The Birth Link

We love a great redemption story!  Sara went to school with me and we were friends in high school, so it was great to reconnect and learn that we had such similar birth stories!  Being young, naive and ill-prepared for birth in the hospital system, what did we take away to then achieve the birth we knew that we deserved as women? You won’t want to miss this episode as we casually discuss...

A birth plan, done correctly, can feel daunting.  Just another task to add to your growing list of things to do as your baby arrives.  It’s usually way more fun to look through Pinterest to decorate the nursery and set up your registry (though, that can be pretty overwhelming these days too).  Most parents put it to the wayside, or choose to check off some boxes on an easy made for...

Lynsey McGillivray, owner of Born This Way Hypnobirthing, doula and registered midwife joins us this week from Scotland to discuss what hypnobirthing is. We dispel the myths and misconceptions that come with the name, and why it should be available to EVERY pregnant woman and her partner to utilize in birth.   To work with Lynsey visit her website bornthiswaybirthing.com and follow her o...

Welcome to the world, now let us protect you! Learn more about one of the very first medications given to your baby, right after birth, to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, or pink eye, specifically from gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae). Using the acronym once again, PIEDAY, we review the prophylactic treatment by considering the Problem, Incidence, Evidence, Downsides, Alternatives and Your input...

Mendy McNulty is a dedicated mother of four and a skilled IFS and Psychedelic Integration Coach with over 16 years of experience in education and 4 years as a children’s pastor. She founded Self Led Integration, where she helps individuals navigate their inner world using the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Mendy’s compassionate approach supports clients in tr...

The First 15 Series continues as we discuss baby medications, specifically in today’s episode, Vitamin K Injection.  This is a decision you will be making, whether you know it or not, for your baby and will be done pretty shortly after birth.  Usually by your nurse after the first hour, or even in the recovery room while you are getting cleaned up in the OR.   This episode take...

Shoshie joins us as a mental health consultant and social worker with Family Tree Wellness in the Los Angeles Westside area.  She provides mental health support for pregnancy, postpartum, fertility challenges, parenthood, trauma, loss and beyond.  She works with a team of therapists both in person and virtually, who have extensive training and expertise in perinatal mental health, infert...

We continue in The First 15 Series by diving into what the hospital calls The Golden Hour, that precious time we can spend with our baby, bonding skin to skin with a limited amount of interruptions.   We will discuss the benefits that have been proven during this time and the importance of a more hands off approach during this period.  I will also discuss how the push and sell of th...

Jaimie Zaki is a military wife, mom of 5, nurse, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. After Jaimie struggled to breastfeed her oldest and experienced medical gaslighting by doctors and lactation consultants, she learned the secret to breastfeeding success wasn't about luck. It was about foundational knowledge, support, and self-advocacy skills. Jaimie became an IBCLC and dedicat...

Are you a birth nerd interested in the first 15 minutes after birth and everything that happens within those first 15 minutes? Such as decisions you need to make and include in your birth plan. Then tune into this first 15 series for in depth knowledge on what’s going on within the first 15 minutes, the history, current practices, and YOUR options. Being informed is the best way to prepare for you...

Today I’m welcoming Dr. Rachael Cappuccino to The Birth Link podcast!  Rachael started Cappuccino Physical Therapy after the birth of her two children because she believes that an active lifestyle does not end with motherhood.  Having experienced both a vaginal delivery and cesarean, Rachael understands the physical challenges that come from birth.  Too many women accept these chall...

The First 15 continues, closing out the triad of active management of the third stage of labor.  To accompany cord clamping (now delayed 60 sec), cord traction and uterine massage. Doing our part to lower maternal death, the leading cause being hemorrhaging by including not only as a treatment, but as prevention. In the hospital, most providers choose active management as their practice but f...

Today we have the opportunity to sit down for an in depth look at postpartum care and how to prepare for this delicate time.  Specifically how new parents can navigate and set expectations for your family’s and newborn’s sleep and feeding routine.  How sleep affects your milk supply and your newborn’s sleep at night. Listen in on this expert interview, where I learned a few things myself...

For the last 60-80 years an incision in the vaginal opening to help the baby come up has been used routinely, with some experts stating, there is no reason not to, so don’t even worry about it!   Yeah.. that was Dr Diethelm specifically, in 1938.  Speeding up the pushing stage, helping mom out after pushing for a long time, worrying about the baby being held inside by the tight peri...

#1 Best selling author joins us today to speak about her new book The Fastest Way to Fat Loss After 40, a guide to mind, body and spiritual transformation. We touch on how we can use this valuable insight during hormonal changes in adolescence, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum to stay alive in our body’s healthiest potential.   As a registered dietitian and fitness specialist, Cynthia...

We learned in Episode 4 the history of cord blood clamping and cutting after a baby is born, so now what are the ACOG recommendations and what do we think NOW regarding risks and benefits?   If the risks are so great, then is there a way for our non vigorous babies to receive the blood quickly, before needing to separate?   We will get into cord blood milking and what are the l...

Colette welcomes Dr. Joselyn Rodriguez to discuss the significance of pelvic floor health, common postpartum issues, and practical tips for labor.  She enjoys working with moms at every phase of their lives, and her passion is to improve their movement and confidence in their bodies, teaching moms how to prep, how to push, and how to recover, effectively and appropriately. As a board-certifie...

Time to start thinking about what’s in your birth plan… and some of the MOST important things to put on that plan are the options you have and may not know if RIGHT AFTER delivery.   Like, a minute after to be specific.  You’re overwhelmed with emotion, exhaustion and awe of the new baby laying on your chest.  The new face that you finally get to kiss, the new eyes you get to l...

Today we welcome Sara to the podcast, a longtime friend and colleague, who shares an incredible and unexpected birth story with us.  Sara Kendryna has been a labor and delivery nurse for over 10 years working at a community hospital in Glendale, CA. In 2018, she went back to school at Cal State Fullerton to complete a 3 year Masters program where she became a certified nurse midwife and women...

Dive into the crucial first moments after birth, focusing on APGAR scores and their history, baby massage, and newborn tips.  Joined by physical therapist and infant massage instructor, Dr. Penny Hicks, this conversation covers practical tips for new parents, particularly around infant massage techniques to help with common issues like gas.  Stay tuned for the end of this episode for an...

Welcome to The Birth Link podcast! The Birth Link, hosted by Colette Wagholikar, a seasoned labor and delivery nurse and mother of two, welcomes you to listen in as herself and her mission are here to educate and support expectant mothers and parents like you.  Colette discusses the purpose behind the podcast, her professional experience in labor and delivery, and her passion for childbirth e...

Welcome to The Birth Link, where we dive into the overwhelming and transformative experience of pregnancy, addressing your biggest fears, concerns, and need for connection among expecting mothers. I’m your host, Colette, a seasoned labor and delivery nurse and mother of two. This podcast is here to connect you with a community of fellow moms, expert advice, and reliable medical information. Each e...