The Mindful Womb Podcast

Have “get the epidural” circled on your birth plan? Or maybe you’re curious but not sure if it’s for you? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what epidurals really are, how they work, what they don’t do—and why preparation still matters deeply, even if you’re planning on pain meds. We’ll explore: What epidurals actually do (and don’t do) How they’re administered, and what it feels l...

In this powerful episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast , I sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist Mitali Mohanan (she/her) to explore one of the most overlooked pieces of reproductive health: the pelvic floor. Often dismissed until postpartum, this essential group of muscles plays a foundational role in fertility, hormone regulation, emotional well-being, and more. From her own journey after...

You’ve probably heard the advice: “You need to advocate for yourself during labor.” But what does that actually mean—especially if you’re not someone who feels naturally assertive? In this episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, we’re unpacking what self-advocacy really looks like in the birth space. From debunking myths to sharing grounded communication tools and real-life phrases you can use during...

In this episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast , we're busting the myth of the "perfect" birth plan. Birth prep is not about having every stage memorized or packing the right playlist—it's about knowing how to meet birth as it is . Clara shares the five essential pillars of true birth preparation that go beyond the checklist and into your inner strength. What You’ll Learn: Why mos...

Surrender Is Not Weakness—It’s Wisdom: A Personal Story from Bali, Silence, and Back Again Episode Description: What if surrender wasn’t about giving up—but about finding your deepest strength? In this deeply personal episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast , Clara shares an unexpected chapter from her life: losing her voice after returning from a transformative retreat in Bali. What began as frustrat...

In this powerful episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast , I sit down with certified nurse midwife, childbirth educator, and founder of Lila, Caitlyn Schollmeier. Together, we unpack how birthing people can reclaim their power and create a deeply meaningful, autonomous, and empowering birth experience. We explore: How to shift away from fear-based narratives and embrace birth as a rite of passage What...

Welcoming a new life into the world is one of the most profound experiences a person can have. But how do you prepare for something as unpredictable as birth? In this episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast , I sit down with Emily Wilder, a biologist and first-time parent, to hear how she prepared for birth with intention—and how she learned to trust her body and the process along the way. Emily share...

What if yoga could do more than improve flexibility? What if it could transform the way you move, breathe, and experience birth? In this episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, I’m joined by Lara Heimann, a renowned leader in yoga and the creator of LYT (Lara’s Yoga Technique). We explore the deep connection between movement, breathwork, and body awareness—especially in the context of pregnancy, birt...

When we think of birth support, we often picture a partner holding a hand or offering ice chips. But true birth support is so much more than that. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the essential role of a birth partner—how they can regulate stress, create an environment of safety and trust, and actively advocate during labor. We’ll explore hands-on comfort measures, emotional grounding techn...

Bringing a baby into the world is a life-changing experience, but it also introduces major shifts in intimacy and connection for couples. In this episode I sit down with Dr. Michele Waldron, clinical psychologist and certified sex therapist, to talk about navigating the postpartum period with intention and care. We explore: ✅ Why intimacy changes after birth (hormones, exhaustion, body image, and...

When preparing for birth, most families budget for hospital bills, but did you know your insurance may cover much more? From childbirth education and lactation support to postpartum recovery and mental health care, there are hidden benefits in many health plans that could save you thousands of dollars. In this episode, we break down: ✅ The essential birth & postpartum services your insurance...

Many athletes and active individuals focus on strength, endurance, and mobility—but what about pelvic floor health? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lindsay Roth, a pelvic floor therapist and functional strength coach, to discuss how pelvic floor function impacts performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Dr. Roth explains how the pelvic floor plays a critical role in core stability, injur...

Did you know that your menstrual cycle is one of the best indicators of your overall health? In this episode, I sit down with Julie Lipsett, a certified fertility awareness educator and therapist, to discuss how cycle tracking can be a game-changer for understanding your body, balancing hormones, and making informed choices about fertility and contraception. We explore: ✅ What fertility awareness...

In this episode we’re diving into the transformative role that partners can play during labor—through the power of touch and massage. Many partners want to help but aren’t sure how. That’s where intentional touch comes in. I’m joined by Anna Muñoz, a skilled massage therapist and hypnotherapist with over a decade of experience in the birth world. Together, we’ll explore: ✨ How massage supports th...

Many expecting parents worry about the possibility of needing a cesarean birth (C-section). While cesareans can be life-saving when medically necessary, many are performed for reasons that could be avoided. The good news? You have more control over your birth experience than you might think. In this episode we explore 10 evidence-based strategies to help you reduce the likelihood of an unnecessary...

Pregnancy is a transformative journey, and for those diagnosed with diabetes—whether preexisting Type 1 or 2, or gestational diabetes—it can come with unique challenges. But managing blood sugar doesn’t have to mean sacrificing an empowered birth experience. In this episode, I sit down with Megan Peasley, a certified doula, birth photographer, and childbirth educator, to discuss her personal exper...

When discussing birth, we often hear the phrase, “As long as the baby is healthy, that’s all that matters.” While this sentiment comes from a place of love, it can unintentionally dismiss the emotional, physical, and psychological needs of the birthing person. In this episode, we’re diving deep into why birth isn’t just about the baby—it’s also about the person giving birth and the experience they...

Want to learn how to prepare for a pain free birth? Today we are joined by Dr. Porntip Israsena Twishime who shares what led to hear painless birth experiences.  Tune in to learn: ✔ The impact fear-based narratives can have on your birth experience ✔ How to be mindful as you prepare for birth ✔ The power of being present and mindful in your body during pregnancy ✔ How to stay present with distract...

Today, I’m joined by seasoned homeopath Sapna Devi for a deep dive into the world of homeopathy—an ancient healing practice that offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to wellness. Whether you're new to homeopathy or looking to enhance your understanding, this episode covers how it can support pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Tune in to learn: ✔ What homeopathy is and how it works ✔ The...

Have you ever felt like birth is something that “just happens to you”? That decisions about your body and baby are made without your full understanding or involvement? In this episodeb we challenge the common belief that birth is entirely in the hands of the medical team. Birth is not just a physical process—it’s a collaborative journey where you, the birthing individual, hold the power to make in...

If you’ve ever felt like your birth options are limited after a cesarean, this episode will change the narrative. VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) isn’t just a possibility—it’s an empowering opportunity to reclaim your story, heal from past experiences, and step into your power. In this episode of The Mindful Womb Podcast, I sit down with Carmen Rocha, a childbirth educator and VBAC advocate wh...

Have you ever considered that birth is more than just a physical process? It’s a rite of passage, a journey that transforms not only your life but also your very sense of self. In this episode, I invite you to explore birth through the lens of the shamanic journey, an ancient archetype rooted in transformation, healing, and empowerment. We’ll unpack the parallels between the stages of birth and th...

In this episode, I’m joined by Bertha Elena, a compassionate advocate and trailblazer in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Together, we explore how this emerging modality can help address womb trauma—emotional scars stemming from fertility challenges, miscarriage, difficult births, and more. Bertha shares her deeply personal journey through infertility and how psychedelic-assisted therapy...

When you think about childbirth, what comes to mind? Chaotic hospital scenes? Screams of agony? Hollywood has shaped much of the collective imagery surrounding birth—but what if there’s a better, more empowering story to tell? In this episode, we’re diving into the three biggest myths about childbirt h: Birth is always painful and traumatic. Medical intervention is always necessary. You have no co...

What if you could replace the pressure to “bounce back” after pregnancy with a compassionate, body-positive approach to movement? In this episode, we’re joined by Simi Botic , a former corporate healthcare attorney turned health coach, who shares her personal journey of overcoming struggles with body image and disordered eating. Together, we explore how mindful movement can help you build a positi...