Birth

Stress and Trauma and How It Impacts Your Birth with Ja’Neen Jenkins

Birth, Postpartum, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

In today’s episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, we’re diving into some of the common—yet often overlooked—stressors of pregnancy. We explore everything from hormonal changes and PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) to the profound life shifts that come with this transition. We also take a closer look at trauma-informed care: what it really […]

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Station NOT Dilation!

Birth, Blog

It’s not just about dilation—station matters too! Station refers to how low the baby is in the pelvis, and it’s a key factor in knowing when to push. Laboring down and waiting for a lower station can help conserve energy and avoid unnecessary interventions.

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Why Some Babies Fly Out and Some Stall with Lindsay McCoy 

Birth, Childbirth Education, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Today we are talking about stalling versus flow, in birth, and how your body’s balance, and alignment can play a major role in that process. What does it even mean to be balanced and aligned? To have this conversation today with me on Yoga| Birth| Babies I have Lindsay McCoy.  Lindsay McCoy is an exercise physiologist, an experienced

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A Doula Should Not Be Your Sword and Shield! with Bec Conant 

Birth, Childbirth Education, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Many times, I hear my prenatal students express feeling disconnected from their care provider or uneasy about hospital policies. However, they’ve hired a doula in hopes that that will help them navigate and achieve the birth experience they want. Today, we’re diving into how and why birth preparation goes beyond simply hiring a doula. To

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The Pelvic Floor and Birth with Dr. Millie Schweky DPT, CPT

Birth, Postpartum, Pregnancy, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Today, we’re diving into the relationship between birth and the pelvic floor. First, we’ll cover the basics: What is the pelvic floor? What is its function? How does one even connect with their pelvic floor? We usually aren’t taught about the pelvic floor growing up, and lack an awareness of it, in part because it’s

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Everything You Want to Know About VBACs with Meagan Heaton

Birth, Birth Stories, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Today, we’re diving into the topic of VBACs—Vaginal Birth After Cesareans. We’ll explore the most common reasons for cesarean births, as well as the risks and benefits of choosing a VBAC. Additionally, we’ll discuss factors that might make someone risk out of a VBAC, and compare those risks to those of a repeat cesarean. To

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How To Use Spinning Babies for A Smoother, More Balanced, and More Efficient Birth with Gail Tully

Birth, Childbirth Education, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

If you could choose between a functional efficient labor or a dysfunctional and inefficient labor, I’m guessing you would choose functional and efficient labor. I have been to many births as a doula and I’ve had 2 kids of my own. While the body may need time to open to let baby descend and rotate,

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Birth Story: A Deep Belief in a Desired VBAC with Jessie Valentine

Birth, Birth Stories, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Community birth stories are, for me, some of the most important episodes to share on this podcast. Oftentimes, we’re overwhelmed with negative birth narratives, which can impact one’s confidence in their ability to birth. I feel passionate about hearing, and sharing, stories where individuals acknowledge their birthing anxieties but ultimately overcome them. Today on Yoga

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The History, Science and Technology Behind IVF with Dr. Donna Drucker

Birth, Pregnancy, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Today, we’re exploring a topic that has impacted so many people around the world, including some of my closest friends and students. I’ll admit that I didn’t know much about IVF, as I haven’t had personal experience with it, so I set out to learn more. Interestingly, my cousin is an expert on the subject,

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Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Doula, From a Doula with Francie Webb

Birth, Pregnancy, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Today we are diving into a topic near and dear to my heart: doulas. Tune in as we explore how to find a doula who best fits you and your unique needs! Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Francie Webb. Francie  is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

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 Birth Story: Never Be Afraid to Ask for Help with Shing Yiing Ong

Birth, Birth Stories, Mothering, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

There are countless reasons why I believe sharing and listening to birth stories is so valuable. One standout aspect is the many universal themes that emerge- whether between different births, throughout the journey from pregnancy to parenthood, or even within the individual birth stories themselves. While the societal conversation around birth can often evoke fear,

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Birth Story: Very Quick and Very Peaceful with Jessica Roback

Birth, Birth Stories, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Today, we’re diving into the birth story of a student who completed her teacher training with us last year- while pregnant! It was truly special to witness her journey as a student at PYC, both in our training and our classes. When she shared details of her wonderful and positive birth experience with me, I

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Why We Want to Control Pregnancy, Birth and Parenthood with Dr. Britta Bushnell

Birth, Postpartum, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Today, we’re delving into a universal experience: the challenge of control. Have you ever wondered why it can be so hard to let things organically happen? Or questioned what it is that’s behind the desire to control in the first place? As much as it would be fabulous to control everything, it simply isn’t possible.

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The Body Ready Method and How It Can Help Your Birth! with Taylor Lee Bello

Birth, Childbirth Education, Pregnancy, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Have you ever thought about the importance of having your body internally balanced for labor and birth? Today we discuss The Body Ready Method and how it can assist you in your birth, because let’s be honest: so much of a functional birth is the work we do ahead of time. On today’s episode of

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How to Avoid a Traumatic Birth with Dr. Rebecca L. Dekker, PhD, RN

Birth, Pregnancy, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Today we’re talking about how to overcome, and avoid, traumatic childbirth experiences. My guest for this conversation, Rebecca, shared with me a statistic that blew my mind: 35-45% of people report having a traumatic birth… An absolutely enormous number! Throughout our conversation, Rebecca shares some key factors that play a role resulting in traumatic birth

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Why to Reconsider Midwifery Care with Casey Selzer, CNM

Birth, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Have you considered using midwifery care for your birth?  Perhaps you have questions about what a midwife does or how they differ from a traditional OBGYN.  Today we are going to talk all about midwives.  I think midwives are fantastic, they hold a special place in my heart because my own births were attended by a midwife.  In this

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How to Help the Partner Be the Best Partner They Can Be with Yiska Obadia

Birth, Postpartum, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

How would you like your partner to be involved during pregnancy and birth?  Today we dive into a conversation about birth partners and their role in supporting you through your birth experience.  We talk about how to prepare ahead of time by discussing the expectations and dynamics that influence both the emotional and physical aspects of birth

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Vaginal Exams- When and Why to Have One During Pregnancy and Labor with Kara French

Birth, Pregnancy, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Have you considered why you should have a vaginal exam during pregnancy and labor?  I often say your cervix is not a crystal ball, it’s not going to tell you when labor is going to start.  It’s something I see time and time again, students will come into class excited because they are a little dilated or

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Fluid Birth Plans with Liesel Teen BSN, RN

Birth, Childbirth Education, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

If you’re pregnant you may find yourself scrolling through Tik Tok or instagram, happening upon a video or post and thinking “I want my birth to look like that.” Whether you’re thinking about the music you’d like to hear during birth or figuring out what type of pain management you’d like these preferences are often

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Where to Birth: Know Your Options with Catherine Stewart-Lindley

Birth, Childbirth Education, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Where will you be giving birth? Did you know there are options? Today we’re going to be talking about where to give birth, because if you don’t know your options, you don’t have them. From hospital births, to birth centers, and home births these different locations all have pros and cons and honestly, not everyone

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How To Use Spinning Babies for A Smoother, More Balanced, and More Efficient Birth with Gail Tully

Birth, Childbirth Education, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

If you could choose between a functional efficient labor or a dysfunctional and inefficient labor I’m guessing you would choose functional and efficient labor. I have been to many births as a doula and I’ve had 2 kids of my own. While the body may need time to open to let the baby descend and

How To Use Spinning Babies for A Smoother, More Balanced, and More Efficient Birth with Gail Tully Read More »

What’s It Like To Heal From A Vaginal Birth? with Morgan Michalowski

Birth, Postpartum, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

As expectant parents we spend so much time preparing for birth and life with a baby, often we forget about the recovery our bodies and minds need after labor. Between our culture and our medical system healing from birth is greatly overlooked and under discussed. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies we turn the attention back

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Know Your Options: Pain Meds During Labor with Rachel Salem CRNA

Birth, Childbirth Education, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

No matter which way you may be leaning in terms of pain meds during labor, it’s important to know all your options so that you can make an informed decision. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Rachel Salem, about all your options for pain medicine during labor. Rachel shares the

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Getting the Support You Need Throughout Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum with Jada Shapiro

Birth, Childbirth Education, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Did you know that the memory of your birth and your satisfaction with it directly correspond to how you perceive being treated during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? This is a big reason why it’s important to make sure you’re getting the support and respect you need throughout your whole journey of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood.

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Plan for Fear

Birth, Childbirth Education

I remember a midwife once telling me that it’s those who don’t have any nervousness around labor and delivery that worry her most. You might think that’s strange however, birth is full of many unknowns. Sure we know that you’ll leave labor with your baby now a part of the “outside” world, but we really

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How To Approach Your VBAC With Confidence with Meagan Heaton of VBAC Links

Birth, Childbirth Education, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

VBAC’s are a birth option that one comes to with a great deal of preparation and planning. If this is your envisioned birth option, likely you desire the chance to experience a vaginal birth.  To help see that vision come true, it’s important to stack the cards in your favor and one of the best ways

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Healing from a Traumatic Birth with Kristin Lasseter, MD

Birth, Postpartum, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

1 in 3 new parents report their birth as traumatic. This leaves a tremendous amount of new parents adjusting to new parenthood while also overcoming an emotionally traumatizing event. Sometimes the healing is never resolved and subsequent pregnancies and births can bring up past traumatic feelings.  This week’s episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies was inspired by conversations within

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How Does Stress Affect My Pregnancy? with Parijat Deshpande

Birth, Childbirth Education, Pregnancy, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

There’s a reason this podcast caught your eye, likely because you’re feeling a bit stressed and want to know how this could affect your pregnancy and baby. While stress is a normal part of life, especially at times of great change, like pregnancy and new parenthood, it could create imbalances in the nervous system, endocrine

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Community Birth Story: A Surprise Ending with Cindy Walters

Birth, Birth Stories, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

What do you do when your birth is going well then very suddenly isn’t? That’s the path Cindy’s birth took.  To give you some peace of mind, Cindy and her son are healthy and well, but they had a very unusual turn of events in their birth journey. In my 20 years working with pregnant folks, this

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Failure to Progress In Labor with Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins

Birth, Childbirth Education, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Failure to progress in labor. Can we all agree this is a horrible name and can impact someone’s view of their ability to give birth! For years, birthing people have been expected to follow “Freidman’s Curve” a standard set by a trial of only 500 participants conducted nearly 50 years ago. Recently, ACOG has set

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The Secret to Preparing For Birth: Know Your Enneagram Type with Cortney Clegg and Stephanie King

Birth, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

We all have certain character traits that define our nature and help us predict how we will respond in different situations. When it comes to birth, understanding these characteristics can allow us to foresee how we may respond to the flow and turns of labor. These insights can help in preparing the kind of support

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Trust Your Body and Release Control During Pregnancy & Birth with Dr. Carly Snyder

Birth, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

During pregnancy and birth a certain level of anxiety is to be expected as much is unknown and many things change. However it’s important to note ways depression and anxiety can manifest. A common way for it to appear during this time of life is a lack of trust in one’s self, one’s body, ability

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Myths & Realities of Debated Pregnancy & Birth Topics with Dr. Shannon Clark

Birth, Childbirth Education, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

There are so many resources to gather information about pregnancy, labor and birth. How do you know what’s accurate and what’s misleading? In this episode of Yoga| Birth|Babies, I speak with double board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, Shannon M. Clark, MD, MMS, FACOG about the myths and realities of many pregnancy

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Due Dates & Induction with Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins

Birth, Childbirth Education, Pregnancy, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Due dates, that looming day etched in your mind when your journey through pregnancy will come to an abrupt ending. But how accurate are these given dates and what happens if that day comes and goes?  In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies I speak with board-certified, practicing OB/GYN, Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins. Nicole

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Supporting Queer, Trans, Non-Binary Folks in Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum with Beth Hardy

Birth, Childbirth Education, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

In a world that often categorizes people and events in a binary manner, those who fall beyond the binary often face unseen challenges. Family planning, reproductive care, and birth are no exceptions. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with doula, childbirth educator and board-certified music therapist, Beth Hardy about supporting

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Community Birth Story: Power, Surrender and Opening with Lina Lum

Birth, Birth Stories, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Sharing birth stories matters. It’s an opportunity to support and inspire one another during a transformative time. Each new parent carries their own powerful narrative of their birth that shapes the beginning of a new stage of life.  In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Prenatal Yoga Center community member and proud new mother,

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Understanding Telehealth with Eugenia Montesenos

Birth, Childbirth Education, Postpartum, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Telehealth has become the norm while social distancing is being respected. This can leave some new and expectant parents anxious about the care they will receive as leading up to their birth and recovering during postpartum.  In this episode of Yoga| Birth|Babies, I speak with Certified Nurse Midwife, Eugenia Montesenos about telehealth care. Eugenia explains

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Processing Your Birth Story with Nikki Shaheed

Birth, Birth Stories, Mothering, Yoga | Birth | Babies, YOGA | BIRTH | BABIES Podcast

Everyone who gives birth shall forever carry their story imprinted deep within. For some, the memories brings joy, others unresolved feelings and for many, they are somewhere in between. Time will take someone further from the experience but what happens when your birth goes unprocessed? In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with co-director of

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