Shows
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsThe Birth of Milk in Motion: One Mother's Journey to Help Others with Laci Tang, IBCLCSend us a textWhen Laci Tang experienced painful breastfeeding with her first child, she had no idea it would launch her into a career transforming how mothers receive lactation support. Her journey from anxious first-time mom to innovative IBCLC offers a much-needed blueprint for better postpartum care.Birthing at a midwifery center opened Laci’s eyes to a different kind of care—one where she was listened to, believed, and supported in finding real solutions. After navigating tongue ties, low supply, mastitis, and then oversupply with her second baby, she realized how vital individualized supp...
2025-04-141h 22
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsUnited States of Care and 100 Weeks of Maternal Support with Natalie DavisSend us a textNatalie Davis, a passionate advocate for maternal healthcare reform, joins us to share her journey and groundbreaking work with the 100 Weeks initiative. Natalie’s personal experiences, from navigating the challenges of preterm labor to working in healthcare policy at the forefront of the Obama administration, offer a compelling narrative. Through candid storytelling, she reflects on how these experiences shaped her commitment to extending postpartum support for mothers beyond the standard timeline.Listeners are invited to explore the highs and lows of pregnancy and childbirth, including Natalie's frank discussion on the emotional an...
2025-01-2745 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsBirth Shame and Reconnecting with Your Body with Wendy Powell CEO of MUTU SystemSend us a textWhen Wendy Powell, founder and CEO of Mutu System, first grappled with postpartum challenges, she unknowingly began a journey to revolutionize women's health conversations globally. In our latest episode, Wendy joins us to share her insights on the often-overlooked aspects of perinatal pelvic health and its profound effect on women's lives. Together, we explore the intricacies of dealing with issues like incontinence and prolapse, which extend beyond mere physical discomfort and touch upon deeper aspects like self-esteem and social participation. Wendy's collaboration with health insurers and hygiene companies globally underscores the pressing need...
2025-01-131h 07
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsProgesterone: Navigating Motherhood's Hormonal Maze with Dr. Shweta PatelSend us a textDiscover the underestimated power of progesterone with Dr. Shweta Patel, an OBGYN and women's health expert, who shines a light on its critical role in pregnancy and beyond. Gain insights into how this often-overlooked hormone supports everything from the menstrual cycle to postpartum health. Dr. Patel demystifies the scientific intricacies of progesterone, tracing its journey from conception to its protective functions during early pregnancy and its importance in postpartum birth control choices.Navigate the cognitive whirlwind that new mothers face, as we unpack the hormonal rollercoaster that can leave many feeling...
2024-12-1659 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsEmbracing Postpartum Emotions with Emily FinnellSend us a textEmily Finnell returns to the podcast, sharing her deeply personal and emotional journey through the postpartum phase of motherhood. With a background as a certified HeartMath coach and former special education teacher, Emily opens up about the emotional turbulence she faced post-C-section, grappling with isolation, self-doubt, and societal pressures that often push new mothers to "bounce back" too quickly. Through candid conversations, we explore how connecting with one's own body can bring peace and alignment, and Emily shares the tools she developed to cultivate self-trust and well-being in both parenting and personal relationships.
2024-12-0252 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsTwins Born at Week 26: Jennifer Bernardo's Journey of Strength and HopeSend us a textWhat happens when your carefully laid plans take an unexpected turn? Jennifer Bernardo, author of "Week 26," brings us into her world as she shares the complexities of premature birth and the NICU journey. Rushed to the hospital at just 26 weeks pregnant, what she thought was a false alarm quickly turned into the premature delivery of twins due to placenta previa complications. Jennifer's story pulls back the curtain on the unpredictability of childbirth and the emotional and physical hurdles of suddenly becoming a NICU mom. Her candid reflections on her previous miscarriage and its...
2024-11-1837 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsEmily Finnell's Path Through Loss and the Gift of AdoptionSend us a textTo kick off Season 3, we’re going back to where it all began. Emily Finnell’s story of a harrowing birth experience and a “free-fall into faith” culminates in a beautiful open adoption that was more life-changing than she could have imagined.Have you ever faced a life-altering moment that shattered your expectations and reshaped your path? In this remastered episode, Emily Finnell, a former special education teacher who's become a Leadership Mindset Coach, shares her incredibly moving journey through pregnancy and loss. Emily opens up about her first pregnancy, meticulously planned...
2024-11-0438 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsDr. Shweta Patel: Demystifying Hormones and Empowering Women's HealthSend us a textDr. Shweta Patel, a respected and innovative OB-GYN, joins us to unveil her upcoming book, "The Book of Hormones," promising a fresh perspective on the complex role of hormones in women's health. Her journey from wanting to write an all-encompassing guide to a focused exploration of hormones reveals untold stories and overlooked aspects of women's experiences. You'll gain invaluable insights into how hormones like cortisol shape everyday life, often dismissed by healthcare providers, empowering you to better understand your body.Through engaging conversations, we explore the scope of pregnancy, childbirth, and...
2024-10-2148 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsNurturing Strength: Brigette Panetta's Path Through Adversity and RenewalSend us a textFacing the daunting challenges of new motherhood amid a pandemic, Brigette Panetta's story is a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication. Just days before giving birth to her daughter Emerald, Brigette found herself embroiled in an unexpected legal battle over her family business, all while navigating the tumultuous waters of a global pandemic. Journey with us as Brigette shares her harrowing experience of an attempted home birth that led to severe complications and an ICU stay. Her narrative is one of strength, as she remained a pillar of support for her partner, James...
2024-10-0748 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsAshley Martin: From Birth Complications to Creating the NICU NotebookSend us a textHow does a mother endure the stress of a high-risk pregnancy and the NICU during the early days of the pandemic? Join us as Ashley Martin from Southern Missouri bravely shares her incredible journey, from the initial excitement of a planned pregnancy to the harrowing moments of dealing with complications like a subchorionic hemorrhage and a diagnosis of PPROM and incompetent cervix. Ashley’s candid storytelling sheds light on the overwhelming emotions of facing her daughter’s premature birth at just 24 weeks and four days, and how she transitioned her experience into creating the...
2024-09-2351 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsSuzzie Vehrs Shares Insights on Doula Support and Maternal CareSend us a textUnlock the secrets to a more empowering childbirth experience! Join me as I sit down with Suzzie Vehrs, a dedicated doula and mother of two, who made a remarkable transition from finance to birth advocacy. Suzzie opens up about her personal journey through pregnancy, loss, and the incredible power of support during childbirth. You'll gain insight into the vital role doulas play in helping mothers make informed decisions and letting their voices be heard in the delivery room. Plus, we dive into the recent legislative changes that have made insurance coverage for doula...
2024-09-0949 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsKatie Bayer: Transforming Postpartum Recovery with Pelvic Floor TherapySend us a textCan pelvic floor therapy be the missing piece in postpartum recovery? Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with Katie Bayer, PT, DPT, owner of Transition Physical Therapy and co-founder of Behive Wellness. Katie shares her deeply personal journey through a twin pregnancy, a premature delivery at 33 weeks, and the emotional rollercoaster of a NICU stay. Her experiences, culminating in a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), have shaped her dedication to specializing in pelvic floor therapy for pregnant and postpartum women. Listen as Katie recounts the vital role family support...
2024-08-2642 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsNeri Life Choma: Revolutionizing Childbirth Through The Birth Coach MethodSend us a textDiscover how to transform your childbirth experience with insights from Neri Life Choma, a seasoned childbirth educator, birth doula, and the visionary behind the Birth Coach Method. We delve into the emotional and mental readiness that modern childbirth demands and explore how traditional methods may no longer suffice. Neri shares her vast experience, emphasizing the significance of aligning internal motivations with birthing plans and preparing for potential medical interventions. This episode promises to offer a fresh perspective on childbirth preparation, especially for those facing high-risk pregnancies.What if societal expectations and...
2024-08-121h 34
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsElise Nicole Kirkpatrick: Embracing Feminine Power and Mindful Birth PracticesSend us a textJoin us as we uncover the journey of Elise Nicole Kirkpatrick, an internationally acclaimed feminine authenticity and embodiment mentor. Elise shares her powerful birth stories—one marked by trauma, the other by peace. From a challenging 16.5-hour labor at a birth center to the serene home birth of her second child, Elise emphasizes the importance of feeling safe and grounded during childbirth. Her background in yoga, meditation, and hypnobirthing prepared her for these profound experiences.Explore Elise's transition from a yoga instructor to a doula, driven by her passion for supporting wo...
2024-07-2959 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsAmy Suzanne on Resilience, Motherhood, and Building Pink StorkSend us a textDiscover the extraordinary journey of Amy Suzanne, the founder and CEO of Pink Stork, as she navigates the trials of infertility, debilitating nausea and vomiting, and life threatening sepsis—all while supporting her husband during military deployments. Amy's inspiring tale of resilience and faith takes center stage as she shares how her battles with hyperemesis gravidarum led to the creation of Pink Stork, a company dedicated to women's health. Through her personal story, Amy illustrates the transformative power of holistic approaches in her own pregnancies, turning her despair into a mission to help ot...
2024-07-1627 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsLynn Schulte: Mastering Postpartum Recovery with Pelvic Health TechniquesSend us a textUnlock the secrets to a smoother postpartum recovery with Lynn Schulte, a seasoned pelvic floor physical therapist and the visionary behind the Institute for Birth Healing. In today's episode, Lynn shares her journey from experiencing positive births to developing specialized techniques for postpartum care. Discover how she identified common pelvic misalignments in her clients after moving to Boulder, Colorado, and how her innovative realignment techniques can dramatically reduce pain and improve muscle function.We'll explore the critical role of pelvic bone realignment and how a simple exercise can bring relief to...
2024-07-011h 12
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsAmanda Kingsley on Compassionate Conversations About Reproductive DecisionsSend us a textWhat if the toughest decision of your life could lead to profound personal growth? In our latest episode, we engage in a heartfelt conversation with Amanda Kingsley, a life and after-abortion coach, who opens up about her deeply personal and multifaceted reproductive health journey. Amanda shares her story of navigating planned and unplanned pregnancies, challenging pregnancies and childbirths, and the emotional labyrinth of abortion, offering listeners a rare and compassionate insight into the complexities of reproductive choices.Join us as Amanda offers a raw and honest look into her experiences, from...
2024-06-171h 00
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsTara Accardo: Trusting Maternal Instincts and Navigating Premature Birth ChallengesSend us a textWhat would you do if your pregnancy took an unexpected turn? Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Tara Accardo, a first-time mom and grief and transformational life coach, who shares her compelling journey through pregnancy, an emergency C-section, and the early arrival of her daughter, Audrey. Tara’s powerful story not only highlights the importance of trusting maternal instincts but also provides deep insights into the critical role of timely medical intervention. Her narrative is a testament to the strength and resilience of new parents navigating unforeseen circumstances.Our discussion ex...
2024-06-031h 01
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsGrace and Grief: Marcella Jewell's Journey Through Miscarriage, Medical Termination, and MotherhoodSend us a textWhen Marcella Jewell, a warrior in the realm of motherhood, shares her story, you can't help but be enveloped by a tapestry of raw emotion and profound strength. Her journey through the complex world of fertility is one that mirrors a mosaic of life's most tender and tumultuous moments: the joy of welcoming children, the heartache of five miscarriages, and a decision that tested the very essence of her hope and courage. Our conversation is an intimate exploration of those often unspoken struggles, a testament to the resilience required to navigate the unpredictable...
2024-05-201h 25Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsJennifer Byrnes: Navigating Parental Grief and Offering Genuine SupportSend us a textWhen the waves of parental grief and loss crash upon us, navigating their unpredictable swells can be a journey as unique as our fingerprints. Therapist Jennifer Byrnes, LPC, PMH-C, EMDR certified therapist, joins me to explore these deeply personal experiences, shining a light on the many forms grief can take — from the pain of miscarriage and infant loss to the silent suffering of fertility challenges. Through our discussion, Jennifer helps us understand that mourning has no prescribed path, and that the company we keep can make all the difference in weathering the storm.
2024-05-0647 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsSteph Sellen's Birth Evolution: Lessons in Advocacy and StrengthSend us a textWhen Steph Sellen, a mother of six with her seventh bundle of joy on the way, sat down with me, she didn't hold back. Her first childbirth, marred by a traumatic induction, was a stark contrast to the empowered births that followed. As a real estate dynamo and podcast host, Steph's life is as multifaceted as it gets. Our conversation ventured through the landscape of her birthing experiences, from the cold sterility of her initial hospital labor to the warmth and personalized care provided by midwives in later deliveries. She candidly details how...
2024-04-2246 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsJourney Through Motherhood's Emotional Landscape with Megan MacCutcheonSend us a textHave you ever found yourself laughing through tears, or smiling despite a wave of sadness? It's a complex emotional dance that Megan MacCutcheon, LPC, and I explore in our latest episode. Megan, a specialist in perinatal mental health, joins us to discuss the profound ability to experience multiple emotions at once and how acknowledging this can be especially vital during significant life transitions, like motherhood. Our conversation provides insightful guidance on processing each feeling as a signal that something within us needs care and attention, and we navigate the waters of emotional complexity...
2024-04-0833 min
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsJennifer Schlueter: Hypnotherapy in Pregnancy and ChildbirthSend us a textAs I sat down with Jennifer Schlueter, a certified hypnotherapist who lives and breathes the power of spiritual hypnosis, we unraveled a transformative approach to pregnancy and childbirth. Jennifer offers a sanctuary for expectant mothers to not only prepare their bodies for the journey ahead but to also heal from past traumas. Our conversation invites you into the sacred space where moms-to-be can connect with their inner wisdom and create a nurturing environment for the new life they’re about to welcome. By tapping into the subconscious, Jennifer helps women release stored emotions, se...
2024-03-2547 minBirth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsMy First Birth StorySend us a textWhen life handed me the label "elderly primigravida," I didn't just recoil at the term—I redefined it. Embark on a profoundly candid chronicle where I lay bare the trials and triumphs of my journey into motherhood later in life. Coupling professional expertise as a labor and delivery nurse with my visceral personal experience, this episode is an intricate tapestry of the fears, the stigma, and the sheer joy that comes with pregnancy after 35. Recounts of battling persistent nausea and a petite frame's resistance to the rigors of childbirth paint a vivid picture of...
2024-03-111h 03
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant IndividualsChildbirth Attorney Gina Mundy's Guide to a Safer ChildbirthSend us a textEmbark on a transformative journey through the landscape of childbirth with our esteemed guest, Gina Mundy, a childbirth attorney and author, whose insights promise to arm future parents with the tools for a safer and more empowered birthing experience. Imagine entering one of life's most significant events, not with fear, but with the confidence of a well-rehearsed plan, as Gina guides us through the essential steps of preparation and the importance of establishing open lines of communication with your healthcare team. Her experience in the courtroom and stories shared in "A Parents' Guide...
2024-03-041h 14