By the end of pregnancy, almost everyone starts searching for the magic trick that will finally kickstart labor. Because when you’re exhausted and ready to meet your baby, suddenly every piece of advice seems worth trying — from pineapple and acupuncture to spicy food and sex.
In this episode, Jo talks with OB-GYNs Jennifer Lincoln, MD and Jillian LoPiano, MD to separate labor myths from actual science. Discover which labor “hacks” might help, which ones definitely won’t and what your medical team could do to give your body a helping hand.
Birth with Babylist brings together trusted experts and parents who’ve lived it to break down what happens before, during, and after birth—without fear-mongering or shaming. Hosted by journalist, author and mom of three Jo Piazza. Follow so you never miss an episode.
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What you’ll learn
The science of spontaneous labor
Why there isn't a single switch that turns labor on, and how a complex, unpredictable cascade of hormones actually works to get things started behind the scenes.
All about membrane sweeps
What a membrane sweep actually is, and how a provider's touch can physically separate tissue during an exam to stimulate a natural hormonal release.
Separating fact from fiction
Why popular pregnancy favorites like spicy foods, castor oil, and pineapple don't actually trigger true labor science, and the surprising truth behind eating dates.
Evidence-based complementary medicine
The promising data behind utilizing acupuncture to significantly increase the spontaneous onset of labor, and how prenatal massage can help manage pain control.
The power of late-pregnancy self-care
Why patience is the ultimate first lesson in parenting, and how taking time to care for yourself mentally and physically prepares you for the unpredictable marathon ahead.
Featured Guests
Jennifer Lincoln, MD, IBCLC is a board-certified ob-gyn and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant dedicated to body literacy and reproductive health education. Through her clinical work and viral educational content, she helps people navigate their healthcare with confidence and self-advocacy. Based in Oregon, Jennifer focuses on debunking myths and providing evidence-based support for pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Check out The Birth Book or follow her at @drjenniferlincoln.
Jillian LoPiano, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn and hospitalist with the University of Miami Health System. Dr. LoPiano trained at The George Washington University School of Medicine and completed her ob-gyn residency at The Washington Hospital Center. She has a background in public health and women’s health advocacy, and her work focuses on patient-centered care, clear communication and supporting parents through complex and emotionally charged birth experiences.
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