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Pregnancy Podcast

The Pregnancy Podcast provides information that goes way beyond the typical “pregnancy instruction manual” by sharing research-backed, evidence-based information. Vanessa Merten designs every episode to give you all the evidence, research, pros, cons, risks, and benefits. You will have all of the knowledge you need to decide the best options for you and feel confident about your decisions during your pregnancy and beyond. This podcast covers everything from trying to conceive, pregnancy, prenatal care, labor, birth, postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, newborns, and being a new parent.
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Now displaying: August, 2024
Aug 25, 2024
Some of the best breastfeeding resources lack great information on weaning. What you find instead is information on why you should keep breastfeeding and anxiety-inducing articles on all of the things that can go wrong when you stop nursing. Breastfeeding is important, and thankfully, there are many resources for this, but it can be stressful when you are ready to wean and have limited evidence of how to do it. This episode aims to take the anxiety out of weaning. Get actionable tips on stopping breastfeeding and transitioning from being a breastfeeding mother to your next parenting adventure.
 
 
Thank you to our sponsors
 
Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. The Zahler Prenatal +DHA is my #1 recommendation for a high-quality prenatal vitamin. In August 2024, you can save 35% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon with the code PREPOD35. You can always see the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin by clicking here.
 
10% off 8 Sheep Organics with the promo code PREGNANCYPODCAST. The Phyto-Retinol Serum from 8 Sheep Organics is a plant-based alternative to retinol that is safe during pregnancy. This serum contains 2.5% bakuchiol, which has been proven in clinical studies to be just as effective as retinol but much gentler on the skin. The Phyto-Retinol Serum helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, increase new skin cell turnover, reduce and tighten pores, and results in firmer, smoother skin. You can try it risk-free for three months!
 
The FamilyAlbum app: Keep family in the loop + get 11 free photo prints delivered each month CLICK HERE.
FamilyAlbum is a free app that gives parents a private and easy way to share photos and videos of their little ones with family. With FamilyAlbum, you'll get an easy interface to use with the whole family, unlimited photo storage, automatic organization by month with child’s age, no third-party ads, and 11 photo prints every month--all for free! Click here to download the app
 
 
Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode.
 
 
Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more.
 
 
Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners.
 
 
For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.
Aug 18, 2024
New mothers go into breastfeeding with the best intentions. Unfortunately, many run into issues that make breastfeeding difficult or impossible. By six months, three in four babies are fed infant formula. Many researchers have examined why mothers supplement with formula or wean their children before age one to address the low rates of exclusive breastfeeding. There are recurring themes throughout the scientific literature from many countries. This episode examines the top five reasons moms stop breastfeeding early and how you can avoid these issues to reach your breastfeeding goals.
 
 
Thank you to our sponsors
 
Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. The Zahler Prenatal +DHA is my #1 recommendation for a high-quality prenatal vitamin. In August 2024, you can save 35% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon with the code PREPOD35. You can always see the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin by clicking here
 
The FamilyAlbum app: Keep family in the loop + get 11 free photo prints delivered each month CLICK HERE.
FamilyAlbum is a free app that gives parents a private and easy way to share photos and videos of their little ones with family. With FamilyAlbum, you'll get an easy interface to use with the whole family, unlimited photo storage, automatic organization by month with child’s age, no third-party ads, and 11 photo prints every month--all for free! Click here to download the app
 
Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. Each serving of AG1 delivers your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, pre- and probiotics, and more. It’s a powerful, healthy habit that’s also powerfully simple. 
(As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.)
 
 
Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode.
 
 
Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more.
 
 
Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners.
 
 
For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.
Aug 11, 2024
Milk supply is the number one reason mothers quit breastfeeding early or supplement with infant formula. The first line of defense for maintaining or increasing supply is establishing breastfeeding early and frequently breastfeeding or pumping. For many mothers, this is easier said than done. Get tips on what you can do to establish breastfeeding in the first few days and weeks and how to gauge your supply accurately. Learn the evidence on galactagogues, lactogenic pharmaceuticals, foods, and herbs to increase milk supply. Plus, information on oversupply and substances that can decrease the amount of milk you make.
 
 
Thank you to our sponsors
 
Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. The Zahler Prenatal +DHA is my #1 recommendation for a high-quality prenatal vitamin. In August 2024, you can save 35% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon with the code PREPOD35. You can always see the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin by clicking here.
 
The FamilyAlbum app: Keep family in the loop + get 11 free photo prints delivered each month CLICK HERE
FamilyAlbum is a free app that gives parents a private and easy way to share photos and videos of their little ones with family. With FamilyAlbum, you'll get an easy interface to use with the whole family, unlimited photo storage, automatic organization by month with child’s age, no third-party ads, and 11 photo prints every month--all for free! Click here to download the app.
 
Try AG1 and get a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE AG1 travel packs with your first purchase. Each serving of AG1 delivers your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, pre- and probiotics, and more. It’s a powerful, healthy habit that’s also powerfully simple. 
(As a friendly reminder, pregnant or nursing women should seek professional medical advice before taking this or any other dietary supplement.)
 
 
Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode.
 
 
Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more.
 
 
Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners.
 
 
For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.
Aug 4, 2024

During the nine months of pregnancy, your body undergoes more changes than at any other time in your life. Your breasts, in particular, will experience significant transformations from the moment you conceive through the breastfeeding period. These changes include noticeable differences in appearance and sensitivity, as well as internal changes to prepare your body for lactation. Learn how your breasts will change, how much your breasts will increase in size, and how to manage symptoms such as sensitivity, leaking, and stretch marks. The more you are educated about how your breasts develop during pregnancy you can alleviate discomfort and develop a greater appreciation for the hard work your body is doing to prepare for your baby.

 

Thank you to our sponsors

Zahler goes above and beyond to use high-quality bioavailable ingredients like the active form of folate, bioavailable iron, and omega 3s. The Zahler Prenatal +DHA is my #1 recommendation for a high-quality prenatal vitamin. In August 2024, you can save 35% off the Zahler Prenatal +DHA on Amazon with the code PREPOD35. You can always see the current promo code for the Zahler prenatal vitamin by clicking here.
 
Unlock brain-building play with KiwiCo Panda Crate! Get 20% off your first month with code PREGNANCYPODCAST at kiwico.com/panda. The KiwiCo Panda Crate is a bimonthly subscription for babies ages 0-24 months. KiwiCo baby products are safe and high quality and support your baby's rapid development with products that support child-led play and encourage open-ended exploration. Unlock brain-building play with KiwiCo Panda Crate! Get 20% off your first month with code PREGNANCYPODCAST.
 
 
Read the full article and resources that accompany this episode.

 

Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium to access the entire back catalog, listen to all episodes ad-free, get a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book, and more.


Check out the 40 Weeks podcast to learn how your baby grows each week and what is happening in your body. Plus, get a heads up on what to expect at your prenatal appointments and a tip for dads and partners.


For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website.

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