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

On today’s episode we’re talking with Jess and Emily of Moontower Midwifery. They are two of the three midwives of the newest midwifery practice in Austin, Texas. They have low intervention rooms located inside of St. David’s North Austin Medical Center. We can’t wait to have them share ALL the information about their new practice here in Austin.
Moontower Midwifery Website: www.http://moontowermidwifery.com Email: moontowermidwifery@gmail.comInstagram: @moontowermidwifery
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!

On today's episode we talk about placenta encapsulation with Peggy Garcia. Peggy is a wife, mother of six children, and the owner of BeLoved Doula Care in Austin, Texas. She is a birth and postpartum doula, lactation counselor, and placenta specialist. Join us as she shares the ins and out of placenta use and consumption. 
If you have any questions for Peggy or want to learn more about her services, you can find her in the following places!Email: beloveddoulacare@gmail.comWebsite: www.beloveddoulacare.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!

In today’s episode, Andrea shares her night and day birth stories with us. An unnecessary induction turned cesarean to a redemptive VBAC, she tells us about the journey of growing her family. 
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!

There are many options for pain management in labor. Today we will talk about those options in different birthing locations.
 
Summary
In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha discuss pain management options during labor in different birthing locations. They cover various methods such as having a doula, using water therapy, taking sleep aids, and utilizing movement and positioning. They also explore the use of nitrous oxide in birth centers and the benefits and risks of IV pain medications and epidurals in hospitals. The hosts emphasize the importance of having a birth plan, being flexible, and having a supportive birthing team.
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!
 

Welcome back to Birth, Baby! In today's episode we will talk about what pelvic floor therapy is and how to know if you need it.
Our guest today is Dr. Emily Murray. Dr. Emily is a physical therapist specializing in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2013. Since that time, she has enjoyed being a constant learner in her field. She has an extensive history including treatment of low back and neck pain, pelvic floor disorders, pediatric disorders, performance testing, and treatment of orthopedic conditions. Dr. Emily has a passion for helping clients achieve lasting relief from the symptoms they are experiencing.
Website: http://www.pillarphysio.com/Email: emily@pillarphysio.com
Social Media:TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook @pillarphysio
 
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!

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a tool that can be used in labor, but many people don’t know much about it. Tune in to this episode to learn what TENS units help, what the benefits are, and who should/shouldn’t use a TENS.
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!

On this episode of Birth, Baby! we have midwife Leonora on with us to talk about out of hospital birth. We will discuss birth center and home birth options and the safety of them as well as what the care with midwives looks like in these settings. Leonora has been a birth center and home birth midwife, so we’re excited for her to share this information with us!
Leonora is a midwife, mom, and a human who believes that birthing people should have autonomy in their birthing experience. She grew up splitting time between the foothills of Northern California and the Bay Area, took a gap year, and studied abroad for a year in Ecuador. She got a BA in Filmmaking at Bard College in upstate New York and took another year studying abroad in Spain. After graduating she moved to Austin, Texas and began a midwifery apprenticeship in a thriving home birth practice and, after graduating from the Association for Texas Midwifery program, she started working at Austin Area Birthing Center where she worked for 10 years.
She is licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). 12,000 prenatal and postpartum visits and over 500 deliveries later Leonora felt called to return to her home birth roots and do everything possible to keep birth safe and normal especially in the midst of a global pandemic.
Home Birth Honeyhttps://www.homebirthhoney.com/
http://www.facebook.com/homebirthhoneyatx/https://www.instagram.com/HOMEBIRTHHONEYATX/
 
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!

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!
Summary
In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha discuss how to prepare for labor and birth. They emphasize the importance of education, knowing your options, and taking a well-rounded childbirth class. They also talk about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy, including walking, prenatal yoga, and strength exercises. The hosts highlight the significance of nutrition, such as consuming high protein and high fiber foods, and getting essential vitamins and minerals. They also stress the importance of staying hydrated with water. Overall, the episode provides valuable information and tips for preparing for labor and birth. In this episode, the hosts discuss various methods that can help prepare the body for labor, including drinking red raspberry leaf tea, eating dates, and practicing perineal massage. They also touch on the benefits of chiropractic care, pelvic floor therapy, and acupuncture. While some of these methods have limited scientific evidence, they emphasize the importance of listening to your body and finding what works best for you. They also acknowledge that not everyone has access to or can afford these methods, and suggest alternative options like spinning babies exercises and self-performed perineal massage.
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!

In today’s episode, Amanda shares her birth stories with us. From a long labor with her first to a surprisingly fast labor with her second, she tells us about her journey into parenthood.
Summary
Amanda shares her birth stories of her two boys, Emmett and Hudson. With Emmett, she had a planned hospital birth and experienced hip and lower back pain throughout her pregnancy. She had a long labor, received an epidural, and gave birth after 34 hours. Breastfeeding was initially challenging, but she eventually found success. With Hudson, Amanda had a surprise pregnancy and sought chiropractic and pelvic floor PT care to manage her hip and pelvic pain. She had a quicker delivery and continued breastfeeding. Ciarra shares her experiences with her second pregnancy and birth. She discusses the challenges she faced during pregnancy, including pain and overworking herself. She hired a doula, who provided support and helped with her birth plan. However, her birth plan did not go as expected, and she ended up having a fast and intense labor. She experienced intense pain and had a hard time accepting that she couldn't have an epidural. She eventually gave birth quickly and experienced postpartum bleeding and breastfeeding challenges.
 
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

Welcome back to Birth, Baby!
In today's episode we will talk about mental health in the perinatal period. We will explore the difference between Baby Blues and PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders). We will discuss how to decide if you need to seek support, and how to find that support if you find you need it.
Our guest today is Cheryl Reeley. Cheryl is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and provides people with effective therapy services specializing in perinatal mental health during pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition to parenthood.
Cheryl has been licensed since 2011 and was previously employed as a medical social worker in Urbana, Illinois. During her time in the hospital setting, she provided services to the NICU, OB, L&D, Maternal Fetal Medicine, and Pediatrics. In 2013, she and her family moved from central Illinois to Austin and have been enjoying everything Texas has to offer. In 2021, Cheryl opened her private practice, Cheryl Reeley LCSW PLLC, and has enjoyed making connections in the perinatal and birthing communities.
Website: www.CherylReeleyLCSW.comEmail: Cheryl@CherylReeleyLCSW.comPhone: 512-641-9528
Links:PHQ-9 - Anxiety
PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) - MDCalc
EPDS - Depressionhttps://perinatology.com/calculators/Edinburgh%20Depression%20Scale.htm
Summary
Cheryl Reilly, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in perinatal mental health, joins Sierra and Samantha to discuss perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Cheryl shares her personal journey and how she got into maternal mental health. They discuss the difference between baby blues and PMADs, the various types of PMADs, and the risk factors associated with them. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help and finding a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health. She also highlights the role of partners in supporting someone experiencing a PMAD.
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!