Speaking of the Village

In this conversation, Nicole Harlot and Anne Wallen from MaternityWise discuss the origins and evolution of MaternityWise, the unique Epidural Program, and the vital role of doulas in supporting birthing families. They emphasize the importance of community, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity in the perinatal space, as well as the need to empower dads and navigate the medical system effectivel...

In this conversation, Nicole Harlot and Joshua Liston-Zawadi explore the importance of advocacy in birth support, the role of partners, and the mental load associated with parenting. They discuss the need for male involvement in birth work and the creation of resources for fathers. Joshua shares his personal journey into doula work and emphasizes the significance of building community for dads. Th...

With an impressive 26-year career as a doula and childbirth educator, Traci Doula has dedicated her life to guiding and supporting pregnant individuals through their birthing journeys. Known for her compassionate and hands-on approach, Traci has helped countless families experience empowering, informed births while navigating the physical, emotional, and advocacy aspects of pregnancy and postpartu...

In this episode of Speaking of the Village, host Nicole Harlot speaks with Lital Bernstein, founder of Whole Nest, about her journey into holistic healing and the creation of her natural postpartum products. They discuss the importance of natural ingredients, the mind-body connection, and the role of energy and intention in healing. Lital shares her insights on parenting, spirituality, and the sig...

In this episode, Dawn Thompson and Jenna Walenga discuss the shortcomings of modern birth preparation and the importance of empowering women through education and support. They explore the myths surrounding childbirth, the significance of understanding pain during labor, and the necessity of nervous system regulation. Jenna shares her personal experiences and insights on how to prepare for birth a...

In this conversation, Dawn Thompson and Laurel Wilson explore the critical role of the microbiome in perinatal health, the importance of breastfeeding for establishing a baby's immune system, and the challenges faced by mothers, especially those who undergo cesarean births. They discuss the cultural perspectives on breastfeeding, the alternatives available for feeding infants, and the need for...

In this episode, Dawn and Nicole discuss the critical topic of preeclampsia with expert Sarah Thompson. They explore the rising incidence of preeclampsia, its symptoms, causes, and the significant role nutrition plays in prevention and management. Sarah emphasizes the importance of individualized care and the need for supportive systems during pregnancy. The conversation also highlights dietary re...

In this episode, Dawn Thompson and Nicole Harlot engage with HeHe, a doula and founder of Tranquility by HeHe, discussing the importance of education in childbirth, the trends in induction and cesarean rates, and the role of partners in the birthing process. They emphasize the need for women to be active participants in their birth choices, the significance of trusting one's intuition, and the imp...

In this conversation, Nicole Harlot, Dawn Thompson, and Kim Jolasun discuss the significance of having a supportive village during motherhood. Kim shares her experiences and insights on how cultural differences shape the way communities support new parents. The discussion emphasizes the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and the evolving role of fathers in the parenting journey. The...

In this episode of Speaking of the Village, hosts Dawn Thompson and Nicole Harlot discuss the complexities of childbirth, focusing on the differences between home births and hospital births. Dawn shares her recent experience as a doula at a hospital birth, highlighting the challenges faced within the hospital system, including the importance of having supportive staff and the impact of hospital pr...

In this conversation, Nicole Harlot and Dawn Thompson discuss the Neuro Play Method with pediatric physical therapist Elizabeth. They explore the importance of early intervention in child development, the holistic approach to infant care, and practical strategies for parents to support their baby's growth. Elizabeth shares insights on movement patterns, the significance of a supportive environ...

In this episode, Dawn Thompson and Nicole Harlot engage with Jaimie Zaki to discuss the critical aspects of maternal health, particularly focusing on breastfeeding. They explore the interconnectedness of birth and breastfeeding, the impact of medical interventions, and the emotional trauma that can arise from childbirth experiences. Jamie emphasizes the importance of understanding the maternal hea...

In this episode, hosts Dawn Thompson and Nicole Harlot engage in a candid discussion about the complexities of labor induction, cesarean births, and the importance of maternal health education. They share personal experiences and insights on the impact of medical interventions in childbirth, the significance of listening to one's intuition, and the need for informed decision-making in maternit...

In this enlightening conversation, Dawn Thompson and Nicole Harlot engage with Ashley Mariani, a registered social worker and breathwork practitioner, to explore the dynamics of feminine and masculine roles in relationships, particularly during the perinatal period. They discuss the importance of masculine support for women, the concept of empowerment versus authority in birth spaces, and the need...

In this episode, Nicole Harlot and Dawn Thompson engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Elizabeth van der Wilt, a certified doula and holistic women's health coach. They explore the sacredness of mammalian birth, drawing parallels between animal and human birthing experiences. Elizabeth shares her unique insights from witnessing a cow give birth on her farm, emphasizing the natural pr...

Join Co-Hosts Nicole and Dawn chat about their own experiences, opinions and stories about Inductions and C-Sections and how physiological birth is not seen in most places to birth. induction, cesarean, maternal health, birth, intuition, active participation, informed decision-making, historical context, medical interventions, postpartum

In this episode, Nicole Harlot, Dawn Thompson, and Theresa Moutafis discuss the importance of nutrition for breastfeeding and postpartum mothers. They explore what foods to avoid during pregnancy, essential nutrients for recovery, and practical snack ideas. The conversation emphasizes the role of dietitians in supporting mothers, the significance of hydration and fiber, and the challenges of body...

Summary In this conversation, Dawn Thompson and Nicole Harlot engage with Rixa Freeze, a prominent advocate for twin and breech birth. They discuss the alarming rise in cesarean rates for twin births, the importance of informed consent, and the need for better training among healthcare providers. Rixa shares her journey into birth research, the findings from her twin home birth study, and the syst...

In this episode, Nicole Harlot and Dawn Thompson engage with Kerry Ingram, a postpartum mental health specialist, to discuss the critical role of community support during the postpartum period. They explore the concept of 'village tending,' emphasizing the importance of building a supportive network for new parents. The conversation highlights the need for parents to feel safe and supported, the c...

Alicia Hurtt is the founder and Executive Director of I See My Baby Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and families through holistic wellness and compassionate support. As a certified birth doula, minister, and author of over 32 books, Alicia draws from her personal journey of overcoming infertility, depression, and a crisis of faith to inspire and uplift others. With a M...

Ashley Holmes is a Holistic Fertility Coach specializing in the mind-body connection, empowering women through fertility challenges, pregnancy, and the journey beyond. With expertise in bodywork, energetics and mindfulness, she guides individuals in creating a balanced foundation for conception, nurturing early pregnancy, and healing from loss. Ashley’s compassionate approach helps clients embrace...

As the lead certified pediatric sleep expert at Your Zen Baby Sleep, Sarah Bossio works with tired parents with children ages 0-8 years old to achieve their individual sleep goals, so that everyone can get the rest they need. She has supported over 500 families in her one-on-one programs and 1,000s in her courses and group programs. As a former special education teacher, Sarah believes every child...

Jordan, Owner of Muscle Mama Fitness has a goal to help prenatal women prepare their bodies pregnancy, labor & birth as well as aid them in having a stronger foundation for their postpartum recovery. She helps postpartum women navigate their recovery process safely and build strength to keep up with the physical demands of parenthood. @musclemama_fitness

Send us a text BeHerVillage is the gift registry for parents to get the funds they need for the support they deserve. New motherhood is a glorious time of life...if you can ignore the mesh panties, leaky boobs and mystery liquids in your hair. BeHerVillage wants to change the way we celebrate new families. Let’s make the fourth trimester a time to bond with baby and not stress about washing the di...

Send us a text Shafia M. Monroe is a renowned midwife, doula trainer, motivational speaker, and cultural competency trainer. Shafia has been “Birthing CHANGE” all her life. In 2016, Madame Noir named Monroe “Queen Mother of a Midwife Movement” for her pioneer midwifery work in Boston, Massachusetts, her hometown. It was there she co-founded the Traditional Childbearing Group (TCBG), a non-profit o...