MamaBare

In this episode of the *MamaBare Podcast*, I sit down with my husband to share a very real and vulnerable update on our current pregnancy — navigating a diagnosis of **Complete Placenta Previa** alongside the discovery of **black mold in our home**. When we first received this diagnosis, we were shocked by how few real-life resources and personal stories we could find. So many conversations felt clinical, fear-based, or incomplete. This episode is **chapter one of our story**, shared in hopes of filling that gap and letting other parents know they’re not alone. We open up about: • What led to the Complete Placenta Previa diagnosis • The emotional toll of uncertainty and waiting • Natural approach and mindset • Discovering black mold in our home and how it added another layer of stress • Why this feels especially hard after having a **previous home birth** • Processing the reality of a potential **C-section** — and why it feels unfair and unnatural for us • How we’re coping, communicating, and staying grounded through it all This conversation is raw, honest, and ongoing. We don’t have all the answers yet — but we’re choosing to share our journey as it unfolds. If you’re facing placenta previa, a high-risk pregnancy, or unexpected turns in motherhood, we hope this helps you feel seen. ✨ This is just the beginning. Be sure to follow along for future updates and how this story ultimately unfolds for our family. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. #MamaBarePodcast #PlacentaPrevia #HighRiskPregnancy #PregnancyUpdate #BirthAfterHomeBirth #CSectionJourney #MotherhoodUnfiltered #PregnancySupport #RealLifeMotherhood

In this episode of MamaBare, Brie sits down with Kristi Waun, registered massage therapist, birth doula, and founder of Mindful Mums— to talk all things birth prep, labour, and postpartum recovery. Brie shares her personal experience working with Kristi during the birth of her son, and together they unpack what makes a truly supportive birth experience — from emotional care to physical recovery. We dive deep into: ✨ What a doula really does (and how they’re different from midwives) 🌿 The power of natural-minded birth support 💆‍♀️ How understanding the body changes the birth experience 🤱 Preparing for postpartum recovery and caring for yourself after birth 🕯️ Why feeling safe and supported can completely change your labour Whether you’re pregnant, planning a home birth, or just curious about how to create a calmer, more empowered birth — this episode will leave you feeling grounded, informed, and supported. 🎧 Listen now and share with another mama who’s preparing for her birth journey. — 👩‍🍼 Learn more about Kristi: mindfulmums.ca 🌸 Follow MamaBare on Instagram: @mamabare.podcast 🎥 Watch more episodes: MamaBare YouTube Playlist 01:00 - Kristi's Experience and Background 04:00 - What is a Doula? 07:00 - Postpartum Support 09:00 - Finding a Good Fit! 12:14 - Birth Support Options in Ontario 16:20 - Doula Early Labour Support 21:37 - Pain Management (Physical and Spiritual) 24:10 - Dealing With Transition & How Much Longer? 28:47 - Doula vs Midwife 31:05 - RMT Background 33:15- Birth Prep - Ina May Gaskin 37:50- Staying Fit in Pregnancy 39:30 - After Birth Support 44:30 - Babies First Bath 46:43 - The Family Dynamic - Navigating Visits After Birth 53:35- The Home Birth Shift & Taking Back Control 55:50 - Advocating for the Birth Couple - Informed Consent 59:35 - Mindful Mums - Doula Kristi Waun

In this episode of the *MamaBare Podcast*, we sit down with **Meaghan Esser & Lynae Morningstar from ITL Health** to talk all things **magnesium** — and why this essential mineral plays such a vital role in **pregnancy, postpartum, and overall wellness**. We cover: 💫 Why magnesium is often called “the relaxation mineral” 🤰 How magnesium supports fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery 🍼 Common signs of magnesium deficiency (especially for moms!) 💧 The difference between magnesium forms — and what to look for in a supplement 🌙 How magnesium can improve sleep, reduce stress, and support hormonal balance If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re getting enough magnesium — or why it’s such a hot topic in the wellness world — this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to support your body naturally. 🎧 Tune in and learn more about magnesium at [ITL Health](https://itlhealth.ca). Magnesium Comparison Chart: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nqYYgjBWBA9IXljDi2xGL-wKPlosvlUN/view?usp=drive_link #MamaBarePodcast #PregnancyWellness #MagnesiumForMoms #PostpartumHealth #ITLHealth #NaturalMotherhood 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro 03:20 – Why Magnesium Matters for Everyone (Especially Stressed Moms!) 04:21 – Everyone is Deficient in Magnesium 07:00 - Deficiency Symptoms 11:58 – Magnesium in Pregnancy 16:00 – Supplementation over Diet 20:40 – Postpartum 23:20 – My Magnesium Experience 26:40 – How to Choose a Quality Magnesium Supplement 31:07 - Which Form to Take During Pregnancy 35:25 - Child Safe Magnesium 39:25 – ITL Health 44:14 - What Sets ITL Health Apart?

Thinking about a home birth but not 100% sure? This episode of the *MamaBare Podcast* is for you. We sit down with Taylor, baby Grace’s mom to hear her raw and honest *all-natural* home birth story—from the very first signs of labour to the moment Grace was placed in her arms. She shares why she chose a home birth, what it was really like to labour without interventions, and how having the right birth team made all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered what a safe, supported home birth can look like, this story will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and empowered to explore your options. **What we cover:** * Why she chose a *natural* home birth with a midwife * How she prepared her body and mind * The progression from early labour to transition * What helped her stay calm through contractions * Meeting baby Grace at home * Her advice for mamas considering home birth 💛 **Listen to the full MamaBare Podcast** 🎙️ Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube #MamaBarePodcast #HomeBirthStory #NaturalBirth #BirthWithoutFear **0:00** – Welcome & Introduction **1:45** – Why I Chose a Home Birth **6:10** – Preparing for a Natural Birth **10:25** – Early Labour Begins **15:55** – When Things Got Intense **22:15** – Transition & Pushing **32:58** – Meeting Baby Grace **34:37** – Immediate Postpartum at Home **42:10** – My Advice for Moms Considering Home Birth

In this episode, we sit down with **Alexx Whitelaw**—lactation counselor, mom of three, and breastfeeding advocate—to talk all things *nursing*. From latching struggles to supply worries to tandem feeding, Alex shares her personal journey and professional insights into what it really takes to make breastfeeding work. Whether you’re nursing your first baby or navigating a totally different experience with your third, this episode is full of practical tips, encouragement, and a whole lot of “you’re not alone.” **What we cover:** * Common challenges (and solutions!) in the early days * What lactation counselors actually do * Managing oversupply, undersupply & cluster feeding * Breastfeeding boundaries & mental health * Support systems that *actually* help This is the breastfeeding pep talk we all wish we had. 💛

In this episode, we sit down with **Kailey Aboobaker**, a Registered Midwife in Ontario, to break down what midwifery care really looks like. We discuss what midwives do, how they support pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and why more families are choosing midwifery as their primary care option.   Kailey shares how midwifery differs from OB care, who qualifies for a midwife in Ontario, and the role of midwives in both home and hospital births. Whether you're pregnant, planning to be, or just curious about your options—this episode is packed with insight, clarity, and empowerment.   *What we cover:* What is a midwife, and what do they do? Midwifery vs. OB care: the key differences Choosing a midwife in Ontario The midwife’s role in birth settings (home, hospital, birth centre) What kind of support you can expect through pregnancy and postpartum This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring a more personal, holistic approach to birth care in Ontario. 💛

In this episode, Brie shares the full story of her all-natural home birth with baby Everest. From why she chose to birth at home with a midwife and doula, to the moment Everest was born, this is a real, honest look at what a home birth can look like—messy, powerful, and completely on her terms. We talk about the common hospital “cascade of interventions” and why Brie wanted to avoid that route. She also shares what she did to prepare her body and mind for labour—from strength training to learning about the accuracy of ultrasounds and trying the Miles Circuit. This episode walks through it all: Why Brie chose a home birth with a midwife and doula Understanding the cascade of interventions Birth prep: workouts, Miles Circuit, mindset Early labour: first contractions & water breaking Active labour & transition: riding the waves What helped the most—and what surprised her If you’re curious about home birth, natural delivery, or just love a good birth story—this one’s for you. It’s not sugar-coated, but it’s real and it’s encouraging. 00:00 Into 02:15 What I did to prepare 05:10 Why Home Birth? 06:05 Cascade of Interventions 09:45 Ultrasound Accuracy 14:48 Miles Circuit 15:54 First Contraction 20:21 Water Breaking 24:20 Active Labour 26:00 Body Release 27:58 Transition 29:46 Call Birth team 31:43 My BEST Position! 33:35 Double Peaks 37:15 Tub Time 40:15 Pushing 46:20 Episiotomy 48:45 Everest is Born! 55:00 Postpartum 1:02:00 Regrets?

It’s time for another round of MamaBare Unfiltered, where we ditch the script and catch up on all things real life and motherhood. In this relaxed chat, we cover what’s been going on behind the scenes lately—because sometimes you just need a good vent, a few laughs, and a reminder that you’re not alone. In this episode we chat about: Life lately and how we’re really doing Erryn’s ongoing home renos and birthday party planning chaos Brie's baby Everest hitting new milestones Sleep regressions, toddler attitudes, and mama burnout The little things we’re doing to feel like ourselves again So grab your coffee (or wine—we’re not judging) and join us for a cozy catch-up with your mama besties. 💛 Adhesive Task Buttons: https://a.co/d/9tkK6Ur 

Screen time—it’s a blessing and a challenge. Too much can affect sleep and emotional regulation, so how do we find balance? In this episode, we talk about introducing kids to screens safely with age-appropriate platforms and privacy settings. We also dive into recognizing warning signs of cyberbullying and online predators. Let’s navigate the digital world with confidence! 📱💛

Co-sleeping—one of the most debated parenting topics! In this episode, we break down what co-sleeping is, its pros and cons, and our personal experiences. Erryn still co-sleeps with her 3- and 5-year-olds, even bed-sharing both girls, while Brie transitioned her baby to a crib at 8 weeks. We discuss how every family’s journey is unique and why there’s no shame in choosing what works best—as long as it's safe! We also dive into the internet’s divisive take on parenting choices and why we're here to empower, not judge. Whether you co-sleep, crib sleep, or do a mix of both, this episode is all about supporting your parenting decisions! 💛 Espresso Maker: https://amzn.to/3XJrVYz Tallow Lip Balm: https://gardenglow.ca/products/tallow-lip-balm 00:00 Intro 00:35 What is Co-Sleeping 01:33 Disadvantages of Co-Sleeping 03:40 Our Experiences with Co-Sleeping 04:08 Controversial Choice 05:12 Erryn decision to Co-Sleep 07:00 How long to Room Share? 12:00 How Brie set up to Co-Sleep 16:55 Transferring to the Crib? 19:10 Feeling judged 21:10 Rolling over at night! 25:25 Big kid bed! 36:36 Side Lying 39:23 Rocking Chair 46:49 Co-Sleeping Advantages 49:44 SWAP: Espresso Maker & Beef Tallow 55:12 Would You Rather Game

The kids are (mostly) asleep, and we’re finally sitting down to reconnect! In this real and unfiltered chat, we talk about how life feels extra full right now—taking on more than we probably should, but loving it anyway. We cover fitness, car seats, BLW, biological dentistry, nipple biting (ouch!), and Erryn’s race to finish the floors before her daughter’s 5th birthday. Grab a drink and join us for some much-needed mama time! We are workshopping names for our evening edition. MamaBare After Bedtime, MamaBare After Dark...? Anyone have a good suggestion? Bone Broth Hot Chocolate: Ancient Nutrition: http://rwrd.io/upqpl18?c DIY Bone Broth Hot Chocolate Recipe: 2 Scoops Grass Fed Bone Broth, 1 Scoop Cocoa Powder, Honey to taste Pliability (Stretching App): 2 Free Week Referral Code Get 2 weeks free when you join pliability with my link: https://pliability.com/app/signup?referral=8e1b5e4d5 Lanolin Nipple Cream: creating a moist healing environment for nipple trauma, and providing a semi‐occlusive barrier that promotes retention of internal moisture and prevents dryness. https://a.co/d/5IZSxtK  

Brie is about to start Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) with Everest, and Erryn has been through it before! In this episode, we break down what BLW is, why we’re choosing it, and the nerves that come with starting solids. We also chat about CPR/choking classes, introducing other liquids, and the learning curve of feeding little ones. Tune in for our journey—and check back for updates! 00:00- ERRYN & BRIE CATCH UP 14:36- BABY LED WEANING Baby Led Weaning Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/181E31hwjm/

In this episode, we sit down with Brie's husband, Aaron Esser, to talk about his experience with oral surgery and biological dentistry. He shares the wild story of his failed wisdom tooth removal as a teen, the removal of his mercury fillings, and his oral cavitation surgery. We also dive into what biological dentistry is, why it matters, and who might benefit from these procedures! 00:00 Brie & Erryn Catch Up 11:19 Dental Cavitation Interview 48:00 Wisdom Tooth Trauma

Motherhood shifts everything—including who we are. We explore rediscovering yourself with Your Partner (communication & change), Your Friends (mom friends & non-mom connections), and Your Goals (how they evolve & ways to feel like you). Let’s navigate this together! 💕 Echo Clean

In this episode of MamaBare, we’re back after the holidays! We catch up on our first time traveling with a baby, managing parenthood in Florida, and the frantic Case of the Missing Stuffy. Plus, we update you on baby Everest’s reflux journey and our experience with a breastfeeding elimination diet. Grab your coffee (or tea!) and join us for laughs and real talk about the joys and challenges of motherhood. Tune in now!

In Episode 3 of Mama Bare, we dive into NYE resolutions, Noon Year's Parties, and health tips for 2025! Join our Step Bet challenge and stay accountable with us on our step goals. We also chat natural remedies for baby reflux. Let’s start the year strong together—tune in! StepBet Link Four Furious Flamingos

Welcome to the first episode of the Mama Bare Podcast! We’re two best friends navigating motherhood and an 80:20 healthy lifestyle. In this episode, we share the excitement of starting our podcast, talk about packing and traveling with a baby, Christmas traditions, celebrating a baby’s first Christmas, and splitting time with family during the holidays. Grab a drink and join us for a cozy, candid chat!