Shows
Aligned BirthEp 180: The Importance of Advocacy in Birth: Birth Stories with Heather FasanoSend us a textIn this episode of the Aligned Birth Podcast, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael interview Heather Fasano, who shares her profound journey through pregnancy, loss, and motherhood. Heather discusses her experiences with both of her pregnancies, highlighting the stark differences in care and emotional support she received. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating healthcare during pregnancy, the importance of mental health, and the empowerment that comes from advocating for oneself in medical settings. Heather's story emphasizes the significance of informed choices and the need for compassionate care in the birthing process.2025-04-161h 13Aligned BirthEp 177: The Secret to a Stress-Free Birth: Building Your Ultimate Birth TeamSend us a textIn this episode of The Aligned Birth Podcast, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael explore the power of assembling the right birth support team. They break down the roles of doulas, midwives, OBs, and prenatal chiropractors, emphasizing how informed choices and aligned values can shape a more positive birth experience. From setting boundaries to understanding birth options, they highlight the key factors in choosing providers who truly support your vision. Whether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth, or something in between, this conversation will help you feel confident in building a team that...2025-03-051h 17Aligned BirthEp 174: Preparing for ConceptionSend us a textIn this episode of the Aligned Birth Podcast, hosts Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael delve into the essential aspects of preconception health. They discuss the importance of managing stress, optimal nutrition, physical health preparation, movement and exercise, and understanding hormonal health to optimize fertility. TakeawaysPreconception health is crucial for both partners.Nutrition plays a significant role in fertility and pregnancy health.Exercise and movement can enhance overall well-being and fertility.Understanding your menstrual cycle can empower your conception journey.A holistic approach to health can improve fertility outcomes.Reducing e...2025-01-2256 minAligned BirthEp 173: We're Back! Life Updates + What's New with the PodcastSend us a textIn this episode of The Aligned Birth Podcast, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael share life updates, touching on parenting challenges, school transitions, youth sports, and personal growth. They explore mental health, self-care, and balancing work with family life, while reflecting on their podcast journey. The discussion highlights resilience, advocacy, and creating sustainable practices in both personal and professional spheres.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Life Updates03:00 Navigating Busy Lives06:03 Family Dynamics and School Life08:55 Travel Adventures and Experiences12:04 Involvement in School Activities14:51 Sports and Extracurricular Activities2025-01-081h 05Aligned BirthEp 171: Rest & Resilience: Thriving Through MotherhoodSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael explore the often-overlooked but essential aspect of self-care: rest. Rest is much more than just sleep—it's a holistic practice that encompasses physical, mental, emotional, sensory, creative, social, and spiritual well-being. They dive into why prioritizing rest, even in our busiest moments, is crucial for maintaining balance and resilience.Discover how incorporating rest into your daily routine can enhance your overall well-being, whether through restorative yoga, a peaceful walk, or simply finding moments of stillness. We'll discuss practical strategies for achieving dif...2024-09-041h 25Aligned BirthEp 169: Strength in Motherhood: Resilience Through Pregnancy and BirthSend us a textStress can play a complex role in our lives—while certain types of stress, like eustress (good stress), can be beneficial, chronic stress can have negative impacts on your physical and emotional well-being. In this episode, Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon explore 7 practical ways to manage stress during challenging times, drawing from a blog Dr. Shannon wrote several years ago. They delve into how these strategies can be particularly effective in navigating the natural and unexpected stressors of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.In this episode, they cover:2024-08-211h 16Aligned BirthEp 167: Birth Expectations: Bridging the GapSend us a textIn today’s episode, Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon discuss managing expectations as it pertains to birth (and beyond). As a doula and a prenatal chiropractor, we are intimately involved in helping women navigate not only the physical side of birth, but the emotional aspect too. In this episode, they cover:Diving deeper into how you were informed about childbirth.How to prepare for childbirth in a meaningful and effective way.How to navigate the birthing process and the importance of “being the bamboo”.How the gap between our expectations and reality can le...2024-08-0752 minAligned BirthEp 166: How to Labor at Home as Long as PossibleSend us a textRebroadcast of ep 124:As you near the end of your pregnancy, and if you’re planning to birth at a hospital, then you might be wondering “when during my labor, do I need to go to the hospital?” In this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael chat about the benefits of laboring at home as long as possible as it pertains to potentially avoiding interventions and using the comfort of your own home to move through early labor.They discuss:The stages of labor and an overview of early l...2024-07-311h 05Aligned BirthEp 165: Pushing Positions: Empowering Choices in ChildbirthSend us a textThis conversation explores the importance of pushing positions during labor and childbirth. Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon discuss the myth of a single pushing position and emphasize the benefits of using gravity and changing positions. They highlight the downside of pushing on your back and the importance of listening to your body's natural instincts. The role of comprehensive childbirth education and the support of a doula in advocating for pushing positions in a hospital setting are also discussed. The conversation concludes with a focus on upright pushing positions and the benefits of water...2024-07-2451 minAligned BirthEp 164: How to Process Fear and Doubt During BirthSend us a textRebroadcast of episode 126Birth has a way of transforming us. Bringing forth new life requires us to dig deep, to find a part of ourselves that is bigger than ourselves, that you may not even know you have, that asks you to surrender and turn inward and trust. This episode is loosely based on a Pathways to Family Wellness Article - titled The Treasure Box. Where a midwife discusses with a client how transformative birth can be.Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael share their own birth stories and how...2024-07-1736 minAligned BirthEp 163: Birthing Bliss: Nurturing Your Ideal Labor EnvironmentSend us a textDuring labor, a beautiful dance occurs between oxytocin, endorphins, adrenaline, and cortisol. The body's innate wisdom craves calmness, peace, safety, and security, which helps labor progress more smoothly and allows hormones to work efficiently. However, the sights, sounds, and smells of hospitals can sometimes disrupt this flow, making it harder to enter the optimal "labor land" mindset where you feel safe, comfortable, and private. Whether planning a home or hospital birth, there are many ways to create a peaceful and secure birthing environment that encourages the natural flow of labor. In this episode...2024-07-1031 minAligned BirthEp 161: Asking Questions Isn't Questioning Your CareSend us a textIn this episode of the Aligned Birth Podcast, Doula Rachael discusses effective communication with your birth team and managing expectations. The main topics covered include building your birth team, effective communication strategies, managing expectations, and handling challenges and conflict. Doula Rachael emphasizes the importance of effective communication in staying in control of your birth experience and reducing fear. The episode also provides insights into the roles and responsibilities of different members of the birth team, such as partners, doulas, midwives, OBs, and nurses. The use of a birth plan as a...2024-06-261h 01Aligned BirthEp 158: Myth-Busting Prenatal and Pediatric Chiropractic CareSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss and myth-bust some common misconceptions about prenatal and pediatric chiropractic care. They address concerns about the safety and forcefulness of chiropractic adjustments for babies and pregnant women. They emphasize the importance of finding trained professionals who are knowledgeable about working with pediatric patients and pregnant spines. They also highlight the different techniques and tools that can be used for adjustments, tailoring the approach to the individual's needs. The episode concludes with a discussion of the benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy, including pain re...2024-06-0526 minAligned BirthEp 157: Connection Between Your Jaw and Your PelvisSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss the connection between the jaw and the pelvic floor. They provide an anatomy lesson, explaining the embryological and anatomical connections between the jaw and the pelvis. They also discuss the internal and external anatomical connections, as well as the nerve connections. They highlight the importance of releasing tension in the jaw and pelvic floor during pregnancy and birth, and provide practices to promote relaxation and surrender during labor. This conversation explores various techniques and practices to release tension in the body, specifically focusing on...2024-05-291h 05Aligned BirthEp 155: Embracing Your Feminine CycleSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss the feminine cycle and how to embrace and honor it. They cover topics such as menstruation, the follicular phase, and ovulation. They emphasize the importance of understanding and tracking your cycle, as well as listening to your body's needs during each phase. TThey also touch on the nutritional aspects of supporting your cycle and the importance of self-care and rest. Understanding and embracing your menstrual cycle and its hormonal fluctuations can help you optimize your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. 2024-05-151h 03Aligned BirthEp 153: Spinning Babies Activities for a Smoother Pregnancy and BirthSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss the concept of Spinning Babies. They explain the main principles of balance, movement, and gravity, and how these principles can help optimize fetal positioning and promote efficient labor. They also highlight the importance of resting smart and incorporating daily exercises into pregnancy routines. The conversation emphasizes the need to explore all of your available resources and options fully.In this conversation, Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon discuss various exercises and stretches that can help improve fetal positioning and overall comfort d...2024-05-0155 minAligned BirthEp 151: Hug Your Hormones: Key players in pregnancy and birthSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss key pregnancy hormones and their roles in conception, pregnancy, and labor. They emphasize the importance of honoring and understanding these hormones to support a healthy and empowered pregnancy journey. The hormones discussed include relaxin, HCG, estrogen, oxytocin, progesterone, and prolactin. This conversation explores the role of hormones in pregnancy and childbirth. It covers topics such as nighttime feedings and their impact on ovulation, the hormones involved in labor, the role of prostaglandins in cervical softening, the signaling of the baby for birth...2024-04-1735 minAligned BirthEp 149: How to Time Contractions and Why it is HelpfulSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss labor contractions. They explain what contractions are, how to differentiate between Braxton Hicks and real contractions, and how to time contractions. They also discuss the importance of understanding the physiological changes during labor contractions and the significance of visualization and changing the narrative around contractions.TakeawaysUnderstanding the difference between Braxton Hicks and real contractionsKnowing how to time contractions and when to head to your birth location (if not birthing at home)Recognizing the physiological changes during labor contractionsUsing visualization and...2024-04-0334 minAligned BirthEp 147: Types of DoulasSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss the different types of doulas and the support they provide. The word doula can be traced back to Ancient Greece meaning “female servant”. Most commonly, people are familiar with a doula surrounding childbirth, but a doula can also provide support for end of life care for the client and family. Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael shed some light on several other types of doulas and the support they provide. They cover birth doulas, postpartum doulas, antepartum doulas, end-of-life doulas, and miscarriage doulas. Each...2024-03-2052 minAligned BirthEp 146: How Pregnancy and Birth Can Impact Infant DevelopmentSend us a textBirth not only impacts mom, but baby as well. In this episode, Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon chat about specific questions she asks during her pediatric chiropractic exams and why those questions are important. These questions are related to baby position in the womb as well as the entire birth process because the physical aspects of birth (mode of delivery, fast labor, slow labor, baby position) can relate to how baby is processing living outside of the womb (torticollis, constipation, colic, nursing issues) Birth doesn’t have to be a traumatic event for mom a...2024-03-1347 minAligned BirthEp 145: Push It Real GoodSend us a textIf you’ve watched a movie or TV show where a woman is giving birth, most often, it’s in a hospital, she’s in a semi-reclined position, and she’s typically screaming at someone. But…….your birth doesn’t have to look like that!This conversation explores the importance of pushing positions during labor and childbirth. Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael discuss the downsides of a single pushing position and emphasize the benefits of using gravity and changing positions. They highlight the importance of listening to your body's natural instincts, the role of com...2024-03-0651 minAligned BirthEp 141: Childbirth Education - Lamaze 6 Healthy Birth PracticesSend us a text*Rebroadcast* Doula Rachael shares the framework that can help guide you along your unique path to giving birth. The Lamaze 6 Healthy Birth Practices are foundational, practical, and effective in helping to ensure you have the best chance at having a safer, healthier, and more satisfying childbirth. Use these birth practices to help increase your knowledge and confidence and to have conversations with your care provider about how they support these healthy birth practices. You can also use these practices to begin filling your tool bag with resources, tips, and in...2024-02-0750 minAligned BirthEp 140: Word of the Year - finding a mantraSend us a textThere’s lots of ways to start off the new year - setting goals or resolutions, being intentional about tasks, starting new habits, etc. In this episode, we chat about an exercise that Dr. Shannon has been doing for several years now - picking a word of the year. It can be a word, a mantra, a phrase, but something that you can meditate on, pray about, and reflect on throughout the year. And as you pick this word, it can help you focus, stay grounded, and remember your vision, dreams, and aspirations for t...2024-01-3146 minAligned BirthEp 138: Perinatal Mental Health with counselor Shannon Weist (rebroadcast)Send us a textIn this episode Doula Rachael is talking with Perinatal Mental Health Therapist, Shannon Weist of Maternally Mindful. Shannon Weist is a licensed clinical mental therapist that provides both in person and telehealth services in the state of Georgia. She specializes in infertility, pregnancy and postpartum. Shannon helps to bring awareness and shed light on the importance of creating a therapeutic alliance during infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. Having a safe, unbiased space to share your most vulnerable thoughts and feelings is vital in effectively and meaningfully supporting birthing people. In this episode we learn:2024-01-171h 05Aligned BirthEp 135: Building Your Birth Support TeamSend us a textThis is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes! One of the goals of this podcast is to help you gain knowledge and confidence to makee informed decisions that align with you and your needs and preferences. One way to do that is to surround yourself with knowledgeable birth workers. That’s why this episode is all about building your birth support team. We dive deep into the many birth professionals you can surround yourself with including: OB's, Midwives, doulas, chiropractors, physical therapists, counselors, educators, and more! Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon love w...2023-12-271h 09Aligned BirthEp 126: Tapping Into Your Mental Strength During Labor and BirthSend us a textBirth has a way of transforming us. Bringing forth new life requires us to dig deep, to find a part of ourselves that is bigger than ourselves, that you may not even know you have, that asks you to surrender and turn inward and trust. This episode is loosely based on a Pathways to Family Wellness Article - titled The Treasure Box. Where a midwife discusses with a client how transformative birth can be.Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael share their own birth stories and how they tapped into their men...2023-10-2536 minAligned BirthEp 125: Setting Up Your Birth CaveSend us a textDuring labor, there’s this beautiful dance between oxytocin/endorphins and adrenaline/cortisol. The innate wisdom of the body craves calmness and peace and safety and security during labor. When those feelings are achieved, labor has an easier time progressing and the hormones dance more efficiently. Sometimes the sights, sounds, and smells of hospitals can interrupt the flow of your birth hormones and it can be harder to get into the right headspace or “labor land” where you feel safe, comfortable, and private. There are many things you can do for a h...2023-10-1831 minAligned BirthEp 124: Laboring at home as long as possibleSend us a textAs you near the end of your pregnancy, and if you’re planning to birth at a hospital, then you might be wondering “when during my labor, do I need to go to the hospital?” In this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael chat about the benefits of laboring at home as long as possible as it pertains to potentially avoiding interventions and using the comfort of your own home to move through early labor.They discuss:The stages of labor and an overview of early labor Ways to rest dur...2023-10-111h 05Aligned BirthEp 120: Questions to ask your provider - how to find alignment with your birth support teamSend us a textOne key element to an empowering birth experience is carefully creating your birth support team. Who are those people you want around you? How do you want to feel? What are your birth preferences? Maybe one of the most important decisions that has the greatest influence over birth outcomes is provider choice. In this episode, Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon go over some ways to ask questions in a manner that allows you to feel empowered and to really hear how your provider approaches normal physiological birth. They also provide a comprehensive list of que...2023-09-1339 minAligned BirthEp 117: Navigating Postpartum: Physical HealingSend us a textDuring pregnancy, there’s a lot of focus and planning that goes into prenatal health, pregnancy support, childbirth education, and labor and birth support, but our postpartum time period needs just as much emphasis and focus (if not more!). In today’s episode Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon break down a very small aspect of postpartum: the physical healing, which includes:Common postpartum discomforts surrounding the perineum, breastfeeding, and hormones - and remediesWhat meaningful family and friend support can look likeHow to build relationships with your birth support teamHow to plan for the p...2023-08-231h 09Aligned BirthEp 113: Interview with Full Spectrum Doula and Perinatal Mental Health Counselor Imani Byers-QuartermanSend us a textIn today’s episode, Dr. Shannon interviews Imani Byers-Quaterman who is the founder of Rebyrth Wellness, co-founder of Your Rebyrth Tribe, a full spectrum-doula, and a licensed social worker certified in perinatal mental health. Our conversation includes:How her doula work beganHow she was informed about birth growing upHow her faith plays a part in her workHer current training as a childbirth mentor with Birthing from WithinThe issues facing black and brown moms in the birthing community Ways to impact the black mate...2023-07-2655 minAligned BirthEp 112: Life Updates with Dr. Shannon and Doula RachaelSend us a textIn this episode, Dr. Shannon and Doula Rachael share what's new with the podcast, what's happening in their businesses, and how they are navigating the summer with the kiddos and camps and all the things they wanted to do but haven't done yet.Support the showWant to show your support? Want to help us continue doing this important and impactful work: Support the Show (we greatly appreciate it!)Don't miss new episodes: Join the Aligned Birth CommunityInstagram: ...2023-07-1954 minAligned BirthEp 110: Building Resiliency in Pregnancy, Birth, and PostpartumSend us a textCertain types of stress (eustress or good stress) can be beneficial for the body. Chronic stress is what can be detrimental to your overall physical and emotional health. In this episode, Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon discuss 7 Ways to Manage Stress During Challenging Times (a blog Dr. Shannon wrote several years ago.) They share how these practices and tools can be used to handle the natural and/or unexpected stressors of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. In this episode, they discuss:How regular chiropractic care can build adaptability reservesThe power of exercise and su...2023-07-051h 16Aligned BirthEp 108: Lamaze Methods with Doula Rachael (Interview with Gigi Vincent)Send us a textIn this episode, Doula Rachael is interviewed by Gigi Vera Vincent on the Ready For Baby Podcast. Doula Rachael, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, shares all about the Lamaze Method. Gigi is a postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, lactation educator, and mother to three amazing kids. The conversation includes:What are the Lamaze Six Healthy Birth Practices?How can we find the best position for labor / birth?How can we enhance our birth experience by choosing the right location and provider?Resources:Ready For Baby PodcastA...2023-06-2153 minAligned BirthEp 107: Managing Birth Expectations: Bridging the GapSend us a textIn today’s episode, Doula Rachael and Dr. Shannon discuss managing expectations as it pertains to birth (and beyond). As a doula and a prenatal chiropractor, we are intimately involved in helping women navigate not only the physical side of birth, but the emotional aspect too. In this episode, they cover:Diving deeper into how you were informed about childbirth.How to prepare for childbirth in a meaningful and effective way.How to navigate the birthing process and the importance of “being the bamboo”.How the gap between our expectations and reality can le...2023-06-1452 min