Yoga | Birth | Babies

Navigating a satisfying sex life with your partner during pregnancy and postpartum can be a bit challenging for many. Fear of hurting the baby, working through body image issues and share logistics can create a gap in a sexual relationship. In this episode of Yoga| Birth| Babies, I speak with New York City based sex and relationship expert, Alexandria Ross from the V Club, a new wellness center in NYC focused on relationships, motherhood, and sexual wellness. They both share valuable advice about finding your pregnant and postpartum sexiness as well as dispelling myths and fears around sex during pregnancy. And of course, we sneak in a bit of pelvic floor health and how it can add to better sex! In this episode: What brought Courtney and Alexandra to this work and a bit about themselves. Common fears and concerns from both partners points of view about sex during pregnancy. How the different trimesters affects the ebb and flow of sex during pregnancy. Challenges of sex during pregnancy. Reasons might so

Not every entrance into parenthood is easy and joyful with a soundtrack of birds singing blissfully as you walk carefree through the park. You may even mutter under your breath, “This is really f**king hard, what have I done?” In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak openly with co-founder of Soul Camp and Soul Camp Creative, Michelle Goldblum. In this refreshing conversation Michelle honestly opens up about the challenges she faced the first few months of her son’s life and how she found her way to enjoying and embracing motherhood. Friendship and connection were a major support for Michelle as she found her stride in motherhood. Many new parents will be able to relate to Michelle’s struggles and perhaps feel comforted in knowing they are not feeling alone with these feelings. “Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another, “What! You too?” I thought I was the only one.” C.S Lewis In this episode:  A little about Michelle and how she got started to get into the health and wellnes

Matrescence, a seldom heard word that names the shift into motherhood, stemming from on the word, adolescence. Funny that the metamorphosis into adolescence is socially viewed with compassion, support and a general understanding of tremendous and uncontrollable change while the same slide into motherhood is often met with high expectations of “maternal instincts” and an innate understanding of how to seamlessly take on this new role and identity. In this episode, I speak with Clinical Psychologist, faculty member, and co-founder of the Sexuality, Women & Gender Project at Teachers College, Columbia University, Aurelie Athan, Ph.D about this massive transition in a new mother’s life. Aurelie shares her insights, some of her research, and teachings on this incredibly important and under discussed topic. This conversation is vital for a new parents and her support system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The day your child is born, you assume a completely new persona and identity. Many grapple with this shift from maiden to motherhood and embracing this new title and responsibility can be challenging. In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, Dr. Britta Bushnell discusses working through the bumps of the 4th trimester and maintaining a sense of self while adjusting to this new role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reducing stress and depression, increasing self awareness and happiness are just some of the amazing benefits of mediation. In this episode of Yoga | Birth |Babies, I speak with Vedic Meditation teacher and founder of The Spring Meditation, Arden Martin. Our deep and lively talk reveals what brought Arden to her meditation practice and how it has shaped her life and pregnancy. Her calm and assuring manner will inspire you to remove any hesitation and venture into your own mediation practice! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once the dust settles on the new expansion to your family, plans may need to be considered about child care and extra support. There are several options, day care, family help or hiring an in home nanny. In this episode, I speak with Christa Nader, founder of Kith and Kin Household Staffing Agency. Christa goes through the do’s and don’ts of hiring a full-time or part-time nanny, the scope of work, paid vacations and much more. This conversation can help ease anxiety about transitioning back to work or just finding the right fit for a date night sitter! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An epidural is a very familiar term for most, but how much knowledge do people have about it? In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with anesthesiologist and yoga teacher, Claire Sandberg. Claire breaks down common myths and misconceptions about epidural anesthesia and clearly present the facts about epidurals so listeners can make an educated, informed choice. If you enjoyed this episode please subscribe, rate & review us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Within the hustle and bustle of NYC, it is essential to find community and support, especially for a new parent. In this week’s episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with devoted yogini and mother, Kristina Podsiadly. Kristina’s natural optimism and easy going nature was what helped her adjust when her original birth plan had to quickly change. Listen and get inspired by Kristina’s pregnancy, birth story and transition into motherhood. In this episode: A little about Kristina’s life and move to NYC! Kristina’s pregnancy and surprises she wasn’t expecting. Preparing for birth. Finding community during and after pregnancy. The difference between what birth Kristina envisioned and the birth experience that unfolded. The importance of strong labor support. Transitioning into motherhood and how to prepare for that. Why maintaining a yoga practice is vital for Kristina’s self care. Advice and tips Kristina wish someone had told her before. getting pregnant or having a baby that would have been helpful.

In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with Stephanie Heintzeler, midwife, doula, and IBCLC. Stephanie’s vast experience as a birth worker ranges from delivering babies as a midwife in Germany to supporting women as a board certified lactation consultant. Stephanie and I talk about getting the medical support you desire and key differences between the midwifery model of care and more traditional obstetrics. She also explains how the role of a doula can enhance a birthing person’s experience and the scope of practice of a doula one can expect. For the full show notes or to connect with Stephanie visit: prenatalyogacenter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Baby stuff everywhere! Why does it feel like having a baby comes with so much equipment and accessories? Have you ever stopped to think about what is truly necessary and what is just really good marketing? In this episode of Yoga|Birth|Babies, I speak with Adriane Stare, owner and founder of the Brooklyn eco-friendly maternity, baby and lifestyle store, Wild Was Mama. Adriane and I break down what are true “must haves” from day one and how to build a registry that is not overwhelming and or superfluous. In this episode : Adriane’s background and her journey from opening Caribou Baby to rebranding Wild Was Mama Creating a functional registry of the “must have” items Systematically purchasing necessary items How to handle of the “stuff overload” in a NYC apartment The items new parents are always running into the store days or weeks after giving birth to get. Gems of advice for new parents What’s next for Adriane and Wild Was Mama About Adriane: Adriane Stare is a mother to two young boys, and the Owner and Fou

In this episode, I speak with IBCLC, Lori Isenstadt, from the podcast, All About Breastfeeding. Lori breaks down some of the misconceptions about the first few days of breastfeeding and offers honest and practical information for anyone looking to breastfeeding their newborn. She also discusses the role of a lactation consultant and what one can expect from this working relationship. For the full show notes including how to connect with Lori and resources mentioned in this episode visit: prenatalyogacenter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode I speak with accomplished author, health psychologist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett. We dive deeply into an important and timely discussion about racial disparity and the effects of breastfeeding and infant mortality. Black babies are more then three to four times likely to die then a white baby from pregnancy related causes. According to a recent NY Times article, black women in NYC are 12 times as likely to die due pregnancy related caused compared to white women. These staggering numbers are frightening and simply unfair. With years of research behind her, Dr Kendall-Tackett sheds some light on why these there is such disparity in women and baby health care. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with the founder of VBAC Facts, Jen Kamel. Jen and I go deep into myths and misconceptions about VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and ways to advocate for the birth you want. This episode is will bring fire and confidence to any person unsure of the facts of VBAC and may help in selecting a care provider who can support the choice of VBAC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with author and Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Nany Mohrbacher about how to support breastfeeding women at work and help them navigate pumping. For any person facing the end of maternity leave and wondering about they will be able to manage keeping their supply and breastfeeding routine going outside the home, this episode will offer solid tips and guidance. Please enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Yoga| Birth|Babies I speak with PYC community member, Emeline Foster. Emeline is a second time mother who openly shares her struggles with deciding if she should have a second cesarean or explore a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Emeline is open and honest about her experience and the challenges she faced along with adjusting to life as her family expanded with the birth of her son. Being a French citizen, she also gives some humorous insight on the cultural differences  between birth and parenthood in the US compared to her home country. Please enjoy our talk! In this Episode: A little bit about Emeline and what brought her to NYC. Life as a mother of two! How her two pregnancies differed. Her decision process in choosing to have a VBAC or another cesarean. Her search for the right care provider. The different experiences she had in her first and second birth. The differences she noticed between parenting and birth in France compared to the US. Tips for the PYC community. About Emeline

In today’s episode of Yoga| Birth| Babies I have the pleasure of speaking with Jeanne Faulkner R.N. Jeanne initially wrote for FitPregnancy, penning the column “Ask a Labor Nurse.” She has since written 2 books, Common Sense Pregnancy and The Complete Illustrated Birthing Companion. She hosts 3 podcasts Common Sense Pregnancy (she had me as a guest too, check out ep #106), CARE Action!, and Activists on the Line! Today we talk about her experiences in the labor and delivery room and how that led to her foreign assistance lobbying. We also cover how care during pregnancy is affected when we come from a place of fear instead of wellness. In this episode: How Jeanne went from L&D nursing to foreign assistance lobbying and podcasting. What Jeanne thinks of the current state of maternal healthcare in the US. What role does feminism play in changing maternal healthcare in the US? What’s the difference between a fear-based pregnancy and a well-based pregnancy? About Jeanne:  Jeanne Faulkner is a writer, podcast

In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with licensed social worker and Program Director of the Motherhood Center of New York, Paige Bellenbaum. This deeply honest and moving discussion needs to be heard and discussed with all expectant women, partners and support people. It is reported that 1 in 5 women experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. It’s important to note that this statistic is only based on reported cases and that many more women will suffer in silence. Many professionals feel a more accurate statistic is 1 in 3 people. Paige bravely discusses her own debilitating experience with postpartum depression and anxiety and her commitment to supporting those experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. In this episode:  What brought Paige to this work and her own experience with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. How common perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are for women Seeing and understanding the symptoms of PMADs Do PMADs go away on their own? What OBGYNs,

In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, I speak with founder of the CrunchyRadish.com, registered dietitian, and natural foods chef Miranda Hammer. We discuss nutrition, food preferences and aversions during pregnancy, and how to get optimal nutrition for mom and baby. We also talk about the reality of finding a balanced and healthy diet during the exhausting “4th trimester.” Miranda shares some insightful tips that will be sure to help any tired and busy new or expectant parent. Enjoy and Bon appetite!   In this episode:    What brought Miranda to the study of nutrition. The start of CrunchyRadish.com How her approach to nutrition and food changed during pregnancy. How to maintain a balanced diet. How she creates her delicious recipes! How Miranda’s personal eating habits changed as a new mom. Dealing with the battle between knowing what is good for your body and baby and how to realistically eat that way. Quick and delicious “go to” snacks or meals for a busy, tired new mom. What Miranda refers t

In this episode of “Yoga | Birth | Babies,” I speak with anthropologist, Dr. Meredith Small, about how our biology, culture and history influence how we parent our children. In this fun, lively conversation, Meredith and I discus and compare different cultures and their approach to child raring. Some of the way we care for our children come from the societal rules and cultural acceptance and others from the biology of our bodies and connection to our babies. Visit prenatalyogacenter.com for the full show notes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of “Yoga | Birth | Babies,” I take off my interviewer hat and become the guest speaker! For the past 17 years I have had the joy and honor of leading group yoga classes as well as teacher trainings. In this podcast, I breakdown the principles from which I teach and train other teachers. For those who are new to teaching or just students who want to better understand my methodology, I hope you enjoy! In this episode, I cover:  The importance of seeing your students! Learning from your best teachers, your students. The pros and cons of demonstrating. Know your demographic: who you are teaching and how they best learn. Don’t be afraid to correct and adjust a student Hand on adjustments- does everyone need to be adjusted? Know why you are touching a student – your hands should be giving information as to how to stabilize or go deeper in a pose. Don’t ignore the student who needs the most attention because you are overwhelmed by their poses. My personal pet peeve- massage or little creepy