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

In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast we have Sadie Minkoff joining us to talk about acupuncture and its place in the prenatal period. Together we explore how acupuncture can support reproductive health, address common pregnancy complaints, and assist with breech presentation and labor preparation. The conversation highlights the holistic approach of acupuncture and its role in enhancing the pre...

In this episode of the Birth, Baby! Podcast, we delve into the world of pediatric sleep with Jayne Havens, owner of The Center for Pediatric Sleep Management and Snooze Fest. From understanding the fundamentals of healthy sleep hygiene to practical tips for establishing positive sleep habits in babies and toddlers, Jayne shares her expertise and insights to help parents navigate the journey to bet...

Join us on this eye-opening episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast as we delve into the complex world of pediatric health with Dr. Mona from PedsDocTalk. In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Mona sheds light on the psychological impact of obsessing over our kids' weight, exploring the implications of percentiles, BMI, and body image on children's mental and emotional well-being. In a society that often e...

There is a difference in midwifery care depending on where you’re giving birth. Midwifery care with a home birth midwife, birth center midwife, or a hospital-based midwifery practice are all going to have their own unique dynamics. Tune in to hear what those differences are so you can navigate the type of care that would match your needs the best!  Are you a parent interested in learning more from...

This episode is a fun chat with Lisa Kestler of Hill Country Placentas. We discuss the cultural beliefs and practices around the placenta for different countries!  To reach out to Lisa directly Website: https://www.hillcountryplacentas.com/contact-us IG: @hillcountryplacentas Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE . For the pre-recorded...

In this special birth story episode, we’re joined by Elaine Nguyen. She shares the story of the stillbirth of her son, Lando, and how this experience changed her.   Elaine is a pediatric Speech and Language Pathologist and mama of two - one earth baby and one angel baby, who was born sleeping in April 2024. Since this devastating loss she has felt an inner nudge from her spirit baby, Lando, to cre...

It seems the resources for partners of pregnant parents are lacking. Matthew and Shanon Morris join us on this episode to discuss their experience of becoming pregnant, navigating their new roles, and preparing for the birth of their daughter. Their book “The Partner’s Purpose During Pregnancy” is an incredible resource for expecting parents. If you’re interested in grabbing a copy of their book…...

Tune into this podcast episode where we learn about the benefits of the amniotic sac with Lisa Kestler of Hill Country Placentas! Whether or not someone wants to encapsulate their placenta, that can donate the portion of the amniotic sac to help people heal. Bandages that help heal persistent wounds are being made with the amniotic sac.  Lisa has been involved in the birth world for over two decad...

Janet Jones and Lauren Reyes, IBCLCs and co-founders of Breastfeeding Success, join us to talk about how breastfeeding support has evolved and changed over time. We talk about the ancestral practices and how they differ from modern practices.  Breastfeeding Success is a minority and woman owned company established in 2014 with the mission to provide access to high quality lactation care and educat...

On this episode, we have special guest Jacqueline Berg Ramsey. She is the founder of Fresh Test, LLC - a natural FemCare company based in Los Angeles CA. Fresh Test, LLC, founded in 2018, launched a more natural diagnostic glucose beverage which has been begged for by healthcare providers, laboratories and women for decades. Ciarra and Samantha often have birth doula clients that don't want to dri...

Sarah Hughes, a mother of two and a birth doula, joins us on this episode to share her birth stories. Her first baby was prior to becoming a birth worker and her second was after years of experience as a doula. She dives into the difference between her mindset, pregnancy experience, and how her labors were vastly different. We explore topics such as secondary infertility, prodromal labor, and the...

What is functional nutrition? Amber Frauenholtz joins us to shed light on the transformative potential of functional nutrition in supporting fertility, pregnancy, and parenthood. Whether you're on the journey to conception, navigating pregnancy and postpartum, or simply seeking to optimize your family's health, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for nourishing parenthood from...

What’s Best? Breast? Or Fed? As a new parent, it can be overwhelming to hear these slogans and discern what is best for your own family and situation. Janet Jones and Lauren Reyes from Breastfeeding Success in Austin, Texas join us on this episode to help break down what these slogans mean. The Breast is Best campaign was an effort to raise public awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding,...

In this episode of the Birth, Baby! Podcast, we delve into the world of parenting multiples with the insightful Dr. Christina Cavezza, host of the Fierce Kind Mama of Multiples podcast. From the excitement of discovering you're expecting twins to the unique challenges and joys of raising them, Dr. Cristina shares her personal journey as a twin mom and the challenges faced by families with multiple...

Kameryn Matranga shares her story of what it was like being pregnant and giving birth as a teen mom…TWICE. She shares the challenges she faced with friendships, balancing school and parenthood, and her ability to advocate for herself in the medical system. She also shares what postpartum and breastfeeding were like for her. She shares her journey as a teen mom and how it has led her to become a do...

In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha discuss group B strep (GBS), a common bacteria found in the intestines or lower genital tract of 10-30% of adults. While GBS doesn't cause symptoms in healthy adults, it can be dangerous for newborns. They explain what the options are for a GBS positive parent when giving birth. They emphasize the importance of informed consent and discuss alternative options f...

In this episode, Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly discuss what cesarean recovery looks like. They cover the different types of C-sections, including planned and unplanned, and how recovery can vary depending on the type. They emphasize the importance of rest, asking for help, and staying on top of pain medication. They also recommend seeing a pelvic floor therapist after a C-section and getting up...

Dr. Whitaker is back with us to talk about back-to-school health. He explains how children get virus and why it’s more common for some children than others. We also chat about how stress and the introduction of new viruses during the holiday season also play a role. Dr. Whitaker gives some ideas on ways to minimize risks of getting sick so often and how often is actually “normal” to get sick for s...

In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha discuss prodromal labor with midwife Leonora of Home Birth Honey. They explain what prodromal labor is and how it differs from Braxton Hicks contractions or early labor. They emphasize the importance of managing expectations and rest during prodromal labor. They also discuss factors that can contribute to prodromal labor, such as malposition, dehydration, and a...

In this episode we chat with Dr. Romy Ghosh about what pregnancy care looks like when under the care of an Obstetrician. She chimes in on routine tests and procedures in pregnancy, including dating ultrasounds, prenatal labs, and genetic testing. She explains the importance of these tests and how they help monitor the health of both the mother and baby. Dr. Ghosh also talks about the vaccines offe...

In this episode of the Birth, Baby! Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Emily Turinas. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with her PhD in counseling psychology. Dr. Turinas brings her expertise and passion for helping individuals heal from trauma. From understanding the psychological impact of traumatic birth experiences to seeking therapy as a path to healing, Dr. Emily Turinas provid...

In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha interview k'mae martinez (she/they) about the practice of belly binding. k’mae is multiracial birth and postpartum doula, a space holder for those amidst transition, a womb tender, aspiring herbalist, and belly binding practitioner in kinship with the rebozo. Her work is rooted in the reclamation of Sacredness throughout childbearing and in revitalizing holisti...

Diamond Williams shares her personal journey of multiple pregnancies, miscarriages, and the inspiration behind writing her book. She emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and support for those experiencing pregnancy loss. Diamond turned to writing as a way to heal and found solace in sharing her story with others. Diamond reflects on the need for better education and support for women during...

In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha interview Gina Mundy, an attorney and author, who shares tips on how to avoid needing an attorney after giving birth. They discuss the importance of choosing the right delivery team, including the doctor and nurses, and how doulas can play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and positive birth experience. They also highlight the common use of the drug Pitocin in...

Cory shares her journey to getting pregnant and the challenges she faced due to her autoimmune disorders. She discusses the importance of preconception health and the support she received from her functional medicine doctor. Cory also talks about her decision to have a natural birth and the challenges she faced with her OB who did not align with her birth preferences. She shares her experience of...