<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Bigger Than Birth]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p><b>Bigger Than Birth</b> is a podcast dedicated to celebrating bigger bodies and beautiful births. Through honest, real-life conversations, we share pregnancy and birth stories from people in bigger bodies — the joys, the challenges, the unexpected moments, and everything in between.</p><p></p><p>Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or trying to conceive, <b>Bigger Than Birth</b> exists to remind you that your body is worthy, your story matters, and birth is about so much more than a number on a scale.</p><p></p><p>✨ <i>Celebrating Bigger Bodies &amp; Beautiful Births.</i></p><p></p><h3><b>Connect With Our Community</b></h3><p>We are building a village where every body is celebrated. Stay connected, share your story, and join the conversation on our social platforms:</p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/?hl=en" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank"><b>TikTok</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank"><b>YouTube</b></a></li><li><b>Email Us:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:BiggerThanBirthPodcast@gmail.com" target="_blank">BiggerThanBirthPodcast@gmail.com</a></li></ul>]]></description><link>https://riverside.com</link><generator>Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 16:05:26 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://api.riverside.com/hosting/g30p4k7s.rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><author><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></author><pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:02:20 GMT</pubDate><copyright><![CDATA[2026 Victoria Gaba]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><ttl>60</ttl><category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Health & Fitness]]></category><itunes:author>Victoria Gaba</itunes:author><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Bigger Than Birth&lt;/b&gt; is a podcast dedicated to celebrating bigger bodies and beautiful births. Through honest, real-life conversations, we share pregnancy and birth stories from people in bigger bodies — the joys, the challenges, the unexpected moments, and everything in between.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or trying to conceive, &lt;b&gt;Bigger Than Birth&lt;/b&gt; exists to remind you that your body is worthy, your story matters, and birth is about so much more than a number on a scale.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;✨ &lt;i&gt;Celebrating Bigger Bodies &amp;amp; Beautiful Births.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect With Our Community&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;We are building a village where every body is celebrated. Stay connected, share your story, and join the conversation on our social platforms:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Facebook&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/?hl=en&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Instagram&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;TikTok&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;YouTube&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Email Us:&lt;/b&gt; &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;mailto:BiggerThanBirthPodcast@gmail.com&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;BiggerThanBirthPodcast@gmail.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Victoria Gaba</itunes:name><itunes:email>biggerthanbirthpodcast@gmail.com</itunes:email></itunes:owner><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:category text="Kids &amp; Family"><itunes:category text="Parenting"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Health &amp; Fitness"/><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><item><title><![CDATA[13 | Maddie - First Pregnancy at 16, Vaginal Delivery, Twins, Pre-Eclampsia, C-Section, NICU, PPD]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, host Victoria Gaba sits down with Maddie to discuss her remarkable journey through two vastly different pregnancy and birth experiences, beginning with Maddie's unexpected transition into motherhood at just sixteen years old. Despite a PCOS diagnosis that suggested future fertility hurdles, Maddie’s early experience as a teen parent set the stage for a learning advocacy and grit, ultimately leading her to a high-risk plus-size pregnancy with Di-Di twins years later. </p><p></p><p>This second journey brought a new set of medical complexities, from the initial shock of discovering multiples during a routine ultrasound to the daily management of diet-controlled gestational diabetes. As her pregnancy progressed, Maddie navigated the physical and emotional weight of being a plus-size mother, confronting societal stigmas and medical biases while her body worked overtime to carry two babies toward a safe delivery.</p><p></p><p>The narrative takes a critical turn as Maddie describes the sudden onset of severe preeclampsia symptoms—including vision spots, chronic migraines, and significant swelling—which necessitated an immediate hospital admission and a traumatic emergency C-section. She offers a raw, unfiltered look at the grueling realities of a magnesium drip and the physical toll of a spinal block that required seven attempts before successful placement. Once her twins arrived at thirty-four weeks, the family began a month-long NICU journey characterized by the use of CPAPs, NG tubes, and the delicate balance of "touch time" and "scent cloth" bonding. Maddie concludes the episode with a transparent discussion on postpartum depression (PPD) and the unique challenges of parenting multiples alongside a seven-year-old, all while managing the external pressures and commentary often directed at plus-size women during their postpartum recovery.</p><p></p><p>Resources Mentioned:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://handtohold.org/" target="_blank">Hand to Hold NICU Support </a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1k8p6RdDcHT8efpnWH1ppI?si=182ce4a9218542df" target="_blank">Episode 6 | Sydney’s Story</a></p><p></p><p>Connect With Us:</p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank">TikTok</a></p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank">YouTube </a></p><p></p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.</p><p></p><p>Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.</p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">4aabd54c-2002-4f12-98fa-6e6003c4a668</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/2875656c3cca46f25151d3b920b9e27dd5f0d79eca4ceaf1ae7af0cc1daccfe5/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiI0YWFiZDU0Yy0yMDAyLTRmMTItOThmYS02ZTYwMDNjNGE2NjgiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNmExN2IxNTc5ZjhkNjFkOWExYTk5ZTUzL3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTUtMjhfXzUtNy0zLm1wMyJ9.mp3" length="47958117" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/4aabd54c-2002-4f12-98fa-6e6003c4a668/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, host Victoria Gaba sits down with Maddie to discuss her remarkable journey through two vastly different pregnancy and birth experiences, beginning with Maddie&apos;s unexpected transition into motherhood at just sixteen years old. Despite a PCOS diagnosis that suggested future fertility hurdles, Maddie’s early experience as a teen parent set the stage for a learning advocacy and grit, ultimately leading her to a high-risk plus-size pregnancy with Di-Di twins years later. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This second journey brought a new set of medical complexities, from the initial shock of discovering multiples during a routine ultrasound to the daily management of diet-controlled gestational diabetes. As her pregnancy progressed, Maddie navigated the physical and emotional weight of being a plus-size mother, confronting societal stigmas and medical biases while her body worked overtime to carry two babies toward a safe delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The narrative takes a critical turn as Maddie describes the sudden onset of severe preeclampsia symptoms—including vision spots, chronic migraines, and significant swelling—which necessitated an immediate hospital admission and a traumatic emergency C-section. She offers a raw, unfiltered look at the grueling realities of a magnesium drip and the physical toll of a spinal block that required seven attempts before successful placement. Once her twins arrived at thirty-four weeks, the family began a month-long NICU journey characterized by the use of CPAPs, NG tubes, and the delicate balance of &quot;touch time&quot; and &quot;scent cloth&quot; bonding. Maddie concludes the episode with a transparent discussion on postpartum depression (PPD) and the unique challenges of parenting multiples alongside a seven-year-old, all while managing the external pressures and commentary often directed at plus-size women during their postpartum recovery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Resources Mentioned:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://handtohold.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Hand to Hold NICU Support &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://open.spotify.com/episode/1k8p6RdDcHT8efpnWH1ppI?si=182ce4a9218542df&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Episode 6 | Sydney’s Story&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Connect With Us:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;TikTok&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;YouTube &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>01:39:55</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode><itunes:title>13 | Maddie - First Pregnancy at 16, Vaginal Delivery, Twins, Pre-Eclampsia, C-Section, NICU, PPD</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[12 | Cera - Midwifery Care, Anterior Placenta, Induction, Vaginal Delivery, Triple Feeding
]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, host Victoria Gaba sits down with first-time mom Cera to unpack the raw and empowering reality of navigating a plus-size pregnancy and a successful vaginal birth after induction. Cera shares her journey from the surprise of a quick conception after thirteen years on birth control to the nuances of receiving "high-risk" prenatal care due to her BMI. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of self-advocacy in the delivery room, explaining how she navigated medical weight stigma, opted for midwifery care, and managed gestational hypertension with a proactive medical team.</p><p></p><p>The heart of the episode dives into the details of Cera’s 37-week induction, where she discusses the physical hurdles of the Foley balloon, the decision to use an epidural to help her body relax and dilate, and the "fireworks" moment of finally meeting her daughter. Cera also pulls back the curtain on the postpartum fourth trimester, offering a vulnerable look at the mental health toll of low milk supply and the grueling cycle of triple feeding. By sharing her transition to formula and her firm belief that fed is best, Cera provides a supportive roadmap for any parent feeling the pressure of "perfect" breastfeeding. </p><p></p><p>Whether you are interested in the mechanics of an anterior placenta, looking for tips on managing morning sickness, or seeking a boost of confidence for your own plus-size birth story, this episode is a testament to the fact that our bodies are capable, resilient, and worthy of compassionate care.</p><p></p><p>Resources Mentioned:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@theheavyweightmidwife?_r=1&amp;_t=ZP-96WzZIXgNX4" target="_blank">The Heavyweight Midwife </a></p><p></p><p>Connect With Us:</p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank">TikTok </a></p><p>*<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/" target="_blank"> Instagram</a></p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank">YouTube</a></p><p></p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.</p><p></p><p>Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.</p><p></p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">e4f46969-c887-4abd-80f6-07b71d6b7df2</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/d5d2e17896ef3ae2becbc36143905ef999079e198ccc5a8cfeaf6ee6c3e06e98/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiJlNGY0Njk2OS1jODg3LTRhYmQtODBmNi0wN2I3MWQ2YjdkZjIiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNmEwZTQ2YTNmMDg1YTczNDM5NDIxNTY4L3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTUtMjFfXzEtNDEtMjMubXAzIn0=.mp3" length="28998862" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/e4f46969-c887-4abd-80f6-07b71d6b7df2/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, host Victoria Gaba sits down with first-time mom Cera to unpack the raw and empowering reality of navigating a plus-size pregnancy and a successful vaginal birth after induction. Cera shares her journey from the surprise of a quick conception after thirteen years on birth control to the nuances of receiving &quot;high-risk&quot; prenatal care due to her BMI. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of self-advocacy in the delivery room, explaining how she navigated medical weight stigma, opted for midwifery care, and managed gestational hypertension with a proactive medical team.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The heart of the episode dives into the details of Cera’s 37-week induction, where she discusses the physical hurdles of the Foley balloon, the decision to use an epidural to help her body relax and dilate, and the &quot;fireworks&quot; moment of finally meeting her daughter. Cera also pulls back the curtain on the postpartum fourth trimester, offering a vulnerable look at the mental health toll of low milk supply and the grueling cycle of triple feeding. By sharing her transition to formula and her firm belief that fed is best, Cera provides a supportive roadmap for any parent feeling the pressure of &quot;perfect&quot; breastfeeding. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you are interested in the mechanics of an anterior placenta, looking for tips on managing morning sickness, or seeking a boost of confidence for your own plus-size birth story, this episode is a testament to the fact that our bodies are capable, resilient, and worthy of compassionate care.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Resources Mentioned:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@theheavyweightmidwife?_r=1&amp;amp;_t=ZP-96WzZIXgNX4&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;The Heavyweight Midwife &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Connect With Us:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;TikTok &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;*&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt; Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>01:00:25</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode><itunes:title>12 | Cera - Midwifery Care, Anterior Placenta, Induction, Vaginal Delivery, Triple Feeding
</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[11 | Allison - PCOS, Navajo Traditions, Severe Arm Pain, 37 Week Induction, C-Section, NICU Stay]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, We sit down with Allison to discuss her incredible journey from a decade of fertility struggles to the birth of her "miracle baby," Juniper. Allison shares the raw reality of navigating pregnancy with PCOS and endometriosis, including the specific 30-day hormone reset that finally led to a positive test.</p><p></p><p>The conversation dives deep into the unexpected side effects of pregnancy—from extreme arm numbness and ear infections to a sudden pre-eclampsia diagnosis at 37 weeks. Allison also provides a beautiful and rare look at her Navajo cultural traditions, explaining how they influenced her choices regarding medical interventions, labor practices, and the sacred handling of the placenta.</p><p></p><p>Whether you’re curious about C-section recovery, the stress of a NICU stay following a failed car seat test, or managing postpartum anxiety and high blood pressure, Allison’s story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy and the resilience of a mother’s intuition.</p><p></p><p>#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #Induction #Csectionmom</p><p></p><p>RESOURCES MENTIONED:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://gaugegirltraining.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoptUa-gEIA0H2fmKMqqvcQ-Y5k-yHXTQvQXPySvPXUL7Jl5Jqgf" target="_blank">Gauge Girl Fitness</a></p><p></p><p>Connect With Us:</p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank">TikTok</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank">YouTube</a></li></ul><p></p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.</p><p></p><p>Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.</p><p></p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">1eecc725-716a-4c14-87a5-0f6ac2bc4d8d</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/4acce3c95b0baf733a61e07656a7b2384b2866cb6b9ab0d70e7e1e5c25abb166/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIxZWVjYzcyNS03MTZhLTRjMTQtODdhNS0wZjZhYzJiYzRkOGQiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNmEwNTUxMjUxNDM1ZTY5MGQxYjZjYjAyL3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTUtMTRfXzYtMzUtNDgubXAzIn0=.mp3" length="34600978" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/1eecc725-716a-4c14-87a5-0f6ac2bc4d8d/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, We sit down with Allison to discuss her incredible journey from a decade of fertility struggles to the birth of her &quot;miracle baby,&quot; Juniper. Allison shares the raw reality of navigating pregnancy with PCOS and endometriosis, including the specific 30-day hormone reset that finally led to a positive test.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation dives deep into the unexpected side effects of pregnancy—from extreme arm numbness and ear infections to a sudden pre-eclampsia diagnosis at 37 weeks. Allison also provides a beautiful and rare look at her Navajo cultural traditions, explaining how they influenced her choices regarding medical interventions, labor practices, and the sacred handling of the placenta.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you’re curious about C-section recovery, the stress of a NICU stay following a failed car seat test, or managing postpartum anxiety and high blood pressure, Allison’s story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy and the resilience of a mother’s intuition.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #Induction #Csectionmom&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;RESOURCES MENTIONED:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://gaugegirltraining.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoptUa-gEIA0H2fmKMqqvcQ-Y5k-yHXTQvQXPySvPXUL7Jl5Jqgf&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Gauge Girl Fitness&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Connect With Us:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;TikTok&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>01:12:05</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode><itunes:title>11 | Allison - PCOS, Navajo Traditions, Severe Arm Pain, 37 Week Induction, C-Section, NICU Stay</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[10 | Cam - Smooth Pregnancy, Induction, Unplanned C-Section, Postpartum Depression (PPD)]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we sit down with Cam, a mom from Utah, to discuss her journey through a high-risk plus-size pregnancy, a 15-hour induction, and an unplanned C-section. Cam shares an honest account of the challenges she faced, from managing a pregnancy following gallbladder surgery to navigating medical bias in the delivery room.</p><p></p><p>We dive deep into the realities of C-section recovery, the frustration of finding inclusive plus-size maternity clothes, and the "pit of darkness" that was her experience with Postpartum Depression (PPD) at the three-month mark. Now seven weeks pregnant with her second child, Cam reflects on the importance of mental health advocacy, the life-changing impact of therapy, and her hopes for a future VBAC. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a sincere look at the complexities of birth, body image, and postpartum resilience.</p><p></p><p>#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #Induction #Csectionmom</p><p></p><p>Connect With Us</p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank">TikTok</a></p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank">YouTube</a></li></ul><p></p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.</p><p></p><p>Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.</p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">f1f39b7f-97cb-4aac-b6be-945b5ccb9abf</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/05fd42a721c961f540476569b7537b016793120881425dec5c17dde9e2370170/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiJmMWYzOWI3Zi05N2NiLTRhYWMtYjZiZS05NDViNWNjYjlhYmYiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjlmYmY2NmNkYzdiZmExNzgxMWY4OTk0L3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTUtN19fNC0xOC0yMC5tcDMifQ==.mp3" length="23653164" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/f1f39b7f-97cb-4aac-b6be-945b5ccb9abf/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, we sit down with Cam, a mom from Utah, to discuss her journey through a high-risk plus-size pregnancy, a 15-hour induction, and an unplanned C-section. Cam shares an honest account of the challenges she faced, from managing a pregnancy following gallbladder surgery to navigating medical bias in the delivery room.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We dive deep into the realities of C-section recovery, the frustration of finding inclusive plus-size maternity clothes, and the &quot;pit of darkness&quot; that was her experience with Postpartum Depression (PPD) at the three-month mark. Now seven weeks pregnant with her second child, Cam reflects on the importance of mental health advocacy, the life-changing impact of therapy, and her hopes for a future VBAC. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a sincere look at the complexities of birth, body image, and postpartum resilience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #Induction #Csectionmom&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Connect With Us&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;TikTok&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:49:17</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode><itunes:title>10 | Cam - Smooth Pregnancy, Induction, Unplanned C-Section, Postpartum Depression (PPD)</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[9 | Clara - Dental Work & Fertility, Bicornuate Uterus, Advanced Maternal Age, Magnesium, C-Section ]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we sit down with Clara to hear about her unconventional fertility journey and becoming a first-time mother approaching age 40. Clara details a fascinating medical breakthrough: how removing a 20-year-old dental bridge—and resolving a hidden metal allergy and chronic inflammation—allowed her to conceive naturally despite a bicornuate uterus. The discussion provides essential insights into managing a high-risk pregnancy, including navigating plus-size maternal health care, undergoing iron transfusions, and maintaining optimism after an initial pregnancy loss.</p><p></p><p>The birth story takes center stage as Clara recounts her 35-week induction and the physical toll of a magnesium drip for blood pressure management. Facing a failed epidural and intense hospital protocols, she shares how patient advocacy led to a successful C-section delivery and a healthy baby girl. Clara offers a candid look at postpartum recovery, the reality of exclusive pumping, and the importance of trusting your intuition over rigid medical advice during the early months of motherhood.</p><p></p><p>#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #Induction #Csectionmom</p><p></p><p>Resources: </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://flo.health/" target="_blank">Flow App</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://premom.com/fertility-app/" target="_blank">Pre-Mom App</a></p><p></p><p>Connect With Us!</p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank">TikTok</a></p><p>*<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/" target="_blank"> Instagram</a></p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank">* YouTube</a></p><p></p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.</p><p></p><p>Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.</p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">f2e57250-2463-48f3-b84c-aeb2a1cfce90</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/66e073ca5ec73c260c9bff681104bab4c3d3b5716aa3028744cbb7406cbd131b/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiJmMmU1NzI1MC0yNDYzLTQ4ZjMtYjg0Yy1hZWIyYTFjZmNlOTAiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjlmMmFmYTY3OTMzNGUyYzdmY2E0YzAxL3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTQtMzBfXzMtMjUtNTgubXAzIn0=.mp3" length="74649227" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/f2e57250-2463-48f3-b84c-aeb2a1cfce90/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;In this episode, we sit down with Clara to hear about her unconventional fertility journey and becoming a first-time mother approaching age 40. Clara details a fascinating medical breakthrough: how removing a 20-year-old dental bridge—and resolving a hidden metal allergy and chronic inflammation—allowed her to conceive naturally despite a bicornuate uterus. The discussion provides essential insights into managing a high-risk pregnancy, including navigating plus-size maternal health care, undergoing iron transfusions, and maintaining optimism after an initial pregnancy loss.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The birth story takes center stage as Clara recounts her 35-week induction and the physical toll of a magnesium drip for blood pressure management. Facing a failed epidural and intense hospital protocols, she shares how patient advocacy led to a successful C-section delivery and a healthy baby girl. Clara offers a candid look at postpartum recovery, the reality of exclusive pumping, and the importance of trusting your intuition over rigid medical advice during the early months of motherhood.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #Induction #Csectionmom&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Resources: &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://flo.health/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Flow App&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://premom.com/fertility-app/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Pre-Mom App&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Connect With Us!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;TikTok&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;*&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt; Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;* YouTube&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:38:53</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode><itunes:title>9 | Clara - Dental Work &amp; Fertility, Bicornuate Uterus, Advanced Maternal Age, Magnesium, C-Section </itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[8 | Javeé - 500lb Pregnancy, Prenatal Depression, Induction, Classical C-Section, ICU Stay, DMER]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome Javeé Love to the show for a compelling look at the realities of a pregnancy starting at over 500 pounds. After a surprise conception following the loss of her grandmother, Javeé navigated a healthy and uneventful pregnancy despite pre-existing high blood pressure. She sheds light on the limitations within the healthcare industry, recounting how she was initially turned away from an OBGYN before finding an inclusive maternal-fetal medicine team.</p><p></p><p>This conversation explores the technical aspects of a classical C-section, the recovery benefits of a Pico dressing, and the emotional challenges of being separated from her newborn during a 24-hour ICU monitoring period. Javeé also provides an unfiltered look at mental health, discussing her struggles with prenatal depression and her decision to choose formula over breastfeeding after experiencing DMER. Javeé’s story shows that with a good attitude and a little humor, you can navigate the curveballs and still have a positive pregnancy and birth!</p><p></p><p>#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #500lbpregnancy #Csectionmom</p><p></p><p>Connect With Javeé:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@javeelove?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc" target="_blank">TikTok</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/bmqYXVhP1yE?si=xMJuygQr47XGe6jn" target="_blank">Stand Up Comedy</a></p><p></p><p>Connect With Us!</p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank">TikTok</a> </p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/" target="_blank">Instagram </a></p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank">YouTube</a></li></ul><p></p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.</p><p></p><p>Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.</p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">990aa3d0-ad53-4ba0-bb7d-55636d708959</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/15c4d69464e50acd7a0bcb5e2ee9490583e4f957f24e4f6a2e4e0f8f51135f55/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiI5OTBhYTNkMC1hZDUzLTRiYTAtYmI3ZC01NTYzNmQ3MDg5NTkiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjllOTgwMWE4ZDE0ZDBjZjNiZGFjOWVlL3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTQtMjNfXzQtMTItNDIubXAzIn0=.mp3" length="27476445" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/990aa3d0-ad53-4ba0-bb7d-55636d708959/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;Welcome Javeé Love to the show for a compelling look at the realities of a pregnancy starting at over 500 pounds. After a surprise conception following the loss of her grandmother, Javeé navigated a healthy and uneventful pregnancy despite pre-existing high blood pressure. She sheds light on the limitations within the healthcare industry, recounting how she was initially turned away from an OBGYN before finding an inclusive maternal-fetal medicine team.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This conversation explores the technical aspects of a classical C-section, the recovery benefits of a Pico dressing, and the emotional challenges of being separated from her newborn during a 24-hour ICU monitoring period. Javeé also provides an unfiltered look at mental health, discussing her struggles with prenatal depression and her decision to choose formula over breastfeeding after experiencing DMER. Javeé’s story shows that with a good attitude and a little humor, you can navigate the curveballs and still have a positive pregnancy and birth!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #500lbpregnancy #Csectionmom&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Connect With Javeé:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@javeelove?is_from_webapp=1&amp;amp;sender_device=pc&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;TikTok&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://youtu.be/bmqYXVhP1yE?si=xMJuygQr47XGe6jn&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Stand Up Comedy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Connect With Us!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;TikTok&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Instagram &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:57:15</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:title>8 | Javeé - 500lb Pregnancy, Prenatal Depression, Induction, Classical C-Section, ICU Stay, DMER</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[7 | Becca - PCOS & Type 2 Diabetes, Down Syndrome, Pre-Eclampsia, Shoulder Dystocia, NICU Stay]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>We are joined by Becca Fajardo for a sincere and impactful look at the realities of high-risk motherhood. This episode follows Becca’s journey from handling Type 2 Diabetes and PCOS with significant weight loss to navigating a fertility journey with Letrozole. Becca shares an honest account of receiving a Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) diagnosis mid-pregnancy and the transition into life as part of the "Lucky Few" community.</p><p></p><p>From a traumatic birth involving shoulder dystocia and an emergency postpartum surgery for a 13cm hematoma to a 17-day NICU stay, this conversation highlights the importance of medical advocacy and support. Whether you are navigating a high-risk pregnancy, looking for Down syndrome resources, or seeking stories of resilient parenting, Becca’s story offers deep insight into the strength and joy found in the unexpected!</p><p></p><p>#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #downsyndrome #NICUmom</p><p></p><p><b>Resources Mentioned:</b></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://shop.miracare.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoowLiRno37_qPhwXuTadkkaXk_Si2DMk22G2ESbmc7euVrWOWZA" target="_blank">Mira Ovulation Tracker</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/" target="_blank">Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://dsact.org/" target="_blank">Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://jacksbasket.org/basket-request/" target="_blank">Jack’s Basket</a></p><p></p><p><b>Connect With Us!</b></p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank">TikTok </a></p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></p><p>* <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank">YouTube</a></li></ul><p></p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.</p><p></p><p>Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.</p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">596904a7-9f62-4555-8f12-b4c7b9ec6abd</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/6b0c74d7173c1a4fceb5ad0813d4698fe8a4075de13cedc4f44f5d3cdfefadb0/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiI1OTY5MDRhNy05ZjYyLTQ1NTUtOGYxMi1iNGM3YjllYzZhYmQiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjllMDMyMTUxNGY5ZmVhMTBmYzIwNTM3L3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTQtMTZfXzItNDktMjUubXAzIn0=.mp3" length="74477863" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/596904a7-9f62-4555-8f12-b4c7b9ec6abd/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;We are joined by Becca Fajardo for a sincere and impactful look at the realities of high-risk motherhood. This episode follows Becca’s journey from handling Type 2 Diabetes and PCOS with significant weight loss to navigating a fertility journey with Letrozole. Becca shares an honest account of receiving a Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) diagnosis mid-pregnancy and the transition into life as part of the &quot;Lucky Few&quot; community.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From a traumatic birth involving shoulder dystocia and an emergency postpartum surgery for a 13cm hematoma to a 17-day NICU stay, this conversation highlights the importance of medical advocacy and support. Whether you are navigating a high-risk pregnancy, looking for Down syndrome resources, or seeking stories of resilient parenting, Becca’s story offers deep insight into the strength and joy found in the unexpected!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;#plussizepregnancy #biggerthanbirth #downsyndrome #NICUmom&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Resources Mentioned:&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://shop.miracare.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoowLiRno37_qPhwXuTadkkaXk_Si2DMk22G2ESbmc7euVrWOWZA&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Mira Ovulation Tracker&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://dsact.org/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://jacksbasket.org/basket-request/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Jack’s Basket&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect With Us!&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;TikTok &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;* &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;YouTube&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding your specific pregnancy and health needs.&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:51:43</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode><itunes:title>7 | Becca - PCOS &amp; Type 2 Diabetes, Down Syndrome, Pre-Eclampsia, Shoulder Dystocia, NICU Stay</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 | Sydney - Pre-Eclampsia, 34 Week C-Section, NICU and Brain Bleed Diagnosis ]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>When does a "normal" pregnancy become high-risk? For <b>Sydney</b>, a first-time mom from Texas, that shift happened overnight at 30 weeks pregnant. What followed was a month of strength, patience, and unwavering focus as she navigated a <b>month-long antepartum hospital stay</b> with one goal in mind: reaching the 34-week milestone.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Sydney shares the incredible highs and lows of her journey, starting with her experience navigating <b>plus size pregnancy</b>. We dive deep into the reality of a sudden <b>preeclampsia</b> diagnosis, the peaceful <b>34-week planned C-section</b> she fought so hard for, and the unexpected challenges that surfaced during a <b>32-day NICU stay</b>.</p><p></p><p>Sydney speaks candidly about discovering a <b>newborn brain bleed</b> late in the journey and how that diagnosis transformed her into a fierce advocate for her daughter’s health. We discuss the "wait and see" nature of neurological healing, the importance of <b>physical and feeding therapies</b>, and how they are moving forward with their care team. </p><p></p><p>Whether you are a plus-size mama, a preemie parent, or someone looking for a story of hope amidst medical uncertainty, Sydney’s perspective on "grieving the plan while loving the reality" is a must-listen.</p><p></p><p>Resources: </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://preeclampsia.org/what-is-preeclampsia" target="_blank">What is Pre-Eclampsia?</a></p><p></p><p><b>Connect With Us!</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank"><b>TikTok</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank"><b>Youtube</b></a></li></ul><p></p><p><i>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.</i></p><p></p><p>Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only.</p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">12165b76-78a8-4c01-a4b0-888f435ff699</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:45:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/145b02dd9a478065a41a8d9f956542e58be013af49920a24f78848c1bb48c9f9/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIxMjE2NWI3Ni03OGE4LTRjMDEtYTRiMC04ODhmNDM1ZmY2OTkiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjlkNzIzZmNiZDFmNWMwMjA4NmU3ZjdkL3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTQtOV9fNS01OC01Mi5tcDMifQ==.mp3" length="109997707" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/12165b76-78a8-4c01-a4b0-888f435ff699/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;When does a &quot;normal&quot; pregnancy become high-risk? For &lt;b&gt;Sydney&lt;/b&gt;, a first-time mom from Texas, that shift happened overnight at 30 weeks pregnant. What followed was a month of strength, patience, and unwavering focus as she navigated a &lt;b&gt;month-long antepartum hospital stay&lt;/b&gt; with one goal in mind: reaching the 34-week milestone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Sydney shares the incredible highs and lows of her journey, starting with her experience navigating &lt;b&gt;plus size pregnancy&lt;/b&gt;. We dive deep into the reality of a sudden &lt;b&gt;preeclampsia&lt;/b&gt; diagnosis, the peaceful &lt;b&gt;34-week planned C-section&lt;/b&gt; she fought so hard for, and the unexpected challenges that surfaced during a &lt;b&gt;32-day NICU stay&lt;/b&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sydney speaks candidly about discovering a &lt;b&gt;newborn brain bleed&lt;/b&gt; late in the journey and how that diagnosis transformed her into a fierce advocate for her daughter’s health. We discuss the &quot;wait and see&quot; nature of neurological healing, the importance of &lt;b&gt;physical and feeding therapies&lt;/b&gt;, and how they are moving forward with their care team. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you are a plus-size mama, a preemie parent, or someone looking for a story of hope amidst medical uncertainty, Sydney’s perspective on &quot;grieving the plan while loving the reality&quot; is a must-listen.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Resources: &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://preeclampsia.org/what-is-preeclampsia&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;What is Pre-Eclampsia?&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect With Us!&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;TikTok&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Instagram&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Facebook&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Youtube&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only.&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>01:16:23</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode><itunes:title>6 | Sydney - Pre-Eclampsia, 34 Week C-Section, NICU and Brain Bleed Diagnosis </itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 | Anjelica - 2 Surprise Pregnancies, Twins, Induction, Emergency C-Section, NICU Stay]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>This episode is a powerful look at the spectrum of birth experiences—from a smooth vaginal delivery to an emergency twin C-section under general anesthesia. Host Victoria Gaba sits down with Anjelica Otto, a mother of three living in Texas, to discuss her 11-year age gap journey.</p><p></p><p>Anjelica opens up about her first pregnancy at age 20, which involved low amniotic fluid and a successful induction. Fast forward a decade, and she shares the "Fertile Myrtle" surprise of a twin pregnancy. We dive deep into the complexities of managing gestational diabetes with insulin, the frustration of medical bias in larger bodies, and the terrifying moment her water broke at 37 weeks.</p><p></p><p>Anjelica recounts her emergency C-section where her daughter was footling breech, the pain of waking up from general anesthesia, and the emotional "newborn trenches" of a two-week NICU stay. If you’ve ever felt like your weight defined your care or struggled with the "mom guilt" of a NICU separation, this episode is for you.</p><p></p><p><b>Connect With Us</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank"><b>TikTok</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank"><b>Youtube</b></a></li></ul><p></p><p><i>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.</i></p><p></p><p>Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only.</p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">fecefb0c-913b-4dfc-9a60-6b886c41c98d</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:41:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/1f9f3b87f79f91f9a47b4bfccbc17abbb9d06aeebdc54be871d2e287a0c84d96/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiJmZWNlZmIwYy05MTNiLTRkZmMtOWE2MC02Yjg4NmM0MWM5OGQiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjljZTdkYzJkZDE3OTAwMGJjNTg5OTIyL3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTQtMl9fMTYtMzEtMzAubXAzIn0=.mp3" length="79488985" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/fecefb0c-913b-4dfc-9a60-6b886c41c98d/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;This episode is a powerful look at the spectrum of birth experiences—from a smooth vaginal delivery to an emergency twin C-section under general anesthesia. Host Victoria Gaba sits down with Anjelica Otto, a mother of three living in Texas, to discuss her 11-year age gap journey.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anjelica opens up about her first pregnancy at age 20, which involved low amniotic fluid and a successful induction. Fast forward a decade, and she shares the &quot;Fertile Myrtle&quot; surprise of a twin pregnancy. We dive deep into the complexities of managing gestational diabetes with insulin, the frustration of medical bias in larger bodies, and the terrifying moment her water broke at 37 weeks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anjelica recounts her emergency C-section where her daughter was footling breech, the pain of waking up from general anesthesia, and the emotional &quot;newborn trenches&quot; of a two-week NICU stay. If you’ve ever felt like your weight defined your care or struggled with the &quot;mom guilt&quot; of a NICU separation, this episode is for you.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect With Us&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;TikTok&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Instagram&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Facebook&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Youtube&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only.&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:55:12</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode><itunes:title>5 | Anjelica - 2 Surprise Pregnancies, Twins, Induction, Emergency C-Section, NICU Stay</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 | Nicky - Fertility Journey, IVF, Donor Eggs, Hypothyroidism, Emergency C-Section]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>This episode is a profound look at the resilience required to navigate a high-intervention fertility journey. Victoria sits down with <b>Nicky</b> to discuss her four-year path to motherhood, involving failed IUIs, multiple IVF rounds, and the emotional complexities of using donor eggs. Nicky opens up about the intersection of <b>plus-size pregnancy, Crohn’s disease, and hypothyroidism</b>, and how she advocated for a care team that saw her as a person, not a BMI.</p><p></p><p>We dive into the reality of an emergency C-section after a sudden water break at 37 weeks, the stress of a 10-day NICU stay for her "little but mighty" son, and her current "miracle" natural pregnancy that occurred after years of medical assistance. This conversation is a testament to the fact that while the road to baby might look different than planned, every birth is a victory.</p><p></p><p><b>Connect With Us!</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank"><b>TikTok</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank"><b>Youtube</b></a></li></ul><p></p><p><i>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.</i></p><p></p><p>Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only.</p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">22d95d42-bce8-4d6f-b7b7-657f35d0df1a</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:13:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/348669d3a2f43d9482eda53c441ff0b19248202de9d14b92a6868f40022e2e4c/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIyMmQ5NWQ0Mi1iY2U4LTRkNmYtYjdiNy02NTdmMzVkMGRmMWEiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjljZTdjYzJlYmYwNzQ2ZDJkNmU5ZGQ3L3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTQtMl9fMTYtMjctMTQubXAzIn0=.mp3" length="81660074" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/22d95d42-bce8-4d6f-b7b7-657f35d0df1a/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;This episode is a profound look at the resilience required to navigate a high-intervention fertility journey. Victoria sits down with &lt;b&gt;Nicky&lt;/b&gt; to discuss her four-year path to motherhood, involving failed IUIs, multiple IVF rounds, and the emotional complexities of using donor eggs. Nicky opens up about the intersection of &lt;b&gt;plus-size pregnancy, Crohn’s disease, and hypothyroidism&lt;/b&gt;, and how she advocated for a care team that saw her as a person, not a BMI.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We dive into the reality of an emergency C-section after a sudden water break at 37 weeks, the stress of a 10-day NICU stay for her &quot;little but mighty&quot; son, and her current &quot;miracle&quot; natural pregnancy that occurred after years of medical assistance. This conversation is a testament to the fact that while the road to baby might look different than planned, every birth is a victory.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect With Us!&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;TikTok&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Instagram&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Facebook&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Youtube&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only.&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:56:42</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode><itunes:title>4 | Nicky - Fertility Journey, IVF, Donor Eggs, Hypothyroidism, Emergency C-Section</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[3 | Sarah - Prenatal Anxiety, High Blood Pressure, Magnesium Drip, Scheduled C-Section]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of mental health and medical advocacy. Victoria sits down with Sarah to discuss a pregnancy journey marked by the challenges of high blood pressure and prenatal anxiety. Sarah opens up about the emotional toll of being hospitalized twice before her baby arrived and the ultimate decision to prioritize safety through a scheduled C-section.</p><p></p><p>Beyond the birth, we explore the reality of postpartum life, including the physical healing process and managing blood pressure issues after returning home. Sarah leaves us with a powerful reminder to tune out societal noise and trust the one person who knows your body and baby best: <b>you.</b></p><p></p><p><b>Connect With Us!</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank"><b>TikTok</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank"><b>Youtube</b></a><br /></li></ul><p><i>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.</i></p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">8159f273-20c6-4187-a225-034153b798e7</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:13:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/b0df982ba60380be71caba150bc43957624b6e2aa32e2370afe4af6bf5da7480/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiI4MTU5ZjI3My0yMGM2LTQxODctYTIyNS0wMzQxNTNiNzk4ZTciLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjljZTc2YjU4ZWQ1OTliNmNjMWNhNTQ5L3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTQtMl9fMTYtMS0yNS5tcDMifQ==.mp3" length="45791026" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/8159f273-20c6-4187-a225-034153b798e7/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of mental health and medical advocacy. Victoria sits down with Sarah to discuss a pregnancy journey marked by the challenges of high blood pressure and prenatal anxiety. Sarah opens up about the emotional toll of being hospitalized twice before her baby arrived and the ultimate decision to prioritize safety through a scheduled C-section.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Beyond the birth, we explore the reality of postpartum life, including the physical healing process and managing blood pressure issues after returning home. Sarah leaves us with a powerful reminder to tune out societal noise and trust the one person who knows your body and baby best: &lt;b&gt;you.&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect With Us!&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;TikTok&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Instagram&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Facebook&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Youtube&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:31:48</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode><itunes:title>3 | Sarah - Prenatal Anxiety, High Blood Pressure, Magnesium Drip, Scheduled C-Section</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[2 | Nikki - 2 Vaginal Births, 500lb Pregnancy, Induction, Bariatric Surgery]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>This episode is a masterclass in self-advocacy and resilience. Victoria is joined by Nikki, a mother of two from South Georgia, who shares the starkly different experiences of her two pregnancies. Nikki discusses her first pregnancy at 500+ lbs, the jarring experience of being "fired" by her OB-GYN at 12 weeks, and navigating a four-day induction during the peak of the 2020 pandemic.</p><p></p><p>We then pivot to her second pregnancy, which followed a 200-pound weight loss after bariatric surgery. Nikki explains the unique medical considerations for bariatric patients—from alternative glucose monitoring to medication restrictions—and describes her "redemptive" second birth.</p><p></p><p>From surviving severe Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) twice to advocating for bariatric-sized hospital equipment, Nikki proves that body size does not define your birth outcome.</p><p></p><p><b>Resources Mentioned in This Episode</b></p><ol><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://dressedtodeliver.com/collections/dtdgowns" target="_blank"><b>Dress to Deliver</b> </a>– Maternity/Labor gowns (sizes up to 32) that unbutton for epidural access.</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://support.mavenclinic.com/hc/en-us" target="_blank"><b>Maven</b> </a>– A maternity/family benefits platform (used by Nikki for overnight breast milk shipping).</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sneakpeektest.com/early-at-home-baby-gender-blood-test/?srsltid=AfmBOoqHntlIKHtPb2polGp4QQwOFxJ8AbO9PUC0Lr8oz6PeAq7nMhk8" target="_blank"><b>Sneak Peek</b></a> – Early gender DNA test. <br /><br /><b>Connect with Nikki on Social Media @FatPositiveMotherhood</b><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/fatpositivemotherhood/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@fatpositivemotherhood?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc" target="_blank">Tiktok</a></li></ul></li></ol><p></p><p><b>Connect With Us!</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank"><b>TikTok</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank"><b>Youtube</b></a></li></ul><p></p><p><i>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.</i></p><p></p><p>Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only.</p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">92525dfb-162f-48ba-9b28-05798131b5c2</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:53:15 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/e77e7b87a5db44940bfc8745a5707854df46fc3fd8793c1e5e59dff78c4d2852/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiI5MjUyNWRmYi0xNjJmLTQ4YmEtOWIyOC0wNTc5ODEzMWI1YzIiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjljZTcyN2IzYWE5MThmMTM0YjNjYzA0L3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTQtMl9fMTUtNDMtMjIubXAzIn0=.mp3" length="66644263" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/92525dfb-162f-48ba-9b28-05798131b5c2/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;This episode is a masterclass in self-advocacy and resilience. Victoria is joined by Nikki, a mother of two from South Georgia, who shares the starkly different experiences of her two pregnancies. Nikki discusses her first pregnancy at 500+ lbs, the jarring experience of being &quot;fired&quot; by her OB-GYN at 12 weeks, and navigating a four-day induction during the peak of the 2020 pandemic.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We then pivot to her second pregnancy, which followed a 200-pound weight loss after bariatric surgery. Nikki explains the unique medical considerations for bariatric patients—from alternative glucose monitoring to medication restrictions—and describes her &quot;redemptive&quot; second birth.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;From surviving severe Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) twice to advocating for bariatric-sized hospital equipment, Nikki proves that body size does not define your birth outcome.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Resources Mentioned in This Episode&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://dressedtodeliver.com/collections/dtdgowns&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Dress to Deliver&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/a&gt;– Maternity/Labor gowns (sizes up to 32) that unbutton for epidural access.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://support.mavenclinic.com/hc/en-us&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Maven&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/a&gt;– A maternity/family benefits platform (used by Nikki for overnight breast milk shipping).&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://sneakpeektest.com/early-at-home-baby-gender-blood-test/?srsltid=AfmBOoqHntlIKHtPb2polGp4QQwOFxJ8AbO9PUC0Lr8oz6PeAq7nMhk8&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Sneak Peek&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; – Early gender DNA test. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect with Nikki on Social Media @FatPositiveMotherhood&lt;/b&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/fatpositivemotherhood/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@fatpositivemotherhood?is_from_webapp=1&amp;amp;sender_device=pc&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Tiktok&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect With Us!&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;TikTok&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Instagram&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Facebook&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Youtube&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only.&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:46:17</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode><itunes:title>2 | Nikki - 2 Vaginal Births, 500lb Pregnancy, Induction, Bariatric Surgery</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[1 | Victoria Gaba - PCOS, Blood Thinners, Induction turned C-Section, Breastfeeding Struggles]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the very first episode of the <b>Bigger Than Birth</b> podcast! Host <b>Victoria Gaba</b> kicks things off by sharing her raw, honest, and deeply personal journey through fertility with PCOS, a smooth pregnancy, and her birth as a plus-size woman.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Victoria discusses the realities of being labeled "high-risk" due to BMI, the pressure of medical inductions, and how she advocated for herself when doctors used fear-based language. From a 30-hour induction to a positive C-section experience with an apron belly, Victoria shares the highs and lows of her transition into motherhood, including the often-untold struggles of breastfeeding and postpartum mental health.</p><p></p><p>Whether you are trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or a fellow plus-size mom, this episode is a reminder that your body is capable, your voice matters, and you deserve compassionate, evidence-based care.</p><p></p><p><b>Resources Mentioned</b></p><ol><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0091924154?adgrpid=186996878628&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvadid=748008426888&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=4011466851590216296&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9010782&amp;hvtargid=dsa-2414841787166&amp;hydadcr=&amp;mcid=&amp;hvocijid=4011466851590216296--&amp;hvexpln=m-dsad&amp;tag=googhydr-20&amp;hvsb=Healthmedia_d&amp;hvcampaign=dsadesk" target="_blank"><b>Ina May's Guide to Childbirth</b></a> Book by Ina May Gaskin</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143125702/?bestFormat=true&amp;k=expecting%20better%20oster&amp;ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_14_de&amp;crid=20DSCZL362NEF&amp;sprefix=expecting%20bett" target="_blank"><b>Expecting Better</b> </a>Book by Emily Oster</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Plus-Size-Pregnancy-evidence-really-ebook/dp/B0CH6R8SZ5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QOXM7G3NVZZY&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MpnWCXxSBpGEt1mG__YRnCscsZaDPWpyXBKvuewl2VomFJLmXU_5hnLTikCd4pZcUJJJL5dwUl-xzMb8QVLBU8h_kEliHlzWFT5dKSSovm-LzCe0tvc7lNoOrEobUQiD8kbJCacBF0eSA1dw_YkSjhGD8VjYI9bEP5BRb28DJM3tZE_zhji1uSmp8p2KJWJSiJ5-Gokvf_VLatK3mDlWqwHGDjeiHeEujhD8Jef1kVs.SPT-flNAxMSxL5AHJYzekFf75rAbyEN8mvwMyjfUay0&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=plus+size+pregnancy+book&amp;qid=1775101379&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=plus+size+pregnancy+boo%2Cstripbooks%2C148&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>Plus Size Pregnancy</b></a> Book by Dr. Sarah Wickham</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://evidencebasedbirth.com/" target="_blank"><b>Evidence Based Birth</b></a> Website</li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.twodoulasandyou.com/sarah" target="_blank"><b>Two Doulas and You Atlanta</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://atlanta-acupuncture.net/our-practitioners/" target="_blank"><b>Buckhead Acupuncture and Herbal Center</b> – Wendy</a></li></ol><p></p><p><b>Connect With Us</b></p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank"><b>TikTok</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank"><b>Youtube</b></a><br /></li></ul><p><i>If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.</i></p><p></p><p>Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only.</p><p></p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">237c205e-84b9-48a5-94bf-c18b508589f8</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:45:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/ab485d00464e614ce0a84076aea82307add1d428c4c4ee227b91440ebdd17251/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIyMzdjMjA1ZS04NGI5LTQ4YTUtOTRiZi1jMThiNTA4NTg5ZjgiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjljZTcxMzM2ZWE1ODJiNzgxNTIyNzAzL3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTQtMl9fMTUtMzctNTUubXAzIn0=.mp3" length="125321971" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/237c205e-84b9-48a5-94bf-c18b508589f8/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;Welcome to the very first episode of the &lt;b&gt;Bigger Than Birth&lt;/b&gt; podcast! Host &lt;b&gt;Victoria Gaba&lt;/b&gt; kicks things off by sharing her raw, honest, and deeply personal journey through fertility with PCOS, a smooth pregnancy, and her birth as a plus-size woman.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode, Victoria discusses the realities of being labeled &quot;high-risk&quot; due to BMI, the pressure of medical inductions, and how she advocated for herself when doctors used fear-based language. From a 30-hour induction to a positive C-section experience with an apron belly, Victoria shares the highs and lows of her transition into motherhood, including the often-untold struggles of breastfeeding and postpartum mental health.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you are trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or a fellow plus-size mom, this episode is a reminder that your body is capable, your voice matters, and you deserve compassionate, evidence-based care.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Resources Mentioned&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.amazon.com/Ina-Mays-Guide-Childbirth-Gaskin/dp/0091924154?adgrpid=186996878628&amp;amp;hvpone=&amp;amp;hvptwo=&amp;amp;hvadid=748008426888&amp;amp;hvpos=&amp;amp;hvnetw=g&amp;amp;hvrand=4011466851590216296&amp;amp;hvqmt=&amp;amp;hvdev=c&amp;amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;amp;hvlocint=&amp;amp;hvlocphy=9010782&amp;amp;hvtargid=dsa-2414841787166&amp;amp;hydadcr=&amp;amp;mcid=&amp;amp;hvocijid=4011466851590216296--&amp;amp;hvexpln=m-dsad&amp;amp;tag=googhydr-20&amp;amp;hvsb=Healthmedia_d&amp;amp;hvcampaign=dsadesk&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Ina May&apos;s Guide to Childbirth&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Book by Ina May Gaskin&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143125702/?bestFormat=true&amp;amp;k=expecting%20better%20oster&amp;amp;ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_14_de&amp;amp;crid=20DSCZL362NEF&amp;amp;sprefix=expecting%20bett&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Expecting Better&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/a&gt;Book by Emily Oster&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.amazon.com/Plus-Size-Pregnancy-evidence-really-ebook/dp/B0CH6R8SZ5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QOXM7G3NVZZY&amp;amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MpnWCXxSBpGEt1mG__YRnCscsZaDPWpyXBKvuewl2VomFJLmXU_5hnLTikCd4pZcUJJJL5dwUl-xzMb8QVLBU8h_kEliHlzWFT5dKSSovm-LzCe0tvc7lNoOrEobUQiD8kbJCacBF0eSA1dw_YkSjhGD8VjYI9bEP5BRb28DJM3tZE_zhji1uSmp8p2KJWJSiJ5-Gokvf_VLatK3mDlWqwHGDjeiHeEujhD8Jef1kVs.SPT-flNAxMSxL5AHJYzekFf75rAbyEN8mvwMyjfUay0&amp;amp;dib_tag=se&amp;amp;keywords=plus+size+pregnancy+book&amp;amp;qid=1775101379&amp;amp;s=books&amp;amp;sprefix=plus+size+pregnancy+boo%2Cstripbooks%2C148&amp;amp;sr=1-1&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Plus Size Pregnancy&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Book by Dr. Sarah Wickham&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://evidencebasedbirth.com/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Evidence Based Birth&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; Website&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.twodoulasandyou.com/sarah&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Two Doulas and You Atlanta&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://atlanta-acupuncture.net/our-practitioners/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Buckhead Acupuncture and Herbal Center&lt;/b&gt; – Wendy&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect With Us&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;TikTok&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Instagram&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Facebook&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Youtube&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and subscribe! Your support helps us reach more plus-size women and share the stories that matter.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Medical Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>01:27:02</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode><itunes:title>1 | Victoria Gaba - PCOS, Blood Thinners, Induction turned C-Section, Breastfeeding Struggles</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrating Bigger Bodies & Beautiful Births]]></title><description><![CDATA[<p>Bigger Than Birth is a podcast dedicated to celebrating bigger bodies and beautiful births! Through honest, real-life conversations, we share pregnancy and birth stories from people in bigger bodies. Creating space for representation and connection.</p><p></p><h3><b>Connect With Our Community</b></h3><p>We are building a village where every body is celebrated. Stay connected, share your story, and join the conversation on our social platforms:</p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/?hl=en" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast" target="_blank"><b>TikTok</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast" target="_blank"><b>YouTube</b></a></li><li><b>Email Us:</b> BiggerThanBirthPodcast@gmail.com</li></ul><p><b><br /></b></p>]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">efb6d793-342b-48f9-b381-4c44e3117b65</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Victoria Gaba]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 01:20:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/ad5a1f0279adc4e6b613e0cd8d143640bcede194262916354fbec06ee03c1a96/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiJlZmI2ZDc5My0zNDJiLTQ4ZjktYjM4MS00YzQ0ZTMxMTdiNjUiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiJlZGQ2MTA3Ny1hNmRiLTQxYWEtYjc2NS1hYmFjY2NmMDliYWQiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2OTgzY2FjOTllMDNjZmNhZTJmNWYzNGQiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNjljMDk1NDFmNzc5YjA1NDQ4NjE0YjA5L3ZpY3RvcmlhLWdhYmFzLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTMtMjNfXzItMjAtMC5tcDMifQ==.mp3" length="835230" type="audio/mpeg"/><podcast:transcript url="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/episodes/efb6d793-342b-48f9-b381-4c44e3117b65/transcripts.txt" type="text/plain"/><itunes:summary>&lt;p&gt;Bigger Than Birth is a podcast dedicated to celebrating bigger bodies and beautiful births! Through honest, real-life conversations, we share pregnancy and birth stories from people in bigger bodies. Creating space for representation and connection.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;b&gt;Connect With Our Community&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;We are building a village where every body is celebrated. Stay connected, share your story, and join the conversation on our social platforms:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587444280945&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Facebook&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/biggerthanbirthpodcast/?hl=en&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;Instagram&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.tiktok.com/@biggerthanbirthpodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;TikTok&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer nofollow&quot; href=&quot;https://www.youtube.com/@BiggerThanBirthPodcast&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;YouTube&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;b&gt;Email Us:&lt;/b&gt; BiggerThanBirthPodcast@gmail.com&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</itunes:summary><itunes:explicit>no</itunes:explicit><itunes:duration>00:00:35</itunes:duration><itunes:image href="https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/podcasts/edd61077-a6db-41aa-b765-abacccf09bad/logos/1aa155fd-5744-430d-a410-a6d49d8ce8bb.png"/><itunes:title>Celebrating Bigger Bodies &amp; Beautiful Births</itunes:title><itunes:episodeType>trailer</itunes:episodeType></item></channel></rss>