Yoga | Birth | Babies

No matter which way you may be leaning in terms of pain meds during labor, it’s important to know all your options so that you can make an informed decision. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Rachel Salem, about all your options for pain medicine during labor. Rachel shares the difference between a “walking” epidural and a standard epidural, how epidurals are administered and dispels the myth that you need to hurry up and get an epidural before it’s “too late”. She also explains the pros and cons of narcotics like Stadol and Demerol.   Support Our Sponsors: Hello Fresh: America’s #1 meal kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/ybb14 and use code ybb14 for up to 14 free meals AND 3 free gifts! Boober: Looking for a lactation support, birth doulas, mental health therapists, and postpartum doulas. Use the code PYC to get 10% off your first service at www.getboober.com Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains H

For those who have sweat through your child having a full on meltdown in the middle of Target. For those who have felt judged by others or responsible for your child’s behavior. For those who have felt shame as a parent, this podcast episode is for you.  In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with licensed psychotherapist, parent coach, speaker, and bestselling author, Mercedes Samudio. Mercedes started the #EndParentShaming movement as well as coined the term Shame-Proof Parenting – using both to bring awareness to ending parent shame. Mercedes shares how shame has infiltrated parenthood and offers strategies that encourage healthy parent- child relationship building. She also talks about what happens if we only focus on resolving the surface behaviors but don’t look deeper at the child’s emotional or mental state. Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources an

In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, Meredith Raucher Sisson, shares her story of two very different births; neither one “better” than the other just different. Meredith takes us on a journey of what she learned from the birth of her first child and how she reexamined certain choices for her second. She was equally satisfied with both birth experiences. Meredith also shares how she felt about having a VBAC for her second birth and the wisdom she gained as a second time mom.  Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com If you love what you’ve been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout pregnancy, your hormones are surging. Your estrogen is up 1000 fold, progesterone has increased 10 fold and relaxin is now present. Then you have your baby, the placenta is delivered and your hormones plummet like you are free falling off a mountain top. This major hormonal shift can create havoc for the new parent’s body and mind. It’s often the missing piece to better understanding the full picture of postpartum recovery.  In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with Yale-trained MD, midwife, and herbalist, Dr. Aviva Romm. She gives the low down on what is in the normal scope of hormonal rebalancing post baby and when you may want to seek some help. She also talks about how things as simple as sleep and diet can affect your hormonal balance. This podcast is a necessity for anyone heading into the postpartum period or people who are already there and desire clarity of what is happening to their body and mind.  Don’t forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common P

Nobody likes when their child has a melt down. Wouldn’t you like to have a better understanding of what triggers tantrums and how to help your child self regulate instead of self implode?  In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with neuroscientist and founder of Curious Neuron, Dr. Cindy Hovington, Ph.D. who shares ways to manage tantrums according to science! She explains what is happening in your child’s brain during a tantrum and offers ideas to help your child emotionally regulate to lessen tantrums. Most importantly, Dr. Hovington offers suggestions for parents to stay calm during a tantrum. Support Our Sponsors: Hello Fresh: America’s #1 meal kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/ybb14 and use code ybb14 for up to 14 free meals AND 3 free gifts! Boober: Looking for a  lactation support, birth doulas, mental health therapists, and postpartum doulas. Use the code PYC to get 10% off your first service atwww.getboober.com Green Chef The #1 Meal Kit for Eating Well Go to GreenChef.com/ybb10 and use code y

Imagine teaching prenatal yoga for years and envisioning how your birth will unfold. Then learning that your baby is breech and despite many attempts to turn baby head down, you will need a cesarean birth. This is what happened to Christa.  In episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with founder of KITH & KIN, yoga teacher, and new mother Christa Nader. Christa shares how she wrapped her mind around changing her birth plans and how she prepared for her cesarean birth. Personally, my biggest take away from this conversation was how beautiful and powerful Christa’s birth was. We discussed how cesarean is often seen as “the ugly step sister” in the birth world and the need to change that perception. Support Our Sponsors: Hello Fresh: America’s #1 meal kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/ybb14 and use code ybb14 for up to 14 free meals AND 3 free gifts! Somfy: Learn more about Somfy powered motorized window coverings, or connect with a Somfy dealer in your area to get a customized quote for your home by visiting somfysy

Diastasis recti and the pelvic floor have fortunately become part of the conversation in prenatal and postpartum wellness. With knowledge comes power, confidence and choices. Pregnant folks and new parents are no longer in the dark about what is happening to their body and can take an active role in helping to restore and heal postpartum.  In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, it is my great pleasure to speak with  women’s health and fitness specialist and founder of Core Exercise Solutions, Dr. Sarah Duvall.  Sarah and I geek out and talk about diastasis recti, causes of it, and ways people may unknowingly inhibit their healing. Sarah also explains common pelvic floor misunderstandings.  Support Our Sponsors: Hello Fresh: America’s #1 meal kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/ybb14 and use code ybb14 for up to 14 free meals AND 3 free gifts! Somfy: Learn more about Somfy powered motorized window coverings, or connect with a Somfy dealer in your area to get a customized quote for your home by visiting somfysystems

Have you ever looked at an old picture of yourself before kids and thought about how much your life has changed?  Crossing the threshold into parenthood isn’t about simply adjusting to life with a child. It’s a remarkable transformation to one’s personal identity and how you relate to the world around you and within relationships.  In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with the director and founder of The Root Therapy NYC, Katherine Casey, LCSW about identity outside of parenthood. Kat gives suggestions on preparing for the shift into parenthood and creating clear boundaries.  Support Our Sponsors: Hello Fresh: America’s #1 meal kit! Go to HelloFresh.com/ybb14 and use code ybb14 for up to 14 free meals AND 3 free gifts! Somfy: Learn more about Somfy powered motorized window coverings, or connect with a Somfy dealer in your area to get a customized quote for your home by visiting somfysystems.com/podcast Boober: Looking for a  lactation support, birth doulas, mental health therapists, and postp

I recently returned the Spinnig Babies Parent Educator Training and have been so inspired by the work that I wanted to re-release this wonderful and insightful conversation with Spinning Babies®  founder, Gail Tully.  In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, Gail Tully (CPM) explains Spinning Babies® methodology and shares how the baby’s position and the pregnant body impacts the birth flow. She also reveals what to do prenatally to enhance your chances of being one of those fortunate people with a well balanced body and a functional birth. (Hint: prenatal yoga is a pretty smart choice!)  So if you ever wondered why some births are fast and furious while others slowly putter along, this will shed some light on that and give actionable takeaways to help find that delicate balance between baby and the passageway within the parent’s body.  Support Our Sponsors:  Somfy: Learn more about Somfy powered motorized window coverings, or connect with a Somfy dealer in your area to get a customized quote for your home

As a childbirth educator, I am thrilled that I see so many people putting thoughtful effort into learning about their options for birth and thinking about their birth values. Unfortunately, the same rigor is not often put into postpartum education. Not just how to change a diaper or feed your newborn, but the emotional rollercoaster of postpartum, and the messiness of parenthood. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Doctor of Clinical Psychology and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Dr. Jane Shomof. Jane and I discuss the importance of postpartum planning and as well as recognizing the difference between postpartum anxiety versus postpartum depression, and postpartum OCD. Jane also shares how she sees society’s expectations of new parents can play into the struggle many new parents experience. Support Our Sponsors:  Somfy: Learn more about Somfy powered motorized window coverings, or connect with a Somfy dealer in your area to get a customized quote for your home by visiting somfysys

Did you know that the memory of your birth and your satisfaction with it directly correspond to how you perceive being treated during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? This is a big reason why it’s important to make sure you’re getting the support and respect you need throughout your whole journey of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood.  In this week’s episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with maternal health expert and the founder of Boober, Jada Shapiro. Jada and I dive into the specific topics you should discuss with your birth team before your birth (including your care provider hospital, pediatrician, and lactation consultant)!  Setting clear expectations about the care you expect to receive can prevent anxiety, strife, and misunderstandings. We also talk about the importance of trusting your gut, seeing red flags, and listening to your “spidey” senses. This episode is so valuable for expectant and new parents as those who support them.  Support Our Sponsors:  Somfy: Learn more about Somfy powered motor

How much have you thought about preparing your body for conception?  Did you know that you can boost your fertility and balance your hormones to support your chances of conceiving through the practice of yoga and nutrition? In this week’s episode of Yoga|Birth |Babies, I speak with  award-winning registered dietitian nutritionist, registered yoga teacher Kendra Tolbert MS, about ways you can help prime your body and mind for conception. Kendra shares what it means to live FERTILE (who doesn’t love a good acronym!) and how food can play a role in supporting fertility. She also explains how yoga focused on fertility differs from a general population class. Support Our Sponsors:  Green Chef: If you want to shake up your dinner selection or just know that you are going to get delicious, easy to follow recipes, go to GreenChef.com/90ybb and use code 90ybb to get $100 off including free shipping! Boober: Looking for a  lactation support, birth doulas, mental health therapists, and postpartum doulas. Use the co

Back in July, at 37 weeks pregnant, Elisa, attended my prenatal yoga class in which we spoke of the importance of keeping an open mind about one’s birth plan. Little did she know that the next day she would be in labor.   Several weeks later, Elisa wrote to me saying “I can still hear your words in my head about 1 out of 3 people have their baby by caesarean section. And the story of your other student who ended up with an unplanned c section that was not at all the initial plan. You recommended us to be opened to whatever would happen.  Well – the 1 out of 3 in the room would become me…” In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, new parent and yoga teacher, Elisa Galassi, shares her unpredictable birth story. Elisa opens up about the twists and turns of her labor that led to an ending she never imagined. She also shares how she has processed her birth and what she has learned about herself through this experience. Please enjoy this beautiful community birth story.  Support Our Sponsors:  Green Chef: If yo

It is a privilege to have quality perinatal health care and assistance in conceiving. Unfortunately, due to a myriad of factors included a broken healthcare system, many people are not able to access the support they need. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Expectful’s Co-Founder and CEO, Nathalie Walton about the biggest obstacles in improving access to maternal health care. She shares steps and suggestions of how to obtain better care. We also dive into a conversation about conception and ways to enhance one’s chance of conception. Support Our Sponsors:  Green Chef: If you want to shake up your dinner selection or just know that you are going to get delicious, easy to follow recipes, go to GreenChef.com/90ybb and use code 90ybb to get $100 off including free shipping! Boober: Looking for a  lactation support, birth doulas, mental health therapists, and postpartum doulas. Use the code PYC to get 10% off your first service at www.getboober.com  Get the most out of each episode by checki

For many years, before formalized childbirth education class, knowledge of birth was transferred to expectant parents through birth stories from members of their community and families.  Birth stories can continue to contribute to the preparation and confidence for one’s upcoming birth and offer personal stories and real human interactions rather than a medical account of the experience.   In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with founder of The Birth Hour, Bryn Huntpalmer. Bryn explains the importance of having the opportunity to share one’s birth story with little interruptions and commentary. She also discusses the common thread she has noticed in over 600 birth stories. Lastly, Bryn shares a bit of her own birth stories.  Support Our Sponsors:  Green Chef: If you want to shake up your dinner selection or just know that you are going to get delicious, easy to follow recipes, go to GreenChef.com/90ybb and use code 90ybb to get $100 off including free shipping! Boober: Looking for a  lactation

More than half of adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lives. Up to 45% of new parents report their birth was traumatic. Given the prevalence of trauma in our population and specifically the perinatal community, it's important that one’s yoga practice supports healing not further trigger trauma.  For yoga teachers it's necessary to understand how to support students with knowledge of trauma informed yoga. As practitioners, knowing how to adapt your own practice from a trauma-informed lens and what boundaries to expect from your teacher, may help support your healing.  In this episodes of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Taylor Wray, Trauma Informed Yoga Specialist. Taylor explains how trauma affects the body and brain. She also shares the main principles of trauma informed yoga. Taylor talks about triggers that may unknowingly be in a general class and how students and teachers can be aware of them. Support Our Sponsors:  Somfy: Learn more about Somfy powered motorized window coverings, o

There’s a lot of fear surrounding age and pregnancy. It’s as if awakening on your 35th birthday renders you conceptionally challenged. But why has that pressure been put on people? What does it really mean to have a baby after 35? And, what can we do to increase fertility at 35 and beyond? In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Shannon M. Clark, MD, MMS, FACOG, double board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist Shannon’s no nonsense approach offers the facts and busts the myths about birthing “later in life”. We also talk about being labeled as a “geriatric pregnancy”.  Support Our Sponsors: Somfy: Learn more about Somfy powered motorized window coverings, or connect with a Somfy dealer in your area to get a customized quote for your home by visiting somfysystems.com/podcast. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com If you love what you’ve been listeni

Pregnancy and new parenthood are often isolating and people are feeling it now more than ever. This is one of the reasons why we put such a heavy emphasis on community building at PYC and share birth stories.  In this episode of Yoga |Birth |Babies, I have the honor of listening to the birth story and pregnancy journey of one of our community members, Kate Meredith.  Kate joined the PYC community at the start of Covid and in the very early weeks of her pregnancy. She shares the role community played for her during quarantine, obstacles she encountered, conscious choices she made about the trajectory of her pregnancy, and her recent birth story. Support Our Sponsors: Somfy: Learn more about Somfy powered motorized window coverings, or connect with a Somfy dealer in your area to get a customized quote for your home by visiting somfysystems.com/podcast. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com If you love w

Can you have a child and a life?  That question is answered by this week’s guest, Ericka Sóuter, journalist and author of the book, How to Have a Kid and Life: A Survival Guide. In this week’s episode of Yoga| Birth|Babies, Ericka lays out what it means to continue to escalate in one’s career while still being present as a parent. She also gives solid advice on the importance of boundaries and how to set them as well as finding personal space in your life. This is a must listen to episode for all parents who seek balance in their lives.  Support Our Sponsors: Somfy: Learn more about Somfy powered motorized window coverings, or connect with a Somfy dealer in your area to get a customized quote for your home by visiting somfysystems.com/podcast. Osea: Try OSEA risk-free for 30 days and get free shipping on orders over $50. They even send free samples with every order! Get 10% off your first order with my promo code YBB at OSEAmalibu.com Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes wit

Newborn babies have some peculiar quirks, habits, and bodily functions. If you’re entering parenthood unfamiliar with what’s normal and what isn’t you might be scared or deeply concerned by things that are pretty routine for new babies.  In this episode of Yoga |Birth|Babies, board-certified Pediatrician and IBCLC, Dr. Tracey Agnese demystifies the behavior of newborn babies. She goes over many things from oddly colored baby poop, to irregular breathing patterns, to signs that something is really wrong and you should consult your doctor. Learning about what is normal to expect from your little one will help put any new parent or parent to be’s worries at ease. Support Our Sponsors: Learn more about Somfy powered motorized window coverings, or connect with a Somfy dealer in your area to get a customized quote for your home by visiting somfysystems.com/podcast. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com If you lo