If someoneâs told you to âdo your Kegelsâ when youâre pregnant, donât hit play on that autopilot just yet. Because when it comes to prepping for birth, the story isnât quite what weâve all been told.
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âKegelsâ are those squeeze-and-lift exercises you do when youâre at a red light, brushing your teeth, or standing in line. Theyâre great for strengthening the pelvic floor when you need hold-and-lift (like fixing leakage or postpartum support). nhs.uk+1
But - hereâs the thing - birthing is not about clenching. Itâs about opening, releasing, and allowing. Evidence shows that when your pelvic floor doesnât relax enough, it may result in a longer pushing phase, more tearing, or more discomfort. PubMed+1
Relaxation + release: Your body needs to know how to let go.
Balance + strength + flexibility: One without the others is a recipe for tension.
Movement patterns that mimic birth:
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Whether you're 17 weeks pregnant or days away from meeting your baby, the thought of labor can stir up anxiety. But what if I told you thereâs a simple, science-backed technique you can practice right now that helps your body shift from panic to peace in just two minutes?
No meditation. No yoga. Just a powerful nervous system reset you can use anytime â especially during labor.
Fear during labor isnât just a mental hurdle â itâs a physical one. When you're scared, your body releases adrenaline, which can slow down contractions, tighten your pelvic floor, and make labor more painful and prolonged. But when you feel safe, your body produces oxytocin â the hormone that fuels contractions and helps labor progress smoothly.
Thatâs why calming your nervous system is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for birth.
 So, youâve made it to the third trimesterâcue the celebration! But between âget your sleep nowâ and âbabyâs the size of an eggplant,â are people actually telling you whatâs happening in your body (and what to do about it)?
Letâs fix that. Here's what no one talks aboutâbut every pregnant mama should know at 28 weeks.
Normal:
Braxton Hicks (aka warm-up contractions)
Blurry vision (yep, hormones can affect your eyes!)
Leaky boobs (colostrum may start early!)
Shortness of breath + insomnia
 Not Normal:
Sudden swelling in your face/hands
Persistent headaches or blurry vision with floaters
Severe pain or bleeding
If youâre unsure, always call your provider. No shame in being cautious!
Hereâs the deal: labor isnât something that magically happens at 40 weeks. Your body is training alreadyâand how you support it now matters.
Try this daily:
Light stretching + p
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Today, weâre taking a fun twist on birth prep by exploring the strategies I'd use to help Taylor Swift have a smooth, empowering birth â and the best part? These tips are perfect for ANY mom-to-be, not just celebrities!
1. Create a Flexible Birth Plan:
A customized birth plan is key, but flexibility is a must. Think about your pain relief options, who you want by your side, and your ideal birth environment, then share these details with your birth team. Having a plan that adapts gives you peace of mind, no matter how labor unfolds.
2. Embrace Natural Pain Management Techniques:
While it may seem like celebs have endless options, some of the best pain relief techniques are simple. Breathing exercises, visualizations, and water therapy are powerful tools that are accessible to all moms-to-be. Practice these in adva...
sometimes, achieving the birth of your dreams is more about letting go than adding on. Here are five things to quit that will help you feel empowered, calm, and ready to step into the birth experience with confidence!
Between Google and countless online forums, itâs easy to feel overwhelmed by information. Instead of scrolling endlessly, choose a few trusted sources. Knowledge is power, but too much information can be confusing and stressful. Stick to what resonates, and donât hesitate to reach out to professionals.
Every pregnancy is different, and comparing yourself to others wonât serve you. Instead, focus on celebrating your body and your unique experience. When we stop comparing, we make space to appreciate our personal journey.
Itâs natural to feel unsure, especially if itâs y...
This FREE cheat sheet will walk you through 3 evidence-based strategies to boost your breastfeeding confidence and increase your milk supply.