Shows
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsSurviving the Teething Period in Style | Lorene MahToday we talk to Lorene Mah, founder and CEO of Glitter & Spice, a company that sells safe and beautifully designed teething products for babies and toddlers. Since it's founding in 2015, Glitter & Spice (and Lorene herself) has won multiple awards for innovation and product safety, and has provided countless parents and infants with fashionable solutions to all of their teething and sensory development needs.
We talk about the symptoms of teething in infants that compel them to chew, and the difficulties in knowing how to soothe them while also not allowing them to chew on things th...2022-01-0548 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsBreaking the Stigma Around Pregnancy After Age 40 | Bettina Gordon-WayneToday we talk to Bettina Gordon-Wayne, Journalist, Certified Mental Strength Trainer, and bestselling author of The Joy of Older Motherhood. Bettina became a mother for the first time at age 44, and since then has dedicated her life to coaching other women over 40 through limiting beliefs that keep them from starting their own journeys into motherhood. She is a huge advocate for over-40 motherhood, and through her coaching and writing, hopes to reshape some of the societal stigma around having babies at an older age.
We talk about the barrage of negativity and fear that a w...2021-12-1855 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsGoing Out of Network | Kristin MallonToday we talk to Kristin Mallon, obstetric nurse, author, midwife, and medical strategist. Kristin is an expert in business for birth professionals, and particularly in birth professionals who operate out-of-network, and helping them to navigate potential pitfalls in order to run a successful practice. She has been called a visionary in the field of medicine as a business, and she has touched the birth world both by attending births herself, and by helping others to offer the best possible birth care for their clients.
We talk about Midwifery as a field and birth as a bu...2021-12-1149 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsHerbs for Supporting a Healthy Pregnancy | Tamara HillerToday we talk to Tamara Hiller, midwife, herbalist, and trainer in the field of pre/postnatal herbal medicine. Tamara has worked in the health field for over 23 years, and dedicates her practice to helping people to address current and chronic health issues through herbs and natural healing. She is a particular expert in bringing herbalism into the sphere of pregnancy and birth, which she has done for many years through her midwifery practice, and she continues to pass on her knowledge by training other doulas and midwives in the practice of perinatal herbalism.
We talk ab...2021-12-0352 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsWhy You Aren‘t Getting Pregnant (or Experiencing Good Health) and the Two Step Fix | Annette PresleyToday we talk to Annette Presley, registered dietician, nutritionist, author, and creator of the Mommy Maker Method. Annette is an expert in functional nutrition and nutrigenomics, and has spent over 28 years studying the ways in which our nutrition affects how our genetics express potential health issues. Her program has helped women all over to take charge of their genes as an important step in their fertility journey.
We discuss the ways that Iodine deficiency affects health, including fertility and rates of miscarriage . We also talk about how Bromide, Chlorine, and Fluoride affect the body's ability t...2021-10-2944 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsFilling the Gaps in Your Prenatal Nutrition | Julie SawayaToday we talk to Julie Sawaya, Founder and CEO of Needed, which provides health education and nutritional supplements for all stages of pregnancy. Needed supplements are based on intense research into the needs of both a pregnant woman and the developing fetus. Julie has been recognized nationwide for her work in ensuring optimal nutrition for both mother and baby.
We talk about how the vast majority of available prenatal vitamins are not sufficient to meet optimal prenatal nutrition needs, and the way that Needed went about developing supplements that would correct the usual nutritional deficiencies th...2021-10-2256 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsA Doula‘s Guide to Staying in Business | Patty BrennanToday we talk to Patty Brennan, founder of Lifespan Doulas, and author of The Doula Business Guide. She offers doula education, training, and certification through her program, as well as the business training needed for independent workers to establish a stable practice. Over her 40 year career, Patty has personally trained over 2000 doulas, in addition to being a doula and a midwife herself, running a company and nonprofit, and authoring vital business resources for doulas around the world.
We talk about the struggles that recently certified doulas face when they are first trying to establish a p...2021-10-2159 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsReproductive Education for a Better Birth Experience | Jessica Diggs
Today we talk to Jessica Diggs, one of the most sought after Doulas and Midwives in the San Francisco area and Education Lead at LOOM, an empowering digital education platform that brings accessible sexual and reproductive health education to all communities, including its debut program centering on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum topics. Jessica's work goes a long way in helping to provide wider access to the sort of inclusive and comprehensive education that is vital for health and safety at any stage of reproduction.
We talk about how Jessica's journey to be knowledgeable ab...2021-10-0939 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsFinding Confidence in the Fertility Journey | Elizabeth KingToday we talk to Elizabeth King, a Fertility Health Coach, ICF Life Coach, Birth & Bereavement Doula, and new parent educator. Through her practice, she helps clients through the trials of infertility and trauma of miscarriage and works with them through all possible avenues to help them conceive and bring a healthy baby to full term.
We discuss the process of preserving her own fertility that led to her wanting to specialize in fertility support. We talk about common myths about fertility that commonly lead to frustration in people who are trying to conceive. We also d...2021-10-0150 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsOptimize YOUR Vagina | Dr. Betty DeLassToday we talk to Dr. Betty DeLass, a physical therapist and world-class pelvic health expert. Through her practice at Reborn Pelvic Health Wellness, she works with patients to craft personalized treatment regimens for patients at every stage of pregnancy or postpartum to help them return to or maintain the best quality of life possible through adjustment and strengthening of the pelvic floor. To date she has assisted thousands of patient in improving their quality of life through their pelvic health.
We discuss Kegels and their function in pelvic health, as well as their limitations. Betty walks us th...2021-09-2444 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsPregnancy Questions you're too Embarrassed to Ask | Bailey GaddisToday we talk to returning guest Bailey Gaddis, Author of Feng Shui Mommy, about her new book, Asking for a Pregnant Friend. Bailey is a certified Doula, Hypnotherapist, and founding member of the Ojai Valley Birth Collective, among many other accomplishments, and she uses her passion for both birth and writing to help make pregnancy and birth a comfortable and shame-free experience for everyone who reads her work.
We talk about Bailey's process in deciding to write her new book, and the way that shame around certain topics prevents pregnant women from getting all the i...2021-08-1450 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsPregnancy Questions you're too Embarrassed to Ask | Bailey GaddisToday we talk to returning guest Bailey Gaddis, Author of Feng Shui Mommy, about her new book, Asking for a Pregnant Friend. Bailey is a certified Doula, Hypnotherapist, and founding member of the Ojai Valley Birth Collective, among many other accomplishments, and she uses her passion for both birth and writing to help make pregnancy and birth a comfortable and shame-free experience for everyone who reads her work. We talk about Bailey's process in deciding to write her new book, and the way that shame around certain topics prevents pregnant women from getting all the i...2021-08-1450 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsRepairing Abdominal Separation at Any Stage of Pregnancy | Julie TuplerToday we talk to Julie Tupler, registered nurse, childbirth educator, physical therapist, and developer of the Tupler Technique for repairing Diastasis Recti. She is a world renowned expert in Diastasis and repairing the "pointy tummy" effect that many women experience after giving birth. With over 30 years of experience in abdominal repair, Julie trains medical and fitness professionals all over the world to repair split abdominal muscles and improve the quality of life for their patients.
We talk about what Diastasis Recti is, what causes it, and who it can occur in besides pregnant women. We d...2021-08-0340 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsRepairing Abdominal Separation at Any Stage of Pregnancy | Julie TuplerToday we talk to Julie Tupler, registered nurse, childbirth educator, physical therapist, and developer of the Tupler Technique for repairing Diastasis Recti. She is a world renowned expert in Diastasis and repairing the "pointy tummy" effect that many women experience after giving birth. With over 30 years of experience in abdominal repair, Julie trains medical and fitness professionals all over the world to repair split abdominal muscles and improve the quality of life for their patients. We talk about what Diastasis Recti is, what causes it, and who it can occur in besides pregnant women. We d...2021-08-0340 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsReclaiming Midwifery to Heal Indigenous Communities | Marinah FarrellToday we talk to Marinah Farrell, Midwife, Activist, and Executive Director of Changing Woman Initiative, a Native American centered health and justice organization. Marinah's work serves to help indigenous peoples reclaim sovereignty over reproductive medicine, and provide safe, culturally integrated healthcare to Indigenous women in New Mexico and Arizona.
We talk about the Changing Woman initiative, the meaning behind the name, and what the organization does for tribal communities in healing through birth and midwifery. We also talk about Marinah's induction to the birth world and what led her to what she believes is her life's c...2021-07-171h 01
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsReclaiming Midwifery to Heal Indigenous Communities | Marinah FarrellToday we talk to Marinah Farrell, Midwife, Activist, and Executive Director of Changing Woman Initiative, a Native American centered health and justice organization. Marinah's work serves to help indigenous peoples reclaim sovereignty over reproductive medicine, and provide safe, culturally integrated healthcare to Indigenous women in New Mexico and Arizona.We talk about the Changing Woman initiative, the meaning behind the name, and what the organization does for tribal communities in healing through birth and midwifery. We also talk about Marinah's induction to the birth world and what led her to what she believes is her life's calling. W...2021-07-171h 01
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsMayan Abdominal Therapy for Lifelong Reproductive Wellness | Rosita ArvigoToday we talk to Dr. Rosita Arvigo, Naprapathic physician, International author and lecturer, and founder of The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®. She has dedicated her life and practice to preserving and elevating traditional Mayan abdominal massage practices, and using them to heal patients from all manner of reproductive system dysfunction in both body and spirit. We talk about Dr. Arvigo's apprenticeship in Mayan abdominal massage with her mentor Don Elijio Panti, and how she merged those methods with her existing work in Naprapathy to develop the Arvigo method. We also talk about uterine di...2021-07-0354 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsMayan Abdominal Therapy for Lifelong Reproductive Wellness | Rosita ArvigoToday we talk to Dr. Rosita Arvigo, Naprapathic physician, International author and lecturer, and founder of The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®. She has dedicated her life and practice to preserving and elevating traditional Mayan abdominal massage practices, and using them to heal patients from all manner of reproductive system dysfunction in both body and spirit.
We talk about Dr. Arvigo's apprenticeship in Mayan abdominal massage with her mentor Don Elijio Panti, and how she merged those methods with her existing work in Naprapathy to develop the Arvigo method. We also talk about uterine di...2021-07-0354 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsGetting Out of Your Thinking Brain and Into Your Birthing Body | Adriana LozadaToday we talk to Adriana Lozada, advanced birth doula, postpartum educator, child sleep consultant, and host of the Birthful Podcast. In her work she focuses on helping clients to trust in their body's natural birthing instinct without allowing fear and overthinking to complicate the process.
We discuss Adriana's call to birth work after her first birth experience made her realize that birth is a lot more complicated and messy than most people understand, and that it takes much more than a proactive brain to create a positive experience. We also talk about her journey to d...2021-06-281h 01
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsGetting Out of Your Thinking Brain and Into Your Birthing Body | Adriana LozadaToday we talk to Adriana Lozada, advanced birth doula, postpartum educator, child sleep consultant, and host of the Birthful Podcast. In her work she focuses on helping clients to trust in their body's natural birthing instinct without allowing fear and overthinking to complicate the process.We discuss Adriana's call to birth work after her first birth experience made her realize that birth is a lot more complicated and messy than most people understand, and that it takes much more than a proactive brain to create a positive experience. We also talk about her journey to discovering how b...2021-06-281h 01
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsBirth Education for a Legacy of Empowerment | My Essential BirthToday we talk to Cortney and Stephanie, certified childbirth educators and doulas, and creators of My Essential Birth -- an evidence-based and holistic online childbirth education course -- as well as The Pregnancy and Childbirth Made Easy Podcast. They are dedicated to bringing the best that the birth world has to offer into one place so that new parents have the best possible head-start in preparing for their birth.We talk about how both Cortney and Stephanie got into the world of childbirth education and the different kinds of birth experiences they've had that have influenced their...2021-06-1940 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsBirth Education for a Legacy of Empowerment | My Essential BirthToday we talk to Cortney and Stephanie, certified childbirth educators and doulas, and creators of My Essential Birth -- an evidence-based and holistic online childbirth education course -- as well as The Pregnancy and Childbirth Made Easy Podcast. They are dedicated to bringing the best that the birth world has to offer into one place so that new parents have the best possible head-start in preparing for their birth.
We talk about how both Cortney and Stephanie got into the world of childbirth education and the different kinds of birth experiences they've had that have...2021-06-1940 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsAMANI Birth: Honoring Birth in Islam | Aisha Al HajjarToday we talk to Aisha Al Hajjar, Midwife and founder of AMANI Birth, an Islamically founded childbirth education and doula training program designed to empower and support women in the birthing decisions that they make. She works together with her husband to make this education widely available, and to date, AMANI Birth has trained over 900 educators and providers and supported over 10,000 mothers worldwide with their evidence based childbirth education.
We talk about Aisha's birth experiences and how they led her to become a childbirth educator. We also talk about the ways that Aisha saw women s...2021-06-1258 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsAMANI Birth: Honoring Birth in Islam | Aisha Al HajjarToday we talk to Aisha Al Hajjar, Midwife and founder of AMANI Birth, an Islamically founded childbirth education and doula training program designed to empower and support women in the birthing decisions that they make. She works together with her husband to make this education widely available, and to date, AMANI Birth has trained over 900 educators and providers and supported over 10,000 mothers worldwide with their evidence based childbirth education. We talk about Aisha's birth experiences and how they led her to become a childbirth educator. We also talk about the ways that Aisha saw women s...2021-06-1258 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsPreparing for the Birth You Want | Nikia LawsonToday we talk to Nikia Lawson, Certified Birth Doula and Birth Doula Trainer through DONA international. Nikia is an international lecturer, thought leader, and birth educator who uses her expansive knowledge to help expectant families go into their births feeling prepared. Her non-profit organization, The Natural Way Birthing Project, offers programs and services to help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the Texas counties where she serves.
We talk about Nikia's induction into the birth world and what drew her to birth work. We talk about her education and how she shifted courses to meet her c...2021-06-0444 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsPreparing for the Birth You Want | Nikia LawsonToday we talk to Nikia Lawson, Certified Birth Doula and Birth Doula Trainer through DONA international. Nikia is an international lecturer, thought leader, and birth educator who uses her expansive knowledge to help expectant families go into their births feeling prepared. Her non-profit organization, The Natural Way Birthing Project, offers programs and services to help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the Texas counties where she serves.We talk about Nikia's induction into the birth world and what drew her to birth work. We talk about her education and how she shifted courses to meet her c...2021-06-0444 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsSingle Adoption: Defying Stereotype & Finding Your Village | Nefertiti AustinToday we talk to Nefertiti Austin, Author of Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting In America. Fourteen years ago she took a journey toward adopting a child from the Los Angeles foster system as a single woman and she shares her experience and the insight she gained from it with us today. Our Digital Media Coordinator and Executive Assistant for Birth Circle, Erin, also joins us as a guest interviewer. We talk to Nefertiti about her initial journey toward deciding to adopt, and what informed her decision on the specifics of what she wa...2021-05-2951 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsSingle Adoption: Defying Stereotype & Finding Your Village | Nefertiti AustinToday we talk to Nefertiti Austin, Author of Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting In America. Fourteen years ago she took a journey toward adopting a child from the Los Angeles foster system as a single woman and she shares her experience and the insight she gained from it with us today. Our Digital Media Coordinator and Executive Assistant for Birth Circle, Erin, also joins us as a guest interviewer.
We talk to Nefertiti about her initial journey toward deciding to adopt, and what informed her decision on the specifics of what she wa...2021-05-2951 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsRacial Bias in Maternity Care and Healing Black Birth | Kimberly Seals AllersToday we talk to Kimberly Seals Allers, founder of Irth, an app where Black and brown parents can rate practitioners in order to address bias and racism in maternity and infant care. She is also the host of Birthright, a podcast about joy and healing in Black birth that seeks to change the narrative around Black birth being a necessarily traumatic experience. Kimberly is an award-winning journalist and five-time author, and she is an outspoken advocate for maternal and infant health in marginalized communities. We talk about Kimberly's introduction to the birth world as a young black m...2021-05-0449 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsRacial Bias in Maternity Care and Healing Black Birth | Kimberly Seals AllersToday we talk to Kimberly Seals Allers, founder of Irth, an app where Black and brown parents can rate practitioners in order to address bias and racism in maternity and infant care. She is also the host of Birthright, a podcast about joy and healing in Black birth that seeks to change the narrative around Black birth being a necessarily traumatic experience. Kimberly is an award-winning journalist and five-time author, and she is an outspoken advocate for maternal and infant health in marginalized communities.
We talk about Kimberly's introduction to the birth world as a young black m...2021-05-0446 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsThe Eudaimonia Center | Dr. Laurena WhiteToday we talk to Dr. Laurena White, a medical doctor specializing in both allopathic and traditional medicine, an expert in fertility and pregnancy care, and director of the Eudaimonia Center. She has spent over 15 years using her skill to improve pregnancy care for her patients in a way that promotes genuine healing and avoids invasive medical procedures. We talk about Dr. White's upbringing, her desire to be a doctor, and the cultural womanhood ceremonies that shaped her ambition to become an OBGYN and Doula. We also talk about what pushed her to reach beyond the s...2021-04-161h 02The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsThe Eudaimonia Center | Dr. Laurena WhiteToday we talk to Dr. Laurena White, a medical doctor specializing in both allopathic and traditional medicine, an expert in fertility and pregnancy care, and director of the Eudaimonia Center. She has spent over 15 years using her skill to improve pregnancy care for her patients in a way that promotes genuine healing and avoids invasive medical procedures.
We talk about Dr. White's upbringing, her desire to be a doctor, and the cultural womanhood ceremonies that shaped her ambition to become an OBGYN and Doula. We also talk about what pushed her to reach beyond the s...2021-04-161h 02
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsDoing It At Home: Normalizing Home Birth | Sarah & Matthew BivensToday we talk to Sarah and Matthew Bivens, hosts of Doing it at Home, a home birth podcast sharing powerful stories and conversations to normalize home birth and support families in being as prepared and supported in their journeys. They realized the important of sharing and normalizing home birth stories after their own home birth experience, and they continue to work to make choosing home birth a normal and well understood option for any new parents who may be considering it.We talk about Sarah and Matthew's decision to have their baby at home, and the process t...2021-04-0952 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsDoing It At Home: Normalizing Home Birth | Sarah & Matthew BivensToday we talk to Sarah and Matthew Bivens, hosts of Doing it at Home, a home birth podcast sharing powerful stories and conversations to normalize home birth and support families in being as prepared and supported in their journeys. They realized the important of sharing and normalizing home birth stories after their own home birth experience, and they continue to work to make choosing home birth a normal and well understood option for any new parents who may be considering it.
We talk about Sarah and Matthew's decision to have their baby at home, and the process t...2021-04-0952 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsHealing Somatic Trauma in High Risk Pregnancy | Parijat DeshpandeToday we talk to Parijat Deshpande, leading high-risk pregnancy specialist, somatic trauma professional, speaker, and author. She has helped hundreds of women work safely navigate difficult pregnancies, and prevent further complications by healing past trauma with her unique neurobiological approach. She is also the author of the bestselling book Pregnancy Brain: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Management During a High-Risk Pregnancy.We talk about the chronic structural damage that trauma can do to the brain and how it affects the nervous system in the future. We talk about how that somatic trauma affects pregnancy and how Parijat s...2021-04-0252 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsHealing Somatic Trauma in High Risk Pregnancy | Parijat DeshpandeToday we talk to Parijat Deshpande, leading high-risk pregnancy specialist, somatic trauma professional, speaker, and author. She has helped hundreds of women work safely navigate difficult pregnancies, and prevent further complications by healing past trauma with her unique neurobiological approach. She is also the author of the bestselling book Pregnancy Brain: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Management During a High-Risk Pregnancy.
We talk about the chronic structural damage that trauma can do to the brain and how it affects the nervous system in the future. We talk about how that somatic trauma affects pregnancy and h...2021-04-0252 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsGranny Midwives and Aiding Birth in Liberia | Marcia StevensToday we talk with Marcia Stevens, a practicing nurse and midwife in Liberia. She runs a healthcare clinic out of her front yard to serve the health needs of her community and to provide a safe birthing space for women in need. She comes from a line of traditional midwives and is passionate about preserving those traditions while also providing access to quality care for the people who need it. We talk about how Marcia got her start into midwifery and nursing and her experience assisting her grandmother with births when she was growing up. W...2021-03-2557 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsGranny Midwives and Aiding Birth in Liberia | Marcia StevensToday we talk with Marcia Stevens, a practicing nurse and midwife in Liberia. She runs a healthcare clinic out of her front yard to serve the health needs of her community and to provide a safe birthing space for women in need. She comes from a line of traditional midwives and is passionate about preserving those traditions while also providing access to quality care for the people who need it.
We talk about how Marcia got her start into midwifery and nursing and her experience assisting her grandmother with births when she was growing up. W...2021-03-2557 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsProtecting Your Choices Through Prenatal Education | Dr. Nicole Calloway RankinsToday we talk to Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, birth educator and practicing OBGYN. She has been involved in over 1000 births over the last 15 years, and contributes to ongoing birth education through courses on her website (https://drnicolerankins.com/) and through her podcast, All About Pregnancy and Birth (https://drnicolerankins.com/podcast/)
We talk about Nicole's work as an OBGYN and how she got started, as well as how she manages long hours and how having long shifts for an OB hospitalist helps to decrease the rates of C-Section. We discuss her interest and training in holistic health...2021-02-0446 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsProtecting Your Choices Through Prenatal Education | Dr. Nicole Calloway RankinsToday we talk to Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins, birth educator and practicing OBGYN. She has been involved in over 1000 births over the last 15 years, and contributes to ongoing birth education through courses on her website (https://drnicolerankins.com/) and through her podcast, All About Pregnancy and Birth (https://drnicolerankins.com/podcast/) We talk about Nicole's work as an OBGYN and how she got started, as well as how she manages long hours and how having long shifts for an OB hospitalist helps to decrease the rates of C-Section. We discuss her interest and training in holistic health coaching, how...2021-02-0446 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsCreating Your Self-Care Plan | Kate RopeToday we talk to Kate Rope, award-winning freelance journalist, and author of Strong as a Mother: How to Stay Happy, Healthy, and (Most Importantly) Sane From Pregnancy to Parenthood. Kate's work has been featured in multiple major publications such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, Time Magazine, and CNN. She is currently working on an Audible original, co-written and produced with actor Alan Alda, about the untold story of medical research doctors drafted during the Vietnam War.
We talk about Kate's early experience with motherhood and how she felt underprepared for what to expect and h...2021-01-2857 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsCreating Your Self-Care Plan | Kate RopeToday we talk to Kate Rope, award-winning freelance journalist, and author of Strong as a Mother: How to Stay Happy, Healthy, and (Most Importantly) Sane From Pregnancy to Parenthood. Kate's work has been featured in multiple major publications such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, Time Magazine, and CNN. She is currently working on an Audible original, co-written and produced with actor Alan Alda, about the untold story of medical research doctors drafted during the Vietnam War.We talk about Kate's early experience with motherhood and how she felt underprepared for what to expect and h...2021-01-2857 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsYou Matter, Your Story Matters | Thais Nye DerichToday we talk with Thais Derich, award-winning author of Second Chance: A Mother's Quest For a Natural Birth After a Cesarean. Thais is a Master of Fine Arts and Merit Scholar at the California College of the Arts. Her work is published in a number of magazines and journals, and she is a frequent public speaker, and uses her experience with a successful VBAC to educate others on how to recognize their own birthing options. (www.ThaisDerich.com)
Thais talks about her journey to starting a family with her husband, and the birth of her first child...2021-01-2148 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsYou Matter, Your Story Matters | Thais Nye DerichToday we talk with Thais Derich, award-winning author of Second Chance: A Mother's Quest For a Natural Birth After a Cesarean. Thais is a Master of Fine Arts and Merit Scholar at the California College of the Arts. Her work is published in a number of magazines and journals, and she is a frequent public speaker, and uses her experience with a successful VBAC to educate others on how to recognize their own birthing options. (www.ThaisDerich.com)Thais talks about her journey to starting a family with her husband, and the birth of her first child that ended...2021-01-2148 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsYour Strong, Sexy Pregnancy | Desi BartlettIn today’s episode, we talk with Desi Bartlett. Desi has 25 years of experience in health and fitness, 2 exercise science related degrees, multiple certifications and is an internationally published author as well as a product designer. She is the author of Your Strong, Sexy Pregnancy (https://www.mothersintolivingfit.com/your-strong-sexy-pregnancy/). We start off our conversation with Desi sharing her story and the development of her career. Desi then shares what she means by a “sexy” pregnancy, and we discuss common misconceptions about sex during pregnancy. We then talk about how yoga and other physical exercises can strengthen you during pregna...2021-01-0758 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsYour Strong, Sexy Pregnancy | Desi BartlettIn today’s episode, we talk with Desi Bartlett. Desi has 25 years of experience in health and fitness, 2 exercise science related degrees, multiple certifications and is an internationally published author as well as a product designer. She is the author of Your Strong, Sexy Pregnancy (https://www.mothersintolivingfit.com/your-strong-sexy-pregnancy/). We start off our conversation with Desi sharing her story and the development of her career. Desi then shares what she means by a “sexy” pregnancy, and we discuss common misconceptions about sex during pregnancy. We then talk about how yoga and other physical exercises can strengthen you during pregna...2021-01-0758 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsThe Path to an Empowered Birth Experience | Bailey GaddisToday, we talk with Bailey Gaddis, author of Feng Shui Mommy: Creating Balance and Harmony for Blissful Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood (https://www.baileygaddis.com/book) and Asking For a Pregnant Friend: 101 Answers to Questions Women Are Too Ashamed or Scared to Ask About Pregnancy, Childbirth and Early Motherhood (coming June 1, 2021.) She is also a Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified Birthing doula, HypnoBirthing® Practitioner, and HypnoMothering® Practitioner. She shares her personal journey in birth work and childbirth education. She then explains some of the concepts in her book, including what she means by a “Feng shui approach” to birth, as well as breakin...2020-12-3144 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsThe Path to an Empowered Birth Experience | Bailey GaddisToday, we talk with Bailey Gaddis, author of Feng Shui Mommy: Creating Balance and Harmony for Blissful Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood (https://www.baileygaddis.com/book) and Asking For a Pregnant Friend: 101 Answers to Questions Women Are Too Ashamed or Scared to Ask About Pregnancy, Childbirth and Early Motherhood (coming June 1, 2021.) She is also a Certified Hypnotherapist, Certified Birthing doula, HypnoBirthing® Practitioner, and HypnoMothering® Practitioner. She shares her personal journey in birth work and childbirth education. She then explains some of the concepts in her book, including what she means by a “Feng shui approach” to birth, as well as breakin...2020-12-3144 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsGuiding the Infertility Journey with Mindfulness | Janetti MarottaIn today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Janetti Marotta, a psychologist who has specialized in infertility since 1990. Drawn from her own journey through infertility and those with whom she has worked, she is the author of A Fertile Path: Guiding the Journey with Mindfulness and Compassion (https://janettimarotta.com/a-fertile-path/). Dr. Marotta is a long-time practitioner of meditation and teacher of mindfulness and also author of 50 Mindful Steps to Self-Esteem: Everyday Practices for Cultivating Self-Acceptance and Self-Compassion (https://janettimarotta.com/50-mindful-steps-to-self-esteem/). We talk about what inspired Dr. Marotta to specialize in infertility. She then tells us how she de...2020-12-2459 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsGuiding the Infertility Journey with Mindfulness | Janetti MarottaIn today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Janetti Marotta, a psychologist who has specialized in infertility since 1990. Drawn from her own journey through infertility and those with whom she has worked, she is the author of A Fertile Path: Guiding the Journey with Mindfulness and Compassion (https://janettimarotta.com/a-fertile-path/). Dr. Marotta is a long-time practitioner of meditation and teacher of mindfulness and also author of 50 Mindful Steps to Self-Esteem: Everyday Practices for Cultivating Self-Acceptance and Self-Compassion (https://janettimarotta.com/50-mindful-steps-to-self-esteem/). We talk about what inspired Dr. Marotta to specialize in infertility. She then tells us how she de...2020-12-2459 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsProper Support for Newborns and Newborn Mothers | Julia JonesToday we talk with Julia Jones, postnatal doula and author of Nourishing Newborn Mothers - Ayurvedic Recipes to Heal your Mind, and Body and Soul after Childbirth and Newborn Mothers - When a Baby is Born So is a Mother (www.newbornmothers.com/books/). She is also the creator of the worldwide leading education resource for postpartum professionals: Newborn Mothers Collective (www.newbornmothers.com/training). We talk about how Julia became interested in postpartum care. We discuss the traditional practices for postpartum care that many of the world’s cultures had in common before Colonization and the Industrial Revolution. We...2020-12-1751 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsProper Support for Newborns and Newborn Mothers | Julia JonesToday we talk with Julia Jones, postnatal doula and author of Nourishing Newborn Mothers - Ayurvedic Recipes to Heal your Mind, and Body and Soul after Childbirth and Newborn Mothers - When a Baby is Born So is a Mother (www.newbornmothers.com/books/). She is also the creator of the worldwide leading education resource for postpartum professionals: Newborn Mothers Collective (www.newbornmothers.com/training). We talk about how Julia became interested in postpartum care. We discuss the traditional practices for postpartum care that many of the world’s cultures had in common before Colonization and the Industrial Revolution. We...2020-12-1751 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsLearning to Trust and Finding Emotional Strength Through Pregnancy, Birth | Julia AzizIn today’s episode, we talk with Julia Aziz, LCSW-S, Rev., CCH, holistic psychotherapist, ordained interfaith minister, and faculty at AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine. She supports women struggling with anxiety, grief, and big life changes through individual counseling, hypnotherapy, and the Release & Empower online community, a weekly women's practice that combines writing, movement, meditation, and personal sharing. She is also the mother of three children and the author of Lessons of Labor: One Woman's Self-Discovery Through Birth and Motherhood and When You're Having A Hard Time: The Little Book That Listens. Today we define and discuss holistic psychot...2020-12-1052 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsLearning to Trust and Finding Emotional Strength Through Pregnancy, Birth | Julia AzizIn today’s episode, we talk with Julia Aziz, LCSW-S, Rev., CCH, holistic psychotherapist, ordained interfaith minister, and faculty at AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine. She supports women struggling with anxiety, grief, and big life changes through individual counseling, hypnotherapy, and the Release & Empower online community, a weekly women's practice that combines writing, movement, meditation, and personal sharing. She is also the mother of three children and the author of Lessons of Labor: One Woman's Self-Discovery Through Birth and Motherhood and When You're Having A Hard Time: The Little Book That Listens. Today we define and discuss holistic psychot...2020-12-1052 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsNutrition for Pregnancy and Postpartum | Ryann Kipping Today, we talk with Ryann Kipping, a clinically trained Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Lactation Educator, and Author of The Feel-Good Pregnancy Cookbook (https://ryannkipping.kartra.com/page/d4J41). She is the founder of The Prenatal Nutritionist (https://www.theprenatalnutritionist.com/?r_done=1), a virtual nutrition private practice which focuses on preparing women for pregnancy and conquering nutrition during and after pregnancy. We begin by talking about common myths and questions surrounding prenatal nutrition. This includes how much caffeine is safe to consume during pregnancy, as well as the effects caffeine can have on your baby. We d...2020-12-0348 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsNutrition for Pregnancy and Postpartum | Ryann Kipping
Today, we talk with Ryann Kipping, a clinically trained Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Lactation Educator, and Author of The Feel-Good Pregnancy Cookbook (https://ryannkipping.kartra.com/page/d4J41). She is the founder of The Prenatal Nutritionist (https://www.theprenatalnutritionist.com/?r_done=1), a virtual nutrition private practice which focuses on preparing women for pregnancy and conquering nutrition during and after pregnancy. We begin by talking about common myths and questions surrounding prenatal nutrition. This includes how much caffeine is safe to consume during pregnancy, as well as the effects caffeine can have on your baby. We d...2020-12-0348 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsFrom My Side of the Change Table | Kelly CarringtonIn today’s episode, we talk with Kelly Carrington (evolutionmassage.ca), RMT for 19 years and male doula for the last 7 years. We start our discussion with Kelly sharing how he became a male doula. We discuss the unique experiences and perspectives of a male birth worker. Kelly talks more about what he does as a doula and as a pre-natal educator. He shares his perspective about what is going well in birth procedures and birth education, as well as what he thinks could improve. We talk more about his methods and what he tells his clients through the whole pr...2020-11-2657 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsFrom My Side of the Change Table | Kelly CarringtonIn today’s episode, we talk with Kelly Carrington (evolutionmassage.ca), RMT for 19 years and male doula for the last 7 years. We start our discussion with Kelly sharing how he became a male doula. We discuss the unique experiences and perspectives of a male birth worker. Kelly talks more about what he does as a doula and as a pre-natal educator. He shares his perspective about what is going well in birth procedures and birth education, as well as what he thinks could improve. We talk more about his methods and what he tells his clients through the whole pr...2020-11-2657 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsHow to Optimize Prenatal Nutrition Using Real Food | Lily NicholsToday, we talk with Lily Nichols, a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based prenatal nutrition (https://lilynicholsrdn.com). She is the author of two bestselling books, Real Food for Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes (https://lilynicholsrdn.com/books/). We begin by defining gestational diabetes as elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, either first recognized or first developed during pregnancy. We explain why high blood sugar is so dangerous, particularly for the development of the child. As we discuss the risks of high blood sugar, we point out that most can...2020-11-1956 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsHow to Optimize Prenatal Nutrition Using Real Food | Lily NicholsToday, we talk with Lily Nichols, a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based prenatal nutrition (https://lilynicholsrdn.com). She is the author of two bestselling books, Real Food for Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes (https://lilynicholsrdn.com/books/). We begin by defining gestational diabetes as elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, either first recognized or first developed during pregnancy. We explain why high blood sugar is so dangerous, particularly for the development of the child. As we discuss the risks of high blood sugar, we point out that most can...2020-11-1956 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsOrgasmic Birth | Elizabeth DavisIn this episode, we talk with Elizabeth Davis, midwife, reproductive health care specialist, educator, and consultant. She is also the author of Heart & Hands: A Midwife’s Guide to Pregnancy & Birth (https://elizabethdavis.com/books/). She tells us about her first experiences with birth, including her being present at an unassisted birth, as well as her traumatic experience with her first birth when she went into labor a month early. Because of the premature labor, she reluctantly birthed in a hospital, where she received a lateral episiotomy. She then tells about her second, home birth, whose success and beauty ga...2020-11-1248 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsOrgasmic Birth | Elizabeth DavisIn this episode, we talk with Elizabeth Davis, midwife, reproductive health care specialist, educator, and consultant. She is also the author of Heart & Hands: A Midwife’s Guide to Pregnancy & Birth (https://elizabethdavis.com/books/). She tells us about her first experiences with birth, including her being present at an unassisted birth, as well as her traumatic experience with her first birth when she went into labor a month early. Because of the premature labor, she reluctantly birthed in a hospital, where she received a lateral episiotomy. She then tells about her second, home birth, whose success and beauty ga...2020-11-1248 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsGetting to the Heart of Birth | Nikki ShaheedToday, we talk with Nikki Shaheed (www.nikkishaheed.com), one of the Co-Owners of Birthing From Within International. She is also a childbirth mentor and doula, and is the author of Heart Centered Pregnancy Journal (https://birthingfromwithinsanantonio.com/pregnancy-journal/). We begin with Nikki sharing how she got involved in the Birthing From Within courses. We talk about the importance of finding your inner wisdom and becoming aware of how your imprinted beliefs impact your decisions in preparation for birth and parenting. We talk about how to go from feeling primarily defensive through your birth experience to making your birth...2020-11-0548 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsGetting to the Heart of Birth | Nikki ShaheedToday, we talk with Nikki Shaheed (www.nikkishaheed.com), one of the Co-Owners of Birthing From Within International. She is also a childbirth mentor and doula, and is the author of Heart Centered Pregnancy Journal (https://birthingfromwithinsanantonio.com/pregnancy-journal/). We begin with Nikki sharing how she got involved in the Birthing From Within courses. We talk about the importance of finding your inner wisdom and becoming aware of how your imprinted beliefs impact your decisions in preparation for birth and parenting. We talk about how to go from feeling primarily defensive through your birth experience to making your birth...2020-11-0548 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsTaboo Postpartum Truths | Marissa ZwetowIn today’s episode, we talk with Marissa Zwetow, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Postpartum Happiness (http://www.postpartumhappiness.com/about-postpartum-depression), through which she provides postpartum coaching and therapy. She is also the author of Postpartum Happiness: What to do when you love the kids, but hate the job (http://www.postpartumhappiness.com/book). Marissa tells us about her own experience with postpartum depression and all of the challenges she faced, and how that fueled her purpose and passion to validate, support, and help moms who face regret and other negative emotions after birth. We ta...2020-10-2944 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsTaboo Postpartum Truths | Marissa ZwetowIn today’s episode, we talk with Marissa Zwetow, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Postpartum Happiness (http://www.postpartumhappiness.com/about-postpartum-depression), through which she provides postpartum coaching and therapy. She is also the author of Postpartum Happiness: What to do when you love the kids, but hate the job (http://www.postpartumhappiness.com/book). Marissa tells us about her own experience with postpartum depression and all of the challenges she faced, and how that fueled her purpose and passion to validate, support, and help moms who face regret and other negative emotions after birth. We ta...2020-10-2944 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsTrain Your Brain for a Positive Birth | Tracy DoneganToday, we talk with Tracy Donegan, founder of the GentleBirth app (https://gentlebirth.app). She is also a doula and doula trainer. She tells us how she became a doula, including how she started the first doula service in Ireland, her home country. While teaching a hypnosis for birth program, she felt drawn to the unexplored, neurological approach to understanding birth. She describes the GentleBirth program as encompassing the traditional approach to childbirth education, while combining it with neuroscience and meditation. She talks about how the course involves the partner, emphasizing the important part they can play in the...2020-10-2250 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsTrain Your Brain for a Positive Birth | Tracy DoneganToday, we talk with Tracy Donegan, founder of the GentleBirth app (https://gentlebirth.app). She is also a doula and doula trainer. She tells us how she became a doula, including how she started the first doula service in Ireland, her home country. While teaching a hypnosis for birth program, she felt drawn to the unexplored, neurological approach to understanding birth. She describes the GentleBirth program as encompassing the traditional approach to childbirth education, while combining it with neuroscience and meditation. She talks about how the course involves the partner, emphasizing the important part they can play in the...2020-10-2250 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsHow to Have a Better Hospital Birth | Heidi Snyderburn-CampbellIn today’s episode, we talk with Heidi Snyderburn-Campbell, birth doula and author of Birth Story, a pregnancy guidebook and journal (https://www.birthstory.com/the-workbook-landing-page). She is also the host of the Birth Story Podcast (https://www.birthstory.com/the-podcast). We begin with Heidi recounting her first experiences assisting in birth and how she became a doula. We then talk about birth law in North Carolina, from Heidi’s understanding, and how births with doulas have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic there. We break down virtual doula services when hospitals don’t admit doulas into the birth space...2020-10-1559 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsHow to Have a Better Hospital Birth | Heidi Snyderburn-CampbellIn today’s episode, we talk with Heidi Snyderburn-Campbell, birth doula and author of Birth Story, a pregnancy guidebook and journal (https://www.birthstory.com/the-workbook-landing-page). She is also the host of the Birth Story Podcast (https://www.birthstory.com/the-podcast). We begin with Heidi recounting her first experiences assisting in birth and how she became a doula. We then talk about birth law in North Carolina, from Heidi’s understanding, and how births with doulas have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic there. We break down virtual doula services when hospitals don’t admit doulas into the birth space...2020-10-1559 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsChiropractics in Pregnancy | Dr. Brandie NemchenkoToday, we talk with Dr. Brandie Nemchenko, CEO of Experience Chiropractic (https://experiencechiropracticnow.com/our-service/chiropractic-care/prenatal-chiropractor/), with offices in southeastern Pennsylvania, and author of What You Don’t Expect When You’re Expecting (https://www.whatyoudontexpect.com/). We start with Dr. Brandie telling us the unlikely set of events that led her to specialize in chiropractics in pregnancy and open up Experience Chiropractic. We discuss which question an expecting mother should ask a chiropractor to determine if they will be a good fit. We also talk about the warning signs and red flags to look for to tell if a...2020-10-0854 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsChiropractics in Pregnancy | Dr. Brandie NemchenkoToday, we talk with Dr. Brandie Nemchenko, CEO of Experience Chiropractic (https://experiencechiropracticnow.com/our-service/chiropractic-care/prenatal-chiropractor/), with offices in southeastern Pennsylvania, and author of What You Don’t Expect When You’re Expecting (https://www.whatyoudontexpect.com/). We start with Dr. Brandie telling us the unlikely set of events that led her to specialize in chiropractics in pregnancy and open up Experience Chiropractic. We discuss which question an expecting mother should ask a chiropractor to determine if they will be a good fit. We also talk about the warning signs and red flags to look for to tell if a...2020-10-0854 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsMusic in Birth | Marie BigelowIn this episode, we talk with Marie Bigelow (www.mariebigelow.com), a doula, childbirth educator, music therapist, public speaker, and author of The Sacred Gift of Childbirth: Making Empowered Choices for You and Your Baby. We begin our conversation by talking about what inspired Marie to apply her expertise as a music therapist to the world of birth. We then talk about how anyone who likes to listen to music can benefit from music in their birth space. We discuss how our bodies and minds respond to music, including how our body’s autogenic response helps us apply breathing te...2020-10-0146 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsMusic in Birth | Marie BigelowIn this episode, we talk with Marie Bigelow (www.mariebigelow.com), a doula, childbirth educator, music therapist, public speaker, and author of The Sacred Gift of Childbirth: Making Empowered Choices for You and Your Baby. We begin our conversation by talking about what inspired Marie to apply her expertise as a music therapist to the world of birth. We then talk about how anyone who likes to listen to music can benefit from music in their birth space. We discuss how our bodies and minds respond to music, including how our body’s autogenic response helps us apply breathing te...2020-10-0146 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsBirth as Transformation | Suzzie VehrsToday, we talk with Suzzie Vehrs, founder of She Births Bravely, a website aimed at helping moms feel totally prepared to powerfully birth their babies (www.shebirthsbravely.com). She is also a trained doula and author of Divine Birth: A Collection of Wisdom + Coloring Pages to Inspire and Empower the Pregnant Mother (https://shebirthsbravely.com/divine-birth-book/). She shares how when she first became pregnant, she was deeply afraid of birth, and tells how she worked against a lack of positive birth experiences to prepare for her first delivery, which, though being a somewhat difficult C-section, was not the traumatic e...2020-09-2451 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsBirth as Transformation | Suzzie VehrsToday, we talk with Suzzie Vehrs, founder of She Births Bravely, a website aimed at helping moms feel totally prepared to powerfully birth their babies (www.shebirthsbravely.com). She is also a trained doula and author of Divine Birth: A Collection of Wisdom + Coloring Pages to Inspire and Empower the Pregnant Mother (https://shebirthsbravely.com/divine-birth-book/). She shares how when she first became pregnant, she was deeply afraid of birth, and tells how she worked against a lack of positive birth experiences to prepare for her first delivery, which, though being a somewhat difficult C-section, was not the traumatic e...2020-09-2451 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsProgressing the Culture of the Birth Industry | Margo BlackstoneIn today’s episode, we talk with Margo Blackstone, an independent midwife and co-creator and co-director of the Indie Birth organization and midwifery school. Margo had a unique introduction into the birth industry, studying criminal justice and applied criminology and how midwives were legislated out of practice all over the world in the last 100 years. She shares how she became an independent midwife, and how her high blood pressure restricted her from the home birth option. We discuss the nuances about the laws surrounding the practices of licensed and unlicensed midwives. We talk about the importance of not restricting ch...2020-09-1052 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsProgressing the Culture of the Birth Industry | Margo BlackstoneIn today’s episode, we talk with Margo Blackstone, an independent midwife and co-creator and co-director of the Indie Birth organization and midwifery school. Margo had a unique introduction into the birth industry, studying criminal justice and applied criminology and how midwives were legislated out of practice all over the world in the last 100 years. She shares how she became an independent midwife, and how her high blood pressure restricted her from the home birth option. We discuss the nuances about the laws surrounding the practices of licensed and unlicensed midwives. We talk about the importance of not restricting ch...2020-09-1052 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsPerinatal Integrative Medicine | Kathy FrayIn this episode, we talk with Kathy Fray, “an award-winning best-selling parenting author, passionate promoter of mothers-to-be accessing empowering maternity education, holistically-minded Midwife, and thought-leader of Integrative Maternity Healthcare information” (https://www.kathyfray.com/about-kathy-fray/). She tells us about what sets New Zealand’s maternity health care system apart as one of the best in the world. She also tells us that many of the problems surrounding birth in the medical world everywhere exist in New Zealand to some extent, such as what Kathy considers to be a higher C-section rate than what it should be. We talk about how al...2020-09-0354 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsPerinatal Integrative Medicine | Kathy FrayIn this episode, we talk with Kathy Fray, “an award-winning best-selling parenting author, passionate promoter of mothers-to-be accessing empowering maternity education, holistically-minded Midwife, and thought-leader of Integrative Maternity Healthcare information” (https://www.kathyfray.com/about-kathy-fray/). She tells us about what sets New Zealand’s maternity health care system apart as one of the best in the world. She also tells us that many of the problems surrounding birth in the medical world everywhere exist in New Zealand to some extent, such as what Kathy considers to be a higher C-section rate than what it should be. We talk about how al...2020-09-0354 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsBIRTHFIT | Leah BartoToday, we talk with Leah Barto, a gym owner, strength and conditioning coach, and birth doula, as well as online program director and coach staff at BIRTHFIT, an empowering birth education program and community (https://birthfit.com/about/birthfit-team/). We start our discussion with Leah telling us how she got her start in BIRTHFIT and as a birth doula. She tells us more about BIRTHFIT, explaining that it is an educational platform that specializes in fitness for pregnant and postpartum women, and focuses on mindset, nutrition, and connection within the birth team. She shares that she is passionate about...2020-08-2755 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsBIRTHFIT | Leah BartoToday, we talk with Leah Barto, a gym owner, strength and conditioning coach, and birth doula, as well as online program director and coach staff at BIRTHFIT, an empowering birth education program and community (https://birthfit.com/about/birthfit-team/). We start our discussion with Leah telling us how she got her start in BIRTHFIT and as a birth doula. She tells us more about BIRTHFIT, explaining that it is an educational platform that specializes in fitness for pregnant and postpartum women, and focuses on mindset, nutrition, and connection within the birth team. She shares that she is passionate about...2020-08-2755 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsProfessionalism in the Birth Industry | Katie FoersterToday, we talk with Katie Foerster, who offers postpartum and birth doula services through her company Freya Birth (freyabirth.com). We start our conversation with Katie sharing how she became a doula. We talk about the importance supporting birth workers, who often work for relatively low rates, and have to carry the extra burdens of being on-call 24/7, working more than 24 hour shifts, experiencing birth worker trauma and secondary trauma, and deal with other physical and emotional demands. We talk about how doulas are drawn to birth work primarily by passion, and so they are more emotionally connected to their...2020-08-2044 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsProfessionalism in the Birth Industry | Katie FoersterToday, we talk with Katie Foerster, who offers postpartum and birth doula services through her company Freya Birth (freyabirth.com). We start our conversation with Katie sharing how she became a doula. We talk about the importance supporting birth workers, who often work for relatively low rates, and have to carry the extra burdens of being on-call 24/7, working more than 24 hour shifts, experiencing birth worker trauma and secondary trauma, and deal with other physical and emotional demands. We talk about how doulas are drawn to birth work primarily by passion, and so they are more emotionally connected to their...2020-08-2044 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsBirthing From Within | Preparing For an Empowering BirthIn today’s episode, we talk with Erika Primozich, co-owner of Birthing From Within, a childbirth education course. Erika shares how she got interested in birth and empowerment during her pregnancy with her first child 21 years ago. She was inspired to become a doula when she read Birthing From Within (https://www.amazon.com/Birthing-Within-Extra-Ordinary-Childbirth-Preparation/dp/096598730), a book by Pam England and Rob Horowitz. Upon attending a training by the author, Pam England, Erika learned that the key to an empowering birth experience is by being flexible and fluid and being willing to lose your attachment to the idea of a...2020-06-3044 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsBirthing From Within | Preparing For an Empowering BirthIn today’s episode, we talk with Erika Primozich, co-owner of Birthing From Within, a childbirth education course. Erika shares how she got interested in birth and empowerment during her pregnancy with her first child 21 years ago. She was inspired to become a doula when she read Birthing From Within (https://www.amazon.com/Birthing-Within-Extra-Ordinary-Childbirth-Preparation/dp/096598730), a book by Pam England and Rob Horowitz. Upon attending a training by the author, Pam England, Erika learned that the key to an empowering birth experience is by being flexible and fluid and being willing to lose your attachment to the idea of a...2020-06-3044 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsIncompetent Cervix and 2 Second Trimester Losses | Improving Maternal and Fetal OutcomesToday, we talk with Vu-An Foster, an MPH (Master of Public Health) candidate and founder of Life After 2 Losses, an organization and blog in which she shares her story of the preventable losses of her two daughters, and which aims to “support, inform, and empower other women and moms to prevent them from suffering similar losses by providing advocacy through education” (https://www.lifeafter2losses.com/). We begin our discussion with Vu-An sharing her experiences with two preventable losses in the second trimester because of inadequate treatment and medical neglect. We discuss what you can say to your medical professionals to a...2020-06-2340 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsHealing Birth Trauma | Clearing Negative Emotions Surrounding Birth and MotherhoodIn today’s episode, we talk with Sheridan Ripley, a prolific childbirth educator, doula, author, and hypnobabies instructor. We talk about her background in birth, including her work on 3 books on birth (http://sheridanripley.com/books/). She shares what contributed to birth trauma from her first birth, and how she got into emotional clearing to deal with it. We discuss how birth trauma can be passed down through epigenetics across generations. Sheridan shares some of her methods and services in helping women to recover from birth trauma. We discuss how birth is an intense experience where so many feelings and ho...2020-06-1642 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsRacial Disparity in Birth | Bridging the Gap of Racial Tension in BirthToday, we talk with RaSheda Williams, owner of Sincerely Yours Doula Services. We begin our discussion about racism and discrimination towards African American mothers in the birth space by sharing statistics, accounts, and personal experiences of black mothers having to deal with discrimination and racist treatment at the hands of medical professionals and other people. RaSheda talks about her own experiences. She shares how in all her births, she didn’t even know what a doula was, nor what her options were, and talks about how she became a doula with the intent to inform BIPOC who don’t receive adeq...2020-06-0952 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsRacial Disparity in Birth | Bridging the Gap of Racial Tension in BirthToday, we talk with RaSheda Williams, owner of Sincerely Yours Doula Services. We begin our discussion about racism and discrimination towards African American mothers in the birth space by sharing statistics, accounts, and personal experiences of black mothers having to deal with discrimination and racist treatment at the hands of medical professionals and other people. RaSheda talks about her own experiences. She shares how in all her births, she didn’t even know what a doula was, nor what her options were, and talks about how she became a doula with the intent to inform BIPOC who don’t receive adeq...2020-06-0952 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsThe Physiology of Mindfulness | How To Relieve Stress During PregnancyIn today’s episode, we talk with Holly Lammer, an RN, a registered yoga instructor, and a prenatal and perinatal psychology educator, and Jayme Crockett, a student midwife, doula, and birth photographer. They do a podcast together called Mindful Birth Podcast (https://mindfulbirthpodcast.com/). We discuss the complexities of the psychological footprint that stressors like oppression, scarcity, anxiety, and danger leaves in our biology, and how these effects can be passed on through birth. We talk about the structure of the human brain, and emphasize the importance of using mindfulness to work against the potential harmful side effects of hyper-reactivity. We...2020-06-0259 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsThe Physiology of Mindfulness | How To Relieve Stress During PregnancyIn today’s episode, we talk with Holly Lammer, an RN, a registered yoga instructor, and a prenatal and perinatal psychology educator, and Jayme Crockett, a student midwife, doula, and birth photographer. They do a podcast together called Mindful Birth Podcast (https://mindfulbirthpodcast.com/). We discuss the complexities of the psychological footprint that stressors like oppression, scarcity, anxiety, and danger leaves in our biology, and how these effects can be passed on through birth. We talk about the structure of the human brain, and emphasize the importance of using mindfulness to work against the potential harmful side effects of hyper-reactivity. We...2020-06-0259 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsBe Present | How To Maintain a Healthy Body Image During Pregnancy, Birth, and PostpartumToday we talk with Andrea Ohlwiler, a lifestyle coach, about maintaining a healthy body and self-image during pregnancy. We discuss the importance of giving yourself grace and allowing yourself to grow, as well as making informed and conscious decisions when it comes to your fertility, pregnancy, and nutrition. We talk about how to stay positive with dietary expectations, create good habits around food, and change from a victim mentality to a creator mentality with your pregnancy. We discuss changing your focus for a healthy recovery during postpartum.
Stop, Challenge, Choose: Change Your Mindset For a Healthier Pregnancy 1:52
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The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsBe Present | How To Maintain a Healthy Body Image During Pregnancy, Birth, and PostpartumToday we talk with Andrea Ohlwiler, a lifestyle coach, about maintaining a healthy body and self-image during pregnancy. We discuss the importance of giving yourself grace and allowing yourself to grow, as well as making informed and conscious decisions when it comes to your fertility, pregnancy, and nutrition. We talk about how to stay positive with dietary expectations, create good habits around food, and change from a victim mentality to a creator mentality with your pregnancy. We discuss changing your focus for a healthy recovery during postpartum. Stop, Challenge, Choose: Change Your Mindset For a Healthier Pregnancy 1:52Maintain a Positive...2020-05-2746 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsWhen Life Throws a Curveball | Switching To Home Birth During COVID-19In today’s episode, we talk with Dani Reed, doula and founder of Mind Over Maternity. We talk about the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on birth, including how it led Dani to change her birth plan from a hospital to a home birth. She tells about the doubts, decisions, and adjustments leading up to her home birth, and shares how every member of her birth team was necessary during her successful but turbulent birth experience, making it the right choice for her in the end. We then discuss how to adjust and maintain control when your birth plan is af...2020-05-1935 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsWhen Life Throws a Curveball | Switching To Home Birth During COVID-19In today’s episode, we talk with Dani Reed, doula and founder of Mind Over Maternity. We talk about the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on birth, including how it led Dani to change her birth plan from a hospital to a home birth. She tells about the doubts, decisions, and adjustments leading up to her home birth, and shares how every member of her birth team was necessary during her successful but turbulent birth experience, making it the right choice for her in the end. We then discuss how to adjust and maintain control when your birth plan is af...2020-05-1935 min
The BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsNew Dad? | How Fathers Can Help During Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum, Dr. Jay WarrenToday, we talk with Jay Warren, a prenatal and pediatric chiropractor, and host of 2 podcasts, “Healthy Births, Happy Babies,” and “The Dadhood Journey.” He has also created online courses to help pregnant women learn prenatal bonding techniques and dads to transition into parenthood. We talk about why Dr Jay is providing these resources for new dads, discussing the importance of preventing trauma and helping bonding in new fathers. We give tips and insights about the role for dads in the birthing and postpartum process, and how this can establish an important precedent for the rest of your family life. We finish b...2020-05-1256 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsNew Dad? | How Fathers Can Help During Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum, Dr. Jay WarrenToday, we talk with Jay Warren, a prenatal and pediatric chiropractor, and host of 2 podcasts, “Healthy Births, Happy Babies,” and “The Dadhood Journey.” He has also created online courses to help pregnant women learn prenatal bonding techniques and dads to transition into parenthood. We talk about why Dr Jay is providing these resources for new dads, discussing the importance of preventing trauma and helping bonding in new fathers. We give tips and insights about the role for dads in the birthing and postpartum process, and how this can establish an important precedent for the rest of your family life. We finish b...2020-05-1256 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum ConversationsPromoting Power and Positivity In Birth | How Language Can Improve Your ExperienceToday, we invite Sarah Pixton, creator of the Birth Words website and Podcast, back on the show. We define discourse as language in context, and discuss the need for finding a middle ground in the language surrounding birth that will connect the different roles involved and respect the authority of each. We give examples of language or other cues which, strategically used, can help empower you in your birth experience. We talk about how to frame your birth experience to promote the positivity and empowerment surrounding birth. We finish by telling you how you can access Sarah’s resources (https://ww...2020-05-0544 minThe BirthCircle | Birth, Pregnancy, & PostPartum Conversations“Mother, May I?” | The Origin and Relevance of Cristen Pascucci’s FilmIn today’s episode, we talk with Cristen Pascucci about her film, “Mother, May I?”, a documentary that shares the stories of victims of birth trauma and obstetric violence. We talk about the making of the film, and we also dive deeper into some of the stories, including the story of Caroline Malatesta, who suffers from a permanent, debilitating medical condition as a result of medical malpractice. We also talk about Kimberly Turbin’s experience with her medical battery case, as well as other victim’s experiences. We discuss the importance of knowing your legal rights when determining the best care provi...2020-04-2859 min