Yoga | Birth | Babies

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

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