Birth with Liv

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Podcast by Olivia Styons

Birth with Liv

Are you overwhelmed by conflicting opinions on pregnancy and childbirth? Are you desperate to find a reliable source to help you make informed choices that are right for you and your unique situation?  If so, you’re in the right place!  Welcome to Birth with Liv, the podcast designed to be your go-to guide for all things pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. I'm your host, Olivia Styons. I'm a wife, mom, and Learning & Development Professional. After having my daughter unexpectedly at 34 weeks, and watching my seemingly perfect birth plan go out the window, I felt called to help other women better prepare for birth and postpartum. I’m now studying to become a certified childbirth educator and I’m here to provide parents with easy to understand, evidence-based information so they can gain confidence to make decisions that are right for them. Join me weekly for the up-to-date insights, expert interviews, heartwarming birth stories, and real talk. No fear mongering or pretending to be perfect here! In each episode, I’ll break down common questions, debunk misconceptions, and equip you with the knowledge needed for a confident and informed journey into parenthood. Welcome to Birth with Liv, I'm thrilled you're here.  Let’s learn together! **Disclaimer: Please remember the information shared in this podcast is not medical advice, and is for educational purposes only. Connect with me: Instagram: www.instagram.com/birthwithliv  Email: hello@oliviastyons.com
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Latest episodes

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13 November 2024

#027 | Your Guide to a Safer Birth with Attorney & Author Gina Mundy

If you’re currently expecting or preparing for pregnancy, this episode is a must-listen! I sit down with Gina Mundy and get the inside perspective on what goes wrong during birth, and how to keep that from happening to you.

Gina is a childbirth attorney with over two decades of experience. Throughout her career, she has analyzed the mistakes that are made during labor and delivery. She took all the lessons she has learned and put them in an accessible and easy to understand format by writing the book "A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth". Her goal is to help parents prevent these mistakes and have a healthy baby. She lays out the framework of actionable steps you can take to avoid ever meeting with an attorney like her.

You’ll come away from this powerful episode feeling empowered to reclaim your birth and make it the most satisfying and safe experience possible.

Connect with Gina

https://ginamundy.com/

Follow Gina on Instagram

Get Gina's Book Here

Shop my Favorite Things at a Discount!

  • Free Sample Pack of LMNT Electrolytes, my go-to drink, especially during pregnancy and postpartum! LMNT
  • 10% off the all-in-one fertility monitor I’ve used since 2018 to track my cycle and avoid hormonal birth control Tempdrop 
  • 20% off my favorite self care essentials, nail polish and press-ons! Olive & June 
  • How I get money back on my online shopping. Get an extra 10% cash back when you join and shop. It’s free! Rakuten 
  • How I turn every day receipts into gift cards. Get points on every receipt! Sign up for free and scan any receipt to get bonus points! Fetch

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16 October 2024

#026 | How to Better Prepare for Birth & Postpartum with Kristin Revere

In this episode I talk all things birth with Kristin Revere, CEO of Gold Coast Doulas and co-host of the Ask the Doulas podcast. We delve into the importance of preparing for childbirth and the postpartum period with the same excitement and consideration as other life events like weddings. Kristin shares insights from her book 'Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby', emphasizing the value of knowing what’s important to you and using that knowledge to guide selecting your dream team. 

We both share personal experiences with preeclampsia and NICU stays, and discuss the unpredictable nature of birth and the necessity of informed decision-making and flexible planning in preparing for motherhood.

By sharing her personal story and professional insights, Kristin illustrates the critical role of evidence-based education and support networks. Their conversation is an enlightening guide for expecting parents, emphasizing compassion, readiness, and adaptability in navigating the birth and early parenting journey.

Connect with Kristin

www.goldcoastdoulas.com

www.supportedbook.com

Ask the Doulas Podcast

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

Shop my Favorite Things at a Discount!

  • Free Sample Pack of LMNT Electrolytes, my go-to drink, especially during pregnancy and postpartum! LMNT
  • 10% off the all-in-one fertility monitor I’ve used since 2018 to track my cycle and avoid hormonal birth control Tempdrop 
  • 20% off my favorite self care essentials, nail polish and press-ons! Olive & June 
  • How I get money back on my online shopping. Get an extra 10% cash back when you join and shop. It’s free! Rakuten 
  • How I turn every day receipts into gift cards. Get points on every receipt! Sign up for free and scan any receipt to get bonus points! Fetch

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02 October 2024

#025 | Stephanie's Journey to Motherhood: How She Overcame the Loss of a Twin, Domestic and Obstetric Violence, Trauma, and Advocated for Herself and Her Baby

In this powerful episode I have the pleasure of introducing you to a mother who is close to my heart. Stephanie and I were pregnant at the same time and her daughter was born one day after mine. Her pregnancy and birth was fraught with trauma, and yet she still found profound moments of joy, and says motherhood is the most natural thing she has done.

From mourning the loss of a twin, surviving domestic abuse and dealing with a months long custody battle, and overcoming an emergency C-Section, Stephanie shows up every single day doing what it takes to advocate for herself and her daughter.

Her story is an inspiration to never give up, to find laughter in the midst of pain, and to keep an unwavering commitment to heal, grow, and thrive.

Resources Mentioned

National Domestic Violence Hotline

SGB Nerve Block Info

Apollo Neuro Band Info

Connect with Stephanie

https://www.tiktok.com/@charismachaos

https://www.facebook.com/charismachaos

https://www.instagram.com/charismachaos

https://www.tiktok.com/@custodychaos

Shop my Favorite Things at a Discount!

  • Free Sample Pack of LMNT Electrolytes, my go-to drink, especially during pregnancy and postpartum! LMNT
  • 10% off the all-in-one fertility monitor I’ve used since 2018 to track my cycle and avoid hormonal birth control Tempdrop 
  • 20% off my favorite self care essentials, nail polish and press-ons! Olive & June 
  • How I get money back on my online shopping. Get an extra 10% cash back when you join and shop. It’s free! Rakuten 
  • How I turn all my receipts into gift cards. Get points on every receipt! Signup for free and scan to get bonus points! Fetch

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01:02:20

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18 September 2024

#024 | My OBGYN was a Monster in a White Coat: My Experience with the Sociopath and Convicted Felon Dr. Javaid Perwaiz

Part true crime, part birth podcast, we cover the unbelievable story of my longtime OBGYN, Dr. Javaid Perwaiz, and how I escaped him weeks before he was arrested by the FBI. As the episode unfolds, you’ll hear the dark details of his evil, decades long crime against women.

Listen now to hear the red flags the healthcare system missed over the years, my experience, and what led to his sentence of 59 years in prison. This story reinforces the importance of finding a care provider you trust, obtaining informed choice, and bodily autonomy.

Resources Mentioned

https://www.wavy.com/the-patients-v-perwaiz/

https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/former-chesapeake-obgyn-sentenced-59-years-prison

Swindled Podcast: The OBGYN 

My Interview on the Down to Birth Podcast

Shop my Favorite Things at a Discount!

  • Free Sample Pack of LMNT Electrolytes, my go-to drink, especially during pregnancy and postpartum! LMNT
  • 10% off the all-in-one fertility monitor I’ve used since 2018 to track my cycle and avoid hormonal birth control Tempdrop 
  • 20% off my favorite self care essentials, nail polish and press-ons! Olive & June 
  • How I get money back on my online shopping. Get an extra 10% cash back when you join and shop. It’s free! Rakuten 
  • How I turn every day receipts into gift cards. Get points on every receipt! Signup and scan to get bonus points! Fetch

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40:24

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04 September 2024

#023 | From Traumatic Hospital Birth to Triumphant Home Birth VBAC: Casey's Two Birth Stories

In this episode I have the pleasure of introducing you to Casey, a wife and mom of two girls, as she shares her raw and compelling birth stories. From an unexpectedly challenging first birth with pre-eclampsia leading to a C-section, to a triumphant second birth at home, Casey sheds light on the highs and lows of her journey.

She highlights how childbirth education, physical and mental preparation, and a supportive birth team were key components to achieving her VBAC. Her story is sure to inspire and I can't wait for you to listen! 

Resources Mentioned

Cesarean Awareness: https://www.ican-online.org/

Virginia Based Home Birth Midwife: https://www.threeriversmidwifery.com/

Doula & Childbirth Education Services: https://www.blissfulbabysteps.com/

Real Food for Pregnancy: https://lilynicholsrdn.com/ 

Shop my Favorite Things at a Discount!

  • Free Sample Pack of LMNT Electrolytes, my go-to drink, especially during pregnancy and postpartum! LMNT
  • 10% off the all-in-one fertility monitor I’ve used since 2018 to track my cycle and avoid hormonal birth control Tempdrop 
  • 20% off my favorite self care essentials, nail polish and press-ons! Olive & June 
  • How I get money back on my online shopping. Get an extra 10% cash back when you join and shop. It’s free! Rakuten 
  • How I turn every day receipts into gift cards. Get points on every receipt! Signup and scan to get bonus points! Fetch

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00:00

01:07:09

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21 August 2024

#022 | Raising Emotionally Healthy Kids: Nervous System Co-regulation Tools to Help You Navigate Big Feelings and Parent from a State of Calm with Heather Daly

In this episode I have the pleasure of interviewing Heather Daly, a holistic occupational therapist and nervous system coach. Heather specializes in mindfulness and emotional regulation, and helps families become nervous system-informed for thriving child development and household harmony.

Our conversation explores the significance of the nervous system, and delves into practical tools for stress relief and co-regulation. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your own body's signals and learn effective techniques for maintaining a state of calm. 

This episode is a must-listen for mothers seeking to improve their emotional well-being while fostering a peaceful and connected family environment!

Connect with Heather 

Website 

Mindful Mom Program

Instagram

Shop my Favorite Things at a Discount!

  • Free Sample Pack of LMNT Electrolytes, my go-to drink, especially during pregnancy and postpartum! LMNT
  • 10% off the all-in-one fertility monitor I’ve used since 2018 to track my cycle and avoid hormonal birth control Tempdrop 
  • 20% off my favorite self care essentials, nail polish and press-ons! Olive & June 
  • How I get money back on my online shopping. Get an extra 10% cash back when you join and shop. It’s free! Rakuten 
  • How I turn every day receipts into gift cards. Get points on every receipt! Signup and scan to get bonus points! Fetch

Connect with me 

Instagram Email TikTok 

Be a Guest on the Show 

Rate and Review the Show 

00:00

53:24