32. Preparing for Labor & Delivery: What to Expect, Birth Options & Making Informed Decisions with Lo Mansfield

Preparing for pregnancy, labor, and delivery can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to make informed decisions about testing, birth plans, and the support team around you. In this episode, I’m joined by Lo Mansfield, RN, certified lactation consultant, mom of four, and the voice behind The Labor Mama. With years of experience in labor and postpartum nursing, Lo walks us through an honest and empowering look at what to expect throughout pregnancy and birth, from understanding prenatal testing and how pregnancy risk can change, to choosing your birth setting, navigating interventions during labor, and feeling more confident advocating for yourself during one of life’s biggest moments.Key topics we cover:What “high-risk pregnancy” actually means and how pregnancy risk can change over timeCommon prenatal tests in the first, second, and third trimestersHow to think through hospital vs. birth center vs. home birth optionsThe differences between an OB, midwife, and doula and how each supports you during pregnancy and birthUnderstanding the cascade of interventions during labor and deliveryHow to prioritize what matters most when making decisions about your birth experiencePain management during labor, including epidurals and other optionsPlanned, repeat, urgent, and emergency C-sections and when they may be necessaryPractical advice for advocating for yourself and asking for time, space, and information during laborLinks:Follow Lo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelabormama Check out her podcast: Lo & Behold: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lo-behold-pregnancy-birth-motherhood/id1813937326 Listen to KC’s episode, episode 32: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tummy-time-sitting-rolling-walking-milestones-made/id1813937326?i=1000743032221 Grab a free copy of the Birth Plan/Birth Priorities tool: http://thelabormama.com/thirdCheck out all of Lo’s online courses & guides: https://thelabormama.com/online-birth-postpartum-and-newborn-classes 🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at [email protected] Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones