Episodes

  • In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast, hosts Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly engage in a heartfelt conversation with Sarah, a single mom by choice, who shares her inspiring journey into motherhood through fostering and adoption, and ultimately conceiving a child on her own. Sarah discusses her early desire to become a mother, her experiences as a foster parent, finding a sperm donor, and the challenges she faced during her pregnancy, including a high-risk delivery and NICU stay. The conversation highlights the importance of community, the emotional complexities of parenting, and the unique paths to motherhood.

    Sarah Rosenbach is a 32-year-old single solo mom by choice. She has two beautiful sons, ages 4 and 15 months, who are her world, and they live near Austin, Texas. Sarah was born and raised in Colorado on a farm by a very strong and successful single mom. She moved to Texas to finish college, and in the process of earning her degree, she met friends in Texas who became family. She likes to spend her free time with her kids and friends down at the lake and enjoying the sunshine.

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

    (00:00) - Introduction and Disclaimer(01:12) - Meet Sarah: A Journey into Solo Parenting(03:34) - The Desire for Motherhood and Fostering(06:53) - Fostering Experience and Adoption Journey(12:03) - Transitioning to a New Chapter: Seeking a Sibling(13:32) - Finding a Sperm Donor: A Unique Approach(19:50) - Pregnancy Journey: Challenges and Surprises
  • In this episode of Birth Baby, hosts Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly discuss the critical role of advocacy in labor, particularly from the perspective of doulas. They explore the different types of advocacy, including direct advocacy, conversational advocacy, and the empowerment model, emphasizing the importance of effective communication between clients and healthcare providers. The conversation also addresses the nuances of advocacy in complex situations, highlighting the need for doulas to balance their role as advocates while maintaining positive relationships with medical staff.

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

    (00:00) - Understanding Doula Advocacy(10:32) - Types of Advocacy in Labor(18:43) - Navigating Advocacy in Complex Situations
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  • In this episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast we have Sadie Minkoff joining us to talk about acupuncture and its place in the prenatal period. Together we explore how acupuncture can support reproductive health, address common pregnancy complaints, and assist with breech presentation and labor preparation. The conversation highlights the holistic approach of acupuncture and its role in enhancing the pregnancy experience, while also addressing common concerns such as needle phobia.

    Sadie Minkoff L.Ac., FABORM (she/her) is the clinical director of the largest reproductive acupuncture practice in central Texas, a pioneer in the field, she is known for her intuitive and compassionate care. For over twenty years she has worked with her partner, Dr. Mitch Schreiber DACM. Together they opened Sage Acupuncture, Austin’s premier holistic fertility clinic. Later they founded The Cancer Wellness Center for patients, survivors, and their caregivers. Sadie and Mitch dedicated their life’s work to fertility and oncology because their family has been personally touched by both. It is their mission to support others faced with these challenges by providing exceptional care in a healing environment.


    One of the most rewarding aspects of Sadie’s work is educating patients, other acupuncturists, and healthcare professionals about integrative reproductive medicine. She is honored to be part of creating the great team at Sage that has received the Austin Chronicle’s Award for Best Acupuncture Clinic, Best In Birth Austin Award for Best Acupuncturists, Austin Birth Award for Best Acupuncture Clinic & Best Herbalist. They were also named Best Austin Acupuncturists in Tribeza’s Wellness Guide and by Expertise.com .

    Website: http://ReproductiveAcupuncture.com

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/sageacupunctureaustin/

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

    (00:00) - Introduction and Podcast Overview(01:12) - Understanding Acupuncture and Its Benefits(04:48) - Acupuncture During Pregnancy(06:39) - Breech Presentation and Moxibustion(13:38) - Labor Preparation with Acupuncture(20:18) - Addressing Needle Phobia and Acupuncture Experience(25:04) - Conclusion and Resources
  • In this episode of the Birth, Baby! Podcast, we delve into the world of pediatric sleep with Jayne Havens, owner of The Center for Pediatric Sleep Management and Snooze Fest. From understanding the fundamentals of healthy sleep hygiene to practical tips for establishing positive sleep habits in babies and toddlers, Jayne shares her expertise and insights to help parents navigate the journey to better sleep for the whole family.


    Jayne is a certified pediatric sleep consultant through the Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting and Center for Pediatric Sleep Management. She believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching a child to fall asleep and back to sleep independently. All children, regardless of age, are capable of learning this life-long skill; they simply need to be given an opportunity to try!

    Websites:
    thesnoozefest.com
    www.thecpsm.com - If you're interested in becoming a sleep consultant, CLICK HERE! https://empoweredbeginningsatx--thecpsm.thrivecart.com/sleep-consultant-certification-course/

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

    (00:00) - Introduction to Sleep Consulting(01:56) - Journey into Sleep Consulting(05:17) - Understanding Sleep Consulting Process(07:42) - The Impact of Sleep on Parenting(09:06) - Controversies Surrounding Sleep Training(16:08) - When to Start Sleep Training(18:00) - Empowering Parents in Sleep Decisions(22:11) - Resources for Sleep Consulting
  • Join us on this eye-opening episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast as we delve into the complex world of pediatric health with Dr. Mona from PedsDocTalk. In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Mona sheds light on the psychological impact of obsessing over our kids' weight, exploring the implications of percentiles, BMI, and body image on children's mental and emotional well-being.


    In a society that often equates thinness with health and beauty, the pressure to monitor our children's weight can be overwhelming. But what are the consequences of this obsession? Dr. Mona unravels the intricate relationship between societal norms, parental concerns, and children's self-perception.


    Through candid conversation, we uncover the limitations of percentiles and BMI as measures of health and discuss how they can inadvertently contribute to negative body image and disordered eating behaviors in children. Dr. Mona offers invaluable insights into shifting the focus away from weight and towards promoting a positive relationship with food and body for our children.

    Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or healthcare provider, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of raising happy, healthy children in a weight-obsessed world. Tune in to gain valuable perspective and actionable advice from Dr. Mona and empower yourself to prioritize your child's holistic well-being.

    Dr. Mona Amin is a Board-Certified General Pediatrician, IBCLC, online parenting educator, and mother. She has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, Good Morning America, Parents.com, and ABC Nightly News. Through her brand PedsDocTalk, her goal is to provide relatable and easy-to-digest guidance for the modern parent regarding child health, development, and parenting.

    Her platform aims to guide parents in a mindful way to bring more confidence and calm into their parenting journey. To learn more, visit:

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/pedsdoctalk/?hl=en

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pedsdoctalk?lang=en

    Website: https://pedsdoctalk.com/

    Courses: https://pedsdoctalk.com/courses/

    Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pedsdoctalk-podcast/id1501057527

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx2hGbeaOvy8P5m357V3gBw

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

    (00:00) - Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast(02:08) - The Problematic Approach to Pediatric Weight(09:51) - Understanding Percentiles and Their Implications(17:48) - The Limitations of BMI in Children(24:02) - Creating Positive Body Image and Healthy Relationships with Food
  • There is a difference in midwifery care depending on where you’re giving birth. Midwifery care with a home birth midwife, birth center midwife, or a hospital-based midwifery practice are all going to have their own unique dynamics. Tune in to hear what those differences are so you can navigate the type of care that would match your needs the best!

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

    (00:00) - Understanding Midwifery Models(10:59) - Exploring Birth Centers(17:34) - The Home Birth Experience
  • This episode is a fun chat with Lisa Kestler of Hill Country Placentas. We discuss the cultural beliefs and practices around the placenta for different countries!

    To reach out to Lisa directly
    Website: https://www.hillcountryplacentas.com/contact-us
    IG: @hillcountryplacentas

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

    (00:00) - Cultural Perspectives on Placenta Usage(07:33) - Unique Traditions Around the World(10:42) - The Significance of the Placenta in Different Cultures
  • In this special birth story episode, we’re joined by Elaine Nguyen. She shares the story of the stillbirth of her son, Lando, and how this experience changed her.

    Elaine is a pediatric Speech and Language Pathologist and mama of two - one earth baby and one angel baby, who was born sleeping in April 2024. Since this devastating loss she has felt an inner nudge from her spirit baby, Lando, to create ATX Loss Mama, a community for all types of loss moms - miscarriages, TFMR, stillbirths, infant loss, and child loss. She has become passionate about spreading awareness on the realities of what loss families experience as well providing tangible resources for the community to close the gap between the hospital doors and a loss family’s home.

    For more information, you can find her on IG at @embracingwholeness. If you are in a position to donate funds to this group, please consider doing so. The proceeds donated allow loss families to access healing events, grief yoga sessions, etc. at minimal to no cost. The link to donate is: https://forms.gle/z8p2vKrvt4qHcE9M8.


    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

    (00:00) - Introduction to Pregnancy Loss Awareness(02:36) - Elaine's Pregnancy Journey(06:09) - The Heartbreaking News(12:41) - Navigating Labor and Delivery(20:33) - Holding Lando: A Mother's Heartbreak(30:43) - Creating a Community: ATX Loss Mama(51:23) - Grieving and Healing: A Personal Journey
  • It seems the resources for partners of pregnant parents are lacking. Matthew and Shanon Morris join us on this episode to discuss their experience of becoming pregnant, navigating their new roles, and preparing for the birth of their daughter. Their book “The Partner’s Purpose During Pregnancy” is an incredible resource for expecting parents.

    If you’re interested in grabbing a copy of their book…
    Website: www.thepartnerspurpose.com
    IG: @‌thepartnerspurpose
    Book can be purchased on Amazon.

    SPECIAL OFFER FOR LISTENERS: Coupon link (20% off) for listeners: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?xdrqz4LjSL1bZTQAEO7VoJUfDABmRdElLn8GMeVIfV3

    Matthew Morris is a United States Marine Corps Veteran and former AH-1Z pilot who within one year of being medically separated from the Marines became a father, published his first book and traveled to 15 countries in an attempt to answer the question "What is the partner's purpose during pregnancy?"


    Matthew was only able to take this time and focus on building a strong foundation for his new family due to the lessons in professional real estate that he learned from his father, who was both a teacher and a real estate investor. What started as scraping and painting single-family rental homes in central Texas turned into a 6-figure retirement at the age of 34.


    Matthew now resides in Chicago with his wife (editor and illustrator) and infant daughter. Together they enjoy pole fitness, studying Chinese, and are preparing for their second book "The Partner's Purpose Postpartum."


    Shanon Morris, a Navy veteran, military spouse and founder of “Hop On and Hold On”, is passionate about building resilient relationships at home and in the workplace. With a background in research, digital marketing and strategic communications, Shanon leverages her expertise to drive impactful initiatives for global clients ranging from SMBs to large tech companies and government organizations.


    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

  • Tune into this podcast episode where we learn about the benefits of the amniotic sac with Lisa Kestler of Hill Country Placentas! Whether or not someone wants to encapsulate their placenta, that can donate the portion of the amniotic sac to help people heal. Bandages that help heal persistent wounds are being made with the amniotic sac.

    Lisa has been involved in the birth world for over two decades. She was a NICU Respiratory Therapist for five years before deciding that her true passion lies with helping mothers. She first heard about placenta encapsulation from a Canadian midwife in 2009 and in 2011 finished her first of two placenta encapsulation certifications. She obtained her second certification in 2015 and during that same year opened the first stand-alone commercial kitchen solely dedicated to placentas in the central Texas area. Lisa was also instrumental in having the Texas state law changed in 2015. This law requires that all hospitals in Texas give the mother her placenta if she requests it. Before this law, hospitals could require a court order if a mother wanted to keep her placenta.

    In 2023 Lisa completed her Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling at Texas Tech and is an associate licensed professional counselor in Texas.

    As a mother to seven children (six living,) Lisa understands the challenges that pregnancy, birth, and postpartum bring. Lisa has dedicated her life and career to helping new mothers have the best postpartum recovery possible.


    Special offer for listeners: $25.00 off encapsulation package for mentioning Birth Baby Podcast under referral on their reservation page!

    Website: www.hillcountryplacentas.com

    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hillcountryplacentas

    Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hillcountryplacentas

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

  • Janet Jones and Lauren Reyes, IBCLCs and co-founders of Breastfeeding Success, join us to talk about how breastfeeding support has evolved and changed over time. We talk about the ancestral practices and how they differ from modern practices.

    Breastfeeding Success is a minority and woman owned company established in 2014 with the mission to provide access to high quality lactation care and education to all families regardless of income or insurance. Because of this mission, they never turn any family away. In 2023, close to 50% of the service they provided was uncompensated care. They are the largest provider of lactation services and employer of IBCLCs in the state of Texas with services spanning from Dallas/Fort Worth to Kyle Texas. On average, they serve 4,000 families each month with compassionate, evidence based, patient-centered care.

    JANET JONES, IBCLC, RLC
    Co-CEO, Chief Culture Officer
    An International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 2009, Janet is a former Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and Women Infants Children (WIC) participant. She cares deeply about equitable access to lactation care, and strives to remove barriers to lactation care — both for families who need it and for a diverse field of individuals who feel called to provide it. Janet serves the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) as Treasurer, and has four breastfed children. She enjoys nurturing all sorts of growing things, from families and babies to her backyard garden and sourdough starter.

    LAUREN REYES, IBCLC, RLC
    Co-CEO, Chief Innovation Officer
    Lauren has been in the lactation field since 2004 and an IBCLC since 2009. Proud to have started her career as a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Lauren believes that the lactation profession is strongest when providers reflect diverse education and demographic backgrounds. Lauren is a past board member of United States Lactation Consultants Association (USLCA) and a breastfed breastfeeder of five beautiful sons. On weekends, you’ll find Lauren driving kids around Central Texas, training for her next half-marathon, and learning about new tools for her various home improvement projects.

    Website: www.BFSuccess.com
    Hotline 512-8080-BFS (237)

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

  • On this episode, we have special guest Jacqueline Berg Ramsey. She is the founder of Fresh Test, LLC - a natural FemCare company based in Los Angeles CA. Fresh Test, LLC, founded in 2018, launched a more natural diagnostic glucose beverage which has been begged for by healthcare providers, laboratories and women for decades. Ciarra and Samantha often have birth doula clients that don't want to drink the glucola drink and have been thrilled with the option of using the Fresh Test! Jacqueline shares her knowledge and helps answer some common questions we hear about this test.

    Website: http://Thefreshtest.com

    Socials: @‌thefreshtest

    Discount Code: Get 10% off when you use code BIRTHBABY

    With 15 years of work in Endocrinology, Obstetrics and OUS Medical Device Business Development, Jacquie was poised fortuitously to enter the Gestational Diabetes market. The founder’s passion for this start-up was sparked when she was asked to drink traditional "glucola" in her 1st pregnancy; Jacquie was shocked by the product’s dyes, flavoring, BVO and unnecessary preservatives. Like many other women, Jacquie was accustomed to reading labels, and because of her background in diabetes education, she refused to drink the 1970s formulated glucose beverage. We laugh because Jacquie is known for eating termites and grasshoppers on the CBS Show, Survivor (where she also met her husband) yet refused Glucola. After bouncing around from OB to OB she decided to take on the challenge of launching a more natural and palatable version of the glucose beverage used in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus screening.

    Throughout the founder’s career in Fortune 500 Medical Device companies, Jacquie’s “why” has been strengthening the voice of female patients. This has created a strong brand for The Fresh Test™ - evident in the company’s rapid growth. In addition, Jacquie’s business development experience, outside the USA, has lent itself to a robust global perspective in Women’s Healthcare. The Fresh Test® is now one of the top 3 glucose beverage brands in the USA and expects to be in Canada and the UK within the year.

    Jacquie lives in Los Angeles CA. She has two kids (5 and 7) who often help with The Fresh Test® and use the lemonade at their lemonade stands. She grew up in Minnesota and received her bachelor's degree in Business/Healthcare Management at UW Madison. She’s remarried her husband 20 times in 20 different countries, was on the show Survivor and a Japanese game show called Spinsanity.

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

  • Sarah Hughes, a mother of two and a birth doula, joins us on this episode to share her birth stories. Her first baby was prior to becoming a birth worker and her second was after years of experience as a doula. She dives into the difference between her mindset, pregnancy experience, and how her labors were vastly different. We explore topics such as secondary infertility, prodromal labor, and the menta and emotional toll of relying on the people around you.

    Find Sarah at
    website: Sarah Hughes Birth Services (shbirthservices.com)
    IG: @SHBirthServices

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

  • What is functional nutrition? Amber Frauenholtz joins us to shed light on the transformative potential of functional nutrition in supporting fertility, pregnancy, and parenthood. Whether you're on the journey to conception, navigating pregnancy and postpartum, or simply seeking to optimize your family's health, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for nourishing parenthood from the inside out. Join us as we explore the intersection of nutrition and wellness in the journey of birth and beyond.

    Amber is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP), Restorative Wellness Practitioner (RWP), and Health Coach who specializes in helping women feel their best through custom, holistic health plans that start with food. She is passionate about helping others avoid the nutritional depletion and stress that accompanies being a woman in our culture today. Find her on Instagram at @‌amberdawn_wellness or at
    https://amberdawnwellness.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/amberdawn_wellness/

    Nourish Yourself First Challenge: https://amberdawnwellness.myflodesk.com/nyfchallengeThe Self-Care Guidebook: https://amberdawnwellness.myflodesk.com/self-careListener bonus -> I'll wave the blood testing fee in either of my 1:1 programs. Just say you came from the podcast, no code required.

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

  • What’s Best? Breast? Or Fed? As a new parent, it can be overwhelming to hear these slogans and discern what is best for your own family and situation. Janet Jones and Lauren Reyes from Breastfeeding Success in Austin, Texas join us on this episode to help break down what these slogans mean. The Breast is Best campaign was an effort to raise public awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding, but it has faced criticism for creating guilt and pressure on parents. The Fed is Best movement emerged as a response to address the diverse needs and challenges of infant feeding. It emphasizes the importance of supporting families in making informed choices and providing high-quality lactation support. The conversation also highlights the need for healthcare providers to offer non-judgmental support and prioritize lactation support for all families.

    About our guest, Janet Jones, IBCLC, RLC
    Co-CEO, Chief Culture Officer

    An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 2009, Janet is a former Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and Women Infants Children (WIC) participant. She cares deeply about equitable access to lactation care and strives to remove barriers to lactation care — both for families who need it and for a diverse field of individuals who feel called to provide it. Janet serves the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) as Treasurer and has four breastfed children. She enjoys nurturing all sorts of growing things, from families and babies to her backyard garden and sourdough starter.

    About our guest, Lauren Reyes, IBCLC, RLC
    Co-CEO, Chief Innovation Officer

    Lauren has been in the lactation field since 2004 and an IBCLC since 2009. Proud to have started her career as a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Lauren believes that the lactation profession is strongest when providers reflect diverse education and demographic backgrounds. Lauren is a past board member of United States Lactation Consultants Association (USLCA) and a breastfed breastfeeder of five beautiful sons. On weekends, you’ll find Lauren driving kids around Central Texas, training for her next half-marathon, and learning about new tools for her various home improvement projects.

    To learn more about Breastfeeding Success, go to www.BFSuccess.com
    IG: @breastfeedingsuccess


    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

  • In this episode of the Birth, Baby! Podcast, we delve into the world of parenting multiples with the insightful Dr. Christina Cavezza, host of the Fierce Kind Mama of Multiples podcast. From the excitement of discovering you're expecting twins to the unique challenges and joys of raising them, Dr. Cristina shares her personal journey as a twin mom and the challenges faced by families with multiples.

    She discusses the physical and emotional stressors, the need for support and understanding from professionals, and the importance of preparing for the unique demands of parenting multiples. Dr. Cavezza offers guided relaxation exercises for pregnant moms, a workshop on baby-proofing relationships, and a program focused on emotional well-being for parents of multiples.

    Dr Cristina Cavezza is a clinical psychologist, research supervisor and podcaster. Cristina is the host of the Fierce Kind Mama of Multiples podcast which provides practical information and insightful conversations for parents of twins, triplets or more. She has over 15 years’ experience in the mental health field. After becoming a first-time mum to twins at the age of 40, she decided to take her professional expertise and create affordable and accessible online programs to help parents of multiples on their parenting journey. Her programs focus on enhancing parents’ ability to deal with the everyday stressors of raising multiples so that they raise emotionally resilient children all while enjoying the season of life they are in, creating lasting, positive family memories and being the parent they are most proud to be.

    Website: https://fiercekindmama.com/
    Free Guides for Parents of Multiples

    Expecting Multiples 101: A Holistic Approach to Physical, Emotional, and
    Financial ReadinessFive Tips for Handling Stress and Overwhelm
    Available at: https://www.fiercekindmama.com/download

    Fierce Kind Mama of Multiples Podcast link:
    https://fiercekindmama.buzzsprout.com/share
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085753456356
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fierce.kind.mamaofmultiples/

    For listeners of this podcast, she is offering a 20% discount off her Be Fierce Be Kind Program designed specifically for soon-to-be and current parents of multiples to help them deal with the everyday stressors of raising more than one tiny human at a time so that they and their children thrive. Simply visit the link below and enter Birthbaby at checkout. Please note that prices advertised are in Australian dollars.
    https://www.fiercekindmama.com/sp-checkout-1379

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

  • Kameryn Matranga shares her story of what it was like being pregnant and giving birth as a teen mom…TWICE. She shares the challenges she faced with friendships, balancing school and parenthood, and her ability to advocate for herself in the medical system. She also shares what postpartum and breastfeeding were like for her. She shares her journey as a teen mom and how it has led her to become a doula and support other young mothers.

    Takeaways

    Teenage pregnancy can come with unique challenges and emotions
    It's important to have a supportive network during pregnancy and birth.Birth plans may change due to medical reasons.Postpartum can be challenging, especially with breastfeeding and reflux.Being a teen mom requires growing up quickly and juggling teenage wants with mature motherhood.Isolation and exhaustion are common challenges for teen moms in the early months of their baby's life.Support from family and a strong support system can make a significant difference for teen moms.Breastfeeding can be a challenge for teen moms, but education and support can help them succeed.

    You can find Kameryn Matranga here:
    Website: www.KamerynMatranga.com
    IG: @KamerynMatranga

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

  • Summary

    In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha discuss group B strep (GBS), a common bacteria found in the intestines or lower genital tract of 10-30% of adults. While GBS doesn't cause symptoms in healthy adults, it can be dangerous for newborns. They explain what the options are for a GBS positive parent when giving birth. They emphasize the importance of informed consent and discuss alternative options for those who decline antibiotics. They also touch on the potential risks and benefits of antibiotics and the monitoring of babies born to GBS-positive individuals.

    Takeaways

    Group B strep (GBS) is a common bacteria found in the intestines or lower genital tract of 10-30% of adults.GBS can be dangerous for newborns, but pregnant individuals can be tested for GBS at around 36 weeks and offered antibiotics during labor to reduce the risk of GBS illness in the baby.It's important for individuals to have informed consent and understand the risks and benefits of antibiotics, as well as alternative options if they choose to decline antibiotics.Babies born to GBS-positive individuals may be monitored more closely and may require additional care if antibiotics are not administered in time.Having open and honest conversations with healthcare providers and asking questions can help individuals make informed decisions about GBS testing and treatment.


    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

  • In this episode, Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly discuss what cesarean recovery looks like. They cover the different types of C-sections, including planned and unplanned, and how recovery can vary depending on the type. They emphasize the importance of rest, asking for help, and staying on top of pain medication. They also recommend seeing a pelvic floor therapist after a C-section and getting up and moving as soon as possible. Overall, they provide valuable insights and tips for a smooth C-section recovery.

    Takeaways

    - C-section recovery can vary depending on the type of C-section, whether it is planned or unplanned.
    - Rest and asking for help are crucial during C-section recovery.
    - Staying on top of pain medication is important to manage pain and discomfort.
    - Seeing a pelvic floor therapist can be beneficial for C-section recovery.
    - Getting up and moving as soon as possible can aid in the recovery process.

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!

  • Dr. Whitaker is back with us to talk about back-to-school health. He explains how children get virus and why it’s more common for some children than others. We also chat about how stress and the introduction of new viruses during the holiday season also play a role. Dr. Whitaker gives some ideas on ways to minimize risks of getting sick so often and how often is actually “normal” to get sick for school aged children.

    Takeaways

    Respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces are common ways to contract viruses.Children's immature immune systems and increased exposure to other children in school contribute to their susceptibility to illness.Stress and the introduction of new viruses during the holiday season can weaken the immune system.Maintaining good hygiene, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet can support the immune system.Vaccines can help the immune system develop a memory for fighting specific viruses.

    Find Dr. Whitaker here:

    Austin's Concierge Pediatrician | Direct Primary Care | Lakeway (bluemonarchpediatrics.com)
    IG: @‌bluemonarchpediatrics

    Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest, email us with some information about yourself and what type of podcast you'd like to record together. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and review our podcast, Birth, Baby!

    Instagram: @‌BirthBabyPodcast
    Email: [email protected]
    Website: www.BirthBabyPodcast.com

    Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!