Birth, Baby! | Guidance for Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum, and Parenting

In this conversation, Laura Sandoval, a mental health therapist, discusses the challenges faced by high-functioning moms, particularly those dealing with postpartum anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of anxiety, the impact of societal expectations, and the need for support and self-care. The discussion also highlights the significance of finding specialized therapists and the role of partners in providing support to new mothers.
Laura (pronounced Loud-ah) Sandoval-Sweeney is a mental health therapist and owner of Laura Sandoval Therapy in Austin, Texas. With over a decade of experience as a therapist, social worker, and educator, Laura now specializes in supporting high-achieving, anxious moms—particularly those navigating postpartum, trauma, and burnout. Known for her warm, no-BS approach, she helps moms feel more grounded, present, and connected in their everyday lives. Outside of the therapy room, she’s raising a fierce, sensitive toddler and sharing candid, relatable content on motherhood and mental health at @‌laurasandovaltherapy on Instagram.
Website: www.laura-sandoval-therapy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurasandovaltherapy/
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

In this conversation, MJ Saunders, a registered diagnostic medical sonographer, discusses the significance of ultrasounds in pregnancy, addressing common concerns about safety and the emotional aspects of seeing one's baby. She explains the different types of ultrasounds, their purposes, and the typical schedule for expectant mothers. MJ emphasizes the importance of hydration for clear imaging and reassures parents about the safety of ultrasounds. The discussion also touches on the emotional connection parents have with ultrasounds, especially for those who have experienced loss or are undergoing fertility treatments. MJ shares her passion for her work and the services offered by her company, See My Baby Live, including a discount for new clients.
With over 15 years of experience as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS), MJ Saunders has dedicated her career to providing compassionate and high-quality ultrasound imaging. Her journey into sonography was fueled by a lifelong passion for the medical field and a deep desire to connect with families during one of the most exciting times of their lives.
Use PODCAST at check out and get 25% off any package!
Website: https://seemybaby.live/Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/seemybaby.ultrasoundaustin
 
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Maria Mathis-Cruiser continues her story and shares her journey through the complexities of childbirth, including the unexpected transition to a C-section, her NICU experience with her daughter, and the emotional challenges of postpartum recovery. She discusses the struggles of breastfeeding, the societal pressures of motherhood, and ultimately finds peace in her decision to prioritize her well-being and happiness over societal expectations. Maria's story is a testament to resilience, love, and the unique challenges faced by mothers.
Maria Mathis-Kruser is a Hill Country writer, artist, volunteer addict, chaos-wrangling rancher, and now a brand-new mom. The long road to Alice—infertility, IVF, a preeclampsia pivot, and a NICU season—gave her new grit and softer edges. She writes with humor and heart about choosing your best self, advocating kindly, and navigating postpartum without the shame spiral, all against the backdrop of ranch life where the goats are loud and the love is louder.
Website: https://www.theferalhearth.comInstagram: @‌maria.macondaTikTok: @‌PiedpiperTXeditionFacebook: Maria Mathis-KruserEmail: feralhearth@gmail.com
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Host Ciarra Morgan and past co-host Samantha Kelly discuss the essential principles of safe sleep for infants, focusing on the ABCs of safe sleep: Alone, Back, and Crib. Ciarra emphasizes the importance of implementing these practices from day one to reduce the risk of SIDS and shares practical tips for parents navigating sleep safety. The conversation also touches on when parents can relax their vigilance regarding safe sleep as their children grow older.
Want to purchase Ciarra’s Newborn Sleep Class to help sleep shape your babies from 0-3 months? Check it out here: https://birthbabyacademy.thrivecart.com/newborn-sleep-class-for-parents/
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Virginie Lacoste, a speech and language pathologist, joins host Ciarra Morgan to talk about the roles of pacifiers and thumb sucking in infant development. They discuss the pros and cons of pacifiers, their impact on oral development, and when parents should seek professional help. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs of infants and the role of early intervention in addressing potential issues.
Virginie Lacoste, CCC-SLP, founder at Austin Pediatric Speech & Language, is a Speech-Language Pathologist, Pediatric Feeding/Swallowing Therapist and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist. She specializes in providing post-NICU care to medically fragile infants, tackling pre-op and post-care for kids needing a tongue tie release surgery in collaboration with oral surgeons, and offering assessments and treatment to establish sucking, breastfeeding, bottle feeding. She also works with treating picky eaters, aversive eaters, mouth breathers, tongue thrusters, and the alike.
Website: https://www.austinspeechlanguage.com/IG:
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comhttp://www.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Heather Eure, an IBCLC joins Ciarra to discuss the complexities of choosing the right baby bottles. She emphasizes the importance of understanding bottle features, such as nipple shape and flow rate, and how these factors can impact feeding success. Heather also shares insights on transitioning between bottle and breastfeeding, adapting bottles as babies grow, and the significance of paced bottle-feeding techniques. The discussion highlights the need for parents to follow their baby's cues and make informed choices based on their unique family values and circumstances.
Heather Eure is a board-certified lactation consultant, postpartum and parent coach, educator, and mom of three. For over a decade, she’s supported new and growing families through their feeding and parenting journeys. Her work is evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming, and LGBTQ+ inclusive. With multiple certifications in perinatal mental health, Heather brings a compassionate, mental health– and nervous system–informed lens to every family she serves.
Contact Heather:512-270-9280www.thelactationexpert.comheather@thelactationexpert.com
IG: @the.lactation.expert
 
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: http://BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
http://www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com

Ciarra Morgan, birth doula and pediatric sleep consultant, shares her favorite sleep aids for babies including swaddles, sound machines, night lights, lovies, and pacifiers. She emphasizes the importance of creating a sleep-friendly environment and the need for sustainable sleep practices that can adapt as children grow. The discussion provides practical tips for parents on how to choose and use these aids effectively to promote better sleep for their babies.
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts.
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: BirthBabyPodcast.com
Other ways to connect:
www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com

In this episode, Jes Gannon, a postpartum doula and pediatric sleep consultant, discusses the importance of swaddles and sleep sacks for newborns. She explores their benefits, safety concerns, and common misconceptions. Tune in to learn about choosing the right swaddle, transitioning to sleep sacks, and practical tips for new parents. The conversation emphasizes the significance of creating a comfortable sleep environment for babies and addresses various swaddling techniques and products available in the market.
Jes Gannon works as a postpartum doula and pediatric sleep consultant in Central Texas. She works for Empowered Beginnings. To learn more about her you can find her at:
www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.Instagram.com/jesgannon_doula
Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: BirthBabyPodcast.com

Host Ciarra announces that Birth, Baby! will be a single host podcast moving forward and wishes past co-host Samantha well in this next chapter of her life. 
Please feel free to reach out with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, send in an email with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow, rate, and review!
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: BirthBabyPodcast.com
 
www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com
www.BirthBabyAcademy.com
 
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

In this conversation, Maria Mathis-Cruiser joins the host to share her profound journey through infertility, IVF, and the complexities of pregnancy, including the challenges of high-risk conditions like preeclampsia. With humor and heart, she discusses her experiences with care providers, the emotional toll of her journey, and the transformative power of motherhood. Maria's candid reflections and powerful writings offer insight into the struggles and triumphs of navigating motherhood amidst chaos.
Maria Mathis-Kruser is a Hill Country writer, artist, volunteer addict, chaos-wrangling rancher, and now a brand-new mom. The long road to Alice—infertility, IVF, a preeclampsia pivot, and a NICU season—gave her new grit and softer edges. She writes with humor and heart about choosing your best self, advocating kindly, and navigating postpartum without the shame spiral, all against the backdrop of ranch life where the goats are loud and the love is louder.
Website: https://www.theferalhearth.comInstagram: @‌maria.macondaTikTok: @‌PiedpiperTXeditionFacebook: Maria Mathis-KruserEmail: feralhearth@gmail.com
Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!
Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcastEmail: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.comWebsite: BirthBabyPodcast.com