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Making informed decisions for your newborn can feel like navigating a tidal wave of contradictory advice, especially when it comes to routine procedures like the vitamin K shot. As both a labor nurse who's cared for countless babies and a mom who's stood in your shoes, I created this episode to cut through the noise with evidence, empathy, and respect for your values.

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, and all newborns—regardless of how healthy the pregnancy was—are born with extremely low levels, about 1/50th of what adults have. The vitamin K shot provides protection during those vulnerable first months when even a small internal bleed could become serious. While vitamin K deficiency bleeding is rare, occurring in roughly 1 in 6,000 babies who don't receive supplementation, it can be devastating when it happens.

We dive deep into the questions parents really struggle with: If babies are born with low vitamin K, isn't that natural? What about ingredients like polysorbate 80? Doesn't breast milk provide everything babies need? Could oral vitamin K work instead? Will the shot disrupt those precious first bonding moments? Each concern is addressed with current research, practical experience, and an understanding that these questions come from a place of love and protection.

Beyond just facts and figures, we explore the emotional and spiritual dimensions of this decision. For families wondering if interventions contradict their faith in God's design, we consider how human babies are uniquely dependent creatures—perfect but not complete—and how scientific advancements might be viewed as extensions of divine care rather than contradictions.

The episode wraps with a practical decision-making framework called the BRAIN model (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and what happens if you do Nothing), helping you sort through your options with clarity rather than fear. Whether you choose the shot, explore alternatives with medical guidance, or decide on another pa

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Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly at kellyhof.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyond

Grab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

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When Alex Wachelka predicted her third baby would arrive on December 15th—despite professionals insisting otherwise—her intuition was right. But the path to that moment wasn’t easy.

After two very different births—one at a birth center and one rapid home birth—Alex expected another fast delivery. Instead, she faced twelve hours of annoying, spaced-out contractions that woke her up every 10 minutes. It wasn’t until she voiced her frustration to her husband that everything shifted. In releasing her fears and feeling truly supported, her labor transformed—and her baby arrived just one hour later, exactly on the date she predicted.

In this episode, Alex shares her third birth story and how it deepened her belief in the mind-body connection. She also talks about her work as an IBCLC and certified nutrition coach, helping moms with everything from breastfeeding challenges to postpartum recovery through programs like her “Boob Ease” mastitis support and “Baby’s First Year” coaching.

Whether you’re preparing for birth or navigating motherhood, this conversation is a powerful reminder to trust your body, trust your instincts, and lean into support.

Connect with Alex here: https://motherhoodbloomslactation.com/

Order the Juice Plus supplements we talked about here:
🇨🇦 Canada → alexwachelka.juiceplus.com
🇺🇸 U.S. → kellyhof.juiceplus.com

Listen to Alex's Lactation Land Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/lactation-land-podcast/id1670469213

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community for moms & moms-to-be!

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly at kellyhof.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyond

Grab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.

Send us a text

Navigating the search for your perfect birth doula can feel overwhelming. How do you find someone who aligns with your vision, fits your budget, and helps you feel secure during one of life’s most vulnerable moments?

Drawing from over a decade of obstetric nursing experience, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about finding the right doula for YOU. This isn’t about trends or checking boxes—it’s about building a support system that honors your unique journey.

We’ll start by clarifying what doulas actually do (and don’t do), and bust a few common myths. Whether you're planning an unmedicated birth, hoping for an epidural, or scheduling a cesarean, doulas support all birth paths—without judgment. They don’t replace your partner or provider—they enhance your whole team.

The key to finding your perfect match is understanding your own needs first. I’ll walk you through powerful reflection questions about the energy you want in your birth space, how you handle stress, and the role you want your partner to play. That clarity becomes your compass during doula interviews.

Worried about cost? I share practical strategies to make doula care more accessible, from payment plans to possible insurance or TRICARE coverage.

Interviewing doulas doesn’t have to feel awkward or scary. I give you thoughtful questions to ask about their approach, their experience with different birth scenarios, and how they work with hospital staff. Plus, I cover key red flags—so you don’t end up with someone pushing their own agenda.

Even if hiring a doula isn’t an option right now, I’ll offer supportive alternatives to help you feel calm and confident walking into birth.

Your birth experience matters. Choosing support that fits you isn’t being picky—it’s powerful. Schedule a free Birth Vision Call at kellyhof.com and let’s talk about creating the empowered experience you deserve.

Coaching offer

Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!

Support the show

Connect with Kelly at kellyhof.com

Join the Bump & Beyond Online Community!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bumpnbeyond

Grab The Book of Hormones on Amazon!

Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.