Join me and mother of three, Lacy Bruner, as she describes her three pregnancies and birth stories, including both unplanned and elective cesarean section births. We also discuss Lacy's journey through loss, after her brother unexpectedly passed away during her second pregnancy. Lacy describes how this event shaped her pregnancy, the newborn phase and how she sought support as she navigated her grief. In this episode, we discuss: How Lacy was deemed "high risk" during her first pregnancy s...
All content for Fat And Pregnant is the property of Michelle Mayefske and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Join me and mother of three, Lacy Bruner, as she describes her three pregnancies and birth stories, including both unplanned and elective cesarean section births. We also discuss Lacy's journey through loss, after her brother unexpectedly passed away during her second pregnancy. Lacy describes how this event shaped her pregnancy, the newborn phase and how she sought support as she navigated her grief. In this episode, we discuss: How Lacy was deemed "high risk" during her first pregnancy s...
Join me and mother of three, Lacy Bruner, as she describes her three pregnancies and birth stories, including both unplanned and elective cesarean section births. We also discuss Lacy's journey through loss, after her brother unexpectedly passed away during her second pregnancy. Lacy describes how this event shaped her pregnancy, the newborn phase and how she sought support as she navigated her grief. In this episode, we discuss: How Lacy was deemed "high risk" during her first pregnancy s...
Exploring big topics in this episode with registered dietician and body liberation advocate Amy Rapone! In this episode we discuss: How weight bias impacts the level of care fat people receive (and don't receive!)The principles of health at every sizeAmy's personal journey to becoming a dietician and how this stirred up feelings about her bodyWhat it means to be a size inclusive dietician and how care may look different when you're working with oneTips for improving your body image-...
I'm so excited for you to hear Liz's two birth stories, both involving induction of labor. Have a listen to her journeys through pregnancy, where she sought the right support to help her navigate high blood pressure issues. Liz's births may have both included induction methods, however, they were both unique experiences in their own way. Tune in to hear how Liz navigated doubt and uncertainty the second time around! In this episode, we discuss: Methods of inductionWhy Liz decided to opt ...
"Once a cesarean, always a cesarean"-- a myth that continues to limit the birthing options of hundreds of thousands of people every year. Join me and Lizzy Morris, as she discusses her two birth stories: her first ending with a primary cesarean and her second, as she prepared for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)-- with loads of drama along the way! In this episode, we discuss: Lizzy's story of her first birth, which ended in cesareanThe steps Lizzy took to find a better provider as s...
Chances are, if you're plus size and pregnant, you have been told that your pregnancy is automatically "high risk." Join me and birthkeeper, hypnobirthing teacher and all around birth nerd, Jenine Ellis, as we explore the continuing disappearance of "low risk" pregnancies in modern maternity care. In this episode, we discuss: How maternity care has changed over time and become more intervention-focusedThe narrowing of what it means to be a "low risk" patientThe nuances of maternity care in...
Join me and Dr Jess Michaels as we discuss everything osteopathy and how being upright can positively impact your labor and birth! In this episode we discuss: The benefits of being upright during labor and birthMyths surrounding upright birth and how weight bias can influence movement recommendationsHow pain and discomfort act as signals during laborWhat osteopathy is and how it can be beneficial during pregnancy, birth and for newbornsWhy and how Jess developed the birth sling, ...
Join me and journalist, midwife and author Amity Reed as we discuss the important topic of obstetric violence and how it impacts both families and those working within the maternity system. In this episode we discuss: Amity's journey to midwiferyHow working as a midwife was not what Amity thought it was going to beWhat obstetric violence is and how it is deeply rooted in power and controlHow maternity care workers are also being harmed within the current obstetric model of care Follow Am...
I'm so happy to share this episode featuring Amy Arnold, who discusses her journey with multiple pregnancy losses, an ectopic pregnancy and how she decided to access alternative options for fertility support to meet her rainbow baby. You'll hear us discuss: Amy's story of loss and how she found supportWhy Amy chose to take an alternative path with fertility supportThe weight stigma Amy experienced when accessing standard medicalized fertility and pregnancy careHow Amy utilized doula suppor...
I'm so excited for you to hear Ashley's THREE birth stories. Have a listen to her journey through two challenging experiences ending in surgical birth, followed by her decision to take radical responsibility when she stepped outside of the maternity system in Australia. Ashley's journey to parenthood was definitely filled with bumps along the way, including medical anti-fat bias that impacted the care she received and the decisions she made during her third pregnancy. You'll hear us discuss...
Join me and Jojo Hogan as we explore the important topic of postpartum planning and all of the ways we are getting it wrong in the West. Jojo is a peri-natal care specialist, yoga teacher and founder of Slow Postpartum, an international movement which educates as to the importance of honoring the weeks following birth. In this episode we discuss: The typical challenges many new families faceThe importance of postpartum planning What a slow postpartum is and how you can prepare for on...
There is so much wisdom in Alice's story of pregnancy and birth. Have a listen to learn how she found the right support for her after she was continually met with weight-biased care. You'll hear us discuss: How Alice was "risked out" out midwife-led careThe weight bias Alice experienced during pregnancyThe reasons why Alice decided to have a home birthAlice's journey through labor, including a transfer to the hospitalThe reflections Alice has had since giving birth and what she would do d...
Join me and breastfeeding specialist Sterling Grey-Simmons as we explore the topic of breastfeeding and considerations for plus size folks. In this episode we discuss: Common challenges associated with breastfeedingWays you can prepare for feeding your little oneThe importance of support and education How misinformed professionals and loved ones can negatively impact feedingProducts that may be helpful for folks preparing to breastfeedHints & tips for breastfeeding in public Foll...
Join me and intuitive eating coach Stephanie Dodier as we explore the topics of diet culture, intuitive eating and how you can regain body trust. In this episode we discuss: What diet culture and the "thin ideal" areThe difference between body neutrality and body positivityHow diet culture and modern maternity care promote a lack of body trustWays you can begin working toward body trustHow you can begin to change the way you think about food and your body Follow Stephanie: @stephdodier W...
Hello folks! Tune into this wonderful conversation I had with Tessa Bryant, a full spectrum doula and first time mom from Tennessee. Tessa experienced what so many others suffer with in silence during pregnancy-- severe sickness, AKA hyperemesis gravidarum. We explore how she navigated that misery while also preparing for her birth. In this episode, we discuss: Tessa's journey through severe pregnancy sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum)Tips for coping with HG (and Michelle's cannabis story!...
Join me and birth trauma specialist Teela Tomassetti as we explore the topic of birth trauma, often called obstetric violence. In this episode we discuss: What birth trauma is and how it can occurI share my personal story of birth trauma Teela explains the fight, flight, freeze and fawn responses-- which are experienced during traumaWays family and friends can support those who have experienced traumaWhere you can find support if you have experienced birth trauma Follow Teela: ...
I'm excited for you to hear Rebecca's story of pregnancy, birth and navigating the UK maternity system. Have a listen to learn how Rebecca's options were limited during her pregnancy simply because of her weight. Her pregnancy came to an unexpected (and exciting!) end and I simply cannot spoil the surprise! You'll hear us discuss: Rebecca's diagnosis of gestational diabetes and how this impacted her careMaternity care norms in the UK and how weight stigma comes into the pictureHow R...
Join me along with doula, birth coach and birth nerd Kyleigh Banks for this episode where we chat all about questioning the status quo in the birth world and finding your own unique path! During this episode we discuss: Kyleigh's journey into parenthood and how she questioned modern maternity care that does not promote autonomyThe ways Kyleigh prepared for her planned home birthWhy Kyleigh believes birth is mostly about our mindsetThe five pillars of an autonomous birthKyleigh's transitio...
October is Pregnancy, Infant and Child Loss Awareness Month which makes sharing this episode even more special. Join me as Alisha shares her stories of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and her journey to conceiving her rainbow baby. Have a listen to learn how Alisha had to advocate for herself while navigating these experiences with the support of her family, friends and community. Resources Pregnancy After Loss SupportMiscarriage Association UKFéileacáin: Stillbirth and Neonatal Deat...
Today Isadora Ambrose joins me to share her incredible work and the information she has found regarding co-sleeping (and bedsharing) when you're plus size. We explore this topic in depth and look at the research surrounding safety and risk reduction. You'll hear us discuss: What co-sleeping and bedsharing are (and aren't!)Ways to improve safety when co-sleeping or bedsharingThe research looking at co-sleeping when you're plus size (note BMI mention and stigmatizing language is used when re...
I'm excited for you to hear Kayleigh's journey to an autonomous home birth, after she opted out of standard maternity care in Spain. Have a listen to learn how she navigated a maternity system fraught with weight stigma and how she found the ideal support for her and her family. You'll hear us discuss: Maternity care norms in the Canary Islands of SpainThe weight stigma Kayleigh experienced during her pregnancyKayleigh's experience in finding body acceptance / positivity and how th...
Join me and mother of three, Lacy Bruner, as she describes her three pregnancies and birth stories, including both unplanned and elective cesarean section births. We also discuss Lacy's journey through loss, after her brother unexpectedly passed away during her second pregnancy. Lacy describes how this event shaped her pregnancy, the newborn phase and how she sought support as she navigated her grief. In this episode, we discuss: How Lacy was deemed "high risk" during her first pregnancy s...
