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

Today we’re talking to Danielle about the birth of her daughter and her surrogacy journey. She opens up about the process of deciding to become a surrogate, all that goes into the IVF process, traveling to receive medical procedures, and the birth and postpartum experience.  Danielle is mother to her daughter & 3 stepsons as well as an entrepreneur. She and her husband have a handyman/carpet c...

We already covered the golden hour from the parent’s perspective, so today we’re going to talk about what it is and what it looks like from the baby’s perspective. The important things to remember, the medications that may be offered, and why skin to skin is so important.   Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE . For the pre-recorded,...

Let’s talk about the golden hour! We’re going to talk about what it is and what it looks like from the parents' perspective. What will that first hour look like? What medications are offered, what procedures are done, and what should you be looking out for? There will be an episode that follows this where we go into the golden hour from the baby’s perspective. Are you a parent interested in learni...

Today we have Naiomi Catron with us to talk about a couple of warnings you need to know before ordering a breast pump! It’s important to know how to navigate using your lactation benefits with your insurance so you’re not caught by surprise! Naiomi Catron, R.N., IBCLC, is a compassionate professional with a decade of experience in maternal and newborn care. As both a highly skilled Labor & Del...

On today’s episode we’re talking with Jess and Emily of Moontower Midwifery. They are two of the three midwives of the newest midwifery practice in Austin, Texas. They have low intervention rooms located inside of St. David’s North Austin Medical Center. We can’t wait to have them share ALL the information about their new practice here in Austin. Moontower Midwifery Website: www. http://moontowerm...

On today's episode we talk about placenta encapsulation with Peggy Garcia. Peggy is a wife, mother of six children, and the owner of BeLoved Doula Care in Austin, Texas. She is a birth and postpartum doula, lactation counselor, and placenta specialist. Join us as she shares the ins and out of placenta use and consumption.  If you have any questions for Peggy or want to learn more about her service...

In today’s episode, Andrea shares her night and day birth stories with us. An unnecessary induction turned cesarean to a redemptive VBAC, she tells us about the journey of growing her family.  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, self-paced Newbo...

There are many options for pain management in labor. Today we will talk about those options in different birthing locations.   Summary In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha discuss pain management options during labor in different birthing locations. They cover various methods such as having a doula, using water therapy, taking sleep aids, and utilizing movement and positioning. They also explore t...

Welcome back to Birth, Baby!  In today's episode we will talk about what pelvic floor therapy is and how to know if you need it. Our guest today is Dr. Emily Murray. Dr. Emily is a physical therapist specializing in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2013. Since that time, she has enj...

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a tool that can be used in labor, but many people don’t know much about it. Tune in to this episode to learn what TENS units help, what the benefits are, and who should/shouldn’t use a TENS. 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,...

On this episode of Birth, Baby! we have midwife Leonora 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 a hum...

It’s common for people to ask what they can do to prepare themselves for labor and birth. On today’s episode, we will talk about it all…exercises to do, foods to eat, things to drink, and practitioners to see! Summary In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha discuss how to prepare for labor and birth. They emphasize the importance of education, knowing your options, and taking a well-rounded childbirt...

In today’s episode, Amanda shares her birth stories with us. From a long labor with her first to a surprisingly fast labor with her second, she tells us about her journey into parenthood. Summary Amanda shares her birth stories of her two boys, Emmett and Hudson. With Emmett, she had a planned hospital birth and experienced hip and lower back pain throughout her pregnancy. She had a long labor, re...

Welcome back to Birth, Baby! In today's episode we will talk about mental health in the perinatal period. We will explore the difference between Baby Blues and PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders). We will discuss how to decide if you need to seek support, and how to find that support if you find you need it. Our guest today is Cheryl Reeley. Cheryl is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and...

Have you heard of HypnoBirthing, but don’t understand what it is? Birth, Baby! host Ciarra Morgan is a Certified HypnoBirthing Educator and today she explains what it is! To sign up for any of Ciarra's classes: https://empoweredbeginningsatx.com/class-registration-form To find a Certified HypnoBirthing Educator in your area, click here: https://hypnobirthing.com/directory/category/hypnobirthing/ G...

Let's talk about Birth, Baby! Today we’re joined by Jordan. Jordan and his wife Natalie hired Ciarra and Samantha as their birth doulas. Jordan will talk about how having a doula help a partner through the prenatal and postpartum experience. Summary In this episode, Jordan, shares his experience of having a doula during his wife Natalie's birth. They had a long and challenging labor that ended in...

When people have a looming induction or find out they may need a cesarean, it’s common for parents to wonder how a doula can still be of use, especially if they’ve already hired their doula! Today we’re going to talk about how a doula serves families that are having births that need a bit of medical intervention. Things like an induction or a C-section (whether planned or unplanned) can be jarring...

Welcome back to Birth, Baby! In today's episode we will talk about how chiropractic care can help in the perinatal period. We will answer commonly asked questions about how chiropractic care can help pregnant and postpartum people as well as babies. Our guest today is Dr. Katherine Melot, the founder of BirthCo. in Austin, Texas. Dr. Melot received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer Col...

On today’s episode we will talk about the many options you have for birth and parenting preparation classes. We will explore the reasons you might want to consider these and the benefits of doing them with your partner. Classes mentioned in this episode to reference: Belle Method: Home - The Belle Method Pelvic Floor PTs in Austin that teach about pushing Pelvic Floor PT | Lady Bird PT | Austin, T...

In today’s episode we will discuss what a doula does…and what a doula doesn’t do! Tune in to hear how a doula can help you, your partner, and the resources they can give you. It’s been said doulas are worth their weight in gold. Find out why! 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, c...

On today’s episode we will discuss what childbirth classes are, why they’re needed, who should take them, and when they can be taken. Don’t forget to send us a message if you have any questions or have show ideas! Please follow and review our podcast so it becomes more visible to everyone.    Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE . For...

Welcome to Birth, Baby!  Our first few episodes will help you get to know your hosts and what got us into birth work. The families that interview us often ask what type of births we had and why we got into birth work, so we figured we’d record it for those that are curious!  In today's episode we will introduce Samantha Kelly, the other host of Birth, Baby! You will get to know who she is and she...

Welcome to Birth, Baby! Our first few episodes will help you get to know your hosts and what got us into birth work. The families that interview us often ask what type of births we had and why we got into birth work, so we figured we’d record it for those that are curious!  In today's episode we will introduce Ciarra Morgan, one of the hosts of Birth, Baby! You will get to know who she is and she...

Welcome back to Birth, Baby! In this episode we will guide you on the important things to put on your “to-do” list once you find out you’re expecting. 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, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE . Are you inter...

We're launching our new podcast: Birth, Baby! Thank you for supporting our passion project and please don't hesitate to email us with suggestions for topics you'd like to hear us cover. Ciarra Morgan is the owner of Empowered Beginnings. Samantha Kelly is the owner of Beautifully Made Doula Care. They're both located in and provide services to families in the Central Texas area.  Are you a parent...