Labor can feel mysterious, overwhelming, and full of conflicting advice. In this episode, Deb sits down with board-certified OB-GYN and IBCLC Dr. Jennifer Lincoln to separate fact from fiction and discuss what every expectant parent should know before giving birth. Drawing from her new book, The Birth Book, Dr. Lincoln offers evidence-based guidance to help parents approach labor with greater confidence, flexibility, and understanding.
Together, they explore common misconceptions about labor, the purpose of a birth plan, pain management options, and how movement—including yoga—can support the body during pregnancy and birth. Dr. Lincoln also shares practical advice on advocating for yourself in the hospital, preparing for the realities of postpartum, and how partners can play a meaningful role throughout the birth experience. This conversation is packed with reassuring, accessible information to help parents feel informed—not intimidated—as they prepare to welcome their baby.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Common myths and misconceptions about labor and birth
- How birth has changed over the years- and what that means for today’s parents
- The purpose of a birth plan and staying flexible when plans change
- Pain management options and understanding your choices
- The role of movement and yoga in preparing for labor
- Evidence-based ways to prepare during the third trimester
- Self-advocacy and communicating with your care team
- What partners can do to provide meaningful support
- Postpartum realities that often catch new parents by surprise
**Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com
About Dr. Jennifer
Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is a board-certified OB-GYN, OB Hospitalist, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) based in Portland, Oregon. She is passionate about making evidence-based reproductive and birth education accessible through her engaging social media platforms, where she helps break down myths and reduce stigma surrounding pregnancy, birth, and reproductive health. Dr. Lincoln is the author of The Birth Book, a practical guide designed to help parents better understand labor, delivery, and postpartum. She lives with her husband, a pediatrician, and their two young sons.
Connect with Dr. Jennifer:
- Website: https://www.drjenniferlincoln.com/
- Instagram: @drjenniferlincoln
- TikTok: @drjenniferlincoln
Check out similar Yoga| Birth| Babies episodes:
- Induction at 39 Weeks: What the Data Says and What It Doesn’t with Dr. Elizabeth Langen
- Preparing for a Positive Birth with Moran Liviani CLD (CBI), PES, HBCE, APPAC, LCCE
- Preparing for a Cesarean Birth with Amy Morrison
- Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE
- If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify!
To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:
Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter
Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center
