Vaginal exams are one of the most common procedures during pregnancy and labor, but are they always necessary? In this episode, Deb sits down with certified nurse midwife Kara French to unpack when and why vaginal exams may be offered, what information they actually provide, and how parents can make informed decisions about their care. […]
Vaccines can feel like one of the most overwhelming topics for expectant and new parents—especially when information online is conflicting, emotional, and constantly changing. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, Deb sits down with Flor M. Muñoz to unpack what parents actually need to know about vaccination during pregnancy and infancy. Together,
Vaccines During Pregnancy and Infancy: What Parents Should Know with Dr. Flor Muñoz Read More »
Preterm birth is something many parents worry about- but how much do we really understand about why it happens and how to prevent it? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Laura Jelliffe-Pawlowski, a leading researcher in maternal and infant health, to explore how our understanding of preterm birth has evolved—and where the science is
Watching labor unfold can feel overwhelming. Learn how breath supports each stage of labor and how prenatal yoga prepares you for birth.
What Happens During Labor? The Stages of Birth Explained Read More »
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I’m joined by Dr. Marlena Fejzo, a leading women’s health scientist and researcher. Dr. Fejzo is best known for discovering the first genes linked to uterine fibroids, nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, and hyperemesis gravidarum, and has published extensively on diseases affecting women. She is an
Understanding HG (hyperemesis gravidarum) with Dr. Marlena Fejzo Read More »
What if every person in labor had someone by their side whose only job was to care for them?
What Is a Doula, Really? Read More »
There are so many factors as to why someone would take the IVF path, and so many factors in the process itself. So today’s episode is all about In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)- why people choose it, what the process involves, and how to prepare the body and mind for that process. We’ll also debunk common
How to Prepare for IVF with Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh Read More »
Today we take a deep dive into the current postpartum system; cracks and gaps included. What are the biggest misconceptions around pregnancy and childbirth, and how do they affect birth and postpartum in this country? My guest to have this conversation on Yoga| Birth| Babiesis Dr. Jessica Vernon. Dr. Jessica is is a mom of
Did you know millennials tend to be more likely to have high blood pressure during pregnancy than previous generations? Why is it that millennials are having such a hard time as parents? Today’s podcast is for all those that were born between 1981-996; and those of you in Gen-Z, too. To have this conversation with
Pregnancy and Parenting as a Millennial with Dr. Christine Sterling [Revisited!] Read More »
Discover 4 evidence-based pain coping tools for labor. Time-tested strategies from a doula and prenatal yoga teacher to help you feel confident and prepared.
4 Pain-Coping Techniques That Actually Work in Labor Read More »
Joining me today on Yoga | Birth | Babies is the brilliant Gina Conley — perinatal fitness trainer, seasoned birth doula, mother of four, and founder of MamasteFit. She’s also the author of Training for Two. She is also the author of Training for Two, a powerful resource that provides evidence-based strategies for movement, pelvic
Fitness, Weight Training and Pregnancy with Gina Conley Read More »
To support alignment, ease common pregnancy discomforts, and help students feel strong and comfortable throughout pregnancy, we bust the myth that prenatal yoga is just about stretching—instead, we embrace strength-building as a key part of our classes.
Why Strength Training Belongs in Prenatal Yoga Read More »
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
The Pelvic Floor and Birth with Dr. Millie Schweky DPT, CPT Read More »
Today, we have a very special community birth story. I love when I get to hear the birth stories of not only our student community, but also of our teaching community. Today, we have a story of the latter! Today on Yoga|Birth|Babies I haveMeredith Witte. Meredith Witte is a functional strength coach and a yoga instructor with
Birth Story: A Sexy and Instinctual Birth with Meredith Witte Read More »
Today, we’re talking all about prenatal chiropractic work and how it can help you have a smoother birth and more comfortable pregnancy. I love the idea of chiropractics because it all goes back to alignment. And as a studio owner, yoga teacher and former doula, I am confident in saying that when the pregnant body
Chiropractic and Pregnancy with Dr. Robert Shire Read More »
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,
The History, Science and Technology Behind IVF with Dr. Donna Drucker 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 [REVISIT] Read More »
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 »
