Plus Size Pregnancy & Birth Truths & Myths with Jen McLellan

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20% I'm sitting down with Jen McLellan - published author, founder of Plus Size Birth, certified childbirth educator, TED Talk speaker, and host of the Plus Mommy Podcast - for a conversation I truly believe every single person needs to hear, regardless of the body they're in. We're diving deep into plus size pregnancy & birth, and Jen is bringing the evidence, the empowerment, and the honesty that so many people in larger bodies have been desperately searching for. We talk about the very real (and very frustrating) assumptions and misconceptions that follow plus size pregnancy & birth - from automatic high-risk labels to the way relative risk gets weaponized in provider conversations - and how to flip that script so you feel informed and empowered rather than defeated before you even get started. We also get into the practical stuff: how to find a size-friendly care team, what to look for when you walk into a facility, and one of my favorite questions Jen drops in this episode that I think every pregnant woman should be asking their provider: "Do you have any specific guidelines or protocols specifically for my BMI?" Because knowing what your provider already assumes about your pregnancy before anything has even happened? That is gold. Jen also walks us through what to expect during labor, from monitoring challenges to bringing your own belly band, and why so much of what happens in the birth space is about the equipment - not you. This one is full of mic-drop moments, and I'm so grateful Jen trusted me with this conversation. More from Jen & Plus Size Birth: Visit plussizebirth.com & use the code ‘BEHOLD’ for 25% off any of Plus Sized Birth’s offers! Follow Jen on Instagram @plussizedbirth My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide: https://plussizebirth.com/my-plus-siz... Read her blog on advocacy with your provider: https://plussizebirth.com/doctor-appo... Read her blog on finding a size-friendly provider: https://plussizebirth.com/finding-siz... Helpful Timestamps: 00:00 Plus Size Pregnancy & Birth 05:55 Why Plus Size Birth 08:16 Creating Missing Resources 17:12 Risk Myths and Numbers 24:15 Finding Size Friendly Care 28:58 BMI Protocol Questions 30:56 Spotting Red Flags 33:27 Labor Prep Essentials 37:15 Postpartum Gear Tips 47:20 Plus Size Birth Resources and Discounts Download your FREE third trimester pack to help you prep, plan, and pack ➡ http://thelabormama.com/third-trimest... 📌Join the Your Body, Your Birth Online Course: https://thelabormama.com/your-body-yo... 📌Join The Breastfeeding Blueprint Online Course: https://thelabormama.com/breastfeedin... 📌Join Beyond the Birth postpartum/newborn Online Course: https://thelabormama.com/postpartum-a... Want an UNMEDICATED birth? ⇢ You need the Unmedicated Birth Guide: https://learn.thelabormama.com/unmedi... Having a planned C-SECTION? ⇢ Snag the Cesarean Birth Guide: https://learn.thelabormama.com/theces... TLM FAVORITES & RECOMMENDATIONS Purchasing through these links is a small way to support TLM, but it doesn’t cost you anything. Since TLM is an Amazon Associate, I might earn a small amount from qualifying purchases. Thank you! Start an Amazon Registry right here: https://amzn.to/4o8s03W Full TLM Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thelabormama 🤰🏻PREGNANCY FAVS: One a Day Prenatals + Choline: https://amzn.to/4o50hB2 Pregnancy Support Belt: https://amzn.to/4kRAUzO Birth Ball: https://amzn.to/4f1Unwh Morning Sickness Sweets: https://amzn.to/46UCMnZ Nausea Sticks: https://amzn.to/4f4DOzK Compression Socks: https://amzn.to/4kXyHmq ALL pregnancy favs: https://amzn.to/45hZdSW 🏡POSTPARTUM GO-TOS: Best PJs (thinner style): https://amzn.to/3IKRNPg Best PJs (thicker style): https://amzn.to/4f2do1A Breastfeeding back pillow (LOVE): https://amzn.to/4f2do1A No-spill Tumbler: https://amzn.to/44LAczj Bathroom stool: https://amzn.to/45k9QVh ALL postpartum go-tos: https://amzn.to/4f4w0yh 👶🏼BABY MUST-HAVES: (Kyte dupe) sleep sack: https://amzn.to/4f3otQ1 BEST bedside bassinet: https://amzn.to/455iG8g Dishwasher safe (!!) humidifier (trust me): https://amzn.to/3TYu7cD Egg light/MOTN Light: https://amzn.to/3TYu7cD Portable sound machine: https://amzn.to/44WLKQx (fav) baby wrap: https://amzn.to/3GYRD6r Diaper rash support: https://amzn.to/4mcEF42 Baby lounger: https://amzn.to/4m9T68T ALL my baby must-haves: 🤱🏽BREASTFEEDING LOVES: Motherlove Nipple Cream: ​​https://amzn.to/3TSd7EW Hydrogel nipple pads: https://amzn.to/3IKmBzN Milk collector (I’ve tried SO many): https://amzn.to/3IJ0ud2 5-pack (affordable) nursing bras: https://amzn.to/3H2kE0X Favorite bottles: https://amzn.to/4m97Jt1 Eufy breast pump (S1 or S1 Pro): https://amzn.to/45iDev0 Momcozy M5 (no bluetooth) pump: https://amzn.to/3TWGgyM ALL my breastfeeding loves: https://amzn.to/415Njcg