Episodes

Send us Fan Mail Preparing your hospital bag for labor and delivery can feel overwhelming, especially when Pinterest lists make it seem like you need to pack your entire house. In this episode of The Birth Journeys Podcast®, labor and delivery nurse Kelly Hof breaks down what you actually need in your hospital bag, what the hospital already provides, and how to avoid overpacking during pregnancy. If you’re a first-time mom wondering: What should I pack in my hospital bag? Wha...

Send us Fan Mail Contractions don’t just hurt—they can trigger a full-body stress response. Many moms instinctively tense up, hold their breath, or make high-pitched sounds, which can push the nervous system into fight-or-flight and make labor feel more intense and harder to manage. In this episode, we break down the science of labor breathing techniques and vocalization in childbirth, and how small shifts in your breath and voice can help you stay calm, grounded, and more in control during c...

Send us Fan Mail Postpartum isn’t just physical recovery after birth, it’s the beginning of becoming a mother. In this episode, we talk about what postpartum really feels like and why so many women feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unlike themselves after having a baby. If you felt prepared for birth but unprepared for postpartum, you are not alone. Many new moms experience intense changes, including hormone shifts, sleep deprivation, and pressure to feel confident. This can lead to thoughts like...

Send a text How do you mentally prepare for labor — not just physically, but emotionally? Many pregnant women spend months creating a birth plan and learning about labor positions, breathing, and hospital policies. But one of the most important parts of childbirth preparation is often missing: how you show up for the experience of labor itself. In this episode of The Birth Journeys Podcast, labor and delivery nurse Kelly Hof, BSN, RNC-EFM, shares a powerful conversation with mentor Neri Life ...

Send a text Preparing Your Older Child for Labor and a New Baby If you're pregnant with baby number two (or more) and wondering how to prepare your older child for labor, the hospital, and life with a new sibling — this episode is for you. What happens to your toddler when labor starts? What if childcare falls through? Should your older child come to the hospital? How do you prevent sibling jealousy after baby arrives? As a labor and delivery nurse and mom of two, I walk you...

Send us a text A hurricane on the horizon, contractions five minutes apart, and a quick detour through a Chick-fil-A drive-thru—Erin’s first birth story doesn’t read like any class manual. What followed was a long labor, Pitocin without pain relief when an epidural failed, and a body contorting into whatever position brought a sliver of relief. When the anesthesiologist finally got it right and her waters were broken, everything shifted—one push and Kylie arrived. Together we unpack why that ...