Today, Trish breaks down one of the most frightening aspects of early pregnancy: spotting and bleeding. Drawing from her personal experiences (six pregnancies, plus her daughter's recent journey) and her professional expertise as a nurse who has supported thousands of women, Trish explains how knowledge can empower listeners and prevent unnecessary panic. She emphasizes that up to 25% of women experience this, and most pregnancies proceed healthily. Trish breaks down the three types of bleeding, their causes, and when to seek help, all without fear-mongering. Whether listeners are currently spotting or simply preparing, she encourages saving this episode for peace of mind and confidence.

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Key Highlights:

• Why Bleeding Happens (and Why It's Often Okay): Trish covers causes like implantation (the embryo burrowing in), hormonal shifts, a sensitive cervix (from intimacy or exams), or a subchorionic hematoma. Most cases resolve naturally!
• Type 1: Implantation Spotting: Light pink/brown discharge, brief (hours to 2 days), occurring around 6-12 days post-conception. It's a positive sign of pregnancy - no cramping involved.
• Type 2: Cervical Irritation Bleeding: Bright red turning brown, often triggered by sex, exams, or constipation. It stops quickly (within 24 hours) and lacks severe pain.
• Type 3: Concerning Bleeding - The 5 Red Flags to Watch:
• 1. Heavy flow (soaking a pad hourly), bright red lasting >24 hours
• 2. Severe cramps/abdominal pain,
• 3. Passing tissue/clots
• 4. Dizziness/fainting
• 5. Shoulder pain

These concerning bleeding symptoms require immediate attention - Trish advises calling a provider or going to the ER with this script: "I'm X weeks pregnant with [describe color/amount] bleeding and [any symptoms]. I need an evaluation."

What to Do If It Happens: Trish urges always contacting your provider, tracking on a pad, noting symptoms, and advocating firmly - don't accept dismissal! She recommends resting, hydrating, nourishing the body, and seeking support.

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:34 Understanding First Trimester Bleeding
• 02:23 Common Causes of Early Pregnancy Bleeding
• 03:47 Subchorionic Hematoma
• 05:58 Types of First Trimester Bleeding
• 06:09 Implantation Spotting: Early Signs of Pregnancy
• 08:03 Cervical Irritation: Common and Harmless
• 10:44 When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
• 15:11 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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Meredith's passion for the postpartum space began after experiencing a difficult pregnancy, postpartum, and transition into motherhood.

She realized that there was an abundance of resources for pregnant women, but a significant lack of resources for women in the postpartum phase.

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She soon realized her skills as an occupational therapist uniquely suited her to support women in this phase of life.

As an occupational therapist, She helps people accomplish everyday life activities that they both need and want to do.

Being a mother is a role that impacts all areas of our lives, and as mothers, we must continually adjust to changing daily life and routines as our children grow. It can be hard to take care of and prioritize yourself as a mother, and can be isolating to feel like you are the only one struggling with this.

Her special mission is to empower women to take care of themselves while caring for their children and create a source of connection for mothers who are in similar life stages.

Join us as we chat about all things postpartum!

More from Meredith Waymire:

• www.selfcareot.com
• Follow her on Instagram @selfcare_ot

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

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For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

In this powerful birth story episode, Trish sits down with a VBAC Lab student, Kelly Coy, a physician assistant and new mama to baby Carter (who makes a few adorable cameo coos!). Kelly opens up about her traumatic first birth - an unnecessary 38-week induction that ended in a 3-day labor, C-section, postpartum hemorrhage, and a grueling 7-day hospital stay - and how that experience lit a fire in her to prepare differently the second time around.

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Even as a medical professional herself, Kelly felt unprepared to advocate against a system that pushed induction too soon. Determined to have the redemptive VBAC she knew her body was capable of, she joined The VBAC Lab before she was even pregnant (classic Type-A move!) and soaked up every lesson, hangout, and community conversation.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why she chose to decline baby aspirin despite provider pressure (and how that decision played out)
• How the monthly VBAC Happy Hours gave her the confidence and community she needed to navigate tricky decisions
• The night her water broke on its own at 40+1, a 36+ hour labor, laboring in the tub, and an 8-cm epidural that only halfway worked
• The surreal moment she reached down and pulled her son Carter onto her chest herself
• The massive difference in recovery between her C-section and this vaginal birth (yes, even with second-degree tears)
• Why mindset, processing previous birth trauma, and knowing your “why” are absolutely everything when chasing a VBAC

Kelly’s one-word review of The VBAC Lab?

“Empowering.”

If you’re a mama dreaming of a redemptive VBAC, this episode will leave you fired up, educated, and ready to fight for the birth you deserve.

More from this episode:

• Join the VBAC Lab
• Join the Calm Mama Membership

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

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For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Trish tackles one of the hardest parts of the fourth trimester: setting and holding boundaries with the people who love you (and your baby) the most. Fresh off feeling both sides of the boundary conversation in real time with her own daughter, Trish gives you full permission to protect your postpartum peace – no guilt required.

Boundaries without consequences are just suggestions. You do NOT have to open the door, answer the phone, or continue the visit if your boundary is ignored. Protecting your peace is protecting your baby – and that makes you an incredible mother. Tune into this episode for ready-to-use boundary scripts to protect your peace.

If you’re tired of feeling guilty for wanting space, support, or saying “no,” come join the Calm Mama Society. Real talk, real moms, daily access to Trish and a postpartum doula – all for $19/mo (or free for 30 days when you grab a birth course bundle).

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What You’ll Learn:

• Why boundaries aren’t mean – they’re medicine for your healing body, mental health, and new little family
• The truth about postpartum that makes boundaries non-negotiable (leaking boobs, swollen bits, zero sleep, hormone rollercoaster… you get it)
• How setting boundaries early prevents resentment later (even if it stings in the moment)
• Why someone else’s disappointment or pushback is NOT your responsibility
• The perspective shift every grandma, Gigi, mother-in-law, and well-meaning aunt needs to hear

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:28 Understanding the Importance of Postpartum Boundaries
• 03:02 Scripts for Setting Boundaries
• 04:43 Handling Pushback and Guilt
• 06:34 A Grandmother's Perspective
• 09:52 Final Thoughts and Support Resources

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

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For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Today, we're uncovering a practice in many hospitals that could be robbing your baby of a third of their blood volume right after birth. This scientifically backed episode will arm you with everything you need to advocate for delayed cord clamping - a vital decision that can drastically improve your baby's first year of life. From boosting iron levels and enhancing brain development to improving circulation, discover why waiting just a few extra minutes before clamping the umbilical cord is a game-changer for your baby's health. We also tackle common concerns like C-sections and cord blood banking, ensuring you're well-prepared for any scenario. Don't let anyone else make this decision for you; your baby's health is in your hands. Tune in and walk into your delivery room confident and informed.

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Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:58 Understanding the Umbilical Cord
• 02:20 The Importance of Delayed Cord Clamping
• 03:33 Scientific Recommendations and Benefits
• 07:22 Addressing Common Concerns
• 09:26 Empowering Your Birth Choices
• 10:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

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For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Leaving the house with a newborn feels anything but simple, until it suddenly is. In this raw, real, and incredibly practical episode, Trish pulls back the curtain on the invisible mental and emotional load that hits the second you think about stepping outside with your tiny human.

If you’ve ever stood at your front door in leaking boobs, spit-up-covered clothes, wondering “How do people do this?”, this episode is your permission slip, your pep talk, and your step-by-step game plan for leaving your house with a newborn.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

What You’ll Learn:

• Why feeling terrified to leave the house is 100% normal
• The hidden grief of losing the version of you who could just “grab keys and go”
• How to flip the intrusive “What if something goes wrong?” thoughts into “I can handle whatever comes”
• Trish’s viral diaper-bag formula: 1 diaper per hour you’re out + 2 extras (blowout protection without hauling the entire nursery)
• The exact minimalist “go bag” checklist that removes 90% of the decision fatigue
• The #1 timing hack: always leave right after a full feed for the longest calm window
• 3 firm-but-kind boundary scripts to stop strangers from touching or kissing your baby (plus the body language that makes them actually work)
• A 30-second grounding technique (hand on chest + 4-6 breathing) to calm the overwhelm
• Why abandoning a full grocery cart and going home is NOT failing; it’s listening to your intuition (and it’s a win)
• How to stack tiny wins so postpartum confidence actually starts to feel real

Affirmations to Say Out Loud (yes, right now):

• “I’m allowed to have a life AND a baby.” (say it 3x)
• “It’s okay if my baby cries.”
• “I am safe. My baby is safe. I am calm now.”

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:00 The Challenge of Leaving the House with a Newborn
• 01:35 Emotional Load and Invisible Prep Work
• 03:42 Facing the Fear: Building Confidence Step by Step
• 06:21 Practical Tips for Outings with a Newborn
• 09:27 Handling Public Interactions and Boundaries
• 11:17 Grounding Techniques for Overwhelm and Anxiety

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Trish welcomes Dr. Kela Smith, holistic fertility and hormone doctor, and nutritionist. Dr. Kela shares her journey from struggling with unexplained infertility to becoming a mom and a fertility expert. They discuss 'The Hormone Puzzle' - a holistic approach teaching 5 key ways to balance your hormones fast and optimizing fertility through nutrition, detox, stress management, sleep, and functional lab testing. Today Dr. Kela provides actionable insights on improving hormonal health and fertility, making this episode a must-listen for anyone on a fertility journey. Plus, learn about her upcoming projects and where you can find more resources to support your fertility goals.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

More from Dr. Kela Smith:

Visit the HormonePuzzleSociety.com

Connect with her on Instagram: @kela_healthcoach & TikTok: @drkelasmith

Learn more about her Solving Infertility Summit at solving-infertility.com

Listen to the Hormone PUZZLE Podcast

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:41 Dr. Kela's Fertility Journey
• 03:48 Trish's Fertility Story
• 06:21 Understanding Infertility
• 07:39 Five Ways to Balance Hormones
• 13:44 Managing Stress for Hormonal Balance
• 16:00 Improving Sleep Quality
• 18:46 Functional Lab Testing for Fertility
• 21:10 Seeking Professional Support
• 24:23 Conclusion and Resources

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Trish shares her personal experience with severe sleep deprivation and her groundbreaking 'Pump and Cup' method that can help new moms secure five to six hours of uninterrupted sleep. Trish explains the neurological impacts of sleep deprivation, how it affects your brain, and offers practical nighttime protocols to improve your sleep quality. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, recognizing critical warning signs of postpartum depression and anxiety, and seeking support when needed. Tune in for expert advice and compassionate guidance to help you navigate the challenges of sleep deprivation during the postpartum period.

Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cms

Leave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!

Helpful Timestamps:

• 01:49 Understanding Sleep Deprivation
• 03:57 The Pump and Cup Method
• 08:15 Additional Tips for Better Sleep
• 10:18 Recognizing When to Seek Help
• 11:21 Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Well-being

Join the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!

Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.

💻 Self-paced and lifetime access

👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!

🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers.

🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes.

✅ Start now

Join The Birthpod ™ course

Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth Course

Connect w/ Trish:

On Instagram

On YouTube

For more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services