PODCAST · education
The Birth Class Podcast
by Lizzie Bolliger
Not your typical childbirth education. The knowledge is power approach to better birth experiences. Teaching moms how to take back their births to have the positive and powerful birth experiences they deserve. Hosted by Lizzie Bolliger, fierce birth advocate and creator of Unmedicated Academy.
-
41
Hospital, Birth Center, Home Birth… Which is best? A mom of 6 shares, with Callie Harris
👋 Meet Callie, she's had 2 births at the hospital, 2 at a birth center, and 2 at home. And she's sharing what she has learned from having unmedicated births in every setting.In this episode, we talk about the differences between birth environments, why education and advocacy matter no matter where you plan to give birth, and how understanding physiology can change your entire birth experience. Plus, Callie shares how faith shapes the way she prepares women for birth.____DM Callie on instagram at @thecallieharris
-
40
Precipitous Birth + Hospital Triage: Unhinged birth advice, part 2
Y'all flooded my DMs and comments after the Dani Austin unmedicated hospital birth episode… and some of the responses were wild.So today we’re unpacking it.The excuses women make for not preparing for birthWhy precipitous birth doesn’t mean you couldn’t have preparedWhat really happens when you arrive at the hospital and go through triageThe one thing I would never recommend doing during admission
-
39
If Dani Austin Were My Client: Unhinged (and must have) advice for unmedicated hospital birth
Y’all sent me this video over and over again… so let’s talk about it.In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what I would coach Dani Austin on if she were my client to have a more powerful, confident unmedicated hospital birth. This is the behind-the-scenes prep that actually changes how birth feels in your body and in your mind.You’re going to want to open your notes app for this. These are the strategies, mindset shifts, and birth prep hacks that turn “just get through it” into “I felt strong, calm, and in control.”If you’re planning an unmedicated hospital birth, or you just want to feel way more prepared than the average mom, this one’s for you.--Join Unmedicated Academy:unmedicatedgirlies.com
-
38
When first-time moms choose home birth, Morgan's two home birth stories
In this episode, Morgan shares what led her to choose home birth as a first-time mom and how trusting her body completely shaped her birth experience. From a calm, steady first home birth to an unassisted, very fast second home birth, Morgan’s stories are a powerful example of what birth can look when physiology is supported and you’re surrounded by the right support.---Follow Morgan on Instagram:@mamabearsupplyco@themorganspencerOrder NORA & use code GIRLIES10unmedicatedgirlies.com/noraLearn more about Unmedicated Academy:unmedicatedgirlies.com
-
37
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea or.. NORA? , with Morgan Spencer of Mama Bear Supply Co
Meet NORA ✨ She's the glow up version of red raspberry leaf tea and represents a truly wholistic approach to pregnancy and birth prep. Listen in to hear Morgan answer all your RRL and NORA questions, like... when should I start? how do I brew it? what if I don't like tea? and why are we even drinking NORA in the first place?? It's everything you need to know about using NORA tea for pregnancy and birth.Use code GIRLIES10 and order your NORA today:unmedicatedgirlies.com/noraFollow Morgan on Instagram:@mamabearsupplyco@themorganspencer
-
36
My Water Broke… and Labor Didn’t Start for 32 Hours, Kelsey’s Homebirth Story
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This story includes an intense birth journey with some complications arising during labor. When Kelsey’s water broke early in the morning she decided, "let's just go about our day." And they ended up waiting 32 hours for labor to start. In this episode, Kelsey shares exactly what she did while waiting for labor (spoiler: she didn't run to the hospital but instead the beach 🌊) and then the unexpected turns (yes, plural) her birth took and how informed decision-making, intuition, and a deeply supportive provider kept her and baby girl safe.Her story is a powerful example of how some risk can be thoughtfully managed at home and why choosing a provider you trust matters.---Follow Kelsey on Instagram:@soulshinebirthWatch her reel here.Read all the birth details on her blog:https://www.soulshinebirth.com/post/kelseys-homebirth-story-of-willow-rae
-
35
Birth Plans vs. Birth Preferences, Why Language Matters
Why I don’t love the term birth preferences and why I still believe in calling it a birth plan. While birth can take many normal variations, that doesn’t mean women should be coached into passivity or told to “go with the flow.” We’ll talk about ownership, flexibility, and why planning doesn’t set you up for disappointment... it prepares you to make informed, confident decisions even if the plan changes.Get our Birth Plan Template (and all our freebies actually):unmedicatedgirlies.com/waitlistJoin our community & class:unmedicatedgirlies.com
-
34
What is Precipitous Birth? Marissa's "drive-by" birth story
What is precipitous birth, and how do you know if it’s happening to you?In this birth story episode, I’m joined by Unmedicated Academy birth worker Marissa Bergman to break down what precipitous birth actually is (and why it can feel so shocking when it starts at full speed).Marissa shares her unforgettable “drive-by” hospital birth, from first contraction to baby in her arms in just over two hours, including Marissa’s go-to coping tools for intense, rapid labor. What helped her stay calm, grounded, and in control when there was no time to ease into it.___Join our birth program:unmedicatedgirlies.comFollow Marissa on IG:@momtomomwithmarissaSubscribe to Mom to Mom on YouTube
-
33
If you are due in 2026, START HERE
If you’re due in 2026 and wondering where to start with birth prep, this episode is for you.We’re breaking down the foundational steps every pregnant woman should take early on, from interviewing your provider and using nutrition to support a low-risk pregnancy, to starting birth education sooner rather than later.Join us inside Unmedicated Academy:unmedicatedgirlies.com
-
32
209 | Why don't hospitals have birth combs?
Birth combs work. Moms swear by them. Thousands of unmedicated girlies have used them to cope through contractions and yet hospitals don’t have a single one on the unit. Why?In this episode, I break down the real reason hospitals skip the simplest, cheapest, most mom-approved coping tool: because it isn’t billable, it isn’t profitable, and it isn’t “evidence-based” by their standards. And this tells us a lot about the hospital setting as unmedicated girlies.---Join Unmedicated Academyunmedicatedgirlies.com
-
31
208 | TREND ALERT: Continuous Fetal Monitoring, What the Unmedicated Girlies need to know
Continuous fetal monitoring is all over the internet (thanks New York Times), but the Unmedicated Girlies have been talking about it for years.Lets break down why hospitals love it (spoiler: liability), how it affects your unmedicated birth, and what to ask for instead. ___Get informed with Unmedicated Academyunmedicatedgirlies.com
-
30
207 | The birth you didn't plan (aka the Cascade of Interventions)
Everyone talks about “avoiding the cascade of interventions,” but what if the cascade isn’t something that just happens? What if it’s actually part of the hospital’s plan?In this episode, learn about the cascade of interventions:what it really means, how it starts, and why it’s not just a slippery slope, but a sequence built into hospital birth. From continuous monitoring to Pitocin to the “necessary” cesarean, you’ll see how the hospital already has a birth plan for you.Get informed & empowered with the Unmedicated Girlies:unmedicatedgirlies.com
-
29
206 | START HERE for writing a birth plan
Q: I need to write a birth plan, but where do I start?? 😩Most women write a birth plan the WRONG way and then wonder why nothing in it actually happens.In this episode, I break down exactly how to start writing a birth plan that actually works in a hospital setting. We’re not copy-pasting cute Pinterest templates or writing “preferences”… we are getting INFORMED and creating a plan based on physiologic birth, hospital routines, risks vs benefits, and what YOU really want.You’ll learn:Why research comes BEFORE writingThe 4 questions to answer before choosing anythingHow to structure your birth plan The #1 reason 99% of birth plans get ignored… and how to be the 1% who gets listened toDOWNLOAD the resources: unmedicatedghirlies.com/birthprepclass
-
28
205 | Write 3 birth plans and thank me later
Most moms write 0-1 birth jplans, but we're going to be a little extra and write 3. I’m sharing the birth plan strategy no one’s talking about: why you need three different birth plans... one for the hospital staff, one for your partner, and one for laboring at home.You’ll learn:Why icon birth plans should go in the trash and the importance of a clear and direct birth planHow to equip your support person with the exact words, advocacy notes, and tools you’ll need when you want to tap outWhy to include in a “home birth plan” (even if you’re headed to the hospital) so you don’t rush in too early___Download our birth plan at unmedicatedgirlies.com/birth-prep-class (scroll to the bottom to download all the freebies)Join the girlies inside the birth class meant of moms wanting unmedicated hospital births at unmedicatedgirlies.com
-
27
204 | Healing Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Root-Cause Roadmap with Jes Reynolds
Meet Jes, holistic hyperemesis gravidarum expert and morning sickness coach. Jes shares her own HG story, multiple hospitalizations, prescriptions, and the moment she said “there has to be a better way”, and how she reverse-engineered her HG by targeting root causes instead of masking symptoms.In the episode, we dig into:HG vs “morning sickness” as a spectrum, and how feeling debilitated is a red flag.The uncomfortable truth about pregnancy meds like Diclectin/Zofran: when they’re a necessary bridge, what they do (and don’t) fix, and why informed consent matters.Jes’s functional approach, how she weaned off meds and stopped vomiting within days.Why minerals are foundational and how depletion can show up later in mom and baby.The importance of preconception prep to prevent HG and build a resilient blueprint for baby.If you’re in the thick of HG, planning another pregnancy, or you simply want a healthier baseline before conception, this episode is for you.--Get Jes’s mineral guide: Connect with Jes: @the_wellness_element on instagram and The Wellness Element podcast.
-
26
203 | Fentanyl, Morphine & Stadol: What you're really saying yes to
Everyone knows about the epidural, but you also need to understand the hospital’s so-called “low-intervention” option: IV narcotics.Spoiler: they’re not as low-risk as they sound.In this episode, I’m breaking down:Why hospitals are quick to offer fentanyl to unmedicated girliesThe real pros and cons of IV narcotics If you’re planning an unmedicated birth, you don’t want to miss this one. Listen in, then grab our free Unmedicated Birth Toolkit for tools that actually work with your body.⬇️⬇️⬇️Download the U|G's Toolkit:unmedicatedgirlies.com/toolkitListen to episode 173: Why you haven'r heard of nitrous oxidehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/173-why-you-havent-heard-of-nitrous-oxide-and-why/id1561852103?i=1000677343607
-
25
202 | Processing Birth Trauma: The Prep No One Talks About, with Brigid Tebaldi
If you’ve ever felt like “something wasn’t right” about your birth, this episode is for you. Processing what happened is the prep no one talks about—but it might just be the most important part of planning for an empowered, unmedicated birth.Brigid went through her own traumatic birth, and now she helps moms process their experiences so they don’t carry that trauma into motherhood—or into their next birth. In this episode, she shares her story and gives us some insight in to the tools we all could use post birth. We talk about why trauma shows up in sneaky ways (even years later), the connection between your nervous system and your ability to cope in labor, and how unprocessed trauma can spill over into motherhood.---Connect with BrigidWebsite: loretowellness.comPodcast: The Discerning MotherInstagram: @brigid.tebaldi
-
24
201 | From 'high-risk' to heart-mending, Sarah's story of her unmedicated VBAC
From a home birth transfer and cesarean to a powerful unmedicated VBAC, Sarah’s story is pure redemption. Hear how she turned a high-risk pregnancy into a healthy, healing experience that will bring you to tears.--Join Sarah & the other Academy Moms:unmedicatedgirlies.com
-
23
200 | 🔥 Ring of Fire: Sarah’s Why, Cravings & Coping Tools
In this brand-new Ring of Fire segment, Sarah is the first to take the birth stool and answer five rapid-fire questions about her unmedicated birth. From her biggest “why” behind wanting an empowered birth to the one coping tool that truly carried her through labor,. You’ll hear her cravings, her mindset shifts, and the one piece of advice she wants every mama preparing for birth to know.This short, fiery episode is your sneak peek into Sarah’s full birth story (airing in the next episode) and trust me, you won’t want to miss it.---Join Sarah and the other Academy Mom's Inside the program ⬇️unmedicatedgirlies.com
-
22
199 | I didn’t get my unmedicated birth… Now what?
You planned for an unmedicated birth… and it didn’t happen. Now you’re wondering how to set yourself up for a different outcome next time. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what to do, starting before you’re even pregnant again, to heal, prepare, and build your confidence for your next birth.---Learn more about Unmedicated Academy ⬇️unmedicatedgirlies.com
-
21
198 | What birth taught me about selling, showing up and not shutting up, with Lisa V
In this episode, I’m joined by the one and only Loudmouth Lisa... and trust me, you’re going to love her. Lisa Villani is a birthy business powerhouse with a bold story and even bolder mission. She shares how she went from the typical hospital experience (aka not it) to the unmedicated birth she craved so badly. A birth that cracked her wide open and changed everything.We talk about what it really means to be empowered, in birth and business. Lisa drops some serious truth bombs about sales, helping doulas grow without burnout, and being loud (on purpose) in a system that wants women to stay quiet.If you’re into birth, business, or both, you don’t want to miss this one.---Find Lisa on instagram @thelisaveeDownload "5 Silent Killers Hiding in Your Doula Business"🔗 thelisavee.com/killers--Download "Done-For-You Birth Class: Earn your first $1k"🔗 unmedicatedgirlies.com/dfy
-
20
197 | PART 5: Be the boss of your birth
☀️ Summer Series: PART 4 ☀️Empowered moms know they are the bossNot only do empowered moms know their rights, they do not allow anyone to take their power away. Being a powerful woman outside of the birth space is different than being the boss inside the birth space, as evidenced by the celebrity examples in the episode. The first step to being the boss is knowing your birth rights, and then step two, speaking up for them. Enroll in the Academy for an advocacy birth education.
-
19
196 | PART 4: Prioritizing an undisturbed birth
☀️ Summer Series: PART 4 ☀️Why Physiology is QUEEN 👑There are TWO things you need to learn:1️⃣ HOW PHYSIOLOGIC BIRTH WORKS2️⃣ AND How the hospital does birth.Unfortunately they are not the same. And this was true 10 years ago when I had my first baby, it was true 5 years before that when the business of being born came out, and IT'S TRUE TODAY. And unfortunately we are getting further and further from how birth is meant to be. Empowered moms know this and know how to support the birth they want.Get the resources >> Join the POD CLUBNext Wednesday's Episode >> why Physiology is QUEENFollow along on the Chat ThreadUnmedicated Academy - enrolling now for moms due in Oct & Nov️
-
18
195 | PART 3: Prenatal Care YOUR Way
☀️ Summer Series: PART 3 ☀️Here is your permission to NOT HAVE TO ASK FOR PERMISSION. Empowered moms know the routine prenatal care, ask for their legally protected options and alternatives, and they are MORE in control of their birth because they started taking ownership during their prenatal care.Get the resources >> Join the POD CLUBNext Wednesday's Episode >> why Physiology is QUEENFollow along on the Chat ThreadUnmedicated Academy - enroll by Friday (7/16- 7/18) and grab a BONUS 30 minute birth planning session with Lizzie or a printed copy of our Academy Workbook️
-
17
194 | PART 2: Drink all the raw milk you want
☀️ Summer Series: PART 2 ☀️Taking control of your nutrition and knowing what holistic approaches exists for staying low risk is a really impactful way to take control of your birth because the more low risk you are- the more untouchable your birth is. Empowered Moms take control of their birth by nourishing their bodies in pregnancy.Get the resources >> Join the POD CLUBNext Wednesday's Episode >> Doing Prenatal Care YOUR WayFollow along on the Chat ThreadThe Retrievals podcast on AppleUnmedicated Academy - DM me your enrollment questions
-
16
193 | PART 1: Your permission to fire your crappy provider
☀️ Summer Series: PART 1 ☀️What do you do before choosing someone to reno your kitchen? Or cut your hair? You look at the results they have gotten for other clients! We should not be putting more research into our hair than our births. Hair grows back, you are only giving birth a handful of times.Empowered Moms interview their provider to find one that is in line with their values and wants for birth.Get the resources >> Join the POD CLUBNext Wednesday's Episode >> Using Nutrition to Stay Low RiskFollow along on the Chat Thread.
-
15
192 | Empowered Mom Summer Series, It’s Time to Take Control of Your Birth
☀️Summer Series☀️We're getting empowered birth prep doesn’t take a summer break and neither do we.Each week, we’re diving into quick, powerful podcast episodes that’ll help you start being an empowered mom now.Here’s what we’ll be covering in the next five weeks:How to choose a providerStaying low risk with smart, simple nutritionKnowing your real options during prenatal careSupporting physiology throughout labor and birthUnderstanding your birth rights and how to advocate for themJoin the POD CLUB & get the resourcesComment POD CLUB on IG
-
14
191 | Want to avoid cesarean? Do this.
✨Mini-Series: What the Unmedicated Girlie Needs to know about Cesarean ✨ part 3Push play for 6 clear, simple strategies to reduce your risk of an unnecessary cesarean. If your plan is an unmedicated or vaginal birth, these strategies will inform you on how to protect your birth plan before labor even starts.---The best time to start Unmedicated Academy is around 24 weeks. Learn more at unmedicatedgirlies.com
-
13
190 | When is a cesarean really necessary?
✨Mini-Series: What the Unmedicated Girlie Needs to know about Cesarean ✨ part 2Not every cesarean is a true emergency.In fact, many are performed out of fear, hospital policy, or convenience, aka they're not always necessary.In this episode, we’re digging into the top 10 reasons cesareans are performed and calling out the ones that are overused and not always necessary.----Join us inside Unmedicated Academy
-
12
189 | 10cm and still a Cesarean
✨Mini-Series: What the Unmedicated Girlie Needs to know about Cesarean ✨ part 1April is Cesarean Awareness Month — but the truth is, we need to be having this conversation all year long. Why? Because 1 in 3 births in the U.S. end in cesarean… and many of them happen after a mom has already labored unmedicated all the way to 10 cm.In this episode, we’re talking about a trend I’m seeing more and more:🛑 Cesareans being called during the second stage of labor — during pushing.You did all the prep. You avoided the epidural. You got to 10 cm. And then… surgery?Let’s talk about why this is happening — and how to prevent it when it’s not truly necessary.This episode covers:✨ The common mistake moms make when planning for unmedicated birth, it's more than pain management💥 The two most common reasons for second stage cesareans🧠 Why certain interventions increase the risk of cesarean💡 The truth about ACOG’s guidelines for when a cesarean is appropriate__Ready to learn more?Unmedicated Academy has the roadmap for natural birth in any setting.
-
11
188 | Circumcision Deep Dive: What to know before you decide
🇺🇸 In the United States, routine infant circumcision is still fairly common. What most parents don’t realize is that American moms are some of the only women in the world still facing this decision.In this episode, we’re diving deep into the why behind the U.S. circumcision rate, the real risks and benefits, what the research says, and what major medical organizations actually recommend.You’ll learn about the physiology of the penis, what the procedure involves, and the long term impacts that aren’t often discussed in the hospital. If you’re considering circumcision for your baby boy, this episode will give you the full picture, so you can make a decision you feel truly informed about.___Mentioned on the Show:Child Circumcision: An Elephant in the Hospital by Professor R. McAllister 🔗 https://youtu.be/7ud-cTDfKd8?si=JPwQuQ-oh1ayAOQYAmerican Circumcision on Amazon PrimeYour Whole Baby 🔗 https://www.yourwholebaby.org/Moms off the Record Podcast 🔗 https://momsofftherecordpod.com/______Learn more about Unmedicated Academy 🔗 https://unmedicatedgirlies.com/
-
10
187 | The Informed Consent Crisis: Hear from the experts inside the hospital
What’s really happening with informed consent in hospitals? In this episode, I sit down with experienced doulas and birth educators to uncover the truth about what moms are facing during labor and birth.💡 What’s missing from birth education? The key information hospitals aren’t teaching you.🏥 Inside the hospital: What birth workers are witnessing firsthand when it comes to informed consent.😞 How moms are feeling: The fear, frustration, and regret that come when they realize they weren’t fully informed.✅ What you can do NOW: How to prepare yourself before labor so you can advocate for your rights and make empowered choices.If you’re planning a hospital birth, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s make sure you walk into birth fully informed, fully confident, and fully in control.___Join Unmedicated Academy or DM "enroll" on IGGet informed on hospital birth in a weekend with the Informed Mom Bundle____Follow the experts:@[email protected]@MotherEvesBirth_
-
9
186 | Going all in: Audie’s fifth and final birth story
Fifth times a charm. ✨ After four very different birth experiences Audie knew she wanted her last birth to be exactly what she envisioned. Audie is sharing what she learned from each birth, and how she went all in with pregnancy five.Catch up on the Forever Informed Series ⬇️184 | Why mom advice is so confusing, modern motherhood vs. physiology185 | Defining Informed Consent, here's what your not being told__Go all in with Unmedicated Academy
-
8
185 | Defining informed consent, here's what you're not being told
Informed consent is much more than just a signature on a form—it’s a conversation, a right, and a crucial part of making empowered decisions about your birth. But here’s the truth: hospitals rarely provide true informed consent. They give you a watered-down version, leaving you with only the options they prefer.In this episode, we’re breaking down:🩺 What informed consent really means (and why it includes informed refusal)⚖️ The manipulative verbiage ACOG uses with “shared decision-making”❌ Why signing paperwork is not the same as being truly informed📢 How to advocate for yourself and make decisions with full confidence__Learn more about Unmedicated Academy:unmedicatedgirlies.comOr DM me 'enroll' on IG
-
7
184 | Why Mom Advice is So Confusing: Modern Motherhood vs. Physiology
One mom says to trust your instincts. Another tells you to sleep train by 8 weeks. The breastfeeding book you read says you should breastfeed for up to 2 years, but your pediatrician hands you a formula sample at your baby's first appointment. The contradictions in motherhood are everywhere—and it’s no wonder moms feel overwhelmed.In this episode, we’re breaking down why so much of the advice you hear about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and infant care are totally... opposite.Note: In the episode I said "scheduled cesarean" when I meant to say "elective cesarean." Yes we get juicy, y'all.Join us inside the U|G birth program that is ALWAYS based in physiology for the mom birthing in the modern world.https://unmedicatedgirlies.com/or DM me "enroll" over on IG
-
6
183 | Hospital birth is a system (and here's how it works against you)
Have you ever heard a doula or birth worker call hospital birth “the system”? That’s because it is—and it wasn’t designed with you in mind. From standardized routines to liability concerns, efficiency protocols, and financial incentives, every part of hospital birth is structured for the hospital’s benefit.Empowerment ahead ➡️ You can opt out of the system’s default routine. You just need to know how it works and how to advocate for yourself.Tune in to learn:🩺 Why hospital routines prioritize efficiency over individualized care⚖️ How liability concerns lead to over-monitoring and unnecessary interventions💰 The financial incentives behind hospital birth policies, does your OB actually get paid more for a cesarean??🏡 Why more women are choosing home birth after learning how hospitals operateIf you’re planning a hospital birth and want to stay in control of your experience, this episode is a must listen. Let’s get you informed, empowered, and ready to be the BOSS of your birth.__Enter the giveaway: instagram.com/theunmedicatedgirliesor DM me "RSVP" on instagramJoin Unmedicated Academy: unmedicatedgirlies.comor DM me "enroll" on instagram
-
5
182 | Kicked out of the birth center: Vanessa’s medicated, no-epidural birth story
What happens when one high blood pressure reading gets you kicked out of the birth center? For Vanessa, it meant signing an AMA form, switching to a hospital birth, and watching her birth plan go out the window. In this episode, Vanessa, the creator ofBirth to Boob, and one our very own Unmedicated Academy Ambassadors, shares the story of her first birth—a medicated, no-epidural hospital birth that wasnothing like she planned.And this time? She’s doing it all differently. Tune in to hear how she’s taking back control for baby #2 and why she’s choosing thesecret third option: hiring a birthkeeper.Follow Vanessa @birthtoboob on IG:https://www.instagram.com/birthtoboobEnroll inBirth to Boob to get Unmedicated Academy & Breastfeeding Support
-
4
181 | Every intervention except the epidural: The untold story of my 'natural' births (part 2)
In part 2 , I’m taking you back to my waters breaking (again?!) on New Year's Eve, I was told to stay in the hospital bed, Pitocin was pushed at shift change, and—something I’ve never shared before—I was talked into fentanyl (spoiler: there's a good learning point here). Add in a cervical lip being manually pushed back, and coached pushing so intense I popped every blood vessel in my face... and it's the "perfect" no-epidural hospital birth. __ Have a better hospital birth, join us inside of Unmedicated Academy ⬇️ unmedicatedgirlies.com OR DM me "enroll" on Instagram
-
3
180 | Every intervention except the epidural: The untold story of my 'natural' births (part 1)
AKA the ONLY thing unmedicated about it was that I didn't have an epidural. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my first birth experience and sharing the details of what I used to call an “unmedicated” birth. Spoiler alert: while I didn’t have an epidural, my birth was still FULL of interventions. I’ll also share how this birth taught me valuable lessons and set the stage for my journey into birth work. Whether you’re planning your own birth or just love a good story, tune in to hear the truth about hospital births, interventions, and what I wish I’d known back then. _ 💃 Join as an Ambassador: fiercelizzie.com/ambassador DM me "ambassador" for the link on IG _ 👖 Try Nuuly and save $30: https://share.nuuly.com/lizzie728 DM me "nuuly" for the link on IG _ ✨ Learn more about Unmedicated Academy: unmedicatedgirlies.com DM me "enroll" for the link on IG Don't forget to leave a review 🫶
-
2
179 | The Hospital's Birth Plan: Cascade of Interventions
When you walk into the hospital for birth, are you stepping into their birth plan? In this episode, we’re breaking down the cascade of interventions and how it’s more than just a snowball effect—it’s often a prearranged set of interventions that makes up the typical hospital birth experience. Learn how common interventions like continuous fetal monitoring, pitocin, and epidurals fit into this plan, why it matters, and what it takes to have a better birth. Join the unmedicated girlies: unmedicatedgirlies.com DM "enroll" for the link on IG Grab the free class for Unmedicated Pregnancy: fiercelizzie.com/birthprepclass DM "free" for the link on IG Learn more about getting your colors done! https://www.instagram.com/thecolorkey_ DM "colorkey" for the link on IG
-
1
178 | Which birth interventions are really necessary? What you need to know to get informed for birth
"How do I know which interventions are really needed?" In this episode, I’m answering a listener question, and the truth is—it’s not one-size-fits-all. But what works every single time, for every mom and every intervention, is getting informed. Tune in to learn how to make decisions based on you, your baby, and your birth goals so you can have a truly empowered birth. Get informed with the Unmedicated Girlies
-
0
177 | She refused to have another unnecessary cesarean, Nina's unmedicated VBAC in the hospital
Nina went from being terrified of birth to a typical cascade of intervention experience with her twins—leading to an unnecessary C-section—to achieving the unmedicated VBAC she was 100% committed to. With her husband stepping up as her biggest advocate and her own stubborn streak driving her forward, she got her unmedicated VBAC. Join Unmedicated Academy
-
-1
176 | Epidural Diaries: Why your bestie got an epidural and how to be more prepared
How many of your friends wanted a natural birth but ended up getting an epidural?? We're breaking down why many moms say “yes” to the epidural, what makes it so tempting, and how you can be more prepared to stay on track with your unmedicated birth plan. From long labors and Pitocin contractions to the hospital environment itself, we’ll dive into the top reasons moms opt for pain relief and share the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts you need to manage labor without an epidural. Episode 132 | Get informed on the epidural Download the U|G toolkit Get all the strategy & HOW TO for having a natural hospital birth
-
-2
175 | Behind the birth video, what you need to know if you’re having a baby in 2025
"I wish my birth looked like that" Here is the truth behind those birth videos on IG. When you see a mom so proud of her birth she is posting it on social, it's usually because of the work she put in before that video. Let's talk about what it takes to feel powerful, be empowered, get informed and have your best birth in 2025. Feeling empowered vs BEING empowered Grab the moving sale before it's gone!
-
-3
174 | Steal the U|G's unmedicated toolkit, the importance of having different coping tools in labor
The truth about unmedicated birth is it will be the most challenging, powerful, life changing thing you'll ever do. And it won't be easy. You'll need and want a variety of tools to help get you through to the end without an epidural. And having a variety of tools is even MORE important for hospital birth moms because the epidural is the hospital's tool of choice. To avoid the epidural for longer, the unmedicated girlies bring their own tools. Download the toolkit Last chance to save $$$ with the moving sale
-
-4
173 | Why you haven't heard of nitrous oxide (and why you should ask your hospital for it)
Does your hospital offer nitrous oxide? AKA laughing gas, or sometimes gas & air. Unmedicated girlies love having nitrous oxide as an option because out of all of the medicated options, nitrous oxide supports physiology the most. Dig into the pros and cons of using nitrous oxide if your plan is to have an unmedicated birth. Access the moving sale - Save up to $150 on U|A Get on the list for the mompreneur sale Get informed on the epidural
-
-5
172 | DO this, NOT that: Birth Class Edition, Don't make these 6 birth prep mistakes
Consider this the "most common mistakes" in getting educated, informed, and empowered for your birth. This is the DOs and DON'Ts for the unmedicated girlie who wants to do her birth differently. Share with us over @THEUNMEDICATEDGIRLIES which DON'T you are swapping out. Follow us for the 30 days of birth prep Check out the moving sale now!
-
-6
171 | A second unmedicated birth with her husband as her doula, Juliana's birth story
When Juliana prepared for her first birth she did it all, including hiring a doula. What she wasn't prepared for was her doula being denied access to the hospital with COVID policy changes in 2021. Even with a successful unmedicated birth with her first, she knew she could do birth even better and with her second pregnancy, she decided to prepare her husband to be her doula. Juliana's birth story starts with a spontaneous trip to the tattoo shop, Easter service at Church on Sunday morning, to catching her own baby (yes in the hospital!) on April Fool's Day. Get empowered and prepared with Juliana and the other unmedicated girlies inside Unmedicated Academy.
-
-7
170 | 2 reasons the unmedicated girlies decline glucola
Did you hear that they took the BVO out of the orange drink, aka glucola?!! That’s great, but we’re still going to ask for an alternative, and here’s why… In this episode, you’ll learn: The 2 main reasons why women are declining glucola for their gestational diabetes screening. What a provider might say to you when you ask for alternatives to the glucose tolerance test How a GD diagnosis follows you through your pregnancy and can affect your birth plan Download the playlist & binge your birth ed Go all in the with unmedicated girlies in the Academy
-
-8
169 | 3 tips for LESS overwhelming birth education
You need to fit in your birth prep, you want to be an informed unmedicated girlie, but you don’t have the time and just getting started is overwhelming. Get ready to go all in because today we are talking about three ways to get started (or go deeper into your birth education) without overwhelm. Unmedicated Girlie Playlist Birth books on Amazon Get started with the easiest way to get informed
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Not your typical childbirth education. The knowledge is power approach to better birth experiences. Teaching moms how to take back their births to have the positive and powerful birth experiences they deserve. Hosted by Lizzie Bolliger, fierce birth advocate and creator of Unmedicated Academy.
HOSTED BY
Lizzie Bolliger
Loading similar podcasts...