Birth, Baby! | Guidance for Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum, and Parenting

In this celebratory 100th episode of the Birth, Baby! Podcast, hosts Ciarra and Samantha announce an exciting giveaway for their listeners, emphasizing their commitment to providing valuable resources and continuing to engage with their audience. They also reflect on their journey, sharing insights gained from their guests, the importance of community, and the power of birth stories. Are you a par...

This conversation explores the topic of epidurals in childbirth, addressing common misconceptions and providing detailed information on the process, benefits, and drawbacks of epidurals. Ciarra and Samantha discuss how epidurals are administered, and the role of doulas. The conversation also highlights the potential impact of epidurals on labor progression and how they can be beneficial in case of...

In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha delve into the concepts of informed consent and shared decision making in the pregnancy and birth realm. They discuss the importance of parents being fully informed about potential interventions, the necessity of having options, and the role of healthcare providers in facilitating these discussions. The conversation emphasizes the need for individualized care a...

Camry Heckeroth joins Ciarra and Samantha to talk about her birth story, focusing on her experiences during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Camry shares her journey of preparing for her first baby, including her decision to work with a doula, her research into childbirth options, and her experiences leading up to labor. The conversation highlights the emotional and physical aspects of pregnancy an...

Choosing the right childcare for your baby can be stressful! Ciarra and Samantha give insight on things to consider when deciding on a daycare, nanny, or even a family member to care for your child. Whether your baby is 6 weeks or 2 years old, this decision is nuanced and personalized to each family's needs and comfort.  Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out h...

Some people realize they have childhood trauma prior to becoming parents. Sometimes people don't even realize they have childhood trauma until they become parents themselves. Laura Bruce, Founder and Director of Mi Casa Es Tu Casa®, joins Ciarra and Samantha on this episode to discuss this topic as well as the program she has created to help parents navigate this experience with their own children...

In this conversation, Ciarra Morgan and Samantha discuss the distinctions between trained and certified doulas, emphasizing the importance of training, experience, and the connection between the doula and the client. The episode explores the nuances of certification processes, why some doulas may choose to forgo certification, the value of mentorship, and how personal choices impact a doula's prac...

In this conversation, Ciarra and Samantha discuss the evolving landscape of doula services, particularly focusing on insurance coverage, reimbursement programs provided by employers, and alternative options for families seeking support during pregnancy and postpartum. They explore how certain insurance plans, like TRICARE and Medicaid, are beginning to cover doula services, but also highlight the...

For the first time, Ciarra and Samantha share stories of client births that started in a birth center and transferred to the hospital. If you like this type of episode, let us know and we can do more of this! Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE . For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE . For the pre-recorded,...

In this conversation, Dr. Katie Kennedy discusses Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT), a gentle bodywork modality that combines craniosacral therapy and myofascial release. She explains the importance of the craniosacral system and fascia in overall health, particularly for infants and children. The discussion covers the benefits of CFT for various age groups, the process of treatment, and the sign...

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Allie Goodwin, a chiropractor and acupuncturist, discusses the intricacies of cranial chiropractic care, emphasizing its importance in pediatric health. She explains how cranial adjustments can significantly impact nervous system function, particularly in infants, and the role of fascia in overall health. The discussion also covers the effects of birth trauma...

In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha welcome their guest Lisa Wolfe-Schacter, a craniosacral therapist, to explore the intricacies of craniosacral therapy (CST). Lisa explains that CST is a light touch manual therapy that works with the body's systems to promote healing and emotional release. The discussion covers the applications of CST, its benefits for various conditions, and its role in collab...

In this Birth Stories episode, Ciarra and Samantha chat with Carley Pearson about her fertility and birth experience. She shares her struggles with infertility due to previously undiagnosed PCOS as well as experiencing the joys and challenges of pregnancy and childbirth. As a doula, she reflects on her unique perspective and the emotional rollercoaster of preparing for and experiencing labor. The...

In this conversation, Ciarra and Samantha discuss the often-overlooked aspect of postpartum preparation, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries with visitors. They highlight the emotional and physical challenges new parents face and the need for rest and recovery. The conversation also explores creative ways for family and friends to support new parents from a distance, while acknowledgi...

Ciarra and Samantha have special guest midwife Leonora Colen back discuss the complexities of high-risk pregnancies. What an OB/GYN considers high risk can be completely different than high risk in the midwifery setting. Leonora emphasizes the importance of risk assessment over the label of 'high risk.' Together they explore common reasons for risk assessment, such as preeclampsia and gestational...

In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, host Ciarra Morgan discusses the challenges of postpartum relationships with guest Shelley Scotka, a certified childbirth educator and postpartum doula. They explore the 'Bringing Baby Home' program developed by the Gottmans, which focuses on improving couple relationships during the transition to parenthood. The conversation highlights the importance of co...

In this episode we’re joined by Dr. Whitaker, a direct care pediatrician in Austin, Texas at the practice Blue Monarch Pediatrics! He’s here to talk to us all about fevers in newborns. What constitutes a fever in a newborn? At what age is it less dangerous for a baby to have a fever? What can a parent do for a newborn with a fever and is it always necessary to go to the emergency room? Dr. Whitake...

On this episode of Birth, Baby! we have midwife Leonora Colen on with us to talk about out of hospital birth. We will discuss birth center and home birth options and the safety of them as well as what the care with midwives looks like in these settings. Leonora has been a birth center and home birth midwife, so we’re excited for her to share this information with us! Leonora is a midwife, mom, and...

Sometimes people want to try to get labor moving with more natural labor induction techniques before they get to the point of being faced with a medical induction. Due dates are given more weight with some providers than with others. In an attempt to avoid Pitocin, Foley Balloons, Cervidil, Cytotec, or any of the other medical induction techniques, some people opt for teas, herbs, and more.   In t...

In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, hosts Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly welcome their past doula client, Danielle Sanchez, to share her unique journey of having a Vaginal Birth After 2 Cesareans (VBA2C). Danielle discusses the challenges she faced, including gestational diabetes and pressure from healthcare providers. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, advocacy, and finding the...

In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, hosts Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly discuss postpartum birth control options with certified midwife Anne Leclercq. They explore various methods including hormonal, barrier, and natural family planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's body and the need for open communication between partners regarding birth control choices. The conversat...

This is Part 2 in a 2-part series In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, hosts Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly engage with Dr. Newman to discuss the critical aspects of vaccine safety, the approval process, and the importance of herd immunity. They address common concerns and misinformation surrounding vaccines, emphasizing the rigorous testing and monitoring systems in place to ensure safety....

This is Part 1 in a 2-part series In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, hosts Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly engage with Dr. Ross Newman, a pediatrician, to discuss the important and often controversial topic of vaccinations for children. The conversation covers how vaccines work, the significance of timely vaccinations, and addresses common concerns regarding vaccine ingredients, particularl...

In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, hosts Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly engage in a heartfelt conversation with Sarah, a single mom by choice, who shares her inspiring journey into motherhood through fostering and adoption, and ultimately conceiving a child on her own. Sarah discusses her early desire to become a mother, her experiences as a foster parent, finding a sperm donor, and the ch...

In this episode of Birth Baby, hosts Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly discuss the critical role of advocacy in labor, particularly from the perspective of doulas. They explore the different types of advocacy, including direct advocacy, conversational advocacy, and the empowerment model, emphasizing the importance of effective communication between clients and healthcare providers. The conversation...