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

Dec 26, 2023

39 min

Welcome back to Birth, Baby! Today we're releasing one of our first episodes in case you missed it. This was one of our most listened to episodes!
In this episode we will guide you on the important things to put on your “to-do” list once you find out you’re expecting.
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
Music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

Dec 19, 2023

44 min

Today we have Dr. Kristi Hammerle of Year One Wellness with us to share her knowledge of what to expect the first year in terms of milestones! Dr. Kristi Hammerle, PT, DPT, CBS is a pediatric physical therapist and certified breastfeeding specialist. She is the owner of Year One Wellness, an infant-specialty practice in Austin, TX where her team works with babies with feeding difficulties, torticollis, body tension, head flattening, and trouble with milestones. One of her passions is educating the community on the benefits of optimal development for all babies, so you can join her at her local baby play classes where she will share activities and strategies to promote purposeful play, healthy communication, and motor development throughout YEAR ONE and beyond! She also spends her extra time teaching at a Doctor of Physical Therapy program, presenting on cutting-edge pediatric topics at professional conferences, and running her therapist mentorship program. You can find out more about her and Year One Wellness on her website yearonewellness.com or on all socials @‌yearonewellness.
Sign up for baby play classes in Austin, TX: In-Person Classes - Year One Therapy & Wellness — Year One Wellness - Pediatric Physical Therapy and Wellness
Website: www.yearonewellness.com
Facebook: Year One Wellness
Instagram: Instagram (@yearonewellness)
Pinterest: Year One Wellness
 
 
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!

Dec 15, 2023

21 min

Today we’re talking with Melanie of Baby Strokes Infant/Child Massages! She’s going to help us understand the benefits of infant and child massage. Melanie is a Registered Nurse (RN), a Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI 1 & 2) and a Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist (CPMT). Melanie offers both Parent and Professional Education in Infant Massage and Newborn Care. She also offers in home massage for children over 1 year of age.
If you’d like to try out a virtual or in person, private or small group class, use code PODCAST for 10% off!
Website: www.babystrokes.comInstagram: @‌babystrokes_infant_massageFacebook: www.facebook.com/babystrokes!
 
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

Dec 12, 2023

29 min

How is Occupational Therapy helpful for new parents? And what the heck is it? This is something we hadn't even considered until speaking with Matrescence OT, but it makes so much sense! Tune in to learn about how to put the pieces of motherhood together with occupational therapy with Gayle.
Gayle Schwee is a Filipinx-American, born and raised Texan, board-certified occupational therapist, and Co-Founder of Matrescence Occupational Therapy. Just as the pandemic shut down the world, Gayle birthed her first child. Her passion for advocating and empowering birthing individuals through the transition from pregnancy to parenthood was then ignited. Certified in Perinatal Mental Health, she commits to increasing awareness and offering direct support for those affected by Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). Her goal is to empower moms to find strength within themselves to do what they want, need, and have to do.
Website: www.momsOT.comInstagram: @‌matrescence_OT
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!

Dec 5, 2023

1hr 7 min

In this episode we talked with Anya Casteel about the taboo topic of BIG BABIES. Anya is a mom, midwife, doula, and childbirth educator who has been supporting women on their childbirth journey since 2015. She deeply believes in every woman’s ability to give birth and her ultimate goal is to inspire and empower women around the world.
Website: www.mokoshmidwifery.comInstagram: @‌AnyaCasteel
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!

Nov 28, 2023

20 min

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Kimia about how to prepare to push in labor. Dr Kimia Kardan is a pelvic floor physical therapist and clinic director at Origin Physical Therapy in Austin Texas. Origin has expanded to provide pelvic floor physical therapy in person and virtually across over 40 states! Origin treats people of all ages and genders with bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction.
Origin's website: theoriginway.comInstagram and TikTok: @‌theoriginway
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!

Nov 21, 2023

24 min

Sometimes your baby's feeding journey doesn't go as planned. Erin knows, because she’s been there! Erin Moore, RN, CPNP, CLC is a pediatric nurse practitioner and certified lactation counselor living in Austin, TX. She has 13 years of working with moms experiencing difficult situations. Erin believes that moms should have support throughout their entire feeding journey - even if it isn't what was expected. Erin has you covered if you are breastfeeding, formula feeding, combining both, or feeding your baby solid foods. She provides judgment and shame-free virtual support.
Website: www.babyfeedingcoach.com
socials: http://www.instagram.com/babyfeeding.coach
tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@babyfeeding.coach
Quiz: Is combo-feeding right for your family? https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/63ef9a0a497bb50014b1a356
Offer: https://www.babyfeedingcoach.com/combofeedingguide
 
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!

Nov 17, 2023

23 min

Today we are talking about Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness with Kati Junkins-Stark, owner of MoveWithMeMama. She is a happily married mother of 2 amazing girls and pregnant with baby number 3, due this Thanksgiving. Kati is an Occupational Therapist Specializing in Pelvic Floor Therapy, Prenatal and Postpartum Rehab and Fitness Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer and BIRTHFIT Coach! She is also currently in the process of completing the pregnancy and postpartum athleticism course certification by the pelvic guru and Briana Battles.
Kati has always been passionate about health, exercise, and helping others. She wants to be able to provide women with the power to continue to move, feel empowered, focus on self- care, build connections, prepare the body physically for birth, and rehab their bodies postpartum with other motivating women!
MoveWithMeMama is a Prenatal and Postpartum Rehab and Fitness Program focusing on empowering and educating new moms on how to exercise safely, promote pelvic floor and core rehabilitation, focus on self-care, and finding connection with yourself and others during the postpartum healing journey. We establish personal goals to provide optimal happiness, health, and well-being during the transition into motherhood!
Website: https://movewithmemama.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/movewithmemama/
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!

Nov 14, 2023

51 min

On this episode we chat with Eva. She is a mother of two little girls and had both of them at home. Her labors were completely different from each other and the second one surprised everyone. Tune in to hear about her Breech Home Birth! Breech birth is rare in this day and age. Most providers have not been trained in breech birth. Breech Without Borders is a great program that midwives and OB/GYNs can sign up for to learn these skills. Many hospitals will not allow breech birth, even if they have providers on staff that are comfortable and skilled in it. If you find yourself with a baby that has a breech presentation, check out the resources below. Spinning Babies is a great resource if you'd like to try to encourage your baby to flip. Seek out acupuncture and a Webster certified chiropractor. 
www.breechwithoutborders.orgwww.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/baby-position/breech/flip-a-breech/www.reproductiveacupuncture.com/breech-presentation/
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!

Nov 7, 2023

34 min

In this episode we talk with Rue Khosa about "BOOBING OUT LOUD" as she calls it! You might know her better as The Boob Boss! So many women are nervous to breastfeed around even their family, let alone in public. We break down the cultural norms and differences between culture in the United States vs other countries. You don't need to go breastfeed in the bathroom or cover up if you don't want to! You have the right to feed your baby wherever you want to. Rue has an incredible Instagram presence where she normalizes breastfeeding and provides education to parents on all things breastfeeding. Rue is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. She's also the founder and owner of The Perfect Push. 
Website: https://www.theperfectpush.com/your-care-team/rue-khosaInstagram and Facebook: @‌rue_theboobboss
 
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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