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

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
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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!

Have you heard of HypnoBirthing, but don’t understand what it is? Birth, Baby! host Ciarra Morgan is a Certified HypnoBirthing Educator and today she explains what it is!
To sign up for any of Ciarra's classes: https://empoweredbeginningsatx.com/class-registration-form
To find a Certified HypnoBirthing Educator in your area, click here: https://hypnobirthing.com/directory/category/hypnobirthing/
GlowMama for Hypnobabies https://glowmamahypnobirth.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!

Let's talk about Birth, Baby!
Today we’re joined by Jordan. Jordan and his wife Natalie hired Ciarra and Samantha as their birth doulas. Jordan will talk about how having a doula help a partner through the prenatal and postpartum experience.
Summary
In this episode, Jordan, shares his experience of having a doula during his wife Natalie's birth. They had a long and challenging labor that ended in an emergency C-section. Jordan highlights the importance of having a doula who can provide support, guidance, and advocacy throughout the process. He emphasizes the value of hypnobirthing classes and the role they played in helping Natalie cope with the pain and stay focused. Jordan also discusses the emotional impact of a traumatic birth and the importance of postpartum support from a doula.
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!

When people have a looming induction or find out they may need a cesarean, it’s common for parents to wonder how a doula can still be of use, especially if they’ve already hired their doula! Today we’re going to talk about how a doula serves families that are having births that need a bit of medical intervention. Things like an induction or a C-section (whether planned or unplanned) can be jarring, so we’ll discuss what to expect in that situation.
 
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 how chiropractic care can help in the perinatal period. We will answer commonly asked questions about how chiropractic care can help pregnant and postpartum people as well as babies.
Our guest today is Dr. Katherine Melot, the founder of BirthCo. in Austin, Texas. Dr. Melot received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 2015. She continued her education at Life University in Marietta, Georgia where she completed her Masters in Positive Psychology. She is a Certified Webster Technique Practitioner, holds Certification by the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics (CACCP), and is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, ICPA.
Links:BirthCo. | chiropractic
BirthCo.
https://www.instagram.com/birthco.chiro/
 
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!