reminder that every birth is unique and transformative!

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:03:15 - 4th Child: Unsolicited Membrane Sweep, Processing Anxiety, & Choosing an Epidural

00:29:25 - 5th Child: Mentally Preparing, Working with a Midwife, + Mostly Unassisted Home Birth

01:04:05 - 6th Child: Overcoming Doubt & 1-Push Home Birth

01:23:38 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

Deja Vu Deliveries + 2 Hour Labor | Ashley’s Birth Stories (PART 1)

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week I’m joined by my friend Ashley, a mom of six!! In this episode, we walk through her first three birth stories, and next week she’ll be back to share the final three. Ashley’s journey starts with two smooth pregnancies that resulted in almost identical deliveries (seriously—same birth weight and everything!). But her third baby threw her for a loop, from taking longer to conceive to a labor so fast she didn’t even have time to get an IV!

Each of Ashley’s experiences builds on the last, and I can’t wait for you to see how all six come together to form such a beautiful, resilient story of motherhood.

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Meet Ashley

00:13:19 - 1st Child: Smooth Pregnancy, 45 Minutes of Pushing, & Weaning From a Nipple Shield

00:38:08 - 2nd Child: Finishing School While Pregnant & Admitted at 8 cm Dilated for a Deja Vu Delivery

00:52:46 - 3rd Child: Slower Conception, Unintentionally Unmedicated, Out in 2 Pushes

The Nicest Thing Someone Did For You Postpartum

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week, we’re talking about the stories YOU shared about the nicest things someone did for you postpartum. Y’all gave me all the insider secrets about what your postpartum friends ACTUALLY need. We talk about meal train etiquette, C-section postpartum hacks, and ways dads can help lighten the load.

This episode is packed with ideas and insights that I had never even considered before! Perfect for expectant parents to share with their support team, or for you, like me, who want to do more for your new mom friends, but don’t know where to start!

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Medical Miscommunications + NICU Transfer | Katie’s Birth Story

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week I’m joined by my new friend Katie, whose journey to motherhood has many twists and turns. Her story includes a hurricane that influenced her decision to discontinue her birth control (yes, really), a snafu between two medical offices that resulted in her missing 17 weeks' worth of OBGYN visits, and an unintentionally unmedicated birth after she missed the window of opportunity to get an epidural. Her son spent time in the NICU due to a tight umbilical cord around his neck during delivery, and Katie herself had to be readmitted to the hospital due to postpartum preeclampsia.

Through it all, Katie shares her experience with warmth and humor. Her story is a testament to the emotional and mental strength that you discover when there’s no way out but through.

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Meet Kaite

00:14:02 - Miscarriage

00:17:50 - Pregnancy: Anatomy Scan Scare, Medical Miscommunication, & Increased Monitoring

00:55:08 - Labor: Data-Motivated Progression & Going Unintentionally Unmedicated

01:18:46 - Postpartum: Umbilical Cord Issues, NICU Transfer, & Postpartum Preeclampsia

01:46:10 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

IUI Twins + Preeclamptic C-Section | Sydney’s Birth Story

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week I’m joined by my friend Sydney, whose C-section incision site reopened a few days after birth. Her journey to motherhood also includes IUI fertility treatments, advocating for herself when signs of preeclampsia appeared in the third trimester, and an emergency, traumatic C-section that led to a blood transfusion. We also talk about the grief of unmet expectations, body image struggles, and how motherhood can be the ultimate invitation to slow down and be present.

Sydney’s episode is a beautiful example that sometimes our biggest battles can teach us the most about our own strength.

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Meet Sydney

00:07:32 - Pregnancy: IUI Success, Twins, & Preeclampsia Signs

00:35:19 - Labor: Magnesium Loopiness + Emergency C-Section

00:38:06 - Postpartum: Processing Grief & Disconnect, An Unhealed C-Section Incision, & Finding Purpose in Motherhood

01:11:56 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

Type 1 Diabetes + Breastfeeding for 3 | Meredith’s Birth Stories

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week I’m joined by my amazing friend Meredith, who is a type 1 diabetic mom who breastfed three babies (one of them not even her own!) for over six months! What makes that even more incredible is that she once wasn’t sure if she’d be able to have children at all.

In this episode, Meredith opens up about how diabetes has shaped her motherhood journey, her difficult first delivery that led to her daughter’s dislocated shoulder, a NICU stay, and a fourth-degree tear (!!), and how her second birth, a planned C-section, brought a much more positive experience in contrast.

Meredith’s episode is a reminder that you are more capable than you think and that you are strong enough to feel scared but to do it anyway.

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Meet Meredith

00:11:18 - 1st Pregnancy: Slow Fertility, Wonderful Endocrinologist, & Big Baby

00:26:29 - 1st Labor: Spotty Epidural, 4th Degree Tear, & Dislocated Shoulder

00:38:03 - 1st Postpartum: NICU Stay & Breastfeeding Success

00:59:09 - 2nd Pregnancy: Struggling to Find Supportive Doctors

01:08:26 - 2nd Labor: Scheduled Positive C-Section

01:11:21 - 2nd Postpartum: Changes in Milk Production, Milk Sharing, & 2 Under 2 Haze

01:25:34 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

2-Push Deliveries + Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction | Jessica’s Birth Stories

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week I’m joined by my friend Jessica, who pushed both of her babies out in only two pushes!! Her experiences include first-trimester nausea (particularly in the car), a negative reaction to IV pain medication, and pubic symphysis dysfunction, which was especially difficult because she’s a dancer. She also talks about her experience with a velcro baby who wouldn’t sleep without her, breastfeeding both of her kids at once, and dealing with anxious, intrusive thoughts.

Jessica’s episode is a beautiful example of standing firm in what you believe is right for you and your babies, even if it looks different from what you had originally planned.

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Meet Jessica

00:13:19 - 1st Pregnancy: Car Sickness & Hip Pain

00:31:58 - 1st Labor: Water Breaking, 12 Hour Labor, & A Finicky Epidural

00:38:42 - 1st Postpartum: Committing to Breastfeeding, Choosing to Co-sleep, & Intrusive Thoughts

00:50:21 - 2nd Pregnancy: Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction & Slightly Enlarged Baby Kidneys

01:02:26 - 2nd Labor: Negative Reaction to IV Meds & Side-lying Epidural

01:10:41 - 2nd Postpartum: Tandem Breastfeeding & Mental Health Help

01:20:16 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

Breastfeeding Struggles + 3rd Degree Tear | Katie’s Birth Stories

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week I’m joined by my friend Katie, who thought she wanted a large family until she had a bumpy start to motherhood with her first. Her experiences include a long, difficult labor that resulted in a 3rd degree tear that took almost a year to recover from, and a baby who struggled to breastfeed and therefore struggled to sleep. Luckily, her second brought a better delivery and postpartum experience because of what she learned from her first.

Through all of this, Katie learned how to trust her own instincts and let go of advice that simply wasn’t helpful. If you’re trying to find your voice and learn to laugh at your mistakes, Katie’s episode is the one for you!

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Katie

07:29 - 1st Pregnancy: 6 Months of Trying + Weight Gain Comments

13:57 - 1st Labor: Broken Water, Lack of Sleep, & Almost 3 Hours of Pushing

18:49 - 1st Postpartum: 3rd Degree Tear, Breastfeeding Struggles, & Co-Sleeping

31:56 - 2nd Pregnancy: Positive Pregnancy + Mild Gender Disappointment

38:37 - 2nd Labor: Fainting Husband, Quick Labor, Out in 3 Pushes

41:58 - 2nd Postpartum: Learning from Last Time + Formula Supplementation

48:40 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

Quick Dilation + Postpartum Health | Malloree’s Birth Stories

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0600

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!

PPD + Down Syndrome | Hannah’s Birth Stories

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0600

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…

Pitocin Inductions + Powerful Support Team | Jorden’s Birth Stories

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0600

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…

SURPRISE! I'm Pregnant!!

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0600

You read that right! I’m having a baby!! Today, I give you all the deets from before we even knew we were pregnant to our recent struggle to find out the gender of our baby and everything in between! It is such a joy and a privilege to share the beginnings of my motherhood story with y’all. And fair warning, you may need a tissue or two today, I know I did. 🩷

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Positive Labor + Exclusively Pumping | Valeria's Birth Story

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0600

On the 10th episode of The Labor Line, I’m joined by my friend Valeria, who had only ever held one baby before she had her own! From finding the right circle of friends that helped her feel confident enough to become a mom to utilizing all the tools offered to her from a local pregnancy help center, Valeria went from being a newborn novice to a birthing boss!

In this episode:

Positive labor with an epidural at 42 weeks
Navigating the complex US healthcare & insurance system as a Peruvian immigrant
Big baby and a subsequent 2nd degree tear
Learning to stand up to negative nurses
The emotional strain of exclusively pumping for 10 months

Valeria’s story is full of laughs and heart and is a great reminder that surrounding yourself with the right people can empower you to do things you never thought possible before.

I also end the episode by sharing 10 things that I’ve learn from 10 episodes of The Labor Line, so be sure to stick around to the end!

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Valeria

08:06 - Pregnancy: Nausea, Birthing Classes, & Community Support

24:44 - Labor: Positive Delivery of a Big Baby With an Epidural at 42 Weeks

27:40 - Postpartum: Cranky Nurses, Negotiating Medical Bills, & Exclusively Pumping

42:26 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

45:58 - 10 Lessons From 10 Episodes

Unexpected Twins + Early Labor | Madeline’s Birth Story

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my friend Madeline, whose twin pregnancy was as surprising as it was thrilling! From working with a midwife at a birth center to mitigate fearmongering common with a twin pregnancy, to being lifeflighted (!!) to an unfamiliar hospital, only to be discharged a few days later, and ultimately having a C-section at 32 weeks, Madeline’s story is a wonderful example of staying strong in your convictions through the twists and turns of pregnancy.

In this episode:

A subchorionic hematoma at 5 weeks
Faulty genetic tests with a false positive for the Trisomy 18 marker
Early labor sparked on by a symptomless UTI
C-Section prompted by a misread of the size of her babies
3-week and 6-week NICU stays
Difficulty feeling bonded to both babies amidst postpartum depression
Advocating for yourself and your baby no matter what!

Madeline’s story is a beautiful reminder that birth rarely goes according to plan, but your voice and your resilience matter every step of the way. If you need encouragement to trust yourself through the unpredictable journey of pregnancy and postpartum, this is the episode for you.

Full episode transcript available at thelaborline.com/episodes

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Madeline

06:29 - Pregnancy: Subchronic Hematoma, Inaccurate Genetic Tests, & Rejecting Fearmongering

32:52 - Labor: Unnecessary Lifeflight, Size Discrepancy Worries, & a C-Section Delivery

56:41 - Postpartum: NICU Stays, Newborn Bubble, Postpartum Depression, & Learning to Bond

1:16:32 - To My Pre-Mom Self…

RhoGAM Shots + ICP Diagnosis | Lauren’s Birth Stories

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my lifelong friend Lauren, who had 3 unique birth experiences that all informed one another. From a positive introduction into motherhood with her first, to a mentally difficult postpartum experience with her second, followed by a diagnosis of ICP (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy) with her third, Lauren’s story reminds us that no two births are alike– even in the same family!

In this episode:

Two failed epidurals
Utilizing RhoGAM shots
Real talk about postpartum anxiety + intrusive thoughts
Beyond just the itchiness of ICP
A one-push unmedicated delivery
The power of preventative meds + uplifting community

Lauren has a way of telling it like it is without leaving you feeling heavy or overwhelmed (I mean, she is a rock-star of a therapist after all). Her candid discussion of the various curveballs that come with each new pregnancy reminds us to always ALWAYS check in on our friends, even the ones we think have it all together.

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along on Instagram @thelaborline

Trigger Warning: Discussion of suicidal ideation (40:16 to 40:30 & 1:06:06)

Resources mentioned in this episode:

More information on the RhoGAM shot

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Lauren

09:05 - 1st Pregnancy: Positive Introduction Into Motherhood

18:38 - 1st Labor: Failed Epidural -- Didn't Feel Contractions, But Felt Everything While Pushing

23:02 - 1st Postpartum: Sweet Bonding Time + Supportive Community

25:58 - 2nd Pregnancy: Utilizing Clomid for Fertility + RhoGAM shot

35:20 - 2nd Labor: Induction + Another Failed Epidural

38:01 - 2nd Postpartum: Anxiety, OCD Tendencies, & Breastfeeding Challenges

44:09 - 3rd Pregnancy: Itchiness with ICP (Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy)

52:27 - 3rd Labor: Quick, One-Push Unmedicated Birth

01:01:42 - 3rd Postpartum: The Power of Preventative Meds + Uplifting Community

01:12:30 -To My Pre-Mom Self...

Surrendering to Birth + Peaceful C-Section | Mariah’s Birth Story

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my friend Mariah, who brings her wisdom as an emotional processing yoga coach to the world of birth. From dreaming of a quiet, at-home birth to some late pregnancy hurdles that led to an unexpected, but peaceful C-section, Mariah’s journey is a crash course in the power of surrendering.

In this episode:

The nuances of pursuing a home birth in a medically motivated state
Staying grounded as a mom with OCD
Cholestasis + pre-eclampsia
Trusting your body and your baby amid uncertainty
Breech baby + empathetic hospital staff
The untold difficulties of overproduction in breastfeeding + D-MER

Mariah’s story is a testament to the importance of staying true to your inner voice as you enter the unpredictable world of motherhood. Her insights have forever changed how I view birth and the beautiful balance between a mother and her baby.

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along on Instagram @thelaborline

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Mariah’s Honey, Be Yoga Instagram

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Mariah

06:54 - Pregnancy: Instant Connection to Baby, Switching Doctors, & Late Term Hurdles

28:49 - Delivery: Pre-eclampsia, Breech Baby, Empowering Hospital Staff, & Positive C-Section

56:21 - Postpartum: Overproduction in Breastfeeding, Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex, & Emotional Struggles

1:13:33 - To My Pre-Mom Self...

Polyhydramnios Induction + Redemptive Water Birth | Maddie’s Birth Stories

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my friend Maddie, whose birth stories are as powerful as they are different. From a long, exhausting hospital induction with polyhydramnios to a fast, redemptive unmedicated birth at a birth center—plus the emotional experience of miscarriage in between—Maddie shares it all with honesty, insight, and so much heart.

In this episode:

3 DAYS of hospital labor (48+ hours unmedicated!)
Moving across the country with a newborn
Coping with a miscarriage
The shock of a subchorionic hemorrhage
Healing, unmedicated birth center experience
A birth prep must = Disney Jeopardy!

Maddie’s story is one of strength, surrender, and showing up with love. I know y’all will be just as moved by it as I was.

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along on Instagram @thelaborline

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols

New Sibling Course Pack by LoveEvery

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Maddie

08:13 - Deciding to Have Kids

11:39 - 1st Pregnancy: Exhaustion + Polyhydramnios

17:55 - 1st Labor: Induction, 3 DAYS of Labor, & Epidural

25:33 - 1st Postpartum: No Sleep + Cross-Country Move

30:18 - Miscarriage: Grief + Emotional Support

45:08 - 2nd Pregnancy: Physical Prep + Subchorionic Hemorrhage

56:25 - 2nd Labor: Birth Center + Redemptive Water Birth

1:29:00 - 2nd Postpartum: Quick Healing + Adjusting to 2 Children

1:35:00 -To My Pre-Mom Self..

Successful IUI + Positive Pregnancy | Annika’s Birth Story

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week, I’m joined by my friend from home, Annika, who is such a kind and resilient person.

After wrestling with several chronic health issues in her early twenties, Annika shares her winding road to mom-hood, including her IUI journey, her positive pregnancy experience, an induction, an epidural, 30 HOURS of labor, and the emotional decision to pivot to a C-section. She also talks about utilizing accelerated resolution therapy (or ART) to process her birth experience.

In this episode:

Unanticipated infertility + IUI success
Enjoying pregnancy after infertility
Elective induction + inability to dilate
Mental and emotional coping during a C-section
Reflecting on the vulnerability required in motherhood

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along on Instagram @thelaborline

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Annika’s 30-Minute Nutrition Podcast

Annika’s Digital Diet Tech Page

Roku Stick to add to your hospital bag

Empowering Birth + Comforting Community | Anahi's Birth Story

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my college friend, Anahi, who’s a true girl’s girl and all-around gem.

She shares what it was like emotionally adjusting to pregnancy, how she and her husband tackled labor as a team, and her empowering (mostly unmedicated!) birth story with an epidural at the 12-hour mark. We also dive into the raw postpartum haze, and the tough emotions that came with returning to work just three months after giving birth.

Anahi’s story is full of love, honesty, and community, highlighting the people who showed up for her in big and small ways. This episode feels like a warm hug for any new or expecting parent.

In this episode:

The emotional adjustment of pregnancy
Prepping mentally for a positive birth
A mostly unmedicated labor with an epidural assist
Supportive nurses + birth team wins
The guilt and growth of returning to work postpartum

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along on Instagram @thelaborline

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Anahi

06:19 - Pregnancy: Adjusting to "New Normal" Mentally & Emotionally

19:32 - Labor: Late Stage Epidural + Supportive Husband, Mom, & Medical Staff

36:29 - Postpartum: Raw Emotions + Relying on Others for Support

41:59 - Returning to Work: Mom Guilt & Putting Your Child First

49:23 - To My Pre-Mom Self...

Big Babies + ZTTK Diagnosis | Becca's Birth Stories

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my sister-friend Becca, the kind of mom who brings light, laughter, and a roll-with-the-punches attitude to everything life (and birth) throws at her.

She walks us through her 10-year journey into motherhood, which BEGAN with a 10+ pound baby (yes, really) and has since included:

Gestational diabetes
Jaundice
A rare genetic diagnosis
Three C-sections
Four cross-country moves
Oh yeah– and three graduate degrees between her and her husband in their "spare" time!

Today, she shares her insights into juggling the raw emotions of motherhood, including life after pregnancy loss, staying optimistic amidst the chaos, and relishing in the little everyday joys. Her story is an example of the adaptability required to be a modern mom that gives hope to anyone wondering, “How can I do this?”

Fair warning, today’s episode comes with a lot of laughter and stories from the OR that will leave your jaw on the floor!

In this episode:

Long labor that led to 3 planned C-sections
Managing gestational diabetes like a champ
Navigating pregnancy loss while raising toddlers
What not to say to someone while tying their tubes
A rare ZTTK syndrome diagnosis that transformed their family.

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along on Instagram @thelaborline

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Becca

07:11 - Were We Truly Ready to be Parents?

08:40 - 1st Pregnancy: Intense Nausea in the Texas Heat

13:49 - 1st Delivery: 29 Hours & An Epidural Into a C-Section

27:26 - 1st Postpartum: A Positive Transition Into Parenthood

31:05 - 2nd Pregnancy: Learning to Manage Gestational Diabetes

38:00 - 2nd Delivery: Positive Planned C-Section + Skin-to-Skin

40:57 - 2nd Postpartum: Jaundice, Sleep Struggles, &Community Support with 2 Under 2

46:30 - Processing Pregnancy Loss

48:22 - 3rd Pregnancy: Minor Gestational Diabetes & Enlarged Brain Ventricles

52:32 - 3rd Delivery: Planned C-Section + NICU Stay

57:34 - 3rd Postpartum: Unique Developmental Struggles + COVID

1:01:41 - Journey to a ZTTK Diagnosis

Hospital Fiascos + Hip Dysplasia | Lindsy's Birth Story

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0600

This week on The Labor Line, I’m joined by my powerhouse of a mom-friend, Lindsy, who brings the kind of raw, beautiful honesty that this podcast is all about.

After a smooth pregnancy, things took a wild turn: her OB completely ghosted her, the backup Physician's Assistant dropped the ball, and on the morning of delivery, Lindsy found out her baby was breech (even though she’d been told for weeks he was head-down).

She opens up about the real emotions of an unexpected C-section, how it felt to be dismissed by medical staff, and the heartbreak and resilience that came with her baby’s hip dysplasia diagnosis. Oh! And did I mention, I was her doula?

This is a story about trusting your gut, fighting for your voice, and learning to bond with your baby even when birth doesn’t go the way you imagined.

In this episode:

A positive, uneventful pregnancy (until it wasn’t)
Getting ghosted by your OB + a careless backup PA
A surprise breech diagnosis and C-section delivery
Real talk on trauma, healing, and bonding with baby
Encouragement for parents learning to advocate for themselves

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

📱 Follow along @thelaborline

Chapters:

00:00 - Meet Lindsy

06:52 - A Smooth, Unplanned Pregnancy

11:34 - Doctor Red Flags

13:58 - A Breech Baby & Traumatic, Unexpected C-Section

24:36 - Careless Nurses & High Blood Pressure

30:16 - The Grief of Unmet Expectations

37:29 - Advocate For Yourself!!

46:32 - Bonding With Baby After Difficult Birth

49:43 - Finding Peace & Meaning

Miraculous Fertility + Battling Breastfeeding | Kylie's Birth Story

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0600

Welcome to the very first episode of The Labor Line! I’m your host, Emily — a non-mom who’s always been weirdly obsessed with birth. (Like… childhood Barbie birth scenarios obsessed.)

To kick things off, I’m joined by my dear friend Kylie, who may or may not have told her OB to shut up while pushing. From not being sure she even wanted kids, to navigating fertility struggles, Kylie takes us through all the twists, turns, and TUMS of pregnancy (hello, carpal tunnel and raging heartburn).

We talk about her labor and delivery — the real stuff, like what surprised her, what hurt, and what helped. And we dive into the postpartum fog, including her breastfeeding journey and how she found support when things got hard.

If you’re into real, vulnerable, laugh-through-the-tears kind of birth stories, you’re in the right place.

In this episode:

Changing your mind about motherhood
Carpal tunnel, heartburn, and other pregnancy joys 🙃
The emotional weight of labor + delivery
Real talk about breastfeeding and asking for help
Words of love and encouragement for new moms

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday.

📱 Let’s hang out @thelaborline

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Practically Pain-Free Birth Course by the Mighty Mama Movement

Labor like a Goddess by Lauren Mahana

Motherlove More Milk Plus by Motherlove

Chapters

00:00 - Introducing: The Labor Line!!

05:49 - Meet Kylie

11:15 - A Winding Road to Pregnancy

20:31 - Pregnancy: Carpal Tunnel, Birthing Prep, & Peeling Wallpaper

32:48 - Labor: Pain Reality Check, Epidural Relief, & Squatted Pushing]

45:14 - Breastfeeding: A Tounge Tie Mystery

59:12 - To My Pre-Mom Self…