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

Welcome to Birth, Baby! Podcast, a trusted resource for growing families and the birth professionals who support them. Hosted by Ciarra Morgan, an experienced birth doula, childbirth educator, doula agency owner, and birth doula trainer based in Austin, Texas, Birth, Baby! offers practical guidance, expert perspectives, and evidence-backed information for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and life with a new baby.

Through candid conversations, expert interviews, personal stories, and approachable education, each episode is designed to help families feel informed, prepared, and confident as they navigate their unique journey. From prenatal care and birth planning to postpartum recovery, newborn care, feeding, relationships, and beyond, Birth, Baby! explores the questions families are really asking. It is also a valuable resource for doulas and other birth professionals, whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, hear different perspectives, or find trusted episodes to share with clients as they prepare for birth and parenthood.

Whether you’re expecting a baby, adjusting to life as a new parent, or supporting families through these transformative seasons, Birth, Baby! is here to provide education, encouragement, and conversations you can count on.

Episodes

Feb 16, 2024

29 min

In this episode we’re joined by Dr. Whitaker, a direct care pediatrician in Austin, Texas at the practice Blue Monarch Pediatrics! He’s here to talk to us all about fevers in newborns. What constitutes a fever in a newborn? At what age is it less dangerous for a baby to have a fever? What can a parent do for a newborn with a fever and is it always necessary to go to the emergency room? Dr. Whitaker answers the questions so many new parents have. 
Dr. Whitaker is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  He completed his Ph.D. in Biochemistry at Rice University, Medical Degree at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center.  He has over 20 years of experience in a variety of settings including newborn hospital, emergency and urgent care facilities, outpatient clinic for children with complex health needs and mental health difficulties.
http://bluemonarchpediatrics.com
Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.
Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy
This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.
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. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com
Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com
Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram
The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.
This episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast was produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com
Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Feb 13, 2024

41 min

This is Episode 6 in a 6-episode series. In this episode, Dr. Katherine Melot joins us to chat about diastasis in infants and children. Many people don't realize that anyone can have diastasis, not just after pregnancy. She discusses how this happens, it's effects, when it's something to be concerned about, and how to help correct diastasis in children. 
Dr. Katherine Melot is the owner and creator of Defeat Diastasis and BirthCo. in Austin, Texas. Defeat Diastasis has an at home program you can do from anywhere! To learn more:www.defeatdiastasis.comwww.birth-co.com
Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.
Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy
This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.
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. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com
Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com
Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram
The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.
This episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast was produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com
Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Feb 6, 2024

53 min

This is Episode 5 in a 6-episode series. In this episode, we have Dr. Michelle Meija. She explains how hormones play a role in healing diastasis and building muscle.
Dr. Michelle is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) with a Master’s of Science in Functional Nutrition. She practices as the Functional Nutrition Practitioner for BirthCo., dedicated to promoting optimal wellness from the inside out. Her comprehensive approach revolves around delving into specific laboratory testing to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms. She is dedicated to ongoing professional development and is currently pursuing certification as a Functional Medicine Practitioner, expected to be completed by the summer of 2024. This additional certification expands her expertise in holistic medicine practices and enhances her proficiency in laboratory analysis.
She specializes in comprehensive hormone, nutrition, and gut testing, to aid clients struggling with various health challenges, including fertility issues, postpartum fatigue, endometriosis, PCOS, constipation, IBS, thyroid imbalances, post-birth control syndrome, perimenopause, and menopause. With a wealth of knowledge and dedication to individualized care, Dr. Michelle is committed to empowering and guiding her clients to an optimal state of health and well-being.
www.defeatdiastasis.comwww.birth-co.comdrmichelle@birth-co.com
Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.
Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy
This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.
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. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com
Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com
Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram
The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.
This episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast was produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com
Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!
 

Jan 30, 2024

1hr 6 min

This is Episode 4 in a 6-episode series. In this episode you will hear the birth stories and postpartum journey of Amy Ferrara. Amy is a faith-based speaker, Bible teacher, and homeschooling mom. She's a native Texan who spent nearly 20 years in Washington, DC, where she met and married her husband, Mark. They have 3 kids, ranging in ages from 4 to 14. Amy and her family moved to Austin in 2020 and are thrilled to call the hill country "home." Amy has been on quite the health journey over the past decade and is deeply grateful to all the holistic health practitioners who partnered with her for healing and recovery.
Website: www.amyferrara.com
Dr. Katherine Melot is the owner and creator of Defeat Diastasis and BirthCo. in Austin, Texas. Defeat Diastasis has an at home program you can do from anywhere! To learn more:www.defeatdiastasis.comwww.birth-co.comTo learn more about Neux: http://www.neuxtec.com
Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.
Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy
This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.
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. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com
Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com
Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram
The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.
This episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast was produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com
Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Jan 23, 2024

42 min

This is Episode 3 in a 6-episode series. In this episode you will learn about the Defeat Diastasis program and how diastasis can affect the pelvic floor. Many people don't realize that pelvic floor dysfunction can be a symptom of diastasis. They're very much connected. Dr. Melot educates us on the connection between the two and how to start your journey to healing.
Dr. Katherine Melot is the owner and creator of Defeat Diastasis and BirthCo. in Austin, Texas. Defeat Diastasis has an at home program you can do from anywhere! To learn more:www.defeatdiastasis.comwww.birth-co.comTo learn more about Neux: http://www.neuxtec.com
Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.
Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy
This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.
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. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com
Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com
Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram
The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.
This episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast was produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com
Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!
 

Jan 19, 2024

26 min

In this episode we talk about what questions to ask your provider to make sure they’re a good fit for you. Whether you have an OB or a midwife, asking these questions is important to be sure your goals and expectations align. Waiting to ask questions about things that are important to you can result in limited options for changing providers later in pregnancy. It can also cause unnecessary confrontational moments in your labor/birth. It's more difficult to advocate for yourself when you're in labor than it is prenatally at a doctor or midwife appointment. Tune in to learn some helpful questions to ask to ensure smooth sailing on your birthing day. 
Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.
Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy
This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.
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. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com
Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com
Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram
The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.
This episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast was produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com
Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Jan 16, 2024

34 min

This is Episode 2 in a 6-episode series. In this episode you will learn how to treat and heal diastasis. Dr. Melot joins us to explain the range options for diastasis treatment. She also explains the process of healing diastasis. 
Dr. Katherine Melot is the owner and creator of Defeat Diastasis and BirthCo. in Austin, Texas. Defeat Diastasis has an at home program you can do from anywhere! To learn more:www.defeatdiastasis.comwww.birth-co.comTo learn more about Neux: http://www.neuxtec.com
Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.
Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy
This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.
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. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com
Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com
Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram
The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.
This episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast was produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com
Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Jan 9, 2024

24 min

This is Episode 1 in a 6-episode series. In this episode you will learn what diastasis is and how to find out if you have it! Dr. Melot joins us to explain what diastasis is, what causes it, and how to know if you have it. 
Dr. Katherine Melot is the owner and creator of Defeat Diastasis and BirthCo. in Austin, Texas. Defeat Diastasis has an at home program you can do from anywhere! To learn more:www.defeatdiastasis.comwww.birth-co.comTo learn more about Neux: http://www.neuxtec.com
Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.
Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy
This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.
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. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com
Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com
Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram
The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.
This episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast was produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com
Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Jan 5, 2024

1 min

Introducing our Defeat Diastasis Series! Be sure to follow/subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode! We collaborated with Dr. Katherine Melot, creator of Defeat Diastasis and owner of BirthCo. to bring you these episodes educating you on the ins and outs of diastasis and how it can affect you.
Dr. Katherine Melot is the owner and creator of Defeat Diastasis and BirthCo. in Austin, Texas. Defeat Diastasis has an at home program you can do from anywhere! To learn more:www.defeatdiastasis.comwww.birth-co.comTo learn more about Neux: http://www.neuxtec.com
Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.
Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy
This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.
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. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com
Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com
Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram
The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.
This episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast was produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com
Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Jan 2, 2024

1hr 1 min

This is a re release of one of our most listened to episodes! Be sure you don't miss it this time around!
It’s common for people to ask what they can do to prepare themselves for labor and birth. On today’s episode, we will talk about it all…exercises to do, foods to eat, things to drink, and practitioners to see!
Mentioned articles:EBB 216 - The Evidence on Prenatal Perineal Massage for Preventing Tears in Childbirth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker - Evidence Based Birth®
EBB 128 - Inducing Labor with Castor Oil and Dates - Evidence Based Birth®
February 9, 2021, systematic review published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies evaluated 6 databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and AMED database)
Mentioned Instragram people to follow:MamasteFit: Gina & Roxanne (@mamastefit) • Instagram photos and videosPUSH fitness (@pushfitmom) • Instagram photos and videos
Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE.
Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy
This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE.
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. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com
Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com
Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram
The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.
This episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast was produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com
Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com
Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

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