Birth With Babylist Episode 1: Own Your Birth Experience
In the first episode of Birth with Babylist, we break down what happens during labor, how to prepare and common birth myths.
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Congrats, you're pregnant! Now what?
Welcome to Birth with Babylist—a podcast doing birth education a little differently, where we answer all the questions that are keeping you up at night.
In our first episode, we walk through what birth actually looks like, from early labor through delivery. We talk to experienced OB-GYNs and midwives as they break down the stages of labor, what’s normal, what’s unpredictable and what you can prepare for.
And because no two births are the same, real parents share what it was really like for them.
Hosted by journalist, author and mom of three Jo Piazza. New episodes every Thursday.
What We Talk About
Welcome to Birth with Babylist, the podcast designed to take the mystery out of birth. Real stories, expert insight, and the honest information we wish we’d had when we were pregnant—because birth shouldn’t be a black box.
Bringing partners into the conversation early. Real partners share how they got involved during pregnancy, what they wish they’d known sooner, and why showing up—from OB appointments to reading the AAP book aloud—can strengthen both preparation and connection.
Meet Laura, who’s about to give birth any minute now. She talks about uncertainty, expectations, and what birth teaches you about parenting before it even begins—especially the art of letting go of control.
Dr. Laura Hanks and midwife Victoria Dean break down what’s actually within your control during birth—like preparation, support, nutrition, movement, and mindset—and what’s ultimately out of your hands.
Experts unpack some of the biggest misconceptions about birth, from what OBs really want for patients to whether you need a birth plan at all—and what flexibility can look like in practice.
A clear, no-nonsense walkthrough of the stages of labor and birth, from early contractions through delivery of the placenta—plus what terms like dilation really mean.
Why understanding what’s ahead—and hearing directly from people who’ve lived it—can make birth feel less overwhelming. Plus, what’s coming up in future episodes.
Featured Experts
Dr. Laura Hanks is an ob-gyn at UW Health and a clinical assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She offers full-spectrum obstetric and gynecologic care, including support for transgender patients and gender-affirming procedures. With special training in robotic surgery, she also treats complex conditions like endometriosis and fibroids. When she’s not with patients, she’s likely on a rugby field or exploring Madison. You can follow her at @drhanks_at_ur_cervix.
Victoria Dean CPM, LM is a Certified Professional Midwife and Licensed Midwife at Refuge Midwifery in Philadelphia. She began midwifery school at age 20, training with both Certified Professional and Nurse Midwives before earning her certification in 2017. Since then, she’s supported home and birth center deliveries in Oregon, New Mexico, and now Pennsylvania. Victoria brings a strong focus on social justice to her work and is passionate about serving queer and trans families. You can follow her at @refugemidwifery.
Birth with Babylist is brought to you by Nuna.
