The NaturalBirth Talk: Recent Episodes
Rachel Mans
Many women desire to reconnect with their body and natural instincts through natural birth. Unfortunately, the American culture (and most mainstream cultures) do not teach young women about any natural ways to care for their bodies and, in fact, teach that the body and childbirth cannot be trusted. In this podcast by Rachel Mans, Doula and The NaturalBirth Site, we explore all aspects of natural, physiological birth, as well as natural pregnancy and early postpartum. Our topics are inspired by a range of evidence, the wisdom of our ancestors, and traditional cultures. Many topics will help you to trust your body, your baby, and all of the wise women who birthed before you. We will talk with midwives, doulas, chiropractors, herbalists, and anyone else involved in birth work. The goal is to help you become educated and trust the birthing process so you can have the most empowering, beautiful birth possible!
Stillbirth is always sad and traumatic. Jillian shares her stillbirth with subsequent home delivery in this 2-part story, explaining why she chose to birth at home instead of in a hospital, even after she knew her baby passed.
Jillian shares her entire labor story, how she found out her baby passed, why she & her husband chose to stay home, what the immediate postpartum period looked like, and more.
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
Full Well Code: TNBT10
https://fullwellfertility.com/
Tighten Your Tinkler Testimonial & Signature Program Code: TNBT50
https://youtu.be/FjV7KYGv2ag
https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Stillbirth is always sad and traumatic. Jillian shares her stillbirth with subsequent home delivery in this 2-part story, explaining why she chose to birth at home instead of in a hospital, even after she knew her baby passed.
Jillian shares her entire labor story, how she found out her baby passed, why she & her husband chose to stay home, what the immediate postpartum period looked like, and more.
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
Full Well Code: TNBT10
https://fullwellfertility.com/
Tighten Your Tinkler Testimonial & Signature Program Code: TNBT50
https://youtu.be/FjV7KYGv2ag
https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Most women use hormonal methods of birth control, but there is another effective option that has no side effects! Fertility Awareness Method is a mode of tracking fertility & ovulation for the sake of preventing or achieving pregnancy.
Tiffany has been using a very similar method for years, and loves it! Learn more from Carly in this episode!
Resources Mentioned:
- Carly's IG: https://www.instagram.com/bluebirddoulaco/
- Carly's website: https://www.bluebirddoulaco.com/
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Moms are not the only ones who feel nervous about birth, dads often do, too! Here are some pro tips for dads from an experienced dad who has had a hospital birth, birth center birth, & home birth. Dads, soak in the education & learn how to feel more confident prior to birth!
Resources Mentioned:
- The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson: https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Trimester-Postpartum-Balancing-Restoring/dp/1611804000
- Rachel's other favorite postpartum book- Natural Health after Pregnancy by Aviva Romm: https://amzn.to/3BIztQj
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Many moms are afraid to advocate for themselves in the hospital. But that shouldn't be the case! Nurse Christina joins us today to tell us all about how she advocates for her patients and how they can advocate for themselves!
Resources Mentioned:
- The Midwife's Apprentice book: https://www.amazon.com/Midwifes-Apprentice-Karen-Cushman/dp/0547722176
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Our modern cultures teaches us that we should fear birth. But that just isn't true! Regardless, many of us still have fears and concerns surrounding birth that are very hard for us to work through.
In this episode, Aly McClain, registered nurse, homebirth mama, & producer of the Peaceful Homebirth podcast & previous Empowered Birth podcast, shares her best tips for working through fears. These are designed for birth, but can be used in most aspects of our lives!
Resources Mentioned:
- Peaceful Homebirth podcast: https://www.birthblissbeyond.com/podcast
- Free checklist: bit.ly/homebirthessentials
- Aly's website: https://www.birthblissbeyond.com/
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Gestational diabetes is fairly common among pregnancy women in America. Lily Nichols, author of Real Food for Gestational Diabetes and renowned registered dietician & certified diabetes researcher, covers many important topics regarding how to care for your blood sugar and healthful eating during pregnancy!
Resources Mentioned:
- Lily Nichols' Site https://lilynicholsrdn.com/
- Lily's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilatesNutritionist
- Links to find the guidelines for the 2hr glucose test:
- CDAPP Sweet Success, PG 153- https://perinatology.com/Reference/CDAPP%20SS%20Guidelines%202012.pdf
- International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group-https://www.iadpsg.org/ OR https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4866200/#:~:text=For%20IADPSG%20criteria%20an%20OGTT,%2Fl)%20%5B9%5D.
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
Full Well Code: TNBT10
https://fullwellfertility.com/
Tighten Your Tinkler Testimonial & Signature Program Code: TNBT50
https://youtu.be/FjV7KYGv2ag
https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
We covered so many topics in our birth intervention series, but we couldn't cover everything! Here are several questions from listeners & our corresponding answers! We cover:
- Hospital-provided/volunteer doulas
- Enema for induction
- Placenta care
- Cervical exams
- Induction at 42 weeks
- And more!
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
There are many postpartum interventions that are standard in most hospitals. But many women don't think about these things when they make their birth plan. Tiffany & Rachel will tell you all about many of the intervention, including some things that you don't think of as interventions!
Resources Mentioned:
- Rabbi Mike for Circumcision: https://easycircumcision.com/
- Midwives Cauldron: https://themidwivescauldron.buzzsprout.com/
- Down to Birth: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/down-to-birth/id1493130920
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
Full Well Code: TNBT10
https://fullwellfertility.com/
Tighten Your Tinkler Testimonial & Signature Program Code: TNBT50
https://youtu.be/FjV7KYGv2ag
https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Many hospitals want mom to stay in bed during labor & then push on her back. But Tiffany & I know from experience that upright positions & movement through your entire birthing experience is not only safe, but very beneficial! Learn different laboring positions & the stats that support it in this episode!
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Pain medications during birth are incredibly common in developed countries. Unfortunately, most moms don't understand the full potential side effects of these meds. Tiffany and I talk about the 4 main pain meds (below) offered during birth AND their potential side effects!
- Nitrous Oxide
- Narcotics
- Epidural
- General Anesthesia
Resources Mentioned:
- "No Epidural? Why?!" podcast episode
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
Full Well Code: TNBT10
https://fullwellfertility.com/
Tighten Your Tinkler Testimonial & Signature Program Code: TNBT50
https://youtu.be/FjV7KYGv2ag
https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Medical induction is extremely overused in developed countries, and it is often made to seem perfectly safe and risk-free. Unfortunately, that is NOT true. In this episode, Tiffany & I chat about the facts regarding the 6 main medical induction & augmentation techniques commonly overused today! These include:
- Membrane Sweep/Strip
- Breaking the Water
- Foley Balloon/Cook Catheter
- Cytotec/Misoprostol
- Cervidil
- Pitocin
Be sure to send us your stories or questions to share on the last episode of this series!
Contact@TheNaturalBirthSite.com
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
Full Well Code: TNBT10
https://fullwellfertility.com/
Tighten Your Tinkler Testimonial & Signature Program Code: TNBT50
https://youtu.be/FjV7KYGv2ag
https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
There are many natural labor induction techniques out there. They are often thought of as harmless, so why not try them?! But most people don't realize that these still have risks & should only be used to avoid medical induction or for another really good reason.
Join Tiffany & I as we discuss the most common ones & the evidence & history that do or don't support them, including:
- Pumping
- Castor Oil
- Acupuncture
- Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
- Dates
- Sex
- Pineapple
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
Full Well Code: TNBT10
https://fullwellfertility.com/
Tighten Your Tinkler Testimonial & Signature Program Code: TNBT50
https://youtu.be/FjV7KYGv2ag
https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Continuous fetal monitoring during birth is the most common way to monitor a baby in a hospital, but is it the best way? Join Tiffany & Rachel as we discuss fetal monitoring history, options, risks, & more. We discuss:
- Electronic Monitors
- Mobile Monitors
- Doppler & other hands-on options
- Continuous vs intermittent
- And more!
Social Media Mentioned:
- Rachels FB (handle: @RachelMansDoula)
- Tiffany's Site
- Tiffany's IG & FB (handle: @TheDoulaTiffany)
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
Full Well Code: TNBT10
https://fullwellfertility.com/
Tighten Your Tinkler Testimonial & Signature Program Code: TNBT50
https://youtu.be/FjV7KYGv2ag
https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
IVs are standard during most hospital labors. And many hospitals still have a rule against eating during labor. Why is this? Join Tiffany & Rachel as they explain & debunk these rules (& go on tangents)!
PLEASE REMEMBER TO:
- Review our podcast!
- Send us questions or stories to share on the final episode of this series!
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Many of us have traumatic birth stories in some way, but we don't know how to deal with them. Emmy Kissinger talks with us about the Birth Story Listening Sessions she offers & how she helps moms process those difficult memories. The unique approach Emmy uses has helped so many moms feel better about their birth experiences, including herself.
The best part?! Her services are MUCH more affordable than a birth trauma therapist & it usually only takes 1 or 2 sessions for you to process!
Resources Mentioned:
- Birthing From Within by Pam England
- Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine
- Emmy's Website
- Emmy's Instagram
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Mental exhaustion & adrenal fatigue are real problems in our modern society, especially for pregnant & postpartum moms. Maura Eliza, a traditional naturopath & adrenal fatigue specialist, joins us to talk about her journey with adrenal fatigue & how she handled it.
Flex Health with Maura has a FREE workshop, as well as a paid course that teaches you how to overcome mental exhaustion & Adrenal Fatigue by focusing on small, easy changes that anyone can make time for! Both are linked below.
Resources Mentioned:
- Maura's Website: Flex Health with Maura
- Maura's Instagram
- Maura's FREE Workshop: Overcome Overwhelm without Complicated Self-Care Routines
- Maura's Full Course: The Vibrant Way
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
Full Well Code: TNBT10
https://fullwellfertility.com/
Tighten Your Tinkler Testimonial & Signature Program Code: TNBT50
https://youtu.be/FjV7KYGv2ag
https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Most moms know to prepare for birth, but many don't realize you need to prepare for postpartum, too! Holly from Mama Meals has created a fabulous way to make your postpartum journey easier through her nutritious, Ayurvedic & Tradition Chinese Medicine meals. She'll teach you:
- What to eat
- What NOT to eat
- How to balance things
- How to meal prep
- And other postpartum tips!
Resources Mentioned:
- Mama Meals website: Use code TNBT20 for $20 off your first $200+ order!
- Mama Meals Instagram
- Mama Meals Linktree
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Eastern medicine has always valued the effects of emotions on the body, but that thinking has been lost in most western medicine. Join Marya Eddaifi, a highly educated & experienced birth coach, as well as a previous labor nurse, as she teaches us about the Emotion Code, Body Code, & how our emotions affect our lives.
Resources Mentioned:
- Marya's Website- mention this episode/podcast if you purchase the Natural Birth & Beyond Method; it will get you FREE access to my online course, too!
- Marya's LinkTree
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
Full Well Code: TNBT10
https://fullwellfertility.com/
Tighten Your Tinkler Testimonial & Signature Program Code: TNBT50
https://youtu.be/FjV7KYGv2ag
https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Many women know that breastfeeding can affect their posture, but did you know that it also affects their pelvic floor? Join Jenn from Tighten Your Tinkler in this episode where she gives us tips to support your pelvic floor while nourishing your baby!
Resources Mentioned:
- Code for $50 off the Signature Program: TNBT50
- Tighten Your Tinkler Website
- IG: @tighten.your.tinkler
- Diastasis Recti (DR) self-check & closure technique
- 5-minute Root Cause Quiz
- YouTube
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Learn how to start your day well, pregnant or postpartum, with these tried & true tips from Andrew Pudewa, a classical educator & researcher from the Institute for Excellence in Writing!
I (Rachel) have tried many of these tips myself & they have made SUCH a difference in my daily mood & routine. Mr. Pudewa covers things like:
- Sunlight Exposure (my favorite)
- Proper Breathing
- Mindfulness, Movement, & Mindset (my other favorite)
- Gut Health
- Environmental Factors
- And more!
Resources Mentioned:
- Andrew Pudewa's Podcast: The Arts of Language
- Wellness Mama Podcast w/ Katie Wells
- Huberman Lab Podcast w/ Andrew Huberman
- James Nester's "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art"
- Dr. Rangan Chatterjee's Happy Mind, Happy Life Podcast
- Great Homeschool Convention- Hear Mr. Pudewa in person
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
Full Well Code: TNBT10
https://fullwellfertility.com/
Tighten Your Tinkler Testimonial & Signature Program Code: TNBT50
https://youtu.be/FjV7KYGv2ag
https://www.tightenyourtinkler.com/signatureprogram
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Transition is the hardest time during most labors, but it is much easier to cope with if you know that ahead of time & are prepared with a good mindset!
Pitocin is a very common intervention during labors, but it is not as safe as most doctors make it sound. And it is NOT the same as your natural oxytocin hormone.
Learn this & more in this episode w/ Corinne Brown!
Resources Mentioned:
- Corinne's website
- Corinne's Instragram
Check out Informed Pregnancy+
https://www.informedpregnancy.tv/
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages- @TheNaturalBirthSite
- The NaturalBirth Site- TheNaturalBirthSite.com
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth (only $65)
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- SHARE OUR PODCAST with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Twins occur in 1 out of 35 pregnancies! If you are expecting twins, you'll likely automatically be labeled high risk. But Dr. Stuart Fischbein has training & experience that says otherwise. Dr. Stu from Birthing Instincts explains much of this to us in this episode! He covers:
- Different types of twins
- Potential risks
- Why most providers treat twins as high risk
- How to find a good provider
Resources Mentioned:
- Birthing Instincts Website
- Fearless Pregnancy book
- Birthing Instincts podcast
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
In the hospital, breech babies are almost always born via c-section. But many home birth providers will offer vaginal breech birth! Listen to Kellsie tell us all about her pregnancy, including finding out baby was breech late in pregnancy, all the ways she tried to turn her baby head down, & her safe vaginal breech home birth!
Resources Mentioned:
- Spinning Babies
- Breech Without Borders
- Previous Breech Episode with Dr. David Hayes
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Vaginal breech birth IS possible! Join Holly as she tells us all about her surprise vaginal breech home birth. Baby had been head down just a short while before the birth, but was discovered breech during pushing at home. She opted to skip the hospital transfer and trust her body, baby, & instincts!
Resources Mentioned:
- Holly's birth video
- Breech Without Borders Facebook
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
It is hard to find a doctor or midwife who attends vaginal breech birth! In most areas of the United States, home birth is the only option if you don't want a c-section, although there are some hospitals who have providers that are trained. Join nurse midwife Deb Lowrence as she talks about vaginal breech birth (VBB) at home! We'll cover:
- How she became a home birth midwife & decided to accept breech patients
- How to have a safe VBB
- Her favorite VBB stories
Resources Mentioned:
- Deb's website: Labor of Love Midwifery
- Dr. Stu's Website
- Breech Without Borders
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Movement in pregnancy, including yoga, is SO beneficial and necessary. In an unplanned turn of events, we also heavily focus on queefing and what you can do to prevent or fix that. Big thanks to Becca Meredith, occupational therapist & perinatal yoga instructor, for joining us and helping us dive deeper in these awesome, and sometimes awkward, topics!
Resources Mentioned
- Becca's website: Enlightened Pelvic Health
- Becca's Instagram
- Becca's Facebook
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
After birthing their babies, most moms wait a full 6 weeks for a postpartum check up. Christina Walsh, physical therapist & co-founder of Tighten Your Tinkler, shares a series of questions you should always ask at that appointment. Be sure to bring a list, and add any other questions that you thought of to ask your doctor or midwife!
Resources Mentioned:
- Code for $50 off the Signature Program: TNBT50
- Tighten Your Tinkler Website
- IG: @tighten.your.tinkler
- Diastasis Recti (DR) self-check & closure technique
- 5-minute Root Cause Quiz
- YouTube
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Learn more about the midwifery model of care, how to choose a good provider, hear some good & bad birth stories, & get to know our new co-host, Tiffany Muniz, CLC, nurse, & doula.
Resources Mentioned
- Submit your birth COMPLAINT and/or QUESTIONS for upcoming episodes!
- Doula Match
- Tiffany's Facebook & Instagram
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
VBAC, or vaginal birth after c-section, has been proven safe for the large majority of moms. However, it is often not offered as an option, especially in suburban or rural areas of the country. Dr. Elliot Berlin, an award winning, pregnancy-focused chiropractor & host of the Informed Pregnancy Podcast, talks with us about this and more!
- History of cesareans & VBACS
- How to know if it is the right choice for you
- How repeat c-sections became so popular
- The importance of finding the right provider
- And more!
Resources Mentioned:
- Dr. Berlin's website
- Episode: Labor Day Surprises (part 1)
- Streaming service: Informed Pregnancy Plus
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Your pelvic floor is SO important in pregnancy, birth, AND postpartum! There are many methods for supporting that, including online & in-person. Lindsay McCoy from The Body Ready Method chats with us about this, educates, & provides tips in this episode.
Resources Mentioned:
- Lindsay's website & class options: The Body Ready Method*
- SAVE $10 on classes with this code: dcqv0227
*affiliate link- I make a small commission, but at NO additional cost to you!
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Vaginal steaming, also called yoni-, womb-, or V-steam, is a time-honored tradition in many traditional cultures. It is very safe & can help moms heal faster & connect to their bodies in the postpartum period. Jessica Pratt of Leia Moon chats about this with us today!
We chat about:
- History of steaming
- A couple studies
- Safety
- Benefits
- And more!
Resources Mentioned:
- Leia Moon website (including current steam seat giveaway!)
- Previous v-steam episode
- Bakera Research Study
- Fourth Trimester Research Study
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
When interviewing a birth doula, you want to find someone who fits with you. Here is a comprehensive list that Doula & Lactation Counselor, Tiffany Muniz, helped put together! BE SURE TO TAKE NOTES!!!
Note: Near the beginning, I referenced "doulamatch.com" BUT I meant "DoulaMatch.net," which is linked below.
Previous Episodes Mentioned:
- Physiological Birth w/ Doula, Tiffany Muniz
- Essential Oils for Birth
- Herbs & Safety
- VBAC- Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
- Pregnancy Nutrition
- Carbs, Proteins, Fats, & Enzymes
- All About Breastfeeding
- Incorporating Spirituality & Christianity into Birth
- Homeopathy in Pregnancy, Birth, & Postpartum
- Spinning Babies®
- Vaginal Breech Birth
Resources Mentioned:
- Tiffany Muniz, Doula, CLC
- Doula Match
- Spinning Babies® Website (affiliate link)
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Ultra processed foods (UPFs) are a common part of the American Diet. But more & more studies are linking these foods with increased rates of mental illness, especially within the PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM periods. David Greenwalt joins us to talk about UPFs & benefits of consuming real food instead! Topics include:
- Life experiences
- Research
- Tips
- Why good nutrition is so important in the perinatal period
- And more!
Resources Mentioned/Helpful Resources:
- Coach David's Website
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
- Postpartum Support International Hotline: 1-800-944-4773
- Mom's Line St. Louis: 1-314-768-6667
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Vaginal Breech Birth used to be a variation of normal & everyone was trained in how to safely attend one, but the art has been lost in the last several decades. Dr. Hayes from Breech Without Borders talks about safety when attended by a trained professional!
Resources Mentioned:
- Breech Without Borders
- Breech Without Borders Workshop- St. Louis, MO Registration
- Breech Provider Directory
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
An accidental unassisted birth happens when you planned a birth with a care provider, but your birth is so fast that they don't make it! Join Ammie Harris as she shares her accidental unassisted home birth story & a couple tips in case it happens to you!
Resources Mentioned:
- Tips for Having a Natural Hospital Induction w/ Ammie
- Ammie's birth video
- Ammie's YouTube channel
- H.E.R.B.A.L. Freebirth Course (click "all products" at bottom to find the course. Affiliate link; I get a portion of the purchase at NO additional cost to you.)
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Spinning Babies® is an approach that brings comfort in pregnancy & ease in birth. Using different movements/exercises that supports the body from head to toe, it helps prepare the body & baby for birth. Gail Tully, the midwife who created Spinning Babies®, joins us to talk all about the origins of the approach, many helpful movements & exercises for pregnancy, and what kind of resources you can find on the website!
Resources Mentioned:
- Spinning Babies® Website
- Daily Essentials Digital Download
- Spinning Babies® Parent Class Download (St. Louis local? Check out the in-person Parent Class)
- Spinning Babies® Shop
- Parent Group on Facebook
*Most of the links above are affiliate links, which help me make a little extra money at NO extra cost to you!
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Homeopthy in pregnancy, birth, & postpartum has many benefits & minimal negative side effects. Listen to Molly, a classically trained homeopath, teach us all about homeopathy in this episode, including some wonderful suggestions for birth!
Resources Mentioned:
- Molly's Website- Schedule a complimentary Zoom meeting! (or use this email: joyfulhomeopathy@gmail.com)
- The Complete Homeopathy Handbook by Miranda Castro
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Birth is not only physical & mental, but also very spiritual. Mary Haseltine from "Made for This Birth" joins us to give her best reasons & tips for bringing spirituality & Christianity (if that applies to you) into your pregnancy & birth, including:
- Value/benefit in surrendering during birth
- Positive, individualized affirmations
- Using prayer
- Finding scripture
- And more!
Resources Mentioned:
- "Made for This: A Catholic Mom's Guide to Birth" by Mary Haseltine
- Made for This Birth website, Facebook, & Instagram
- Made for This Birth shop, including affirmations
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- Support the show!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- SIGN UP for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share our podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" our Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
- Check out our HELPFUL PRODUCTS GUIDE
Teen & surprise pregnancies are never easy. BUT that doesn't mean they can't be empowered, inspired, & beautiful. Anna Kanoy shares her entire teen pregnancy & birth journey with us today! She shares:
- Why she chose home birth
- What her family felt
- How she relied on God to make something good out of her "mistake"
- How she found a supportive midwife
- Her entire birth story
- And more!
IF YOU FIND YOURSELF OR A FRIEND IN A SIMILAR POSITION & desire education, please reach out to me for a free or discounted class & share my free resources for others! Also check out the resources below if you in the Greater St. Louis area.
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Mosaic pregnancy center
- Fontebella Maternity Home
- The Sparrow's Nest: home for teen moms
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Nutrition is VERY important in pregnancy, but it is often overlooked. Lily Nichols, RDN, author of Real Food for Pregnancy, joins us today to talk about this beneficial topic! We cover:
- The lack of evidence for nutrition in pregnancy
- The lack of proper recommendations for Macro-nutrients
- The importance of several specific micro-nutrients
- And more!
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Lily's Book
- Choline Article
- Vitamin D Article
- Liver (& iron) Article
- Postpartum Meals Article
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Mindset & mental preparation are SO important when preparing for birth. Marya is a military nurse that has extensive training in this topic, breaking down paradigms, & helping moms achieve a natural birth. Learn all about this topic & Marya's Natural Birth & Beyond Method in this episode!
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Marya's LinkTree
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Dr. Andrew Dorough is a chiropractor specializing in pediatrics, who has been committing much of his time lately to researching how birth plays a roll in the baby's spine, neck, shoulder, & head alignment AND how that relates to oral function.
Many hospital births are induced or assisted in some way, & even out-of-hospital births can be long or have other factors that can cause the baby's body to be misaligned. Learn all about the potential signs in Mom & Baby that suggest Baby might need a little extra help in their first few days/months of life. Some signs we chat about include:
- Bruising on 1 side of the baby's face
- Baby often curling to 1 side
- Instrumental birth (using forceps, vacuum, or cesarean section for birth)
- The use of fundal pressure
- Long labor/Long Pushing Phase
- Baby's position in mom's body during birth
- And more!
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Dr. Dorough's Website
- Infant Feeding Dysfunction Class (1 hour lecture, $18)
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
If you are planning on becoming pregnant or struggling to conceive, you have options! Lindsey Langendorf touches the tip of the iceberg with our chat in this episode about her methods for preconception & fertility!
- Dutch hormone testing
- Previous blood work
- Analyzing environmental factors, including food, health & beauty products, cleaning products, etc.
- Analyzing lifestyles
- More!
SAFE NATURAL PRODUCTS FOR PRECONCEPTION/PREGNANCY, buy on Amazon:
Laundry Detergent
Multi Surface Cleaner
Stain and Odor Remover
Face Wipes
Eye Shadow
Bronzer
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Lindsey's Facebook
- Lindsey's Website
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Dad's/partner's need more recognition in the birth world! We don't often hear about how birth affects dad/partner, so that is the goal for this episode. Dr. Danny Leach joins us to share about his perspective of his wife's births. He tells his both stories & how he felt each time.
GREAT PRODUCTS FOR DADS/PARTNERS TO HELP SUPPORT MOM, buy on Amazon:
"The Birth Partner" by Penny Simkin (my #1 book recommendation for partners)
Handheld Massaging Tool
Battery Powered Candles for ambiance
Microwavable Heat Pack (great for lower back & shoulders)
*"The Fourth Trimester" by Kimberly Johnson (my #2 book recommendation for partners)
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Learn more about Spinning Babies®
- Find a local doula on Doula Match
- Find a local chiropractor trained in pregnancy
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
It is much harder to have a natural birth in a hospital setting, especially if you are induced. Ammie Harris shares the different techniques that helped make her 3-day hospital induction a success. Some tips include:
- Relying on God-given/motherly instincts
- Natural birth education
- Hiring a doula
- Being confident & kind while standing your ground
- Practicing potential scenarios ahead of time
- And much more!
She also compares that birth to her next birth, a home birth (watch the video). We included this because it really shows how much easier natural birth generally is outside of the hospital!
GREAT PRODUCTS FOR ANY BIRTH, buy on Amazon:
Battery Powered Candles
Breastfeeding Sports Bra (Great for labor, too!)
Maternity/Labor Robe (you can even use this for a hospital birth!)
Claw Clips for Hair
Hair Scrunchies
Simple "Born at Home" Onesie
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Ammie's YouTube channel
- Explore the Spinning Babies® website or the Daily Essentials Download
- Find a local doula on Doula Match
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
A high-risk pregnancy does NOT mean you can't have a natural & empowering birth. Stephanie, who was high-risk for several reasons including a breech baby & gestational diabetes, shares with us how she researched, stood her ground, and turned her high-risk pregnancy into a beautiful & empowering natural birth with twins! Some of her tips include:
- Hiring a doula
- Doing your research ahead of time
- Asking your care provider specific questions
- Finding a new care provider if they don't support you
GREAT PRODUCTS FOR HOSPITAL BIRTH, buy on Amazon:
Battery Powered Candles
Breastfeeding Sports Bra (Great for labor, too!)
Maternity/Labor Robe (you can even use this for a hospital birth!)
Claw Clips for Hair
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Find a local doula on Doula Match
- Find a local chiropractor or pelvic floor physical therapist to ask for a care provider recommendation
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Oral ties (lip, tongue, & cheek ties), as well as other oral dysfunctions, are commonly missed or misdiagnosed in babies. Today, Nicole Edwin and Kayla Richardson from Abeille Speech & Feeding join us to talk about this very topic, some signs to watch for, and taking a WHOLE BODY approach to correction.
FUN FACT: Adults can have oral dysfunction, too, so a tie or other issue can be treated even if you are 80 years old!
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Abeille Speech & Feeding
- Abeille Speech & Feeding on Instagram
- Tongue Tie & Oral Dysfunction Symptom Tracker
- Find a local doula to ask for a professional recommendation on DoulaMatch.net
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Managing your emotions in pregnancy and postpartum can be tough! Body, hormone, and lifestyle changes, as well as other things are uncontrollable factors in this. But in this crossover episode, Elizabeth, who is a stress coach for moms & owner of the Emotionally Healthy Legacy Podcast, discusses with me some things you CAN control that can help you regulate and manage your feelings! Some include:
- Saying "no" to your other children if needed
- Setting up a meal train
- Getting in touch with nature
- And so much more!
We also talk about our own personal birth & postpartum experiences!
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Find Elizabeth with Emotionally Healthy Legacy
- And her Podcast!
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Many women know that pelvic floor physical therapy can be helpful for postpartum, but don't realize the huge role their pelvic floor muscles play in pregnancy & birth, too.
Dr. Brooke Kalisiak, PT, DPT, WCS joins us again in this episode to help us understand the importance of the pelvic floor & why most women nowadays need pelvic floor pt in pregnancy AND postpartum.
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Brooke Kalisiak, PT, DPT, WCS
- Find a local doula to ask for a Pelvic Floor PT recommendation on DoulaMatch.net
- Find a Pelvic Floor PT near you on the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Miscarriage does NOT have to be medical. Amanda Lindemann shares both of her natural, home miscarriage stories. We chat about:
- Miscarriage options
- Her experience at the hospital with her first, including important information they left out
- Experience with her pregnancy care providers
- 10 week & 6 week miscarriage birth stories
- What she wishes moms knew
- Her feelings through both processes
- Her current (as of this episode) rainbow baby experience!
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- NOT mentioned in the episode, but there are doulas who specialize in loss. Still Birthday is a common training for that. IF you want a doula to help you with your miscarriage, still birth, or similar situation, look on DoulaMatch.net for a doula in your area with the Still Birthday training or experience.
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Unassisted or Free or Wild birth is legal in all 50 states & the large majority of places in the world, but is not a common choice for many reasons. In this episode, Nicole Dimitrasz, owner of St. Louis Postpartum, birth & postpartum doula, and placenta processor, talks about unassisted birth and shares one of her birth stories.
This is often a controversial topic, but it's worth learning about!
This episode is not meant to encourage (or discourage) you to choose unassisted birth. Birth in general is a very personal choice & everyone will chooses something different that is right for them. However, being fully educated on your options is the best place to start when deciding what is right for you and your baby.
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Contact Nicole Dimitrasz
- H.E.R.B.A.L. Free/Unassisted Birth Course
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Home birth is a wonderful option for any low risk mom wanting a natural birth. In fact, studies have shown that home birth is actually SAFER than hospital birth for most moms. In this episode, certified professional midwife Allison Dougherty joins me to chat more about home birth, including:
- Pros & cons
- Safety
- What home birth looks like for most
- Why she chose midwifery as her career
- A personal story from me
- And more!
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Contact Allison Dougherty
- Overview of home birth safety study
- Find a doula here, as recommended by Allison
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
In part 2 of the Natural Birth Settings Series, we talk about natural birth in a birth center. This type of birth is a wonderful middle ground between hospital & home birth. Midwife Erin Everett, who has worked in a free-standing birth center & and in-hospital birth center, explains the difference between the 2, and shares her natural birth stories from each type of birth center!
NOTE: Many areas do not have both options, or have any birth center option at all. It's sad, but it's true. I'm sorry your choices are limited in those areas.
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Spinning Babies (mentioned by Erin; informative website for understanding how movements & exercises can support vaginal birth)
- St. Louis, MO Birth Centers: Mercy Birthing Center and First Breath Birth and Wellness
- Find a doula here, as recommended by Erin & I.
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
There are many settings for a natural birth. It can be in a hospital, birth center, or at home; this series will cover all 3 locations, & a bonus home birth option. In this episode, Midwife Kari Reimann joins me to talk about having a natural birth in a hospital setting. Some of the things we cover are:
- Pros & cons of hospital birth
- Choosing a truly supportive care provider
- Tips for preparing in pregnancy
- Tips for your birthing time
- Personal examples
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Kari Reimann's Website
- Doula Match- Ask an area doula about naturally minded care providers
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Breastfeeding rates in the U.S. are much lower than they should be; lower than most other developed and undeveloped countries. And formula is thought of as a completely healthy alternative. In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jennifer Margulis, scientific journalist & author of "Your Baby, Your Way" and several other books, about her research into this topic. We share A LOT of information, including:
- How formula became so popular
- Alternatives to canned formula
- Benefits and importance of breastfeeding
- How to properly support breastfeeding
- Personal stories from both of us!
Buy Me a Coffee- DONATION PAGE
Resources Mentioned:
- Dr. Margulis' website
- "Your Baby, Your Way" E-book
- Epoch Times online newspaper
- Breast Friends- Breastfeeding Informational Course by H.E.R.B.A.L.*
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
*Affiliate link- I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you!
There are many ways to cope with the intense sensations of natural birth, and hypnobirthing is one of them! In this episode, Heather Irwin and I talk specifically about Hypnobabies® Hypnobirthing courses, what they teach, and how she teaches them. We talk about:
- Medical grade hypnosis
- What is taught in the courses
- Success stories
- And more!
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Resources Mentioned:
- Heather's Website
- Heather's Facebook
- Learn more about Hypnobabies® (affiliate link) GET 10% OFF with this code: hypno1528
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Mamas need more love! Especially in our developed cultures where all the emphasis is on the baby. Shannon Early, from the Mamas Need Love podcast, & I chat about why this is important and what support people can do to love mamas better in pregnancy & postpartum. In this episode, we cover:
- The loss of the village, but why it is SO important
- How to ask for help
- How to volunteer to help
- Suggested reading & stories from traditional cultures
- Some related personal tid-bits about each of us
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Resources Mentioned:
- Shannon's AWESOME podcast: Mamas Need Love
- Shannon's website
- Find a doula on Doula Match
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
In our American culture, we are not taught to trust our instincts or listen to our inner voice. However, there is wisdom in our intuition & we need to learn to trust it, especially in pregnancy, birth, & postpartum. We know our bodies & babies better than anyone else, including the healthcare machines & doctors! In this episode, Kaila Corsiglia of the Intuition Academy podcast, talks with us about the importance of trusting your inner voice & some tips on how to do that.
- Know the difference between fear and intuition
- Fear (and any emotion) starts as just a sensation in our bodies
- Practice to get better at it!
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Resources Mentioned:
- Kaila Corsiglia- Intuition Academy
- Intuition Academy- Inner Voice 101
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Our previous emotions play a large role in pregnancy and birth, so healing negative emotions/emotional energy is vital! There are many ways to do that, but one of them is Generational Emotional Mapping (GEM). In this episode, Meredith Ruben Daniels of Soulful Wellness talks about ancestral emotions, the importance of emotional healing, and how GEM works.
TRIGGER WARNING: Miscarriage @ 16:55, Unplanned Hysterectomy @ 21:55
- We talk about a study that shows the powerful role of previous & ancestral emotions
- What is GEM & how does it work?
- GEM success stories related to pregnancy & birth
- BONUS: I throw in a few fun shark facts!
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Resources Mentioned:
- Soulful Wellness with Meredith Ruben Daniels
- Soulful Wellness Facebook page
- Meredith's book about energy healing
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean, is becoming a more desired option verses simply having a repeat c-section. Unfortunately, many care providers still do NOT support VBAC and will tell women their only option is a repeat cesarean birth. Many women simply do not know they have alternative options, either. In this episode, the founder of VBACFacts.com, Jen Kamel, talks with me about VBAC options and how to navigate getting the VBAC you desire!
- VBAC and VBA2C are both supported by evidence!
- VBAC after 3 or more cesareans is not studied enough to state if it is supported by evidence or not; Mom should get to make the final choice
- The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that informed consent & refusal is vital to healthcare, even during birth
- How do you deal with an unsupportive care provider?! We cover that, too!
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Resources Mentioned:
- Jen Kamel- VBAC Facts
- Vaginal Birth After 2 Cesareans- Fact Sheet
- VBAC Facts Parent Courses & Free Handout
- VBAC Facts Professional Membership
- ACOG's Committee Opinion on Informed Refusal
- Doula Match
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
It can be for a mom to take care of herself in the postpartum period! Many women want to start working out, but don't know how to do it safely & properly. In this episode, I interview chiropractor Dr. Danielle Fishel about her Postpartum Core Comeback Program & the many aspects that make it safe, realistic, and awesome! We talk about:
- How important it is for a mom to care for herself in the postpartum period
- Important aspects of ANY postpartum exercise/movement program
- Breathing techniques
- Core rehab/Diastasis Recti
- Pelvic floor rehab
- Realistic time commitment
- More!
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Resources Mentioned:
- Dr. Danielle Fishel, DC, CACCP- Fishel Chiropractic
- Postpartum Core Comeback Program- Use FISH25 at checkout for $25 off!
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
I'm mixing it up a bit and am the interviewee in this episode about natural birth! Dr. Brooke Kalisiak, a pelvic floor physical therapist in St. Louis, MO, interviews me about natural birth, how to achieve it, and what a doula does!
- What is natural birth?
- Why would you want to have a natural birth? How is it better?
- How to support comfort in pregnancy and birth
- A few little personal stories from me
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Resources Mentioned:
- Brooke Kalisiak, PT, DPT, WCS- Legacy Physical Therapy
- Brooke's Facebook Page
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Most people know about postpartum depression, but many do NOT know about the array of other mood disorders that can in the perinatal period. Therapist Beth Ahlin and I discuss these, address why they are so common in our industrialized culture, and encourage moms to reach out if they ever feel symptoms of any of these, as it is NOT shameful to need help.
*TRIGGER WARNING: WE TALK ABOUT SUICIDE UNTIL ABOUT MINUTE 8*
- The "village" is gone; lack of help/support is 1 of several reasons postpartum mood disorders are so common now
- These issues will often start during pregnancy & increase postpartum
- A certain level of emotional changes/feeling, anger, worry, etc. is normal; but if you are unsure, reach out for help
- We explain many mood disorders and signs/symptoms of them
- We explain how to get help
- Beth and I share our personal experiences with postpartum mood disorders
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Resources Mentioned:
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
- Postpartum Support International Hotline: 1-800-944-4773
- Mom's Line St. Louis: 1-314-768-6667
- Beth Ahlin: CE Ahlin, Facebook
- Doula Match
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Childbirth education is SO important! Before the hospitalization of birth in the 1900s, children grew up around it & learned by experiencing it. But in today's modern society, we often learn from the movies (which is terrible). In this episode, St. Louis area childbirth educator, Samanda Rossi, shares more about childbirth education.
- There are many components to a good childbirth education course, including:
- How birth works
- Trusting instincts and clearing fear
- Including the husband/partner
- AND MORE
- Courses outside of the hospital are generally better than hospital courses
- The main goal is not a perfect birth, but to be educated and avoid trauma
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Resources Mentioned:
- Samanda Rossi- Naturally Prepared
- Samanda Rossi- Facebook
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Many women think birth photography is weird! But it can capture one of the most amazing and beautiful moments of your life! In this episode, I interview Dana Jacobs, a birth photographer in the St. Louis, MO area, about why she thinks everyone should have photos of their birth.
- The birth photographer tells a story about your birth for you to remember for years to come!
- We have never had a client say they wish they didn't have pictures of their birth.
- It's not just crowning shots; photographer captures the bond between partners, the first moments meeting the baby, and more!
- A birth photographer takes the best pictures, but cell phone pictures are still wonderful.
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Resources Mentioned:
- Dana Jacobs Photography: Facebook, Instagram, Website
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
Prenatal massage is NOT just for feeling good! Danielle Dudley explains ALL of the benefits of prenatal massage, addresses a BIG myth, gives guidance on questions to ask to find the best massage provider in your area, and gives some great tips for implementing massage at home AND in labor!
- PRENATAL MASSAGE IS SAFE!!
- It is best to find someone who specializes in massage, you may even get to be on your BELLY if they have the right set up!
- There a many benefits including:
- Reduced pain
- More relaxation
- Improved blood flow
- Bonding when partners use her tips at home
- More
- Some back and hip pain can be addressed at home
- Postpartum massage also has benefits
- There is wisdom and tradition in massage
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Resources Mentioned:
- Danielle Dudley- St. Louis Prenatal Massage
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
Herbs are all around us and can be SO beneficial for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They provide vitamins, minerals, and taste great! In this episode, Demetria Clark, founder of Heart of Herbs Herbal School, talks with me about herb safety and a few examples of herbs that are really helpful in pregnancy.
- Always be safe and get your information from smart places
- Herbs can easily be incorporated into our every day foods, so they take little extra time and money; Demetria gives lots of examples
- Demetria and I share several personal experiences with herbs, including her awesome back story!
- Herbs can be tailored to your personal preferences and the needs of your body
The 1st 3 people to message my Facebook page will get a FREE copy of one of Demetria's herbal book
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Resources Mentioned:
- Demetria Clark, Heart of Herbs Herbal School
- Demetria Clark, Birth Arts International
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Nutrition and proper diet are often a second thought for most people when it comes to health, including pregnant women. But Dr. Jeanne and I discuss the importance of healthy food intake, specifically addressing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, enzymes, AND the role stress plays in absorbing and using these nutrients.
- Don't be afraid of good Carbs or Fats, and eat LOTS of protein!
- Stress affects our digestion, so often enzymes are required so our bodies can use the macro-nutrients properly.
- We chat about the role each macro-nutrient plays in pregnancy and why they are all SO important. Examples include:
- Fats help your gallbladder and breastmilk production
- Carbohydrates give you energy
- Protein helps prevent pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy problems
- We share lots of little personal stories about our and our clients' experiences with healthy eating changes.
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Resources Mentioned:
- Dr. Jeanne, 1st Step Family Wellness
- The Enzyme Advantage for Women by Howard F. Loomis, Jr.
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
The placenta is the organ that protects, feeds, & nourishes your baby before they are born. After the birth of the baby, the placenta is born and usually examined, then discarded. BUT many moms are choosing to keep their placenta & encapsulate it (or hire someone to put it in pill-form) so they can consume it in the postpartum period. Today, I talk with Lisa VanDyne, the St. Louis Placenta Lady & long-time placenta encapsulator, about the placenta & the benefits of consuming it!
- What is encapsulation?
- Benefits include like mood & hormone regulation, vitamins & minerals, regulating milk supply and more.
- There is traditional wisdom in consuming the placenta & most mammals consume their placenta.
- Personal experiences about how AMAZING placentas & encapsulation are!!
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Resources Mentioned:
- Lisa VanDyne: St. Louis Placenta Lady
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
Webster-certified chiropractic care during pregnancy is incredibly beneficial! Some chiropractors have attended a special training in the Webster Technique that teaches them how to analyze the pregnant person's pelvis and adjust it in a way that makes more space for baby and helps ease common pregnancy complaints. Today, Dr. Casey Brooks tells us all about this special technique!
- All chiropractors have some training in pregnancy, but the Webster Technique is a much more beneficial way of adjusting a pregnant person.
- Body balancing is a whole body approach to balancing the bones ligaments, and muscles and goes hand-in-hand with Webster-certified chiropractic care to allow baby the space to get into a good position on it's own.
- Your pelvis is not a fixed shape/size and will move and open to accommodate baby when given the proper time, movement, and care.
- Fascia is a "thin, web-like layer that covers the muscles" that is often ignored, but usually needs to be addressed during pregnancy; sometimes a Webster-certified chiropractor will help with this.
- We address a few DOs and DON'Ts of chiropractic care during pregnancy.
- Casey shares her AMAZING experience with a Webster technique adjustment during her home birth!
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Resources Mentions
- Dr. Casey Brooks, DC, CACCP
- ICPA 4 Kids
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Many moms are starting to question epidural use in labor. Are they safe? Are they necessary? What is in it and what are ALL the side effects? In this episode, doula Britni Sisco and I discuss ALL those questions and also talk about some PERSONAL EXPERIENCES with epidurals with our doula clients. (Sorry about the few glitches in the sound; the internet wasn't cooperating the day we recorded this.)
- Most care providers do not give you the full list of potential side effects that come with an epidural. Examples are: fever, shaking, headache, long-term back pain, side effects for BABY, and more.
- Many moms feel like "birth is done to them" instead of being an active participant in birth when they have an epidural.
- The ingredients of an epidural are never mentioned unless you ask directly, but include narcotics, opiods, and more.
- Recovery is generally easier WITHOUT an epidural.
- There is a time and place for an epidural and only YOU should decide when that is!
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Resources Mentioned:
- Britni Sisco, Doula- Star of the Sea
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Essential oils are becoming more and more popular, including for birth! However, many women do not know the specific uses and safety rules that apply to essential oil use in birth. Today, Stephanie Lind (co-founder of Brilliant Birth Academy) and I chat about these powerful tools, including how they work, a few we like best, safety rules, and more.
- Stephanie shares her scary yet wonderful birth story, which includes essential oils.
- Essential oils work at a molecular level, similar to natural hormones/chemicals in our bodies.
- I share my experiences with oils in births, including cedarwood, lemon, and others.
- We review some important safety precautions that should be taken when using oils in labor and birth!
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Resources Mentioned:
- Brilliant Birth Academy- free and paid courses!
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Postpartum Doulas do amazing work! They are part of the "village" that is often missing for parents in America, are a wonderful support, & a huge help. On this episode, I talk with Kathleen Robbins (a postpartum doula and certified lactation counselor) about what postpartum doulas do and her favorite parts of the job.
- Postpartum doulas help care for Mom and Baby after birth, usually in the comfort of their home.
- They are an emotional support, help with newborn basics and care, around the house, navigating postpartum mood disorders, and more.
- Kathleen shares some of her favorite moments on the job.
- Virtual Support is an option if you can't do in-person care!
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Resources Mentioned:
- Kathleen Robbins, Postpartum Doula
- MOM'S LINE: (314) 768-8570
- FOR BIRTH WORKERS: Heartland PMAD
- Doula Match
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
Having a birth doula can make a world of difference in a birth! In fact, it has been shown that they decrease cesarean births, decrease labor times, decrease interventions, and increase maternal satisfaction. Today, we talk with St. Louis-based birth doula Rebecca Pupillo about what a doula is, how they can help, and what our biggest tips are for expectant parents.
- A birth doula is an educated support person who helps through pregnancy and birth with education, comfort, position change, inspiration, etc.
- Birth doulas help support and guide the dad/partner, too (because he plays an important role)!
- Sometimes care providers are not very supportive of the mom's desires in birth, but birth doulas can provide evidence-based information and a feeling of safety to help the parents make the best choice for themselves.
- Sometimes the nursing staff is not supportive, even if the doctor/midwife is, and doulas can help with that; birth doulas can help you navigate your care provider and hospital choices.
- When you hire a birth doula, be sure you interview several to find the one you feel most comfortable with.
- If you can't afford a birth doula, sometimes there are doulas who work on a sliding scale and others who are new and will work for the experience. It never hurts to reach out and ask!
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Resources Mentioned:
- Rebecca Pupillo, Birth and Postpartum Doula
- Doula Match
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
Physiological Birth is becoming more and more desirable as time goes on because people are realizing that medical intervention is unnecessary and has undesired side effects. Until the turn of the century, almost all birth was physiological. But what is physiological birth? In this podcast, we talk with Tiffany Muniz, doula, about the definition, history, and benefits of physiological birth.
- Physiological birth is innate; it is powered by the human capacity of the mother and baby, who work together naturally to be born.
- There is a correlation between physiological birth and better mom and baby outcomes.
- We talk about examples of intervention and when it might be necessary.
- Tiffany shares some personal physiological birth experiences, including her own birth story.
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Resources Mentioned:
- Tiffany Muniz, Doula, CLC
- Doula Match
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
Certified Nurse Midwife Maggie Petry joins us on The Natural Birth Talk today to talk about the basics of midwifery care. Maggie has worked in all 3 major birth settings (hospital, birth center, and home) and she gives us some insight into each. We also talk about the different types of midwives, their different roles in the entire perinatal period, and the differences between an OBGYN or other doctor and a midwife.
- A midwife is another care provider option for woman who cares for a woman across their lifespan, including the perinatal (pregnancy, birth, postpartum) period.
- Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) vs Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) vs Certified Midwives (CM) vs Lay/Granny Midwives
- Midwives vs OBs; Midwives tend to be the prime authority on physiological birth.
- Hospital vs Birth Center vs Home Birth , in-depth descriptions of both
- Be sure that you are comfortable with and connect with your midwife!
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Resources Mentioned
- Maggie Petry, CNM
- Doula Match
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Vaginal (or Yoni) steaming is a time-honored tradition for postpartum women in many cultures. It sounds weird, but I promise it is great! Today, we chat with Tina Bilodeau, a certified doula, vaginal steaming facilitator, and mom of 2, to talk more about what vaginal steaming is, how to do it, and the many benefits of it.
- Vaginal Steaming is a practice rooted in the wisdom of our ancestors and traditional societies and is still prevalent in many cultures in Asia and Africa. It was pushed out of America culture with the granny midwives at the turn of the century.
- Different herbs have different uses, such as cycle issues, endometriosis, infertility, and POSTPARTUM.
- 1 small study (really, the only one completed on postpartum steaming) showed what the wisdom already told us: there are many benefits to POSTPARTUM steaming, including supporting healing the labia from tears, supporting healing the uterus, helping reduce postpartum bleeding, and more (listed in podcast).
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Resources Mentioned:
- Tina Bilodeau, Doula
- Steamy Chick
- Leia moon
- Doula Match
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
Body Balancing includes different exercises and techniques that help your bones, ligaments, muscles, and fascia to be nicely aligned and balanced so your body and baby can be in the best shape and position for birth. When the body and the baby are nicely aligned, birth is often easier and faster than it would've been without proper balancing. Today, doula Steffanie Thomas and I talk about 6 tips to help balance your body before birth.
- Body balancing is important because women are much more sedentary than we were 100 or more years ago.
- There are 6 main body balancing tips that Steffanie and I give to all of our clients. They work the best when they are used often during pregnancy.
- Spinning Babies®
- Webster Certified Chiropractic Care
- Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
- Prenatal Massage
- Maya Abdominal Massage
- Prenatal Yoga/Exercise
- There are a few other random things that are helpful, too, like sitting and sleeping smart.
- A properly balanced body often has an easier labor.
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Resources Mentioned:
- Steffanie Thomas, Doula
- *Spinning Babies®: Their website lists MANY exercises that are helpful for pregnancy & birth, but it is the specific composition of movements that make them officially Spinning Babies®; I didn't make this clear in the podcast and even refer to some exercises as "Spinning Babies®" incorrectly.
- *One Strong Mama: Not mentioned in the podcast, but an AWESOME online pelvic floor resource!
- Mamaste Fit
- ICPA 4 Kids
- Doula Match
NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!
- The NaturalBirth Site
- Read natural birth stories- and submit your own
- Sign up for the NaturalBirth Education course to best prepare your body & mind for natural birth
- Share with anyone interested in natural birth
- Share my podcast with anyone you know who is interested in natural birth!
- "Like" my Facebook and Instagram pages
- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel
*Afiiliate links