I listened to this podcast before getting pregnant and all throughout my pregnancy journey. At my 36 week appointment things changed very fast for me. I went from one slightly elevated blood pressure reading at 35 weeks to my midwife telling me I most likely would be induced the next day at my 36 week appointment. I credit this podcast with all the knowledge I walked into that induction with. I was able to consent to certain procedures with confidence and deny others. I was indeed induced the next day and less than 48 hours laster our daughter arrived. I did the daily exercises and truly believe that flipped out girl and got her in optimal position. Next baby I am not procrastinating and will be taking her course!!

I am a pelvic floor PT and I first started listening to this podcast to learn more information about pregnancy and birth for my clients. I continued to listen throughout my own pregnancy and was overwhelmed at the amount of helpful information that helped me prepare mentally and physically for my own delivery. I loved listening to all the positive birth stories and found the information in the class very helpful. I am now a proud mama of a 2 week old little girl and enjoying all the information in the postpartum course! Thank you Stephanie for all that you do <3

I give this podcast credit for my amazing unmedicated birth experience! Education is key to an amazing birth experience and this podcast provides it! I was unable to take the birth course by the time I found this podcast because I was already enrolled in another, but I learned more from this podcast then I did from that other birth course. I will definitely sign up for their birth course for my next pregnancy! Thank you so much for the time and effort put into this podcast!

Had the absolute best unmedicated birth experience with my first this past October and it’s a huge thanks to this podcast and the My Essential Birth course. I stumbled across this podcast early in my pregnancy and was immediately hooked. Listened to all episodes and some more than once! Will forever be grateful to you Steph, for teaching me all things pregnancy and birth and helping me believe in my baby and body. Went into pregnancy nervous about birth but ended up delivering a close to 9lb baby girl completely unmedicated thanks to your teachings and guidance.

I’m so happy I found this podcast! I was like 33 weeks pregnant when I found it and it helped me so much! I learned a lot and lost the fear of giving birth. I really appreciate that this podcast is not full of advertisements, too! I bought the online course and got more knowledge and did the exercises and meditations. My birth experience: I went to the hospital in early labor and gave birth to my baby boy after 14 hours. I dilated perfectly without stalls and had no medical interventions. I trusted my body and that I’m built to give birth. Thank you so much for your podcast and online course! You taught me everything what I needed to know ❤️

Candi Fraiser was great. Good info for women.

So thankful to stumble upon this inspiring podcast around 26 weeks pregnant while searching for info on the Fresh Test. That episode became the first of MANY that I devoured during the last 14 weeks of my pregnancy. Listening to and internalizing all of the birth stories and especially Stephanie’s empowering explanations of unmediated birth in the birthing course emboldened me to switch my birth plans from the hospital where I had my first two babies to a birthing center at almost 35 weeks pregnant! I became hooked on the prenatal exercises and utilized the meditation tracks every evening, even making my own to relax with before and during labor. I had the labor and delivery experience of my dreams and was truly able to be present during every moment, enjoying the spa- like ambiance of the birthing center culminating in a beautiful water birth. Watching my previously skeptical physician husband fully shift his opinions as we experienced this magical birth together was one of the most rewarding moments of my life. I owe so much to Stephanie for inspiring me to dream big and find my voice. Thank you for blessing me with your work!

Such a blessing of a podcast! I started listening while TTC baby #3 as I wanted a natural unmediated birth after being induced with my first and an emergency c-section with my second. The topics discussed here are easy to understand and implement. I learned SO much even as a third time mom because traditional medicine can often skip over some of the vital topics discussed here. I binged the podcast, followed the birth course and eventually achieved a natural unmediated birth at 38 weeks! The kicker is, my son was born in my home (on accident hahahah) in my husbands hands while doula was on the way and our birth center midwife was on the phone. Such a magical redemption. Thankful for M.E.B for empowering me to trust my body and helping me achieve my VBAC!

I started listening to this podcast around 34 weeks into my 2nd pregnancy. I wish I would’ve found this podcast my first pregnancy and maybe things would’ve been a little different. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to hear all the important details I needed since I joined later in my pregnancy. But boy was I wrong! I ended up listening to the podcast and finished about 95% of the my essential birth course with my husband. I felt so much more empowered that my body could do this all on its own, with the help of the techniques give by Stephanie and Courtney and with the help of my amazing husband. I was able to have an amazing unmedictaed birth I didn’t think I was even capable of doing. It truly is an amazing podcast and I would recommend to anyone having a baby to listen! Even if you’re like me and not experiencing your first birth. I also loved hearing their unbiased & differing opinions/options on things. They truly just want you to have all information to make the choice for you and your baby. Thanks Stephanie and Courtney for all your help.🤍 Love, Michaela C.

Starting listening when my wife got pregnant and I find a lot of the information helpful and really interesting. I try to go out of my way to listen to episodes that present views I don’t think I will agree with because I want to hear all sides but it frustrates me that she claims to present the information as unbiased when it is evident that she does not. The longer I listened to the show the more apparent it became that the host leans away from hospitals, doctors, vaccines, etc. and towards unmedicated home birth; no amount of her tacking on “but you should do whatever you think is best” covers up her slanted viewpoint. The episode about bringing your newborn infant child to the chiropractor was the straw that broke the camels back for me. No pun intended. There is simply no evidence that chiropractic care provides long term healing benefits especially when compared to the costs and risks. Furthermore the entire conversation that a baby would need such care because it was “smooshed” while coming through the birthing canal was at odds with her overarching premise that the human body is design for birth. If the body is designed for birth and thus we don’t need typically need medical intervention, why on Earth would an infant need medical intervention after being birthed??? As a final thought, I find it annoying that she routinely makes comments suggesting that only women would be interested in birth or listening to her podcast unless prodded by a birth partner. Seems like a very old fashioned view of pregnancy and birth.

I started listening to this podcast when I was around 30 weeks pregnant & listened whenever I had free time, in the car, shower, washing dishes, etc. I had been told by pretty much everyone that I wouldn’t be able to have an unmedicated birth because of my extremely low pain tolerance but this podcast gave me the mental strength I needed to achieve that even in a scary situation. I ended up going to the hospital at 34 weeks 2 days after waking up with a placental abruption. I ended up going from 3cm to birthing my baby in 3 hours with no epidural. Listening to these podcast & birth stories mentally prepared me in such a short amount of time. I had my baby in July 2023 and still listen to this podcast! I cannot stop recommending this podcast to every pregnant person I know!

I am 17 weeks pregnant with my first and this podcast is EXACTLY what I’ve been looking for. It’s so hard to know what to trust and which ones are worth your time but as soon as I listened to the first episode I KNEW this is what I’ve been looking for. The first one I listened to was one about Unmedicated Birth and it made me SO EXCITED. I already feel more empowered and ready to ask the right questions and figure out what’s best for me after one 50 minute episode! I look forward to my walks and down time 100x more now specifically because of this podcast. THANK YOU!!!

I started listening to “The Episode Your Birth Partner NEEDS to Hear…”, and despite the title making it seem inclusive, “mom” and “dad” were used exclusively so much in the first 5 minutes I didn’t want to continue. If you don’t acknowledge the existence of queer people, then queer people won’t listen to you.

Excellent Information!!! I had a at-home breach birth with my first (only 6 hr), and I was expecting some of the normal “pushing” feelings everyone talks about and was a little confused and very exhausted by the end. Everything worked out and the midwife was extremely skilled - and our baby was born safely into our home. It was very reassuring and empowering (again) to listed more of the technical details of how the breach birth works. Thank you for sharing all of the information you do!! Keep up the great work!

I started listening to this podcast about 1.5 years ago, not pregnant, having just started dabbling with the idea of having kids with my husband. I was never one of those women who wanted to be a mom more than any other calling, never watched a birthing video, always felt awkward around kids, so therefore never really gave much thought to having my own. That is, until I met my husband and my whole world changed!! We got married and (even before we were married) started talking about having kids - and I never felt so in tune with my life and with God. I started listening to this podcast to basically catch me up on 32 years of baby/motherhood knowledge I felt everyone else had. It has been an absolute life saver AND I’m happy to say we are 33 weeks and going to be giving birth to our baby girl at home is less than 2 months. Armed with all the confidence and knowledge this podcast provides, I am not scared or stressed, I have had a breeze of a pregnancy, and my husband officially thinks I’m a bad*** for confidently choosing homebirth as a first time mom 🥰💪🏻 I highly recommend for ALL women, whether you’re just interested in the possibility of having a baby or already have a few. I also can’t recommend enough the birth course AND post partum course - all your questions you may have about your upcoming pregnancy/birth/post baby life changes are answered. Thank you Stephanie!!!

Loved this podcast for my first birth, now I’m pregnant with my second child and am listening again. Would love to hear your experience and opinion on VBACs.

This podcast has helped me prepare so much. Listening to positive birth stories has taken a lot of the fear I once felt away. That being said this latest episode about breech births I had to turn off at the 45 min mark. The guest throws out some statistics that she kept saying were low, but seemed really scary to me. So if you’re feeling sensitive maybe skip this ep unless you find yourself needing breech birth information. Overall, I’ve learned a lot and am thankful I found this podcast as a resource. I plan to continue to listen to the positive birth stories till it’s my turn in September. Super powerful to hear!

As a first time mom I found the pod and started binging everything Steph had to offer. I felt so prepared thoughout pregnancy, labor and delivery because of her tools and recommendations. I ultimately chose to do an unmedicated birth in a low intervention labor room with an OB who followed my birth map and respected my decisions. I wouldn’t change a thing about my pregnancy, labor or delivery because of the knowledge I gained and autonomy I had throughout! I send this podcast to all of my friends when they find out they’re pregnant!

I think this review is going to be long... First-time mom here! I started listening to this podcast during my first trimester, and I was always sure that when my pregnancy approached its final stretch, I would take the birth course, for sure. My intention was to learn how the health system works in this country since I am from Venezuela, and things work very differently there. I needed to learn what I would face during my pregnancy and birth living in New York. Unfortunately, my pregnancy and my life have gone through many challenges in the recent months. The results of the genetic test (NIPT) came back with a high risk for triploidy, and I had to undergo an amniocentesis. After many tears and days of waiting, I received the news that my baby was healthy, and that the test results could be caused by a vanishing twin or perhaps just a false positive. Everything started to go well and my partner and I decided to move apartments and rent a bigger place to receive our baby. By surprise, on the same day that we signed the lease contract and paid for our new apartment, my partner received the news that he was being laid off. 😔 We just moved to our new place, and here I am, 32 weeks pregnant, underpaid, working full-time, without the right to paid maternity leave, exhausted but doing the best I can, and he is moving heaven and earth to get a job as soon as possible. This took away my hopes of joining the birth course and many other plans I had, but with all the things I have learned on the podcast, I feel empowered and have enough knowledge to get to meet my baby soon. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and your experiences with us. Thanks, Stephanie, and thanks also to Courtney because I listened to all of your episodes girls and enjoyed them and learned so so much. I didn't know what type of birth I wanted, and thanks to you I now know what I want, and I am confident in myself because I have the tools and knowledge to bring my baby into the world the way I deserve it. In my heart, you are not only my teachers but you’re also my friends. ❤️ Lots of love from this foreign mom-to-be living in New York.

As a mom whose endured 6 previous back to back miscarriages, listening and being informed on pregnancy and labor is preparing me for our THRIVING baby we are about to welcome to the world in September. I’m so blessed to listen to these stories and information I need.

Your episodes always make me feel more calm about everything pregnancy related! I asked questions on Instagram and you made another episode about it to answer my questions. Thank you for always catering to the women you serve and ensuring we are informed about what is happening during pregnancy birth and postpartum. I always recommend your podcasts and the three exercises! I did the three exercises and had a fast labor and only pushed for 12 minutes with my first baby. Baby number 2 is due in July and hoping for a similar experience. Thank you again! -Ashley

I am obsessed with this podcast! During my pregnancy I listened to every episode and I felt so much more educated on birth and prepared for it. Would recommend to any pregnant mom!!

I just had my third baby a few months ago and I wish I would have known about this class and podcast for my other two. I never felt more prepared going into birth and even though things didn’t go exactly how I wanted, I was well informed and able to make decisions for my self and able to have a natural birth in a hospital. This podcast has been so great but the class goes into so much more detail and I highly recommend taking it if you haven’t already! I can’t thank you guys enough.

I had felt so defeated after having a traumatic vaginal birth full of interventions and a painful C-section with my 2nd. With my 3rd, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to even try for a VBAC as I had no confidence in my own ability to birth my baby. Then…. as if by divine intervention, I found this podcast during that 3rd pregnancy. It changed everything for me. I went from feeling like birth happened to me twice to going on to have two more babies via beautiful and redemptive VBACs (last one completely unmedicated). Stephanie does a great job informing mothers on their options and potential hiccups in the pregnancy and birthing process so listeners can make the best decision for themselves and their babies. This podcast and the birth course are a must for any woman. My husband was also grateful for the easily digestible information from both the podcast and course. I am forever thankful and still listen to the podcast weekly ❤️ - Katie

Binge listener here! Third time mom prepping for my natural birth (March/April due window!) after my first two births didn’t quite go as expected. I love the unbiased and extremely informative conversations, and have been going back to listen to all the labor prep episodes as baby time nears! I especially like the early episode about what to do when you’re sick of being pregnant… haha! Thanks for all you do.

This podcast and birth course helped me overcome the anxiety I had after my first birth that was filled with interventions. With all the information this podcast offers and the birth course, I was empowered and was able to have an unmedicated amazing birth experience with my second! So grateful for the My Essential Birth course and the pregnancy and birth made easy podcast. I’m obsessed with all things pregnancy and postpartum now!

So much great info, I truly can't stop listening! I was quite nervous about birth before but honestly cannot wait. Thank you for all of the great content and your advocacy for a natural birth!

Prepping for my first birth with a deployed husband - I feel like there are so many extra worries in addition to figuring out pregnancy and birth. Finding this podcast, I’m actually getting excited about my pregnancy and birth because I feel educated without feeling pressured in a certain direction. Thanks for helping me get my excitement back!

I wanted to reach out and personally thank you for all of the work that you put into your web course and podcast. I listened to your podcast every day throughout my recent pregnancy and I know that it made a significant difference in my pregnancy and labor. I am a first time mama and got to have the home birth of my dreams next to my husband, mom (and doula) and midwife. Throughout my first trimester, I was so anxious about labor and delivery and was so uneducated in all aspects of birth. Thanks to your podcast, not only was I empowered to have my baby at home, but it was unmedicated too! And despite complications and almost needing to transfer to hospital, I had so much peace and confidence throughout every contraction. My whole labor was only 9 hours, with pushing for just over one hour. My midwife said if baby hadn’t been in a posterior position, she would have missed my birth! I know not everyone gets to have a birth like this, but I know my experience is thanks to the preparations I made from listening to your online course and podcast. Thank you!!

This podcast has been one of the few that have brought me some peace and overall knowledge without scaring me about pregnancy. I love the positive birth stories and the educational ones like rhogam, hemorrhages, etc. thank you and I will be joining the course for next baby!!

I have listened to this podcast during my first and second pregnancies. The second time around, I also purchase the My Essential Birth course to prepare for a “natural” delivery in a hospital setting and hired a doula. I was more prepared the second time. The podcast is wonderful and is packed full of information. However, I would recommend investing in the birth course as it gives a comprehensive, organized and sequential overview of the L&D process and how to prepare. Thank you, Stephanie and team for your amazing work to support and empower pregnant women!

First time mom here. I have learned so much during this pregnancy listening to multiple podcasts. I came across this podcast going into my 3rd trimester and it became my favorite to listen to. It was both educational as well as positive and empowering. It just made me feel good. Stephanie knows what she is talking about and her presentation is very down to earth and easy to understand. My favorite episodes are the birth stories. I love the way Stephanie approaches them and the questions she asks. I love hearing the different ways birth looks for every mom. I also loved the mindset they put me, filling me with confidence that I can do this too. We are planning a unmedicated homebirth, and I will be listening to this podcast till that day comes and even after . Thank you for helping me prepare for this birth !!

I have been listening to this podcast for close to a year now and have become so passionate about educating myself and others on pregnancy and birth! My husband and I have been married for a year and a half & plan to start a family within the next few years. Stephanie, your podcast has made me feel prepared & empowered for when that time comes. I can’t wait to start our family & I will definitely be taking the birth course. I have been sharing this podcast with anyone and everyone who will listen! THANK YOU!!

Found this podcast at 4 weeks pregnant with an unexpected baby! I’m only 21 and had ZERO knowledge of anything birth or baby related and was so in the dark. This podcast has provided me with so much confidence and knowledge, I’m now 32 weeks and planning for an un medicated hospital birth! Thank you so much for all your podcast and the birth course!

I first heard of the My Essential Birth podcast through someone’s TikTok post and started listening to it on my commute to work around the end of second trimester/start of third trimester. It was going to be my first birth and I knew I wanted to do it unmedicated, if possible, but I had no idea what to do to prepare myself. I listened to all of the episodes that mentioned unmedicated births and it gave me hope that not only could it be possible, but it can be a positive experience as well. I got the unmedicated birth that I wanted and my daughter was born exactly on her due date! I absolutely love sharing my birth experience with others. Thank you Stephanie for your wonderful podcast!

I started listening when I was around 6 weeks pregnant and I cannot get enough of this podcast. I’m now 25 weeks and will be signing up for the birth course this weekend. I already feel so much more prepared and well educated about pregnancy and birth just from listening and can’t wait to start the course. I love how all the information is presented in an objective way for you to interpret and make educated decisions on your own. I HIGHLY recommend this podcast to all my pregnant friends and even anyone who is trying to become pregnant. I look forward to continuing to listen and learn!

If you’re thirsty for knowledge and want to dive deep into pregnancy learning, then this podcast is for you. I have already been through pregnancy twice with pretty good experiences, but the My Essential Birth Podcast has expanded my understanding of not only the birth process, but with tools to help me navigate the ever changing medical landscape of pregnancy and birth. I think the greatest tool of all is the in-depth research that Stephanie provides as well a relatable and caring touch. Stephanie is not only a great host but someone who truly cares about her listeners and wants to help women have positive birth experiences. I know this because she has discussed my questions personally and given me resources to explore on my own. I’m so glad I found this podcast!

I listened to this podcast during my entire first pregnancy. I loved the mix of birth stories, education, and practices. I felt empowered to advocate for myself and ask a lot of questions, which lead to confidence in my body and trust in my provider. I chose the epidural route and was satisfied with my experience bringing my son into the world. I just found out I am pregnant with baby #2 and started listening again. Stephanie feels like an old friend and I can’t wait to catch up with her! Honestly, I could go on and on about how this podcast has been a blessing and encouragement in my motherhood journey.

I highly recommend this podcast to anyone expecting, and I highly recommend the course as well. Between the podcast and course, I was empowered to switch providers at 32 weeks and have the home birth I wanted. My midwife and doula were so impressed by how much information I knew and how prepared I was. It was all thanks to My Essential Birth. Thank you Stephanie!

I absolutely love this podcast and literally recommend it to every single pregnant woman I see and to friends and family who are starting their pregnancy journey! I truly believe knowledge is power especially in a world where women tend to have to advocate a little harder than we’d like. I have a 16 month old and my husband and I are starting our journey of adding another babe so naturally I need to re-listen and listen to all the new episodes. Words can’t describe how much I love the podcast - keep doing what you’re doing and know your work is SO appreciated.

Your very last podcast was made for me (212)! My fiancé and I want children very soon after we get married, I know exactly the kind of birth that I want, he’s hesitant because he’s worried something will happen outside of a hospital. Im definitely strapping him to a chair and make him listen to all your episodes haha!

I binge listened to this podcast! It was so helpful to listen to and learn all of the things I didn’t know about labor and childbirth, even though this was my second pregnancy. I decided I wanted to do a natural delivery this time around and this podcast taught me so much. I am happy to say I am 3 weeks postpartum after a wonderful 4 hour labor and delivery and what I learned from this podcast is totally how I was able to make that happen. I recommend this to all of my friends who are expecting and I still listen to it even though I have delivered!

I just LOVE this podcast. I found you just by searching pregnancy podcasts as I am currently almost 20 weeks pregnant with our rainbow baby. I’m naturally anxious and my ways to cope are often educating myself via reading or listening to podcasts. Finding this has been a lifesaver and has actually made me more comfortable with doing a natural delivery and standing in my decision. Even getting hubs into listening too! Going to be signing up for the birth course soon. Can’t wait!! And also thank you for creating this podcast!

As a first time mom, I did so much research before we tried to conceive because I wanted to determine what kind of birth would be best for me and I wanted to prepare as best I could for pregnancy. Coming across Stephanie’s podcast was the biggest blessing! It was exactly what I needed to make an educated decision regarding what was best for me and my baby. After listening to her extensive knowledge on everything birth related, I decided that a home birth was what I wanted! I love how Stephanie takes you through the whole process of birth all the way up to what to expect post partum. Because of this podcast, I knew how to advocate for myself, how to select a midwife, how to prepare my mind and body for birth, how to stay healthy during pregnancy…I could go on and on. She discusses almost everything you could ever need to know about birth. Because of the confidence I gained through the information in this podcast, I was able to deliver my baby at home even though she flipped last minute and was breech. Reminding myself that “If they can do it, I can do it”, got me through 30 hours of labor. I am so thankful and blessed that Stephanie has taken the time and energy to put out this podcast. I tell every expectant mother I know about it! Thank you!

I went through and hit “play next” on all the episodes I didn’t want to miss at 38 weeks pregnant (when I realized the books I picked out were never going to get read). I had to be induced but had the confidence to ask for the least interventions (so my waters were broken instead of pitocin given right away). I advocated to walk around and get in the tub and ended up delivering baby without medications (and not even realizing I was about to do it 😅). This podcast gave me the confidence to believe in myself! Thank you!!!

So happy to have found this podcast! I found My Essential Birth at the end of my first trimester. We had hired a doula very early on and was so grateful to have the resources to be able to do so. However, being a military family I think My Essential Birth is awesome for anyone who may not have those resources readily available. And even for those who do! Had we found My Essential Birth earlier on, we probably would have done both. I found so much comfort in this podcasts the last few weeks (currently 38 weeks and READY). Any last minute fears, questions, concerns or things I hadn't even thought of were addressed in these podcasts. I listen to them on my walks or while driving to work and have tried many podcasts throughout my pregnancy but only truly enjoyed this one. I love that it is so real, provides non bias information, and personal stories that are so relatable. As someone who enjoys structure and controlled chaos, pregnancy is not that and I believe knowledge is power. My NP even said the other day, "you know what you're talking about, so I am not worried about you wanting to make your own decisions". Would love to provide an update when my dude arrives and would be happy to share my story on the other side! Thank you so much!! :)

This podcast was one of the most fantastic resources throughout my entire pregnancy and helped me feel very prepared and informed ahead of my birth this past spring. I had a spectacular birth experience and was able to navigate conversations with my providers confidently to ensure that my baby and I were safe but that my preferences and values were adhered to and respected. I showed this podcast to my doula and will continue telling friends and family about it any chance I get!

I found this podcast about a week ago and have not stopped binging episodes. I really love the positive birth stories! It seems most of my friends have traumatizing birth experiences, normally ending in an emergency c section. Since before getting pregnant my husband and I have discussed working towards an unmedicated hospital birth. I’m now 23 weeks pregnant and feeling more confident than ever that we can do this! Thanks for giving an amazing resource of knowledge and positivity!

This podcast was my best resource during pregnancy! I just had my first baby and before the birth I listened to every episode of this podcast! My birth preferences went out the door when my babe was diagnosed with fetal growth restriction and I was scheduled to be induced early. This podcast gave me the strength and knowledge to stay positive and continue forward to have the most amazing natural(ish) hospital birth. Now I have a beautiful baby girl who is as healthy as can be at 1 week old. Thank you!

Pregnant with my second baby and I’m on round 2 of binging every episode because I find them so educational and empowering! Anytime anyone tells me they are expecting I immediately suggest this podcast and birthing course because I know they made all the difference in my first labor.