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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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, We sit down with Allison to discuss her incredible journey from a decade of fertility struggles to the birth of her "miracle baby," Juniper. Allison shares the raw reality of navigating pregnancy with PCOS and endometriosis, including the specific 30-day hormone reset that finally led to a positive test.

The conversation dives deep into the unexpected side effects of pregnancy—from extreme arm numbness and ear infections to a sudden pre-eclampsia diagnosis at 37 weeks. Allison also provides a beautiful and rare look at her Navajo cultural traditions, explaining how they influenced her choices regarding medical interventions, labor practices, and the sacred handling of the placenta.

Whether you’re curious about C-section recovery, the stress of a NICU stay following a failed car seat test, or managing postpartum anxiety and high blood pressure, Allison’s story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy and the resilience of a mother’s intuition.

#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #Induction #Csectionmom

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Gauge Girl Fitness

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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, we sit down with Cam, a mom from Utah, to discuss her journey through a high-risk plus-size pregnancy, a 15-hour induction, and an unplanned C-section. Cam shares an honest account of the challenges she faced, from managing a pregnancy following gallbladder surgery to navigating medical bias in the delivery room.

We dive deep into the realities of C-section recovery, the frustration of finding inclusive plus-size maternity clothes, and the "pit of darkness" that was her experience with Postpartum Depression (PPD) at the three-month mark. Now seven weeks pregnant with her second child, Cam reflects on the importance of mental health advocacy, the life-changing impact of therapy, and her hopes for a future VBAC. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a sincere look at the complexities of birth, body image, and postpartum resilience.

#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #Induction #Csectionmom

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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, we sit down with Clara to hear about her unconventional fertility journey and becoming a first-time mother approaching age 40. Clara details a fascinating medical breakthrough: how removing a 20-year-old dental bridge—and resolving a hidden metal allergy and chronic inflammation—allowed her to conceive naturally despite a bicornuate uterus. The discussion provides essential insights into managing a high-risk pregnancy, including navigating plus-size maternal health care, undergoing iron transfusions, and maintaining optimism after an initial pregnancy loss.

The birth story takes center stage as Clara recounts her 35-week induction and the physical toll of a magnesium drip for blood pressure management. Facing a failed epidural and intense hospital protocols, she shares how patient advocacy led to a successful C-section delivery and a healthy baby girl. Clara offers a candid look at postpartum recovery, the reality of exclusive pumping, and the importance of trusting your intuition over rigid medical advice during the early months of motherhood.

#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #Induction #Csectionmom

Resources:

Flow App

Pre-Mom App

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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.

Welcome Javeé Love to the show for a compelling look at the realities of a pregnancy starting at over 500 pounds. After a surprise conception following the loss of her grandmother, Javeé navigated a healthy and uneventful pregnancy despite pre-existing high blood pressure. She sheds light on the limitations within the healthcare industry, recounting how she was initially turned away from an OBGYN before finding an inclusive maternal-fetal medicine team.

This conversation explores the technical aspects of a classical C-section, the recovery benefits of a Pico dressing, and the emotional challenges of being separated from her newborn during a 24-hour ICU monitoring period. Javeé also provides an unfiltered look at mental health, discussing her struggles with prenatal depression and her decision to choose formula over breastfeeding after experiencing DMER. Javeé’s story shows that with a good attitude and a little humor, you can navigate the curveballs and still have a positive pregnancy and birth!

#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #500lbpregnancy #Csectionmom

Connect With Javeé:

TikTok

Stand Up Comedy

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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.

We are joined by Becca Fajardo for a sincere and impactful look at the realities of high-risk motherhood. This episode follows Becca’s journey from handling Type 2 Diabetes and PCOS with significant weight loss to navigating a fertility journey with Letrozole. Becca shares an honest account of receiving a Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) diagnosis mid-pregnancy and the transition into life as part of the "Lucky Few" community.

From a traumatic birth involving shoulder dystocia and an emergency postpartum surgery for a 13cm hematoma to a 17-day NICU stay, this conversation highlights the importance of medical advocacy and support. Whether you are navigating a high-risk pregnancy, looking for Down syndrome resources, or seeking stories of resilient parenting, Becca’s story offers deep insight into the strength and joy found in the unexpected!

#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #downsyndrome #NICUmom

Resources Mentioned:

Mira Ovulation Tracker

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network

Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas

Jack’s Basket

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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.