Bringing home a newborn baby for the first time is perhaps one of the most daunting tasks many people face in their life. I clearly remember the moment my husband and I were alone with our new baby. All we could think about was, “when is our postpartum doula going to arrive and could help
Practical Advice on Caring for Your Newborn with Ayelet Kaznelson Read More »
Have you ever felt like you don’t understand your changing pregnant body? Perhaps you no longer feel like you can find good, supportive posture, or take a satisfyingly deep breath? If so, then this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies will help you understand how your inner structure, what Jill Miller, yoga teacher and
Your Inner Baby Carriage Read More »
Approximately 10-25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. With such a high percentage of pregnancies naturally terminating, why is this subject often talked about in whispers behind closed doors? When any personal loss is experienced, support is often desired and needed and subsequent pregnancies may be approached with more apprehension then joy. In this episode of
Rainbow Babies with Jessica Mougis Read More »
One of the three pillars of Prenatal Yoga Center methodology is community, also knows as sangha. Feeling part of community, especially in such a transitional time like pregnancy and parenthood, can help assuage fears, feel supported and find a general camaraderie. In an effort to deepen our community connection, Yoga |Birth |Babies continues to share
Pregnancy, Parenthood, and Eating Disorders Read More »
With the myriad of nursery decor, strollers and baby gadgets, it is not surprising the amount of time and effort new parents spend on preparing for the arrival of their new family member. Unfortunately, the check list of preparation rarely makes it to setting up support for the new parents postpartum. With the current rate
Plan To Support Yourself: The Necessity of A Postpartum Mental Health Check In Read More »
As parents our actions have a lot of power. We are constantly modeling the behavior our children mimic and setting the environment for their developing minds. Recently I found myself having one of “those days.” The kind of day when you’re super frustrated, everyone and everything is pissing you off and nothing seems to be
Time Outs; Not just for children Read More »
Community and support are a vital part of Prenatal Yoga Center. To help encourage relationships and get to know one another a little better, we like to introduce a new mom and her baby each month. This month, we are pleased to introduce you to Hannah Brenman and her daughter Rachel! Hannah has been a
Mom of the Month: Meet Hannah Brenman Read More »
Not every entrance into parenthood is easy and joyful with a soundtrack of birds singing blissfully as you walk carefree through the park. You may even mutter under your breath, “This is really f**king hard, what have I done?” In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak openly with co-founder of Soul Camp and Soul
Community Birth Stories: Getting Past A Bumpy Start with Soul Camp’s Michelle Goldblum Read More »
I left my house unusually early today which required quietly creeping out of bed while the rest of my family remained asleep. Trying not to disturb anyone, I quickly sprang out of bed when my alarmed chimed, brushed my teeth and swiftly dressed in the clothes I laid out last night. I was so quick-paced
The Delicious Surprise of Putting the DAMN Phone Down! Read More »
Community and support are a vital part of Prenatal Yoga Center. To help encourage relationships and get to know one another a little better, we like to introduce a new mom and her baby each month. This month, we are pleased to introduce you to Jessica Mintz and her son Bradley! Jessica frequently attended Postnatal
July Mom of the Month: Meet Jessica Mintz! Read More »
Matrescence, a seldom heard word that names the shift into motherhood, stemming from the word, adolescence. Funny that the metamorphosis into adolescence is socially viewed with compassion, support, and a general understanding of tremendous and uncontrollable change while the same slide into motherhood is often met with high expectations of “maternal instincts” and an innate understanding of
The day your child is born, you assume a completely new persona and identity. Many grapple with this shift from maiden to motherhood and embracing this new title and responsibility can be challenging. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, Dr. Britta Bushnell discusses working through the bumps of the 4th trimester and
Motherhood & Identity Read More »
Once the dust settles on the new expansion to your family, plans may need to be considered about child care and extra support. There are several options, day care, family help or hiring an in home nanny. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with Christa Nader, founder of Kith and
Nanny 101 with Christa Nader of Kith & Kin Read More »
In April 2018, ACOG, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, released a new recommended guideline for Maternal Care. This new set of suggested protocols has the potential to vastly improve maternal health, which currently has a bleak outcome of 17.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2011, 2012 and 2013 with non- Hispanic black
Deserving of Better Care for Expectant and New Parents; The New ACOG Guidelines Read More »
Community and support are a vital part of Prenatal Yoga Center. To help encourage relationships and get to know one another a little better, we like to introduce a new mom and her baby each month. This month, we are pleased to introduce you to Jada Strabbing. Jada is a mom of 3, she’s pictured
May’s Mom of the Month: Meet Jada Strabbing! Read More »
Baby stuff everywhere! Why does it feel like having a baby comes with so much equipment and accessories? Have you ever stopped to think about what is truly necessary and what is just really good marketing? In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Adriane Stare, owner and founder of the Brooklyn eco-friendly maternity, baby
What Do You Really Need For Baby? Read More »
In this episode of “Yoga | Birth | Babies,” I speak with accomplished author, health psychologist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett. We dive deeply into an important and timely discussion about racial disparity and the effects of breastfeeding and infant mortality. Black babies are more then three to four times likely
Racial Disparity and its Effect on Breastfeeding and Infant Mortality Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with author and Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Nancy Mohrbacher about how to support breastfeeding women at work and help them navigate pumping. For any person facing the end of maternity leave and wondering about they will be able to manage keeping their supply
Navigating Breastfeeding at Work Read More »
Today on Yoga| Birth|Babies I speak with PYC community member, Emeline Foster. Emeline is a second time mother who openly shares her struggles with deciding if she should have a second cesarean or explore a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Emeline is open and honest about her experience and the challenges she faced along with
Community Birth Stories with Emeline Foster Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with licensed social worker and Program Director of the Motherhood Center of New York, Paige Bellenbaum. This deeply honest and moving discussion needs to be heard and discussed with all expectant women, partners and support people. It is reported that 1 in 5 women
Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders with Paige Bellenbaum of the Motherhood Center Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with founder of the CrunchyRadish.com, registered dietitian, and natural foods chef Miranda Hammer. We discuss nutrition, food preferences and aversions during pregnancy, and how to get optimal nutrition for mom and baby. We also talk about the reality of finding a balanced and healthy
Crunchy Radish founder Miranda Hammer on Nutrition for the New Mama Read More »
In this episode of “Yoga | Birth | Babies,” I speak with anthropologist, Dr. Meredith Small, about how our biology, culture and history influence how we parent our children. In this fun, lively conversation, Meredith and I discus and compare different cultures and their approach to child raring. Some of the way we care for our children come from
“Our Babies, Ourselves” Author Dr. Meredith Small Read More »
Did you know it will cost a middle-income couple slightly more than $245,000 to raise a child born in 2013 to the age of 18?! On this episode of “Yoga| Birth | Babies,” I speak with financial advisor, Amy Brackett. She and I discuss the daunting task of getting personal finances in order for the
Preparing Your Finances for Baby with Amy Brackett CFA Read More »
In this episode of “Yoga | Birth | Babies,” I speak with founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement, Dr Debra Bingham. Recently in the news there have been articles discussing the study “Nurses’ Knowledge and Teaching of Possible Postpartum Complications” highlighting the wide range (often lack) of knowledge postpartum nurses
Taking Charge of Postpartum Health with Dr. Debra Bingham Read More »
Today on “Yoga | Birth | Babies,” I speak with internationally recognized coach, author, speaker and educator, Carrie Contey. Carrie and I have a lively and enlightening discussion about why understanding your child’s brain will help you become a better parent. A helpful episode for parents and caregivers looking for more tools to better understand
Big Beings, Little Body: The New Parenting Paradigm with Carrie Contey PhD Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with journalist and author of the book, The Big Let Down– How Medicine, Big Business and Feminism Undermine Breastfeeding. Kimberly and I discus the role of big pharmaceutical companies and the push for baby formula in doctor’s offices and hospitals and how they undermine
“The Big Let Down” author Kimberly Seals Allers Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with new mother and yoga teacher, Chantal Eder. We discus the the challenges and joys of pregnancy and new motherhood. Chantal also opens up about her surprisingly unique birth and processing the experience. New and expectant mothers will enjoy Chantal’s candor and relate to
Community Birth Story: Chantal Eder Read More »
This week on “Yoga | Birth | Babies” I wanted to talk to you about preparing for birth. As a speaker and teacher I’m frequently asked, “What tips would you give expectant parents?” Well based on my experience and what I see in my students, as expectant parents we spend hours choosing the right, stroller,
Minisode: Preparing for Your Birth Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies I speak with acclaimed yoga educator, founder of Sequencology, and mother of 2 Lori McAlister. We talk about how Lori’s practice has evolved over time, how she was able to use yoga to deal with unexpected pregnancy complications, and how she uses the tools of her
Lori McAlister founder of Sequencology & Mother of 2 Read More »
On this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with author and 5th Trimester Movement founder, Lauren Smith Brody. Lauren and I have a lively conversations about the challenges and struggles many mothers face when heading back to work after the birth of their baby. Enjoy some incredibly useful tips on how to
The Fifth Trimester with Lauren Smith Brody Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with founder and creator of You Plus 2 Parenting, Rachel Cedar, MSW. For any parent facing the daunting task of adding a new baby to your family dynamics, Rachel offers insight and practical tips to help ease this transition. This episode is wonderful for
Preparing for Your 2nd and Beyond! with ‘You Plus 2 Parenting’ founder Rachel Cedar Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with founder of the The New York Milk Bank, Julie Bouchet-Horwitz, FNP, IBCLC. Julie explains how milk banks work, how those who want to donate can, and how babies who need for breastmilk can receive it. In this episode: How Julie got started working with
The New York Milk Bank with Julie Bouchet-Horwitz, FNP, IBCLC Read More »
Hi Everyone! In today’s episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies I revisit a blog I wrote a few years ago “7 Steps to Surviving Early Motherhood.” With some additional time and an additional baby I’ve added two more steps to help you ease into this new phase of your life with sanity, grace, and
9 Steps To Surviving Early Motherhood! Read More »
In the episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with Tamara Hawkins, FNP, RN, IBCLE, LCCE, CHHC, Director of Stork and Cradle. We talk about everything an expectant and new mother needs to know. We cover a wide range of topics from breastfeeding in the first few days of baby’s arrival to what
Breastfeeding 101 with Tamara Hawkins Read More »
Dear Mother Who Is Trying to Do It All, You are an amazing mother and person. You are not June Cleaver, effortlessly gliding across your perfectly waxed kitchen floor, freshly baked cookies in hand, sporting high heels, pearls, and an impeccably ironed apron. Nor are you Peggy Bundy, lounging on the couch watching endless TV
Dear Mother Who Is Trying To Do It All Read More »
On this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with renowned yoga teacher and mother Paula Lynch Liberis. Paula and I have a very open and candid talk about shifting from high profile yoga teacher to mother of (almost) 3 children. Paula’s honesty and humbleness will surely speak to those who have ever
Motherhood & Yoga with Paula Lynch Liberis Read More »
This week on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I had the pleasure of speaking with licensed acupuncturist, Frances Goodwin. Frances helps demystify how Chinese medicine and acupuncture can help with fertility, pregnancy, induction, breech and postpartum. Hope you enjoy! In this episode: What drew Frances to acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The philosophy of
Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine with Frances Goodwin LAc Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with Dr. Sonia Gidwani. “Dr. G”, as she is lovingly called, is a long time UWS pediatrician who’s caring approach has drawn thousands of children to her practice. (In full discloser- she was the pediatrician to my two children until we moved out of NYC). Dr. Gidwani
Pediatrician 101 with Dr. Sonia Gidwani Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with Postpartum doula, Meema Spadola. Meema dives deeply into the the profession of the postpartum doula and all the amazing support they offer. New and expectant moms, this podcast will be invaluable! Topics covered: *What led Meema to becoming a postpartum doula. *The difference between
Meema Spadola on Finding Support After Birth with a Postpartum Doula Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with renowned breastfeeding expert, Dr. Jack Newman. My goal of this podcast is for new parents to make informed, educated choices about why they may or may not choose to breastfeed. We focus specifically on how to hep the parent who chooses to breastfeed get a good
Dr. Jack Newman of the Newman Breastfeeding Clinic Read More »
In this episode we discuss the hotly debated topic, Sleep Training. I often feel there is a lot of comparison and judgement around sleep training but it is very personal and has effects on the whole family. Jess and I discuss why someone would want to begin sleep training and when it is appropriate to
Sleep Training with Jessica Shapley Read More »
For those of us as parents who find ourselves struggling to react calmly to our children’s myriad of behaviors and feel by the end of the day, we are overwhelmingly exhausted, this podcast is for you! Today’s guest is a Mindful Mama Mentor and creator of the podcast The Yoga Story Project, Hunter Clarke-Field. She
Mindful Parenting with Hunter Clarke-Fields Read More »
Originally published with Choices In Childbirth Many women find themselves surprised by the physical and emotional challenges of the “4th trimester.” This part of the journey into motherhood is often glossed over by friends and family. The focus often shifts from the pregnant mother to the new baby. This can leave the new mom in
The 4th Trimester: Making the Choice for Self Care With Postnatal Yoga Read More »
A few months ago during the beginning of one our prenatal yoga community classes, a new student caught my attention. I am not sure what it was about her that I focused on, there was nothing peculiar about her that spoke out to me, just an air of unease. During circle time, she introduced herself
Anxiety, Depression and Pregnancy Read More »
My first labor with my son, Shay, was an epic 42 hrs. That is 42 hrs from first recognizing there was a pattern to the contractions to my baby being born. I was completely taken back and slightly traumatized both physically and mentally by the experience. Upon finding out I was pregnant again with our
After teaching a postnatal class two weeks ago, a few of the mothers and I began talking about breastfeeding, and the support one may need during that period. One mother, Dina, who was bottle feeding, shared her story about why she was no longer breastfeeding. “About half my friends did not breastfeed so when I
Breastfeeding: Getting the Support You Need Read More »
