Welcome to Season Two of 'It's a Circus' podcast! Join host Elsa as she dives into real conversations about the messy, magical, and unpredictable journey of parenting. In this episode, Elsa is thrilled to welcome her dream guest, Alyssa—a San Diego-based full spectrum doula, folk herbalist, and astrologer. Hear Alyssa's fascinating journey from astrology to birth work, her profound insights on birth as a sacred ceremony, and the importance of support during prenatal and postpartum periods. This episode is a heartfelt testament to the power of intuition, the beauty of each unique birth journey, and the vital role doulas play in supporting families. Elsa and Alyssa also discuss societal pressures on new mothers, the emotional and physical challenges of postpartum recovery, and the indispensability of having a wise woman to guide you through parenthood. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that redefines motherhood and the sanctity of birth.
00:00 Welcome to It's a Circus
00:20 Introducing the Guest: Alyssa
00:38 Alyssa's Journey from Astrology to Doula
01:13 The Role and Impact of a Doula
08:12 Challenges and Realities of Postpartum
20:39 Cultural Perspectives on Motherhood
38:46 Understanding Support Preferences
39:19 Creating a Birth Plan
39:49 Navigating Hospital Birth Plans
40:34 The Spiritual Aspect of Birth
41:24 The Role of Intuition in Birth
41:42 Personal Birth Experiences
52:07 Astrology and Birth Patterns
01:02:12 The Importance of Wise Women
01:12:16 Final Thoughts and Advice for New Moms
Alyssa Donato | San Diego Doula, Herbalist & Astrologer
Founder of A Ceremony of Birth, Alyssa Donato is a San Diego-based full spectrum doula, folk herbalist, and astrologer devoted to guiding families through the sacred thresholds of birth, postpartum, and transformation. Her practice weaves intuitive care with ancient wisdom. Offering grounding, soulful support for modern families in the San Diego area and beyond.
Alyssa holds space for birth as ceremony, blending physiological care with ritual, herbal remedies, and cosmic insight. From prenatal preparation to postpartum integration, she serves San Diego families with tenderness, reverence, and a commitment to restoring trust in the intelligence of the body and the beauty of each unique journey.
Connect with her at @aceremonyofbirth @alyssa.donato or visit www.aceremonyofbirth.com to learn more.
Thanks for listening to It’s a Circus Podcast — Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of Self care
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