Yoga | Birth | Babies

VBAC’s are a birth option that one comes to with a great deal of preparation and planning. If this is your envisioned birth option, likely you desire the chance to experience a vaginal birth.  To help see that vision come true, it’s important to stack the cards in your favor and one of the best ways to do that is by aligning yourself with a supportive team.  In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Meagan Heaton, doula, childbirth educator, and co-founder of VBAC Links. Meagan’s mission is to provide evidence-based education and support for those who wish to try for a VBAC. In our conversation, Meagan dispels some of the myths surrounding VBACs and also helps debunk the “VBAC calculator.”  She also shares “red flags” that a pregnant person may want to look out for when interviewing care providers about a potential VBAC.  Support Our Sponsors: 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 wi

Have you ever thought about how lack of sleep affects you? Brain fog? Irritability? Now think about how that lack of solid sleep is affecting your child.  In this episode of Yoga|Birth |Babies, I speak with founder and creator of Little Z’s® Sleep Consulting, Becca Campbell. We discuss how poor sleep can impact your child’s health and how to set up a realistic bedtime routine (and actually stick to it!).  Becca explains that sleep training doesn’t necessarily mean “cry it out” and shares the 4 methods of sleep training so you can decide what is right for you and your family. Most importantly, she offers solid tools to help you get your baby to sleep so you can all feel rested. Support Our Sponsors: 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 Make meal time a little easier! Go to GreenChef.com/ybb100 and use code ybb100 to get $100 off including free shippi

1 in 3 new parents report their birth as traumatic. This leaves a tremendous amount of new parents adjusting to new parenthood while also overcoming an emotionally traumatizing event. Sometimes the healing is never resolved and subsequent pregnancies and births can bring up past traumatic feelings.  This week’s episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies was inspired by conversations within our community. Students spoke up about the wounds they carried and their concerns of repeating a challenging birth.  Kristin Lasseter, Board-Certified Psychiatrist who specializes in Reproductive Psychiatry and Women’s Mental Health helps address how healing can begin. She also shares primary symptoms that may arise that can indicate birth trauma as well as ways to mourn the vision of the birth that didn’t happen.  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|

At PYC we discuss the pelvic floor in every prenatal yoga. We talk about the importance of balance, the need for both support and release in the pelvic floor muscles. But the idea of knowing where exactly one’s own pelvic floor lies in that spectrum of not too engaged and not too relaxed is often a mystery.   In this episode of Yoga|Birth |Babies, doctor of physical therapy, Rachel Parrotta, DPT, helps us put on our detective hat and explore the pelvic floor. Rachel gives easy to understand indications that may help you figure out what is happening in your own body. If your pelvic floor is in a constant state of engagement, adding more toning can actually make matters worse. That’s why gathering the knowledge to best meet your individual needs is so important. Rachel also shares about her own discovery of her pelvic floor and using vaginal weights! 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

There is power in sharing and hearing birth stories from people in your community. It can bring confidence to those soon arriving at their own birth and connection for those who have recently given birth. In this week’s episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, we have the delight of hearing the recent birth story from community member and prenatal yoga teacher, Julia Motyka. Julia’s raw honesty about embracing pain for a purpose was inspiring to hear. While many people, myself included, shy away from labeling birth as painful, Julia expressed how she was able to use these sensations to let her know how to move and react to what her body and baby needed to birth. I walked away from this conversation reminded of the deep reverence I have for birth. I hope you are moved as well by Julia’s birth story.  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! Yog

If you’re confused or overwhelmed not knowing what you should or shouldn’t eat while pregnant, how to work around nausea or cravings, and making peace with weight gain during pregnancy this conversation will bring you clarity!  In this episode of Yoga| Birth|Babies I speak with registered dietician, podcaster, and founder of the online education center Nourishing Minds Nutrition, Victoria Myers. Victoria considers herself to be “the non-diet dietitian” and shares amazing knowledge about how intuitive eating can be a relief and support during pregnancy. She clarifies the guidelines of recommended foods to indulge in and some you may want to forgo and discusses some pregnancy nutrition misconceptions.  *Trigger warning, we talk about disordered eating, eating disorders, and orthorexia.* Support Our Sponsors:  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 Love

I would venture to bet you've been pretty mindful about what you eat and drink through out your pregnancy and postpartum, but have you thought much about your skincare regimen and how it may need to be adjusted? Certain products are simply not safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding.  In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with board-certified dermatologist, Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD. Marisa gives us the low down on what is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding and what to skip, (yes, even those “natural” products need some consideration!) We also talk about stretch marks, unwanted hair growth and sun screen. Enjoy!  Support Our Sponsors  Lovevery: Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your Play Kits at LoveEvery.com/YBB Unidragon: Go to unidragon.com and use my code: YBB for 10% off your purchase.  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 listen

There’s a reason this podcast caught your eye, likely because you're feeling a bit stressed and want to know how this could affect your pregnancy and baby. While stress is a normal part of life, especially at times of great change, like pregnancy and new parenthood, it could create imbalances in the nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system.  In this episode of Yoga| Birth|Babies, I speak with the leading integrative high-risk pregnancy specialist and author, Parijat Deshpande. Parijat explains what exactly is stress and how our bodies react to stress. She also shares how small simple movements and calling upon your 5 senses can help release stress and come back into your body.  Support Our Sponsors  Lovevery: Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your Play Kits at LoveEvery.com/YBB Unidragon: Go to unidragon.com and use my code: YBB for 10% off your purchase.  Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prena

Approximately 1 in 4 pregnant people will be induced. With rates this high, understanding induction and all it entails can help demystify the induction process and reduce fear, which can make your whole birth more satisfying.  In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with Labor and Delivery nurse, childbirth educator and mother of 7, Trish Ware. Trish shares everything you need to know about being induced, from having a “favorable cervix” to medically indicated reasons for induction. Trish’s down to earth tone makes this sometimes overwhelming topic, easy to digest and hear.  Support Our Sponsors  Lovevery: Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your Play Kits at LoveEvery.com/YBB Greenchef: Go to GreenChef.com/ybb90 and use code ybb90 to get $90 off your first month including free shipping! 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 ra

Do you remember the Saturday Night Live skit about “Mom Jeans”? It pokes fun at “moms” and emphasizes that once someone becomes a mother they trade in the sexy body, cute clothes, and sense of self for a frumpy bodied person with poor fashion sense who is fully family focused. Why does society accept the deeply embedded belief that mothers can’t be sexy?  This is one of my favorite episodes of Yoga | Birth | Babies which is why we are revisiting this important topic! I speak with award winning documentarian, author, world renowned speaker and acclaimed doula, Debra Pascali-Bonaro.  Debra and I have a fun and lively conversation about her book, The Ultimate Guide to Sex After Baby: Secrets to Love and Intimacy. Debra explains why so many people put sexuality and motherhood into two very different realms and how mother figures can reclaim their sexy wild woman. Debra offers amazing insight and advice for maintaining your connection to your partner and honoring your own personal needs.  Support Our Sponsors  Lo

J came back to postnatal yoga and shared that she faced two monumentous moments of struggle and surrender during her birth. Having had the chance to get to know J through out her pregnancy, I was deeply curious about her birth story. J, was a regular in prenatal yoga and the topic of fear and control was often something she often expressed. How do you enter a situation that is out of your control when you have a deep desire to control the process?  In our conversation, J vulnerably shared about the anxiety and depression she faced during pregnancy, the obstacles of her birth, and how she had to surrender control to allow her labor to progress. After a long birth, she was able to look back at the experience with pride and deep admiration for her personal journey. She told her husband, "Don’t ever let me forget how strong I am."  Please enjoy this week’s episode of Yoga| Birth |Babies with J Stewart as she shares her birth story.  Support Our Sponsors: Lovevery: Get free shipping when you sign up to receive

You may have seen the February 2021 Congressional Report stating there are toxic metals in commercial baby. It definitely made me stop in my tracks when I first learned about this. Interestingly enough, toxic heavy metals in baby food in not new news. (Yes, even the organic baby foods!) So what does all this even mean? Are you now making all your own baby food? Before you toss all your jarred baby food and start on your home garden, take a listen to today’s podcast.  In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Malina Linkas Malkani, MS, RDN, CDN, Registered Dietitian. Malina breaks down the recent report, explains side effects to this exposure, and practical ways to reduce baby’s exposure to contaminants. She also shares ideas for baby’s first foods, there are so many more options than rice cereal!  (ps… If you stay until the very end of the podcast, you can hear about what happens when you put dish soap in a dishwasher! Fun tales from Malina and Deb’s past!) Support Our Sponsors: Lovevery: Get free

When working to heal diastasis recti, most people think of physical exercises to repair the damage. However, nutrition can also play a role in this recovery.  In this episode of Yoga|Birth |Babies, I speak with Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and founder of Thrive and Bloom Nutrition, Alexandra Paetow. Alexandra explains how food and nutrition can support the healing of weak connective tissue. She also provides specific foods that are high in collagen, a building block to help repair diastasis recti. For those looking for a well rounded approach to postpartum healing, this is the perfect conversation for you. Support Our Sponsors: Lovevery: Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your Play Kits at LoveEvery.com/YBB 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 OUAI:  Go to THEOUAI.com and use code YBB to get 15% off your entire purchase. Greenc

What do you do when your birth is going well then very suddenly isn’t? That's the path Cindy's birth took.  To give you some peace of mind, Cindy and her son are healthy and well, but they had a very unusual turn of events in their birth journey. In my 20 years working with pregnant folks, this one made my jaw drop. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies I speak with new mother, Cindy Walters. Cindy graciously and openly shares her unique birth story. She also discusses how she has processed her experience and grieved for the birth she didn’t have. This conversation highlights the importance of having the mental flexibility to adjust and surrender expectations and how vital it is to have a supportive team who will unwaveringly rally around you.  Support Our Sponsors: Lovevery: Get free shipping when you sign up to receive your Play Kits at LoveEvery.com/YBB 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 fi

Failure to progress in labor. Can we all agree this is a horrible name and can impact someone’s view of their ability to give birth! For years, birthing people have been expected to follow “Freidman’s Curve” a standard set by a trial of only 500 participants conducted nearly 50 years ago. Recently, ACOG has set new standards. Unfortunately many hospitals and practices have been slow to put these new standards into practice.  In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I am thrilled to bring back board-certified, practicing OB/GYN and mom of 2, Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins to discuss the parameters of “Failure to progress” and it’s impact unplanned cesareans. Nicole lays out what is considered “normal labor” and why it’s important not jump to declaring arrested labor before active labor starts at 6cm. She also shares factors that may be influencing longer labors and strategies care providers, nurses, and doulas have to help labor progress.  Support Our Sponsors: Lovevery: Get free shipping when you sign up to rece

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the first 40 days after birth is honored by “sitting the month.” It’s a time of confinement and healing believed to be crucial to the future health of the new parent and newborn. I first heard about this tradition from one of my students and was immediately intrigued. As a person who barely waited 10 days to resume life, the idea of hunkering down, resting, being cared for by family or other support people sounded foreign and inviting. I wanted to learn more about this ancient custom.  In this episode of Yoga| Birth|Babies, I speak with Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, licensed and board-certified acupuncturist and clinical herbalist, Dr. Lily Yu Gillespie. Lily shares her own hesitation to “sit the month” after her first birth and how some of the methods like binding helped repair her pelvic organ prolapse. Lily also explains the value of warmth, steam, and herbal food or medicinal food can play in healing from the ordeal of birth. This conversation offers a differ

We all have certain character traits that define our nature and help us predict how we will respond in different situations. When it comes to birth, understanding these characteristics can allow us to foresee how we may respond to the flow and turns of labor. These insights can help in preparing the kind of support you desire in labor.  In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with certified childbirth educators, doulas and Enneagram enthusiast, Cortney Clegg and Stephanie King. Cortney and Stephanie break down the 9 different personality Enneagram types. We discuss how each of the different types require different considerations and support when it comes to birth. Some Enneagram types are more introverted and may require a quieter, more guarded space while others lean towards being an achiever and may be best served from helping them stay more grounded in the moment. With this information, you can communicate your needs with your care provider and birth team. Get the most out of each episode by ch

For the majority of people, pregnancy won't cause your career to come to a screeching halt. Now imagine that your body is the instrument your career centers around. That's exactly what happened for Megan Fairchild, principal dancer with New York City Ballet. For her pregnancy meant a quick pivot and stepping back from her career for at least a year.  In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, Megan openly shares a feeling many people encounter when having an unplanned cesarean; feeling like a failure. After all, as a masterful technician of her own body, why couldn't she get it to do what she wanted? Megan talks about how she got to the other side of those feelings, returned to appreciating her body, and how she felt even stronger and more centered returning to the stage after her birth. 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|

During pregnancy and birth a certain level of anxiety is to be expected as much is unknown and many things change. However it's important to note ways depression and anxiety can manifest. A common way for it to appear during this time of life is a lack of trust in one’s self, one's body, ability to birth and parent, and a desire to take control of all aspects of the experiences. For many this gets coupled with years of fertility issues and loss leading a lot of expectant parents to find themselves overwhelmed.  In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with Reproductive and Perinatal Psychiatrist, Carly Snyder, M.D. She addresses these concerns and offers pregnant people tools they can use to trust the pregnancy process and soften the need to control pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Carly also addresses the usage of anxiety and depression medication during pregnancy and postpartum.  Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: p

“Beautiful things may be on the other side of fear and discomfort.” This is Mirror trainer, birth doula and prenatal yoga teacher Rachel Nicks' life philosophy. And it certainly served her well as she quickly had to rework her whole birth team and plans as she recently became a second time mother.  In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies I speak with Rachel Nicks about her work, pregnancies and birth. (Full disclosure, Rachel is a Prenatal Yoga Center teacher trainee alum! It was so fun to reconnect with her several years after her start into perinatal work.) Rachel shares how she unapologetically prioritizes family and self care in order for her to show up more balanced for her birth work and as a trainer for Mirror.  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