Shows
Midwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaBonus Replay: Mind & Matter: A Deep Dive into Women’s Mental Health**BONUS REPLAY** In this compelling episode of The Midwife Life, host Diane Ortega sits down with Dr. Cara English, CEO of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies and an expert in perinatal mental health. Together, they explore the often overlooked but critical subject of mental health for women during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. English shares her expertise on recognizing, understanding, and addressing perinatal mental health conditions, offering actionable advice and insights on building supportive systems that promote well-being for women at every stage.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Perinatal Mental Health: What perinatal mental...2025-07-2852 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaI Went to Avalon and Remembered MyselfIn this vulnerable solo episode, Diane shares her transformational journey to Avalon—the mystical heart of Glastonbury, England—and how it became the sacred turning point she didn’t know she needed.
While Diane has long guided women to release overwhelm and receive support, Avalon revealed a deeper truth: she was still holding far more than she allowed herself to admit. Through ceremony, sisterhood, and spiritual reckoning, Diane came face-to-face with the old pattern of over-responsibility—and made the choice to finally lay it down.
This episode is a sacred reflection on self-devotion, feminine leadership, and what...2025-07-2111 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaBONUS REPLAY: MOMentum for Moms: Transforming Work, Life, and Self-Care with Chelsie Bruggeman**BONUS REPLAY** This week on The Midwife Life, Diane sits down with Chelsie Bruggeman, the powerhouse CEO and founder of MOMentum, an organization dedicated to supporting mothers as they navigate the delicate balance of work, family, and self-care. A mom of two and one of Phoenix Business Journal's 2024 40 Under 40, Chelsie shares her journey from raising millions in scholarships at Arizona State University to building a thriving community that empowers working moms during matrescence.
What We Cover in This Episode:
✨ Redefining Motherhood: Chelsie’s inspiring transition from gold-star achiever to creating a life that...2025-07-1454 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaFrom Career Hummingbird to Six-Figure Storyteller: Behind the Scenes of My Book ChapterIn this powerful solo episode, Diane Ortega, CNM, DNP—midwife, mom of four, and founder of Willow Midwife Centers—pulls back the curtain on her chapter in Six-Figure Chicks: Phoenix, Vol. 2. With honesty and heart, Diane shares what it took to write her story, the fears she overcame, and the legacy she’s building—one bold decision at a time.
She opens up about what it means to be a late bloomer, the reality of being in “draft mode,” and why sisterhood was essential in bringing this book to life. You’ll hear the story behind the story—and walk...2025-07-0710 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaFrom Darkness to Light: A Solstice Story + My Journey to AvalonIn this intimate solo episode, Diane Ortega invites you into a powerful solstice reflection and shares the behind-the-scenes of her personal transformation. From the grief of letting go of a long-held vision to the light of spiritual rebirth, she offers a raw and radiant look at what it means to midwife yourself through change. She also opens up about her upcoming journey to Avalon—the sacred land of the Divine Feminine—and what she hopes to remember, release, and reclaim along the way. This is a story of light returning, purpose reawakening, and the beauty of trusting your sacred mess...2025-06-3008 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaMidwives + Doulas: Building the Dream Birth Team with Michelle LudwigThis week we're throwing it back to the premiere episode of The Midwife Life where Diane sits down with Michelle Ludwig, an experienced birth doula and passionate advocate for women’s health. Together, they delve into the vital roles of midwives and doulas, how they work hand-in-hand to support birthing parents, and the unique benefits they bring to pregnancy and postpartum journeys.
Michelle shares her personal journey from client to doula and offers insights into the collaborative dynamic between midwives and doulas in various birth settings. This episode emphasizes the transformative impact of feeling su...2025-06-231h 00Midwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaYoga, Birth, and the Power of Connection: A Conversation with Nikki BrewerIn this heart-centered conversation, Diane sits down with Nikki Brewer—ayoga instructor, doula, birth educator, and mom of three—to explore thepowerful connection between yoga, birth, and the motherhood journey.
With over 15 years of yoga experience and a background supporting laboring women, Nikki brings deep wisdom and compassion to every class she teaches. From embracing strength and surrender during pregnancy tobuilding community in postpartum recovery, Nikki shares how yoga canguide women through the physical, emotional, and spiritual transformationsof motherhood.
What We Cover:
Nikki’s story...2025-06-1647 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaHealing, Identity, and Rebirth After Motherhood: Listener Q+APostpartum is more than physical healing—it’s a complete transformation.
In this Q&A episode of Midwife Life, Diane Ortega answers powerful listener questions about healing, identity, and navigating life after motherhood. From pelvic health and cycle wisdom to the sacred mess of personal rebirth, Diane offers grounded, soulful guidance for women in every season of becoming.
What You’ll Learn:
What’s normal at six months postpartum
How to use cycle tracking as a self-care tool
Essential pelvic health tips after birth
Navigating identity shifts in mothe...2025-06-0918 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaBONUS REPLAY: Mindful Motherhood: A Look at Perinatal Mental Health**BONUS REPLAY** This week host Diane Ortega welcomes back Dr. Cara English, CEO of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. Together, they explore the critical and often overlooked topic of women’s mental health, including maternal mental health, perinatal care, and the role of midwives and healthcare providers in supporting holistic wellness.
Key Topics Covered:
The State of Women’s Mental Health: Why women are 2-3 times more likely than men to experience a mental health condition and the societal, hormonal, and cultural factors behind this disparity.
Effective Screening Tools: Discussion on tool...2025-06-0246 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane Ortega24: Hummingbird Wisdom: Sobriety, School Integration, and Somatic Sex Education (Part 2)In part two of this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation,
Diane welcomes Anna Lodder to The Midwife Life. A self-described
“career hummingbird,” Anna shares the wisdom she’s gathered from a life of
transformation—moving from addiction recovery and early motherhood to
grassroots education activism and, most recently, to the healing path of
somatic sex education.
Together, they unpack what it means to parent for the
collective, not just the individual, how grief and loss can shape legacy, and
why telling the truth about abortion, desire, and embodiment is an act of
reclamation. Anna’s story is honest, hil...2025-05-2645 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane Ortega23: Hummingbird Wisdom: Sobriety, School Integration, and Somatic Sex Education (Part 1)In part one of this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation,
Diane welcomes Anna Lodder to The Midwife Life. A self-described
“career hummingbird,” Anna shares the wisdom she’s gathered from a life of
transformation—moving from addiction recovery and early motherhood to
grassroots education activism and, most recently, to the healing path of
somatic sex education.
Together, they unpack what it means to parent for the
collective, not just the individual, how grief and loss can shape legacy, and
why telling the truth about abortion, desire, and embodiment is an act of
reclamation. Anna’s story is honest, hil...2025-05-1942 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane Ortega22: Strength Born Twice: Motherhood, Cancer, and the Power of Resilience (Part 2)This week we're bringing you the second part of a powerful story of courage, motherhood, and healing. I’m honored to be joined by Shaleigh Rae, a former birth center client, registered nurse, and breast cancer survivor whose diagnosis came during pregnancy.
Together, we explore her extraordinary journey:
Choosing midwifery care and preparing for birth
The unexpected discovery of breast cancer during pregnancy
Navigating treatments while nurturing life
Redefining strength, hope, and self-advocacy as a new mother
What she learned about herself, motherhood, and healing
Shaleigh's story is one of raw resilience — a testament to the...2025-05-1251 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane Ortega21: Strength Born Twice: Motherhood, Cancer, and the Power of Resilience (Part 1)Today’s episode is the first half of a powerful story of courage, motherhood, and healing. I’m honored to be joined by Shaleigh Rae, a former birth center client, registered nurse, and breast cancer survivor whose diagnosis came during pregnancy.
Together, we explore her extraordinary journey:
Choosing midwifery care and preparing for birth
The unexpected discovery of breast cancer during pregnancy
Navigating treatments while nurturing life
Redefining strength, hope, and self-advocacy as a new mother
What she learned about herself, motherhood, and healing
Shaleigh's story is one of raw resilience — a testament to the ways w...2025-05-0554 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane Ortega20: Forget Balance. Find Your Rhythm Instead.The truth? Work-life balance is a myth that keeps women stuck.
In this episode of Midwife Life, Diane Ortega, certified nurse midwife and maternal mental health advocate, dismantles the toxic idea of balance and offers something better—living in seasons. Whether you're an entrepreneur, caregiver, or doing all the things (usually at once), this conversation will help you release the guilt of trying to do it all.
Diane shares personal stories and practical strategies for aligning your work, life, and well-being in a way that honors your energy—not some impossible standard.
What You’...2025-04-2818 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane Ortega19: Spring Renewal: What Birth & Motherhood Teach Us About RebirthAs spring unfolds around us, we’re reminded that rebirth doesn’t happen all at once — it happensin layers. In this reflective solo episode, Diane explores how birth and motherhood parallel theseason of spring. From the tender, muddy beginnings to the fierce and intuitive becoming, thisepisode is your invitation to slow down and honor your own unfolding.✨ Inside this episode:
Why you’re not meant to “bounce back” — you’re meant to become
The hidden power of motherhood as personal transformation
Journaling prompts...2025-04-1412 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane Ortega18: What No One Tells You About the Fourth TrimesterPregnancy gets all the prep—but what about postpartum?In this episode of Midwife Life, Diane Ortega, certified nurse midwife and maternal mental health advocate, shines a light on the fourth trimester—those crucial 12 weeks after birth that often get overlooked in standard care.Whether you’re currently pregnant, newly postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a real-talk guide to the physical, emotional, and mental realities of postpartum recovery. Diane breaks down everything from pelvic pain to postpartum rage—and calls out the major gaps in U.S. pos...2025-04-0815 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaBONUS REPLAY: New Mom School: Educating and Empowering Mothers for the Journey AheadNavigating the early days of motherhood can be overwhelming, lonely, and filled with uncertainty—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down with Kylie West and Jacquie Koopman, co-owners of the New Mom School franchise in Gilbert, Arizona. Both Kylie and Jacquie know firsthand how challenging early motherhood can be, and they’ve dedicated themselves to creating a supportive, empowering space where new moms can find education, friendship, and confidence in their parenting journey.We’ll discuss:✅ The personal journeys that led Kylie and Jacquie to open a New Mom...2025-03-311h 09Midwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaBONUS REPLAY: From Dreams to Decisions: Life Lessons in Your 20sThis week Diane welcomes two inspiring guests—her daughter Julia Ortega and her “adopted” daughter, Klea Soliman. Both are 23-year-old nurses navigating the ups and downs of their early 20s, from building careers in healthcare to prioritizing health and relationships. Together, they dive into the challenges of this transformative stage of life and share lessons on self-discovery, balance, and empowerment.What We Cover:
Defining Your 20s: The pressure to "have it all figured out" and why it’s okay to take life day by day.
Social Media and Comparison: The impact of seeing “picture-pe...2025-03-2438 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaBONUS REPLAY: Holistic Healing Through Pregnancy and Motherhood with Ashley Andrews\Diane is joined by Ashley Andrews, an Integrative Nutrition & Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Instructor and Reiki Practitioner, who shares her inspiring journey into motherhood and the transformative practices that have guided her along the way. From navigating unexpected pregnancy and birth experiences to discovering the power of integrative nutrition, Reiki, and intuitive movement, Ashley's story is a testament to the resilience and wisdom that can emerge from life's twists and turns.What We Cover:
Ashley's path to pregnancy, including a miscarriage and the conception of her son Kai
Her plans for a home...2025-03-1749 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane Ortega17: Listener Q&A with Midwife Diane OrtegaIn this special Q&A episode, I’m answering YOUR biggest questions about pregnancy, birth, postpartum mental health, and how to build a strong support system—even if you’re not a mom! We’ll cover misconceptions about midwifery, how to prepare for birth, recognizing postpartum depression, and the power of sisterhood. If you have a question for a future episode, send it my way on Instagram (@@the.midwife.life.co) or via email (Hello@themidwifelife.co).✨ Topics Covered: ✔️ The biggest misconceptions about midwifery care ✔️ How to decide if a birth center is rig...2025-03-1029 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaHormone Health 101: Unlocking Energy, Happiness, and Success with Ashley RochaHormones are the foundation of women’s health, yet imbalances often go undiagnosed, leaving many of us feeling drained, anxious, or stuck. In this episode, Ashley Rocha, hormonal health expert and founder of Ladywell, joins Diane to break down the basics of hormone health, why it matters for productivity and happiness, and how to naturally support balance at every life stage.They discuss:✔️ What hormones do and how they affect energy, mood, metabolism, and relationships✔️ The most common signs of hormonal imbalances (fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, bloating, etc.)✔️ The best foods, suppleme...2025-03-0332 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaThe Power of Sisterhood – Why Every Woman Needs CommunityWomen are not meant to do life alone. But in today’s world, many of us feel more isolated than ever—pulled away from the deep, meaningful sisterhood we need to thrive.In this episode of The Midwife Life, I’m exploring the science, history, and power of women’s community, whether you’re a mother or not. We’ll unpack why loneliness is becoming a health crisis, how modern life has separated us from our natural support systems, and—most importantly—what we can do to rebuild authentic, lasting connections.If you’ve ever...2025-02-1714 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaNew Mom School: Educating and Empowering Mothers for the Journey AheadNavigating the early days of motherhood can be overwhelming, lonely, and filled with uncertainty—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I sit down with Kylie West and Jacquie Koopman, co-owners of the New Mom School franchise in Gilbert, Arizona. Both Kylie and Jacquie know firsthand how challenging early motherhood can be, and they’ve dedicated themselves to creating a supportive, empowering space where new moms can find education, friendship, and confidence in their parenting journey.We’ll discuss:✅ The personal journeys that led Kylie and Jacquie to open a New Mom...2025-02-041h 09Midwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaHEAL.CREATE.INSPIRE: Building a Community for Global Healing with Nereyda MartinezIn this episode, Diane is joined by Nereyda Martinez, a mother, storyteller, and Licensed Ishtara Teacher who, alongside her husband Angel, co-owns The Healing Tree Collective in Tempe, Arizona. Nereyda shares the unexpected journey of taking over the Collective, the divine intervention that led them to this path, and the challenges they faced in building a successful partnership. Nereyda opens up about how motherhood has impacted her approach to wellness and self-care, and the importance of setting boundaries, especially around technology. She discusses her personal healing journey, starting with mindset work and moving into...2025-01-271h 15Midwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaEmbracing Winter’s Wisdom – A Guide to Rest, Renewal, and Intentional Living (Mini-Episode)In this reflective episode, we’re diving into the art of hibernation—not in the bear-in-a-cave sense, but as a season of intentional rest, renewal, and preparation. Inspired by nature’s rhythms, Diane explores how slowing down during winter can lead to meaningful growth and peace. If the hustle of the new year has you feeling drained already, this episode is your permission slip to pause, reflect, and embrace a gentler start to the year.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🍂 The Lessons of Winter🗓️ How to Break Free from the January...2025-01-2207 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaWe’re Growing Again – Announcing Our Third Birth Center!This week, we’re sharing exciting news: Willow Birth Center is expanding with a third location in Gilbert, Arizona! We’re thrilled to bring our midwife-led, personalized care to even more families in the Southeast Valley. Imagine a warm, home-like space designed to celebrate and support you through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. This new location embodies everything you love about Willow, plus a few special features we can’t wait to share!Listen to This Episode to Learn:🏠 Why We’re Expanding: Learn about the growing demand for compassionate, midwife-led care and how this ne...2025-01-0612 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaModernizing Motherhood: Revolutionizing Breast Milk Storage with Milk by Mom’s Tirza JovaIn this episode of The Midwife Life, Diane welcomes Tirza Hova, the visionary founder of Milk by Mom, who is redefining breastfeeding for modern families. A working mom of two young daughters, Tirza faced the struggles of balancing full-time work with the challenges of pumping, storing, and traveling with breast milk. Her discovery of freeze-drying breast milk was a game-changer—providing superior nutrition, unmatched convenience, and long-term storage options. Now, through Milk by Mom, Tirza is on a mission to empower parents across the U.S. by modernizing how we feed breastfed babies.What Yo...2024-12-3046 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaMOMentum for Moms: Transforming Work, Life, and Self-Care with Chelsie BruggemanThis week on The Midwife Life, Diane sits down with Chelsie Bruggeman, the powerhouse CEO and founder of MOMentum, an organization dedicated to supporting mothers as they navigate the delicate balance of work, family, and self-care. A mom of two and one of Phoenix Business Journal's 2024 40 Under 40, Chelsie shares her journey from raising millions in scholarships at Arizona State University to building a thriving community that empowers working moms during matrescence.What We Cover in This Episode:✨ Redefining Motherhood: Chelsie’s inspiring transition from gold-star achiever to creating a life that embraces the...2024-12-2354 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaHolistic Healing Through Pregnancy and Motherhood with Ashley AndrewsThis week, Diane is joined by Ashley Andrews, an Integrative Nutrition & Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Instructor and Reiki Practitioner, who shares her inspiring journey into motherhood and the transformative practices that have guided her along the way. From navigating unexpected pregnancy and birth experiences to discovering the power of integrative nutrition, Reiki, and intuitive movement, Ashley's story is a testament to the resilience and wisdom that can emerge from life's twists and turns.What We Cover:
Ashley's path to pregnancy, including a miscarriage and the conception of her son Kai
Her plans for...2024-12-1649 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaNon-Negotiable Self-Care for a Joyful Holiday SeasonWith the holiday season in full swing, life can feel like a whirlwind of festive chaos. In this episode, Diane shares her top four “non-negotiable” self-care practices to stay grounded, healthy, and present during the holidays. From mindful movement to restful sleep, Diane opens up about how she protects her energy while embracing the season’s beautiful busyness.What You’ll Learn:🎄 Daily Movement as Self-Respect: Why gentle movement, like restorative yoga or a winter walk, keeps both body and mind in balance—even during the busiest time of year.💊 Supplements & Im...2024-12-1014 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaFrom Dreams to Decisions: Life Lessons in Your 20sThis week Diane welcomes two inspiring guests—her daughter Julia Ortega and her “adopted” daughter, Klea Soliman. Both are 23-year-old nurses navigating the ups and downs of their early 20s, from building careers in healthcare to prioritizing health and relationships. Together, they dive into the challenges of this transformative stage of life and share lessons on self-discovery, balance, and empowerment.What We Cover:
Defining Your 20s: The pressure to "have it all figured out" and why it’s okay to take life day by day.
Social Media and Comparison: The impact of seeing “picture-pe...2024-12-0238 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaThe Holistic Healing of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with Kari-Ann Hubbard, LAc, MSOMIn this episode, Diane Ortega is joined by guest, Kari-Ann Hubbard, LAc, MSOM, a national board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist specializing in women's health, fertility, and perinatal care. Kari-Ann shares her extensive knowledge of Chinese medicine, explaining how this ancient practice takes a holistic approach to wellness by considering the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and environment. She also discusses her personal journey into this field and how it has helped her and her clients find balance and healing.Key Topics:
Overview of acupuncture and Chinese medicine concepts
Kari-Ann's personal experiences with anxiety and...2024-11-2552 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaMindful Motherhood: A Look at Perinatal Mental HealthThis week host Diane Ortega welcomes back Dr. Cara English, CEO of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. Together, they explore the critical and often overlooked topic of women’s mental health, including maternal mental health, perinatal care, and the role of midwives and healthcare providers in supporting holistic wellness.Key Topics Covered:
The State of Women’s Mental Health: Why women are 2-3 times more likely than men to experience a mental health condition and the societal, hormonal, and cultural factors behind this disparity.
Effective Screening Tools: Discussion on tools like the...2024-11-1845 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaEvolving as a Doula: Building a Sustainable Birth Practice with Alyssa LeonIn this episode of The Midwife Life, host Diane Ortega is joined by Alyssa Leon, founder and CEO of Cherry Blossom Doula Services. Together, they discuss Alyssa’s unexpected journey into the doula profession and the evolution of her solo practice into a thriving doula team. Alyssa opens up about the joys and challenges of supporting families through birth and postpartum care, and how her work has shaped both her career and her life. From establishing a successful practice to creating a sustainable work-life balance, Alyssa shares invaluable insights and experiences that will resonate with anyone passionate about birthwork an...2024-11-1131 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaMind & Matter: A Deep Dive into Women’s Mental HealthIn this compelling episode of The Midwife Life, host Diane Ortega sits down with Dr. Cara English, CEO of Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies and an expert in perinatal mental health. Together, they explore the often overlooked but critical subject of mental health for women during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. English shares her expertise on recognizing, understanding, and addressing perinatal mental health conditions, offering actionable advice and insights on building supportive systems that promote well-being for women at every stage.Key Takeaways:
Understanding Perinatal Mental Health: What perinatal mental health encompasses...2024-11-1152 minMidwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaMidwives + Doulas: Building the Dream Birth Team with Michelle LudwigIn this premiere episode of The Midwife Life, host Diane Ortega sits down with Michelle Ludwig, an experienced birth doula and passionate advocate for women’s health. Together, they delve into the vital roles of midwives and doulas, how they work hand-in-hand to support birthing parents, and the unique benefits they bring to pregnancy and postpartum journeys.Michelle shares her personal journey from client to doula and offers insights into the collaborative dynamic between midwives and doulas in various birth settings. This episode emphasizes the transformative impact of feeling supported and empowered during childbirth an...2024-11-111h 00Midwife Life: Educating Women on All Things Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum Care, and Careers in Healthcare with Diane OrtegaWelcome to The Midwife Life!Welcome to The Midwife Life, the podcast that empowers and educates women on all things related to pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, and careers in healthcare. I'm Diane Ortega, a midwife with 16 years of experience, the co-owner of three successful freestanding birth centers, and proud mom to four. I'm thrilled to have you join me on this journey as we explore the world of women's health together.I believe that knowledge is power, and I hope that each episode leaves you feeling informed and ready to take control of your own health. Whether it's understanding...2024-11-0406 min