Yoga | Birth | Babies

One Wednesday morning, during circle time, a student bravely spoke up about an experience she had at her last prenatal appointment. Her doctor told her she had gained too much weight between visits. The woman left her appointment upset, ashamed and confused about what to do next. Upon hearing, I too was confused and had no answer to give her other than weight gain is not linear and not be so hard on herself. That conversation inspired this episode of Yoga|Birth |Babies with Jen McLellan. Jen is a certified childbirth educator, published author, speaker, founder of Plus Size Birth and host of the popular Plus Mommy Podcast. Jen shares insight and advise communicating with your care provider about weight and offers evidence based information about assumed health risks for plus size bodies. No matter what size body you live in, this is an important episode to hear. Support our sponsor: Go to stitchfix.com/KIDS/YBB and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box! And as a bonus, Stitch Fix will waiv

It is very possible that you never thought much about your cervix until you became pregnant. Once you're hovering around your due date, it can become a prime concern. At each weekly exam, you may be wondering, “How dilated am I?”, “Does that mean labor might start soon, or do I still have a ways to go?” Depending on the results of a cervical exam you may be in a tailspin of excitement, disappoint, or simply confused by what you heard. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with the hosts of the podcast Birth Kweens, midwife and hormone specialist, Karly Nuttall and birth and postpartum doula, Ali Feroah about all things cervixes! Karly and Ali breakdown why and when a cervical exam may be considered and what the information gathered from an exam means. One thing you will learn is, your cervix is not a crystal ball- it does not hold all the answers. Support our sponsor: Go to stitchfix.com/KIDS/YBB and get an extra 25% off when you keep everything in your box! And as a bonus, Stitch Fix will waive t

You sneeze, you pee. You run, you pee. You cough, you pee. What do all three of these problems have in common? They are all likely being prescribes the same solution, Kegels. However, for many people, simply Kegeling themselves to happiness can actually worsen the problem. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with internationally-acclaimed yoga educator and pelvic floor specialist, Leslie Howard. We speak about understanding the different states the pelvic floor and how one blanket remedy for pelvic floor issues is not appropriate. Leslie also explains the importance of a healthy pelvic floor and how things such as constantly tightening the pelvic floor and abdomen can be detrimental. Everyone deserves a healthy, functional body and Leslie’s insight into creating balance in the pelvis is remarkable. 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

What happens when the reality of parenthood doesn’t match the expectations, dreams and hopes? It can sometimes leave someone feeling regretful of their new situation and questions their choices. And often, with this regret, one feels shame, embarrassment and alone. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with Marissa Zwetow, who is licensed therapist who specializes in prenatal and postpartum counseling. She talks about the 12 Taboo Postpartum Truths: What you may need to know, but probably haven't been told. Marissa blows the lib off of hidden thoughts and feelings so many new parents feel but are embarrassed to admit. This episode is a must for any new or expectant parent or support person! 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 on Apple Podcasts To connect with Deb and the PYC community: instagram & f

“I would like a deep, painful tear of my perineum” said NOBODY! Pretty much in every movie or TV show where birth is being portrayed, we see the birthing person flat on her back, legs spread wide and people are yelling at her to “PUSH!” It’s no wonder that is how people think they should approach birth. But let’s pull back the curtain a bit of after effects of pushing in such a way. Have you ever thought what might happen to someone’s perineum if they are pushing a baby through a taught, overly stretched pelvic floor? In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with midwife, author and Senior Lecturer and Discipline Leader in Midwifery at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, Dr. Rachel Reed. Rachel talks about best practices to protect a very important part of your body, your perineum. She explains which pushing positions are less likely to create tears and dispels the myth that supporting the perineum or massaging it during crowning lead to better outcomes. She also explains why informed co

What is it like for a birth doula, childbirth educator, and prenatal yoga teacher to experience birth with so much knowledge and experience coloring her lens of labor? Many may think it, with all the preparation and knowledge, it would be smooth sailing. Well, life and birth unfolds in it’s own wild ride no matter who you are and what you bring to the table. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with certified yoga instructor, birth doula, and childbirth educator, Sage Caprice Abowitt. Caprice opens up about what she calls her “Brutal, Amazing, and Magical Birth” and how sometimes shifting the mindset from the supporter to the one who needs support may be a challenge. She also honestly talks about her struggles with breastfeeding and the support she was fortunate to have that helped her get past the issues. Caprice is a delight to chat with, I am sure pregnant people, new parents and birth workers will enjoy hearing her story. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with li

Not long ago, I had the pleasure of being a guest on the Yoked podcast with Kelly Sunrose. During the conversation which started off mainly talking about prenatal yoga, Kelly and I started to discus the impact of yoga on pregnancy and birth. I was not surprised to hear of the challenging labor, birth and postpartum that Kelly, a very experienced yoga practitioner endured. Kelly’s story, like my own, carried similarities that I had heard from many, many other yoga teachers. Was there a correlation between an advanced practice and a challenging birth? In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, yoga and meditation teacher and host of the podcast Yoked Kelly Sunrose and I discuss our own journeys through pregnancy and the role yoga played. We dive into the challenge of relinquishing a very nurtured yoga practice and coming to peace with accepting a practice and life style. For anyone who as ever found it challenging to surrender, this podcast is for you! Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show no

In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with labor and delivery nurse, doula, Lamaze Childbirth educator and author, Debby Amis. Debby breaks down this new study to highlight areas of inconsistent interpretation and emphasizes the lack of focus on the increase in 3rd and 4th degrees tears that have been noted with this new recommended guideline. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: https://prenatalyogacenter.com/blog/laboring-down-study-yay-or-nay/ If you love what you have been listening to, please leave a rating and review! If you want to connect with Deb and the PYC community, connect here; Facebook, Instagram, & Youtube: @prenatalyogacenter Visit our sponsor: Midtown Chiropractor 57th St Chiropractic, Dr Gregg Rubinstein Live Life Without Limits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few experiences in life create such a sudden shift on so many deep levels like entering parenthood. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with writer, women’s mentor, doula and founder of MotherSHIFT, Jessie Harrold about embodying the rite of passage into motherhood. Jessie helps guide women through the transition into parenthood through her program MotherSHIFT. She thoughtfully explores this massive identity shift and helps you makes sense of the you are now; mother, partner, person. In our discussion Jessie offers solid insight to these gates of transition and listeners will walk away with solid tools to help navigate this maze like experience. For the full show notes and how you can connect with Jessie go to prenatalyogacenter.com  Visit our sponsor: Midtown Chiropractor 57th St Chiropractic, Dr Gregg Rubinstein Live Life Without Limits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s not often during an interview I have such a major a shift in perspective on the topic of discussion. But that is exactly what occurred during my talk with author and RIE method teacher Janet Lansbury. The RIE method floated around in a distant hemisphere somewhere in my awareness. I had heard of an RIE class near me when my children were very little but never really invested much time in discovering what it was. One of my friends made a snide remark it was the “fight club” of parenting philosophies. After my talk with Janet, I regret not further exploring the opportunity to participate in these classes. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, Janet explains the RIE method in great detail and the benefits it can have for both parent and child. How the seeds of a trusting and respectful relationship are laid and how doing less can reap so much more. For more one this episode and how you can connect with Janet visit prenatalyogacenter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I reached out to Hannah Sarah Faich Dini to be a guest on Yoga | Birth | Babiesbecause chatting with her and simply knowing her is a true delight. I also, in my many years of working with the pregnant population, have not encountered three pregnancies quite like hers. For all three pregnancies, Hannah Sarah had breech babies. And for all three pregnancies she faced the possibility that her births would unfold differently than she had envisioned. In our open and honest conversation, Hannah Sarah talks about finding peace with unknown factors like, will my baby go head down? And if so, will the baby stay there? Hannah Sarah also bravely discussed facing disappointment with herself during labor and embracing her labor experience. 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:  ins

Stepping onto the yoga mat may feel very vulnerable for many people. It’s a time to be present with body, mind and breath and that can be challenging, especially if you have suffered through any type of traumatic experience. According to Sidran Institute, an estimated 70 percent of adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lives. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with Tara Tonini, yoga and mediation teacher, birth doula, and Master Reiki Healer. Tara also leads teacher training with Exhale to Inhale that focus on trauma informed yoga. In our discussion Tara talks about how yoga can be a healing modality for those who have suffered from trauma and how trauma informed yoga can support the pregnant student during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Given the number of people who have encountered trauma in their lifetime, this is a must listen to episode. For the full show notes including how to connect with Tara click Here! Learn more about your ad c

If you're a parent, or simply have been around children, you know the how hard it can be to stay calm when a child is whining. I'm almost 8 years into parenthood and still, I find myself hungrily looking for expert advice on this issue! In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Clinical Psychologist and founding editor of AhaParenting.com, Dr. Laura Markham. Dr. Laura breaks down many of the reason why children whine and “get sassy” and offers solid tools for how to best relate to your child during this uncomfortable and (let’s face it- sometimes infuriating!) time. For parents of children of all ages, this episode has amazing takeaways that will help defuse challenging moments. (P. S. I've already used some of these tactics and they REALLY work!) For more information and how you can connect with Dr. Laura visit prenatalyogacenter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every year 10-15 percent of babies born in America spend some time in the NICU. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Evelyn Gama, a licensed mental health therapist and mother to a NICU baby. Evelyn’s son was born at 26 weeks old and spent several months in the NICU. Evelyn opens up about that challenging time and how she reorganized life to straddle the world of being fully available for her new baby and still being the mother to a toddler at home. This episode is so important for the unexpected turns labor can bring or to support a friend or loved one in the midst of this experience. For the complete show notes including the resources mentioned in this episode, click HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with Spinning Babies Trainer and home birth midwife, Nicole Morales. Nicole offers insight to why a baby may be breech and methods to help baby navigate it’s way head down. Her empathic approach to her work will also provide comfort for those who may need to accept and surrender to a new and different birth experience than planned. This valuable episode will not only serve the pregnant person but birth workers and birthing partners as well. Enjoy! For the complete show notes visit prenatalyogacenter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The number one reason for first time birthing people to have a cesarean is “failure to progress”. Failure to progress is defined as a labor lasting 20 hours or more for first time parents. However, labor is not always linear and can have variations. Back in the 1940’s the Friedman Curve was introduced in hospitals as a means to determine how quickly a laboring person should progress in labor, approximately 1 cm per hour. Research now supports the importance of disregarding that estimation and recognizing other factors like, epidural use, fetal position and emotional components, can prolonging labor. For those who wish to avoid an unplanned cesarean due to being labeled “failure to progress” this episode will resonate with you. I speak with certified professional midwife (CPM), the co-founder and director of Healthy Mother Sanctum Natural Birth Center, and the leading official Lamaze-certified childbirth educator, Dr. Vijaya Krishnan. Vijaya offers solid advice and tools for how to handle a slow labor, factors

We've all met those people we start chatting with and instantly decide, I want to know more about you. As Krisitn and I casually talked during the breaks of Prenatal Yoga Center's Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training, (which she was enrolled in) I started to realized how our personal paths mirrored one another and even intertwined at times. I loved hearing her open and honest experience of her two very different births and was delighted to “talk shop” about yoga “back in the day!” I discovered we even studied with the same teacher, Cyndi Lee at the former OM Yoga Center. This episode of Yoga|Birth|Babiescaptures a fun, honest, and open chat between two yogis, mothers and teachers. Kristen talks about the evolution of her yoga teaching and practice that has spanned more then two decades and how she manages life and 3 kids under 4 years old! Please enjoy! For the full show notes and to connect with Kristin visit: prenatalyogacenter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to part two of the Birthing From Withinfocused podcasts. Recently, I embarked on the path to becoming a Birthing From Within Mentor. The process to becoming a mentor is multilayered but starts with a weekend intensive course called Crossing the Threshold. Right after attended the weekend course, I recorded last week’s podcast with Koyuki Smith, one of the weekend mentors. So I thought it only appropriate to pull out of the archives my conversation with the founder and creator of the Birthing From Within Method, Pam England. In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Pam England, author of Birthing From Withinand Ancient Map for Modern Birth. This lively conversation covers quite a bit of ground- Pam and I discuss how Birthing From Withinwas born, how the philosophy and approach differs from more traditional methods and her work with Birth Story Medicineand her latest book, Ancient Map for Modern Birth. To connect with Pam and read the full show notes visit: prenatalyogacenter.com Learn more ab

If only there was a way to script out your “ideal” birth and be guaranteed the experience unfolds in that exact manner. Unfortunately, that’s impossible. However, many of us try to overly plan and seldom allow ourselves to relinquish the illusion of control over the wild nature of birth. In this episode of Yoga|Birth |Babies, I speak with birth doula and Birthing From Within Mentor, Koyuki Smith. Koyuki and I talk about the Birthing From Within Method and how grasping at information may lead to disappointment and can not assure you the perfect birth. She talks about surrendering to the unexpected and the importance of leaning into personal fears around the perception of birth. This conversation is sure to spark curiosity and inspiration for pregnant people, birth partners and birth workers. For the full show notes visit prenatalyogacenter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've all heard “It take a village to raise a child.” And while it sounds like a cliche or catch phrase, those of us who've been through or witnessed the transition from maiden to motherhood can understand the incredible importance of a supportive community. In this episode of Yoga|Birth| Babies, I speak with the director of event programming & operations at Motherly, Jessica Pallay. Jessica and I have a lively conversation about how community has shifted from past generations, the impact of online parenting, and how to find your “posse” during this transitional time. The Beatles were absolutely right, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” For the complete show notes visit: prenatalyogacenter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices