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 […]
A Doula Should Not Be Your Sword and Shield! with Bec Conant Read More »
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,
Today, we’re exploring one of the most powerful tools for birth: movement. When we consider movement during labor and delivery, it raises questions such as: Does the shape and size of your pelvis impact the birthing process? How does the pelvis open? Can you move effectively if you have an epidural? Join us as we
There’s a saying that goes, “You don’t know what you don’t know,” and this is especially true when it comes to prepping for birth. If you aren’t informed about the different options for your birth, then how can you be expected to make the most informed decisions in your birth! Today, we’ll be diving into
The Problem with Hospital Childbirth Education Classes with Ceridwen Morris Read More »
Did you know that the number of babies born to first time parents in the US who are over 35 has been steadily increasing? I see countless parents in the PYC community (including myself) have their first child over 35. So why have we heard that it’s difficult and more dangerous to conceive after 35?
[Re-Release] Safer Than You Think: Pregnancy After 35 with Dr. Nicole Rankins, OB/GYN Read More »
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
The Body Ready Method and How It Can Help Your Birth! with Taylor Lee Bello Read More »
If you’re having a vaginal birth and it’s time for that baby to make itself completely earthside, you have to get that baby out of your body through some form of pushing. The pushing phase of labor is often the portion of birth we see in movies and tv. Frequently we see a birthing person laying
Pushing Tips for Labor with Liz Wade and Shaina Brickner Read More »
Twenty years ago I found a study that stated 1 out of 3 birthing parents experience birth trauma. It’s a pretty shocking statistic. As time has gone by, I wondered if the numbers had improved and perhaps we were seeing fewer parents experience traumatic birth? To answer this and take a deep dive into birth
Birth Trauma with Kate McReynolds LMHC, PMH-C Read More »
If you were to describe your ideal birth, I’m guessing that you would describe your care as centered and individualized for you and your family’s needs. Many of you would probably talk about trauma informed care, and more than anything I think everyone wants a safe birth. You probably wouldn’t describe being treated like a
Creating A Safe, Parent Centered, Trauma Informed Birth with Mandy Irby Read More »
If you’ve been listening to the podcast for a bit, you likely know that something I’m incredibly passionate about is optimal fetal positioning. In part it’s because of my own experiences with birth going from a very long first birth to a much more efficient second birth. When a baby is better aligned in the
Why Your Baby’s Position Matters for an Easier Birth with Ann Gilligan RN, LNC, RPYT Read More »
Imagine, you’re at your 38 week check up and your care provider wants to do a cervical exam. For some people this might sound great, but what if it doesn’t? Do you have to have the exam because your care provider suggested it? What about continuous fetal monitoring during your labor, birthing on your back,
How To Advocate for Yourself During Pregnancy and Birth with HeHe Stewart Read More »
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
Fluid Birth Plans with Liesel Teen BSN, RN Read More »
What can you do if labor seems to be, well, stuck? Most birthing people I know (including myself) want to move labor along! So how can we help that happen and avoid “stalled” labor? On today’s episode of Yoga| Birth| Babies doula and exercise physiologist Lindsey McCoy, gives us tools and tips to help balance
Body Balance for a Better Birth with Lindsay McCoy Read More »
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
Where to Birth: Know Your Options with Catherine Stewart-Lindley Read More »
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
Inductions occur for a variety of reasons, sometimes they’re wanted and medically necessary but sometimes expectant parents feel like they’re being pressured into one. So why would or should someone be induced? And if your care provider is suggesting one, how do you navigate that conversation? In this episode of Yoga| Birth| Babies I speak
Induction: Yes, Maybe, or No? with Marley Hall Read More »
Close your eyes and think about what you hope the first moments after your baby is born will be. You might be imagining cuddles, skin to skin contact, or little one crawling up you for their first feed. However in addition to the cuddles, there are a number of routine procedures your little one will
Newborn Procedures Explained with Dr. Tracey Agnese Read More »
You may have heard it’s easier to repair a straight and even cut as opposed to a jagged tear from vaginal births. But is this something that’s actually supported by medical evidence or merely a falsehood passed down about birth? In today’s episode of Yoga| Birth|Babies I talk to Dr. Heather Jeffcoat DPT all about
Tearing Versus An Episiotomy with Dr. Heather Jeffcoat Read More »
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
Know Your Options: Pain Meds During Labor with Rachel Salem CRNA Read More »
I recently returned the Spinning Babies Parent Educator Training and have been so inspired by the work that I wanted to re-release this wonderful and insightful conversation with Spinning Babies® founder, Gail Tully. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, Gail Tully (CPM) explains Spinning Babies® methodology and shares how the baby’s position and the pregnant body impacts the birth flow. She
Babies, Birth Flow And Balance The Spinning Babies® Way with Gail Tully Read More »
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.
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
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
How To Approach Your VBAC With Confidence with Meagan Heaton of VBAC Links Read More »
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
How Does Stress Affect My Pregnancy? with Parijat Deshpande Read More »
Approximately 1 in 4 pregnant people will be induced. With rates this high, understanding induction and all it entails can help demystify the induction process and reduce fear, which can make your whole birth more satisfying. In this episode of Yoga |Birth|Babies, I speak with Labor and Delivery nurse, childbirth educator and mother of 7,
Everything You Need To Know About Being Induced with Trish Ware Read More »
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
Failure to Progress In Labor with Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins Read More »
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
Myths & Realities of Debated Pregnancy & Birth Topics with Dr. Shannon Clark Read More »
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
Due Dates & Induction with Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins Read More »
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
How much time have you put into learning about a cesarean birth? What are factors that play a role in having a cesarean birth or way to decrease the chances of a cesarean birth? With the national average for cesarean rates hovers around 30%, time spent on understanding cesareans births may serve to be very
Cesarean Birth with Dr. Marta Perez Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with Cheri Grant, also known world wide as the “Peanut Ball Lady”. Cheri explains how peanut balls are incorporated into labor and how they can positively effect labor. She goes into detail about how the different positions of a peanut ball can open the
The Peanut Ball and the Pelvis with Cheri Grant the “Peanut Ball Lady” Read More »
Birthing people sometimes feel like they are going into a hospital setting needing to have their guard up to defend their birth preferences against the enemy- the medical institution. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with former hospital and now home birth midwife, Chloë Lubell about how to create a respectful, collaborative and balanced
I got an email from a student who is 39 weeks & 1 day pregnant. She’s quite uncomfortable & distraught. She wrote to me having just come back from her weekly check up with her care provider. She was told that her baby is high & her cervix firm. According to her provider, she hadn’t
Your Cervix Is Not A Crystal Ball Read More »
If you knew there was a way to successfully lower cesarean rates and create a family-centered birth, would you be interested in learning more about it? In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Dr. Neel Shah. Dr. Shah is an obstetrician-gynecologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, an Assistant Professor of
Lowering the Cesarean Rate with Dr. Neel Shah Read More »
A magic alarm does not go off and cripple your eggs the morning you turn 35 years old. But why does society put that pressure on people? What does it really mean to have a baby after 35 and what can we do to increase fertility? In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with double
“There is a significant amount of evidence that shows that healthcare providers hold stereotypes based on a patient’s race, class, sex, and other characteristics. This influences their interpretation of behaviors and symptoms, and even their overall clinical decisions.”states this week’s podcast guest, Alexandra Samuel-Sturgess The CDC reports that black mothers in the US are 3
Improving the Birth and Health Outcome for Black Moms and Babies Read More »
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
Understanding Telehealth with Eugenia Montesenos Read More »
Did you know there is a correlation between breastfeeding issues and epidurals? The continuous IV fluid given to birthing people during labor may render the breasts more swollen. The nipples become harder, flat, and more shallow. This can cause problems for the baby to latch successfully. “If mothers realize the swelling and difficulty latching is just
Breastfeeding and Epidurals with Dianne Cassidy Read More »
The hormonal blue print needed to move labor forward has a few requirements. For the body to function well in labor, we need to remove pressure, stress, shame and anxiety and help the laboring person find deep relaxation. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with HypnoBirthing® childbirth educator, certified holistic health coach, and author
Hypnobirthing with Kristy Rodriguez Read More »
Have you ever wondered why some births are fast and furious while others slowly putter along? Many times it has to do with the delicate dance between the baby’s position and the balance and room made in the pregnant person’s pelvis and soft tissue. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with the creator of
Birth Flow and Balance with Gail Tully of Spinning Babies® Read More »
Pregnancy and being a brand new parent inherently carries a fair amount of anxiety and uncertainty. Add in an unprecedented pandemic, and that anxiety is likely to increase. One of the best ways to combat these feelings are solid and supportive answers to best prepare for what lies ahead. In this very special and timely
Pregnancy and Birth During the Coronavirus Pandemic Read More »
Approximately 60% of pregnant people will receive an epidural. With those receiving epidural analgesia, up to 10% of those people will not receive full pain relief- there may be a spot where discomfort is still felt or pain relief is not delivered. Or you may find yourself waiting for pain medication or choose not to
Comfort for Birth with Yiska Obadia Read More »
An epidural is a very familiar term for most, but how much knowledge do people have about it? With an average of 60% of birthing people choosing epidural anesthesia, it is important to make informed decisions about what serves you best. In this episode of Yoga| Birth|Babies, I speak with anesthesiologist and yoga teacher,
Epidurals with Dr. Claire Sandberg Read More »
Currently in the US, approximately one-third of all babies are born by cesarean. However, it’s interesting to note that when I asked my prenatal yoga class of 21 pregnant people how many have considered the possibility of cesarean birth, only 3 people raised their hands. For many, the idea of a surgical birth is something
Preparing for Cesarean: A Necessary Conversation with Mary Esther Malloy Read More »
How would you react upon finding out you were carrying twins? Shock? Excitement? A bit nervous? A combination of all three? If are one of the 3.35% of parent having twins you may be looking for some support and guidance as you welcome your new expanded family. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with
Birth plans have gotten a bad name. How can you possibly plan a birth since they rarely go as planned? However, investing time, thought, and energy into what areas of the birth are important to the birthing person can be invaluable. By making their wishes known, it can help the birthing person feel supported, heard,
The role and practice of a midwife is often misunderstood. Many think this is someone who simply assists medical doctors, or they confuse the offerings of labor support doula with a midwife assuming this person has limited medical training and authority or just catches babies. (None of those assumptions are correct!) So what does a
What Midwives REALLY Do Read More »
One Wednesday morning, during circle time, a student bravely spoke up about an experience she had at her last prenatal appointment. Her doctor told her she had gained too much weight between visits. The woman left her appointment upset, ashamed and confused about what to do next. Upon hearing, I too was confused and had
Prenatal Weight Shaming Read More »
It is very possible that until pregnant, you never thought much about your cervix. But once you’re hovering around your due date, it can become prime concern. At each weekly exam, you may be wondering, “How dilated am I?”, “Does that mean labor might start soon, or do I still have a ways to go?”
All Things Cervix! Read More »
“I would like a deep, painful tear of my perineum”, said NOBODY! Pretty much in every movie or TV show where birth is being portrayed, we see the birthing person flat on her back, legs spread wide and people are yelling at her to “PUSH!” It’s no wonder that is how people think they should
Protecting Your Perineum Read More »
