In this episode, the hosts delve into the complexities of fertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART), discussing various methods such as IUI and IVF. They explore the emotional and physical demands of these processes, the importance of supportive healthcare providers, and the diverse paths to parenthood available to individuals and couples facing infertility. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding one's options and the impact of mindfulness in the fertility journ...
Jul 08, 2025•29 min•Ep. 144
In this episode, we explore the role of acupuncture in enhancing fertility and reproductive health. Sadie Minkoff joins us to discuss how acupuncture works both physically and emotionally to prepare the body for pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of egg quality and the maturation process. The conversation also covers the integration of acupuncture with fertility treatments like IVF, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, and the potential risks and benefits. Personal experience...
Jul 01, 2025•33 min•Ep. 143
This conversation focuses on the critical role of nutrition in the journey of conception and pregnancy. Amber Frauenholtz, a functional nutritionist, emphasizes the importance of preparing the body nutritionally before and during pregnancy, as well as postpartum recovery. The discussion covers the significance of reducing toxins, managing inflammation, and practical tips for making dietary changes to support fertility and overall health. This conversation delves into the essential aspects of nut...
Jun 24, 2025•45 min•Ep. 142
In this conversation, Tracy Donegan, a trained midwife and founder of Gentle Birth, joins Samantha Kelly to discuss the integration of mindfulness and self-compassion into fertility support. She shares her personal experiences with fertility challenges and emphasizes the importance of emotional health during fertility treatments. Tracy provides insights into mindfulness techniques that can help manage stress and improve mental well-being, particularly for those undergoing IVF. The discussion hig...
Jun 20, 2025•37 min•Ep. 141
In this conversation, Maja Miller shares her unique fertility journey, including her experiences with IVF and the importance of nutrition and mineral balance in preparing for pregnancy. She discusses the challenges she faced, including a miscarriage, and how she approached her health holistically to ensure a successful pregnancy. The conversation emphasizes the significance of individualized care and the role of minerals in overall health, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum. Please fee...
Jun 17, 2025•48 min•Ep. 140
Ciarra Morgan and Dr. Stephanie Chan discuss the different aspects of fertility. Dr. Chan emphasizes the role of functional medicine in addressing hormone and fertility challenges, and shares practical tips for tracking cycles, recognizing signs of ovulation, and debunking common fertility myths. The discussion also highlights the significance of personalized approaches to fertility preparation and the importance of seeking help early in the process. Dr. Stephanie Chan is originally from New Yor...
Jun 10, 2025•21 min•Ep. 139
Lacey Castilleja Fisher joins host Ciarra Morgan to discuss the emotional complexities surrounding fertility struggles and perinatal mental health. She highlights common mental health challenges faced by individuals trying to conceive, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Lacey offers coping strategies, emphasizes the importance of support systems, and discusses the significance of setting boundaries to protect mental health. The conversation also touches on the emotional impact of jealous...
Jun 03, 2025•27 min•Ep. 138
Host Samantha Kelly interviews Kim Yancey, a mother, foster mom, and gestational surrogate. Kim shares her journey through motherhood, including her experiences with pregnancy, postpartum challenges, and the unexpected news of carrying twins. The conversation delves into the emotional complexities of high-risk pregnancies and the impact of loss, as Kim recounts her experience with the loss of twins. In a future episode, Kim will be back to discuss her journey into surrogacy. Kim is a dedicated m...
May 27, 2025•13 min•Ep. 137
The hosts share their experiences as doulas, focusing on the fastest births they’ve witnessed - some were precipitous labors! They discuss the differences between first and second births, the impact of HypnoBirthing, and the joy of supporting families as they grow. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of labor, the challenges faced, and the rewarding moments that come with being a doula. Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd lik...
May 20, 2025•29 min•Ep. 136
In this conversation, Allison Coleman, an experienced doula and trainer, and Ciarra Morgan discuss the essential aspects of choosing a doula training program. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, support, and the need for a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with personal values and career goals. The conversation also covers the significance of evaluating the reputation of training programs, understanding costs, and the relevance of accreditation in the non-regulated field of doula wor...
May 16, 2025•37 min•Ep. 135
Midwife Leonora Colon is back to discuss the challenges of burnout faced by birth workers, particularly midwives and doulas. The conversation explores the emotional and physical toll of the profession, the importance of self-care, and strategies for managing burnout. The hosts and Leonora share personal experiences and practical tips for maintaining health and well-being while navigating the demands of birth work, including the significance of sleep, recovery, and building a supportive community...
May 13, 2025•36 min•Ep. 134
Allison Waage, president of Nurtured Texas, joined us to discuss the organization's mission to improve perinatal mental health resources in Texas. She highlighted the services offered, including therapy vouchers and an online directory called Christie's List, aimed at making mental health care more accessible. There are significant barriers families face in accessing perinatal mental health care, including societal stigma and socioeconomic disparities. Allison Waage is a native Texan, mom of two...
May 06, 2025•20 min•Ep. 133
In this episode, Kimberly Berry shares her inspiring journey to becoming a birth doula, motivated by her personal experiences and a desire to support other families. She discusses her initial misconceptions about the role of a doula, the impactful training she received, and the rewarding experiences of her first birth as a doula. 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...
Apr 29, 2025•25 min•Ep. 132
In this episode, Brittany Huber is back to share her experiences with her pregnancies and births, focusing on the journey to her second baby, the challenges of a VBAC, and the joy of her third surprise baby. She discusses the emotional and physical aspects of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery, highlighting the importance of support and informed choices in her birthing experiences. Brittany shares her personal journey through labor and delivery, reflecting on her experiences with each of ...
Apr 23, 2025•46 min•Ep. 131
In this episode, the hosts discuss the critical role of partners in childbirth education and preparation. They emphasize the importance of partners attending classes to alleviate fears, understand the labor process, and actively support their partners during childbirth. The conversation also touches on the long-term implications of shared parenting responsibilities and the need for partners to be involved in breastfeeding education to ensure a supportive environment for new mothers. Please feel ...
Apr 18, 2025•10 min•Ep. 130
In this episode, Brittany Huber, a wife and mom of three kids, 5 and under. She works as a realtor while also juggling staying home with her kids full time. She is an animal lover and enjoys being outside, sipping on coffee during play dates, and baking bread. Brittany shares her profound birth story, detailing her experiences from a breech pregnancy to the emotional challenges of postpartum life. She discusses experiencing an ECV (external cephalic version) that ended in emergency cesarean and ...
Apr 15, 2025•23 min•Ep. 129
In this conversation, Chanelle Longueve, a child passenger safety technician, discusses the complexities of child car seat safety. She emphasizes the importance of understanding car seat installation, common mistakes parents make, and the significance of transitioning between different car seat stages. The discussion also covers essential tips for harnessing children properly and lesser-known safety rules that caregivers should follow. Overall, the conversation aims to equip parents with the kno...
Apr 08, 2025•33 min•Ep. 128
In this celebratory 100th episode of the Birth, Baby! Podcast, hosts Ciarra and Samantha announce an exciting giveaway for their listeners, emphasizing their commitment to providing valuable resources and continuing to engage with their audience. They also reflect on their journey, sharing insights gained from their guests, the importance of community, and the power of birth stories. Please feel free to reach out to us with any recommendations for show episode ideas. If you'd like to be a guest,...
Apr 01, 2025•15 min•Ep. 127
This conversation explores the topic of epidurals in childbirth, addressing common misconceptions and providing detailed information on the process, benefits, and drawbacks of epidurals. Ciarra and Samantha discuss how epidurals are administered, and the role of doulas. The conversation also highlights the potential impact of epidurals on labor progression and how they can be beneficial in case of maternal exhaustion, emphasizing the need for open communication and advocacy during the birthing p...
Mar 25, 2025•33 min•Ep. 126
In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha delve into the concepts of informed consent and shared decision making in the pregnancy and birth realm. They discuss the importance of parents being fully informed about potential interventions, the necessity of having options, and the role of healthcare providers in facilitating these discussions. The conversation emphasizes the need for individualized care and the significance of patient advocacy during pregnancy and childbirth. They also highlight the cha...
Mar 21, 2025•17 min•Ep. 125
Camry Heckeroth joins Ciarra and Samantha to talk about her birth story, focusing on her experiences during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Camry shares her journey of preparing for her first baby, including her decision to work with a doula, her research into childbirth options, and her experiences leading up to labor. The conversation highlights the emotional and physical aspects of pregnancy and the importance of support systems during this transformative time. In this conversation, the speak...
Mar 18, 2025•54 min•Ep. 124
Choosing the right childcare for your baby can be stressful! Ciarra and Samantha give insight on things to consider when deciding on a daycare, nanny, or even a family member to care for your child. Whether your baby is 6 weeks or 2 years old, this decision is nuanced and personalized to each family's needs and comfort. 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 p...
Mar 11, 2025•33 min•Ep. 123
Some people realize they have childhood trauma prior to becoming parents. Sometimes people don't even realize they have childhood trauma until they become parents themselves. Laura Bruce, Founder and Director of Mi Casa Es Tu Casa®, joins Ciarra and Samantha on this episode to discuss this topic as well as the program she has created to help parents navigate this experience with their own children. Laura was born and raised in Venezuela where she earned her degree in clinical psychology. This ba...
Mar 04, 2025•32 min•Ep. 122
In this conversation, Ciarra Morgan and Samantha discuss the distinctions between trained and certified doulas, emphasizing the importance of training, experience, and the connection between the doula and the client. The episode explores the nuances of certification processes, why some doulas may choose to forgo certification, the value of mentorship, and how personal choices impact a doula's practice. Ultimately, it highlights that while certification and experience are valuable, the relationsh...
Feb 25, 2025•19 min•Ep. 120
In this conversation, Ciarra and Samantha discuss the evolving landscape of doula services, particularly focusing on insurance coverage, reimbursement programs provided by employers, and alternative options for families seeking support during pregnancy and postpartum. They explore how certain insurance plans, like TRICARE and Medicaid, are beginning to cover doula services, but also highlight the limitations and challenges that come with these reimbursements. They also discuss alternative fundin...
Feb 21, 2025•16 min•Ep. 121
For the first time, Ciarra and Samantha share stories of client births that started in a birth center and transferred to the hospital. If you like this type of episode, let us know and we can do more of this! 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...
Feb 18, 2025•23 min•Ep. 119
In this conversation, Dr. Katie Kennedy discusses Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT), a gentle bodywork modality that combines craniosacral therapy and myofascial release. She explains the importance of the craniosacral system and fascia in overall health, particularly for infants and children. The discussion covers the benefits of CFT for various age groups, the process of treatment, and the significance of addressing dysfunction to promote better movement patterns and overall well-being. This ...
Feb 11, 2025•29 min•Ep. 118
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Allie Goodwin, a chiropractor and acupuncturist, discusses the intricacies of cranial chiropractic care, emphasizing its importance in pediatric health. She explains how cranial adjustments can significantly impact nervous system function, particularly in infants, and the role of fascia in overall health. The discussion also covers the effects of birth trauma, the significance of early intervention, and the connections between tongue and lip ties and crania...
Feb 05, 2025•41 min•Ep. 117
In this episode, Ciarra and Samantha welcome their guest Lisa Wolfe-Schacter, a craniosacral therapist, to explore the intricacies of craniosacral therapy (CST). Lisa explains that CST is a light touch manual therapy that works with the body's systems to promote healing and emotional release. The discussion covers the applications of CST, its benefits for various conditions, and its role in collaborative care with other therapies. Lisa also addresses common misconceptions about CST, its insuranc...
Jan 28, 2025•26 min•Ep. 115
In this Birth Stories episode, Ciarra and Samantha chat with Carley Pearson about her fertility and birth experience. She shares her struggles with infertility due to previously undiagnosed PCOS as well as experiencing the joys and challenges of pregnancy and childbirth. As a doula, she reflects on her unique perspective and the emotional rollercoaster of preparing for and experiencing labor. The conversation highlights the importance of advocacy in healthcare, the significance of partner suppor...
Jan 21, 2025•57 min•Ep. 116
