Episode 292: Pregnancy, Motherhood & Homebuilding: A Summer Life Update

Host: Lisa Bass
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Podcast: Simple Farmhouse Life

In this engaging episode of the Simple Farmhouse Life podcast, Lisa Bass provides a comprehensive update on her family's ongoing homebuilding project, shares valuable insights into managing a large family, and addresses listener questions related to homebuilding and motherhood. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key discussions and insights from Episode 292.

1. Homebuilding Progress and Challenges

Lisa and her husband, Luke, are deeply immersed in building their dream "new old" farmhouse, blending modern functionality with historic charm. They are currently in the framing stage of construction, having made significant progress since the episode's release.

• Framing Phase:
  "We are fully in the middle of framing right now," (02:24) Lisa explains, noting that by the time the episode airs, the framing would largely be complete, with work already underway on the second level.

• Contractor Communication:
  One of the major challenges they've faced is ensuring clear communication with contractors to maintain the house's character.
  "They make assumptions and come up with what they think would be the best solution," (05:26) Lisa shares, emphasizing the importance of their active involvement to prevent misinterpretations that could lead to significant rework.

• Custom Antique Doors and Windows:
  Incorporating authentic antique elements has been a meticulous process. Lisa recounts the difficulties in sourcing and fitting antique doors of non-standard sizes.
  "We sourced antique and vintage doors from the time period the house was built, which aren't standard sizes," (09:55) she notes, highlighting the bespoke adjustments required by the builders.

2. Listener Q&A: Sourcing Antique Materials

A listener, Lee from Old Tavern Farm, inquires about sourcing wooden windows and doors for an enclosed stone porch intended to function as a greenhouse.

• Recommended Resources:
  Lisa recommends partnering with experts like Brent Hull of 100 Year Window, who specialize in historic restoration.
  "These windows are designed to last 100 years and maintain historic accuracy," (17:04) she advises, providing Lee with a valuable resource for his project.

• Door Sourcing Strategies:
  For doors, Lisa suggests exploring platforms like Etsy and architectural salvage websites, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in framing to accommodate non-standard dimensions.
  "Some doors can be trimmed down to fit, while others might be better left as authentic antiques," (17:51) she explains, illustrating her pragmatic approach to blending old and new elements.

3. Kitchen Design: Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality

Designing a kitchen that aligns with their farmhouse aesthetic while meeting modern needs has been another focal point.

• Vent Hood Dilemma:
  Lisa and Luke discuss the challenge of integrating a functional vent hood without compromising the kitchen's historic charm.
  "I don't like the huge exposed range hood, but it's necessary for our airtight new build," (25:10) Lisa admits, revealing their compromise between style and practicality.

• Wood Cook Stove Partnership:
  Excitingly, Lisa announces a partnership with Thornhill Ranges to incorporate a wood-fired cook stove reminiscent of classic Aga stoves.
  "This stove provides the cozy glow of a flame while offering modern cooking capabilities," (30:41) she enthuses, explaining how it will serve dual purposes of heating and cooking during winter months.

4. Navigating Pregnancy and Motherhood with a Large Family

As a mother of eight, Lisa delves into her extensive experience with multiple pregnancies and raising a large family alongside managing a homebuilding project.

• Pregnancy While Nursing:
  Lisa shares her personal journey of getting pregnant while nursing multiple times, typically losing milk supply around 12 to 20 weeks.
  "I almost always get pregnant while nursing, and my milk supply drops as the pregnancy progresses," (32:34) she explains, highlighting the physical adjustments required.

• Managing Multiple Children:
  With a large family, Lisa emphasizes the importance of teamwork and support.
  "I can have my older kids hold the baby while I cook, making tasks more manageable," (37:00) she states, showcasing the collaborative dynamics that help sustain their household.

• Overcoming Overwhelm:
  Addressing the mental and emotional challenges, Lisa offers encouragement to listeners feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of expanding their families.
  "This season of feeling overwhelmed will change, and in a year, things will feel different," (41:47) she reassures, providing hope and perspective.

5. Listener Q&A: Encouragement and Home Births

Lisa addresses several listener-submitted questions, offering advice drawn from her personal experiences and research.

• Encouragement for Expanding Families:
  A listener expresses anxiety about adding another child due to feeling overwhelmed. Lisa responds with empathy and practical advice.
  "Everything is just a stage which you will get through," (35:58) she comforts, reminding listeners that feelings of chaos are temporary and manageable.

• Deciding on Home Births:
  Another listener, expecting her fifth child at 41, inquires about the considerations for a home birth.

  • Evaluating Health and History:
    Lisa emphasizes the importance of consulting with a qualified midwife and evaluating personal birth histories.
    "Most midwives would assess your history to determine if a home birth is suitable," (43:57) she advises, underscoring the need for professional guidance.
  • Understanding Midwife's Role:
    She clarifies misconceptions about home births, noting that having a midwife provides professional support and monitoring.
    "Home birth isn't about going it alone; a midwife is a trained professional present to ensure safety," (45:24) Lisa explains, dispelling myths about home births.

6. Looking Ahead: Future Topics and Resources

As the podcast episode concludes, Lisa hints at future discussions that will delve deeper into homebuilding intricacies and the evolving dynamics of their large family. She encourages listeners to submit questions and stay connected through various platforms.

• Resources and Courses:
  Lisa promotes her courses on from-scratch cooking and homebuilding, available through links provided in the show notes and description box.
  "For everyday sourdough recipes, check out our blog and courses like Simple Sourdough and the Simple Sewing Series," (54:18) she invites, offering listeners avenues to enhance their farmhouse lifestyles.

Notable Quotes

• "They make assumptions and come up with what they think would be the best solution." – Lisa Bass [(05:26)]
• "These windows are designed to last 100 years and maintain historic accuracy." – Lisa Bass [(17:04)]
• "This season of feeling overwhelmed will change, and in a year, things will feel different." – Lisa Bass [(41:47)]
• "Home birth isn't about going it alone; a midwife is a trained professional present to ensure safety." – Lisa Bass [(45:24)]

Final Thoughts

Episode 292 of Simple Farmhouse Life offers a heartfelt glimpse into Lisa Bass's multifaceted life, balancing the complexities of homebuilding with the joys and challenges of a large family. Her candid discussions and practical advice provide valuable insights for listeners navigating similar journeys in simplifying life, embracing natural living, and managing motherhood.

For more information and to connect with Lisa's resources, visit Farmhouse on Boom and follow her on YouTube, where she continues to share her farmhouse adventures and expertise.