In this episode, Victoria Gaba sits down with Melissa to unpack her deeply inspiring and contrasting experiences with infertility, foster care adoption, and plus-size pregnancy. After enduring four years of unexplained infertility, failed IUI cycles, and the heartbreak of back-to-back ectopic pregnancies, Melissa shares the immense shock of conceiving her first biological child completely naturally. She opens up about navigating a maternal healthcare system that immediately labeled her high-risk based purely on her BMI, forcing her to transition to a specialty hospital over an hour away for labor and delivery. Melissa walks listeners through the clinical realities of her first high-risk induction at 38 weeks, detailing the intense discomfort of a Foley balloon, an unexpected birth-day diagnosis of preeclampsia, and the terrifying moment her newborn son was rushed to the NICU with low Apgar scores.

Her path took an entirely different turn with her second pregnancy, which occurred unexpectedly within just one cycle of an IUD removal. Facing gestational hypertension while chasing a toddler during a record-breaking summer heatwave, her second induction moved at lightning speed.

Melissa highlights the profound importance of maternal self-advocacy, recalling how she successfully demanded proactive pain management and navigated the panic of sudden fetal heart rate decels that required an emergency amnioinfusion to relieve cord pressure. From the overwhelming quiet of an empty delivery room to a profoundly healing golden hour with her daughter, Melissa shares an unfiltered look into her choice to pursue exclusive pumping for over a year.

Shutting out the toxic algorithms of internet doom-scrolling, this conversation is an essential resource for mothers looking for real, relatable insight into navigating medical bias, handling induction curveballs, and celebrating the unpredictable rhythms of birth.

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Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.

In this episode, host Victoria Gaba sits down with Maddie to discuss her remarkable journey through two vastly different pregnancy and birth experiences, beginning with Maddie's unexpected transition into motherhood at just sixteen years old. Despite a PCOS diagnosis that suggested future fertility hurdles, Maddie’s early experience as a teen parent set the stage for a learning advocacy and grit, ultimately leading her to a high-risk plus-size pregnancy with Di-Di twins years later.

This second journey brought a new set of medical complexities, from the initial shock of discovering multiples during a routine ultrasound to the daily management of diet-controlled gestational diabetes. As her pregnancy progressed, Maddie navigated the physical and emotional weight of being a plus-size mother, confronting societal stigmas and medical biases while her body worked overtime to carry two babies toward a safe delivery.

The narrative takes a critical turn as Maddie describes the sudden onset of severe preeclampsia symptoms—including vision spots, chronic migraines, and significant swelling—which necessitated an immediate hospital admission and a traumatic emergency C-section. She offers a raw, unfiltered look at the grueling realities of a magnesium drip and the physical toll of a spinal block that required seven attempts before successful placement. Once her twins arrived at thirty-four weeks, the family began a month-long NICU journey characterized by the use of CPAPs, NG tubes, and the delicate balance of "touch time" and "scent cloth" bonding. Maddie concludes the episode with a transparent discussion on postpartum depression (PPD) and the unique challenges of parenting multiples alongside a seven-year-old, all while managing the external pressures and commentary often directed at plus-size women during their postpartum recovery.

Resources Mentioned:

Hand to Hold NICU Support

Episode 6 | Sydney’s Story

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Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.

In this episode, host Victoria Gaba sits down with first-time mom Cera to unpack the raw and empowering reality of navigating a plus-size pregnancy and a successful vaginal birth after induction. Cera shares her journey from the surprise of a quick conception after thirteen years on birth control to the nuances of receiving "high-risk" prenatal care due to her BMI. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of self-advocacy in the delivery room, explaining how she navigated medical weight stigma, opted for midwifery care, and managed gestational hypertension with a proactive medical team.

The heart of the episode dives into the details of Cera’s 37-week induction, where she discusses the physical hurdles of the Foley balloon, the decision to use an epidural to help her body relax and dilate, and the "fireworks" moment of finally meeting her daughter. Cera also pulls back the curtain on the postpartum fourth trimester, offering a vulnerable look at the mental health toll of low milk supply and the grueling cycle of triple feeding. By sharing her transition to formula and her firm belief that fed is best, Cera provides a supportive roadmap for any parent feeling the pressure of "perfect" breastfeeding.

Whether you are interested in the mechanics of an anterior placenta, looking for tips on managing morning sickness, or seeking a boost of confidence for your own plus-size birth story, this episode is a testament to the fact that our bodies are capable, resilient, and worthy of compassionate care.

Resources Mentioned:

The Heavyweight Midwife

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If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.

Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.