Moms in the Middle

Co-Host, Elly shares she and her husband’s raw and honest experience of trying to conceive for four long years, the emotional rollercoaster of failed treatments, and the resilience they found within themselves. She opens up about the various fertility treatments they explored, from natural methods to medical interventions, and ultimately their decision to pursue IVF. Through candid storytelling, Elly takes us through the highs and lows of she and her husband’s path to parenthood offering hope and inspiration to others facing similar struggles. Tune in to hear Elly's empowering story of perseverance, faith, and the incredible joy of finally becoming a mom. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ us on Instagram! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@whatadoulado⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@your.hometown.doula

Join Heidi and Elly on Moms in the Middle as they unpack the latest research on epidurals, recently discussed on the Evidence Based Birth podcast with Rebecca Dekker. Learn why it’s crucial to look beyond sensational headlines, how to critically read studies, and the importance of preparing for a smooth labor. Get empowered with practical tips for making informed decisions about your birth plan. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ us on Instagram! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@whatadoulado⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@your.hometown.doula

On this week's episode, co-host Elly, shares her incredible journey through IVF, premature membrane rupture at 36 weeks, and her empowering low-intervention hospital birth in honor of her son, Braxton, who turned 5 last week! Join us as Elly opens up about her emotional rollercoaster, from the challenges of infertility to the triumph of welcoming her baby into the world. Despite facing premature rupture of membranes and an induction, Elly managed to have a deeply personal and autonomous birth experience. She shares how meticulous preparation, finding the perfect healthcare team, and cultivating a resilient mindset were key to navigating this pivotal moment. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on overcoming obstacles and embracing the power of informed and intentional childbirth. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ us on Instagram! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@whatadoulado⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @your.hometown.doula

Join Elly on this week's episode of Moms in the Middle as she shares a fun and empowering four-step framework to transform your birth experience. Learn how to take control, develop a positive mindset, connect with your intuition, and embrace flexibility for a confident and joyful birth journey. Perfect for expecting moms seeking inspiration and practical tips. Tune in and get ready to rock your birth! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ us on Instagram! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@whatadoulado⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @your.hometown.doula

Are you interested in becoming a doula or jumping into birth work full time? In this solo episode, Heidi dives into frequently asked questions about how she started and sustained a professional doula business! She talks about her journey into doula work (more about that on Episode One of the podcast!), figuring out a business model, how she got her first few clients, building a trusted reputation in her community; and then the ins and outs of marketing, SEO, and financials. Heidi reminds listeners that you can be a doula in any capacity, as the original doula was the community members who helped pregnant families during their transition into parenthood; but if you want to build a professional business that actually brings home a full-time income, you need to treat it as such... A BUSINESS! Resources mentioned: Julia at Doula Design Co. (use this link and the code DDC10AFF for 10% off your purchase) Lili for Business Banking Squarespace for Easy Website Building (can purchase pre-made doula website templates that are compatible with Squarespace through Doula Design Co.) Quickbooks Online Check out Heidi's Course, "Build Your Hospital Birth Skills" for more education on expanding your business into more medicalized birth settings. If you have any questions for Heidi about today's episode, don't hesitate to reach out at themomsinthemiddle.com or via Instagram DMs. We hope you enjoyed this episode! If you want connection with other Moms in the Middle, make sure to follow us on Instagram --> Heidi and Elly

In this episode of Moms in the Middle , we explore the vital role of partner support during childbirth! Join us as we discuss how partners can actively participate in the birth process, with expert tips from a doula's perspective. Learn how to provide emotional, physical, and mental support, communicate effectively, and advocate for your loved one. We also dive into how doulas and partners can work together as a team to provide the best support. Whether you're a first-time parent or looking to enhance your support skills, this episode offers valuable guidance for creating a positive and collaborative birth experience. 🌟 Key Takeaways: The doula's role in supporting partners. Practical tips for emotional and physical support. Encouraging active participation and advocacy. Teamwork between doulas and partners. Tune in and get inspired to be a confident and supportive partner in the birthing journey! Amazon Link --> The Birth Partner Local to Kansas City, MO? Check out the Babies and Beer class specifically for the Dads --> https://www.babiesandbeer.com/class-schedule If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ us on Instagram! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@whatadoulado⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @your.hometown.doula

In this episode of Moms in the Middle, we share our top takeaways from the Integrative Obstetric Care (IOB) Conference. We learned from so many amazing fellow birthworkers and care providers about the benefits of an integrative and more holistic approach during pregnancy. We learned so much more than what we already knew: the benefits of chiropractic care and prenatal yoga, essential nutrition for pregnancy and postpartum as well as the importance of pelvic floor physical therapy, effective sleep and stress management techniques, and we got to meet keynote speaker, Dr. Rebecca Dekker, founder of Evidence Based Birth who presented on the evidence supporting doulas! Tune in to hear all about it and maybe even snag a couple of takeaways yourself! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ us on Instagram! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@whatadoulado⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @your.hometown.doula

Celebrate Earth Day with Moms in the Middle as we explore sustainable parenting practices. From thrifting to second-hand baby gear and eco-friendly cleaning products, Heidi shares her tips for low-tox living and sustainability. Learn how to minimize waste with food and household goods, and join us in embracing a more eco-conscious lifestyle for our families and the planet. We're not perfect nor do we expect you to be but together we can make small changes in our everyday life to make our world a better place for the future! Interested in the apps we discussed? Yuka App Mercari Poshmark And Thredup (follow this link to get 45% off of your first purchase and FREE shipping!) - https://www.thredup.com/r/OS582P If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ us on Instagram! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@whatadoulado⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @your.hometown.doula

Ready to dive deep into the rollercoaster ride of your menstrual cycle? Join us on this episode of Moms in the Middle as Elly spills the tea on what really goes down during each phase. Forget what you thought you knew—your period isn't the star of the show. We're shining a spotlight on ovulation and why it's the real MVP. From the mood swings of menstruation to the empowering energy of ovulation, we're here to dish out all the deets. We're chatting about the ups and downs of your cycle. With a little help from "The Fifth Vital Sign", we'll give you the lowdown on how to ride the wave like a pro. Let's celebrate the beautiful, messy journey of womanhood together. And hey, if you want to dive deeper, grab your copy of "The Fifth Vital Sign" on Amazon https://amzn.to/3UqgpjN . If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ us on Instagram! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@whatadoulado⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @your.hometown.doula

Join us on this episode of Moms in the Middle as we reconnect after life happened and forced us into radio silence. We dive into the relatable struggle of decision fatigue, sharing our own experiences and coping strategies for navigating the endless choices that come with motherhood. Then, we tackle the topic of mommy makeovers, offering candid insights and perspectives on this often-discussed but sometimes controversial aspect of postpartum self-care. Tune in for heartfelt conversation, laughter, and solidarity as we journey through the highs and lows of modern motherhood together. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ us on Instagram! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Heidi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠@whatadoulado⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠ @your.hometown.doula

Join us on this special episode of Moms in the Middle as Elly celebrates the 2-year anniversary of her second “birth”day with her daughter Brenley’s birth story. From the shock of discovering a natural pregnancy after IVF with her first born, to the dramatic entrance of her daughter into the world, Elly’s story is one of resilience and advocacy. In this episode, Elly candidly recounts the emotional ups and downs of her pregnancy, navigating the uncertainties with courage and hope. After choosing a non-traditional induction at 40 weeks and 3 days, Elly dives into the whirlwind experience of a remarkably quick labor, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and the support of her healthcare team. Tune in as Elly celebrates the unexpected blessings, embraces the challenges, and shares the invaluable lessons learned on her journey. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! If you're interested in taking Heidi's Course - " Build Your Hospital Birth Skills - For Doulas " use the code "MOMSINTHEMIDDLE" for $100 off! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ us on Instagram! ⁠⁠⁠Heidi⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠@whatadoulado⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠ @your.hometown.doula

Settle in for some casual mom (and doula) talk on this week's episode of Moms in the Middle! Heidi & Elly catch up on the past week discussing the woes (or lack thereof) of Daylight Savings time, a recent birth they attended with great examples of how collaborative care is so important to improving birth outcomes, and a killer prenatal yoga class with Jenny from Full Circle Yoga KC! Check out Full Circle Yoga KC here! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ us on Instagram! ⁠⁠Heidi⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠@whatadoulado⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Elly⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠ @your.hometown.doula

We're at it again! Drawing inspiration from candid discussions on Reddit threads, we're giving our unsolicited advice to two topics that many parents can relate to: parenting pet peeves and coping with postpartum anxiety. We share our experiences as well as our own struggles with postpartum anxiety and our tips for navigating your first time away from baby. If you have situations or topics you want us to weigh in on, send them our way @ themomsinthemiddle@gmail.com! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ us on Instagram! ⁠Heidi⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠@whatadoulado⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Elly⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠ @your.hometown.doula

In this episode of Moms in the Middle, we discuss the crucial topic of birth advocacy and informed decision-making. Drawing from our experiences both as mothers and birth professionals, we explore the pivotal role that advocacy plays in ensuring a positive birth experience for both parents and babies. We emphasize the importance of trusting one's intuition and feeling empowered to make informed choices throughout the birthing process and discuss the integral roles of partners and support persons in advocating for the birthing person's preferences and desires. This topic is one that we feel very passionate about in our profession therefore we're also highlighting the invaluable support provided by doulas in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Listeners will gain valuable insights into effective communication strategies when interacting with healthcare providers, including tips for fostering collaborative relationships and advocating for personalized care. From discussing birth plans to addressing unexpected challenges, we're offering practical advice for maintaining autonomy during childbirth. Tune in to Moms in the Middle for a thoughtful conversation on advocating for your birth preferences with confidence and grace. Whether you're expecting your first child or navigating the journey of parenthood, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to embrace the birthing experience with clarity and conviction. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to share, follow and leave a review so we can reach more moms in the middle! Interested in hearing more from us? Follow ⁠ ⁠ us on Instagram! Heidi⁠⁠ - @whatadoulado ⁠⁠Elly⁠⁠ - @your.hometown.doula

Join us on this enlightening episode of Moms in the Middle as we delve into the often overlooked realm of sexual health during pregnancy and postpartum. Our guest, Bethany Peterson, an amazing pelvic floor physical therapist, shares her journey into this specialized field and sheds light on the importance of normalizing body conversations, especially within the context of motherhood. From tackling the infamous "sex talk" with our kids to addressing common issues like pain during intercourse, hormonal shifts, perineal tears, and scar tissue, Bethany provides valuable insights into the experiences of pre-pregnancy, pregnant, and postpartum women. We explore strategies for navigating the six-week wait postpartum, understanding the impact of c-sections on sexual health, and creating space for a positive sexual relationship amidst the challenges of motherhood. Drawing from her expertise, Bethany references essential reads like "Come as You Are" and "The Great Sex Rescue" to further empower our listeners in their journey towards reclaiming sexual wellness. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, compassion, and practical advice for moms navigating this vital aspect of their well-being. [Amazon Links] “Come As You Are” “The Great Sex Rescue” As always, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rate and review so we can reach new moms in the middle! Follow ⁠ Heidi⁠ and ⁠Elly⁠ on social media for more day to day mom content!

This week, Elly and Heidi sit down to hear all about Heidi's second birth! Heidi opens up about her early pregnancy loss before this pregnancy and the perinatal mental health issues she dealt with; ending in a culmination of what she would consider her "ideal" low-intervention, unmedicated, hospital birth. Join us for an episode that hilariously enough, is as long as Heidi's entire birth! We laugh, we cry, and we commiserate about the ups and downs of welcoming a new baby into your family. As always, if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rate and review so we can reach new moms in the middle! Follow Heidi and Elly on social media for more day to day mom content!

Heidi hosts the podcast this week with her husband, Joe, and they have a raw discussion about how they have divided household labor over the years. From navigating young marriage, figuring out a relationship that looks different from their parents; to working jobs with different stress levels, fluctuations in workloads, and lots of random things in-between... They review the book "Fair Play" and discuss how it has helped them navigate a major hang-up in their relationship and strike balance as a two-parent working family. Want to check out the book for yourself? Find the book "Fair Play" and the related playing cards on Heidi's Amazon Book Recommendations ! Find this episode relatable? Don't forget to follow the show and leave us a review to help us reach more Moms in the Middle! And for more day-to-day content make sure to follow Heidi and Elly on Instagram!

This week we recap Heidi’s 30th birthday festivities and then dive in to a discussion about setting boundaries as parents and the enduring impact of generational influences on modern parenting. Whether you're a seasoned parent seeking validation or a newcomer navigating the joys and challenges of raising children alongside us, this episode offers valuable insights and relatable anecdotes to inspire and empower you on your journey. Did you find this episode relatable? Don't forget to follow the show and leave a review to help us reach more Mom's in the Middle! Interested in following along on social? Find us on IG! Heidi - @whatadoulado Elly - @your.hometown.doula

This week on Moms in the Middle, we jump into the highs and lows of our breastfeeding journeys with each of our kids. From tongue ties, colic, and cracked nipples to oversupplies and reflux... you'll see that even "successful" breastfeeding journeys are never seamless. We both chat about our confidence in nursing our second babies, including the support we wish we knew about sooner. Included are a few doula rants on the most common hang-ups we see with our clients (pssst, we are talking to YOU sleep-trainers without lactation credentials), and some resources we wish more people knew about! If we didn't say it enough, we are supportive of every person's feeding journey. There is so much that goes into the decision as to what is the best way for your family to feed your baby, and no decision is the "right" one (just the one right for you!). This episode is a personal one where we share what our journeys looked like when it came to feeding our kids the first few years of life, and the advice is geared towards other parents who would like to prioritize breastfeeding and need resources and community guidance to do so. Some resources mentioned in this episode: Check your insurance coverage with The Lactation Network. The local, Kansas City, Lactation Consultant we both used. Gentle sleep guidance account, Hey Sleep Baby . Gentle sleep training book, The No Cry Sleep Solution . If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to leave us a review and hit the follow button so we can reach more moms in the middle! If you enjoyed this comment, give Heidi and Elly a follow for more day-to-day community in this parenting space. Thanks for tuning in!

Join us on this week's episode of Moms in the Middle as Elly dives deep into the world of pelvic floor health with the highly knowledgeable Dr. Meg Schwartz, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach. Pregnancy is a transformative journey, and understanding the crucial role the pelvic floor plays in this process is essential for the well-being of expectant and new parents. In this candid conversation, Dr. Meg shares insights into the changes the pelvic floor undergoes during pregnancy and through postpartum, offering practical advice and guidance on navigating this often overlooked aspect of healing in addition to debunking the common misconceptions. Whether you're an expectant parent, a new mom, or someone planning for the future, this episode is packed with practical tips and resources to support you on your pelvic floor journey. Join Elly and Dr. Meg for an informative and empowering conversation that aims to empower parents to prioritize their pelvic floor health and overall well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to leave us a review and hit the follow button so we can reach more moms in the middle! Instagram Links: Heidi - @whatadoulado Elly - @your.hometown.doula Evlo Fitness Empower Your Pelvis