Shows
The Culture Soup Podcast®EP. 197 Full Circle: The Leadership Theory EpisodeIn this third installment of the Leadership Revival Series, L. Michelle Smith brings the journey full circle. After exploring history & culture in Part 1 and applied science in Part 2, today’s episode takes us into the final pillar of the Call & Response Leadership Revival Framework: leadership theory. This episode weaves together research, lived experience, and a deeply personal full-circle story that became a turning point in the creation of Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church (Amistad Books/HarperCollins, Feb 2026). You’ll hear: Why leadership theory is finally naming what many leaders have lived for generations How self-work, relationship work, and...
2025-11-2118 min
The Culture Soup Podcast®️Full Circle: The Leadership EpisodeIn this third installment of the Leadership Revival Series, L. Michelle Smith brings the journey full circle. After exploring history & culture in Part 1 and applied science in Part 2, today’s episode takes us into the final pillar of the Call & Response Leadership Revival Framework: leadership theory.This episode weaves together research, lived experience, and a deeply personal full-circle story that became a turning point in the creation of Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church (Amistad Books/HarperCollins, Feb 2026).You’ll hear:Why leadership theory is finally naming what many lead...
2025-11-2118 min
The Culture Soup Podcast®️Finding Your Giant Steps When the Ground Feels Shaky with Lelani Brown???? Episode SummaryThe job market isn’t giving today’s college seniors much to smile about—and that includes the Class of 2025. On this timely and powerful episode of The Culture Soup Podcast®, L. Michelle Smith welcomes leadership expert and author Leilani M. Brown for a heart-to-heart on what it takes to launch strong, even in uncertain times.With candor, warmth, and serious know-how, Leilani unpacks what students, families, employers—and even leaders—need to understand about the transition from campus to career. You’ll hear about the emotional toll of today’s job market, what matters mo...
2025-09-2541 min
The Culture Soup Podcast®️I love NABJWhat happens when the organization that once spoke truth to power… goes quiet?In this candid and courageous conversation, host L. Michelle Smith sits down with her friend and media powerhouse Errin Haines to talk about the urgent state of Black journalism, the legacy (and future) of NABJ, and what leadership must look like when both journalism and democracy are under attack.Errin shares deeply personal stories—from reporting in Ferguson to launching The 19th—and outlines her bold vision for NABJ’s next 50 years. They discuss press freedom, AI, innovation, media accountability, and the hard tru...
2025-07-2400 min
The Culture Soup Podcast®️All things transformational: AI & The Power of the PivotShow Notes - The Culture Soup Podcast-Ep 189In this episode, host L. Michelle Smith takes us on a reflective journey back to 2018, when she first launched The Culture Soup Podcast. She shares how an unexpected speaking career and a chance encounter led her to create both a podcast and a book, despite corporate challenges.She then shifts focus to the present, discussing the impact of recent executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), particularly in the corporate and federal sectors. With canceled sponsorships and shifting priorities, Michelle emphasizes resilience in times of u...
2025-02-2739 min
The Culture Soup Podcast®️Yes Please! Launch EventYes Please! Release Day Launch EventBe a part of the crucial conversation as award-winning, best selling 3X author L. Michelle Smith is joined by guest host Condace Pressley, host of Perspectives/WSB-Atlanta for an in depth fireside chat about the new book Yes Please! 7 Ways to Say I'm Entitled to the C-Suite: Secrets Women of Color Need to Know Now to Find their Happy and Win in an Exclusive Corporate Culture. We will also welcome special guest Dr. Jeff Gardere, "America's Psychologist" who penned the foreword for the n...
2023-06-161h 05
The Birth Ease Podcast149 Annual Guided Relaxation for the HolidaysThis time of year can bring a sense of magic and joy and at the same time, the holidays can also bring feelings of overwhelm and stress. Michelle airs this special holiday relaxation each year session which is designed to help release the stress and strain you may be feeling and gain a sense of clarity regarding what you value in your life as you prepare to enter the New Year. As a gentle reminder: this guided relaxation recording audio is for just that, relaxation purposes only. It does not constitute medical or mental health advice or tre...
2022-12-0735 min
The Birth Ease Podcast148 Navigating Parenthood the LOVVE Way with Natasha SolovieffNatasha Solovieff and Michelle discuss Natasha’s signature strategy which helps parents to stay engaged with their children and each other. Her L.O.V.V.E. Way invites families to begin Listening, Om-ing (centering yourself), Voicing, Visioning, and Exploring in order to unwind any difficult feelings, emotions, and situations and determine what is of value to them as a family. The L.O.V.V.E. Way creates a solid path in this time of uncertainty and provides relationship and self-reflection tools that are extremely vital, and yet, rarely taught. {replay of episode 38}"What I wanted to g...
2022-11-2343 min
The Birth Ease Podcast147 The Dance of Parenting with Natasha SolovieffNatasha Solovieff and Michelle explore the ways that parenting can be compared to an ongoing dance with your child and the importance of acknowledging the needs of both parent and child. Natasha explains the ways you can decrease your stress, filter through all the information and opinions, and connect more fully with your children, your partner, and your own inner wisdom. Natasha shares her L.O.V.V.E. process: Listening, Om-ing (centering yourself), Voicing, Visualizing, and Exploring. Her tools are invaluable when planning a pregnancy, during pregnancy, while communicating with medical providers, throughout your parenting years, and even...
2022-11-0950 min
The Birth Ease Podcast146 Did My Water Just Break? What to RememberIf and when your water might break in labor is often confusing and stressful for expecting parents. Michelle explains when this can happen, what to expect, what to look for, and a helpful acronym to remember- MTACOS, Movement of baby, Time, Amount, Color, Odor, and Status of Group B Strep. Michelle recommends also listening to episode 132 featuring Heidi Snyderburn of Birth Story podcast regarding some recent research on rupture of membranes and labor. Connect with Michelle Smith:Virtual Classes or Sessions with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, Facebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ea...
2022-10-2611 min
The Birth Ease Podcast144 Calm Birth Meditation App SamplesThe Calm Birth prenatal meditation program now has an app for easier access to the meditations. Michelle shares samples of the meditations for listeners to experience. You can learn more about Calm Birth and the practices in episodes 76-80 and about the similarities and differences between Hypnobirthing and Calm Birth in episode 86. Michelle includes the introduction for each meditation beginning with this 7-minute version of Womb Breathing or Breather as it is named on the App. She also provides a sample of Rest based on the Practice of Opening and Healing based on the practice of compassionate b...
2022-09-2845 min
The Birth Ease Podcast141 What Is Natural Labor Really Like?Michelle provides an overview of the 4 stages of labor. She shares that the first stage of labor involves contractions that get longer, stronger, and closer together and that it is divided into 3 phases: early labor, active labor, and transition. Michelle also explains Braxton-Hicks contractions and labor contractions and the different ways in which laboring moms may experience their contractions or surges, especially if they are using hypnobirthing. Michelle also shares the story of how she explained the parallels between natural birth and getting a large tattoo to her client that said, "So get real, what is labor really like?" ...
2022-08-1712 min
The Birth Ease Podcast140 Breastfeeding Meditation- Calm Birth's Breath FeedingWorld Breastfeeding Week 2022 is August 1-7 and to celebrate Michelle shares the Calm Birth prenatal meditation childbirth program's Calm Parents Meditation for breastfeeding. This meditation is a part of the Calm Parent's collection of postpartum meditations which includes versions of this Breath Feeding meditation- whether that is breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, or chestfeeding. Feeding a new baby can have its joys and its challenges. Breath Feeding helps parents appreciate that they have everything they need to nourish their child. Even if things aren't going by the book, this meditation reminds parents that they have so much more than food to...
2022-08-0331 min
The Birth Ease Podcast134 Birth Plans- Dos and Don'tsA birth plan is a way for you to communicate your wishes to your health care team during your labor and after the birth of your baby. Each birth is a unique experience. Creating a birth plan empowers you to become informed of all your options during labor and Michelle provides helpful tips to consider when writing a birth plan. Connect with Michelle:For birth plan examples, please email me: Michelle@birtheaseservices.comVirtual Classes or Sessions with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, birtheasehypnobirth.com/hypnobirthing-classes-orlando-michelleFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth...
2022-05-1113 min
The Birth Ease Podcast133 Pilates for Pregnancy and Birth with Beth SandlinBeth Sandlin, NCPT explains the Pilates method and its benefits during pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood. She emphasizes maintaining a flexible routine and restorative movements and exercises, especially when recovering after birth and caring for a new baby and small children. Beth also explains the similarities and differences between pilates and yoga. Michelle and Beth discuss her Trauma Informed Pilates Approach (TIPA) program for Pilates teachers worldwide who want to use a Trauma Informed Care framework when teaching the Pilates method. Together, they stress the importance of taking time to heal and recover after giving birth and letting go of e...
2022-04-271h 01
The Birth Ease Podcast132 What If My Water Breaks? Doula Diaries with Heidi SnyderburnMichelle shares one of her favorite episodes of the Doula Diaries podcast hosted by Heidi Snyderburn. In her episode, Heidi digs into expectant management (aka doing nothing) and induction when you experience PROM-Premature Rupture Of the Membranes (water breaking). Heidi shares her doula advice partnered with the Hanah et al TERM PROM trial and the data. So, want to know what Heidi would tell you do if she was your doula and you experienced PROM? Take a listen. There are also some scripts you could use if this happens to you and how to navigate pressure at the hospital f...
2022-04-1325 min
The Birth Ease Podcast131 Hiring a Doula with Kathy BradleyWith 60 years of combined experience between them, Michelle and Kathy Bradley, IBCLC discuss the key things for parents to consider when hiring a doula. Doulas provide non-medical educational and emotional support to birthing families. Doulas can help navigate information overload and differing opinions that expectant parents often face. Kathy and Michelle suggest exploring: What do I want for my birth experience and who is going to help me to get that? How do I want to give birth? Are there any fears (mine or others) that are influencing my decisions for my pregnancy and birth?
2022-03-301h 22
The Birth Ease Podcast129 Return to Center MeditationBecoming quiet, going within, eliciting the relaxation response, and accessing inner peace is even more crucial during these stressful times we are in. Multiple studies have the benefits of meditation and the relaxation response. This response reduces the impacts of stress and inflammation within the body, and reducing stress is one of the recommended actions to take to help strengthen your immune system. In this special replay episode, Michelle has created this guided imagery meditation to help you mitigate the stress and fatigue that most all of us are under, reconnect with your own inner wisdom, and r...
2022-03-0250 min
The Birth Ease Podcast128 Having a Student Doula Attend Your Birth? Consider This.Having a student doula that is completing their required number of births for certification can be a great option for families looking for additional education and support that doulas bring to expecting families. However, Michelle cautions parents against paying a student doula for their certifying births—especially if they have little to no experience attending births or caring for postpartum families—at the same rate as a seasoned certified doula. "A certifying doula has much to learn about birth itself; supporting families; advocating; attending births in different settings: hospitals, birth center, or home; navigating horizontal violence; disparities and in...
2022-02-1611 min
The Birth Ease Podcast127 Dancing For Birth with Gina AlemánMichelle chats with Gina Alemán about being a doula, providing postpartum support and education to new families, and the Dancing For Birth program. Together, they discuss the benefits of movement and dance for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, babies, and healing trauma. Gina shares how Dancing For Birth helps birth partners to feel better equipped for labor, as well. "A big part of the time that I spend with the participants and my clients in these classes, the Dancing For Birth classes, is 'How can you reconnect to your instincts and how can you awaken your instincts?'... You...
2022-02-0248 min
The Birth Ease Podcast126 What's a 36 Week Moment?Michelle discusses how she has observed that the hormonal surges in pregnancy can impact a pregnant person’s emotional state at pivotal points in pregnancy, especially at 35-36 weeks. "And part of this phenomenon too, instead of it being a physical nesting, it is a more mental-emotional nesting. And so, part of that overwhelm can also be how am I going to balance going back to work and having a new baby? How am I going to balance caring for 2 children or 3 children? And it's like everything hits." —MichelleHelpful Links:https://www.livesc...
2022-01-2608 min
The Birth Ease Podcast125 Affirmations for ParenthoodMichelle shares encouraging positive affirmations for parenthood that begin with focusing upon your breath and connecting heart to heart with your child. To learn more about affirmations and how to best work with them, please listen to episode 106 Birth Affirmations.Connect with Michelle Smith:Virtual Classes or Sessions with Michelle: birtheaseservices.com/birth-ease-childbirth-education, birtheasehypnobirth.com/hypnobirthing-classes-orlando-michelleFacebook: Birth Ease, The Birth Ease PodcastInstagram: @birtheasemichellesmithYouTube: Birth EaseLinkedIn: Birth Ease Michelle SmithWebsite: BirthEaseServices.com , birtheasehypnobirth.comThank you for listening!
2022-01-1923 min
The Birth Ease Podcast124 Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Pregnancy and Newborns with Juliet MichaelsJuliet Michaels shares insights with Michelle into the multiple advantages that chiropractic care brings to babies and their mothers during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum year. Juliet explains how gentle the chiropractic adjustments are for expecting mothers, babies, and children and how this care differs from that a non-pregnant adult would receive. Juliet provides guidance regarding signs to look for in your newborn that signal that your baby, and you, would benefit from chiropractic care. {This episode is a replay of episode 020.}“Statistically, women who [receive chiropractic care and] get adjusted throughout pregnancy and during labor have fas...
2022-01-1250 min
The Birth Ease Podcast123 The Wisdom of Oriental Medicine and Postpartum Healing with Amy GendronAmy Gendron. AP shares with Michelle the ways in which Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture support families during postpartum recovery. Amy explains the vital importance of nutrition to nourish, support, and rebuild the body after birth and the role placenta encapsulation can play in that. Together they stress cultivating community and putting a plan in place to receive non-judgemental help and support after the baby is born. {This episode originally aired as episode 64.}"There's a few different mechanisms that they can demonstrate with western research what acupuncture does and it releases endorphins, it boosts the immune system, and i...
2022-01-051h 05
The Birth Ease Podcast122 Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for Pregnancy and Birth with Amy GendronMichelle talks with Amy Gendron about the incredible advantages Oriental medicine can provide throughout a woman's lifetime. Oriental medicine's very tenet it seeks to maintain health and treat the whole person versus focusing on just a set of symptoms. Michelle and Amy discuss the ways that Oriental medicine is a powerful adjunct to a woman and her partner when they are ready to conceive a child, throughout each trimester of pregnancy, during labor, postpartum, and beyond. Amy explains how acupuncture can help bring a woman into balance by addressing blood quality, stress levels, and stimulating the immune system. Stress...
2021-12-2929 min
The Birth Ease Podcast120 The Benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum with Stephanie SmithMichelle has a conversation with Stephanie Smith, E-RYT, PRYT regarding the benefits of yoga for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond in this special replay episode. Stephanie explains how yoga not only prepares the physical body for the stress and rigors of birth but the emotional body as well. She explains the connection between our breath and the reduction of the flight/flight stress response. Stephanie shares how her yoga practice helped her to set healthy boundaries with others during her pregnancy and keep a sense of ease and calm when her plans for her daughter’s birth did not go...
2021-12-1546 min
The Birth Ease Podcast119 Releasing Holiday Stress Guided RelaxationThis time of year can bring a sense of magic and joy and at the same time, the holidays can also bring feelings of overwhelm and stress. 2020 was such an intense year, and this prompted Michelle to begin an annual tradition of re-airing her guided relaxation session for the holidays. This session is designed to help release the stress and strain you may be feeling and gain a sense of clarity regarding what you value in your life as you prepare to enter the New Year. As a gentle reminder: This guided relaxation recording audio is for jus...
2021-12-0835 min
The Birth Ease Podcast117 Doula Services and Labor Support with Kathy BradleyIn this replay episode, Michelle is incredibly honored to feature one of her mentors in the birth field, Kathy Bradley. With 50 years of combined experience between them, Michelle and Kathy discuss the ways that a doula can reduce stress and fear during the childbearing year. Kathy explains what a doula is, the history of the profession, and the continuity of care doulas provide. She stresses the importance of taking into consideration a doula’s birth philosophy as it compares to your desires for your birth, as well as the value her years of experience can bring to you. Kathy sh...
2021-11-2444 min
The Birth Ease Podcast116 Holistic Pediatric Care with Lyndsey SutherlandIn this special replay episode, Michelle and Lyndsey Sutherland, DNP, ARNP discuss the beauty of integrating both Eastern and Western medical practices when caring for our children, and how this holistic approach looks for the root of the problem versus simply treating the systems. In this proactive practice model, the provider is treating the whole child and supporting the whole family. Lyndsey shares what to look for when choosing a pediatric provider for your child. Together they stress the importance of finding a caregiver that creates an environment that promotes mutual communication, safety, and trust. "If you don...
2021-11-1735 min
The Birth Ease Podcast115 Birth Trauma and Babies with Susan DascenziMichelle shares her guest spot on Susan Danscenzi’s podcast, Kick Your Buts. In this foundational interview for expecting parents, Susan and Michelle touch on what trauma is, explain how stress during pregnancy and birth can have an impact on the child, define trauma within birth, the importance of finding tools to mitigate stress, and practices to help support a new family. "There is a sad statistic 35-50% of women experience birth trauma, 2.5%-9% will experience birth-related PTSD, and many pre and perinatal psychologists feel that the birth trauma for babies is epidemic right now. That sets the...
2021-11-101h 14
The Birth Ease Podcast114 Reflections on Language, Culture, and Motherhood with Nazli TezcurNazli Tezcur openly shares her story of motherhood, the trauma she endured from her cesareans with the medicalized births of her boys, and the grief of her miscarriages. As a linguist, Nazli reflects with Michelle upon how the language and culture around women's bodies strip women of their power creating guilt, shame, self-blame, silencing, and the accompanying loneliness that so many women experience. Together they discuss transformative power and the personal nature of birth, loss, motherhood, and the exploration of our emotions as women. "It is very existential, and it lives and breathes through our own daily e...
2021-11-031h 37
The Birth Ease Podcast111 Choosing Your OB or Midwife and Place of Birth with Meg FolsomIn this very special replay episode, Michelle has a candid and vital conversation with Meg Folsom, a fellow birth guardian, about the importance of choosing your caregiver and place of birth as an expectant family. Meg shares her personal birth stories and how those experiences shaped her journey as a birth professional. Together, they want women to understand they have options in their maternity care, as well as rights and autonomy over their bodies and their babies. Meg stresses the importance of asking questions and requesting the pros and cons of a protocol or medical procedure. She counsels women...
2021-10-1352 min
The Birth Ease Podcast109 MICROBIRTH with Toni HarmanListen in as Michelle chats with Toni Harman award-winning documentary filmmaker, author, and digital course creator. Her documentary film, MICROBIRTH has helped parents and professionals around the world understand the infant microbiome. Toni explains what the microbiome is, how it relates to the immune system, and what can be done to protect a baby's microbiome during pregnancy, birth, and early infancy. Together they discuss such things as how a cesarean birth, water birth, a baby born en caul (without the water breaking), breastfeeding, and formula feeding impact the baby's microbiome. Toni also shares how breastmilk is designed to seed...
2021-09-2948 min
The Birth Ease Podcast108 Ways to Reduce StressIn this replay of episode 03, Michelle discusses ways to mitigate stress such as creating a strong support network of friends and family, counseling, journaling, and meditation. She also explains what the relaxation response is and the benefits it provides. This episode includes a bonus guided relaxation session (with updated background music) that helps to create a healing relational field between a parent and their child(ren) that enhances connection and bonding—no matter the age of their baby and/or child(ren). “If parents counteract the effects of stress by utilizing the relaxation response daily, their babies receive...
2021-09-2249 min
The Birth Ease Podcast107 The Impacts of Stress Upon Perinatal HealthMichelle is celebrating the 2 year anniversary of the Birth Ease Podcast! With all of the stress the Coronavirus pandemic is bringing, she reairs episode 2 to once again set the foundation of what she means by "noise" in the podcast introduction, as well as exactly what stress is and the impacts it has. Michelle shares how stress can affect our ability to conceive a child, as well as cause pregnancy complications and preterm birth. If a mother is experiencing chronic or intense acute stress, then it will actually interfere with the wiring of the unborn baby's brain. During birth, stress...
2021-09-151h 05
The Birth Ease Podcast106 Birth AffirmationsMichelle shares the benefits of birth affirmations and provides tips on how to use them during pregnancy. She also discusses the possibility of certain birth affirmations unintentionally creating trauma for someone if the birth doesn't go as planned. Michelle then concludes the episode with recorded birth affirmations that can be used during pregnancy to prepare for birth and parenthood. "There is a part of us that does hold wisdom. Our body has a wisdom. And unfortunately, we have been taught through our culture essentially not to trust ourself, not to listen to our body. That there is an...
2021-09-0832 min
The Birth Ease Podcast103 CranioSacral Therapy with Annette LearyIn this replay for Breastfeeding Awareness Month, Annette Leary, IBCLC, RN, BSN shares with Michelle the multitude of ways that craniosacral therapy benefits people of all ages and stages in life; especially as it relates to fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and infant feeding. CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. It was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger after years of clinical testing and research at Michigan State University."For newborns, those are the kinda t...
2021-08-1849 min
The Birth Ease Podcast102 Breastfeeding Awareness Month- Tongue Ties with Kathy BradleyIn this replay for Breastfeeding Awareness Month, Michelle asks Kathy Bradley, IBCLC to discuss an increasing concern for parents: tongue and lip ties in newborns. Kathy explains what a tongue or lip-tie is, the different types of ties, the potential signs of a tongue-tie, and when a surgical revision may be necessary. Kathy also shares what parents may want to look for in a provider if a tongue-tie revision is advised, as well as concerns regarding the MTHFR gene mutation and the formation of tongue-ties. "So, the rule of thumb is just because we see that something lo...
2021-08-1149 min
The Birth Ease Podcast101 World Breastfeeding Week- Addressing Fears with Kathy BradleyIn honor of World Breastfeeding Week, Michelle re-airs her conversation with Kathy Bradley, IBCLC in which they explore the sources of fear and stress that can create doubts surrounding the ability to breastfeed our babies and trust ourselves as parents. “We are getting the messages in our culture that breastfeeding is best, but it’s not being modeled. So in an unconscious, non-verbal way we are getting two different messages that we are diabolically opposed.” — Kathy Bradley About Kathy Bradley, IBCLC:Spanning a 30-year career in the maternal health field, Kathy is the visi...
2021-08-0439 min
The Birth Ease Podcast099 My Guest Appearance on Empowered Black Doula Podcast with Keshia LockettMichelle shares her guest appearance on the Empowered Black Doula Podcast with host Keshia Locket. In the episode, Michelle shares her 20+ year journey as a birth professional, how her work has evolved over the years, and some of the insights she has received along the way. Together they discuss the nature of birth work, the impacts of stress and trauma, and the experience of being a doula. Michelle also shares the events that lead her to become a bereavement doula and Certified Grief Counseling Specialist in order to more fully support families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. "Fin...
2021-07-211h 03
The Birth Ease Podcast098 Creating a Positive Birth Experience with Kathy BradleyMichelle and Kathy Bradley, owner of Childbirth Concierge, discuss Kathy's upcoming book, "Creating a Positive Experience". Together they explore what the concept of a positive birth experience can mean, what shapes it, and how the process can begin even before the baby is conceived. "I really am hoping that people that read this book can feel empowered enough to trust their innate wisdom and what they need to do to process through and be able to just let go of anything that is shameful, whatever those cases may be. That they can feel good about the decisions t...
2021-07-1459 min
The Birth Ease Podcast097 Empowered Black Doula with Keshia LockettKeshia Lockett shares what brought her to her doula work and inspired her to write her book, "Birth Undisturbed: How to have an unmedicated Hospital Birth". Together Keshia and Michelle discuss the joys and frustrations of being a doula in Central Florida and the importance of doing your own inner work as a doula. "I want all women to know that your birth is yours. And I want women to be truly empowered by saying, 'NO.' No is a complete answer. You don't need to explain anything…. It is fully your decision. And just truly be empo...
2021-07-0755 min
The Birth Ease Podcast094 Speaking Your Partner's Love Language- The Childbirth EditionIn this third episode in Michelle's series on the 5 Love Languages, she shares the suggestions that Dr. Gary Chapman provides the reader in his book to help to learn to speak your partner’s or spouse’s Love Language more fluently. Michelle provides specific additional information for each of Dr. Chapman's suggestions from the lens of perinatal health. This episode is filled with ways to lovingly care for and support your partner during pregnancy, labor, and life with a new baby and small children."When we are fluent in or at least familiar with each other's love lang...
2021-06-161h 06
The Birth Ease Podcast093 The 5 Love Languages in Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum with Sarah EngwallIn this second episode in The 5 Love Languages series, Michelle and Sarah Engwall, The Doula OT, have a casual conversation regarding the application of the 5 Love Languages to pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood. Through examples and personal anecdotes, they explore how an understanding of your partner’s and your own Love Languages prevents miscommunication and hurt feelings, as well as makes for a smoother transition into new parenthood. Check out episode 36 for more helpful tips for navigating postpartum with your partner or spouse. “I feel like that is where the preparation comes in. We prepare for lab...
2021-06-0945 min
The Birth Ease Podcast092 Introduction to The 5 Love Languages in BirthIn this first episode regarding The 5 Love Languages and how they can apply to pregnancy, birth, and life with a new baby; Michelle gives an overview of Dr. Gary Chapman’s revolutionary concept that has improved millions of relationships across the globe. The premise is simple: different people with different personalities express love in different ways. Dr. Chapman called these ways of expressing and receiving love the “5 Love Languages.” They are Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch. Each individual has at least one language that they prefer above the other. Understanding your own lo...
2021-06-0222 min
The Birth Ease Podcast091 Labor Support & Our Five SensesMichelle shares with birth partners how incorporating our five senses and an understanding of the learning styles: Visual, Auditory, Tactile-Kinesthetic, and Olfactory-Gustatory can help them to better provide comfort measures and support to their partner during labor and birth. The beauty of this is that the expecting mom and her birth partner can explore what both their learning and processing styles are before labor begins and consider what she thinks would be the most helpful to her at the time of birth. If the pregnant person's strongest learning style is the birth partner’s weakest, he or she can be...
2021-05-2633 min
The Birth Ease Podcast090 You Look Tired with Jenny Pritchett (alias Jenny True)Jenny Pritchett (alias Jenny True) shares her new book: You Look Tired: An Excruciatingly Honest Guide to New Parenthood with Michelle. Together they discuss the realities of birth and parenting, Jenny's birth story, and her motivations for writing this frank, spit-out-your-coffee funny guide filled with swear words for new parents. Jenny also explains why it was important to her to make certain that readers could see themselves reflected within the pages."It's not your typical new baby book. The idea is that there are a lot of great books out there. I read them all, and they ca...
2021-05-1948 min
The Birth Ease Podcast089 Newborn Hearing Screening with Dr. Blair HandyMay is Better Hearing Month and Michelle has a conversation with Dr. Blair Handy, a clinical audiologist. She shares the importance of hearing and screenings, and the impacts that hearing can have on communication, lifestyle, and overall quality of life. Dr. Blair explains why newborn hearings are necessary, what is involved, and what happens next if a baby doesn't pass the newborn hearing screening. She also shares signs to look for in your child that may signal a possible hearing loss."It can cause so many things like isolation, depression, and it affects relationships. When someone has...
2021-05-1243 min
The Birth Ease Podcast088 Nighttime Sleep Story for Children with Michelle SmithIn this episode, Michelle completes her series exploring the different childbirth methods that she teaches: Calm Birth - meditation based childbirth; Hypnobirth - hypnosis assisted childbirth, and The Birth Ease Method - guided relaxation focused childbirth. Over the years parents have shared how much their children have enjoyed listening to the audio recordings as they fall asleep. With this in mind, Michelle shares a special nighttime sleep story for children that she wrote and recorded for a little girl named Ava. As a gentle reminder, please avoid listening to this nighttime sleep story while engaging in an a...
2021-05-0524 min
The Birth Ease Podcast087 Birth Ease on Off My Duff- The Entrepreneur Podcast with Duff GardnerIn this series on the different childbirth methods she teaches, Michelle airs her guest appearance on “Off My Duff- The Entrepreneur Podcast” with host Duff Gardner.In their conversation, Michelle shares her story from witnessing her first birth to becoming a certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner and an Hypnobabies Instructor. Craving the freedom to grow and evolve, she is no longer affiliated with either institution. She has used her own voice to bring light to guided relaxation in childbirth. Duff shares his insights and personal story. Don’t miss these Highlights:• Evolving The Birth Ease Method to...
2021-04-2830 min
The Birth Ease Podcast086 Hypnobirthing and Calm Birth Meditation- Similarities and Differences with Stephanie SmithIn this episode of Michelle’s series on Hypnobirth, Michelle invites Stephanie Smith back to the podcast. Stephanie has over 20 years of experience as an E-RYT, PRYT Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, and as a student of meditation. Together they have a casual conversation regarding the benefits, similarities, and differences of hypnobirthing/hypnosis and the Calm Birth Meditation practices. What to hear more from Stephanie? She shares her expertise on perinatal yoga in episode 4 of the podcast.“I like to look at the meditation practice as one that is kinda helping to heal at the cellu...
2021-04-211h 00
The Birth Ease Podcast085 All About Birth HypnosisHypoBirthing or Hypnobabies? In this next episode Michelle's series on Hypnobirth, she shares what led her to become a birth hypnosis specialist and a bit of history regarding hypnobirth. Michelle has previously certified in and taught both the HypnoBirthing and Hypnobabies childbirth programs. She thoughtfully shares her observations regarding the two methods to help expecting families to decide which method might be best for them. "I believe that the relaxation techniques that I teach provide a birthing woman a focus and control not realized by the average birthing person. Women report a feeling of empowerment, that they ha...
2021-04-1454 min
The Birth Ease Podcast084 On Being a HypnodoulaIn this next episode Michelle's series on Hypnobirth, she shares some of the realities of birth and being a hypnodoula. She expresses her gratitude for hypnosis and hypnobirth, for what she teaches, as well as her gratitude for the families she has worked with over these 20 years. She ends the episode with the fun birth story of her April Fool's Day hypnobaby prankster. "[Hypnosis], it's an incredible tool for healing, and for returning to our center and connecting with our own inner wisdom."— Michelle Smith Connect with Michelle Smith:Classes with Michell...
2021-04-0712 min
The Birth Ease Podcast081 Hypnobirth on the Birth Story Podcast with Heidi SnyderburnIn this first episode of Michelle's series on hypnobirth, she shares her guest appearance on the Birth Story Podcast with Heidi Snyderburn. Michelle explains the ins-and-outs of Hypnobirthing, Hypnobabies, and guided relaxation. Michelle addresses the misconceptions surrounding these practices, as well as provides guidance on preparing for the birth plan of your dreams, no matter what it looks like. Heidi shares her insights on birth hypnosis as a Certified HypnoBabies™ Doula. Heidi and Michelle end the episode with Michelle giving a brief hypnobirthing relaxation session.About Heidi Snyderburn:Heidi is the host of the Birth Sto...
2021-03-1747 min
The Birth Ease Podcast080 Calm Parents with Naima BondIn this last episode of Michelle's series on the Calm Birth meditation program, Naima Bond shares with Michelle what brought her to Calm Birth and her journey to becoming a Calm Birth Teacher Trainer. Together they discuss the extreme value and flexibility of Calm Birth's Calm Parents meditations for postpartum and beyond. These meditations consist of Calm Parent, Calm with Baby, Breathfeeding, Energy Breathing, and Practice of Healing. Naima also stresses the importance of parents creating a plan for the postpartum period after the birth.*As a note, the breathfeeding meditation will soon be available in four d...
2021-03-1051 min
The Birth Ease Podcast079 Womb Breathing with Adrienne BergtholdIn this next episode in Michelle's series on the Calm Birth meditation program, Adrienne Bergthold returns to explain the foundational practice of Calm Birth: Womb Breathing. She shares her serendipitous journey of how Calm Birth found her. Adrienne elaborates on the history of Womb Breathing and what distinguishes Calm Birth from other birth meditation practices. She clarifies the benefits of meditation and the ways in which Womb Breathing can assist us to recognize fear when it shows up without identifying with it. She stresses the importance of differentiating mind from awareness. Together they discuss why the practice of Womb...
2021-03-0359 min
The Birth Ease Podcast078 The Practices of Calm Birth with Anna HumphreysIn this next episode in Michelle's series on the Calm Birth meditation program, Anna Humphreys shares her journey to becoming the director of Calm Birth and the altruistic vision behind it. Calm Birth is based in advanced meditation traditions of the Tibetan Nyingma lineage. The Calm Birth practices are evidence-based, non-religious, and rooted in ancient wisdom. These practices are grounded in time-tested techniques perfect for these modern times. Together, these practices teach parents to breathe completely, rest deeply, deepen their bond with their baby, and heal themselves and the world. Anna explains two of these foundational Calm Birth practices...
2021-02-2459 min
The Birth Ease Podcast077 Calm Birth Meditation with Anna Humphreys, Adrienne Bergthold, & Naima BondIn Michelle's series on the Calm Birth meditation program, Michelle chats again with Calm Birth Teacher-Trainer Adrienne Bergthold from last week's episode on breath, Naima Bond Teacher-Trainer, and Anna Humphreys the Director of Calm Birth. Together they share the long-established history of Calm Birth, the medical science behind it, and what the practice has brought to each of them and the families they serve. "Meditation is just a practice of being able to recognize when our minds are wandering away, when they're not serving us, when they're not being productive, and to return to this space of a...
2021-02-1758 min
Force of Light PodcastChristianity and Censorship (Rev. Michael Smith)Join Rev. Michelle Smith as she has special guest her brother Rev. Michael Smith. They discuss the issue of censorship and Christianity. Should Christians be paying attention to what is going on? We discuss.
2021-02-1639 min
The Birth Ease Podcast073 Motherf*nction with Lindsey KauppIn this episode of Michelle's series on pelvic health, Lindsey Kaupp, OT shares the whole person approach that a pelvic health occupational therapist takes. Together they discuss stigmas that surround mental health, pain, sex, and pelvic health, as well as the documented correlation between depression &/or anxiety and pelvic floor function. Lindsey explains the five functions of the pelvic floor, how the pelvic floor is a factor in lower back pain, and the impacts of chronic pelvic pain, especially as it impacts our ability to function as a mother. They stress the importance of making certain to replenish and...
2021-01-201h 10
The Birth Ease Podcast071 Kegel Exercises and Our Deep Core System with Melissa SchubertMelissa Schubert, PT further explains our deep core system, especially as it relates to the pelvic floor and our breath. She also answers all of Michelle's many long-time questions regarding kegel exercises and the pelvic floor. Melissa shares why it can be difficult to teach kegel exercises in a generic versus individualized manner and why learning to relax the pelvic floor is just as important, if not more so, than building strength. They also discuss why belly binding can cause more harm than good if not done properly. "Relaxing the muscles are, I'll say, equaling if not m...
2021-01-061h 03
The Birth Ease Podcast070 Pelvic Floor Therapy- The Best Kept Secret with Melissa SchubertIn this next episode in Michelle’s series on pelvic floor health, Melissa Schubert, physical therapist, shares the evolution of pelvic floor physical therapy for women's health and the ways in which it can be of benefit after giving birth. She explains how our posture, our deep core system, our breath, and our emotions affect our pelvic floor. Together they also discuss how trauma can be held within the tissues and cells of the body. Melissa explains what the experience of receiving pelvic floor therapy can involve, as well as symptoms that new moms may be experiencing that indicate tha...
2020-12-301h 11
The Birth Ease Podcast069 How Your Pelvic Floor Works with Susan ClintonIn her series on the pelvic floor, Michelle re-airs her fun and educational conversation with physical therapist, Susan Clinton, and Michelle discuss the profound connection between our pelvic floor and our voice. Susan explains how our pelvic floor functions, ways to become more aware of our pelvic floor muscles, and what a ‘kegel’ exercise or pelvic floor lift is and isn’t. (So many women are taught to do this exercise incorrectly.) And, no, leaking urine is not just a normal part of pregnancy and birth! "A lot of mothers will come in and see me as a PT and...
2020-12-2356 min
The Birth Ease Podcast068 Pelvic Health and Birth Healing with Lynn SchulteTo begin her series on the pelvic floor, Michelle re-airs this information packed conversation with Lynn Schulte, founder of The Institute for Birth Healing, regarding the ways pelvic health can enhance our body’s ability to give birth and heal postpartum. Lynn explains the physical mechanics of the pelvic joints, the pelvic bones, and pelvic floor muscles and how they are meant to work together for birth. Lynn shares why she doesn’t recommend doing lots of kegel exercises during pregnancy to prepare for birth, why coached “purple pushing” during birth is really counterintuitive to releasing the baby, and how the...
2020-12-161h 03
The Birth Ease Podcast067 Releasing Holiday Stress Guided RelaxationThis time of year can bring a sense of magic and joy and at the same time, the holidays can also bring feelings of overwhelm and stress. 2020 has been such an intense year, and this prompted Michelle to begin an annual tradition of re-airing her guided relaxation session for the holidays. This session is designed to help release the stress and strain you may be feeling and to gain a sense of clarity regarding what you value in your life. Especially during this season, as we get ready to enter the New Year. As a gentle reminder: This...
2020-12-0936 minForce of Light PodcastSpeak Now Or Forever Hold Your Peace (Rev. Michael Smith)Join Rev. Michelle Smith and her brother Rev. Michael Smith as they discuss the subject Speak Now Or Forever Hold Your Peace. It is time for Christians to realize that now is the time to push back against the spirit that seeks to silence Christians. We live in a world that is increasingly silencing people who have opposing views from the mainstream. This includes Christianity. We need to speak the truth in love, and push back against censorship.
2020-12-0741 min
The Birth Ease Podcast064 The Wisdom of Oriental Medicine and Postpartum Healing with Amy GendronListen in as Amy Gendron shares with Michelle the ways in which Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture support families when they want to conceive a child and during postpartum recovery. Amy explains the vital importance of nutrition to nourish, support, and rebuild the body after birth and the role placenta encapsulation can play in that. Together they stress the cultivating of community and putting a plan in place to receive non-judgemental help and support after the baby is born. "There's a few different mechanisms that they can demonstrate with western research what acupuncture does and it releases endorphins, it...
2020-11-181h 03
The Birth Ease Podcast063 My Five Year Fertility Journey with Jasmine KatatikarnListen in as Jasmine Katatikarn shares her almost 6-year long fertility journey with Michelle. Together they discuss how difficult and lonely infertility can be for so many, the importance of advocating for yourself, as well as finding someone to talk to or a way to process and release the feelings and emotions such as grief, loss, guilt, and shame that often accompany infertility. Jasmine also explains when she was at the lowest point in her fertility journey, she decided to apply the creative and strategic mindset that she uses in her career as an artist. From this mindset, she...
2020-11-111h 00
The Birth Ease Podcast062 Stillbirthday: A Pregnancy Loss is Still a Birthday with Heidi FaithAs we move into November, Michelle finishes up her series honoring Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness with this tender conversation with Heidi Faith, president and CEO of Stillbirthday. Heidi shares her very personal journey that led her to found Stillbirthday Global Network, which is an internationally trusted benevolent organization whose philanthropic mission is simply to doula: to nurture sources of perinatal bereavement, strengthen skills of healthcare professionals and increase healthy engagement of perinatal related needs among communities. Together Heidi and Michelle discuss the depth of the resource that Stillbirthday is for families experiencing baby loss and for professionals alike...
2020-11-041h 10
The Birth Ease Podcast057 That's Grief You're Feeling... The Emotional Toll of the Pandemic with Susan DascenziIn this very personal episode, Michelle and Susan Dascenzi have a conversation regarding the multitude of losses the pandemic has brought us. They discuss how the strong emotions and overwhelm people are experiencing globally are due to grief. Susan shares what can happen if we push our feelings aside as we work to get back some normalcy. Together they dig deep into the places that we may not even realize that what we are experiencing is grief, where we may be in grief overload, the differences between emotions and feelings, Michelle’s own grief, why we can have a di...
2020-09-301h 34
The Birth Ease Podcast056 The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy with Elena RosaListen in as midwife Elena Rosa shares with Michelle the history and benefits of Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy. Together they discuss how each person's reproductive journey is their own, how the state of fight or flight affects the body, the connection between the heart and the uterus, deep healing, and following the lead of your heart. "And just thinking about the grief and what we're told how we're supposed to be as women, what we're supposed to accept, what we're supposed to receive, what we're not allowed to stand up for, what we're not allowed t...
2020-09-231h 06The Birth Ease Podcast055 One Year Podcast Anniversary EpisodeJoin Michelle as she celebrates the one year anniversary of The Birth Ease Podcast. She reflects upon her podcasting journey, what motivates her to produce the show, and the consistent pearl of wisdom that her guests have shared. Michelle explores how that simple pearl often gets taught of us and how to begin to find it again. "The podcast has traveled into some really difficult places such as pregnancy and infant loss, grief, human rights in childbirth, birth trauma, and the disparities birthing families face. It hasn't exactly been the most light and fluffy podcast. But these ar...
2020-09-1616 min
The Birth Ease Podcast054 Does My Baby have a Tongue Tie? with Kathy BradleyListen in as Michelle asks Kathy Bradley, IBCLC to discuss an increasing concern for parents: tongue and lip ties in newborns. Kathy explains what a tongue or lip tie is, the different types of ties, the potential signs of a tongue tie, and when a surgical revision may be necessary. Kathy also shares what parents may want to look for in a provider if a tongue tie revision is advised, as well as concerns regarding the MTHFR gene mutation and the formation of tongue ties. "So, the rule of thumb is just because we see that something lo...
2020-09-0948 min
The Birth Ease Podcast053 Homebirth, Breastfeeding, and COVID-19 with Jen TorresListen in as Michelle and Jen dig deep into the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic, the dynamics of blended families, her homebirth, bonding, and breastfeeding. They discuss the importance of finding good lactation support, oral motor issues in babies and children, thrush, the sexualization of breasts in our culture, and why it is vital for each family to find what works best for them regarding the feeding and care of their children. "There's so many factors and layers that are out of our control that at a certain point you have to learn to let go — not str...
2020-09-0248 min
The Birth Ease Podcast052 Our Pandemic Birth Story with Byuanni and JamesListen in as Byuanni and James recount their experience of giving birth at the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic. They explain the ways that the unknowns of COVID-19 brought additional stress to their first pregnancy and birth, as well as how they navigated an unexpected induction of labor, an epidural headache that was discounted as normal by hospital staff, and a strong bout of baby blues once their baby was born. Together, they share with Michelle the different factors that were positive game-changers in their experience."It was terrifying. Especially because at the time that I was...
2020-08-2647 min
The Birth Ease Podcast051 A Peaceful Hospital Birth Amidst the Pandemic with Jenn FongListen in as Jenn Fong, IG @preggotoparent, shares with Michelle her experience of giving birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together they discuss how this pregnancy differed from her first due to Coronavirus, her birth story and what helped her to create a peaceful birthing experience despite the pandemic and an unforeseen event impacting her birth, and what has helped her manage her postpartum with a new baby and a two year old. Jenn shares tips for expecting families and how placenta encapsulation made a difference for her postpartum.“It's just a reminder, that we all need to gi...
2020-08-191h 04
The Birth Ease Podcast048 Advocating for the Unheard with Aelis RiveraListen in as Aelis Rivera explains what drives her to be a voice for the voiceless. Aelis openly shares with Michelle what brought her to her work as a Child Abuse, Domestic Violence and LGBTQIA+ Advocate and her passion to certify as a Full Spectrum Doula. Together they explore domestic violence, the inequalities that birthing persons and families face, black maternal mortality, and the need for greater sensitivity and domestic abuse education for birth professionals."I've said this a million times, and I will say this a million and one times. In birth, there’s NO room fo...
2020-07-2956 min
The Birth Ease Podcast047 The Physician-Patient Relationship with Donna Ivery. MD- part 2In this second of half of their 2-part candid conversation, Donna G. Ivery, MD shares with Michelle the types of experiences that stay with you as an OB/GYN. She explains what the baby’s heart rate alerts providers to during labor. Together, they discuss VBAC and the barriers to access, obstetrical abuse and patient autonomy, and communication in regards to informed consent. Dr. Ivery stresses the importance of communication, connection, and trust between care provider and patient, especially in emergent situations."Opening the lines of communication. Being able to generate conversations that are enlightening and educating to e...
2020-07-221h 07
The Birth Ease Podcast046 The Physician-Patient Relationship with Donna Ivery MDIn part 1 of this 2 part conversation, Dr. Donna G. Ivery candidly shares with Michelle her experiences as an OB/GYN, and the fact that the majority of people haven't seen the life-threatening circumstances that can happen within obstetrics. She explains how factors with the healthcare system such as logistics, hospital staffing, and experience play a part in the physician’s decision process regarding patient care. She stresses the importance of communication, connection, and trust between care provider and patient, especially in emergent situations. "There are a lot of changes [within the healthcare system] and that certainly fuel...
2020-07-151h 09
The Birth Ease Podcast045 Who Knew? The Connection Between Our Voice and Pelvic Floor with Susan ClintonListen in as physical therapist, Susan Clinton, and Michelle discuss the profound connection between our pelvic floor and our voice. Susan explains how our pelvic floor functions, ways to become more aware of our pelvic floor muscles, and what a ‘kegel’ exercise or pelvic floor lift is and isn’t. (So many women are taught to do this exercise incorrectly.) And, no, leaking urine is not just a normal part of pregnancy and birth!
"A lot of mothers will come in and see me as a PT and say, "You know, I've been doing my pelvic floor exercis...
2020-07-0857 min
The Birth Ease Podcast044 Homebirth and Hypnobirth with Laura NathanListen in as Michelle and midwife Laura Nathan have a conversation about Laura's passion for homebirth and the difference that hypnobirth makes within pregnancy, labor & birth, postpartum, and beyond.
"Because it doesn't have to be that way. That's what we see in the movies and the sitcom sketches. It doesn't have to be that way of the screaming, painful birth that is just awful and you gotta get through it and suffer through to get to the end, to the good thing at the end, which is the baby. The process can also be really uplifting. It...
2020-07-0152 minThe Birth Ease Podcast043 Trauma Informed Yoga with Jen LarsenListen in as Michelle has a conversation with Jen Larsen regarding the benefits of trauma-informed yoga, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research studies prove through this practice, yoga can help minimize those symptoms of post-traumatic response. The goal is to restore a sense of choice, personal power, self-efficacy; power and control that were lost during the experience of the trauma and these benefits translate off the mat and into the rest of the world. Together they discuss trauma, the importance of listening to the body and honoring our feelings, creating healthy boundaries, choice and permission to change our minds...
2020-06-2459 min
The Birth Ease Podcast042 Can You Relate? with Beatriz RodriguesListen in as Michelle and Beatriz Rodriquez discuss her birth experience and motherhood as an Afro-Latino woman. Together they discuss myths black mothers face, systemic racism, parenting multiracial daughters, working on our own biases, and the importance of compassionate listening.
“Everyone’s experience as a black woman is very different. But there are a few things that I feel that all black women, right now in this moment, feel and are in solidarity, especially when it comes to being mothers. One of things that I can say is that a lot of us, no matter how used to we...
2020-06-171h 06The Birth Ease Podcast041 What is On My Heart with Michelle SmithIn this personal episode, Michelle shares her experience of supporting her most recent doula families through the births of their babies during the COVID-19 pandemic. She candidly explores the emotions coming up for her during these last few weeks as the mother of a multi-racial child. Michelle explores how she is navigating it all through the lens of grief support.
“It hit me, and I am still working through it. If I am this exhausted as a white woman with a black family how depleted our black communities must be?And as I listen, they are exhausted. An...
2020-06-1022 min
The Birth Ease Podcast038 Navigating Parenthood the L.O.V.V.E. Way with Natasha SolovieffAre you finding yourself feeling overwhelmed or irritable with those you love due to the stress of the Coronavirus pandemic? Listen in as Natasha Solovieff and Michelle discuss Natasha’s signature strategy which helps parents to stay engaged with their children and each other. Her L.O.V.V.E. Way invites families to begin Listening, Om-ing (centering yourself), Voicing, Visioning, and Exploring in order to unwind any difficult feelings, emotions, and situations and determine what is of value to them as a family. The L.O.V.V.E. Way creates a solid path in this time of un...
2020-05-2043 minThe Birth Ease Podcast037 Coping Skills for Families During COVID-19 with Tanya AlvaradoListen as Tanya Alvarado, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, shares with Michelle some helpful coping skills for families during COVID-19. Together they discuss using "I" statements to communicate more effectively, the purpose of forgiveness, what healthy boundaries are, and tips for supporting children during the pandemic.
"I think one of the biggest challenges right now is that we are wearing many different hats, roles, and responsibilities that are new or overwhelming. And sometimes, we don't have the space to process our own feelings, let alone share them with our partner and ask for what we need." — Tanya Alvarado...
2020-05-1343 min
The Birth Ease Podcast035 Coalition for Ethical Maternity Care with Heather BarsonListen in as Heather Barson shares with Michelle the journey that brought her to her vocation as a doula, midwife, and advocate for birthing families. She confides to Michelle the goosebump moment that inspired her to create the Coalition for Ethical Maternity Care during COVID-19. Heather has dedicated herself to assisting families to understand their options in maternity care and helping them to preserve their autonomy in the process."[As a birthing person]... use your voice. You matter. Your needs matter. And your needs matter more than anyone else's in the room. And if your care providers...
2020-04-291h 17
The Birth Ease Podcast034 Pelvic Health and Birth Healing with Lynne SchulteListen in as Michelle has a potentially life changing conversation with Lynn Schulte, founder of the Institute for Birth Healing, regarding the ways in which healing and understanding our pelvic health can enhance our body’s ability to give birth and health postpartum. Lynn explains the physical mechanics of the pelvic joints, the pelvic bones, and pelvic floor muscles and how they are meant to work together for birth. Lynn shares why she doesn’t recommend doing lots of kegel exercises during pregnancy to prepare for birth, why coached “purple pushing” during birth is really counter-intuitive to releasing the baby, and...
2020-04-201h 03
The Birth Ease Podcast033 Know Your Rights in Childbirth with Cristen Pascucci- Part 2Listen in as Cristen Pascucci and Michelle continue their conversation regarding human rights in childbirth. They delve into the fact that everyone brings their own background, biases, and trauma with them to the birth room. Cristen sagely points out that it is irrelevant whether or not birth is safe. If anything, the riskier it is, the more imperative that is that a person's autonomy is retained. Cristen shares why the environment in which someone decides to give birth is a huge determining factor in how the birth actually unfolds."Your rights are only as good as you m...
2020-04-1543 min
The Birth Ease Podcast032 Know Your Rights in Childbirth with Cristen Pascucci- part 1Have you ever wondered what your rights are during childbirth? Listen in to part one of this much needed conversation as Cristen Pascucci, founder of Birth Monopoly shares with Michelle how the experience of her son's birth provided the impetus that led her to become a leading voice for women giving birth.
“There is that perception that in some situations, your consent doesn’t matter. As a woman, when it comes to sex and reproduction there are some situations where you no longer own your body. Someone else has the authority over your body. That is really powe...
2020-04-0847 minThe Birth Ease Podcast029 A Guided Meditation for Uncertain Times— Coronavirus COVID-19As the few last weeks have unfolded in regards to the pandemic of the Coronavirus COVID-19 and the uncertainty we are facing; becoming quiet, going within, and eliciting the relaxation response is even more crucial. Multiple studies have the benefits of meditation and the relaxation response. This response reduces the impacts of stress and inflammation within the body, and reducing stress is one of the recommended actions to take to help strengthen your immune system.
In this special episode, Michelle created this guided imagery meditation to assist whomever is interested in listening to help mitigate the stress...
2020-03-1749 minThe Birth Ease Podcast023 Trauma Can Begin at Birth- Interview on Kick Your Buts PodcastIn last week’s episode, Michelle and Dr. Lyndsey Sutherland touched upon the stress and trauma that her pediatric families are experiencing within their pregnancies, during the birth of their babies, and the implications this is having on her tiny patients. That conversation prompted Michelle to share her guest spot on Susan Dascenzi’s podcast, Kick Your Buts. In this foundation interview, together Susan and Michelle touch on what trauma is, explain how stress during pregnancy and birth can have an impact on the child, define trauma within birth, the importance of finding tools to mitigate stress, and practices to he...
2020-02-051h 13The Birth Ease Podcast017 Learning & Processing Styles with Mitchell Jarrell
Listen in as Michelle and Mitchell Jarrell discuss the ways our senses impact our learning and processing styles. Mitchell explains how gaining an understanding of the different styles can help you to support your child’s learning. This understanding can also improve communication within your relationships. Together Mitchell and Michelle stress the importance of doing the work of self-growth and cultivating our own self-acceptance. Because we cannot instill self-esteem in our children, if we do not have it to give.
“Take time to understand someone else. And if you care about them, figure out how they...
2019-12-2544 min
The Birth Ease Podcast016 Releasing the Stress of the Holidays Guided RelaxationFeeling Stressed this Holiday Season? This time of year can be magical and joyous, and it can also bring a lot of stress and overwhelm. For some of us, we are facing the holiday season without someone we love. The grief can be daunting at times. For others, the holidays are haunted with painful memories that can bring with them anxiety.
With this in mind, Michelle has created a guided relaxation session geared towards anyone wanting to release the stress and overwhelm this season can bring. The purpose is to help you return to your center to...
2019-12-1835 min
The Birth Ease PodcastBonus Episode 01: Remembrance MeditationIn this special bonus episode, Michelle honors October 15th: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. She has created a guided relaxation recording geared towards parents grieving the loss of a baby or a child. However, it can be helpful for anyone walking through the journey of grief. The intention is to help release some of the heaviness of our grief and to provide an opportunity to feel the love and connection that we have with our beloved child or loved one. If you would like a version of this guided relaxation session geared towards the loss of any loved...
2019-10-1533 min
The Birth Ease Podcast005 How You Can Support a Grieving FamilyEpisode 005: In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Michelle shares that 1 in 4 women have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. Because of the silence surrounding loss of a child, it can cause the necessary grieving to to be a lonely and isolating experience. Even if you, as the listener, were blessed to have never personally experienced perinatal loss, the chances are quite high that you know someone that has. The silence surrounding this type of loss can leave us unsure of how to really support grieving families, which can sometimes lead to well-meaning comments inadvertently cutting a grieving...
2019-10-0230 min
The Birth Ease Podcast004 The Benefits of Yoga with Stephanie SmithIn this fourth episode, Michelle has a conversation with Stephanie Smith, E-RYT, PRYT regarding the benefits of yoga for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond. Stephanie explains how yoga not only prepares the physical body for the stress and rigors of birth, but the emotional body as well. She explains the connection between our breath and reduction of the flight/flight stress response. Stephanie shares how her yoga practice helped her to set healthy boundaries with others during her pregnancy and keep a sense of ease and calm when her plans for daughter’s birth did not go as she ha...
2019-09-2544 minThe Birth Ease Podcast003 Ways to Mitigate StressIn this third episode, Michelle discusses ways to mitigate stress such as creating a strong support network of friends and family, counseling, journaling, and meditation. She also explains what the relaxation response is and the benefits it provides. This episode includes a bonus guided relaxation session that helps to create a healing relational field between a parent and their child(ren) that enhances connection and bonding—no matter the age of their baby and/or child(ren).
“If parents counteract the effects of stress by utilizing the relaxation response daily, their babies receive the benefit as well, especi...
2019-09-1846 min