What does it mean to have a “perfect birth,” and how do our expectations shape the way we experience childbirth? In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, we welcome writer, editor, and storyteller Avital Norman Nathman to explore the cultural narratives surrounding birth, motherhood, and the pressure to get it all right. Drawing
In a world where information is always at our fingertips, it’s easy to believe that if we just learn enough, plan enough, and prepare enough, we can control pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. But what if the real work is learning to embrace the unknown? In this episode, Deb is joined by Dr. Britta Bushnell, author
Tantrums are a normal part of childhood, but that doesn’t make them any easier to navigate. In this episode, we revisit a valuable episode “from the vault,” in which Deb sits down with Dr. Cindy Hovington to explore the science behind tantrums and emotional regulation. Together, they unpack what’s actually happening in a child’s brain
Revisiting: Managing Tantrums According To Science with Dr. Cindy Hovington Read More »
Before your child ever needs extra support, it’s helpful to understand how to navigate the systems designed to help them. In this episode, Deb speaks with attorney and mental health clinician Paula Yost about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), advocating within the school system, and how parents can confidently speak up when they know something isn’t
Why Some Kids Get Support and Others Don’t- and What Parents Can Do with Paula Yost Read More »
Travel looks different once kids enter the picture- but that doesn’t mean adventure has to stop. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, Deb sits down with Bri Hepworth, mom of four and founder of Mini Voyager, to talk about the realities of traveling with children and how families can make trips feel
How to Travel with Kids with Bri Hepworth of Mini Voyager Read More »
Potty training can feel surprisingly simple for some families—and incredibly challenging for others. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Heather Wittenberg, child psychologist and founder of BabyShrink, to unpack why that divide exists and what parents can do when things don’t go as planned. We explore how potty training is more than just a
Why Most Potty Training Advice Fails Half of Toddlers with Dr. Heather Wittenberg Read More »
Children’s behavior is often seen at the surface—but what if there’s so much more underneath? In this episode, we explore the powerful role sensory processing plays in shaping how children experience and respond to the world around them. Pediatric Occupational Therapist Madeha Ayub helps us reframe “challenging behavior” through a more compassionate, informed lens, offering
Beyond Behavior: Understanding Sensory Needs and Regulation in Children with Madeha Ayub Read More »
The vaccination schedule for your baby can feel daunting. It also may seem a little strange, you might wonder why a newborn needs to be protected against Hepatitis B? Between frequent visits to the pediatrician and fears you might have over adverse reactions to the vaccines, many parents wonder how they can best support their
Newborn and Childhood Vaccinations with Dr. Ana-Maria Temple – A Revisit Read More »
Toddlerhood is full of big emotions, sudden shifts, and constant change- especially when a new baby is on the way. Today we will dive into what’s really happening beneath toddler behavior and how parents can navigate this season of life with confidence, connection, and compassion. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I’m
When my son was born and we needed a nanny, I remember feeling totally overwhelmed. Where do you even begin when it comes to hiring someone you barely know to caretake your child? It’s a feeling so many parents share, and that’s exactly what today’s episode is about: nannies- the process, the common mistakes made,
How to Find, Hire and Thrive with a Nanny with Sarah Davis Read More »
Since becoming a parent, I’ve often wondered how our own stress from parenting affects our ability to actually parent. Today’s episode explores that connection through the lens of nervous system regulation- parenting edition. Joining me today on Yoga|Birth|Babies is Kat Sabath. Kat is a therapist, coach, and yoga teacher who helps parents find fulfillment in
Why Parenting Feels So Hard- and What You Can Do About It with Kat Sabath Read More »
Today is all about parental dysregulation- what is is, how it shows up, and the impact it has on our children. To have this powerful and insightful conversation with me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Dr. Amber Thornton, a licensed Clinical Psychologist and author of A Parent’s Guide to Self-Regulation: A
From Reactivity to Resilience: A New Approach to Parenting with Dr. Amber Thornton Read More »
What is so overwhelming about the first 6 weeks of parenting? Well, to be honest, a lot! But it doesn’t have to mean struggling 24/7. In this episode, we dive into the preparation for parental leave, the logistics of preparing for baby, and setting up care in the postpartum period. To tackle this subject today
Thriving (not just surviving!) the First 6 Weeks with Jen Mayer Read More »
Feeling unsure about parenting in the age of screens? Wondering how to manage screen time battles, choose appropriate apps and games for kids, or decide when to introduce screens to your child? If so, this episode is for you. To tackle this subject today on Yoga | Birth | Babies I have Ash Brandin, EdS.
Kids, Screens & Sanity: Tech-Wise Strategies for Modern Parents with Ash Brandin Read More »
Today on Yoga | Birth | Babies we’re diving into the relatable and often challenging topic of helicopter parenting. Joining me is Dr. Susan Landers, a neonatologist, breastfeeding expert, and author- who brings over 30 years of experience working in the NICU. Dr. Susan and I share an honest conversation, in which we cover how
Are You A Helicopter Parent? with Dr. Susan Landers Read More »
Parents today are bombarded with advice from every angle- social media, friends, family, and news sources. It can be nearly impossible to know who to trust and what advice to follow… And furthermore how to discuss it with your pediatrician. In this episode, we discuss how to sift through the endless parenting information, as well
Newborn babies have some peculiar quirks, habits, and bodily functions. If you’re entering parenthood unfamiliar with what’s normal and what isn’t you might be scared or deeply concerned by things that are pretty routine for new babies. To have this conversation today with me on Yoga| Birth| Babies I have Dr. Tracey Agnese. Tracey received her undergraduate
Is That Normal? What To Expect From A Newborn with Dr. Tracey Agnese – A Revisit Read More »
Today, we’re diving into our current parenting culture- does it support or hinder parents and kids? To have this conversation with me today on Yoga|Birth|Babies I have Emily Edlynn, PhD. Emily is a licensed clinical psychologist, international speaker, co-host of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast, and award-winning author of Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Parental Burnout
A few months ago, before teaching my postnatal class, my students were sitting in a circle sharing their experiences about postpartum and all the surprises this phase brought. In other words, they were discussing all the things no one had told them about postpartum. Today on Yoga|Birth|Babies I haveTina Goldstein. Tina facilitates the New Parent
Postpartum- The Things They Don’t Tell You About! with Tina Goldstein Read More »
Today, we’re diving into a book titled Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser. This collection of essays captures the journey of being the go-to person for everyone’s needs while quietly struggling. It explores the idea of being “happy to help”… even when you shouldn’t be. The essays are hilariously relatable, and what I
“Happy to Help!” A Talk with Author, Amy Wilson Read More »
Many parents experience significant pressure and responsibility when it comes to feeding their new child, particularly around breastfeeding. This is especially true for the individual providing nourishment and nutrition through breastfeeding. Today on Yoga|Birth|Babies I haveChana Topek Diamond. Chana is a licensed clinical social worker, doula, lactation/feeding counselor and childbirth educator. She earned Masters in
The Mental load and Overwhelm of Infant Feeding with Chana Topek Diamond, LCSW, CLC, CD Read More »
If you’re a parent, or have simply spent time around children, you know the how hard it can be to stay calm when a child is whining. I’m almost 14 years into parenthood and still, I find myself hungrily looking for expert advice on this issue! In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Dr. Laura Markham
Why Children Whine and What to Do About It with Dr. Laura Markham [REVISIT] Read More »
Today we are going to talk about SLEEP: your sleep, your baby’s sleep, and how to help your baby get good sleep. We dive into the topic of sleep deprivation, its impact on maternal mental health and bonding with baby, and also the different types of sleep training methods. Today on Yoga | Birth |
Why You and Your Baby Need a Good Night Sleep With Liza Kaplan Montanino Read More »
If you are a new and expectant parent, I know that childcare is a subject that has crossed your mind before. Whether you’re going back to work full-time, or just need some assistance throughout the day, remember that you don’t have to do it all on your own! As the saying goes, “It takes a
How to Choose the Right Childcare for You with Elizabeth Narins Read More »
Today we’re diving into a topic that’s very close to my heart. Along with being a parent of a child often labeled as “difficult,” I know that so many other children are unfairly pigeonholed because of their behavior. And I’ve come to realize: it’s not so much about the actual behavior as it is about
Why We Need to Stop Labeling the “Difficult” Child with Nina Essel, LCSW Read More »
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,
Birth Story: Never Be Afraid to Ask for Help with Shing Yiing Ong Read More »
Are you preparing for a subsequent child? If you answered yes, then today’s episode is a must-listen. Today, we’re discussing the topic of introducing a new sibling into the family,… specifically to your first child. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for this conversation is Alyssa Blask Campbell. Alyssa is a teacher,
Preparing for the Arrival of a Sibling with Alyssa Blask Campbell Read More »
Sometimes, the most challenging aspect of parenting is the work we do on ourselves. It involves reflecting on our own childhood experiences and understanding how they shape our view of parenthood today. It also requires taking emotional accountability; managing our reactions and behaviors instead of blaming others or projecting our issues onto them. It might
Conscious Parenting with Bryana Kappadakunnel Read More »
When today’s guest reached out to me about bringing a pediatric physical therapy conversation to the table, I was all in. Apart from my well-known love for all things anatomy and my own experience with PT, I was really curious how it even works with newborns and babies! For this episode of Yoga | Birth
Having a child with special needs can be both an isolating and challenging experience, but it also offers endless opportunities for learning, acceptance, and education. There are many different kinds of special needs, but today we’re focusing on the “unseen” disabilities of neurodiverse children and the unique experiences of their parents. Joining me today on
Parenting a Child with Special Needs and Disabilities with Susanna Peace Lovell Read More »
Today, we’re diving into a community birth story that’s far more than just a tale of delivery. Ready for some intriguing details? My guest recently welcomed her third baby. She’s been a dedicated student at PYC for nine years, and she’s been featured on the YBB podcast three times, sharing insights from all three of
Birth Story: Induction and Trust with Yali Szulanski Read More »
Today we are speaking on a hot topic: tongue tie. The reason tongue tie is a hot topic is because it has been a controversial subject for a while now! Naturally, I wanted to understand why- which brought us to the guest and interview you’ll hear today. To have this conversation with me on Yoga
Understanding Tongue Tie with Stephanie Heintzeler Read More »
Matrescence, A.K.A. becoming a mother/parent, is a developmental milestone that brings forth a major identity shift within us. Every parent’s personal definition of this milestone will be wildly different, and each journey will look a myriad of different ways, but a universal perspective we can adopt about matrescence is that it can be an opportunity
How to Thrive in Matrescence with Emese Parker, NP Read More »
It’s no secret that getting good sleep is vital in living a healthy life. However, sleep becomes crucial in the fourth trimester- the newborn phase! When baby and you develop healthy sleep patterns, it benefits the whole family. But I know what you’re thinking: “Easier said than done.” Well, to have this conversation with me
Help Your Baby (and you!) Sleep Better! with Kristine Petterson Read More »
Have you thought about what happens right after baby is born? Today we dive into what to expect following baby’s birth and how to navigate the first 12 weeks of life. We discuss many topics including umbilical cord care, circumcision care and even how to bathe your baby. We also dive into the subject of feeding and what
Understanding Your Newborn Baby with Wendy Hunter, MD Read More »
Do you find it harder to create friendships as an adult? Today we talk about friendships and how they can be difficult to navigate, especially during parenthood. Our guest discusses common conflicts that arise between parents as well as ways to better maintain these connections. If you are a parent or an expectant parent, this conversation will shed
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 »
When I heard about the new book The Yoga of Parenting, I knew I had to have author Sarah Ezrin as a guest here on Yoga| Birth| Babies! Now I promise this isn’t a book report, it’s a very lively conversation. I must say that I marked up my copy of this book with stars,
The Yoga of Parenting with Sarah Ezrin Read More »
It’s 4:45pm on a beautiful spring day, as you walk past the playground you notice an exasperated mother force her wailing toddler into a stroller. Did you shudder as you walked past grateful this wasn’t you? Or maybe at times, it’s been you. To be perfectly honest with all of you, at times it’s been
Welcome back for part 2 of our Mother’s Day Special! Over the years I have had the honor of speaking to some truly incredible professionals in the perinatal field. Choosing my favorite episodes was a difficult task so we decided to release a second episode as our gift to you! In this best of episode
Mother’s Day Special: The Best Of Motherhood (Part 2) Read More »
Sunday is Mother’s Day and we have a very special 2 part episode this week in celebration! In honor and gratitude to all of the mothers and mother figures in our community we put together an episode filled with insight and advice from some of my favorite episodes about motherhood. In this best of episode
Mother’s Day Special: The Best of Motherhood (Part 1) Read More »
Today we’re talking about one of my all time favorite hobbies, sleep! Sleep (or lack thereof) is a very hot topic among new parents. Recently in one of my Postnatal Yoga classes a mom shared about her experience as the only parent who could successfully soothe her baby to sleep. This was leaving her feeling
Setting Your Baby Up for Successful Sleep with Sarah Skiles Read More »
When you think about preparing your home for the arrival of your new baby your mind might go to a place of baby-proofing and purchasing toys and gear like cribs and high chairs. However, what if you home didn’t need more stuff? Today we’re looking at how to create an environment that encourages your baby’s
How to Prepare Your Home for Baby to Thrive the Montessori Way with Jeanne-Marie Paynel Read More »
Today’s episode is a bit of a departure from what we typically talk about, pregnancy, birth, lactation, and interventions. Today we’re talking about what your astrological chart can tell you about yourself, your parenting, and your child. I found this conversation fascinating, I love astrology, I think it’s really interesting. Both my kids as a
How a Natal Chart Can Ease Parenting with Tara Vogel Read More »
Welcome back for part 2 of our Mother’s Day Special! Over the years I have had the honor of speaking to some truly incredible professionals in the perinatal field. Choosing my favorite episodes was a difficult task so we decided to release a second episode as our gift to you! In this best of episode
Mother’s Day Special: The Best Of Motherhood (Part 2) Read More »
Sunday is Mother’s Day and we have a very special 2 part episode this week in celebration! In honor and gratitude to all of the mothers and mother figures in our community we put together an episode filled with insight and advice from some of my favorite episodes about motherhood. In this best of episode
Mother’s Day Special: The Best of Motherhood (Part 1) Read More »
The vaccination schedule for your baby can feel daunting. It also may seem a little strange, you might wonder why a newborn needs to be protected against Hepatitis B? Between frequent visits to the pediatrician and fears you might have over adverse reactions to the vaccines, many parents wonder how they can best support their
Newborn and Childhood Vaccinations with Dr. Ana-Maria Temple Read More »
I don’t know about you, but as a parent I’m busy! It seems there’s never enough time in the day to get through family, work, and personal to do lists. So how can parents accomplish what needs to get done without burning out? As today’s guest Rachel Nielson points out, “time isn’t a naughty child
Containerize Your Life & Create More Time with Rachel Nielson Read More »
There is so much information about supporting breastfeeding right now, particularly on social media. With its current popularity as something “good moms” do formula or bottle feeding parents are left in the dark. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with doctor of perinatal and pediatric nutrition, Dr. Bridget Young about the stigma around formula
Supporting Formula Fed Babies & Parents with Dr. Bridget Young Read More »
For those who have sweat through your child having a full on meltdown in the middle of Target. For those who have felt judged by others or responsible for your child’s behavior. For those who have felt shame as a parent, this podcast episode is for you. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with
Shame Proof Parenting with Mercedes Samudio, LCSW Read More »
