On this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Kirsten Small, an obstetrically trained researcher and educator. Kristen shares the research and evidence on the use of central fetal heart rate monitoring in labor.In this episode, we dive into the following:What is cartography (CTG) for fetal heart rate monitoring during labor?Does CTG help improve fetal outcomes?Is CTG monitoring better for high-risk pregnancies?Do professional guidelines align with the most recent evidence?Does CTG increase the chances of intervention during labor?Don’t forget to check out the blog postYou can find more about Dr. Kirsten Small at: www.birthsmalltalk.com And her courses on fetal monitoring are linked HEREResources mentioned:>>  FREE Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  FREE WORKSHOP: 3 Essentials for Having an Empowering Birth>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support!Trigger warning: Gendered language, mention of stillbirth and fetal outcomes Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Today, I want to share with you a mindful approach to cervical exams during labor. This is a topic that can bring up a lot of questions and concerns for expecting parents, so I hope this will help you navigate this aspect of labor with confidence and clarity. In this episode, we dive into the following:What are cervical exams?What information can you get beyond dilation with a cervical exam?When do you “need” a cervical exam?Does a cervical exam tell you how much longer labor will last?The pros and cons of cervical examsHow to make a choice about cervical exams that feels right to YOUDon’t forget to check out the blog postResources mentioned:>>  FREE Workshop on 3 Essentials to Having and Empowering Birth>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

On this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we are joined by Teresa Coyle Airey, a seasoned doula and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Teresa shares a wealth of knowledge about how to prepare for successful lactation. In this episode, we dive into the following:Common challenges with breastfeeding/ chestfeedingWhat to expect from colostrum during the first few days after birthProblem-solving in the first few days with hand expression and lactation supportPreparing prenatally for chestfeeding / breastfeeding successTips for navigating lactation with more easeDon’t forget to check out the blog postYou can find more about Teresa at: https://www.peacefulbirthandbeyond.com/ Or reach out via email at peacefulbirthandbeyond@gmail.comResources mentioned:>>  FREE Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class>>  https://zipmilk.org/ >>  https://firstdroplets.com/ >>  https://llli.org/ ***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

The best way to avoid unnecessary interventions in labor is to optimize the conditions for physiologic birth to progress. How do we do that? In this episode, we are covering the 5 key practices that have been proven by research to support your body’s natural blueprint for birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions.Don’t forget to check out the blog postResources mentioned:>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class>>  FREE Birth Plan Template***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Today we are talking about how to avoid unnecessary interventions in labor. We'll learn some common interventions, shedding light on their impact, risks, and alternatives. Why should we question routine interventions? Because evidence suggests that many of these practices, when used routinely, may not improve outcomes and can even lead to complications. It's essential to empower yourself with knowledge, enabling informed conversations with your medical team.In this episode, we dive into the following:Common routine interventions in the United StatesThe facts about safety for eating and drinking during laborThe evidence on electronic fetal monitoring vs. hands-on listening for baby's heart rateThe use of Pitocin to augment (speed up labor)Don’t forget to check out the blog postResources mentioned:>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class>>  FREE Birth Plan Template***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

On this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we are joined by Krystal Keller (she/her), founder of Kinder Cloth Diaper Co. Krystal shares a lot of information about her journey as a mother of two and how she has integrated cloth diapers into her lifestyle.In this episode, we dive into the following:The benefits and downsides of cloth diaperingThe financial breakdown of how much you save with cloth diaperingHow to decide if cloth diapers are right for your familyThe basics of how to use cloth diapersHow to get started with cloth diapering in a way that aligns with your lifestyleDon’t forget to check out the blog postYou can find more about Krystal and tons of resources and information about cloth diapering at: https://www.kinderclothdiapers.com/ Connect with Krystal on TikTok @kinderclothdiapersResources mentioned:>>  FREE Birth Plan Template>>  FREE Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Today we are talking about a mindset that can lead to a traumatic birth experience and the keys to avoiding this mindset trap. And we talk about the key mindset shift that will change your perspective on birth. Don’t forget to check out the blog postResources mentioned:>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class>>  FREE Birth Plan Template***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

On this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we are joined by Kiara Fair, an Certified Nurse Midwife who specializes in homebirth. Kiara brings an amazing perspective with her expereince as a labor and delivery nurse turned doula turned midwife. In this episode, we dive into the following:The difference between working with a midwife vs an OBAn overview of the different kinds of midwivesWhat questions to ask a midwife to find a good fitThe benefits and safety of homebirth Advocacy during pregnancy and laborNutrition and movement tips for pregnancyDon’t forget to check out the blog postYou can find more about Kiara and her work at: www.fairmidwifery.com/   Connect with Kiara on IG @midwifekiaraResources mentioned:>>  FREE Birth Plan Template>>  FREE Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

A key component to having an empowering birth experience is advocacy. Your voice should be at the center of your care ALWAYS. And advocating for what you want really matters. Unfortunately, the medical culture in the USA is not great about ensuring folks consent to different interventions or procedures, especially during childbirth. In today’s episode, I am going to share a personal story about an instance that happened to me in a medical setting all the information you should know about making informed consent or refusal during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. In this episode, we dive into the following:What you need to know about your right to informed consentWhat informed consent and refusal really meanHow power dynamics play out in a medical systemTips to make advocacy much easier during laborDon’t forget to check out the blog postResources mentioned:>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class>>  FREE Birth Plan Template>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

On this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we are joined by Gina Mundy, an attorney who specializes in childbirth cases. For over two decades, she has analyzed the mistakes that are made during labor and delivery. Drawing on this knowledge, she helps parents prevent these mistakes and have a healthy baby. In this episode, we dive into the following:Your rights as a birthing personThe most common mistakes that lead to challenges in childbirthWhat families can do to avoid common mistakes in childbirth law casesHow to advocate for yourself in a hospital settingDon’t forget to check out the blog postYou can find more about Gina and her work at: www.ginamundy.com  Get Gina’s book: A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth: Expecting the Best: Using the Power of Knowledge to Help You Deliver a Healthy BabyConnect with Gina on IG @ginamundyResources mentioned:>>  FREE Birth Plan Template>>  FREE Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Wondering what changes your body will experience in late pregnancy? Or what signs to look out for that mean your body is actually in labor?  In this episode, we dive into the following:Signs your body is getting ready for labor in late pregnancySigns labor is approachingHow to tell Braxton Hicks contractions from actual labor contractionsDon’t forget to check out the blog postResources mentioned:>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class>>  FREE Birth Plan Template>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support!Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

On this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we are joined by Bianca Sprague, founder of Bebo Mia, a dedicated educator, author, activist, and doula. We unpack the ways women and queer folks have been conditioned to suppress feelings of rage and how to start channeling these emotions in a powerful way to live a more intentional and aligned life.In this episode, we dive into the following:Understanding rage as a natural part of our emotional spectrum Societal factors that lead to the suppression of rage and mismanagement of angerHow to start addressing suppressed angerHow living intentionally can reduce the amount of rage that builds up in the bodyFinding a community that supports your full emotional rangeDon’t forget to check out the blog postYou can find more about Bianca and her work at: www.bebomia.com/mwp and Bebo Mia is offering a discount code MWP15 for 15% off for Mindful Womb listeners.Connect with Bianca on IG @bebomiaincResources mentioned:>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth ClassTrigger warning: mention of sexual assault, systems of oppression, discrimination ***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Have you ever said yes to something when you really wanted to say no? Or just sat and stayed quiet when someone said something that you knew was incorrect but you just felt like it wasn’t worth the confrontation to say something?Our friends at Merriam-Webster define a people pleaser as “a person who has an emotional need to please others often at the expense of their own needs or desires.” The truth is a lot of women or AFAB folks have been conditioned to people please in our society and this has negative impacts on our mental health, health, and even birthing experience.Today, we're on an exhilarating ride through the realms of personal agency, self-discovery, and strategies to reclaim your voice during the miraculous journey of childbirth.   In this episode, we dive into the following:Signs you might be a people-pleasingHow people-pleasing can impact your pregnancy and birth experience10 steps to live a more autonomous life by breaking the people-pleasing cycleHow activating your voice will enhance your birth experienceDon’t forget to check out the blog postResources mentioned:>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class>>  FREE Birth Plan Template>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide***If these topics light you up, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you’re listening.After you review the show - snap a pic and upload it here - and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.Your feedback helps this podcast grow, and I am so grateful for your support! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

On this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jennifer Vohra, a certified doctor of physical therapy with advanced training and certification in pelvic floor rehabilitation and obstetric physical therapy. We talk all about tips and tricks to push in a way that helps to avoid tearing during childbirth.In this episode, we dive into the following:The benefits of pelvic floor therapyHow to relax your pelvic floor in preparation for birthCalm and intuitive pushing techniquesThe connection between mindfulness and pelvic floor healthDon’t forget to check out the blog post You can find more about Jennifer and her work at: https://bloompelvichealthandwellness.com/about/ Connect with Jennifer on IG @jen.bloompelvichealthResources mentioned:>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class>>  American Pregnancy AssociationTrigger warning: Preneal tearing, gendered language Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

As you prepare for the arrival of your little one, it's essential to have everything you need packed and ready to go for your place of birth. In this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we are talking all about what you need to have in your hospital bag to be prepared for an unmedicated birth.  In this episode, we dive into the following:What to pack in your hospital bag and whyHow our mindset plays a big role in our birth prepDon’t forget to check out the blog postResources mentioned:>>  FREE Birth Plan Template>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth ClassDisclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

On this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we are joined by Nathan Riley MD (Holistic OBGYN). Together, we uncovered layers of spirituality, personal empowerment, radical responsibility, and the critical need for agency within the birthing process.In this episode, we dive into the following:Decolonizing the Western maternity model How to be the center of your care during your pregnancy and birthBirth as a shamanic journey and rite of passageThe evolution of identity and the rebirth of self Radical responsibility Don’t forget to check out the blog post You can find more about Nathan and his resources at https://www.belovedholistics.com/Connect with Nathan on IG @nathanrileyobgynResources mentioned:>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

On this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we are joined by Mariel Novas and Arlene Sanchez, two sisters and new moms who share wisdom from their unique journeys to parenthood.In this episode, we dive into the following:Finding a sense of belonging again when having childrenManaging anxiety during pregnancySetting boundaries with family during pregnancy and parenthoodHonoring family dynamics Don’t forget to check out the blog postResources mentioned:>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth Class Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

On this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we are joined by Ana Munoz a massage therapist, hypnotherapist, doula, and childbirth educator.  In this episode, we dive into the following:The mind-body connection that promotes relaxation The benefits of massage therapy in pregnancyHypnosis and its benefits in pregnancy and birthClearing fear and stress with hypnosis Don’t forget to check out the blog postYou can find more about Ana and her resources at www.mindandbodymotherhood.com Connect with Ana on IG @mindandbodymotherhoodResources mentioned:>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth ClassTrigger warning: Prengnacy loss Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

On this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we are going to talk about how to sleep and how to sleep BETTER during pregnancy.In this episode, we dive into the following:What positions are best to sleep in during each trimesterHow to find more comfortable sleeping positions during pregnancyHow to resolve common discomforts that impact sleep like heartburn, frequent urination, restless legs syndrome and leg cramps, and racing thoughts.Don’t forget to check out the blog post Resources mentioned:>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide>>  8 Sheeps Organics Sleepy Body Lotion use discount code CLARA11776 for 10% off>>  A Path to A Powerful Birth ClassDisclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.

On this episode of the Mindful Womb Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Brandie Freeman the number one pelvic floor therapist in the Metro Atlanta Area. With Dr. Brandie, we explore the importance of pelvic floor health and how it impacts how we birth, our recovery, and our daily lives!In this episode, we dive into the following:Signs you might need pelvic floor therapyMyths that prevent people from getting pelvic floor supportHow to release tension in the pelvic floorDon’t forget to check out the blog postIf you'd like to see the video for this episode click HEREYou can find more about Dr. Brandie Freeman and her resources at www.connectpelvichealth.com Connect with Dr. Brandie on IG @connectpelvichealthResources mentioned:>> Find a Pelvic Floor Therapist Near You at www.pelvicrehab.com/ >>  FREE Birth Plan Template>>   A Path to A Powerful Birth Class>>  Clear Your Birth Fears Guide Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.