Shows
The Birth LinkWhat Evidence Based Really Means, How Social Media and Maternal Disparities Influence Birth With Sharon Jensen-Cody Aka Doula DiligenceSharon is a research scientist turned birth Doula and pediatric sleep consultant. She shares her world with her wonderful husband and two amazing kiddos! Sharon has a deep rooted passion to help expected families navigate the transition into parenthood as seamlessly as possible, and loves educating and supporting Parents in her community. Topic: Evidence-based doula work, Maternal-fetal disparities, and how social media is impacting the birth world More from Sharon:Website: www.douladiligence.com IG: @douladiligence_More from My Friend's a Nurse:G...2025-07-2156 minThe Birth Link35. Taking Control: How Knowledge Shapes Your Birth with The Smart DoulaCharlotte, also known as The Smart Doula, is a Virtual Doula based in the UK, providing evidence-based pregnancy support to families who want an empowering birth. With 10 years + of clinical research experience, a biomedical science degree, and two hospital births of her own under her belt, she uses her knowledge to provide pregnancy support to help parents make informed decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She also provides pregnancy support for all types of birth, including hospital births, helping her clients to navigate NHS (National Health Services) guidelines. Connect with Charlotte:Follow her on IG...2025-07-071h 00The Birth Link34. Tips To Improve Your Breastfeeding Experience with Amber GinnAmber Ginn, IBCLC, is the founder of The Latch Link, one of the nation’s leading virtual lactation practices. With a decade of experience working with moms, she provides prenatal and postpartum breastfeeding support to families across the U.S.—and with insurance, that care is completely free.Amber is known for her no-fluff, straight-to-the-point approach, empowering moms with the knowledge and confidence to feed their babies in a way that works best for them. Whether it’s preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy, troubleshooting latch issues, increasing milk supply, or making pumping work, she meets moms where they a...2025-06-1634 minThe Birth Link33. When Advocacy Costs Your Job: My Story of Standing Up in Labor & DeliveryThis isn't an easy episode to share, but I think it's one that needs to be. I leave all names out for respect of the professionals in my area, and of course patient information is always confidential, but my side is free to be discussed, and I'm about to. Please, as nurses, let's do better. Stop the closed minded, no questions asked, okay to bully others, the doctor is king mentality. We are all a team, we are only as strong as our weakest member, and we are all there with a role, to serve the mother...2025-06-0941 minThe Birth Link32. Casey’s Birth Story: Turning Trauma Into a Movement of Support and AdvocacyCasey is a writer and advocate driven by a deep commitment to maternal health and mental well-being. As a mother who has navigated the complexities of birth trauma and postpartum challenges, she understands firsthand the emotional and physical toll motherhood can take. Casey is dedicated to creating a space where mothers feel heard, supported, and empowered in their journeys. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Forensic Medicine, which inform her unique perspective on the intersection of mental health, trauma, and the systemic challenges faced by mothers. A writer, mother, and r...2025-06-0250 minThe Birth Link31. Pitocin In Labor - How To Manage RespectfullyI numbered this episode - finally. I get into a straight shooting discussion on Pitocin, and how we as nurses and the hospital system manage this drug. How do we navigate this, probably overused drug, with respect and safety? Evidence based, shared decision making is what is sold in the hospital, but is that what you are getting? Too many times we are starting this medication without much of a conversation at all. Let's get into it here and come out with a better understanding of this very useful drug and some questions to ask your provider. 2025-05-2743 minThe Birth Link30. Beyond the Baby Blues: An Insightful Discussion on Perinatal Mental Health with Dr. Emily GuarnottaIn this illuminating episode of The Birth Link Podcast, we welcome Dr. Emily Guarnotta, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified perinatal mental health provider who's changing the conversation around parental mental health. As the founder of Phoenix Health, Dr. Guarnotta specializes in supporting parents through the complex emotional landscape of bringing new life into the world.Our discussion explores the full spectrum of perinatal mental health challenges beyond postpartum depression, including anxiety, OCD, and the often-overlooked struggles that parents face. Dr. Guarnotta shares valuable insights on recognizing warning signs, seeking appropriate support, and breaking down the stigma...2025-05-1933 minThe Birth Link29. My Water Broke! Understanding Amniotic Fluid's Crucial Role in Pregnancy and BrithIn this essential episode of The Birth Link Podcast, we dive deep into the waters of pregnancy—amniotic fluid! Learn what this miraculous fluid actually is, why it's vital for your baby's development, and how it changes throughout pregnancy. We guide you through what normal fluid levels look like, when to be concerned, and exactly what to do if your water breaks unexpectedly.From spontaneous rupture to artificial breaking, preterm PROM to 'high and dry' membranes, this episode covers all your burning questions about 'the waters.' We'll discuss the risks associated with different rupture scenarios and pr...2025-05-1237 minThe Birth Link28. Why We Are Concerned with Gestational Diabetes: A Discussion with Sara Alayev, RNYou know about the drink and the glucose test your provider is going to want you to take. You have probably heard of gestational diabetes and maybe even how to prevent and manage this pregnancy complication. Today I’m with Sara, a L&D RN of over 6 years, and a high-risk OB nurse specializing in gestational diabetes, to discuss the critical topic of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We’re diving deep into the 'why' behind GDM, covering its potential risks for both mothers and babies, such as shoulder dystocia, preeclampsia, and postpartum depression. Sara she...2025-05-0550 minThe Birth Link27. Mastering the Pushing Stage: Tips and Techniques to Improve You Pushing and Decrease TearingIn this episode, Colette discusses the intricacies of childbirth, focusing on pushing positions, techniques to reduce tearing, and the importance of understanding one's body during labor. She emphasizes the need for effective communication with healthcare providers and the significance of pelvic positioning for a smoother delivery. The conversation also covers the risks of tearing and how to manage the pushing stage effectively.TakeawaysUnderstand the signs your body is sending during labor.Pushing positions can significantly impact the delivery process.Pelvic positioning is crucial for reducing tearing.Breathing techniques can aid in effective pushing.Communication with...2025-03-1034 minThe Birth Link26. C-section to Home Birth: Dr Emily’s Birth StoryThis episode I’m so excited to invite Dr Emily Brownlee to discuss her own birth journey as she navigated from a traumatic but oh so common induction story that led to her first c-section and how she eventually got her VBAC only 17 months later! She is now preparing for a home birth with her third baby as she builds her pelvic floor community with Pelvic Floor Fit! Emily is a pelvic health physical therapist, and certified pre and postnatal fitness coach. It is her passion to empower mamas in achieving a pain-free pregnancy, the birth of their...2025-02-2449 minThe Birth Link25. Navigating Sex and Intimacy During Pregnancy and Postpartum with Sex Coach KaciKaci Mial (she/her) is an experienced sex educator and certified coach with 12+ years of expertise working with individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in supporting parents with communication and intimacy challenges throughout the journey of trying to conceive, pregnancy, and postpartum.Kaci is a trained educator with The Gottman Institute’s Bringing Baby Home program, a certified infant massage educator, and a yoga instructor, blending evidence-based practices with practical tools to promote family well-being. She also brings personal experience as a mom of two young children and a fur baby, giving her unique insight into the jo...2025-02-1047 min
The Birth Experience with Labor Nurse MamaTaking Control of Your Birth: Empowering Moms Through Education and Advocacy | 151Trish welcomes Colette Wagholikar, a passionate labor and delivery nurse, childbirth educator, mom of two daughters, and creator of 'My Friends a Nurse'. They discuss the importance of education in childbirth, advocating for yourself in the delivery room, and navigating the healthcare system. Join the Calm Mama Membership: labornursemama.com/cmsLeave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!Trish and Colette cover key strategies for handling unsupportive medical staff, making informed decisions, and how to use your voice effectively during labor. Col...2025-02-0732 minThe Birth Link24. Fear Based Narratives in Birth and How to Get Past Them with Clara O’RourkeClara joins us today in a deep discussion on how fear has transformed the medicalized institution of birth. She is a researcher-turned doula and childbirth educator who brings a mix of science and mindful practices to birth work. Clara founded Clear Light Birth in 2021 and has supported thousands of families to prepare for beautiful birth experiences through her programs, services, and resources. Clara is the host of the Mindful Womb Podcast, a show packed with actionable strategies, heartfelt stories, and pregnancy and parenting hacks… all tied together to support people in harnessing their inner power during life’s most magnifi...2025-01-271h 06The Birth Link23. Building Your Perfect Birth TEAM: A Conversation with Jill MagoffinPlease review and share our show, we'd love to grow!We welcome Jill Magoffin to The Birth Link Podcast! Full on turkey and stuffing, we close out the holiday season chatting about The Birth Story from TLC, birth expectations and what does a doula even do?!More importantly we get into how to build the best birth team around you while pregnant, in birth and through postpartum. How do you choose where to give birth? How do you find and choose your provider?How to interview a doula? What role should your partner, family and...2024-12-311h 05
The Mindful Womb Podcast69: 3 Facts About Hospital Policies That Will Change How You Birth - With Colette WagholikarNavigating hospital policies during birth can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, I sit down with Colette Wagholikar (she/her)—a labor and delivery nurse turned childbirth educator and founder of My Friend’s A Nurse. Colette brings her unique insider knowledge to demystify hospital policies, empowering you to navigate them with confidence and clarity.We cover:Why many hospital policies prioritize efficiency over patient-centered careThe surprising variation in hospital rules (even within the same city!)How to step into your role as the le...2024-12-1755 minThe Birth Link22. Second Stage of Labor: You’re 10 cm, Now What?!We're going to dive into a few points we need to be aware of during the second stage of labor. The stage between getting to 10 cm and having your baby. How long can we expect it to take, or how long should I allow myself to push with the recommendations from my provider and expert suggestions? What if we wait to push until we feel like the baby is coming? Do we still recommend “laboring down?” What is it and why or why not? I also touch on the fetal ejection reflex, the fascinating physiological process that highlights...2024-12-161h 01The Birth Link21. Sara G’s Birth Story: Preventing Birth Trauma and Navigating the Hospital SystemWe love a great redemption story! Sara went to school with me and we were friends in high school, so it was great to reconnect and learn that we had such similar birth stories! Being young, naive and ill-prepared for birth in the hospital system, what did we take away to then achieve the birth we knew that we deserved as women? You won’t want to miss this episode as we casually discuss what is missing in the birth industry and how we can take control and responsibility to get the birth we’ve always wanted!00:28 Reconn...2024-12-091h 08The Birth Link20. How To Create an Effective Birth Plan Without Feeling OverwhelmedA birth plan, done correctly, can feel daunting. Just another task to add to your growing list of things to do as your baby arrives. It’s usually way more fun to look through Pinterest to decorate the nursery and set up your registry (though, that can be pretty overwhelming these days too). Most parents put it to the wayside, or choose to check off some boxes on an easy made for you birth plan template. That is just not going to do the trick though. I’ve seen enough deliveries to know that when done right, having a...2024-12-0252 minThe Birth Link19. What is Hypnobirth and Why It’s Right For You with LynseyLynsey McGillivray, owner of Born This Way Hypnobirthing, doula and registered midwife joins us this week from Scotland to discuss what hypnobirthing is. We dispel the myths and misconceptions that come with the name, and why it should be available to EVERY pregnant woman and her partner to utilize in birth. To work with Lynsey visit her website bornthiswaybirthing.com and follow her on Instagram @bornthiswaybirthing! She is also the host of her own podcast “This Is Birth” and author of a book of uplifting, positive birth stories, “Birth Actually.” 00:38 Creating a Cozy Birth Environment01:55 Th...2024-11-2550 minThe Birth Link18. Erythromycin and Your Newborn: Making the DecisionWelcome to the world, now let us protect you! Learn more about one of the very first medications given to your baby, right after birth, to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, or pink eye, specifically from gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae). Using the acronym once again, PIEDAY, we review the prophylactic treatment by considering the Problem, Incidence, Evidence, Downsides, Alternatives and Your input and feelings. Nothing in health and medical treatment is so black and white, and educating yourself and your team before you need to make a decision like giving your baby antibiotics right after birth will give y...2024-11-1858 minThe Birth Link17. Healing in Parenthood with Psychedelic Integration and IFS with Mendy McNultyMendy McNulty is a dedicated mother of four and a skilled IFS and Psychedelic Integration Coach with over 16 years of experience in education and 4 years as a children’s pastor. She founded Self Led Integration, where she helps individuals navigate their inner world using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Mendy’s compassionate approach supports clients in transforming stuck patterns, healing trauma, and fostering self-leadership. She also leads Healing Conversations and offers workshops and memberships to those seeking deep, lasting personal growth and integration.Find Mendy on all socials @selfledintegration and at www.selfled-integration.com2024-11-111h 01The Birth Link16. Vitamin K and The Newborn: Making a Decision When It Feels Like the Decision Has Been Made For YouThe First 15 Series continues as we discuss baby medications, specifically in today’s episode, Vitamin K Injection. This is a decision you will be making, whether you know it or not, for your baby and will be done pretty shortly after birth. Usually by your nurse after the first hour, or even in the recovery room while you are getting cleaned up in the OR. This episode takes most of the researched information from a book by Dr Sara Wickham called Vitamin K and the Newborn, and you can find it easily on Amazon! I highly recommend her wel...2024-11-041h 00The Birth Link15. Mental Health Changes During Pregnancy and Postpartum with Shoshie AskrenShoshie joins us as a mental health consultant and social worker with Family Tree Wellness in the Los Angeles Westside area. She provides mental health support for pregnancy, postpartum, fertility challenges, parenthood, trauma, loss and beyond. She works with a team of therapists both in person and virtually, who have extensive training and expertise in perinatal mental health, infertility, mood and anxiety disorders. In today’s episode we dive into how we can plan for the immediate postpartum period, what to do when weird sh*it happens, and why it is so crucial to remember that...2024-10-281h 00The Birth Link14. Beyond the Clock: Exploring the Pros and Cons of the Golden HourWe continue in The First 15 Series by diving into what the hospital calls The Golden Hour, that precious time we can spend with our baby, bonding skin to skin with a limited amount of interruptions. We will discuss the benefits that have been proven during this time and the importance of a more hands off approach during this period. I will also discuss how the push and sell of this hour can actually be detrimental to the parents who may have that time interrupted, or never get it at all. Where is the balance and how d...2024-10-211h 04The Birth Link13. Prepare for Breastfeeding Success During Pregnancy with Jaimie Zaki, IBCLCJaimie Zaki is a military wife, mom of 5, nurse, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. After Jaimie struggled to breastfeed her oldest and experienced medical gaslighting by doctors and lactation consultants, she learned the secret to breastfeeding success wasn't about luck. It was about foundational knowledge, support, and self-advocacy skills. Jaimie became an IBCLC and dedicated herself to ensuring other moms can learn how to shut out the toxic whispers of the world and learn how to connect with their God-given intuition to unleash their Inner Fierce MamaBear and make confident feeding decisions with a sense of hope and...2024-10-141h 08The Birth Link12. Placenta Encapsulation: History, Evidence, and Current PracticesAre you a birth nerd interested in the first 15 minutes after birth and everything that happens within those first 15 minutes? Such as decisions you need to make and include in your birth plan. Then tune into this first 15 series for in depth knowledge on what’s going on within the first 15 minutes, the history, current practices, and YOUR options. Being informed is the best way to prepare for your birth experience. Join us for in depth, educational discussions on the most important topics and decisions you’ll be making in the 1st 15 minutes after birth!Welcome to this...2024-10-071h 11The Birth Link11. Why Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is Essential During Pregnancy with Dr. Rachael CappuccinoToday I’m welcoming Dr. Rachael Cappuccino to The Birth Link podcast! Rachael started Cappuccino Physical Therapy after the birth of her two children because she believes that an active lifestyle does not end with motherhood. Having experienced both a vaginal delivery and cesarean, Rachael understands the physical challenges that come from birth. Too many women accept these challenges as their new reality when she firmly believes that most can be treated with pelvic floor physical therapy.We dive into the limited awareness of pelvic floor therapy for women in any stage of their lives, but e...2024-09-3027 minThe Birth Link10. Pitocin to Prevent Postpartum Hemorrhage, History and Current PracticesThe First 15 continues, closing out the triad of active management of the third stage of labor. To accompany cord clamping (now delayed 60 sec), cord traction and uterine massage. Doing our part to lower maternal death, the leading cause being hemorrhaging by including not only as a treatment, but as prevention. In the hospital, most providers choose active management as their practice but fail to discuss the experience, the benefits, the risks or any other alternate options. It seems to be so routine that they do not feel it is a decision that the mother or p...2024-09-2352 minThe Birth Link9. Newborn Sleep and Feeding Tips with Melanie Wachsman BinghamToday we have the opportunity to sit down for an in depth look at postpartum care and how to prepare for this delicate time. Specifically how new parents can navigate and set expectations for your family’s and newborn’s sleep and feeding routine. How sleep affects your milk supply and your newborn’s sleep at night. Listen in on this expert interview, where I learned a few things myself and reviewed tricks to produce sufficient milk supply and newborn healthy feeding habits. You may want to take notes!Melanie is a certified lactation educator at UCLA and owne...2024-09-1653 min
The Birth Lounge PodcastEp. 293: The Golden Hour with Colette Wagholikar, L&D RNJoin HeHe and Colette, also known as 'My Friends a Nurse,' as they delve into the concept of the 'golden hour'—the crucial time period immediately after childbirth. This episode covers what the golden hour entails, its benefits for mother and baby, and how to navigate potential challenges in a hospital setting. They also discuss important newborn assessments and the emotional toll of missing out on this special time. Learn valuable tips on how to advocate for your birth plan and ensure uninterrupted bonding time with your newborn.
Understanding the Golden Hour
Hos...2024-09-1349 minThe Birth Link8. Episiotomies: History, Evidence and Current PracticesFor the last 60-80 years an incision in the vaginal opening to help the baby come up has been used routinely, with some experts stating, there is no reason not to, so don’t even worry about it! Yeah.. that was Dr Diethelm specifically, in 1938. Speeding up the pushing stage, helping mom out after pushing for a long time, worrying about the baby being held inside by the tight perineum, trying to avoid major tears by giving a smaller incision, all in the hopes to help out. Medical and surgical interventions became popular in the 1920s as del...2024-09-0947 minThe Birth Link7. Losing Weight as Women, During Pregnancy, Postpartum and Over 40 with Cynthia Ray#1 Best selling author joins us today to speak about her new book The Fastest Way to Fat Loss After 40, a guide to mind, body and spiritual transformation. We touch on how we can use this valuable insight during hormonal changes in adolescence, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum to stay alive in our body’s healthiest potential. As a registered dietitian and fitness specialist, Cynthia is 20 years into recovery from her own food and body relationship struggles. She has since taught women how to heal their relationship with food and bondage to sugar and discover their capacity to burn exce...2024-09-021h 07The Birth Link6. What Are Your Options: Cord Blood Banking, Cord Milking, or Delayed Clamping?We learned in Episode 4 the history of cord blood clamping and cutting after a baby is born, so now what are the ACOG recommendations and what do we think NOW regarding risks and benefits? If the risks are so great, then is there a way for our non vigorous babies to receive the blood quickly, before needing to separate? We will get into cord blood milking and what are the limitations around it. If you need that precious blood for a sibling though, with a blood disease or cancer, for example, what about collecting the bloo...2024-08-2646 minThe Birth Link5. Protecting Our Pelvis in Pregnancy and Beyond with Dr Joselyn RodriguezColette welcomes Dr. Joselyn Rodriguez to discuss the significance of pelvic floor health, common postpartum issues, and practical tips for labor. She enjoys working with moms at every phase of their lives, and her passion is to improve their movement and confidence in their bodies, teaching moms how to prep, how to push, and how to recover, effectively and appropriately.As a board-certified orthopedic specialist, Dr. Joselyn provides a full body approach to helping women achieve their goals and specializes in prenatal care and labor preparation, postpartum care, and overall wellness. With a un...2024-08-1949 minThe Birth Link4. Understanding Delayed Cord Clamping: History, Evidence, and Current PracticesTime to start thinking about what’s in your birth plan… and some of the MOST important things to put on that plan are the options you have and may not know if RIGHT AFTER delivery. Like, a minute after to be specific. You’re overwhelmed with emotion, exhaustion and awe of the new baby laying on your chest. The new face that you finally get to kiss, the new eyes you get to look into and the cute little hand you get to hold… while quite a few things are going on around you that you may have no...2024-08-1233 minThe Birth Link3. Delivering in the Car: Sara’s Unexpected Birth StoryToday we welcome Sara to the podcast, a longtime friend and colleague, who shares an incredible and unexpected birth story with us. Sara Kendryna has been a labor and delivery nurse for over 10 years working at a community hospital in Glendale, CA. In 2018, she went back to school at Cal State Fullerton to complete a 3 year Masters program where she became a certified nurse midwife and women’s health nurse practitioner. She is now working with patients that have high risk pregnancies doing ultrasounds and fetal heart rate monitoring (NST testing). She also has two boys t...2024-08-0551 minThe Birth Link2. Baby Massage with Dr. Penny Hicks and the Story Behind the APGAR ScoreDive into the crucial first moments after birth, focusing on APGAR scores and their history, baby massage, and newborn tips. Joined by physical therapist and infant massage instructor, Dr. Penny Hicks, this conversation covers practical tips for new parents, particularly around infant massage techniques to help with common issues like gas. Stay tuned for the end of this episode for an informative segment on the APGAR score system, where Colette dives deeper into APGAR scores, its history, and its current relevance.This episode aims to provide valuable insights for expecting and new parents....2024-07-2946 minThe Birth Link1. Finding MY Voice and Alexis’ Birth JourneyWelcome to The Birth Link podcast!The Birth Link, hosted by Colette Wagholikar, a seasoned labor and delivery nurse and mother of two, welcomes you to listen in as herself and her mission are here to educate and support expectant mothers and parents like you. Colette discusses the purpose behind the podcast, her professional experience in labor and delivery, and her passion for childbirth education. The episode features an interview with her friend, Alexis, a new mom, who shares her emotional pregnancy and birth story, highlighting the importance of being informed and supported th...2024-07-2254 minThe Birth LinkThe Birth Link is Coming Soon!Welcome to The Birth Link, where we dive into the overwhelming and transformative experience of pregnancy, addressing your biggest fears, concerns, and need for connection among expecting mothers. I’m your host, Colette, a seasoned labor and delivery nurse and mother of two. This podcast is here to connect you with a community of fellow moms, expert advice, and reliable medical information.Each episode is designed to empower you with personal stories, practical tips, and the latest medical insights to help you make confident, informed decisions throughout your birthing journey. Tune into The Birth Link to...2024-07-1601 min