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

Join us for a fun Father's Day Special on Birth, Baby! Podcast, where we celebrate the behind the scenes supporters of Ciarra and Samantha – our husbands! In this comedic episode, we invite our very own husbands to the mic for a friendly yet competitive showdown to determine the ultimate "Birth King." Get ready for laughter and surprises as we put our partners to the test with a fun and interactive quiz designed to challenge their knowledge of all things pregnancy and childbirth. From vocabulary trivia to labor scenarios, who will emerge victorious and claim the coveted title of Birth King? But it's not just about the game – throughout the episode, we share touching anecdotes and heartfelt moments, celebrating the unique bond between fathers and their little ones. Hear personal stories, hilarious mishaps, and heartwarming reflections that highlight the joys and challenges of entering parenthood. Whether you're a parent-to-be, a seasoned mom, or simply a fan of heartwarming family tales, this Father's Day Special promises to entertain and inspire. Tune in as we honor the amazing dads in our lives and discover what it truly means to be a Birth King!Don't miss out on this special episode filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of dad jokes. Happy Father's Day from Birth, Baby! Podcast – where every day is a celebration of family. To learn more about our birth doula training and certification program, check out Birth, Baby! Academy. Have you ever considered being a Birth Doula? Now you can train with the hosts of Birth, Baby! Podcast. There is an online, self-paced program or you can attend a LIVE 3-day workshop in person with Ciarra and Samantha.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/birthbabyacademyIG: www.instagram.com/birthbabyacademyWebsite: www.birthbabyacademy.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: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, we delve into the often-misunderstood topic of weight gain during pregnancy. Join us as we welcome back Leonora Colen of Home Birth Honey, a seasoned midwife with years of experience guiding expectant mothers through this transformative journey. Together, we explore the various factors influencing weight gain, from prenatal health to societal pressures, offering practical tips and evidence-based advice.  Expect insightful discussions on the importance of balanced nutrition, safe exercise routines, and debunking common myths surrounding pregnancy weight gain. Our guest shares her expertise on monitoring weight gain responsibly, ensuring both maternal and fetal well-being without unnecessary stress or anxiety. We also touch on the effects the popular weight loss drug, Ozempic, is having on fertility!Whether you're an expectant mother navigating your own pregnancy or a curious listener seeking informed perspectives, this episode equips you with valuable insights to embrace this unique phase of life with confidence and empowerment.  Tune in to Birth, Baby! Podcast for a compassionate conversation on nurturing your body and baby, and discover how to approach weight gain in pregnancy with wisdom and grace. Don't miss out on this enriching episode!   wwww.homebirthhoney.comIG @‌HomeBirthHoneyATX   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: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Welcome to another episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, where we delve into the inspiring journey of conception and birth. In this episode, we are privileged to hear Courtney's deeply personal story of becoming a mother and her transformation into a birth worker.  Courtney takes us through her experience with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), sharing the emotional and physical challenges of procedures like egg retrieval and the rollercoaster of emotions involved in the process. She candidly discusses the highs and lows of her pregnancy journey, reflecting on how each milestone shaped her anticipation of motherhood.  The heart of Courtney's narrative lies in her birth experience, where she not only welcomed her child but also discovered a newfound passion for birth work. She recounts the details of her labor and delivery, highlighting the parts of her birthing experience and ignited her desire to support others on their birth journeys.  Throughout the episode, Courtney's story is woven with authenticity and insight, offering a glimpse into the complexities of fertility treatments, the joys and fears of pregnancy, and the profound impact of childbirth on personal growth. Her journey from fertility patient to birth advocate is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of bringing new life into the world.  Join us as Courtney shares her story of hope, resilience, and the birth that sparked her journey toward becoming a birth worker. Whether you're navigating fertility challenges, preparing for parenthood, or curious about birth work, Courtney's journey offers valuable perspectives and heartfelt encouragement.  Tune in to this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast to hear Courtney's inspiring Birth Story and discover how her journey has shaped her passion for supporting others through their own birth experiences.  Courtney is a birth and postpartum doula in the Austin area. She is also a Spinning Babies Parent Educator and works for Empowered Beginnings. To learn more about her: www.empoweredbeginningsatx.com/birth-doulasPlease 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: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!  

Sabrina Ortolano is back! In this episode we go deeper into what a community and village looks like in the perinatal period. We talk about how we can be a better village and what helpful support looks like.  Sabrina Ortolano is a Birth Doula who has been supporting families for nearly thirty years. She is also the owner of IPSB, Los Angeles’ longest-running bodywork school, where she is the head instructor for courses on prenatal massage and this history of birth in the United States. Sabrina’s teaching emphasizes how to provide the best care and support for clients navigating major life transitions and milestones, with a particular focus on the birth experience and its various nuances.  In this episode, the hosts discuss the role of the community in the postpartum period and how it can help new parents adjust to their new roles. They emphasize the importance of asking for help and accepting support from friends, family, and chosen community members. They also highlight the need for better infrastructure and policies to support families during the postpartum period. The conversation touches on topics such as the physical and emotional challenges of postpartum, the importance of self-care, and the impact of community support on crime rates and overall well-being. In this conversation, Sabrina and the Birth, Baby! hosts discuss the importance of building a support system during the postpartum period. They emphasize the need for friends and family to offer help and for expectant parents to be humble enough to accept it. They also discuss the importance of practicing self-care and focusing on positive moments. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community when building a village and offers tips for supporting families. They highlight the need for more accessible resources and trauma-informed care. The episode concludes with a call to action for everyone to support expectant parents and create thriving communities.Owner & Director atIPSB - School of Integrative Psycho-Structural BodyworkIPSB Wellness, Education & MediaEmail: sabrina@ipsb.comInstagram: @‌ipsb_massageLearn More About IPSB here: www.IPSB.com TakeawaysAsking for help and accepting support from the community is crucial during the postpartum period.Better infrastructure and policies are needed to support families during the postpartum period.The postpartum period involves physical and emotional challenges, and it's important to prioritize self-care.Community support during the postpartum period has a positive impact on crime rates and overall well-being. Building a support system during the postpartum period is crucial for the well-being of expectant parents.Friends and family should offer help and support without judgment, allowing the expectant parents to share their feelings and ask for help.Practicing self-care and focusing on positive moments can help improve mental health during the postpartum period.The LGBTQIA+ community faces unique challenges when building a support system and accessing healthcare during pregnancy and postpartum.There is a need for more accessible resources and trauma-informed care for expectant parents.Everyone should take action to support expectant parents and create thriving communities.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: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!  This episode is sponsored by Birth, Baby! Academy. www.BirthBabyAcademy.com  
(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(01:01) - Expanding on the Role of Community in the Postpartum Period
(09:29) - Concrete Ways the Community Can Help
(13:45) - Practical Support for New Parents
(16:33) - The Importance of Self-Care
(25:32) - Building a Support System
(29:44) - Understanding Postpartum Feelings
(33:05) - Practicing Self-Care
(36:29) - Challenges Faced by LGBTQIA+ Families
(39:22) - Creating Accessible Resources
(47:02) - Taking Action to Support Expectant Parents

In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, we're joined by Sabrina Ortolano, a birth doula with nearly 30 years of experience, to talk about the history of birth and the village in the United States. The birth scene has changed so much over the years, and it has an impact that people don’t always realize. We discuss the evolution of birth practices in the United States and the impact on the parent-child bond. We also explore the concept of the village and how it has changed over time, from a community of support to a paid service. The conversation highlights the importance of accessible and affordable support for families during the perinatal period.Sabrina Ortolano is a Birth Doula who has been supporting families for nearly thirty years. She is also the owner of IPSB, Los Angeles’ longest-running bodywork school, where she is the head instructor for courses on prenatal massage and this history of birth in the United States. Sabrina’s teaching emphasizes how to provide the best care and support for clients navigating major life transitions and milestones, with a particular focus on the birth experience and its various nuances.  Owner & Director atIPSB - School of Integrative Psycho-Structural BodyworkIPSB Wellness, Education & MediaEmail: sabrina@ipsb.comInstagram: @‌ipsb_massageLearn More About IPSB here: www.IPSB.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: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

We have a special Mother’s Day episode for you!In this heartwarming episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, we invite a very special pair of guests - our own moms! Join us as we delve into the intimate and captivating stories of their childbirth experiences. From the anticipation of labor to the unforgettable moment of meeting their newborns for the first time, our moms candidly share their journeys, complete with the highs, the lows, and everything in between.Get ready to be inspired and empowered as these incredible women recount their unique childbirth narratives, offering valuable insights, advice, and even a few laughs along the way. Whether you're expecting, a new parent, or simply curious about the miracle of birth, this episode is a must-listen.  From a teenage pregnancy to a mom with a surprise bookend pregnancy, you won’t want to miss their stories.  Tune in as we celebrate the strength, resilience, and love that transcends generations in this special installment of Birth, Baby! Podcast.  SummaryIn this episode, Ciarra's mom shares her birth story of having Ciarra at the age of 19. She talks about finding out she was pregnant, the early days of pregnancy, and the challenges she faced with her family's reaction. She discusses her experience of labor and delivery, including the lack of support and guidance she received. She also reflects on her postpartum period and the choices she made regarding breastfeeding. The conversation highlights the changes in birthing practices and the importance of having a doula for support. Samantha's mom also shares her birth stories. Samantha's mom had five unique pregnancies and births, each with its own challenges and joys. Samantha's birth experiences ended up mirroring her mother's experience, as they both had high blood pressure during pregnancy. They discuss the importance of mother-baby bonding and the impact of age on pregnancy and postpartum. Samantha's mom also shares how Samantha was involved in the births and became a second mom to her younger siblings. Overall, this conversation highlights the diversity of birth experiences and the strong bond between mothers and their children.Takeaways- The birth story can have a significant impact on a person's life and the way they approach parenting.- The support and guidance of a doula can make a positive difference in the birthing experience.- Birthing practices have evolved over time, with more emphasis on partner involvement and personalized care.- Breastfeeding choices can be influenced by various factors, including support and information available.- Reflecting on past experiences can help inform and improve future birthing practices. Each pregnancy and birth is unique, with its own challenges and joys.- High blood pressure can be a factor in pregnancy and may require medical intervention.- Mother-baby bonding is important for both the mother's and baby's well-being.- Age can impact pregnancy and postpartum experiences.- Sibling involvement in birth can create a strong bond between siblings.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: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Ciarra and Samantha help break down what to consider when choosing a pediatrician for your newborn. This is a task that is daunting to so many new parents. Listen to get an idea of the things to consider when making this decision. In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha discuss how to choose a pediatrician for your child. They provide tips and considerations for finding the right pediatrician, such as understanding your goals and priorities, evaluating the pediatrician's approach to breastfeeding and vaccinations, and considering the model of care. They also highlight the importance of having a good rapport with the pediatrician and being able to trust their advice. The hosts emphasize the need for regular well-check visits in the first year of a baby's life to monitor growth, development, and overall health. TakeawaysConsider your goals and priorities when choosing a pediatrician.Evaluate the pediatrician's approach to breastfeeding and vaccinations.Consider the model of care and whether it aligns with your preferences.Build a good rapport with the pediatrician and trust their advice.Regular well-check visits in the first year are important for monitoring growth, development, and overall health. 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: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Today we have a Jes, a postpartum doula on the Empowered Beginnings team, on to talk to us about the birth and NICU stay of her second child. She wanted to share this story to bring light to the world of being a NICU parent. Jes is a wife and mother of two children, postpartum doula and pediatric sleep consultant, and a passionate plant and pug lover. Jes shares her birth stories, focusing on her second pregnancy and birth. Her first birth was a natural, birth center birth with midwifery care. For her second pregnancy, she experienced complications with high blood pressure and had to switch to an OB. She was put on bed rest and eventually gave birth at 32 weeks. Despite the challenges, she had an unmedicated birth and her baby was taken to the NICU. Jes reflects on the stark contrast between her two birth experiences and the emotional journey of having a baby in the NICU. She shares her experience of having a baby in the NICU and offers advice for other parents going through a similar situation. She emphasizes the importance of being with your baby as much as possible and taking advantage of the help offered by friends and family. Jes also encourages parents to be advocates for their baby's care and to communicate with the medical staff about their goals and concerns. She shares her own struggles with postpartum depression and highlights the need for mental health support during and after a NICU stay. Jes concludes by reminding listeners to focus on the milestones and progress their baby is making, and to celebrate each small victory.TakeawaysThe importance of informed decision-making in choosing the right care provider and birth settingThe impact of watching documentaries like 'The Business of Being Born' on birth choicesThe challenges and emotions of having a baby in the NICUThe need for support and advocacy during a high-risk pregnancy and birth Be with your baby as much as you can and take advantage of the help offered by friends and family.Advocate for your baby's care and communicate with the medical staff about your goals and concerns.Seek mental health support during and after a NICU stay.Focus on the milestones and progress your baby is making and celebrate each small victory.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: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha discuss the topic of cervical exams during pregnancy and labor. They explain what a cervical exam is and what providers are looking for during the exam. They discuss the reasons why providers offer cervical exams and the potential benefits and drawbacks of getting them. They emphasize that cervical exams are not a crystal ball and do not accurately predict when labor will start or progress. They also highlight the importance of informed consent and the right to decline cervical exams. The episode concludes with a reminder that the decision to have a cervical exam is ultimately up to the individual.TakeawaysCervical exams during pregnancy and labor are not a crystal ball and do not accurately predict when labor will start or progress.The decision to have a cervical exam is up to the individual, and informed consent is important.Cervical exams can provide information about the cervix's position, baby's position, and progress during labor.Cervical exams carry the risk of infection and accidental breaking of the water bag.Providers may offer cervical exams to gather information for potential inductions or to establish a baseline for labor progress.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: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

This episode may be hard for some people to listen to, but we feel it's important to talk about it because so many families share with us that they struggle with making the decision of whether or not to circumcise their children. Brendon Marotta, creator of the documentary American Circumcision, joined us to tackle this subject. Brendon Marotta is a filmmaker, author, podcaster, public speaker, and father. His last film, American Circumcision, won multiple awards and played on Netflix. He is the author of The Intactivist Guidebook,  The Haunting of Bob Cratchit, and Children’s Justice. He has spoken at Yale University, the International Conference on Men’s Issues, the International Symposium on Genital Autonomy and Children’s Right’s, and the Association for Pre and Perinatal Psychology. Brendon hosts a regular podcast called The Brendon Marotta Show. He currently lives with his family in Austin, TX.See Brendon’s work here.See Brendon’s credits on IMDB here.Follow Brendon on social media here.SummaryBrendon Marotta, filmmaker and author, discusses the topic of circumcision and the need for education and awareness. He shares his personal journey of discovering the harms of circumcision and his passion for advocating against it. The conversation explores the cultural and societal factors that contribute to the continuation of circumcision, as well as the physical and psychological impacts it has on individuals. The importance of informed consent and questioning societal norms is emphasized. The conversation also touches on the comparison between male and female genital cutting and the need for greater accountability and change in medical practices. The conversation explores the ethical arguments against male circumcision and the importance of bodily autonomy. It highlights the cultural programming and societal norms that influence people's perspectives on circumcision. The discussion emphasizes the need for men to shift their perspective and see circumcision as something that happened to them, not as an immutable part of their identity. It also touches on the importance of uncomfortable conversations and conflict resolution in relationships. The conversation concludes with advice for parents who are deciding whether or not to circumcise their child.TakeawaysCircumcision is a topic that requires education and awareness, as it impacts every person in America in some way.There is a disproportionate lack of public conversation about circumcision, despite its personal and societal implications.Circumcision removes 50% of the shaft skin of the , the highest density nerve endings, and is often done without anesthesia, causing lasting changes in behavior and sexuality.Circumcision is an irreversible and painful procedure that should be approached with informed consent and consideration of the physical and psychological impacts.There is a need for greater accountability and change in medical practices surrounding circumcision, as well as a reevaluation of cultural and societal norms.The comparison between male and female genital cutting highlights the need for consistent ethical standards and the recognition of individual autonomy and bodily integrity. Male circumcision raises ethical questions and challenges the concept of bodily autonomy.Cultural programming and societal norms influence people's perspectives on circumcision.Men need to shift their perspective and see circumcision as something that happened to them, not as an immutable part of their identity.Uncomfortable conversations and conflict resolution are important skills to develop in relationships.Parents should consider their values and the impact of their decisions on their child's bodily autonomy.Proper care for intact genitals is simple and does not require any special procedures.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: www.BirthBabyPodcast.comIntro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!