Pregtastic Online Radio

Jessica's due date came and went and still no baby. Was she eventually induced? What comment did the nurse make about baby Charles the moment he was born? Plus, dealing with postpartum anxiety and severe insomnia.

Bringing a child into the world is one of the most wonderful and beautiful experiences in life. But, that doesnʼt mean there wonʼt be some bumps along the way... and weʼre not just talking about baby bumps here. This week our PregTASTIC panel of mommies-to-be reflect on the current ups and downs of their pregnancies.

Pregnancy is an absolutely wonderful experience, but it can also be uncomfortable, and even painful. As your baby continues to grow, your body begins to experience pressures pushing from the inside out. This week's expert, Keith Cox explains how to relieve common pains, walking us through abdominal, side and chest stretches. Plus, techniques your husband can do with you.

PregTASTIC panelist Leyna is back for her birthing story! How was this birth different from the birth of her son 20 months ago? How did Leyna know she was in labor? How a birthing mirror helped? Her thoughts on baby blues and postpartum depression. Plus, her must-haves for new moms!

Krista, her husband Ryan, and their 4 week old baby girl Tessa join us for another wonderful birth story. Why was Krista scheduled to have an induction and what happened? Krista's request for a mirror and what she thought when she saw her baby for the first time. Krista's breastfeeding hiccups and Ryan's swaddling. Plus, how are things as new parents? 

Where were Ashley's doula and parents during her intense contractions? What scare tactic did her OB use, and did it work? The yoga breath, her husband’s job interview, and mild jaundice. Former PregTASTIC panelist Ashley and her husband Russ return with their four week old baby girl.

We love birthing stories! PregTASTIC panelist Gina is back with hubby Dave, and their new baby, and shares details about their shocking last minute midwife issues. Plus, the decision to go to the hospital and Dave's lecture to the hospital staff. Gina shares her birthing technique and how a hot tub and Dave's back rubs helped when pain was setting in. How her chiropractor helped with breastfeeding.

Prenatal Dance Fitness is a transformational wellness program safe for pregnancy combining; breath work, visualization, yoga, labor prep, mindful movement, graceful dance, energy work, baby bonding and relaxation. Feel balanced, beautiful and graceful as you dance your way to becoming a mother. Great for lower back and leg pain. Jennifer Jiminez of www.letsdancetogether.net is this week's PregTASTIC expert.

Cribs continue to be the leading cause of death and injury among all nursery products. Keeping Babies Safe was established to educate and inform parents on how to keep babies safe from preventable injuries associated with unsafe cribs, dangerous infant products and unsafe sleeping environments. President of Keeping Babies Safe, Joyce Davis is our featured guest.

Baby slings, wraps, pouches, oh my! The Maya, Moby, Baby Bjorn, Ergo, The Peanut shell… So many to choose from, but which carrier will suit you best? Will you be the only one using it? What’s your budget? And, will you carry your baby on your hip, in the front, or on your back? Vera Casey from babywearingsandiego.com is this weeks baby carrier expert.

Research shows that babies who are carried cry, on average, 43% less overall, and 54% less during the evening hours. Besides easing your baby’s cries, babywearing is convenient and can even help with postpartum depression. And, it’s a great way for other family members or caregivers to bond with your baby! How is it good for baby’s neural and physical development? How can it bring out the best in you and your baby? Babywearing International Alma Gordillo is this week’s babywearing and baby carrier expert. 

We love birth stories on PregTASTIC! This week, panelist Vanessa joins us in studio to show off her new baby girl. What was different this time compared to the birth of her first child? What did her 22 month think of her new sister and how is everyone settling in? What products does Vanessa recommend? What's a tight jaw? How breastfeeding is going, and mastitis. 

Women, infants, and children or WIC, is a federally funded program providing residents with nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals. WIC serves pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and infants and children under age five who meet WIC eligibility guidelines. What are these guidelines and how can WIC be a great resource for you as you become a new mom? Maryann Miernicki, RD, CLE Nutrition Education Coordinator, WIC Program in San Diego and this week’s expert.

H1N1 is an important topic for all pregnant women. What are your thoughts about getting vaccinated for it? Is this vaccine 100% safe? What are the pros and cons of getting it? And, what type of flu vaccine is best for you and your unborn baby. Dr. Christina Chambers an Associate Professor at University of California San Diego is here to share her knowledge of H1N1.

Pregnancy changes everything including your skin: dry skin, stretch marks, acne, dark splotches... Have you ever thought about what potentially harmful products are in some makeup, sunscreens, moisturizers, and cleansers? What are retinoids, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids? How about soy? Which are safe and which are harmful? And why you should be reading the labels while shopping when pregnant. 

An expecting mother can take many actions to increase her chances of having a healthy baby; beginning with a healthy pregnancy. What you eat, what you do, or don’t do, can have a lasting difference in your pregnancy and your baby's life. Today we discuss the ABC’s of a healthy pregnancy and provide you with a quick list of pregnancy do’s and don'ts.

While you're reading books, visiting online forums, listening to PregTASTIC, attending birthing classes... what is your husband or partner doing? Does he know your birth plan? Is he up on midwives, doctors, or doulas? The Bradley method, Hypnobirthing, Lamaze? How will he handle seeing you in pain? How will he cope with a complicated delivery? Is he doing any research about cribs or car seats? 

What’s the difference between screenings and diagnostic tests? Why do you need a full bladder, and why do you have to pee in a cup every time you see your midwife or OB? What are the routine and optional tests of each trimester? What are the risks involved with those tests? And, who can best tell how big your baby is and/or going to be? Certified nurse midwife and family nurse practitioner Alisa Smallwood is this week's expert.

When it comes to naming your baby, only three people matter: you, your partner and your baby. For some this is an exciting and fun event, for others it could be the first major challenge. This week PregTASTIC features some naming ideas, resources, and the idea of waiting to choose after your baby is born. Plus, 58% of moms feel there is power in a name. Do you agree?

Natalie’s 1 of 4% to give birth on her due date, with a worked-like-it-should epidural at the hospital! Did everything else go so smoothly? How is breastfeeding coming? Also, how hypnobabies, yoga, a birthing ball, water, and mostly the toilet helped Jean’s unmedicated birth at the birth center. Why her husband didn’t tell her the baby’s gender, and what to do with those nipple shields?