In this episode of Well Rooted Matrescence, host Sarah Hardy Walsh, a naturopathic doctor and lactation consultant, explores the concept of shifting from traditional birth planning to a more adaptable birth preparation mindset. She discusses the limitations and potential emotional risks of rigid birth plans, and introduces 'My Birth Intention' as an alternative, focusing on informed choices and communication. Sarah shares her personal experiences and provides a practical guide to help expectant mothers navigate labor and birth with more confidence and flexibility.

Resource mentioned in this episode: Labor and Birth Preparation Learning Guide

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding into the Present Moment

02:15 Repurposing the Birth Plan

04:42 From Planning to Preparing

06:12 Addressing Fears and Making Informed Choices

07:05 Your Labor and Birth Preparation Guide

08:01 Additional Support and Closing Thoughts
This episode is brought to you by the ⁠⁠⁠Well Rooted Matrescence⁠⁠⁠ membership, an online space for pregnant and new mothers including a wisdom-filled content library and a private online community, away from social media. ⁠⁠⁠Join today⁠⁠⁠ for $9/month or $97/year.

In this episode we explore the impact of oxytocin on health: supporting resilience, emotional regulation, and overall well-being through its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The episode highlights the hormone's role in social connection, the gut, wound healing, and the regulation of the mother-infant nervous system and practical tips are offered on nourishing oxytocin levels to enhance wellbeing throughout matrescence and beyond. 00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding and Breath Awareness

02:15 Exploring Oxytocin Beyond Birth and Breastfeeding

03:22 Oxytocin, Social Support, and the Nervous System

04:42 Oxytocin, the Gut, and the Nervous System

05:37 Oxytocin and Wound Healing

06:01 Stress and the Nervous System of the Breastfeeding Dyad

08:13 Nourishing Oxytocin: Practical Tips

09:54 Conclusion and Farewell This episode is brought to you by the ⁠⁠Well Rooted Matrescence⁠⁠ membership, an online space for pregnant and new mothers including a wisdom-filled content library and a private online community, away from social media. ⁠⁠Join today⁠⁠ for $9/month or $97/year.

In this episode, I share my personal journey of learning to balance the gifts of my left brain planning and structure with the gifts of my right brain intuition and presence, as I faced the unexpected challenges of in my transition to motherhood. As I integrated these early mothering experiences, my approach to supporting women, prenatally and postpartum, evolved. I called it informed, intuitive mothering and it continues to nourish the foundation of my services and programs today. 00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence 00:40 Grounding into the Present Moment 02:19 Embracing Uncertainty in Motherhood 04:25 The Power of Right Brain Nourishment 06:22 Balancing Knowledge and Intuition 08:15 Supporting Your Unique Mothering Journey 08:45 Closing Thoughts and Connection

This episode is brought to you by the ⁠Well Rooted Matrescence⁠ membership, an online space for pregnant and new mothers including a wisdom-filled content library and a private online community, away from social media. ⁠Join today⁠ for $9/month or $97/year.

In this episode we explore matrescence - the significant developmental transition into motherhood, including physical, mental, and emotional impacts, as well as the cultural pressures that new mothers face. Emphasizing the importance of inner wisdom and community support, the episode also provides insights on navigating the complexities of early motherhood with more confidence, clarity and certainty.

00:00 Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence

00:40 Grounding and Breath Awareness

02:16 Introduction to Matrescence

04:29 The Emotional Journey of Motherhood

06:05 Navigating the Challenges and Joys

06:29 Conclusion and Farewell

The episode is brought to you by the Well Rooted Matrescence membership, an online space for pregnant and new mothers including a wisdom-filled content library and a private online community, away from social media. Join today for $9/month or $97/year.

Welcome to Well Rooted Matrescence—your space to rest into the unfolding of your mothering journey.

I’m Sarah Hardy Walsh, a naturopathic doctor and lactation consultant, here to guide you through matrescence – from pregnancy to postpartum, and beyond. In these short, insightful episodes, we’ll explore practical tools and rich wisdom to support you in navigating mothering with more certainty, confidence and clarity.

I’m grateful you’re here. Let’s root in to today’s episode.