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) […]
Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Doula, From a Doula with Francie Webb Read More »
Today we’re talking all about my favorite: The pelvic floor. From how the pelvic floor changes in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, to what the signs and symptoms to see a pelvic floor PT are, to what happens at an actual appointment… we cover it all. Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies for
What Happens at a Pelvic Floor PT Appointment with Dr. Amy Stein Read More »
If you’re looking at the title of this episode thinking, “I’ve never heard of cholestasis”… you’re not alone! That being said, it’s important to know about as it can occur in 1-2 in every 1,000 pregnancies. So let’s talk about cholestasis in pregnancy- the symptoms, the treatment, how it is diagnosed, and how one can
What You Need to Know About Cholestasis of Pregnancy! With Donna Benavides 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 »
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
How to Avoid a Traumatic Birth with Dr. Rebecca L. Dekker, PhD, RN Read More »
You may be more aware of what you are eating during pregnancy, however, have you considered how nutrition may affect your birth and postpartum? In today’s discussion we explore gut health and how your body works during the prenatal and postnatal phase. We look at gut issues and the treatment for these issues. We also dive into a
How Gut Health Affects Your Pregnancy and Baby! with Bridgitte Mallinson Read More »
Have you considered how your endocrine system might affect your fertility or pregnancy? Today we dive into the topic of endocrine disruptors and how they may adversely affect your system. Although these endocrine disruptors are everywhere in our environment, the good news is there are ways to limit your exposure. Our guest today shares practical tips that you
Why You Should Pay Attention to Endocrine Disruptors with Sarah Thompson Read More »
How does the health of the pelvic floor impact birth? It is so important to have a healthy pelvic floor in order to have a functional birth and a healthy body. This is one of my favorite topics! If you’ve been a listener of Yoga| Birth| Babies, you know that anytime I have an opportunity to talk about the pelvic
Kegels and Your Pelvic Floor with Kara Mortifoglio PT, DPT, WCS Read More »
Should you do strength training while pregnant? Today we will talk about strength training for pregnancy, birth and beyond. This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart because I believe that strength training can help prepare your body for birth, help you be more comfortable during pregnancy, and help you rehab postpartum. In this
Strength Training for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond with Nicole Scheitlin Read More »
What is PCOS and how does it affect fertility? Today we will discuss PCOS – Polycystic ovarian syndrome and how it impacts infertility and pregnancy. If you have PCOS, this conversation will give you information on how to advocate for your best pregnancy. As we dive into this topic, we will examine the role the environment plays on
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
Vaginal Exams- When and Why to Have One During Pregnancy and Labor with Kara French 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 »
For many sex is a very different experience while pregnant and newly postpartum. From wondering if you might hurt your baby to the physical discomfort one may experience, a lot of questions come to mind. Today we’re going to talk about sex during pregnancy and after baby. I gathered some of the students together from
Sex During Pregnancy and After Baby with Dr. Sabrina Baxter Read More »
The first trimester, wow. It can be a bear for some of us. I know my first trimesters were rough, and many of us go through those difficulties on our own. It can be incredibly uncomfortable, exhausting, isolating, and full of emotional ups and downs. I knew my friend Francesca was having a difficult time
Surviving the First Trimester with Francesca Cervero Read More »
Did you know that one in five new parents and pregnant folks have a PMAD (Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorder)? About ten percent of the cases come from having a traumatic birth. These are huge numbers and these are just the reported cases. It’s more likely that one in three pregnant people and new parents
Shining Light On PMADs with Nancy Layish LCSW Read More »
There’s a lot of fear surrounding age and pregnancy. It’s as if awakening on your 35th birthday renders you conceptionally challenged. But why has that pressure been put on people? What does it really mean to have a baby after 35? And, what can we do to increase fertility at 35 and beyond? In this episode
Having A Baby After 35 with Dr. Shannon Clark Read More »
I would venture to bet you’ve been pretty mindful about what you eat and drink throughout your pregnancy and postpartum, but have you thought much about your skincare regimen and how it may need to be adjusted? Certain products are simply not safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I
Skincare During Pregnancy and Postpartum with Dr. Marisa Garshick 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 »
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
Trust Your Body and Release Control During Pregnancy & Birth with Dr. Carly Snyder Read More »
The term “core” is thrown around a lot in the fitness and yoga world. But what does it really mean? What muscles are involved and how does someone prepare for pregnancy and postpartum? In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with licensed physical therapist and author, Patricia Ladis. Patricia explains what we mean when we
Preparing the Pelvic Floor and “Core” for Pregnancy and Postpartum with Patricia Ladis Read More »
Birth defects, defined by the March of Dimes, are structural changes that affect one or more parts of the body (e.g. heart, brain, foot). While some birth defects are completely unavoidable and unpreventable, certain behaviors and social and environmental factors can impact the risk for birth defects. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, Chief Medical and Health
Preventing Birth Defects with Dr. Rahul Gupta 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 this episode of Yoga| Birth|Babies, I speak with board-certified OB-GYN and Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Marta Perez on what we know about the science of COVID, it’s effect on pregnancy and fetal and neonatal risks. Dr. Perez helps demystify some of the data and clarifies the effects of COVID on the
The Science of Covid & Its Effect on Pregnancy with Dr. Marta Perez 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
Pregnancy, birth and early parenthood, are often a time of family gatherings and celebrations. But now during this unprecedented time, these milestones are being experienced in isolation. This massive departure from how one may have originally envisioned the transition into parenthood can lead to feelings of loss and grief. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I
Loss, Grief, Anxiety and Isolation During Pregnancy and Parenthood 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 »
A “big baby” is one of the top reasons for a suggested induction for pregnant people. But did you know that ultrasound offers less accuracy after the 37th week of pregnancy and can be off up to 15% of the estimated weight? In this episode of Yoga |Birth |Babies I speak with founder and author
Understanding “Big Babies” with Rebecca Dekker Read More »
The US is the only developed country that does not offer paid maternity leave to new parents. Support for new families varies from the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act, which offers job protection and mandates 12 weeks of unpaid leave, to private companies who provide paid leave maternity and paternity leave. In NY State,
The Pregnancy Project 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 »
The C.D.C. reports that black mother in the U.S. are 3 to 4 times more at risk of maternal mortality regardless of socioeconomic status and education than white women. These statistics are just the beginning of shining a light on the racial disparity seen in the birthing world. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak
Improving Birth & Health Outcomes for Black Moms & Babies. Read More »
You may think, “Yoga is yoga! Sure I’m pregnant, but why not go to a general population class and modify poses as needed?” To some extent, yes, downward facing dog is going to be the same no matter where you take class. However, there is something so special and unique about a prenatal yoga class
10 Reasons You Should Do Prenatal Yoga Read More »
I’ll admit, I got a bit of zig when my husband and I went shopping to fill our baby registry. It was thrilling to see all the baby gear start to arrive. That is until we realized that our small one bedroom was not equipped to accommodate all the equipment baby’s require! Soon bottles, bibs
Embracing The KonMari Method to Declutter Your Life & Home Read More »
Most people who recently birthed a baby experience some level of trying to reignite a relationship with their core muscles. Some people feel a huge disconnect and have little understanding of why their abdomen remains soft even after the rest of their body has started to regain some semblance of it’s former self. In this
Understanding Core Strength During Pregnancy and Postpartum 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 »
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 »
Navigating a satisfying sex life with your partner during pregnancy and postpartum can be a bit challenging for many. Fear of hurting the baby, working through body image issues and share logistics can create a gap in a sexual relationship. In this episode of Yoga| Birth| Babies, I speak with New York City based sex
Sex During Pregnancy & Postpartum with The V Club 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 »
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 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 »
In this episode of “Yoga | Birth | Babies,” I speak with author of the book, “Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat?” and executive director of the National Eating Disorder Association, Claire Mysko. Claire and I talk openly about the struggles many women face with body image issues before, during and after pregnancy. If
“Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat?” Author Claire Mysko Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with Bebo Mia founders, Bianca Sprague and Natasha Marchand. Bianca, Natasha and I discuss the misconceptions and assumptions women of size face when entering motherhood. We talk openly about “fat shaming” and how plus size moms can find support and embrace and trust their bodies. With
Plus Size Pregnancy with Bebo Mia founders Bianca Sprague & Natasha Marchand Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with fertility specialist and executive director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health, Alice Domar, PhD. Dr. Domar takes the time to explain how stress impacts fertility, pregnancy and motherhood. She offers some wonderful tips for stress relief for those facing fertility issues and discusses how to integrate her
Fertility, Pregnancy, Motherhood and Stress with Dr. Alice Domar 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, I have the chance to catch up the very busy and incredibly fun Tara Stiles! When I interviewed Tara, she was about 27 weeks pregnant. She openly talks about adjusting her yoga practice through pregnancy, food cravings and the needing to let go and accept her new changing body. She also explains
Tara Stiles, Founder of Strala Yoga Read More »
It’s time for a book club! We’re revisiting a post from 2010, but this time I want to delve back into these books with the PYC community. We’ll be reading one book a month, starting with Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth. At the end of the month I will post some questions on the blog and we
Deb’s Book Club and Book List! Read More »
In the past few years I have come to appreciate all the uses and benefits of magnesium sulfate, aka Epsom salt. First off, I must stress, Epsom salts are sometimes recommended as a laxative; this purpose is NOT appropriate for pregnancy. With that usage off the table, let’s check out all the ways a pregnant
Tuesday Tip: Epsom Salt Read More »
